Fred Warner Could Stay Away From Offseason Program
Source: The Athletic - Michael Silver
There is some uncertainty as to whether San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner will take part in the team's offseason program (which begins on Tuesday) as he seeks a long-term contract extension, according to The Athletic's Michael Silver. Warner and the 49ers have yet to have substantive contract talks this offseason, but Silver reports that he's likely to report for voluntary activities. The 28-year-old had another All-Pro season in 2024 and finished as a top-10 fantasy linebacker in IDP formats with 131 tackles (76 solo), one sack, five tackles for loss, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), seven pass breakups and four forced fumbles in 17 starts. He was a Pro Bowler for the fourth time in his career and for the third straight season. Regardless of his contract situation, Warner should be an every-week IDP starter as long as he's healthy. He's had 100-plus total tackles in all seven of his NFL seasons.George Kittle May Not Take Part In Offseason Workouts
George Kittle will attend voluntary activities as he seeks a new contract, according to The Athletic's Michael Silver. Kittle is heading into the final year of a five-year, $75 million deal and is considered much more of a long shot to get something done because he and the team remain far apart in contract discussions. Even though Kittle is on the wrong side of 30 and is an injury risk, he was the TE2 in half-PPR scoring in 2024 thanks to 78 catches on 94 targets for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns in 15 games played. It was even more impressive due to the fact that he played much of the season with cracked ribs. Because of his production last year, Kittle will continue to be a high-end tight end target in fantasy drafts this fall, but the risk is also high given his propensity for injuries.Source: The Athletic - Michael Silver
There is some uncertainty as to whether San Francisco 49ers tight end Brock Purdy Might Not Participate In Voluntary Workouts
Brock Purdy, who is seeking a new long-term contract, will show up for voluntary activities, according to The Athletic's Michael Silver. The 49ers' offseason program begins on Tuesday. Silver also reports that there has been some progress toward a multi-year extension for Purdy that will likely pay him more than $50 million per season. However, it remains to be seen just how much progress has been made. If the 25-year-old shows up on Tuesday, it will be a sign that he and his agent think they are close to reaching a deal. If the former seventh-rounder is absent, it will probably indicate that some obstacles remain. Purdy wasn't quite as good in 2024, but the Niners also dealt with some key injuries to playmakers around him on offense. He could easily bounce back in 2025, though, and will be in play as a low-end QB1 in fantasy drafts this fall.Source: The Athletic - Michael Silver
There is some uncertainty about whether San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jets Picking Up Jermaine Johnson's Fifth-Year Option
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the New York Jets are picking up defensive end Jermaine Johnson's (Achilles) $13.4 million fifth-year option for the 2026 season. The Jets are picking up Johnson's fifth-year option despite the fact that he tore his right Achilles in Week 2 of last year. The 26-year-old pass-rusher had enough time to recover since it was an early-season injury, though, and he remains on track to participate in organized team activities this spring and training camp this summer. Johnson, who was taken 26th overall in the 2022 NFL draft out of Florida State, had 84 tackles (54 solo), 10 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, 21 QB hits, an interception returned for a touchdown, seven pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 31 games (17 starts) in his first two NFL seasons. Depending on how he bounces back from his Achilles injury, he could be in play in deep IDP fantasy formats in 2025.Jets Picking Up Sauce Gardner's Fifth-Year Option
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
The New York Jets are picking up cornerback Sauce Gardner's $20.1 million fifth-year option for the 2026 season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. It's no surprise after Gardner, the former fourth overall pick in 2022 out of Cincinnati, made two Pro Bowls and was named a first-team All-Pro in two of his first three NFL seasons. The 24-year-old defensive back has quickly become one of the best lockdown cornerbacks in the league and could be in line for a long-term contract extension before he even begins his fifth year in the NFL next season. Gardner ended the 2024 season on Injured Reserve due to a hamstring injury, but he still started 15 games and recorded 49 tackles (36 solo), his first career sack, an interception and nine pass breakups. He should be ready for the start of the 2025 season and will be a tough matchup for opposing No. 1 wideouts when they face the Jets.Jets Picking Up Garrett Wilson's Fifth-Year Option
Garrett Wilson, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. It will cost the Jets $16.8 million for the 2026 season. The 24-year-old former first-rounder (10th overall) out of Ohio State could work out a long-term contract extension this offseason that would make his fifth-year option basically a mute point, though. Despite dealing with inconsistent quarterback play in his three years in the NFL, Wilson has been productive with three straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons and 14 touchdowns on 279 catches (469 targets) in 51 games played (46 starts). Even though there are questions about how much the Jets will throw the ball with dual-threat QB Justin Fields now in town, Wilson has excellent chemistry with Fields from their days at Ohio State and should be heavily targeted as the unquestioned WR1 in 2025.Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
The New York Jets are picking up the fifth-year option on wide receiver Jayden Daniels Focused On Improving In 2025
Jayden Daniels recently expressed his desire to continue improving as a player in 2025 on "Gruden Goes Long." "For me, last year was last year. That's great, but it's a whole new year now," said the 24-year-old. "I still got to go out there, I've got to prove myself to my teammates, the organization, each and every day that I'm getting better." Daniels took the league by storm in 2024, capturing Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and guiding Washington to its first NFC Championship appearance since 1991. Encouragingly, the LSU product refuses to rest on his laurels heading into his second year, and the Commanders are building around their young star. The offseason acquisitions of wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil already serve to boost Daniels' prospects. Furthermore, Washington can stock up on more talent in the draft later this week.Source: Bobby Kownack
Washington Commanders quarterback Washington Hosts Tre Harris
Tre Harris rounded off his final day of visits with the Washington Commanders last Wednesday. NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported the news. The 23-year-old was far more productive during his two years as a Rebel, logging eight more receptions, 498 more yards, and one more touchdown catch in 11 fewer games than he did as a Bulldog at Louisiana Tech. Harris was typically an X-receiver in college, but he moved around the formation in 2024 and played more off the line and in the slot. While he doesn't profile as a high-volume option at present, he should still impact the game with his field-flipping ability. The Louisiana native averaged 16.1 yards per catch throughout his collegiate career. The Commanders' need for a receiver isn't as pressing since the acquisition of Deebo Samuel Sr. Still, Harris would be a good investment for the team, considering they probably wouldn't have to spend a first-round pick on him.Source: Ian Rapoport
Ole Miss wide receiver Will Johnson Visits With Seattle
Source: Ian Rapoport
The NFL's Ian Rapoport reports that Michigan defensive back Will Johnson visited with the Seattle Seahawks this past Wednesday. Seattle holds the No. 18 overall pick in this week's draft. Johnson, one of the top cornerback prospects in the class, also visited with the Falcons, Cardinals, and Las Vegas Raiders. The standout DB dealt with injuries during the 2024 season, but was still productive -- notching 14 tackles and two interceptions while returning both for touchdowns. There are questions about the Detroit native's long speed -- which could cause issues in man coverage -- but he'd been an excellent fit in a zone scheme where he can keep his eyes on the quarterback. Johnson ranks No. 12 on Mel Kiper Jr's prospect Big Board.Devon Key Sticking With Denver
Source: Jon Heath
The Denver Broncos have signed safety Devon Key to a one-year exclusive rights free agent tender per the league's transaction log. Key entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Western Kentucky, signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021. He'd bounce around to Atlanta before finding his way to the Broncos' practice squad in 2022. The 27-year-old competed for playing time over the next two seasons but finally broke through in 2024 -- logging 17 games with the team. On less than a quarter of Denver's snaps, Key notched 33 tackles (17 solo) with one sack and one tackle for loss. Furthermore, in each instance he was given over 50% of the snaps in a single contest, he recorded at least four takedowns. He's currently slotted second on the team's depth chart behind free agent acquisition Talanoa Hufanga.Houston Re-Signs Irv Smith Jr.
Irv Smith Jr. to a one-year contract. The financial details have not been disclosed. Smith Jr., a former second-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2019, came into the league with much excitement surrounding him. However, he could never get it going as many injuries hampered his playing time early on. The last time he saw in-game action was back in 2023, and he's only played one full season in his six years in the league. Currently, he'll compete with teammates Brevin Jordan and Cade Stover for playing time behind the incumbent starter, Dalton Schultz. Besides deep dynasty formats, Smith Jr. can likely be left off fantasy rosters.Source: Adam Schefter
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Houston Texans have re-signed former Kansas City Chiefs tight end Justin Hardee Sr. Waived With Non-Football Injury
Source: NFL.com
The Tennessee Titans have waived defensive back Justin Hardee Sr. and defensive end Khalid Duke with a non-football injury designation. Tennessee also cut ties with offensive lineman Nicholas Petit-Frere. Hardee Sr. signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent back in 2017 and split the last eight seasons with the Saints, Jets, and Titans. The veteran played exclusively special teams in nine games for Tennessee last season. Duke played in just two games in 2024, logging one tackle and one QB hit on 12 snaps as an undrafted rookie out of Kansas State. Neither player's injury was disclosed. Tennessee will enter the draft with 65 players on their roster.Bills Release Armani Rogers, Branson Deen
Armani Rogers and defensive lineman Branson Deen. Buffalo is trimming down its roster ahead of the NFL Draft, perhaps to sign free agent defensive back James Bradberry, with whom the team met this past Wednesday. Rogers, 28, logged 11 appearances (three starts) with the Washington Commanders in 2022, catching five passes for 64 yards on six targets. Despite three seasons in the league, the Ohio product has garnered no further stats. On the other hand, Deen registered one appearance with the Bills in 2024, playing nine snaps in their matchup against the Houston Texans in Week 5. Both players will clear waivers on Monday and be free to sign with any organization.Source: NFL.com
Per the team, the Buffalo Bills have waived tight end Kolton Miller Absent From Raiders' Voluntary Offseason Program
Source: Grant Gordon
NFL.com's Grant Gordon reports that Las Vegas Raiders offensive tackle Kolton Miller is not at the start of the team's voluntary offseason program. Per Gordon, the veteran's absence from the team is related to his contract, or lack thereof. Miller is slated to play in the final year of his rookie deal -- set to earn a $12.2 million base salary with no money guaranteed. Despite flux elsewhere on the team, the 29-year-old has been a stalwart on the Raiders' left side since the team took him No. 15 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He's started 107 games for the team and has been one of the more consistent tackles in the league over that time. While it isn't yet time to ring the alarm bells due to the program's voluntary nature, the new regime will undoubtedly need to address this situation.Ross Blacklock Let Go By New York
Source: Patricia Traina
The New York Giants have terminated the contract of defensive lineman Ross Blacklock. Blacklock joined the team's practice squad last December and signed a reserve/futures contract in January. The TCU product was a second-round pick by the Houston Texans in 2020, and spent two seasons with the team before serving time with the Vikings, Titans, and Jaguars from 2022 to 2023. He hasn't appeared in a game since his time with Tennessee, and has garnered just three starts since entering the league. In 44 career outings, Blacklock has registered 40 tackles (27 solo) with three sacks and five tackles for loss. The Texas native has spent minimal time during his career in the special teams phase of the game, so if he finds a new home, it'll likely be as defensive line depth.