Fri May 9 11:19am ET
Field Level Media
After a couple weeks of browsing, New York Giants first-round pick Abdul Carter selected the No. 51 jersey off the rack of available digits on Friday.
The 21-year-old outside linebacker, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, flirted with the idea of wearing the retired jersey numbers of a couple of Hall of Famers before making his choice.
Franchise legend Lawrence Taylor rebuffed Carter's request to bring his No. 56 out of retirement, politely telling the rookie to "be the player that he is."
"He can't be another Lawrence Taylor," Taylor said to ESPN two days after the draft. "Well, he may be better than a Lawrence Taylor, who knows. But he has to make his mark. It's up to him."
Carter then pivoted to No. 11, the number he wore as an All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year at Penn State.
That jersey number also is retired by New York in honor of quarterback Phil Simms, who said he initially was receptive to the idea. However, he was "outvoted" by his family, he told the New York Daily News.
That rejection prompted Carter to make a joke about whether he would ever find a number.
"Damn at this point imma be out there with just my last name on my jersey, no number (laughing emojis)," Carter posted on X. "Jkjk, It's all Love. Just wanna play Football!"
Linebacker Azeez Ojulari wore No. 51 from 2021-24 but signed with the Philadelphia Eagles during the offseason.
The most decorated player in Giants history to wear the number was two-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Pro Bowl long snapper Zak DeOssie from 2007-19.
The Giants announced the jersey numbers for the rest of their rookie class: QB Jaxson Dart (6), DT Darius Alexander (91), RB Cam Skattebo (44), OL Marcus Mbow (71), TE Thomas Fidone II (86) and CB Korie Black (25).
According to the league's transaction wire, the Jacksonville Jaguars officially released wide receiver Gabe Davis (knee) on Thursday with a failed-physical designation. A torn meniscus ended Davis' first and only season in Jacksonville last year after just 10 games. The 26-year-old had signed a three-year, $39 million contract with the team. The former fourth-rounder of the Buffalo Bills in 2020 out of Central Florida caught 20 of 42 targets for 239 yards and two touchdowns in his 10 games (nine starts) before tearing his meniscus last year. It remains to be seen if he'll be full speed and ready to go for the start of the 2025 regular season this fall as he looks to latch on with a new team. Davis has always been more of a boom/bust fantasy asset, but his value moving forward will depend on where he surfaces. Second-year man Brian Thomas Jr. is the Jags' clear WR1, with Dyami Brown and two-way rookie Travis Hunter now in line for bigger roles.
From RotoBaller
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed first-round rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka to a four-year, $18.1 million contract on Friday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Despite the fact the Bucs still have Mike Evans and Chris Godwin (ankle), they elected to take Egbuka out of Ohio State with the 19th overall pick in this year's NFL draft. The 6-foot-1, 202-pound 22-year-old is versatile and can move around the field, but he could struggle for volume in his rookie season in 2025 as long as both Evans and Godwin stay on the field. The addition of Egbuka is bad news for second-year pass-catcher Jalen McMillan. Egbuka was highly productive for the Buckeyes, setting a school record of 205 career catches for 2,868 yards and 24 touchdowns in 49 games. He should be the favorite to be Tampa's WR3 this season and will be a very attractive dynasty/keeper draft pick for the long term.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said that running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) "looks awesome" this offseason and also said that "we're going to do everything we can to get him the ball as much as we can." McCaffrey was a big-time fantasy bust as the No. 1 overall pick in most fantasy drafts in 2024, as he didn't make his season debut until Week 10 due to bilateral Achilles tendinitis before spraining his PCL in Week 14 and being shut down for the rest of the year. The 28-year-old All-Pro has no restrictions during the team's offseason program, though, and should be fully healthy for Week 1 in 2025. It doesn't sound like the Niners plan to reduce his workload this year, but fantasy managers are surely skeptical about CMC staying healthy for a full season. McCaffrey is a league-winner if he stays healthy, but he's played fewer than eight games three times in the last five years.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) underwent a wrist procedure that involved the removal of his previously placed screws, according to ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques. The 31-year-old had his wrist surgically repaired this offseason, and this second procedure was pre-planned. Last year, Hill played a significant chunk of the season with a "ligament issue." Between his injury, Tua Tagovailoa's trip to the Injured Reserve list, and the Miami offense regressing overall, Hill posted his worst statistical season since his rookie campaign (minimum 13 games). In 17 contests, he hauled in just 81 passes for 959 yards and six touchdowns. He finished as the WR18 overall in PPR formats and the WR30 in fantasy points per game (minimum 10 games). His 2024 campaign could have been the start of a sharp decline, so fantasy managers should be cautious with him in the early rounds next season.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter will "primarily" practice with the offense during rookie minicamp, according to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe. The Jaguars plan to add defensive reps to his practice regimen eventually, but it's unclear if that will happen before the end of minicamp. Hunter is arguably the most athletic player in this year's rookie class, dominating as an offensive and defensive superstar at Colorado. As a receiver, he led the Big 12 with 96 catches and 15 touchdowns. While most fantasy members will only be able to get points for Hunter's offensive or defensive contributions (not both), he's still a high-upside fantasy option given his skill set and track record. Hunter's injury risk will have to be taken into consideration since he could be playing twice as many snaps as a typical player, but there's no denying his ability to produce when called upon.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Steelers have traded wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Dynasty Analysis: Despite Pickens saying he wanted to stay in Pittsburgh and the Steelers also saying they were fine keeping him, this marriage had simply run its course. Pittsburgh will reportedly receive a 2026 third round pick and a 2027 fifth round pick in exchange for their disgruntled wideout. Pickens will slide into the Cowboys offense as the clear WR2 next to CeeDee Lamb and should find it possible to post similar seasons as he has in the past with close to 60 catches, 1,000 yards and a handful of touchdowns as long as he stays engaged, which has always been a bit of a challenge.
Dynasty | The Jaguars have released wide receiver Gabe Davis. Dynasty Analysis: Davis had some solid seasons in Buffalo, scoring 27 touchdowns over his four seasons with the Bills. This led him to signing with Jacksonville last year as they hoped he could form a nice receiving duo with Brian Thomas Jr. That simply never happened as Davis posted just 20 catches for 239 yards and two scores over ten games. The Jags are taking a $20 million cap hit to release Davis but obviously find him to be unnecessary now that they have Travis Hunter, who now has an even easier road to targets. Davis should latch on somewhere in the coming weeks, but his dynasty value has evaporated.
The Carolina Panthers have signed rookie first-round wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan to a four-year, $27.93 million contract. McMillan was the first receiver selected in April's draft, chosen No. 8 overall by Carolina. The hulking pass-catcher (6-foot-4) will reportedly operate as the team's X receiver with veteran Adam Thielen manning the slot and Xavier Legette rounding out the corps at the Z. It's a natural fit for the Arizona product, as his frame and metrics support the position. He was excellent during his final two seasons at college, amassing 174 receptions, 2,721 yards, and 18 touchdowns, and projects to slot in as a high-volume target for quarterback Bryce Young. McMillan is a superb selection early in rookie drafts, and could garner appeal in redraft leagues if Young's improvements from the tail end of 2024 stick.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Houston Texans second-round wide receiver Jayden Higgins has signed his four-year, $11.7 million rookie deal. The Texans chose the 22-year-old with the second pick of the second round (their first selection) in last month's draft -- the first of two wideouts taken, joining third-rounder Jaylin Noel. With the news that teammate Tank Dell (knee) will most likely miss the 2025 season due to a complex knee injury he suffered last December, Higgins should get an immediate opportunity to make an impact on the field. The Iowa state alum is a big-bodied receiver with burst, who should operate nicely across from incumbent starter Nico Collins. Fortunately for him, he needs only beat out Christian Kirk to operate as the team's second wideout, and Kirk typically runs from the slot, where Higgins doesn't project to line up.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders have signed Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty to his rookie contract. Per Adam Schefter, the four-year agreement is worth a fully guaranteed $35.89 million with $22.74 million due at signing. The 21-year-old is coming off one of the most historic collegiate rushing seasons of all time, and can now officially call Las Vegas home. Jeanty enters an excellent situation as a Raider, with an accurate quarterback manning the helm, a talented offensive mind in Chip Kelly at coordinator, and a head coach in Pete Carroll who has historically enjoyed establishing the run. Expectations are sky-high for the Jacksonville native, as he's already in the conversation to be one of the first few backs off the board this summer in drafts. While rookies always carry a bit of inherent risk, Jeanty will immediately slot in as the Raiders' workhorse back and has the talent to make fantasy managers who didn't draft him regret it.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Chicago Bears have signed first-round pick tight end Colston Loveland to a four-year, $26.6 million deal. He was one of five draft picks to sign their rookie deal on Thursday, along with new teammate, running back Kyle Monangai. The former Michigan Wolverine is officially a Bear. Loveland did not laud eye-popping stats during his time in college, but he brings a tantalizing blend of athleticism and ball skills to the field. Not only is he versatile -- able to move around the formation to cause mismatches -- but he's also drawn comparisons to Trey McBride and Sam LaPorta, the latter of which would be fitting considering his potential role in a Ben Johnson offense. The Idaho native will likely lose some work to fellow tight end Cole Kmet in 2025, but he's an excellent long-term play and should take over as the team's starter eventually.
From RotoBaller
The Miami Dolphins have officially signed former Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers to his four-year rookie contract, according to NFL insider Mike Garafolo. Ewers notably slid to the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft after some analysts projected him to be selected as early as the third or fourth round. After redshirting at Ohio State in 2021, Ewers threw for 9,128 yards, 68 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions in 36 games over three seasons with the Longhorns. He led the program to two consecutive College Football Playoff semifinal appearances. Now in Miami, he'll have the opportunity to compete with former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson for the QB2 role behind Tua Tagovailoa. Given Tagovailoa's injury history as of late, one of his backups could be called into action during the 2025 campaign. Wilson should be viewed as the front-runner to win that job.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants edge rusher Victor Dimukeje (pectoral) suffered a torn pec during offseason workouts and will miss time as a result. The 2021 sixth-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals out of Duke signed with the Giants this offseason following four seasons in the desert. Overall, he tallied 67 tackles (42 solo), four sacks, two forced fumbles, one pass deflection, and 7.5 run stuffs in 55 career games. The 25-year-old is a depth piece for New York after inking a one-year $1.34 million deal, and he could be at risk of missing the 53-man roster after the team added Penn State's Abdul Carter with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The injury will not help his cause.
From RotoBaller
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
Carolina Panthers LB Jadeveon Clowney, TE Jordan Matthews and WR Dax Milne were released Thursday, May 8. The team also waived WR T.J. Luther, OG Andrew Raym and DT Jerrod Clark and waived/injured DT Popo Aumavae (undisclosed).
From TheHuddle
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