Player news from trusted outlets

NFL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Friday, May 1

Mike Washington Jr. Emerges as Raiders' Day 2 Draft Gem

AutoDraft Pro AI

Running back Mike Washington Jr. is being highlighted as a standout selection from the Las Vegas Raiders' 2026 draft class. Analysts are pointing to his potential impact as a Day 2 gem, signaling high expectations for his role within the Raiders' offensive scheme for the upcoming season.

Patriots Sign Fifth-Round Pick Karon Prunty to Rookie Deal

AutoDraft Pro AI

The New England Patriots have officially signed fifth-round draft pick Karon Prunty to his four-year rookie contract. The agreement, confirmed by the Boston Globe, integrates the rookie into the team's secondary as the Patriots look to bolster their defensive rotation for the 2026 season.

Shedeur Sanders Pushed as Potential Browns Week 1 Starter

AutoDraft Pro AI

There is growing discourse regarding the Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation, with arguments being made that Shedeur Sanders should be named the starter for Week 1 over incumbent Deshaun Watson. The conversation highlights the potential for a shift in the team's leadership as they prepare for the 2026 campaign.

Deshaun Watson Faces Competition for Browns QB1 Role

AutoDraft Pro AI

While Deshaun Watson is currently viewed as the frontrunner for the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback position, recent discussions suggest he faces competition for the Week 1 job. The debate centers on whether the team should pivot to younger talent to lead the offense for the 2026 season.

Robert Saleh Recalls Coaching Dante Fowler in Jacksonville

AutoDraft Pro AI

As Titans coach Robert Saleh manages his current draft class, he reflected on his 2015 tenure as the Jaguars' linebackers coach. During that time, he worked with pass rusher Dante Fowler, who was selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft.

Texans Re-Sign Defensive End Ali Gaye Off Waivers

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Houston Texans have bolstered their defensive line depth by claiming defensive end Ali Gaye off of waivers. This move marks a second stint with the organization for Gaye as the team continues to refine its roster ahead of upcoming team activities.

Giants Decline Fifth-Year Option on Deonte Banks

AutoDraft Pro AI

The New York Giants have officially declined the fifth-year option for Deonte Banks, signaling a 'clean slate' approach for the defensive back. As he enters the upcoming season, Banks is now set to play for his next contract. This decision places significant pressure on his performance throughout the year, as he looks to prove his long-term value to the organization under the new team direction.

Colts Decline Fifth-Year Option on Anthony Richardson

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Indianapolis Colts have opted not to exercise the fifth-year option on quarterback Anthony Richardson's rookie contract. The news, reported by Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan, follows Richardson's recent recovery from an eye injury. The decision marks a significant development in the team's long-term commitment to the quarterback as he enters a pivotal phase of his career in Indianapolis.

Raiders Sign Undrafted Free Agent QB Jacob Clark

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Las Vegas Raiders have added depth to their quarterback room by signing undrafted free agent Jacob Clark. Clark joins the team alongside first overall pick Fernando Mendoza, ensuring additional competition at the position during the upcoming offseason practices. The signing is part of the Raiders' broader effort to build a competitive roster around their new franchise centerpiece.

Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza Named OROY Betting Favorite

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Las Vegas Raiders have established first overall pick Fernando Mendoza as the cornerstone of their franchise. Mendoza has emerged as the betting favorite for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, with analysts praising his potential within the team's scheme. As the Raiders round out their roster with additional signings like undrafted free agent Jacob Clark, Mendoza is expected to lead the offense, supported by a highly-rated draft class and elite PFF-graded foundations.

Cowboys Defender Shavon Revel Faces High-Pressure Battle for Roster Spot

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dallas Cowboys defender Shavon Revel enters the 2026 season under significant pressure to secure his position on the final roster. As the team evaluates its defensive depth, this upcoming campaign is being characterized as a make-or-break year for Revel. He will need to demonstrate consistent performance during training camp and preseason to fend off competition and maintain his spot within a Cowboys defense that is looking to optimize its personnel for a deep playoff run.

Colston Loveland's Role Clarified Amid Bears Tight End Roster Shifts

AutoDraft Pro AI

Colston Loveland continues to be a factor in the Chicago Bears' tight end rotation following earlier speculation that he might replace veteran Cole Kmet. While the team has since added Sam Roush to the mix, Loveland has proven he was not brought in to immediately supplant Kmet. The Bears' strategy appears focused on building a versatile multi-tight end set rather than finding a direct replacement, keeping Loveland as a key component of the team's evolving offensive scheme.

Cole Kmet Retains Primary Tight End Role Despite Sam Roush Addition

AutoDraft Pro AI

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet remains the team's definitive starter at the position despite the recent addition of Sam Roush. Although the drafting of Roush sparked speculation regarding Kmet's long-term future, similar to when Colston Loveland joined the roster, Roush is not currently viewed as a replacement. Kmet continues to lead the unit as the Bears integrate younger talent, maintaining his status as a key target in the offense while the team develops its depth.

Rookie Sam Roush Joins Bears Tight End Room Alongside Cole Kmet

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Chicago Bears have added Sam Roush to a tight end room that already features established starter Cole Kmet. While some analysts have questioned if Roush is being groomed as an eventual replacement for Kmet, current evaluations suggest he is not yet positioned to take over the primary role. Roush's arrival adds depth to the position group, following previous additions like Colston Loveland, as the Bears continue to build out their offensive personnel for the 2026 season.

Khalil Herbert Seeks Roster Spot via Tryout at Eagles Rookie Minicamp

AutoDraft Pro AI

Khalil Herbert is one of two veteran running backs currently trying out for the Philadelphia Eagles during their rookie minicamp. Herbert is competing for a role in the Philadelphia backfield as the team explores veteran options to complement their younger talent. Alongside Elijah Mitchell, Herbert is using the weekend sessions to showcase his health and utility to the coaching staff, hoping to parlay the tryout into a contract and a permanent spot on the Eagles' 2026 roster.

Veteran RB Elijah Mitchell Joins Eagles Rookie Minicamp on Tryout Basis

AutoDraft Pro AI

Veteran running back Elijah Mitchell is participating in the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie minicamp this weekend on a tryout basis. Mitchell, who brings established NFL experience to the field, is looking to secure a spot on the Eagles' roster alongside fellow veteran Khalil Herbert. The team is using the minicamp window to evaluate if the experienced ball carrier can provide necessary depth and stability to their backfield rotation for the upcoming 2026 competitive season.

Steelers Draft Pick Extension Streak Continues

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Pittsburgh Steelers' ongoing trend of not signing extensions for their draft picks remains a point of discussion regarding Broderick Jones. The organization has yet to deviate from this established pattern, leaving the status of their draft selections in a familiar holding pattern as the team moves through the offseason program.

Ravens Sign Quarterback Diego Pavia as Undrafted Rookie

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Baltimore Ravens have officially added quarterback Diego Pavia to their roster. Pavia was signed alongside 18 other undrafted rookies as the team bolsters its depth. He will now begin the process of integrating into the Ravens' offensive system during the team's offseason activities.

Ravens Sign Quarterback Joe Fagnano as Undrafted Rookie

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Baltimore Ravens have officially added quarterback Joe Fagnano to their roster. Fagnano joins the team as part of a group of 19 undrafted rookies signed by the organization. He will compete for a spot on the depth chart as the Ravens finalize their personnel for the upcoming season.

Commanders' Sonny Styles Poised for Green Dot Role as Rookie

AutoDraft Pro AI

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has expressed high expectations for seventh overall pick Sonny Styles, noting the linebacker is "definitely capable" of wearing the green dot to relay defensive signals. Quinn emphasized his excitement to coach the hyper-athletic rookie. Styles, who headlines a draft class that earned an A- grade for efficiency, will have his leadership and signal-calling duties refined during upcoming team practices.