Austen Pleasants - Pro Football Rumors

RFA/ERFA Tender Decisions: 2/18/25

February 18th, 2025 at 8:24pm CST by Ely Allen

Tuesday’s free agent tender decisions:

ERFAs

Tendered:

49ers: DT Evan Anderson, DE Alex Barrett, LB Jalen Graham, DE Sam Okuayinonu, T Austen Pleasants, TE Jake Tonges, TE Brayden Willis

The 49ers made the decision today to tender all of their exclusive rights free agents today. The move restricts the seven players from negotiating with other teams. The players will have the choice to accept the offer and play for the 49ers or not play football in 2025.

San Francisco also has two restricted free agents: linebacker Curtis Robinson and running back Jordan Mason. It is yet to be seen what the team will do with those players who, if tendered, would be allowed to negotiate with other teams but would have to give the 49ers the chance to match any offer.

Minor NFL Transactions: 12/21/24

December 21st, 2024 at 7:34pm CST by Ely Allen

Today’s minor transactions and standard gameday practice squad elevations:

Arizona Cardinals

Elevated: T Jackson Barton, RB Michael Carter

Atlanta Falcons

Signed to active roster: WR Chris Blair
Elevated: WR Dylan Drummond
Waived: LB Rashaan Evans

Buffalo Bills

Elevated: S Kareem Jackson, WR Jalen Virgil

Carolina Panthers

Elevated: RB Mike Boone, T Brandon Walton

Chicago Bears

Signed to active roster: RB Darrynton Evans
Placed on IR: G Ryan Bates

Cincinnati Bengals

Elevated: DE Isaiah Thomas

Cleveland Browns

Elevated: CB Kahlef Hailassie, WR James Proche

Dallas Cowboys

Signed to active roster: CB Andrew Booth
Elevated: LB Darius Harris, T Dakoda Shepley
Placed on IR: CB Trevon Diggs (story)

Detroit Lions

Activated from IR: S Ifeatu Melifonwu
Signed to active roster: OLB Mitchell Agude, WR Tom Kennedy, DL Chris Smith
Elevated: RB Jermar Jefferson, S Loren Strickland
Waived (via injury settlement): DT David Bada
Waived: WR Maurice Alexander

Las Vegas Raiders

Signed to active roster: CB Kyu Blu Kelly
Elevated: TE John Samuel Shenker

Los Angeles Rams

Elevated: CB Charles Woods

Miami Dolphins

Activated from reserve/PUP: LB Cameron Goode
Elevated: WR Erik Ezukanma
Waived: DT Neil Farrell

Minnesota Vikings

Elevated: S Bobby McCain, TE Nick Muse

New England Patriots

Signed to active roster: RB Terrell Jennings
Elevated: WR Alex Erickson, LB Monty Rice

New York Giants

Signed to active roster: DB Raheem Layne
Elevated: OLB Boogie Basham, T Tyre Phillips

New York Jets

Elevated: DT Bruce Hector, S Jarius Monroe

Philadelphia Eagles

Elevated: FB Khari Blasingame

San Francisco 49ers

Signed to active roster: LB Jalen Graham, T Austen Pleasants
Elevated: DT Alex Barrett, RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn
Waived: T Sebastian Gutierrez

Seattle Seahawks

Signed to active roster: QB Jaren Hall
Elevated: CB Artie Burns
Placed on IR: OLB Trevis Gipson

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Elevated: P Jack Browning

Washington Commanders

Elevated: DT Carl Davis

After being activated from injured reserve in early November, Bates only played two games before suffering a concussion. The 27-year-old has not played since Week 11 and will now miss the remainder of the season on IR. Bates is under contract through 2025.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/17/24

December 17th, 2024 at 9:38pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Here are the latest practice squad updates from around the NFL:

Buffalo Bills

Signed: WR Jalen Virgil, OL Will Clapp
Released: DE Kameron Cline, DT Branson Deen

Cincinnati Bengals

Signed: LB Joe Giles-Harris, S Jaylen Key

Cleveland Browns

Released: TE Cameron Latu

Detroit Lions

Signed: CB Stantly Thomas-Oliver
Released: DE Isaiah Thomas

Indianapolis Colts

Signed: TE Albert Okwuegbunam

Jacksonville Jaguars

Signed: LB Kalen DeLoach

Las Vegas Raiders

Released: TE Cole Fotheringham

Miami Dolphins

Signed: WR Isaiah McKenzie, QB Skylar Thompson

New England Patriots

Released: G Liam Fornadel

Pittsburgh Steelers

Released: LB Adetokunbo Ogundeji
Signed: OT John Leglue

San Francisco 49ers

Signed: OT Austen Pleasants, LB Chandler Wooten
Placed on practice squad IR: TE Mason Pline

Seattle Seahawks

Released: DE DeVere Levelston

Washington Commanders

Signed: TE Tyree Jackson
Placed on practice squad IR: WR/R Kazmeir Allen

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/3/24

December 3rd, 2024 at 7:50pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s practice squad moves:

Atlanta Falcons

Signed: RB Elijah Dotson
Released: LB Tyreek Maddox-Williams, K Riley Patterson

Buffalo Bills

Released: WR Deon Cain

Carolina Panthers

Signed: RB Emani Bailey, TE Dominique Dafney, LB Thomas Incoom, WR T.J. Luther
Released: S Alex Cook, WR Sam Pinckney
Placed on IR: RB Dillon Johnson, TE Stephen Sullivan

Chicago Bears

Signed: RB Demetric Felton, G Austen Pleasants

Detroit Lions

Signed: WR Maurice Alexander

Indianapolis Colts

Signed: LB Liam Anderson

Jacksonville Jaguars

Signed: LS Tucker Addington, P Matt Haack, QB John Wolford
Released: OL Jerome Carvin, DE Joe Gaziano, CB Tyler Hall

Los Angeles Chargers

Signed: RB John Kelly

Los Angeles Rams

Signed: DT Jack Heflin, NT Kevin Strong, DB Charles Woods

Minnesota Vikings

Released: RB Myles Gaskin

New England Patriots

Signed: DE Truman Jones
Released: G Michael Jordan

New Orleans Saints

Signed: S Millard Bradford, C Sincere Haynesworth
Released: RB Jacob Kibodi

Philadelphia Eagles

Signed: FB Khari Blasingame
Released: WR John Ross

San Francisco 49ers

Signed: WR Ronnie Bell, RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn

Seattle Seahawks

Signed: NT Quinton Bohanna, C Mike Novitsky
Released: TE N’Keal Harry

With Trevor Lawrence currently in concussion protocol, the Jaguars have added some QB depth to the organization. John Wolford brings four games of starting experience to Jacksonville, all coming with the Rams between 2020 and 2022. The Wake Forest product went 2-2 in those appearances, tossing one touchdown vs. five interceptions. He’ll slide in behind Mac Jones and C.J. Beathard in the franchise’s QB pecking order.

The Eagles added a veteran fullback to their roster in Khari Blasingame. The 28-year-old has appeared in 66 games since entering the league in 2019, collecting 131 yards from scrimmage on 24 carries. The Eagles recently lost part-time fullback Ben VanSumeren for the season, opening a role for a handful of blocking snaps per game.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/29/24

October 29th, 2024 at 8:13pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Here are the most recent practice squad transactions from around the NFL:

Arizona Cardinals

Signed to practice squad: DL Anthony Goodlow

Carolina Panthers

Released from practice squad: LB Shaquille Quarterman

Chicago Bears

Signed to practice squad: OL Austen Pleasants
Released from practice squad: LS Jake McQuaide

Indianapolis Colts

Restored to practice squad from injured reserve: QB Jason Bean
Signed to practice squad: CB Tre Flowers, RB Evan Hull
Released from practice squad: DT Josiah Bronson, WR Ethan Fernea, CB Kelvin Joseph

Los Angeles Chargers

Signed to practice squad: LB Caleb Murphy

Miami Dolphins

Released from practice squad: OT Anderson Hardy

Minnesota Vikings

Signed to practice squad: RB Myles Gaskin, OT Julian Pearl
Release from practice squad: LB Dallas Gant, OT Marcellus Johnson

New England Patriots

Signed to practice squad: WR Braylon Sanders

New Orleans Saints

Signed to practice squad: DB Tre Herndon, RB Jordan Mims
Released from practice squad: C Sincere Haynesworth

New York Giants

Released from practice squad: S Gervarrius Owens

Philadelphia Eagles

Released from practice squad: DT Siaki Ika

Pittsburgh Steelers

Released from practice squad: RB La’Mical Perine, CB Thomas Graham

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Released from practice squad: LB Kalen DeLoach

Tennessee Titans

Signed to practice squad: DL Abdullah Anderson, DB Justin Hardee, OG Arlington Hambright
Released from practice squad: OG Cole Spencer

Washington Commanders

Signed to practice squad: OT Bobby Hart
Released from practice squad: OT Anim Dankwah

The Vikings cut Gaskin from their active roster on Tuesday, but as a vested veteran, he did not need to pass through waivers before re-signing to Minnesota’s practice squad. Gaskin played in the Vikings’ first five games this season, but has not appeared since October 6. His familiarity with the offense could lead to activations from the practice squad if Minnesota needs running back depth.

Herndon will join the Saints after playing in Jacksonville for six seasons, with 83 total appearances and 34 starts for the Jaguars since 2018. The veteran cornerback only started five games over the last two years, but played in 15 games for almost 900 snaps as a rotational member of the Jaguars’ secondary. His experience could lead to quick elevations from the practice squad once he learns the Saints’ defense.

The Commander signed the 30-year-old Hart to give them more depth at offensive tackle. The veteran has 67 starts and 98 total appearances over his eight-year career, though he hasn’t played in the NFL since a 2022 stint with the Bills.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/9/24

October 9th, 2024 at 6:48pm CST by Ely Allen

Today’s practice squad transactions:

Arizona Cardinals

Signed: T Austen Pleasants

Chicago Bears

Signed: TE Tommy Sweeney

Cleveland Browns

Signed: S Trey Dean, DE Marcus Haynes

Green Bay Packers

Signed: CB Robert Rochell

Houston Texans

Signed: WR Jared Wayne
Released: DT Marcus Harris

Indianapolis Colts

Signed: T Jack Wilson
Released: K Spencer Shrader

Los Angeles Chargers

Signed: CB Nehemiah Shelton
Released: LB Shaquille Quarterman

New York Jets

Signed: C Alec Lindstrom, S Jaylen Key

Tennessee Titans

Signed: T John Ojukwu

Wilson is a former collegiate basketball player who played for two years apiece at Idaho and Oregon State. He transitioned to football, transferring to Washington State for three years, appearing in 12 games in 2022 at right and left tackle. He then played in 13 basketball games for the Cougars before transferring to Minnesota and transitioning back to basketball for his final year of collegiate eligibility.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/1/24

October 1st, 2024 at 7:39pm CST by Ely Allen

Today’s practice squad updates around the NFL:

Arizona Cardinals

Released: T Austen Pleasants

Atlanta Falcons

Released: S Dane Cruikshank

Baltimore Ravens

Signed: LB William Kwenkeu
Released: RB John Kelly

Carolina Panthers

Signed: LB Jackson Mitchell
Released: CB Azizi Hearn

Chicago Bears

Released (with injury settlement): DT Sam Roberts

Denver Broncos

Signed: RB Salvon Ahmed
Released: WR Kaden Davis

Houston Texans

Released: LB Zeke Turner

Indianapolis Colts

Signed: RB Trent Pennix
Released: K Spencer Shrader

Jacksonville Jaguars

Signed: RB Jake Funk, CB Tyler Hall
Released: RB Jalen Jackson

Las Vegas Raiders

Signed: TE Cole Fotheringham
Released: S Phalen Sanford

Los Angeles Chargers

Signed: S Tony Jefferson
Released: T Braeden Daniels

Los Angeles Rams

Released: K Tanner Brown

New England Patriots

Signed: WR Jermaine Jackson
Released: WR John Jiles

New Orleans Saints

Released: RB Jacob Kibodi

New York Giants

Signed: WR Kearis Jackson, CB Greg Stroman
Released (with injury settlement): TE Lawrence Cager
Released: CB Alex Johnson, TE Joel Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers

Signed: LB Eku Leota, RB La’Mical Perine
Released: RB Jack Colletto, LB Marcus Haynes

San Francisco 49ers

Released: DT Shakel Brown

Seattle Seahawks

Released: DT Matt Gotel

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Signed: LB Kalen DeLoach

Washington Commanders

Signed: G Marquis Hayes, S Sheldrick Redwine

The Broncos are bringing in the veteran running back Ahmed after he spent four years in Miami. Ahmed’s biggest role came in four starts as an undrafted rookie back in 2020 in which he rushed for 319 yards and three touchdowns over six games. He served as a reliable backup for the Dolphins for the past few years.

The Chargers released Jefferson yesterday, but they’ll keep him around on the practice squad with today’s signing. The veteran adds some quality depth to the roster.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/25/24

September 25th, 2024 at 6:10pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s practice squad moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Signed: OL Austen Pleasants
Placed on IR: OT Jackson Barton

Carolina Panthers

Signed: WR Sam Pinckney

Chicago Bears

Signed: DB Ameer Speed
Released: DB Ro Torrence

Cleveland Browns

Signed: OT Sebastian Gutierrez, OT Ricky Lee III, DE Elerson Smith
Released: LB Luiji Vilain

Detroit Lions

Signed: LB Abraham Beauplan

Las Vegas Raiders

Signed: OT Gottlieb Ayedze

New England Patriots

Signed: WR John Jiles

New York Giants

Signed: FB Jakob Johnson

San Francisco 49ers

Signed: DT Shakel Brown

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Signed: P Trenton Gill

Trenton Gill has caught on with the Buccaneers practice squad after getting cut by the Broncos back in August. Gill spent the previous two seasons as the Bears full-time punter, with the 25-year-old averaging 46 yards per punt while landing 28.6 percent of his punts inside the 20. As Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times notes, this addition is a sign that Bucs punter Jake Camarda may be on the hot seat. The former fourth-round pick is averaging a career-low 39.8 net yards per punt.

Cardinals Cut 7 Ahead Of Deadline

August 26th, 2024 at 8:56pm CST by Ely Allen

The Cardinals parted ways with seven players today as they begin the process of working their roster down to 53 players. Per azcardinals.com writer Darren Urban and KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson, those players are:

Released:

CB Michael Ojemudia
OL Austen Pleasants

Waived:

WR Daylen Baldwin
CB T.J. Carter
OLB Chris Garrett
CB Delonte Hood
S Verone McKinley

Ojemudia and McKinley are the only ones of the seven to start games so far in their NFL careers. Ojemudia started 11 games as a rookie third-round pick out of Iowa in 2020. After experiencing a setback in 2021 on injured reserve, Ojemudia’s role in Chicago continued waning until he eventually found himself on the practice squad for the Rams last year.

McKinley, a former standout at Oregon, started two of 10 game appearances as an undrafted rookie for the Dolphins back in 2022. He spent part of 2023 on Miami’s practice squad.

NFL Reserve/Futures Contracts: 1/9/24

January 9th, 2024 at 8:59pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here are the reserve/futures deals handed out Tuesday:

Arizona Cardinals

WR Daniel Arias, CB Darren Hall, S Verone McKinley, OL Austen Pleasants

Atlanta Falcons

WR Chris Blair, DB Natrone Brooks, S Lukas Denis, LB Milo Eifler, DE Demone Harris, T John Leglue, WR Austin Mack, LB Donavan Mutin, DT Willington Previlon, G Justin Shaffer, T Ryan Swoboda, T Tyler Vrabel, RB Carlos Washington, T Barry Wesley

Chicago Bears

P Corliss Waitman

Indianapolis Colts

S Kendell Brooks, G Lewis Kidd, S Michael Tutsie

Jacksonville Jaguars

TE Josh Pederson

Los Angeles Chargers

LB Brevin Allen, DT Jerrod Clark, RB Elijah Dotson, QB Max Duggan, WR Simi Fehoko, DB Matt Hankins, OL Brent Laing, LB C.J. Okoye, CB Chris Wilcox

Minnesota Vikings

RB Myles Gaskin

New York Jets

FB Nick Bawden, DT Tanzel Smart