HEADLINES

Transactions News & Rumors

NFL Restructures: Simmons, Johnson, CJGJ, Ward, Smith

September 18th, 2025 at 9:57pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Titans recently gave Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons a $633K raise to rectify a miscalculation of his fifth-year option, per Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio.

The Titans drafted Simmons with the 19th overall pick in the 2019 draft, and after 8.5 sacks and his first Pro Bowl in 2021, the team knew they had a long-term anchor for their defensive line. Tennessee picked up Simmons’ fifth-year option during the 2022 offseason and signed him to a $94MM extension the following year. That extension was meant to include the fifth-year option, but the deal undercounted his 2023 salary by one game, resulting in a $633K shortage.

Simmons’ agent discovered the error, and the Titans agreed to rectify the mistake with a signing bonus, according to Florio. The adjusted contract is not considered an extension.

A few other players from the 2019 draft class who signed extensions off their fifth-year options had a similar miscalculation in their deal. As a result, Simmons’ new deal could set a precedent around the league with other players seeking similar retroactive payments.

  • The Bears restructured the contract of cornerback Jaylon Johnson to create $8MM of cap space, per ESPN’s Field Yates. $12MM of his 2025 salary was converted to a signing bonus and prorated across the three remaining years of the deal. Chicago made the move before Johnson went down with a groin injury that could end his season.
  • The Texans completed a maximum restructure of safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson‘s deal to reduce his cap hit to $3.1MM, according to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. His $7.75MM salary was reduced to the veteran minimum with the remaining $6.58MM converted into a signing bonus and prorated across the remainder of the contract, which includes void years from 2027 to 2030.
  • The Browns also did a maximum restructure with cornerback Denzel Ward‘s contract, per ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi. His salary was also reduced to the veteran minimum with $12.22MM converted into a signing bonus. As a result, his 2025 cap hit dropped by $9.78MM to $14.78MM, per OverTheCap.
  • In another AFC North restructure, the Ravens converted $12MM of linebacker Roquan Smith‘s 2025 salary that was prorated across the three remaining years of his deal. The move cleared $8MM in cap space, according to Russell Street Report’s Brian McFarland.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/18/25

September 18th, 2025 at 8:26pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Here are the latest practice squad transactions from around the league:

Baltimore Ravens

New Orleans Saints

New York Jets

After losing Nick Samac from their practice squad this week, the Ravens reunited with Mustipher. He started two games in place of Tyler Linderbaum during his first stint in Baltimore in 2023. Mustipher will take Samac’s place as the team’s third-string center.

Panthers To Place G Robert Hunt, C Austin Corbett On IR

September 18th, 2025 at 7:40pm CST by Adam La Rose

September 18: Hunt underwent successful surgery in California this week, per Joe Person of The Athletic, but the team has not provided any updates regarding his return timetable.

A torn biceps could be season-ending, but Bills linebacker Matt Milano suffered a similar injury in training camp last year and was back on the field at the end of November. However, the specific nature of Hunt’s injury and the different physical requirements for his position will be major factors in his recovery timeline.

September 15: As expected, the Panthers will be shorthanded up front for a lengthy period. Guard Robert Hunt and center Austin Corbett are both headed to injured reserve, head coach Dave Canales confirmed on Monday.

Hunt suffered a torn left biceps during yesterday’s game. Surgery will be required as a result, meaning he could very well be lost for the season. The shift to IR ensures a four-game absence at a minimum, but for both Hunt and Corbett a much longer absence is in store.

Corbett suffered an MCL injury during Carolina’s Week 2 contest. Canales noted the extent of the ailment was initially unclear (with a sprain being a possibility), but he later specified (via ESPN’s David Newton) this is a case of a Grade C injury. That represents a complete tear, meaning surgery will also be required for Corbett. Canales has left the door open for a late-season return in both cases, but it would come as a surprise if either were to be available again in 2025.

The Panthers made continuity a priority along the O-line this offseason. Corbett and fellow center Cade Mays were retained, while longtime right tackle Taylor Moton inked a two-year extension shortly before the start of the campaign. Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu is still in the fold, as is left guard Damien Lewis. With a number of depth options returning as well, Carolina’s top nine contributors up front in terms of snaps from 2024 are in the fold.

Given today’s injury news, that depth and familiarity will be called upon early. Mays is set to take over from Corbett at center after falling short in this year’s training camp competition for the gig. Canales said Chandler Zavala, meanwhile, will receive the first opportunity to take on the right guard position. The 2023 fourth-rounder made seven total starts across his first two seasons with Carolina, and that figure is now set to increase.

Hunt remains under contract through 2028, so the Pro Bowler’s future with the team is not in questions. Corbett, on the other hand, missed considerable time in each of the past two years. Yet another significant injury will hurt the pending free agent’s chances of being retained this spring along with his market value for any outside teams which show interest.

Chargers Promote S Tony Jefferson

September 18th, 2025 at 6:05pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Chargers promoted veteran safety Tony Jefferson from the practice squad to the active roster, per a team announcement.

In Week 2, Jefferson started in place of Elijah Molden, who was sidelined by a hamstring injury. Molden has yet to practice this week, so Jefferson will likely get the starting nod once again after a solid game on Sunday. He made five tackles, defended two passes, and reeled in an interception on a deep ball just before halftime.

Jefferson was still eligible for two elevations from the practice squad, but the Chargers had an open roster spot after placing Khalil Mack on injured reserve earlier this week. The team could move him back to the practice squad if needed, but more strong showings from Jefferson could keep him in the mix even when Molden returns to the field.

It’s another step in an impressive journey for the former UDFA just two years after he retired from the NFL nine seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Cardinals and Ravens. Jefferson took a scouting fellowship with the latter team after initially hanging up his cleats, but he launched a comeback in 2024. Los Angeles was a natural destination given his history with new Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz, who came up in Baltimore’s front office and added several other former Ravens during his first year in charge.

The Chargers also signed outside linebackers Clelin Ferrell and Rashad Weaver to the practice squad. Ferrell never lived up to his billing as the No. 4 overall selection in 2019, but he has started 27 games over the last two years with a total of seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss. Weaver, originally a Titans fourth-round pick in 2021, put up 5.5 sacks in 2022 but was otherwise a rotational contributor during his time in Tennessee. He spent the 2024 season with the Texans, but only played 18 defensive snaps during the regular season.

Buccaneers Place Luke Goedeke On IR, Promote Luke Haggard

September 18th, 2025 at 3:27pm CST by Adam La Rose

As expected, Luke Goedeke will miss considerable time. The Buccaneers are moving their starting right tackle to injured reserve, Fox Sports’ Greg Auman reports. The news is now official, per a team announcement.

Goedeke exited Tampa Bay’s Week 2 win with a foot injury. As of Tuesday, it was unclear how long he would be sidelined for. Today’s move ensures at least a four-game absence, however, so the Buccaneers will shorthanded to an even larger extent for the time being.

Left tackle Tristan Wirfs continues to recover from offseason meniscus surgery. His season debut could take place around Week 5. Meanwhile, right guard Cody Mauch will miss the remainder of the campaign due to a knee injury. Losing Goedeke for an extended period marks another blow for Tampa Bay up front.

The Buccaneers have relied on center Graham Barton at left tackle with Wirfs sidelined. Charlie Heck – who originally appeared to be in position to handle fill-in duties on the blindside – stepped in at right tackle following Goedeke’s injury on Monday. That setup will likely continue moving forward. Getting Goedeke back as soon as possible will be critical given Tampa’s other ailments up front, but also the team’s recent $90MM investment in the 26-year-old.

The Buccaneers have already added Dan Feeney to the offensive line mix today, along with a Sua Opeta reunion on the practice squad. Goedeke moving to injured reserve has opened up another spot on the active roster, and Auman notes Luke Haggard is being promoted from the taxi squad to fill it. Haggard spent last season on and off the practice squad; he did not make any regular season appearances.

That could soon change given this latest injury news for the Buccaneers’ offensive line. Multiple replacements will be counted on in the starting lineup, and Tampa Bay’s depth up front will be worth watching closely. Wirfs could be back in the fold relatively soon, something which would represent a massive boost to the Bucs. When that happens, though, it seems likely Goedeke will still be sidelined.

Seahawks To Sign OL Shane Lemieux

September 18th, 2025 at 1:10pm CST by Adam La Rose

Shane Lemieux has lined up his next NFL opportunity. The veteran offensive lineman is joining the Seahawks, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

To no surprise, this is a practice squad arrangement. Veterans often take the route of a taxi squad signing when joining a team in the middle of a season in the hopes of being promoted to the active roster in short order. In Lemieux’s case, this deal will give him the opportunity to offer depth up front in Seattle.

The Seahawks made upgrading the O-line a priority this offseason. The team’s top pick was used on Grey Zabel, and he has immediately taken on left guard duties as a rookie. Seattle held a competition for the first-team gig at center and right guard, with Jalen Sundell and Anthony Bradford winning out. That trio has been joined by left tackle Charles Cross and the recently-extended Abraham Lucas at the right tackle spot.

It would certainly come as a surprise if Lemieux were to see first-team action anywhere up front barring injuries to Seattle’s starters. Still, the 28-year-old could handle backup duties in the event he were to be promoted to the active rosters. Lemieux has made 25 appearances and 16 starts across his time with the Giants and Saints. In both cases, injuries were a major issue.

The Oregon product has made double-digit appearances only once in a season to date (his rookie campaign in 2020). Lemieux made four starts for New Orleans last season as the team dealt with a number of injuries up front. He too spent time on IR in 2024, however, so it came as no surprise when he remained on the open market into August. The Saints re-signed Lemieux but eventually included him in their final roster cuts.

No known visits took place over the opening weeks of the season, but Seattle has now moved forward with a signing. A healthy campaign – coupled with a notable run in the lineup, of course – would be key in boosting Lemieux’s market value for next spring. At a minimum, he could offer veteran depth for Seattle’s new-look configuration up front.

Buccaneers Sign Dan Feeney, Add Sua Opeta To Practice Squad

September 18th, 2025 at 11:29am CST by Adam La Rose

In the wake of major injury news on both sides of the line of scrimmage, the Buccaneers have made a number of moves. Defensive lineman Calijah Kancey is dealing with a torn pectoral muscle, while right guard Cody Mauch is also out for the year with a knee injury.

The loss of Kancey prompted Tampa Bay to add defensive lineman Elijah Simmons off the Cardinals’ practice squad yesterday. Similarly, it was reported on Wednesday that the Mauch injury was expected to result in Dan Feeney being added from the Bills’ taxi squad as offensive line depth. Per Fox Sports’ Greg Auman, the Feeney addition has now indeed taken place.

The Bucs are already without left tackle Tristan Wirfs, although he is back at practice and eligible to play at any time. Right tackle Luke Goedeke is set to miss time, albeit without a firm timeline regarding how long he will be unavailable. The interior of Tampa Bay’s O-line will receive a boost once Wirfs returns, since that will allow for Graham Barton to shift back to center.

Especially until that takes place, Feeney will be a welcomed addition given his experience. The ninth-year veteran has made 120 appearances and 65 starts in his career. Feeney has yet to play this season, but he has experience at center (primarily from the 2020 season) as well as guard. Michael Jordan is in line to serve as a starter once again in Week 3, provided he is designated a gameday elevation on Saturday. Feeney will likely provide veteran depth behind him.

The same is also true of Sua Opeta. The 29-year-old was known to be taking part in a workout as potential fill-in options for the Bucs, and Auman notes a practice quad deal has been finalized. Opeta was sidelined for all of 2024 with an ACL tear, but after returning to full health he spent this past offseason with the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay moved on during roster cuts, but Opeta (who made 10 starts across four Eagles campaigns) is now back in the fold as an option to be added to the active roster if needed.

Auman adds Tampa Bay is also auditioning Royce Newman today. A former fourth-rounder, Newman spent his first three years with the Packers before spending the 2024 campaign in Tampa Bay. He too would be a familiar face, but with Feeney on the active roster and Opeta on the practice squad, Newman may not land a deal in the near future.

Chargers, Clelin Ferrell Agree To Deal

September 18th, 2025 at 10:58am CST by Adam La Rose

Clelin Ferrell worked out for the Chargers yesterday. That visit clearly went well, since a deal has now been agreed to.

Ferrell is signing with Los Angeles, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports. This practice squad move (which is now official) comes in the wake of fellow edge rusher Khalil Mack being placed on injured reserve. With a four-game absence (or longer) in store as a result, Ferrell will look to provide depth on his latest team.

The former No. 4 pick had an underwhelming start to his career in the AFC West. Over the course of his four years with the Raiders, Ferrell posted just 10 sacks while seeing his playing time fluctuate. A one-year pact with the 49ers followed, and it brought about a rotational role. Ferrell notched 3.5 sacks in San Francisco, and he matched that figure with the Commanders last year.

Tuli Tuipulotu is set to remain a key figure for the Chargers along the edge, but Mack’s injury (coupled with the decision to release Joey Bosa this offseason) will require other contributors to emerge. Veteran Bud Dupree will no doubt see an uptick in playing time while Mack is sidelined, while fourth-round rookie Kyle Kennard could draw into the lineup. Ferrell will now join that mix as well.

Rashad Weaver also took part in a workout with the Chargers this week, but today’s move certainly suggests he will not be signed. Weaver will continue to seek out his next opportunity as a free agent as the early part of the campaign plays out. Los Angeles entered Thursday with $12.9MM in cap space; that figure will drop to an extent once the Ferrell signing is official but he will not heavily impact the team’s other financial plans.

Commanders Sign OLB Preston Smith

September 17th, 2025 at 10:21pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

After a visit on Tuesday, the Commanders have signed Preston Smith, per a team announcement, reuniting the veteran outside linebacker with the team that originally drafted him in 2015.

Smith, 32, has 70.5 career sacks and will bolster Washington’s edge rushing room after defensive end Deatrich Wise suffered a season-ending quad injury last week.

In a corresponding move, cornerback Jonathan Jones was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury sustained in Week 2 against the Packers. He will be sidelined for at least four games, though the team has not provided a timeline for his return.

Smith began his NFL career in Washington as a second-round pick in 2015 and impressed with eight sacks and three forced fumbles in his rookie year. He played out his first contract with the franchise, totaling 24.5 sacks and 29 tackles for loss across 64 appearances (50 starts). Smith then hit free agency in 2019, signed with the Packers for $13MM per year, and took his game up a notch with 41.5 sacks and 40 tackles for loss across his next five seasons.

That period that brought a second Green Bay contract. However, Smith started to show signs of his age in 2024, registering just 2.5 sacks and two TFLs over his first nine games with a decreased snap share among a group of younger edge rushers.

Smith’s lack of comfort as 4-3 DE under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley – compared to his steady production as a 3-4 OLB – also contributed to his statistical downturn and led Smith to request a trade. The Packers obliged, sending him to the Steelers in exchange for a seventh-round pick. Smith saw even less playing time in Pittsburgh and added two sacks and three TFLs to his season tally. He was released by the Steelers in January and drew some interest this offseason, though it wasn’t strong enough to result in a contract before the season.

Smith will now join an edge rushing group headlined by Von Miller with several other reliable but unspectacular players. Smith will turn 33 in November and didn’t participate in training camp or the preseason, so his snap count will have to be managed, certainly early on and potentially for the rest of the season. He’s put up at least four sacks in every year of his decade in the NFL, and a repeat effort in 2025 would be a solid outcome for the Commanders defense.

Washington’s injury woes don’t stop with Jones and Wise, either. They’ve spread to the offense, too; tight end John Bates and wide receiver Noah Brown are both considered long shots to play against the Raiders in Week 3, per a pair of reports from JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington.

Load More Posts