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.Raiders Considering Drafting A Quarterback
Geno Smith under center for the 2025 season. They traded for Smith this offseason and signed him to a two-year, $75 million deal as well. Despite that, Raiders general manager John Spytek said he is open minded when it comes to drafting a quarterback during the upcoming NFL Draft. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Raiders add a quarterback to develop behind Smith for a season or two. However, fans shouldn't expect the Raiders to use the No. 6 overall pick on a quarterback. It seems like the Raiders are heavy favorites to draft running back Ashton Jeanty in that spot. Possibly, the Raiders draft a quarterback later, but that person shouldn't compete with Smith for the starting job in 2025.Source: Paul Gutierrez
The Las Vegas Raiders appear to be locked in to having Irv Smith Sticking With Texans
Irv Smith to a one-year deal on Friday. Smith spent most of the 2024 season on the practice squad in Houston. He did end up playing five games with the Texans, but didn't contribute anything on offense. The 26-year-old is a former second-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings. Smith was never really able to live up to the hype or establish himself as a starter in the NFL. He figures to serve as a backup in Houston once again which probably won't amount to much or any fantasy value.Source: Adam Schefter
The Houston Texans have re-signed tight end Texans Expected To Draft Wide Receivers
Stefon Diggs to free agency and Tank Dell (knee) is given an uncertain timetable after suffering a multi-ligament tear in his knee. The Texans did bring in Christian Kirk to pair with Nico Collins at the top of the depth chart. After that, John Metchie III, Justin Watson, and Xavier Hutchinson are rounding out the depth chart. That being said, the Texans are likely going to draft some wideouts during the upcoming NFL Draft. The team is likely seeking NFL-ready prospects given the organization is lacking playmakers right now. Collins should be considered a safe WR1, but after that the Texans don't have too many reliable contributors at the moment.Source: ESPN
The Houston Texans have quickly seen their wide receiver room get depleted over the last few months. The team lost