NFL Draft Pick Signings: 5/8/26
Today’s rookie signings from around the NFL:
Chicago Bears
- WR Zavion Thomas (third round, LSU)
- CB Malik Muhammad (fourth round, Texas)
- LB Keyshaun Elliott (fifth round, Arizona State)
- DT Jordan van den Berg (sixth round, Georgia Tech)
Cincinnati Bengals
- C Connor Lew (fourth round, Auburn)
- WR Colbie Young (fourth round, Georgia)
- T Brian Parker II (sixth round, Duke)
- TE Jack Endries (seventh round, Texas)
- DT Landon Robinson (seventh round, Navy)
Los Angeles Chargers
- T Travis Burke (fourth round, Memphis)
- S Genesis Smith (fourth round, Arizona)
- DT Nick Barrett (fifth round, South Carolina)
- G Logan Taylor (sixth round, Boston College)
- G Alex Harkey (sixth round, Oregon)
New England Patriots
- T Dametrious Crownover (sixth round, Texas A&M)
- LB Namdi Obiazor (sixth round, TCU)
- QB Behren Morton (seventh round, Texas Tech)
- RB Jam Miller (seventh round, Alabama)
Pittsburgh Steelers
- WR Kaden Wetjen (fourth round, Iowa)
- DE Gabriel Rubio (sixth round, Notre Dame)
- S Robert Spears-Jennings (seventh round, Oklahoma)
The Bears, Bengals, Chargers, and Steelers all broke the seals on signing their rookie classes today. Chicago only has to sign its three first-, second-, and third-round picks to complete the class, Los Angeles still has its three first-, second-, and fourth-rounders remaining, and Cincinnati has only two unsigned rookies from the second and third round.
Minor NFL Transaction: 5/8/26
Friday’s minor NFL transactions:
Cincinnati Bengals
- Claimed off waivers (from Giants): LB Swayze Bozeman
- Signed: S Isaiah Nwokobia
Cleveland Browns
- Claimed off waivers (from Giants): DT Elijah Chatman
- Received international exemption: P Nik Constantinou
Denver Broncos
- Waived: T Marques Cox, OLB Garrett Nelson
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: DT Smith Vilbert
New York Giants
- Signed: RB Damon Bankston
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Claimed off waivers (from Colts): LB John Bullock
Tennessee Titans
- Claimed off waivers (from Giants): WR Courtney Jackson
- Waived: WR Hal Presley
After the Giants waived Bozeman, Chatman, and Jackson yesterday, all three found new homes today on the waiver wire. Constantinou qualifies for the international exemption that allows him not to count against the team’s 90-man roster as one of several Australians who have found their way to the NFL as specialists. Lastly, Cincinnati, Minnesota, and New York all added to their UDFA classes today after Nwokobia, Vilbert, and Bankston went undrafted out of SMU, North Carolina, and New Mexico, respectively.
49ers Sign 33rd Overall Pick De’Zhaun Stribling To Fully Guaranteed Deal
The 49ers got the majority of their eight-player draft class under contract on Friday. The team announced six signings, including second-round wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling. The 33rd overall pick secured a fully guaranteed deal worth $13.376MM over four years, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 reports. Stribling’s pact includes a $6.188MM signing bonus.
San Francisco entered the draft with the 27th selection, but general manager John Lynch chose to trade out of the first round. After making two deals to move down to No. 33, the first pick on Day 2, the Lynch-led 49ers chose Stribling. It surprised many that Stribling came off the board that high, especially when more hyped receivers like Denzel Boston and Germie Bernard were still available, but Lynch said that “our entire building had conviction” on the pick.
The 6-foot-2, 202-pound Stribling possesses a good mix of size and speed, having run a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. Stribling was also productive in a five-year college career divided among Washington State (2021-22), Okahoma State (2023-24) and Mississippi (’25). He totaled 216 catches, 2,964 yards and 23 touchdowns in 56 games. Stribling played 15 games last year and hauled in 55 passes for 811 yards and six scores. As Stribling begins his pro career, the 49ers will count on him as an auxiliary receiver behind starters Mike Evans and Ricky Pearsall.
As mentioned, five other 49ers draftees joined Stribling in signing their rookie deals. Here is the rest of the group:
- Round 3, No. 90: Kaelon Black (RB, Indiana)
- Round 4, No. 127: Carver Willis (T, Washington)
- Round 4, No. 139: Ephesians Prysock (CB, Washington)
- Round 5, No. 154: Jaden Dugger (LB, Louisiana)
- Round 5, No. 179: Enrique Cruz Jr. (T, Kansas)
The 49ers have two more picks to sign: third-round edge defender Romello Height (No. 70) and fourth-round defensive tackle Gracen Halton (No. 107).
Browns Sign First-Round T Spencer Fano, Seven Other Draftees
Friday has expectedly been busy with respect to teams working out rookie contracts. The Browns are among those which have finalized a number of deals with draftees.
Cleveland announced today that eight draft picks have been signed. First-rounder Spencer Fano is among them. The Utah offensive lineman was taken ninth overall after the Browns executed a long-anticipated trade down the board. That swap with Kansas City allowed Cleveland to move to the No. 9 slot.
Eyeing an offensive addition in the top 10, the Browns were comfortable with the trade upon finding out the Chiefs would be taking cornerback Mansoor Delane. That left Cleveland with three targets at the time of the swap: Fano, Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa and Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson. Tyson was drafted at No. 8, and the Browns went with Fano one pick later to make him the top blocker of the 2026 draft.
After one year at left tackle with Utah, Fano moved to the right side to accommodate Caleb Lomu. Fano thrived in that new role, but his arm length led to questions about the possibility of holding up on the blindside at the NFL level. Nevertheless, he will at least begin his Browns tenure at left tackle. Fano succeeding in that spot or finding another in short order would be critical for a Cleveland O-line which will field five new starters compared to last season.
Denzel Boston is the next highest-drafted rookie to sign with the Browns today. The Browns gave him a fully guaranteed contract worth $12.385MM over four years, including a $5.467MM signing bonus, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. The Washington receiver was on the radar of plenty of teams leading up to the draft, and Cleveland considered trading back into the Day 1 order to acquire him. Instead, Boston remained on the board through to pick No. 39. He will look to contribute right away for a Browns team desperate for improved production and efficiency in the passing game.
Given today’s news, only first-round receiver KC Concepcion and second-round safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren have yet to sign their rookie deals. That comes as little surprise, with many other players selected in the same range as them still unsigned at this point. In any event, the Browns will begin their rookie minicamp with most of necessary work already done on the contract front.
Here is an updated look at where things stand with the Browns’ draft class:
- Round 1, No. 9 (from Chiefs): Spencer Fano (T, Utah) (signed)
- Round 1, No. 24 (from Jaguars): KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
- Round 2, No. 39: Denzel Boston (WR, Washington) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 58 (from 49ers): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
- Round 3, No. 86 (from Chargers): Austin Barber (T, Florida) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 146: Parker Brailsford (C, Alabama) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 149 (from Bengals): Justin Jefferson (LB, Alabama) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 170 (from Broncos): Joe Royer (TE, Cincinnati) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 182 (from Jets via Browns, Jaguars, Raiders, Bills and Broncos): Taylen Green (QB, Arkansas) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 248 (from Seahawks): Carsen Ryan (TE, BYU) (signed)
Cardinals Sign No. 3 Pick Jeremiyah Love
Cardinals first-round running back Jeremiyah Love has signed his four-year rookie contract, the team announced. The third overall pick will earn a fully guaranteed $53.9MM, a record for his position.
Although he has yet to play an NFL game, the 20-year-old Love also ranks first among running backs in total contract value. The former Notre Dame star’s $13.25MM average annual salary checks in at seventh overall.
While Love does not play a premium position, many considered him the most talented prospect available in this year’s draft class. The Cardinals had more glaring needs at other spots (right tackle and edge defender, to name a couple), but they could not pass on the home run-hitting dual threat. They made Love the highest-drafted RB since the Giants took Saquon Barkley second overall in 2018.
Love is moving to the desert after winning the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s best back in 2025. He ended his three-year college career with a jaw-dropping 6.7 yards per carry on 433 attempts and 42 touchdowns (36 rushing, six receiving) in 41 games.
The Cardinals were not expected to draft Love in early March, when they made multiple moves to address their backfield. They kept James Conner around on a revised contract and picked up former Falcon Tyler Allgeier on a two-year, $12.25MM deal in free agency. Love is now the unquestioned top dog at the position, though, which will leave Allgeier to once again sit behind one of the most talented backs in the sport.
Allgeier surpassed the 1,000-yard mark as a fifth-round rookie in 2022, but it did not stop the Falcons from spending the eighth overall pick on Bijan Robinson in the ensuing draft. Robinson has been the Falcons’ starter since then. While Allgeier likely signed with the Cardinals expecting to take over as their lead back, he will instead play second fiddle to Love.
Commanders Complete Draft Signings
Friday saw the Commanders sign first-round linebacker Sonny Styles to his rookie contract. Washington has since worked out an agreement with the rest of its 2026 class.
All six Commanders draftees are now on the books, as noted by ESPN’s John Keim. Friday marks the beginning of Washington’s rookie minicamp, so it comes as no surprise each of these deals have been sorted out in time. Styles is one of only two players Washington added prior to Day 3 of last month’s draft.
The other is wideout Antonio Williams, who came off the board at pick No. 71. The Clemson product will look to carve out a depth role on offense right away with the Commanders looking to replace Deebo Samuel‘s 2025 production. Samuel is unsigned at this point, and a return to the nation’s capital is not expected.
Washington remains heavily linked to a Brandon Aiyuk acquisition. The team is not looking to swing a trade with the 49ers to bring him into the fold, though, so a lengthy wait for a potential release could be in store. In the meantime, Williams will aim to establish himself during spring work leading into training camp. A strong showing in that regard could result in a depth role even if Aiyuk winds up in Washington to pair with Terry McLaurin.
Joshua Josephs will join a pass rush room which has undergone plenty of changes this spring. He, too could occupy a rotational role right away before taking on a larger workload. Washington’s other Day 3 picks will aim to provide young depth to a team which has fielded one of the league’s oldest rosters in recent years. Contributions from new arrivals would be key in helping the Commanders return to the playoffs in 2026.
Here is a final look at Washington’s draft class:
- Round 1, No. 7: Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 71: Antonio Williams (WR, Clemson) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 147: Joshua Josephs (EDGE, Tennessee) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 187: Kaytron Allen (RB, Penn State) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 209 (from 49ers): Matt Gulbin (C, Michigan State) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 223: Athan Kaliakmanis (QB, Rutgers) (signed)
Jets Sign No. 2 Pick David Bailey
The Jets announced a four-year agreement with first-round edge defender David Bailey, the second overall pick in the draft. Bailey’s pact is worth approximately $54.68MM.
It was clear throughout the pre-draft process that the Raiders would select former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall. There was less certainty surrounding the Jets’ top choice, as reports went back and forth on whether they would take Bailey or ex-Ohio State linebacker/edge defender Arvell Reese. Looking for an immediate pass-rushing upgrade, the Jets landed on Bailey, a former Stanford and Texas Tech standout.
The 6-foot-3, 254-pound Bailey played three years at Stanford, where he notched 14.5 sacks in 32 games. After transferring to Texas Tech for his senior season last year, his production skyrocketed. Bailey piled up a nation-leading 14.5 sacks in 14 games, and he finished second in pressures (81) and tackles for loss (19.5). He earned unanimous All-America honors and the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year Award for his efforts.
The Jets, who finished last in the NFL in pressure rate and 31st in sacks in 2025, have made it a point to boost an anemic pass rush this offseason. Before using a premium pick on Bailey, they signed Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare in free agency. Ossai and Enagbare will complement the Jets’ top edge rushers, Bailey and 2023 first-rounder Will McDonald.
With Bailey under wraps, the Jets have already signed all three of their first-round picks. They previously reached deals with tight end Kenyon Sadiq (16th overall) and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (30th). Fourth-round defensive tackle Darrell Jackson is the only member of their eight-player draft class who has not signed yet.
Saints Sign First-Round WR Jordyn Tyson
The Saints announced deals with seven draft picks, including first-round wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. As the eighth overall pick, Tyson’s fully guaranteed contract is worth approximately $32.49MM over four years.
Tyson was the second receiver taken in the draft, falling behind Carnell Tate (Titans, No. 4), after an excellent couple of seasons at Arizona State. The 6-foot-2, 203-pounder combined for 136 receptions, 1,812 yards and 18 touchdowns over 21 games from 2024-25. However, injuries were a problem throughout Tyson’s time in college, which likely dinged his draft stock to some extent.
Tyson began his college career in 2022 at Colorado, where he averaged a robust 21.4 yards per catch on 22 receptions and totaled four TDs in nine games. His freshman year ended with a torn ACL, MCL and PCL. Tyson, who then transferred to Arizona State, missed almost all of 2023 while recovering from his knee injury. He went on to suffer a broken collarbone late in 2024, and hamstring issues nagged him last year.
Tyson’s hamstring continued bothering him during the pre-draft process, which prevented him from working out at the Combine or participating in ASU’s pro day. He recovered in time to hold a workout for NFL teams on April 17. The Saints clearly came away impressed, and they will turn to Tyson as their top complement to No. 1 receiver Chris Olave in 2026.
Tyson was the first of four pass catchers the offense-needy Saints drafted this year. They spent a third-rounder on former Georgia tight end Oscar Delp and later selected wideouts Bryce Lance (fourth round, North Dakota State) and Barion Brown (sixth round, LSU). The team announced agreements with Delp, Lance and Brown on Friday. The Saints also signed guard Jeremiah Wright (fourth round, Auburn), safety Lorenzo Styles Jr. (fifth round, Ohio State) and cornerback TJ Hall (seventh round, Iowa). Second-round defensive tackle Christen Miller is now the lone unsigned member of their eight-player draft class.
Ravens Sign DL Calais Campbell
MAY 8: Full details on the Campbell deal have now emerged, courtesy of Spotrac. As expected, $5.5MM is the base value of the pact, with $4.75MM of that total fully guaranteed. A notable locked-in figure is no surprise after multiple suitors showed interest in this case. Campbell can earn an additional $500K through incentives during his return to Baltimore.
APRIL 30: Future Hall of Fame defensive lineman Calais Campbell will play his age-40 season in 2026. Campbell is reuniting with the Ravens on a one-year pact, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Eighteen years since the Cardinals took him in the second round of the 2008 draft, Campbell has suited up for five teams. Also a former Jaguar, Falcon and Dolphin, Campbell previously played for the Ravens from 2020-22. He earned one of his six Pro Bowl nods in their uniform. The Ravens nearly brought him back in a 2024 deal with the Dolphins, but it fell apart before the trade deadline.
After short stints in Atlanta and Miami, Campbell returned to Arizona on a one-year, $5.5MM deal in 2025. Despite his advanced age, the 6-foot-8, 315-pounder remained durable and productive. During his third straight 17-start season, Campbell played 45.72% of defensive snaps and notched 43 tackles, 16 QB hits, nine TFL and 6.5 sacks. Campbell ended the year as Pro Football Focus’ 23rd-ranked interior defensive lineman among 122 qualifiers, suggesting he has plenty left in the tank.
Although he remained a quality contributor last year, the 2010s All-Decade Team member seriously contemplated retirement after the season. Campbell said last August he was likely entering his last year, but he has had a change of heart eight months later. Now that Campbell is coming back, he will be in position to vault to No. 1 on the all-time list of games played by a defensive lineman. At 278, Campbell is third behind Jim Marshall (282) and Bruce Smith (279). Campbell is also 34th on the all-time sack list (117).
Campbell is signing up to join a new regime in Baltimore, which replaced longtime head coach John Harbaugh with Jesse Minter earlier in the offseason. While Minter was the Chargers’ defensive coordinator over the previous two seasons, he and Campbell have some familiarity with each other. Minter was the Ravens’ defensive backs coach during Campbell’s first year in Baltimore.
As a rookie head coach, one of Minter’s key tasks will be to help orchestrate a defensive turnaround. The Ravens finished a disappointing 24th in total defense last year, largely because standout D-tackle Nnamdi Madubuike missed 15 games with a neck injury. Madubuike is expected to return next season. If that happens, Campbell will provide a solid complement. If not, Campbell should give the Ravens a nice fallback option up front.
Along with Madubuike, there is uncertainty surrounding Broderick Washington, who is working back from an Achilles injury that cost him 14 games in 2025. Before agreeing to terms with Campbell, the Ravens’ other options included Travis Jones, John Jenkins, C.J. Okoye, Aeneas Peebles and 2026 seventh-round pick Rayshaun Benny. It was clear a post-draft D-line addition was in order, and the Ravens have now picked up one of the most accomplished players left on the market.
Browns Place LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah On Reserve/PUP List
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah missed all of last season while recovering from a severe neck injury. The same will be true again in 2026 for the veteran linebacker.
The Browns announced on Friday that Owusu-Koramoah has been moved to the reserve/physically unable to perform list. Players who find themselves on the active/PUP list during the onset of training camp can be activated at any time. Those who begin the regular season on the list, meanwhile, can be brought back onto an active roster as early as Week 5.
By contrast, the reserve/PUP designation ensures a player will be sidelined for the entire year. Given the fact Owusu-Koramoah found himself in the same position in 2025, today’s news will intensify questions about his NFL career being over. As a February, it seemed as though the 26-year-old’s playing days had come to an end. Friday’s move further reinforces that.
In 2024, Owusu-Koramoah suffered the injury which brought his career to a halt. He had previously established himself as an impactful presence on defense, handling full-time starting duties and earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2023. The Notre Dame product inked a three-year extension worth an average of $12.5MM per year after his third Cleveland season, but his time on the field after landing that deal proved to be very short-lived. With Owusu-Koramoah’s status uncertain last spring, the Browns invested a second-round pick in fellow linebacker Carson Schwesinger.
That decision proved to be impactful, as Schwesinger earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2025. He will be expected to remain a key figure for Cleveland this season and well into the future. That is especially true since it appears a return to action on the part of Owusu-Koramoah will not be possible at any time.
As things stand, Owusu-Koramoah remains under team control through the 2027 season. He has amassed roughly $17.5MM in career earnings while totaling 50 combined regular and postseason appearances. In the wake of today’s development, though, it seems increasingly unlikely either of those figures will increase moving forward.