HEADLINES

Transactions News & Rumors

Browns Sign 13 Undrafted Free Agents

May 12th, 2025 at 7:36pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Browns have signed 13 undrafted free agents to bring their rookie class to 20 players. Here are Cleveland’s initial UDFA signings:

  • Adin Huntington, DE/DT (Tulane)
  • Jason Ivey, OT (North Carolina A&T)
  • LaMareon James, CB (TCU)
  • Dom Jones, CB (Colorado State)
  • Gage Larvadain, WR (South Carolina)
  • Ahmani Marshall, RB (Appalachian State)
  • Eason Mascarenas-Arnold, LB (Southern California)
  • Bret Matiscik, LS (TCU)
  • Donovan McMillon, S (Pittsburgh)
  • Justin Osborne, C (SMU)
  • Ja’Seem Reed, WR (San Diego)
  • Dartanyan Tinsley, OG (Cincinnati)
  • Eli Wilson, FB (Appalachian State)

Huntington spent three years at Kent State before transferring to Louisiana-Monroe and breaking out with 16 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks across 12 games. That earned him renewed interest in the transfer portal, but he could not sustain his production at Tulane against better competition in 2024. Huntington put together an extremely impressive performance at his pro day, but his 6-foot-1, 281-pound frame doesn’t have a clear positional fit in the NFL. His athleticism gives him potential as a disruptive pass-rusher and his ability to line up at multiple spots along the D-line could help him find a role in Jim Schwartz‘s defense.

Matiscik, the younger brother of Jaguars long snapper Ross Matiscik, spent three years as TCU’s starting long-snapper and will compete for the same role in Cleveland. The Browns used two long snappers last season: veteran Charley Hughlett for the first five games and rookie Rex Sunahara for the remaining 12. Hughlett was released this offseason after 10 years in Cleveland, leaving Sunahara as the incumbent to fend off Matiscik this summer.

McMillon started his collegiate career at Florida before transferring to Pittsburgh in 2023 to take over a starting role. He recorded 220 tackles in 25 games across the last two years, but he didn’t make many splash plays with just two tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one interception, and nine passes defended. The 6-foot-2, 203-pound McMillon has the requiste size and athleticism for the NFL, but he lacks a standout strength that could help him carve out a role as a rookie. He’ll need to establish himself on special teams to make the roster as he develops as a safety.

Osborne is a strong, explosive athlete who brings positional versatility and experience to the NFL. He logged starts at all five offensive line positions at SMU, primarily at tackle before playing guard and center in 2024. Despite that pedigree, he’s still a raw player who relies on his solid instincts to win blocks.

Seahawks Sign First-Round OL Grey Zabel

May 12th, 2025 at 4:57pm CST by Adam La Rose

Grey Zabel is the latest first-rounder to sign his rookie deal. The Seahawks’ top choice has inked his first NFL contract.

This four-year pact is worth $18.47MM, ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes. That figure is guaranteed in full. Like all other Day 1 selections, Zabel could be kept under team control through through the 2029 season if Seattle picks up his fifth-year option.

Finding an effective combination along the interior of the offensive line in particular has proven to be a challenge in recent years for the Seahawks. General manager John Schneider acknowledged in the build-up to the draft Seattle would be in the market for O-line additions. As a result, it came as little surprise when Zabel came off the board at No. 18. He will look to help a Seahawks offense in need of much better pass protection and a more consistent running game in 2025.

The North Dakota State product saw time at each guard and tackle spot during his college career. He also took center reps during the Senior Bowl, and some viewed him as a candidate to begin his NFL career at that spot. For now, at least, Seattle’s plan is to use Zabel at left guard. That would put him in position to replace veteran Laken Tomlinson, who departed in free agency (after himself joining the team as a fill-in for Damien Lewis following his big-ticket Panthers contract).

This marks the first draft pick signing of the year for the Seahawks. The team still has 10 more deals to work out on that front, but the most lucrative one has now been taken care of.

Saints To Sign WR Donovan Peoples-Jones

May 12th, 2025 at 3:19pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Saints have lined up a post-draft addition at the receiver spot. Donovan Peoples-Jones is signing with New Orleans, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports.

Peoples-Jones took part in the Saints’ recent rookie minicamp on a tryout basis, as noted by Matthew Paras of the Times-Picayune. His performance in that setting has obviously earned him a look. The 26-year-old will now attempt to carve out a depth role in New Orleans’ WR room.

A sixth-round pick of the Browns in 2020, Peoples-Jones increased his production during each of his three full seasons in Cleveland. The deep threat was traded to his hometown Lions midway through the 2023 season after seeing his usage rate drop considerably, however. Peoples-Jones made just five catches in eight Detroit appearances upon arrival.

The Michigan product remained with the Lions through last summer, but he did not survive roster cuts. Peoples-Jones was immediately retained on a practice squad deal; that pact did not yield any regular season action, though. As a result, expectations will be limited in New Orleans as he aims to secure a roster spot this summer.

The Saints have Chris Olave on the books for the next two years given their decision to exercise his fifth-year option. The former No. 11 pick has dealt with multiple concussions early in his career, something which has led to questions about his long-term health outlook. New Orleans also has Rashid Shaheed coming off an encouraging season which was cut shot by a meniscus tear. The WR depth chart now includes Brandin Cooks as well after he returned to the team following five years away.

Of course, the Saints need to use the summer to sort out their post-Derek Carr setup at quarterback. Regardless of who is in place under center at the start of the campaign, though, Peoples-Jones may be in place on offense.

Browns, S Rayshawn Jenkins Agree To Deal

May 12th, 2025 at 1:59pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Browns are having a busy day in terms of veteran safety additions. Rayshawn Jenkins has a deal in place with the team, as first reported by Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Jenkins joins Damontae Kazee as an experienced option at the position who has agreed to a Browns pact today. Kazee had not previously been linked to Cleveland, but that was the case for Jenkins. The latter conducted a free agent visit last month, so the news of this signing comes as little surprise.

After four years with the Chargers and three with the Jaguars, Jenkins spent the 2024 campaign in Seattle. The 31-year-old made 13 appearances and nine starts, handling a 65% snap share on defense. In spite of that workload, Jenkins was among the veterans cut by the Seahawks prior to the start of free agency. That move resulted in a lengthy free agent spell.

Jenkins’ deal will no doubt be a low-cost investment on the part of the Browns. Rodney McLeod gave the team a veteran presence in the secondary last year, but he remains unsigned and is a candidate to retire. Both Kazee and Jenkins will look to fill the role McLeod had in 2024.

The Browns – who still have Grant Delpit atop the depth chart along with Ronnie Hickman as a safety in line to see defensive snaps – fared better against the pass last season than they did in many other defensive categories. There is still room for improvement in that area, though, and one or both of Jenkins and Kazee could play a role in meeting that goal.

Giants To Re-Sign WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey

May 12th, 2025 at 1:17pm CST by Sam Robinson

MAY 12: Humphrey’s free agent stay is coming to an end. Art Stapleton of NJ.com reports the Giants are re-signing him, with last week’s release having simply been a procedural move to open up a roster spot for rookie minicamp. Humphrey will spend OTAs and minicamp competing for a role in New York.

MAY 9: Lil’Jordan Humphrey held a regular role for the Broncos over the past two seasons, leading to a deal with the Giants. But the latter partnership looks set to be short-lived.

The Giants brought in the veteran wide receiver in late March, adding him on a one-year deal worth $1.25MM, but KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson reports the team has decided to move on already. This will not bring much in dead money (just $25K), and Humphrey will head back to free agency.

This move might not have escaped our minor moves section prior to Humphrey’s Denver tenure, but the big-bodied wideout showed himself to be valuable for the playoff-bound team last season. The Broncos used Humphrey on 50% of their offensive snaps last season (a career-high 546), turning to him as a veteran Courtland Sutton sidekick while developing a host of rookie-contract players. Although the Broncos had signed Josh Reynolds, Humphrey ended up playing a regular role throughout the season.

Scoring three touchdowns in 2023, Humphrey built on that auxiliary work by posting career-high marks in receptions (31) and yards (293) last season. The 6-foot-4 target’s lone score came on a catch-and-run in a Broncos shutout win over the Falcons, but the team relied on the ex-Sean Payton Saints cog as a blocker as well. Pro Football Focus graded Humphrey as a top-25 run blocker at the position in 2024. Humphrey’s past two seasons likely will land him another opportunity, though he has bounced around the league over the course of his career.

Mostly serving as a Payton charge, Humphrey also saw time for the 2022 Patriots. The Giants added him after re-signing Darius Slayton. New York also rosters former Day 2 draftees Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt at the position, while Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Bryce Ford-Wheaton join free agency addition Zach Pascal in New York’s Malik Nabers-fronted receiving corps.

Texans Restructure K Ka’imi Fairbairn’s Deal

May 12th, 2025 at 11:59am CST by Adam La Rose

Ka’imi Fairbairn is still under contract to the Texans for the next two years, but his deal has been altered. The veteran kicker worked out a restructure, as detailed by Over the Cap.

Fairbairn was originally owed a base salary of $4.73MM, but that figure has been reduced to $1.25MM. The remaining money has been converted into a signing bonus with three void years being added to the pact. As a result, his 2025 cap hit has been dropped from $6.73MM to $3.95MM.

In place as the Texans’ kicker over the past eight years, Fairbairn has long been among the league’s best at the position. The 31-year-old saw his overall accuracy dip slightly to 85.7% in 2024, but he showcased his range on several occasions along the way. Fairbairn made 13 field goals of 50 yards or more (on 16 attempts) last season. At one point, that represented an all-time record but Brandon Aubrey wound up making 14 such field goals for the Cowboys.

Fairbairn has signed two long-term deals during his time with Houston. The most recent of those came last spring, and his $5.3MM AAV places him in a tie for sixth amongst kickers. Expectations will remain high for the UCLA product moving forward as the Texans aim to improve on their middling offensive stats from last year. Fairbairn will give the team a reliable option at the position for 2025 and beyond.

Houston entered Monday near the bottom of the league in cap space. All but one member of the team’s draft class is already under contract, but this move will free up funds for other moves during the latter stages of the offseason.

Falcons Complete Rookie Draft Class Signings

May 12th, 2025 at 10:33am CST by Adam La Rose

On Friday, the Falcons agreed to terms with their three mid- to late-round picks and Jalon Walker. Today, the team has now done the same with its other edge rusher selected in the first round, completing its 2025 rookie draft class signings.

James Pearce has signed his rookie deal, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. The four-year pact is worth $16.8MM fully guaranteed and includes an $8.8MM signing bonus. Like all other Day 1 picks, Pearce can be kept under team control through 2029 via the fifth-year option.

The Tennessee product racked up 17.5 sacks across his sophomore and junior years, cementing his status as one of the best speed rushers in the 2025 class. The Falcons – long in need of help in the pass-rush department – entered the opening round of the draft planning on selecting Pearce if he was still available at pick No. 15. Atlanta wound up taking Walker after he surprisingly fell that far down the order.

In spite of that addition along the edge, the Falcons remained intent on acquiring Pearce as well. To that end, they traded back into the first round by sending the Rams a package highlighted by Atlanta’s Day 1 pick in 2026. With Walker and Pearce now in the fold, the Falcons have a pair investments aimed at providing them with a solution in terms of production along the edge for years to come.

In the latter’s case, though, red flags (including his desire to play football) emerged for certain NFL suitors. Multiple teams took Pearce off their draft boards, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports (subscription required). The Falcons were obviously not among them, and general manager Terry Fontenot spoke about his confidence in the first-team All-SEC standout’s ability to enjoy a strong pro career.

“There’s always things that are reported and there’s a perception on the outside and then there is a whole different level based off the information we know,” Fontenot said (via Kendall). “We have a really thorough process that we go through, and I believe our scouts… but then we again go through a security process and we gather a lot of information on these players and so we have a lot of confidence in our process.”

The Falcons signed Leonard Floyd in free agency, adding him to an edge rush group which includes recent draftees Arnold Ebiketie and Bralen Trice. Walker and Pearce will be counted on to contribute early and often for Atlanta, and both are now on the books.

Here’s a final look at the Falcons’ 2025 rookie draft class:

 

Browns To Sign S Damontae Kazee

May 12th, 2025 at 9:50am CST by Adam La Rose

Damontae Kazee will remain in the AFC North despite joining a new team. The veteran safety has agreed to a deal with the Browns, as first reported by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

Kazee spent the past three years with the Steelers, operating as a key defender during the 2023 season in particular. Last year, though, his playing time dropped considerably. It thus came as little surprise the 31-year-old remained on the free agent market well after the draft.

A veteran of 112 combined regular and postseason games, Kazee has also seen time with the Falcons (2017-20) and Cowboys (2021) during his career. He will provide plenty of experience for the Browns, a team which had Rodney McLeod in place last season. McLeod has not officially retired yet, but he said one year ago that he planned on 2024 being his final campaign in the league. This move certainly points to McLeod hanging up his cleats or at least playing elsewhere in 2025.

Cleveland has Grant Delpit attached to a $12MM-per-year deal at the safety spot, and the team also has former UDFA Ronnie Hickman – who has made nine starts during his two NFL seasons – in the fold. Kazee led the NFL with seven interceptions in 2018, but he has not surpassed two in a campaign since then. The San Diego State product will aim to earn a rotational role on defense but he could contribute on special teams as well.

The Browns entered Monday with just under $19MM in cap space. That figure will not be affected to a large extent by this Kazee pact, one which will likely check in at or near the veteran minimum. The deal will nevertheless give Cleveland a new veteran presence in the secondary.

Jets Sign 15 UDFA Rookies

May 11th, 2025 at 9:58pm CST by Ely Allen

The Jets announced the completion of their 22-man rookie class this weekend. Joining the seven drafted players will be the following 15 undrafted free agent signings:

The Jets spent a ton on undrafted free agent guarantees in order to get the guys they wanted this year, according to multiple reports from Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. The largest of these deals went to Wiegand, who Wilson reports got $249K in guarantees comprised of $234K in base salary and a $15K signing bonus. Weston was next with $200K in guarantees. Skinner received $185K in guaranteed money, Edwards received $170K, (Dean) Clark received $160K ($140K in base salary, $20K in signing bonus), and Mulbah received $100K.

After spending a year at UCF in 2021, Wiegand went to Germany and played in the European League of Football. Most recently, he played for the Munich Ravens, whose offensive line coach just happens to be Browns Hall of Fame legend Joe Thomas. Wiegand caught the eyes of several scouts when he churned out 38 bench press reps of 225 pounds at his pro day, five more than the combine’s best participant. Coming from overseas, Wiegand was granted a roster exemption as a member of the International Player Pathway program.

Despite all the money getting thrown around for priority free agents, Edwards was really the only one projected to be selected late in Day 3. He didn’t take over as a starter for the Wolverines until his senior season and never broke 1,000 rushing yards. His best season came in 2022, when he was the “two” in the one-two punch with Blake Corum. He totaled 991 rushing yards and seven touchdowns that year while averaging an incredible 7.1 yards per carry. His abilities as a receiver could help him continue his role as a change-of-pace back in the NFL.

Miller arrived in Piscataway as an FCS star, having just earned first-team All-American and first-team All-CAA honors as a team captain for Monmouth with 90 catches for 1,293 yards and nine touchdowns. His final collegiate season was plagued by drops (10), but his 59 catches for 757 yards still led the Scarlet Knights in both categories.

Colts Reveal 14-Man UDFA Class

May 11th, 2025 at 9:08pm CST by Ely Allen

After selecting an eight-man draft class equally balanced on offense and defense, the Colts continued their balanced ways with 14 undrafted free agent signings. Here are the newest additions to the team’s 22-man rookie class:

Between Washington and Tennison, the Colts brought in a strong one-two punch at safety. Washington had a knack for making a play on the ball in the air for the Rebels. During his final two years in University, Washington had four picks and 10 passes defensed. Tennison was much more of a strong safety, only recording one interception and four passes defensed in his career. Though he comes out of UCF, he played for two years alongside Washington at Ole Miss after transferring from Auburn. In those two years with the Rebels, Tennison logged 94 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.

Trujillo is the other name to note in the class. Matt Gay was mostly reliable in Indianapolis last year, but he struggled from deep, with all six of his misses coming from beyond 50 yards. The Colts released the veteran kicker a month ago, so Trujillo will now take part in kicking competition with Spencer Shrader for the placekicking job.

Shrader has a bit of a head start on Trujillo. He spent the offseason in Indianapolis last year as part of the team’s 2024 undrafted free agent class. After an injury to Gay, Shrader kicked in the team’s season opener, making three extra point attempts. He was released in mid-October and signed to the Jets’ practice squad, getting elevated for one game and converting his only attempt from 45 yards. The Chiefs then signed Shrader off New York’s taxi squad when Harrison Butker got hurt, and in two games, Shrader converted all six extra point attempts and all three field goal attempts, including a walk-off field goal to beat the Panthers in late November. He was placed on injured reserve in December and signed to return to Indianapolis in March.

Now, Shrader will have to hold off Trujillo, a former soccer player with a huge leg. While Trujillo only converted 70 of 97 field goal attempts over his time split at Austin Peay and Temple, Trujillo caught the eyes of plenty of scouts last year as he set a school record with a 64-yard kick against Utah State and then became just the third player in NCAA history with at least two 60-yard conversions two weeks later at UConn. After Gay’s struggles from deep cost him his role in Indianapolis, the Colts will surely be hoping to see Trujillo’s strong leg translate to the NFL level.

Load More Posts