NFL Player News

Nix reportedly broke a bone in his ankle on the second-to-last play of regulation in the Broncos’ Divisional Round game against the Bills. Nix can now begin the rehabilitation process as backup QB Jarrett Stidham takes the reins for Denver’s AFC Championship Game against the Patriots.

This is encouraging, though Shanahan added that he doesn’t want to say Kittle is “on track” to play, but he knows Kittle is “shooting for” a Week 1 return. One month ago, 49ers general manager John Lynch said he is “hopeful” that Kittle will be able to play in Week 1. It sounds like Kittle should return early in the 2026 season, even if Week 1 is out of reach. If they start him on the physically unable to perform list, he could return in Week 5. For the time being, it feels safe to say that he should be back by Week 5 or sooner. Anything can happen, though.

Davis, 27, appeared in just two games last year, totaling three tackles and one quarterback sack. The Commanders released him in October 2024 after drafting him in 2021 as a first-round pick. Davis simply hasn’t developed during his time in the NFL. He might be able to get a training camp audition elsewhere this summer.

The Ravens signed fifth-round TE Josh Cuevas as well. Hibner’s deal is worth $5 million, while Cuevas’ is worth $4.6 million. Hibner totaled 55 catches, 804 yards and eight touchdowns over his last two seasons at SMU. The two rookie tight ends will compete with veteran TE Durham Smythe for the No. 2 tight end role.

Per Spotrac, the deal is worth $4.62 million and includes a $379,480 signing bonus. Randall is the team owner, Steve Bisciotti’s first handpicked player. He converted from wide receiver to running back for Clemson’s 2025 season and posted a 168/814/10 rushing line and a 36/254/3 receiving line.

Sarratt will compete with third-round rookie WR Ja’Kobi Lane, plus incumbent WRs Devontez Walker and LaJohntay Wester for No. 3 wide receiver duties. Per Spotrac, Sarratt’s deal is worth more than $5.4 million and includes a $1.18 million signing bonus. Sarratt scored 15 touchdowns during Indiana’s college football championship run last year.

Ioane gets a fully guaranteed $24.2 million deal with a $14.1 million signing bonus and a fifth-year team option. Ioane is expected to start in year one. He primarily played left guard at Penn State, but should be able to line up at right guard, if need be. Vega (6'4/320) earned an 87.0 PFF pass-blocking grade and a 78.6 PFF run-blocking grade last year.

Key, 28, earned first-team All-Pro honors as a special teamer last year. His 20 special teams tackles led the NFL by two last year. The Chiefs signed Key as an undrafted free agent rookie in 2021. He was waived, having played zero snaps, before being signed to the Falcons’ practice squad in 2022. He was signed by the Broncos later that and eventually earned his current role as a special teams and began contributing on the field in 2023. He notched seven special teams tackles in 2024. Credit goes to assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi for getting the most out of Key last year.

An October 2025 foot injury sidelined Van Ness for seven games and limited him to just six snaps in an eighth, yet the 24-year-old pass rusher notched a career-high 23 quarterback pressures last year. He has 11 sacks and 56 tackles through three NFL seasons. Van Ness will make up to $3.1 million this season and is slated to make $13.8 million in 2027. As is often the case when teams pick up a player’s fifth-year option, a long-term extension could also be on the way.

Lemon’s $20.8 million deal is fully guaranteed and includes an $11.5 million signing bonus. The former USC wide receiver posted a 79/1,156/11 receiving line last year and brings inside-outside versatility to the Eagles’ offense. With WR A.J. Brown still on the roster, Lemon slots in as the No. 3 wide receiver. If and when Brown gets traded, Lemon should have the inside track for the No. 2 role, though he may have to fend off veterans, WR Dontayvion Wicks and WR Hollywood Brown, in training camp.