Patriots To Trade Marte Mapu To Texans
Rather than waive Marte Mapu, the Patriots have found a trade partner. The Texans are acquiring the young defender, the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan Alexander reports.
The AFC teams will swap late-round 2027 picks in this trade, Alexander adds. One year remains on Mapu’s rookie contract. The Pats were set to waive the linebacker/special-teamer as of Tuesday morning, but the Texans will add a piece to their top-flight defense.
Seeing as he was on the verge of being waived, Mapu will not fetch much in this trade. The Texans will acquire Mapu and a 2027 seventh-round pick for a 2027 sixth-rounder, according to ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss. A former third-round pick, Mapu brings experience as a linebacker and a safety. The Patriots will save $1.51MM by making this trade, with that figure doubling as Mapu’s 2026 base salary.
New England took advantage of Mapu’s versatility by using him at safety and linebacker. Mapu made nine starts in 2024, doing so despite beginning that season on IR. He played 161 free safety snaps and 219 box snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. With a stronger Pats roster fielded in 2025, Mapu did not see as much time. The Bill Belichick-era draftee played 73 snaps as a box defender and just six at free safety. Ex-Belichick right-hand man Nick Caserio will take a low-cost flier here to see what the Sacramento State alum can contribute in Houston.
While PFF graded Mapu 56th among qualified safeties in 2024, the advanced metrics site viewed his 2025 work in a better light. Although Mapu (career-low 120 snaps last season) was classified as a part-time linebacker, PFF would have slotted him inside the top 10 at the position. The 230-pound defender intercepted a pass in each of his three NFL seasons and has forced five fumbles, including three in 2024. Mapu, 26, played in all four Patriots playoff games as a reserve.
Mapu’s past flashes make this a reasonable bet to make for the Texans, who are fairly well situated at linebacker and safety. Houston re-signed E.J. Speed to work with regulars Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o at linebacker; at safety, the Texans added Reed Blankenship to join Calen Bullock as starters. The Patriots have jettisoned many Belichick draftees over the past year and change, with Mike Vrabel overhauling much of the roster. The Pats still roster starters Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss, and they added K.J. Britt as a backup linebacker in free agency.
Miami CB Keionte Scott Visits Texans, Bears, Dolphins
With most NFL defenses now using nickel personnel for a majority of their snaps, slot cornerback has essentially become a starting position. That bodes well for Miami’s Keionte Scott, who recently completed pre-draft visits with the Texans, Bears, and Dolphins, according to KRPC2’s Aaron Wilson.
The 24-year-old is viewed as a pro-ready nickel after a standout 2025 season. He contributed to the Hurricanes’ defense across the board with 64 tackles (13 for loss), five sacks, five passes defended, two forced fumbles, and two recoveries. Scott also returned both of his interceptions for touchdowns and was the only player in the FBS with multiple pick-sixes.
The Texans appear to be set in the slot with safety Jalen Pitre, who has played his best football as a nickel in the past two years. Scott is currently expected to be drafted on Day 2, so Houston may not want to use a premium pick on a potential redundancy. But adding a viable second slot could allow DeMeco Ryans to run more dime packages with both Pitre and Scott capable of playing bigger than their size in the run game.
The Bears will be hoping that Kyler Gordon can make a strong return to his role as their starting nickel after dealing with injuries in 2025. Scott would serve as an insurance policy if Gordon – who has never played more than 14 games in a season – were to miss more time. But Chicago just signed the 2022 second-rounder to an extension last year, so Scott’s long-term role would be unclear unless one of the two were to move to the boundary.
The Dolphins, who hosted Scott on a local visit, might be the most logical option. Few teams need help at cornerback more, especially in the slot. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Miami’s primary nickel last year, was traded to the Jets, and 2025 fifth-round Jason Marshall struggled mightily as a rookie. Scott could contribute on Day 1 for a Dolphins defense that badly needs starting-caliber talent in the secondary.
Texans Host CB Martin Emerson Jr.
After missing the entire 2025 campaign, Martin Emerson Jr. is eyeing a new team for his comeback season. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the free agent cornerback visited the Texans today.
Emerson emerged as a key defender during his time with the Browns. The 2022 third-round pick got into at least 70 percent of his team’s defensive snaps in each of his three healthy seasons. This culminated in a 2024 campaign where he started 15 of his 17 appearances.
His best statistical season came in 2023, when he finished with four interceptions and 14 passes defended, with PFF grading him 61st among 128 qualifying cornerbacks. While he was basically a full-time starter in 2024, PFF only ranked him 113th among 117 qualifiers.
Emerson was heading into the final season of his rookie contract in 2025. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn Achilles during training camp that ended his season before it began.
The 25-year-old could have a chance to revive his career in Houston. The Texans could use some depth behind Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter. 2025 third-round pick Jaylin Smith is currently penciled in for that key backup role, although he’s coming off a rookie campaign that ended early thanks to a torn meniscus.
2027 NFL Fifth-Year Option Tracker
NFL teams have until May 1 to officially pick up fifth-year options on 2023 first-rounders. The 2020 CBA revamped the option structure and made them fully guaranteed, rather than guaranteed for injury only. Meanwhile, fifth-year option salaries are now determined by a blend of performance- and usage-based benchmarks:
- Two-time Pro Bowlers (excluding alternates) will earn the same as their position’s franchise tag
- One-time Pro Bowlers will earn the equivalent of the transition tag
- Players who achieve any of the following will receive the average of the third-20th top salaries at their position:
- At least a 75% snap rate in two of their first three seasons
- A 75% snap average across all three seasons
- At least 50% in each of first three seasons
- Players who do not hit any of those benchmarks will receive the average of the third-25th top salaries at their position
PFR’s Offseason Outlook series examined each of these decisions in-depth, and weeks remain until this year’s deadline. In the meantime, we will use the space below to track all the 2027 option decisions from around the league:
- QB Bryce Young, Panthers ($25.9MM): To be exercised
- QB C.J. Stroud, Texans ($25.9MM): To be exercised
- DE Will Anderson Jr., Texans ($21.51MM)
- QB Anthony Richardson, Colts ($22.48MM)
- CB Devon Witherspoon, Seahawks ($21.16MM): Exercised
- LT Paris Johnson Jr., Cardinals ($19.07MM)
- DE Tyree Wilson, Raiders ($14.48MM)
- RB Bijan Robinson, Falcons ($11.32MM)
- DT Jalen Carter, Eagles ($27.13MM)
- RT Darnell Wright, Bears ($19.07MM)
- G Peter Skoronski, Titans ($19.07MM)
- RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions ($14.29MM)
- DE Lukas Van Ness, Packers ($13.75MM)
- LT Broderick Jones, Steelers ($19.07MM)
- DE Will McDonald, Jets ($13.75MM): To be exercised
- CB Emmanuel Forbes, Rams ($12.63MM)
- CB Christian Gonzalez, Patriots ($18.12MM): Exercised
- LB Jack Campbell, Lions ($21.93MM)
- DL Calijah Kancey, Buccaneers ($14.48MM)
- WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks ($23.85MM): Exercised*
- WR Quentin Johnston, Chargers ($18MM)
- WR Zay Flowers, Ravens ($27.3MM): To be exercised
- WR Jordan Addison, Vikings ($18MM): To be exercised
- CB Deonte Banks, Giants ($12.63MM)
- TE Dalton Kincaid, Bills ($8.16MM): Exercised
- DT Mazi Smith, Jets ($13.93MM)
- RT Anton Harrison, Jaguars ($19.07MM): Exercised
- DE Myles Murphy, Bengals ($14.48MM)
- DT Bryan Bresee, Saints ($13.93MM)
- DE Nolan Smith, Eagles ($13.75MM)
- DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Chiefs ($13.75MM)
* = Seahawks gave Smith-Njigba four-year, $168.6MM extension
Texans Discussing Extension With DE Will Anderson Jr.
Well before the 2025 campaign was over, it became clear the Texans would target a Will Anderson Jr. extension during the 2026 offseason. To no surprise, then, efforts to reach a deal are underway. 
Houston has engaged in negotiations on a “potential blockbuster” new deal with Anderson, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports. Any second contract in this case will bring with it a massive raise. Picking up Anderson’s fifth-year option for 2027 would cost $21.51MM, and exercising it would buy time for extended negotiations on a long-term pact.
The Texans can of course be expected to pick up Anderson’s option, as they will also do in the case of quarterback C.J. Stroud. Both players are in line for substantial pay increases if/when agreements can be reached. Anderson took home Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2023 and he has established himself as one of the league’s top edge rushers since. The former No. 3 selection posted 11 sacks during his second season and set a new career high once more with 12 in 2025.
Anderson is approaching his age-25 season, so any long-term commitment can be expected to approach the top of the pass rush market. Micah Parsons moved the bar to $46.5MM per year with his Packers extension, and Aidan Hutchinson‘s Lions deal carries an AAV of $45MM. With the NFL’s salary cap having jumped since both of those pacts were signed, Anderson could attempt to at least match them during negotiations. It will be interesting to see how willing the Texans will be with respect to a financial commitment in this case, given the looming cost of a second Stroud contract.
Houston’s defense also has a major short-term EDGE commitment in the form of Danielle Hunter‘s new deal along with a significant cornerback contract on the books (Derek Stingley Jr.). Adding Anderson to that group would of course present financial challenges, but it would ensure a core member of the team’s elite defense would remain in place for the foreseeable future.
The Texans have progressed to the divisional round of the playoffs during each of Anderson’s three years in the league. He will be counted on to remain an impactful presence in 2026 and beyond, but he may have a new contract in hand by the time next season begins.
Texans Contract Details: Smith, Rankins, Teller, Fairbairn, Hall, Schultz, Hummel
Hoping to earn their fourth straight playoff berth in 2026, the Texans have doled out several notable contracts this month. Here are the details on 10 of those deals, courtesy of Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2:
- Braden Smith, RT (two years, $20MM): The ex-Colt joined the AFC rival Texans on an arrangement worth up to $25MM. Smith received a signing bonus of $8.5MM, and he is due to make base salaries of $2.5MM ($5MM-plus cap hit) and $8MM ($10.63MM cap charge). Houston added two void years to the contract.
- Sheldon Rankins, DT (two years, $17MM): Rankins’ $1.5MM base salary for 2026 is fully guaranteed; $3.5MM of his $7.5MM base salary for 2027 is guaranteed. He can make up to $500K per annum in per game active roster bonuses. The Texans baked three void years into Rankins’ contract.
- Wyatt Teller, G (two years, $16MM): The longtime Brown reeled in $8.5MM in total guarantees and a $5.75MM signing bonus. Teller signed on for base salaries of $1.5MM (fully guaranteed) and $7.25MM ($1.25MM guaranteed). He also has up to $500K available each year in per game active roster bonuses. The Texans included void years from 2028-29.
- Ka’imi Fairbairn, K (two years, $13MM): At $6.5MM, Fairbairn signed for the highest average annual value in the history of his position. Fairbairn’s deal, worth up to $17.79MM, includes $11.66MM in guarantees, a $6MM signing bonus, and $10K in per game active roster bonuses. He’ll take home fully guaranteed salaries of $1.3MM ($5.79MM cap charge) and $4.33MM ($6.7MM against the cap).
- Logan Hall, DE (two years, $13.75MM): The Houston product and former Buccaneer will earn a guaranteed $9MM, a $5.75MM signing bonus, and salaries of $1.4MM (fully guaranteed) and $5.9MM ($1.85MM guaranteed). Hall’s pact included $14,706 in per game roster bonuses and a $100K annual workout bonus.
- Dalton Schultz, TE (one year, $12.6MM): Schultz’s extension, which runs through 2027, comes with a $10MM signing bonus. Schultz will collect base salaries of $2.6MM ($9.46MM cap hit) and $10.5MM ($14.95MM cap charge). The Texans tacked three void years on the deal.
- Jake Hummel, LB (two years, $4.75MM): Hummel’s pact is worth a maximum of $5.25MM, including $2.15MM in full guarantees. His $1.25MM salary for next season is guaranteed. Hummel will make another $1.9MM if he sticks around in 2027. Bonuses: $900K at signing, up to $250K per annum for games played, $250K for making a Pro Bowl, and $100K for workouts.
- Dominique Robinson, DE (one year, up to $4MM): Robinson’s accord has $1.5MM in guarantees, a $1.5MM base salary ($500K guaranteed) and a $1MM signing bonus. There is a max of $500K available in per game active roster bonuses.
- Evan Brown, G (one year, $3MM): Brown’s deal is worth up to $3.5MM. It features a $1.5MM salary ($300K guaranteed; $2.41MM cap hit), $1MM in guarantees, and a $700K signing bonus. There are roster bonuses of $250K and a $50K workout bonus.
- Naquan Jones, DT (one year, $2MM): Jones’ contract carries a max value of $2.5MM. It features a $1.32MM salary and a $300K signing bonus.
DT Kayden McDonald Books Several Pre-Draft Visits
We are now in “30” visit season, and this year’s draft runup will feature a host of Ohio State products making such travel plans. Next month’s event could see four Buckeyes — Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs and Carnell Tate — go in the top 10. Another of the Big Ten power’s recent standouts is on the first-round radar as well.
Several teams are set to determine Kayden McDonald‘s draft stock, with the defensive tackle indicating (via SI.com’s Justin Melo) the Bears, Bengals, Commanders, Dolphins, Patriots, Raiders, Ravens and Texans have scheduled visits.
Like in free agency, this draft is not viewed as particularly strong at the position. The dearth of FA options led to a John Franklin-Myers Titans windfall. This draft’s hierarchy at the position is still taking shape, but as it stands, Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board does not include a DT among its top 32 prospects. A few sit just outside that range, however, with McDonald (39th) joining Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter (34), Clemson’s Peter Woods (35) and Florida’s Caleb Banks (36) among those vying to be the first player at the position to come off the board.
A first-team All-American in 2025, McDonald broke through in his junior Buckeyes season by making nine tackles for loss and registering three sacks. Profiling as a power rusher and run-stuffing presence, the disruptive D-lineman weighed 326 pounds at the Combine. He will be of interest to many teams who did not see a deep pool emerge at the position in free agency.
McDonald only has one season featuring notable production, with his 2024 slate — as the Buckeyes stormed to a national championship — only including 1.5 TFLs and no sacks. The bulk of the teams who have scheduled meetings with McDonald use a 4-3 scheme; Ohio State primarily used a 4-2-5 setup during McDonald’s three-year run. Field Yates’ latest NFL mock draft sends McDonald to the Raiders, who will continue using a 3-4 alignment in base sets, at No. 36.
Although the past four drafts have seen a DT go off the board in the top 16, the 2021 class did not bring a first-round investment at the position. It will be interesting to see how teams view this crop, one that may not see a top-20 pick this year.
Brian Flores’ Suit Allowed To Move Forward Despite Possible SCOTUS Review; Flores Amends Complaint
Brian Flores’ suit against the NFL and six of its clubs is inching forward; sort of. Although the league is presently attempting to secure United States Supreme Court review of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision that Flores’ claims against the Broncos, Giants, and Texans shall be heard in open court rather than remain in arbitration, the presiding trial court judge has denied the league’s request to stay the matter pending a SCOTUS resolution (per sports business reporter Daniel Kaplan). In other words, even as the “arbitration versus open forum” battle continues to play out, the underlying proceeding – which was filed over four years ago – has been allowed to continue into its next phases.
This represents another win for Flores, the current defensive coordinator of the Vikings, and co-plaintiffs Steve Wilks and Ray Horton. Successfully removing a lawsuit against the NFL from the hands of an NFL-appointed arbitrator and into the more objective purview of a trial court judge is obviously critical, and now the league will need to start defending the case on a more substantive level.
Of course, the NFL could still prevail on its last-ditch effort to keep the case in arbitration. In order for that to happen, however, SCOTUS would first need to grant the league’s pending petition to hear the appeal and would then need to rule in the league’s favor, both of which are far from sure things. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, a decision as to whether the highest court in the land will hear the appeal will be made within the next month or so (but that is only for the Broncos, Giants, and Texans portion of the suit; the league’s efforts to keep the Dolphins, Cardinals, and Titans portion of the claim in arbitration were denied more recently, and the NFL will likely try to obtain SCOTUS review of that decision as well).
This case has now officially evolved into a war on two fronts, and Flores & Co. have also made a potentially-significant addition to their request for relief. As Kaplan details, the plaintiffs are amending their complaint to include a count under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which banned discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.
As sports attorney Chris Deubert explains, the Title VII count is significant because it allows a successful plaintiff to recover even if he cannot prove intent. Rather, recovery is still possible as long as the plaintiff can prove a policy that is race-neutral on its face has a discriminatory impact in practice.
The addition of the Title VII count was not made earlier in part because of the lengthy battle over the proper venue and in part because the plaintiffs had to receive a “right to sue” letter from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which was not issued until June 2024. With hundreds of NFL head coaching hires having been made over the course of league history, Kaplan believes Flores will have a statistically-significant sample to draw from and will thus stand a good chance of prevailing on his “disparate impact” claim.
After interviewing for head coaching jobs with three different clubs this year, Flores will remain in Minnesota on a $6MM salary. That may make him the highest-paid coordinator in the league, but the former head coach of the Dolphins still wants another opportunity to run a team.
AFC Contract Details: Colts, Pierce, Patriots, Doubs, Kelce, Chiefs, Jets, Titans, Raiders, Browns, Bengals, Texans
Here are the latest details from contracts agreed to around the AFC:
- Alec Pierce, WR (Colts). Four years, $114MM. In addition to a previously reported $60MM full guarantee, Pierce will see $10MM of his $27MM 2028 base salary shift from an injury guarantee to a full guarantee on Day 5 of the 2027 league year, according to OverTheCap. Another $14MM of Pierce’s 2028 base salary becomes guaranteed on Day 5 of the 2028 league year. He will be due a $2MM roster bonus on Day 5 of the 2029 league year. One void year is in place to spread out the cap hits, the Indianapolis Star’s Joel Erickson tweets.
- Romeo Doubs, WR (Patriots). Four years, $68MM. Doubs secured $35MM fully guaranteed. After fully guaranteed 2026 and ’27 base salaries, Doubs has a $4MM injury guarantee on his $14MM 2028 salary, the Boston Globe’s Ben Volin tweets.
- Cor’Dale Flott, CB (Titans). Three years, $45MM. In addition to the previously reported $32MM fully guaranteed, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson notes Flott is in line for a $2MM roster bonus on Day 3 of the 2028 league year.
- Bryan Cook, S (Bengals). Three years, $40.25MM. Cook will see $14MM fully guaranteed, per OverTheCap. Roster bonuses of $4MM and $1MM are due on Day 5 of the 2027 and ’28 league years, respectively, according to Spotrac.
- Minkah Fitzpatrick, S (Jets). Three years, $40MM. Fitzpatrick’s second extension will bring $20.5MM guaranteed at signing, per OverTheCap. The $13.33MM AAV is a reduction from the All-Pro’s 2022 Steelers deal (four years, $72.99MM), but the former first-rounder is entering an age-30 season.
- Dre’Mont Jones, DE (Patriots). Three years, $36.5MM. Jones will see $23.28MM fully guaranteed, Wilson tweets. A $1MM playing time incentive is in place on this deal as well, with OverTheCap noting the guarantees cover Jones’ 2026 and 2027 compensation.
- Jalen Nailor, WR (Raiders). Three years, $35MM. Nailor’s previously covered $23MM at-signing guarantee includes $6.5MM of his 2027 base salary ($11.5MM); the remaining $5MM locks in on Day 3 of the 2027 league year, Wilson adds.
- Orlando Brown Jr., LT (Bengals). Two years, $32MM. Brown secured $14MM fully guaranteed, according to OverTheCap, which indicates he is due a $2.15MM roster bonus on Day 5 of the 2027 league year. This extension did not drop Brown’s 2026 cap number by much, as it dropped from $21.99MM to $19.29MM.
- Reed Blankenship, S (Texans). Three years, $24.75MM. Blankenship landed $16.75MM fully guaranteed, Wilson tweets. That covers the ex-Eagle’s 2026 and ’27 compensation.
- Dylan Parham, G (Jets). Two years, $16MM. The ex-Raider starter secured $7.49MM fully guaranteed, Wilson adds. Three void years are included in the deal, leaving Parham’s 2026 cap number at just $3.97MM.
- Quincy Williams, LB (Browns). Two years, $13MM. Williams landed $9MM fully guaranteed, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero tweets. The veteran linebacker will see $2.5MM of his 2027 compensation guaranteed at signing, per OverTheCap.
- Travis Kelce, TE (Chiefs). One year, $12MM. The deal is fully guaranteed. Two void years are included in this contract, keeping Kelce’s 2026 cap hit at $4.9MM. A $40MM guarantee for 2028 is in place for June 8, 2027, SI.com’s Albert Breer notes. This is designed to allow the Chiefs to designate Kelce a post-June 1 cut — a tactic the Eagles used with brother Jason Kelce in 2024 — thus defraying dead money ($7.13MM) over two years. If the Chiefs make the playoffs and Kelce plays 60% of their offensive snaps, Breer adds a $750K incentive triggers. Playing 70% of the offensive snaps in a playoff year would earn Kelce $1MM; an 80%-plus snap share for a postseason Chiefs team would bring $2MM. Kelce played 81% of the Chiefs’ offensive snaps in 2025.
OL Notes: Lions, Linderbaum, Steelers, Texans, Giants, Panthers, Browns, Saints
Winning a 49ers starting guard job to open last season, Ben Bartch ran into injury trouble and ultimately lost his job. The veteran interior O-lineman suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2, being part of another injury-riddled 49ers season. Upon return, Bartch did not reacquire his starting job. Bartch ended up suffering a foot sprain, after the 49ers used an IR activation on him, and played out his contract. The Lions have him on their radar, however, with KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson noting the NFC North team conducted a visit recently. A 24-game starter with Jacksonville and San Francisco, Bartch is heading into an age-28 season. Detroit signed Cade Mays to fill in at center, and the team returns starters Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany from last season.
Here is the latest from around the O-line groups:
- Not returning after a Week 12 neck injury, Broderick Jones underwent fusion surgery in his neck (according to the Pat McAfee Show‘s Mark Kaboly). It looked like a long shot Pittsburgh would exercise Jones’ fifth-year option ($19.07MM), and Omar Khan did not confirm Jones would be ready for training camp. That will make the left tackle position — in a stopgap scenario at the very least — one to monitor in Pittsburgh.
- Tyler Linderbaum‘s Raiders deal keeps looking more impressive. Already locked in to what is practically a three-year, $81MM fully guaranteed contract, the new Raiders center secured a no-tag clause for 2029, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson tweets. No center has been franchise- or transition-tagged since the Panthers cuffed Ryan Kalil with a franchise tag in 2011. Then again, no center (or guard) has approached Linderbaum’s $27MM-AAV accord. With tackles, guards and center grouped together on the tag, a 2029 Linderbaum tender would have been highly unlikely. But, showcasing the leverage the three-time Pro Bowler held in free agency, he secured this deal point anyway.
- The Giants re-signed Joshua Ezeudu earlier today; this came after the team hosted veteran guard Ryan Bates on a visit, Wilson adds. Bates spent the past two seasons with the Bears, starting only two games in two Chicago seasons, but he played out a four-year, $17MM Bills deal — one designed by Chicago via a 2022 RFA offer sheet — last season. The Giants have been stingy at guard despite making a strong push for Alijah Vera-Tucker, and options are dwindling. Though, ex-John Harbaugh Ravens charge Daniel Faalele remains available.
- Wyatt Teller played right guard throughout his Browns tenure, with LG staple Joel Bitonio in place on the other side for 12 seasons, but Wilson indicates a willingness on the new Texans signee’s part to switch sides. With 2025 Houston RG Ed Ingram re-signed, Wilson points to Teller playing left guard in 2026. Wilson also posits a scenario in which Evan Brown competes with incumbent Jake Andrews for the center position. While the Cardinals used Brown at guard over the past two seasons, he has logged full seasons at center — for the Seahawks and Lions — in the past.
- As Teller leaves Cleveland after six-plus seasons and Bitonio not certain to return, the Browns added three guard options (though, guard/tackle Tytus Howard is expected to play RT following a trade). Howard’s two-year, $45MM Browns extension includes $34.5MM guaranteed at signing, per OverTheCap. Option bonuses exist in 2027 ($18.41MM) and ’28 ($14.36MM), and $13.5MM of Howard’s 2027 compensation is guaranteed at signing. Howard is due a $4MM roster bonus in 2028, per Spotrac. Zion Johnson‘s three-year, $49.5MM Browns deal includes $27.83MM fully guaranteed, Wilson tweets. Two option bonuses are in place here, with Wilson adding the ex-Chargers guard will be due a $3MM roster bonus if on Cleveland’s roster by Day 3 of the 2028 league year. $13.57MM of Johnson’s 2027 compensation is fully guaranteed.
- The Saints‘ Dillon Radunz deal is worth $6.9MM over two years, with ESPN.com’s Katherine Terrell noting it includes $3.5MM guaranteed.
- Adding center Luke Fortner and tackle Stone Forsythe, the Panthers kept costs low for both. A 2025 Saints trade pickup, Fortner is tied to a one-year deal worth $2.75MM ($1.33MM guaranteed), Wilson adds. Coming over from the Raiders, Forsythe signed a one-year, $2MM pact with $500K guaranteed (per Wilson).