Coming this summer!

The Carolina Panthers released wide receiver Dax Milne on Thursday, along with another slew of roster cuts. The 2021 seventh-round pick by the Washington Commanders out of BYU spent most of last season on Carolina's practice squad following stints in Washington and Las Vegas. Overall, the 25-year-old has played in 28 career games (none since 2022), racking up 15 receptions for 120 yards and one touchdown. He also has 40 career punt returns and 15 career kickoff returns. Based on his inability to crack an active roster and his early-offseason release, it would be a surprise if he makes an impact for a team anytime soon.

From RotoBaller

Following the release of veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, the Carolina Panthers expect rookie pass rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen to make an impact in Year 1, according to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe. The pair of SEC edge defenders were second and third-round picks, respectively, in the 2025 NFL Draft. Scourton tallied 15 sacks over his last 23 games at Texas A&M, while Umanmielen recorded 10.5 sacks in his lone season at Ole Miss after transferring from Florida. Both were productive sack-artists at the highest level of college football, and many had first-round grades on them. At worst, they should be in the mix to play on passing downs with veterans D.J. Wonnum, Pat Jones II, and DJ Johnson.

From RotoBaller

After re-signing defensive lineman James Lynch on Wednesday, the Tennessee Titans waived wide receiver Tay Martin (undisclosed) and linebacker Kyron Johnson (undisclosed) with undisclosed injury designations. The 27-year-old Martin, a former undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State, spent most of his time on the team's practice squad in 2024 and caught his first career pass on two targets for a 49-yard touchdown in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Houston Texans. Johnson, 26, was originally a sixth-round selection (181st overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022 out of Kansas. He did not play in a game last year with Tennessee and had just eight tackles (six solo) in 22 games (no starts) in his two seasons with the Eagles.

From RotoBaller

The Indianapolis Colts signed free-agent linebacker Joe Bachie to an undisclosed deal on Wednesday, according to the Indianapolis Star's Joel A. Erickson. Bachie will provide linebacking depth for the Colts and knows new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's defensive style well after playing for him the last four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. In addition to providing linebacker depth, the 27-year-old could be a key asset on special teams. The Colts are very thin at linebacker after seeing E.J. Speed and Grant Stuard leave in free agency. Bachie, a former undrafted free agent out of Michigan State, was more of a special teams player in Cincy, playing 818 snaps on special teams and only 222 snaps on defense over his 47 games with the Bengals. He ended last year on Injured Reserve with a groin injury but should be good to go for the start of the 2025 campaign this fall.

From RotoBaller

The Carolina Panthers placed running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Thursday, meaning he will not play at all in the 2025 season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Brooks tore his right ACL in Week 14 of his rookie season in 2024, his second ACL tear in as many years. The 21-year-old didn't make his NFL debut until Week 12 last year and played in just three games before unfortunately suffering another ACL tear. In his three games with Carolina, the second-rounder (46th overall) out of Texas had nine carries for 22 yards and caught all three of his targets for 23 yards. It's been a tough last couple of years for Brooks, who probably will never be the same runner he was before tearing his right ACL twice. The Panthers will move forward with Chuba Hubbard, Rico Dowdle and rookie Trevor Etienne as their RBs in 2025.

From RotoBaller

The Carolina Panthers released tight end Jordan Matthews on Thursday, league sources tell The Charlotte Observer's Mike Kaye. The former wide receiver will now hit the open market after re-signing with the team in early January on a Reserve/Futures deal. The 32-year-old former second-round pick (42nd overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014 out of Vanderbilt ended up with just one target in four games played (one start) in his two seasons with Carolina the last two years. Since transitioning to a tight end, Matthews hasn't made an impact at the NFL level since leaving the Eagles with the San Francisco 49ers and Panthers. In his 10 NFL seasons, Matthews has recorded 274 catches on 423 targets for 3,288 yards and 22 touchdowns, with pretty much all of that production coming from 2014-18.

From RotoBaller

The Carolina Panthers released edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney on Thursday, sources tell ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Clowney will hit the free-agent market after spending just one season with the Panthers in 2024. In 14 starts for them last year, the 32-year-old veteran pass-rusher had 46 tackles (24 solo), 5.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, 11 QB hits and four pass breakups. The move to cut Clowney this offseason will free up $7.78 million in salary cap space this year for the Panthers. The three-time Pro Bowler was the first overall pick by the Houston Texans in 2014 out of South Carolina. Clowney does have 58 career sacks in 11 NFL seasons over 140 regular-season games played, but he's battled various injuries and has never posted a double-digit sack campaign. He should latch on elsewhere but probably won't be anything more than a rotational pass-rusher.

From RotoBaller

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten could make a significant impact during his first NFL season, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. In particular, Fowler notes that Tuten could carve out a significant role simply by process of elimination. Jacksonville's new coaching and front office regime isn't very high on incumbent starter Travis Etienne Jr., and they're also aware of Tank Bigsby's fumbling issues. There's a lot to be said about a new staff bringing in its own guys, and it's possible they could look to phase Tuten into the offense right away. As a fourth-round pick, Tuten will still have to earn opportunities, but that hasn't been a problem for him in the past. At Virginia Tech last year, he ran wild with 1,159 rushing yards and 17 total touchdowns.

From RotoBaller

The Jacksonville Jaguars' new regime of coaches and executives is "not so high" on running back Travis Etienne Jr., according to league executives who have spoken with ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. As a result, Fowler notes that rookie Bhayshul Tuten could carve out a role and make an impact right away. The Etienne era in Jacksonville has been a rollercoaster, to say the least. He dominated over his first two seasons, combining for 2,925 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns. He even finished eighth in Offensive Player of the Year voting in 2023. However, last season, after Tank Bigsby joined the backfield, Etienne's usage dwindled. He still started all 15 games he played, but he was often out-snapped and out-produced by Bigsby. Etienne finished his age-25 campaign with just 558 rushing yards, 254 receiving yards, and two touchdowns, all of which were career lows. He was already trending down ahead of this offseason, and the Jaguars' decision to bring in new faces (such as general manager James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen) could spell disaster for the former first-round pick.

From RotoBaller

The Los Angeles Rams "are still involved in a potential trade" for Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. In fact, Fowler explains that the Rams' interest in Ramsey is one reason why they didn't select a cornerback in last month's NFL Draft. The veteran defender has reportedly been available for several weeks, with Miami expected to trade or release him by the end of June. The Dolphins' decision to move on from Ramsey stems from his contract, which includes a $16.67 million cap hit this season. If Miami trades him before June 1, they would take on $25.2 million in dead money while saving $8.6 million against the cap. Trading him after June 1 would provide greater financial relief with $6.7 million in dead money and $9.9 million in savings. Fowler notes that prospective trade partners are worried about Ramsey's $24 million in guarantees, and the Dolphins have been hesitant to cover a portion of the bill. As a result, the impasse continues. However, Los Angeles is certainly interested, and we've seen other contenders like the Ravens linked to Ramsey, too. The 30-year-old is a seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro. He has 24 career interceptions and won a Super Bowl with the Rams in 2022.

From RotoBaller

The New York Jets will get rookie wide receiver Arian Smith involved in "smoke routes and jet sweeps to utilize his speed early and ease him into the offense," according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Smith had an issue with drops at the University of Georgia, but his speed and playmaking ability are undeniable. During his senior season, he caught 48 passes for 817 yards and four touchdowns. The Jets' wide receiver depth chart is difficult to project at the moment, but the door remains open for Smith to surpass Malachi Corley and Tyler Johnson for the No. 4 receiver role to open the season. His role could grow even further if the Jets decide to trade wide receiver Allen Lazard to the Pittsburgh Steelers, which has been rumored as a possibility if Aaron Rodgers decides to don the black and gold.

From RotoBaller

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook skipped the initial portion of the team's voluntary offseason workout program, but general manager Brandon Beane expects him to be ready for football when the time comes. Cook's holdout stems from contract talks, which are ongoing between the running back and team executives. "I know we've had people in the building that he's been talking with, and I have no doubt when it's time to play football, he'll be ready to roll," Beane said. Although an exact timeline is unclear, Cook could return as soon as June 10, when the Bills begin their mandatory minicamp for veteran players. Per the terms of the CBA, any player who misses all three days of mandatory minicamp will be hit with fines exceeding $100,000 total. That amount could be a drop in the bucket compared to Cook's next contract, but it's still a significant price to pay for missing three days of practice. Extending Cook would be in the Bills' best interest after he totaled 1,267 scrimmage yards and a career-high 18 touchdowns last season.

From RotoBaller

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the New York Giants are expected to use rookie fourth-round running back Cam Skattebo as a pass-catcher and a runner. They like the Arizona State's ability to track the ball out of the backfield. The 23-year-old came alive for the Sun Devils in 2024 with 1,711 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on 293 carries while adding 45 receptions for 605 yards and another three scores through the air. The 23-year-old might be a weakness in pass protection, which could cost him as he looks to get involved alongside Tyrone Tracy and Devin Singletary, but his physicality and versatility in the backfield makes him an intriguing dynasty/keeper prospect heading into his rookie season. At the very least, Skattebo could be in consideration for a bench spot in deep PPR fantasy leagues in 2025. His addition certainly isn't great news for Tracy.

From RotoBaller

The Denver Broncos agreed to a four-year rookie contract with third-round wide receiver Pat Bryant on Wednesday, a source told 9 News' Mike Klis. The Broncos selected the Illinois product with the 74th overall pick to give them more wideout depth behind WR1 Courtland Sutton in 2025 and beyond. It's another weapon for second-year quarterback Bo Nix, and the 22-year-old pass-catcher should give him a nice big target with a wide catch radius at 6-foot-2, 204 pounds. Bryant has drawn comparisons to former Saints receiver Michael Thomas, who had a nice history with head coach Sean Payton. He could have trouble separating from defensive backs in the NFL, but Bryant's production (17 touchdowns the last two years) speaks for itself. Bryant will most likely struggle for volume in 2025 as he competes with Marvin Mims Jr., Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell didn't really acknowledge whether former first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) will face competition for the starting job in 2025. "J.J. is going to be in a great position to assume and ascend in our organization," O'Connell said on The Rich Eisen Show. "But right now, we really don't have any feelings on competition as much as we've got an obligation as coaches to put our players in position to attack that competition phase." Sam Howell and Brett Rypien are the other options in the QB room. O'Connell did say that McCarthy is "owning it" this offseason and will get plenty of reps with the starters. The 22-year-old missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, but he's fully expected to be ready for the start of 2025. O'Connell said he's seen a difference in McCarthy's footwork, rhythm, timing and cadence from a year ago. The Vikes like him a lot, so he's expected to be the starter in Week 1, where he'll be a low-end QB2 in fantasy with upside.

From RotoBaller

The Seattle Seahawks officially re-signed defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins to an undisclosed one-year deal on Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Hankins will return for his second season in Seattle after recording 30 tackles (15 solo), one sack, five tackles for loss and his first career interception in 17 games (eight starts). The 33-year-old former second-rounder (49th overall) by the New York Giants in 2013 out of Ohio State isn't on the fantasy radar in IDP fantasy leagues and will be competing for a starting spot at nose tackle this summer in training camp. Hankins had a career-high seven sacks back in his second season in the league in 2014. Since then, he hasn't had more than three sacks in a season with 18.5 total in his 169 games played (142 starts).

From RotoBaller

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) announced on social media that he had a second surgery on his wrist that "went amazing," according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Hill's second procedure was part of his original plan and was to have screws removed from his left wrist, and the Cheetah's timeline for a return won't change. The 31-year-old initially injured his wrist in a training camp practice in August but never missed a game because of it in 2024, ultimately finishing with a disappointing 81-959-6 line in 17 starts after leading the league with 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023. It was the first time that Hill hasn't been named a Pro Bowler in his nine-year NFL career. He is going to miss most of the team's offseason work but should be ready come training camp and the regular season. Hill could bounce back as a high-end WR1 in fantasy, but quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's concussion history makes the speedy wideout more volatile.

From RotoBaller

The Dallas Cowboys have signed seventh-round rookie running back Phil Mafah to a four-year, $4.31 million deal, per the team's transaction log. Mafah spent his entire college career at Clemson, garnering seven starts over his first three seasons before starting in all 14 games in 2024. He broke out last year, rushing for 1,115 yards and eight touchdowns across 216 carries (5.2 YPC). The 22-year-old wasn't much of a receiver over his first two campaigns, but he caught 21 balls in each of his junior and senior seasons, though he did not score any TDs there. Like his fellow rookie rusher Jaydon Blue, Mafah will have the opportunity to crack Dallas' backfield due to the lack of competition in front of him. This RB room will be one to watch throughout the months leading up to the NFL season.

From RotoBaller

The Philadelphia Eagles have signed undrafted free agent running back Montrell Johnson Jr. to an undisclosed contract. Dylan Olive of Sports Illustrated reported the news. The former Florida Gator spent three seasons with the team in college after a rookie-year stint with the University of Louisiana. Johnson Jr. was better during his first three collegiate campaigns, rushing for at least 817 yards in each while lauding double-digit TD totals in two of them. However, his production ticked down in 2024 while operating as the lesser half of a timeshare with former teammate Jadan Baugh. The New Orleans native has good size and speed as a runner, but also a bevy of competent rushers ahead of him on the Eagles' depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Per the team's transaction log, the Dallas Cowboys have signed fifth-round rookie running back Jaydon Blue to a four-year, $4.62 million contract. The 21-year-old played second fiddle to teammate Quintrevion Wisner for the Texas Longhorns and is smaller in stature (5-foot-9) but has speed for days (4.38 40-yard dash). Blue has the odds stacked against him for playing time -- considering his draft capital -- but it isn't unheard of for late-round selections to make a splash in the league. Furthermore, the talent (or lack thereof) in front of him in Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams doesn't pose much of a threat in the way of competition. He'll undoubtedly have an opportunity to make his way to the field, but it won't be good for his prospects if he can't beat out the aforementioned veterans for playing time.

From RotoBaller