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Lions, Jameson Williams Agree To Extension

September 6th, 2025 at 11:00pm CST by Adam La Rose

Jameson Williams was already under contract with the Lions through 2026 entering the season, but he will remain in place beyond that point. The ascending wideout has an extension agreement in place.

Team and player worked out a deal on Saturday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports. This pact is three years in length, and it is worth $83MM with $67MM guaranteed. Since Williams’ fifth-year option was picked up this spring, he is now on the books through 2029.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter clarifies $83MM represents the maximum value of this pact. The average annual value of the extension at first glance – $27.67MM – is likely an inflated figure as a result. Even if so, a strong guarantee along with long-term stability has been attained via this agreement. Williams is the latest member of the Lions’ offensive core to receive a major raise.

Last offseason, fellow receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown landed an extension averaging just over $30MM per season. Quarterback Jared Goff, along with offensive tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker, as well as running back David Montgomery, each signed new deals in 2024 as well. That led to questions about whether or not Williams would fit into the team’s long-term plans, especially with Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta eligible for extensions next year.

An answer has now arrived just before Week 1. Williams, 24, will finish playing out his rookie deal in the Motor City but he will remain in place on his second contract. The Alabama product played just 18 games across his first two campaigns due to injury and multiple suspensions. When on the field, though, Williams showed his potential as a deep threat.

In 2024, a notable step forward was taken in terms of production. Williams played 16 combined regular and postseason games, and his availability yielded positive results. He recorded 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 17.3 yards per catch. A full-time role and increased expectations will await Williams in 2025 but for several years after the coming season as well.

Rumors emerged about a potential trade being considered in this situation, but Lions general manager Brad Holmes said in April that was not the case. Williams’ future in Detroit was ensured to an extent when his option – like that of former No. 2 pick Aidan Hutchinson – was exercised. Talks on a Hutchinson extension have taken place, but during that process work has also successfully been done on a new Williams accord.

The Lions were largely quiet this offseason with respect to outside free agent additions, looking instead to retaining as many member of their core as possible. That resulted in safety Kerby Joseph landing a monster deal of his own, and Williams has now joined him in that regard. Continued development from both players would be key in allowing for Detroit to remain among the NFL’s top contenders.

St. Brown topped 1,100 yards for the third straight season in 2024, and he will be counted on to lead the way once again this year. LaPorta figures to reprise his role as a key figure in the passing game. Williams will offer a different skillset than those two, and based on this investment the Lions are confident he will be able to consistently offer them another high-end option on offense.

Broncos Place DL Malcolm Roach On IR, Promote QB Sam Ehlinger

September 6th, 2025 at 8:39pm CST by Adam La Rose

Malcolm Roach was already known to be out for Week 1. The veteran defensive lineman will be unavailable through at least the first month of the campaign.

The Broncos announced on Saturday that Roach was placed on injured reserve. A grade two calf strain will thus keep him sidelined through Denver’s first four contests at a minimum. Roach played every regular and postseason game in 2024, his debut Broncos campaign. That will not be the case this time around.

Denver’s defensive front will be expected to remain one of the league’s best through the early portion of the season and beyond, with Zach Allen, D.J. Jones and John Franklin-Myers each set to reprise their roles as starters. Still, being without Roach will deal a blow to the Broncos’ D-line. The 27-year-old handled a 42% snap share on defense last season and set a new career high in tackles (43) and sacks (2.5).

Roach is owed $2.75MM this season, the final one of his deal. The former UDFA would stand to benefit from another productive campaign with respect to his market value, just like Franklin-Myers. Plenty of time remains for a return at some point, but Roach’s absence could hurt his free agent stock while also leaving Denver shorthanded along the defensive interior for a stretch.

In a corresponding move, quarterback Sam Ehlinger has been promoted from the practice squad to the active roster. The former Colts passer was among Denver’s roster cuts last week but he remained in place by signing to the team’s taxi squad. That decision came after two offers were made by outside suitors for a spot on their 53-man rosters. Ehlinger elected to stay put, and Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette notes the Broncos planned to make room for him on the active roster in the near future. That opportunity has now arrived.

Bo Nix will handle starting duties in 2025 while looking to build off his impressive rookie season. Jarrett Stidham will once again operate as Denver’s backup, but Ehlinger is now in place to serve as the team’s third-string (and, on gamedays, emergency QB3) option.

Minor NFL Transactions: 9/6/25

September 6th, 2025 at 7:28pm CST by Ely Allen

With our first slate of Sunday games tomorrow, we’ll see our first slew of standard gameday practice squad elevations. Here are today’s minor transactions:

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

Buffalo Bills

Carolina Panthers

Cincinnati Bengals

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

Jacksonville Jaguars

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

New York Jets

Pittsburgh Steelers

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

Each NFL team is granted up to two standard gameday practice squad elevations each game, allowing them to call up two members of their practice squad who are able to play in that weekend’s game. After the game is played, the elevated players revert back to the practice squad with no transaction required. This differs from the situation with somebody like Crumedy in Carolina. With Mathis’ placement on injured reserve opening a spot on the 53-man roster, Crumedy has been promoted from the practice squad to the active roster, where he will remain until he is cut or his contract expires.

Practice squad players can be called up a maximum of three times under a single practice squad contract. If a team wants to call up a player who’s been called up three times already, the team will usually sign the player to their active roster for a game, cut them after, and then sign them to a new practice squad contract. Under the new contract, the player would be eligible to be elevated for three more games.

As the Dolphins await Jason Sanders‘ return from IR, Patterson was named the winner of a kicking audition with three other veteran kickers. Miami will be able to elevate him three times but will have to promote him to the active roster for any games between that and Sanders’ activation. Similarly, Prater will likely be on the same plan in Buffalo.

Haener’s stint on the Saints’ active roster was short-lived as the team decides to move forward with only two quarterbacks. Spencer Rattler will handle starting duties to begin the campaign with second-round rookie Tyler Shough serving as his backup.

Eagles Waive G Kenyon Green

September 6th, 2025 at 6:43pm CST by Adam La Rose

Kenyon Green did not survive the Eagles’ cuts ahead of last week’s deadline. The former first-rounder quickly found himself back in the fold, but that is no longer the case.

Green was waived once again on Saturday, per a team announcement. The offseason trade acquisition was on Philadelphia’s active roster in time for the team’s regular season opener, but he did not take part. Green will now hit the waiver wire with free agency looming in the event he does not get claimed.

[RELATED: Eagles Sign Za’Darius Smith]

During his three years in Houston, Green was unable to live up to the expectations brought about by his draft stock. The 24-year-old managed to play 12 games last season after missing the previous campaign in its entirety. His play when on the field, however, was a key factor in the Texans’ struggles along the offensive line. The team made a number of changes up front this spring, including the decision to include Green in the C.J. Gardner-Johnson trade.

Four of Philadelphia’s starter along the O-line are still in place from 2024. The lone vacancy compared to last season was right guard, with Mekhi Becton landing a two-year Chargers pact in free agency after delivering a strong campaign with the Eagles. Tyler Steen won the RG gig in training camp and played there on Thursday. Without a first-team opening for Green – and without the Texas A&M product being viewed as one of Philadelphia’s top backup options along the interior – a change of scenery is likely in store.

Green could remain with the Eagles via a practice squad agreement after clearing waivers. Failing that, he will look to join a new team with the regular season underway.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/6/25

September 6th, 2025 at 4:15pm CST by Ely Allen

Here are today’s only practice squad transactions:

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons released Sills yesterday but still wanted him to play in their season opener tomorrow. In order to make that happen, Atlanta needed to sign him to the practice squad so he can be a standard gameday elevation in Week 1.

Titans Extend S Amani Hooker

September 6th, 2025 at 9:54am CST by Sam Robinson

Amani Hooker will agree to a second extension in Tennessee. The veteran safety will put pen to paper on a new three-year deal before Week 1, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports.

The longtime Titans starter is signing a three-year, $48.6MM accord — one that comes with $29MM guaranteed in total. Hooker was set to enter the final season of his previous deal (three years, $30MM). This will mark a significant raise for a player extended two GMs ago. The Titans have since announced the extension.

[RELATED: Assessing Titans’ 2025 Offseason]

Jon Robinson signed off on Hooker’s previous contract nearly three years ago today. The Titans have changed coaching staffs since then and have fired two GMs — Robinson and Ran Carthon — in that time. Formerly in place as a Kevin Byard sidekick, Hooker has endured in Tennessee and factors in prominently moving forward under the Chad Brinker–Mike Borgonzi power structure.

Hooker’s second Titans extension comes after he intercepted five passes last season. Although the Titans bottomed out at 3-14, Hooker has been one of their best players for several years. The team traded Byard to the Eagles during the 2023 season, building their safety corps around Hooker. One of Robinson’s top draftees, the former fourth-rounder is still only 27. He has started 51 games. That number will continue to climb in Nashville, as the Titans are now building around Cam Ward‘s rookie contract.

If the $48.6MM number represents the contract’s base value, Hooker becomes the NFL’s fifth-highest-paid safety. He would settle between Derwin James and Budda Baker, though initial reports frequently reflect contracts’ max values. At $29MM in total guarantees, Hooker sits 11th. Only agreeing to a three-year extension naturally stands to reduce the seventh-year vet’s standing in that category. But this deal should keep the door open for another lucrative deal down the line; Hooker will turn 30 in his 2028 contract year.

No Pro Bowls are on Hooker’s resume, though he was extended the first time following a third-place finish in Pro Football Focus’ 2021 rankings. Last year, PFF slotted Hooker 33rd among safeties. This came on a Titans defense that produced a 30th-place points ranking but second in total yardage. Ward’s presence should help bring those numbers closer together, and Tennessee wants Ward as a key part of its Ward-years nucleus.

The Titans made a few investments at safety this offseason, adding Xavier Woods and re-signing Quandre Diggs. The team also drafted Kevin Winston Jr. in the third round. Woods is expected to start alongside Hooker, having signed a two-year, $8MM deal.

Eagles Sign DE Za’Darius Smith

September 5th, 2025 at 10:05pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

10:05pm: VanSumeran suffered a torn patellar tendon on Thursday night against the Cowboys, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He will miss the rest of the season as a result.

3:30pm: The Eagles have signed one of the league’s top remaining free agents in edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, per a team announcement.

Smith met with the team in Philadelphia on Friday and passed a physical prior to signing a one-year deal with a maximum value of $9MM, according to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz. He will bring a veteran presence to an Eagles edge rushing room that was considered to be one of the team’s weaknesses after losing Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham this offseason.

Smith, who turns 33 years old on Monday, is coming off another solid season with nine sacks and nine tackles for loss in 17 games. He spent the first half of the year in Cleveland before a deadline deal sent him to Detroit. Smith remained linked with the Lions throughout the offseason, but he instead lands in Philadelphia in another savvy move by Eagles general manager Howie Roseman.

Under the CBA, veteran players receive a base salary guarantee if they are on a team’s active roster in Week 1, according to OverTheCap’s Jason Fitzgerald. Veterans signed after Week 1 do not automatically receive a guaranteed salary. Since the Eagles and the Cowboys were the first two teams to finish their Week 1 game on Thursday night, they had the first chance at signing Smith to a non-guaranteed deal. Teams may not have been willing to offer Smith a strong salary before the season since it would have become guaranteed, but the Eagles were able to offer him enough upside while managing their own risk before any club got the chance.

In Philadelphia, Smith will join young edge rushers Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Josh Uche, Azeez Ojulari, and Ogbo Okoronkwo. Ojulari and Okoronkwo were inactive against the Cowboys with Uche and practice squad elevation Patrick Johnson rotating in behind Nolan Smith and Hunt, per Geoff Mosher of PhillyVoice. With Za’Darius Smith now joining the mix, there will be even fewer snaps to go around, and the Eagles may even consider parting ways with one of their depth edge rushers.

In a corresponding move to the Smith signing, the Eagles placed fullback Ben VanSumeren on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least four games.

NFL Minor Transactions: 9/5/25

September 5th, 2025 at 7:11pm CST by Ely Allen

Here are Friday’s minor transactions as we await Game 2 of the 2025 season, including today’s standard gameday practice squad elevations for the Chiefs and Chargers:

Atlanta Falcons

Chicago Bears

Cincinnati Bengals

Green Bay Packers

Indianapolis Colts

Kansas City Chiefs

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers

Each NFL team is granted two standard gameday practice squad elevations each game, allowing them to call up two members of their practice squad that are able to play in that weekend’s game. After the game is played, the elevated players revert back to the practice squad with no transaction required. This differs from a transaction like we saw earlier today wherein wide receiver Justin Shorter was signed to the Raiders’ active roster from their practice squad. He is now permanently on the team’s 53-man roster until they cut him or until his contract expires.

Practice squad players can be called up a maximum of three times under a single practice squad contract. If the team wants to call up a player who’s been called up three times already, team’s will usually sign the player to their active roster for a game, cut them after, and then sign them to a new practice squad contract. Under a new contract, the player would be eligible to be elevated for three more games.

Bills Place K Tyler Bass On IR

September 5th, 2025 at 5:48pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Bills have placed veteran kicker Tyler Bass on injured reserve, per a team announcement.

Bass was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice due to a hip/groin issue that will now sideline him for at least four games, including Sunday night’s matchup with the Ravens. Though he has yet to finish a season with a conversion rate above 90%, Bass has been a reliable kicker for his five-year career in Buffalo and hit a career-long 61-yard field goal in 2024.

After Bass went down on Wednesday, the Bills quickly moved to sign Matt Prater to the practice squad as an injury replacement on Thursday. The former Broncos, Cardinals, and Lions kicker missed most of the 2024 season due to a torn meniscus; before that, he made 83.6% of his career field goal attempts, so Buffalo should be able to trust him while Bass is recovering. The Bills can only elevate Prater from the practice squad three times, so they will need to sign him to the active roster if he is going to replace Bass in all four games (and potentially more).

The Bills are also likely to be without veteran cornerback Tre’Davious White on Sunday. He did not practice all week due to a groin injury and is listed as doubtful on the injury report.

The Ravens also ruled out a few key players for Sunday Night Football: fullback Patrick Ricard and tight end Isaiah Likely. Likely is an expected absence as he recovers from preseason foot surgery, while Ricard has missed multiple weeks of practice with a calf injury. Cornerback Jaire Alexander, however, is off the injury report and expected to make his debut in purple and black.

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