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

Monday, May 18

Payton Wilson Reacts to Aaron Rodgers Joining Steelers

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Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson expressed that he was "a little shocked" to see veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers join the team. The news of Rodgers signing a one-year deal with Pittsburgh broke over the weekend, marking a significant roster addition for the Steelers as they prepare for the upcoming season. Wilson's reaction highlights the impact of the veteran's arrival on the current team dynamic during the early stages of OTA practice sessions.

Aaron Rodgers Signs One-Year Deal With Pittsburgh Steelers

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Aaron Rodgers has officially signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, entering his 22nd NFL season. The deal, finalized after a five-month wait, positions him to potentially surpass Peyton Manning for the third-most touchdown passes in league history. Rodgers has already joined the team for OTA practice sessions. His arrival has been a notable development in the locker room, with teammates like Payton Wilson expressing surprise at the veteran quarterback's return.

Jacoby Brissett Continues Contract Holdout, Misses Cardinals OTAs

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Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, 33, remains absent from the Arizona Cardinals' voluntary OTAs as he continues his holdout in pursuit of a contract adjustment. Head coach Mike LaFleur confirmed that contract discussions remain stagnant, noting that the situation is currently in the same place it was a few weeks ago. Brissett's absence from the team's initial organized activities persists as he seeks a new deal ahead of the 2026 season.

Cam Skattebo Provides Update on Recovery from Leg Injury

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New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo addressed his recovery from last season's significant leg injury during a Monday Town Hall event. While Skattebo expressed optimism, stating, "Week 1, I’ll be ready to go," he also admitted, "I’m a little ways off, not too far." His comments suggest that his rehabilitation process is ongoing and perhaps not as advanced as some had hoped, though he maintains confidence in his availability for the start of the season.

Kyren Williams Expected to Share Backfield Duties with Blake Corum

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Kyren Williams is slated to split running back responsibilities with Blake Corum under the Los Angeles Rams' evolving offensive scheme. This development signals a departure from the Sean McVay era's traditional reliance on a bell-cow back. As the team prepares for the season, the backfield is expected to be more divided than in previous years, with both Williams and Corum projected to play significant roles in the rotation.

Blake Corum Poised for Split Backfield Role in Rams Offense

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The Los Angeles Rams appear set to deviate from Sean McVay's historical tendency to rely on a single primary running back. Reports indicate that Blake Corum is expected to share the backfield workload significantly with Kyren Williams. This shift marks a notable change in the Rams' offensive strategy, with the team preparing for a more divided approach to their rushing attack during the upcoming season.

Joe Burrow Reflects on Frustrating Injury-Plagued 2025 Season

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Following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL season, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow voiced his frustration regarding the team's performance during a campaign heavily impacted by injuries. Despite the challenges faced throughout the year, Burrow maintained confidence in the roster's potential, stating that the team possesses everything necessary to compete at a high level moving forward.

Jordan Ta'amu Out for Season with Injury

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The D.C. Defenders have suffered a significant blow as starting quarterback Jordan Ta'amu has been ruled out for the remainder of the UFL season due to an injury. While the league continues to see stable television ratings, the loss of a marquee player like Ta'amu presents a challenge for the Defenders as they navigate the rest of their schedule.

A.J. Brown Expected to Join Patriots Following June 1st Trade

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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown is reportedly expected to be traded to the New England Patriots after June 1st, a move anticipated to significantly reshape the Patriots' receiving corps. Amidst these trade rumors, Brown also celebrated a personal milestone, having married his long-time girlfriend, Kelsey Riley, on May 16 at the Montage Laguna Beach. The potential trade remains a major focal point for the Eagles and the Patriots' roster management moving forward.

Kayshon Boutte Misses Workouts Amid Trade Speculation

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Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte is absent from voluntary workouts, fueling trade rumors. Reports suggest he could be available for a fifth- or sixth-round pick. His future is further clouded by reports that the Patriots may acquire A.J. Brown after June 1st, which would increase competition in a room already featuring Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism III. Boutte is currently entering his fourth NFL season with his status remaining uncertain.

Saints Evaluate Alvin Kamara's Future Amid Knee Injury

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The New Orleans Saints are currently evaluating the future of 30-year-old running back Alvin Kamara for the 2026 season. GM Mickey Loomis confirmed that a definitive decision regarding his role, including his status while managing a knee injury, will be made within the next two weeks. Coach Kellen Moore noted that both the team and Kamara are allowing the offseason process to play out as they assess long-term roster strategy, despite Kamara's expressed desire to remain in New Orleans.

Puka Nacua Faces High-Stakes OTAs for Rams

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Puka Nacua enters the Los Angeles Rams' OTA sessions as a focal point for the team. With roster spots, contract considerations, and starting roles currently in flux, Nacua is among the players with the most to gain during this period. The team is evaluating his development as they finalize their offensive personnel and depth chart for the upcoming season.

De'Von Achane Secures New Contract Deal

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De'Von Achane has successfully reached a contract agreement with the Miami Dolphins. His new deal is now serving as a benchmark for other star running backs from the 2023 draft class, including Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, who are now projected to receive similar massive contract extensions based on the market value established by Achane's recent signing.

Jahmyr Gibbs Poised for Major Contract Extension

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In the wake of De'Von Achane's new contract, analysts are projecting a massive extension for Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs. As a key playmaker from the 2023 draft class, Gibbs is expected to command a significant deal as teams look to secure their star running backs long-term, mirroring the market trends established by his peers.

Bijan Robinson Projected for Massive Contract Extension

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Following the recent contract agreement reached by De'Von Achane, projections suggest that Bijan Robinson is in line for a significant contract extension. As a standout member of the 2023 draft class, Robinson's performance has positioned him for a major financial commitment from the Atlanta Falcons, reflecting the rising market value for elite running backs from his draft cohort.

Tershawn Wharton Undergoes Neck Surgery

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Carolina Panthers defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton has undergone neck surgery, according to a confirmation from head coach Dave Canales on Monday. No further details regarding his recovery timeline or status for the upcoming season were provided at this time.

Chris Boswell Reacts to Aaron Rodgers' Return

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Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was among the teammates who publicly reacted to the news of quarterback Aaron Rodgers officially re-signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rodgers returned to the field for the start of Phase III of the club's offseason program on Monday.

Michael Pittman Focuses on Chemistry with Rodgers

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Following the official re-signing of quarterback Aaron Rodgers with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Michael Pittman emphasized the importance of building team chemistry. Pittman noted that the team intends to maximize their practice reps together as they begin OTAs to ensure the offense is fully prepared for the upcoming season. Pittman was among the teammates who publicly reacted to Rodgers' return to the field for the start of Phase III of the club's offseason program.

Troy Fautanu Reaffirms Commitment to Tackle Position

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The 2024 first-round pick has made his intentions clear regarding his role with the Pittsburgh Steelers, explicitly stating his preference to remain at the tackle position amidst ongoing discussions about the team's offensive line configuration. Fautanu also noted that the team's chemistry has remained strong following the return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, stating that the group has picked up exactly where they left off during Monday's practice.

Packers Evaluate Receiver Unit Depth

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As the Green Bay Packers head into camp, the team faces questions regarding the consistency of their receiver unit. The trio of Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Matthew Golden has seen limited time playing together, creating uncertainty for the unit's production heading into the new season.