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Browns Sign 13 Undrafted Free Agents

May 12th, 2025 at 7:36pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Browns have signed 13 undrafted free agents to bring their rookie class to 20 players. Here are Cleveland’s latest UDFA signings:

Adin Huntington, DE/DT (Tulane)
Jason Ivey, OT (North Carolina A&T)
LaMareon James, CB (TCU)
Dom Jones, CB (Colorado State)
Gage Larvadain, WR (South Carolina)
Ahmani Marshall, RB (Appalachian State)
Eason Mascarenas-Arnold, LB (Southern California)
Bret Matiscik, LS (TCU)
Donovan McMillon, S (Pittsburgh)
Justin Osborne, C (SMU)
Ja’Seem Reed, WR (San Diego)
Dartanyan Tinsley, OG (Cincinnati)
Eli Wilson, FB (Appalachian State)

Huntington spent three years at Kent State before transferring to Louisiana-Monroe and breaking out with 16 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks across 12 games. That earned him renewed interest in the transfer portal, but he could not sustain his production at Tulane against better competition in 2024. Huntington put together an extremely impressive performance at his pro day, but his 6-foot-1, 281-pound frame doesn’t have a clear positional fit in the NFL. His athleticism gives him potential as a disruptive pass-rusher and his ability to line up at multiple spots along the D-line could help him find a role in Jim Schwartz‘s defense.

Matiscik, the younger brother of Jaguars long snapper Ross Matiscik, spent three years as TCU’s starting long-snapper and will compete for the same role in Cleveland. The Browns used two long snappers last season: veteran Charley Hughlett for the first five games and rookie Rex Sunahara for the remaining 12. Hughlett was released this offseason after 10 years in Cleveland, leaving Sunahara as the incumbent to fend off Matiscik this summer.

McMillon started his collegiate career at Florida before transferring to Pittsburgh in 2023 to take over a starting role. He recorded 220 tackles in 25 games across the last two years, but he didn’t make many splash plays with just two tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one interception, and nine passes defended. The 6-foot-2, 203-pound McMillon has the requiste size and athleticism for the NFL, but he lacks a standout strength that could help him carve out a role as a rookie. He’ll need to establish himself on special teams to make the roster as he develops as a safety.

Osborne is a strong, explosive athlete who brings positional versatility and experience to the NFL. He logged starts at all five offensive line positions at SMU, primarily at tackle before playing guard and center in 2024. Despite that pedigree, he’s still a raw player who relies on his solid instincts to win blocks.

WR Gabe Davis Visits 49ers

May 12th, 2025 at 6:35pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Less than a week after he was released by the Jaguars, veteran wide receiver Gabriel Davis visited the 49ers, according to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz.

Davis arrived in Jacksonville last offseason on a three-year, $39MM deal, but struggled to make an impact before tearing his meniscus in November. He underwent season-ending surgery, but is expected to complete his recovery in time for the 2025 season, per Schultz.

Wide receiver isn’t a significant roster need for the 49ers, but they did trade Deebo Samuel this offseason and Brandon Aiyuk is still recovering from a significant knee injury sustained in October. He’s unlikely to be ready for the start of the season, leaving veteran Jauan Jennings and 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall as San Francisco’s top wideouts heading into the summer.

The 49ers have reason to be confident in that duo. Jennings stepped into a bigger role after Aiyuk’s injury and broke out with 975 receiving yards, more than double his production from his first three seasons. Pearsall’s rookie year was stunted by a gunshot wound during an attempted robbery, but he showed promise at the end of the season. Behind them are 2024 fourth-rounder Jacob Cowing and veteran Demarcus Robinson, the latter of whom signed in San Francisco on a two-year deal in free agency. The 49ers also used Day 3 picks Jordan Watkins (fourth round, No. 138) and Junior Bergen (seventh round, No. 252).

Still, Jennings and Robinson are the only healthy and proven receivers currently on the roster. Though Davis disappointed in his debut year in Jacksonville, he established himself as a deep threat in his previous four seasons in Buffalo. He can line up on the outside and free the 49ers’ more dynamic receivers to play out of the slot if he beats out fellow veteran receivers Isaiah Hodgins, Russell Gage, and Trent Taylor for a roster spot.

However, Davis’ significant statistical regression with the Jaguars (compared to his time with the Bills) will likely force him to take a one-year, ‘prove-it’ deal with his next team, whether that be the 49ers or another club.

Seahawks Sign First-Round OL Grey Zabel

May 12th, 2025 at 4:57pm CST by Adam La Rose

Grey Zabel is the latest first-rounder to sign his rookie deal. The Seahawks’ top choice has inked his first NFL contract.

This four-year pact is worth $18.47MM, ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes. That figure is guaranteed in full. Like all other Day 1 selections, Zabel could be kept under team control through through the 2029 season if Seattle picks up his fifth-year option.

Finding an effective combination along the interior of the offensive line in particular has proven to be a challenge in recent years for the Seahawks. General manager John Schneider acknowledged in the build-up to the draft Seattle would be in the market for O-line additions. As a result, it came as little surprise when Zabel came off the board at No. 18. He will look to help a Seahawks offense in need of much better pass protection and a more consistent running game in 2025.

The North Dakota State product saw time at each guard and tackle spot during his college career. He also took center reps during the Senior Bowl, and some viewed him as a candidate to begin his NFL career at that spot. For now, at least, Seattle’s plan is to use Zabel at left guard. That would put him in position to replace veteran Laken Tomlinson, who departed in free agency (after himself joining the team as a fill-in for Damien Lewis following his big-ticket Panthers contract).

This marks the first draft pick signing of the year for the Seahawks. The team still has 10 more deals to work out on that front, but the most lucrative one has now been taken care of.

Trey Hendrickson: No Bengals Contract Talks Ongoing

May 12th, 2025 at 4:12pm CST by Adam La Rose

No resolution is in sight in the case of Trey Hendrickson. The All-Pro edge rusher’s latest remarks make it clear the Bengals are not actively speaking about an extension with his representatives.

“No communication has taken place between my camp and the organization post draft,” a statement Hendrickson provided to ESPN’s Adam Schefter reads. “The [extension] offers prior to the draft did not reflect the vision we shared and [which] were promised last offseason if I continued to play at a high level. Coaches are aware of these past conversations.

“Rather than using collaboration to get us to a point to bring me home to the team, THEY are no longer communicating. I have been eagerly awaiting a resolution of this situation, but that’s hard to do when there is no discussion and an evident lack of interest in reaching mutual goals.”

Throughout the offseason, questions have loomed about whether or not the Bengals would be able to extend wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins while also working out a new deal with Hendrickson. Chase and Higgins are on the books for the foreseeable future, and Cincinnati’s intention leading up to the draft remained an agreement with Hendrickson. Multiple trade offers were rejected, an indication the team was still pursuing a long-term accord.

Team and player previously worked out a stop-gap deal in preparation for a lucrative extension, something Hendrickson sought last year. He did not engage in a holdout in response to Cincinnati declining to meet that request, a move which saw him duplicate 2023’s sack total (17.5). That figure led the NFL and yielded Hendrickson a fourth straight Pro Bowl nod. He is in line for a pact bringing with it a significant raise, and the top of the EDGE market now sits at $40MM per year.

Given his age, Hendrickson may not reach the top of his position’s financial pecking order, but a major accord would bring with it major Bengals cap implications. The FAU product has previously gone public with his displeasure over his situation and a lack of communication with the team. Given these latest comments, that problem apparently persists.

Opinions are split amongst PFR’s readers with respect to what will happen in this case. Hendrickson remains a candidate to be traded, extended or depart on the open market next spring. As things stand, a Cincinnati pact beyond 2025 would require considerable progress in negotiations.

Saints To Sign WR Donovan Peoples-Jones

May 12th, 2025 at 3:19pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Saints have lined up a post-draft addition at the receiver spot. Donovan Peoples-Jones is signing with New Orleans, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports.

Peoples-Jones took part in the Saints’ recent rookie minicamp on a tryout basis, as noted by Matthew Paras of the Times-Picayune. His performance in that setting has obviously earned him a look. The 26-year-old will now attempt to carve out a depth role in New Orleans’ WR room.

A sixth-round pick of the Browns in 2020, Peoples-Jones increased his production during each of his three full seasons in Cleveland. The deep threat was traded to his hometown Lions midway through the 2023 season after seeing his usage rate drop considerably, however. Peoples-Jones made just five catches in eight Detroit appearances upon arrival.

The Michigan product remained with the Lions through last summer, but he did not survive roster cuts. Peoples-Jones was immediately retained on a practice squad deal; that pact did not yield any regular season action, though. As a result, expectations will be limited in New Orleans as he aims to secure a roster spot this summer.

The Saints have Chris Olave on the books for the next two years given their decision to exercise his fifth-year option. The former No. 11 pick has dealt with multiple concussions early in his career, something which has led to questions about his long-term health outlook. New Orleans also has Rashid Shaheed coming off an encouraging season which was cut shot by a meniscus tear. The WR depth chart now includes Brandin Cooks as well after he returned to the team following five years away.

Of course, the Saints need to use the summer to sort out their post-Derek Carr setup at quarterback. Regardless of who is in place under center at the start of the campaign, though, Peoples-Jones may be in place on offense.

Browns Place LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah On PUP List

May 12th, 2025 at 2:07pm CST by Adam La Rose

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah‘s recovery process will extend through the coming campaign. The Browns placed the Pro Bowl linebacker on the Reserve/PUP list Monday, meaning he will miss the entire 2025 season.

The four-year veteran had his 2024 campaign come to an abrupt end due to a scary neck injury. His availability for the coming season remained in question as a result, although the team held out hope Owusu-Koramoah would be able to suit up at some point in 2025. Instead, his attention will turn to a lengthy rehab.

“Jeremiah’s health is of the utmost importance to us and although he has made progress towards recovery, we’ve made the decision to place him on Reserve/PUP,” a statement from general manager Andrew Berry reads in part. “Jeremiah has the full support of our team, and we expect him to continue to be a part of the organization even though he will not return to the field this year. We will not make any predictions on Jeremiah’s football future at this time.”

During his third season in the NFL, Owusu-Koramoah enjoyed a breakout campaign in terms of production (101 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions). Those figures helped earn him a Pro Bowl nod and land him a long-term extension last summer. The Notre Dame product is attached to a $12.5MM-per-year pact which runs through the 2027 campaign.

“I’m grateful to the Browns organization for their full support, and to the world-class doctors guiding me through recovery,” Owusu-Koramoah said in a statement of his own. “While I won’t suit up this season, I’m focused on what I can control—my healing, my mindset, and my faith. The body may rest, but the calling never sleeps. I’ve given my heart to this game. I don’t know what’s next, but I’ll continue trusting my medical team, serving the community, and backing my brothers on the field.”

Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush each played key roles at the linebacker spot for Cleveland last season. They are both under contract for 2025, so they can be expected to remain important defensive contributors. The Browns used the No. 33 pick in last month’s draft on Carson Schwesinger, and the UCLA product stood to handle significant playing time as a rookie even if Owusu-Koramoah had managed to play at some point during the year. With the latter now officially sidelined, Schwesinger’s development early in his career will be critical for Cleveland.

Considering Owusu-Koramoah’s statement, a return to the field in 2026 or a later date is far from certain. The Browns clearly aim to have him reprise his role as a starting defender in the future, but whether or not that will be possible will depend on his progress in rehabbing the injury over the coming year.

Browns, S Rayshawn Jenkins Agree To Deal

May 12th, 2025 at 1:59pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Browns are having a busy day in terms of veteran safety additions. Rayshawn Jenkins has a deal in place with the team, as first reported by Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Jenkins joins Damontae Kazee as an experienced option at the position who has agreed to a Browns pact today. Kazee had not previously been linked to Cleveland, but that was the case for Jenkins. The latter conducted a free agent visit last month, so the news of this signing comes as little surprise.

After four years with the Chargers and three with the Jaguars, Jenkins spent the 2024 campaign in Seattle. The 31-year-old made 13 appearances and nine starts, handling a 65% snap share on defense. In spite of that workload, Jenkins was among the veterans cut by the Seahawks prior to the start of free agency. That move resulted in a lengthy free agent spell.

Jenkins’ deal will no doubt be a low-cost investment on the part of the Browns. Rodney McLeod gave the team a veteran presence in the secondary last year, but he remains unsigned and is a candidate to retire. Both Kazee and Jenkins will look to fill the role McLeod had in 2024.

The Browns – who still have Grant Delpit atop the depth chart along with Ronnie Hickman as a safety in line to see defensive snaps – fared better against the pass last season than they did in many other defensive categories. There is still room for improvement in that area, though, and one or both of Jenkins and Kazee could play a role in meeting that goal.

Giants To Re-Sign WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey

May 12th, 2025 at 1:17pm CST by Sam Robinson

MAY 12: Humphrey’s free agent stay is coming to an end. Art Stapleton of NJ.com reports the Giants are re-signing him, with last week’s release having simply been a procedural move to open up a roster spot for rookie minicamp. Humphrey will spend OTAs and minicamp competing for a role in New York.

MAY 9: Lil’Jordan Humphrey held a regular role for the Broncos over the past two seasons, leading to a deal with the Giants. But the latter partnership looks set to be short-lived.

The Giants brought in the veteran wide receiver in late March, adding him on a one-year deal worth $1.25MM, but KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson reports the team has decided to move on already. This will not bring much in dead money (just $25K), and Humphrey will head back to free agency.

This move might not have escaped our minor moves section prior to Humphrey’s Denver tenure, but the big-bodied wideout showed himself to be valuable for the playoff-bound team last season. The Broncos used Humphrey on 50% of their offensive snaps last season (a career-high 546), turning to him as a veteran Courtland Sutton sidekick while developing a host of rookie-contract players. Although the Broncos had signed Josh Reynolds, Humphrey ended up playing a regular role throughout the season.

Scoring three touchdowns in 2023, Humphrey built on that auxiliary work by posting career-high marks in receptions (31) and yards (293) last season. The 6-foot-4 target’s lone score came on a catch-and-run in a Broncos shutout win over the Falcons, but the team relied on the ex-Sean Payton Saints cog as a blocker as well. Pro Football Focus graded Humphrey as a top-25 run blocker at the position in 2024. Humphrey’s past two seasons likely will land him another opportunity, though he has bounced around the league over the course of his career.

Mostly serving as a Payton charge, Humphrey also saw time for the 2022 Patriots. The Giants added him after re-signing Darius Slayton. New York also rosters former Day 2 draftees Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt at the position, while Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Bryce Ford-Wheaton join free agency addition Zach Pascal in New York’s Malik Nabers-fronted receiving corps.

Colts’ Zaire Franklin Underwent Ankle Surgery; LB Could Return For Training Camp

May 12th, 2025 at 12:42pm CST by Adam La Rose

Zaire Franklin will again be counted on as a key member of the Colts’ defense in 2025. The veteran linebacker’s availability for training camp is now uncertain, however.

Franklin recently underwent a clean-up procedure on his ankle, head coach Shane Steichen announced. Steichen told reporters he is hopeful Franklin will be fully recovered in time for training camp. At a minimum, the latter will be sidelined through OTAs and minicamp.

A full-time starter over the past three years, Franklin played every defensive snap for the Colts in 2022 and repeated that feat last year. The former seventh-rounder led the NFL in tackles in 2024 (173) and set a new career high in sacks (3.5), interceptions (two) and forced fumbles (five). He therefore provided a strong return on investment for Indianapolis after he inked an extension last March.

That pact carries an annual average value of $10.42MM and runs through 2027. Needless to say, Franklin’s health will be critical once again next season, the first with Lou Anarumo in place as defensive coordinator. Indianapolis ranked near the bottom of the league in several defensive categories last year, and Franklin remaining one of the most productive off-ball linebackers in the NFL will be key in the team’s efforts to rebound in 2025.

Fellow linebacker Jaylon Carlies is on the mend after he underwent offseason shoulder surgery. Carlies is expected to recover in time for training camp, and Franklin’s ability to do the same will be something to watch for over the coming weeks. In the meantime, the Colts will prepare for spring workouts with a shorthanded LB unit.

Texans Restructure K Ka’imi Fairbairn’s Deal

May 12th, 2025 at 11:59am CST by Adam La Rose

Ka’imi Fairbairn is still under contract to the Texans for the next two years, but his deal has been altered. The veteran kicker worked out a restructure, as detailed by Over the Cap.

Fairbairn was originally owed a base salary of $4.73MM, but that figure has been reduced to $1.25MM. The remaining money has been converted into a signing bonus with three void years being added to the pact. As a result, his 2025 cap hit has been dropped from $6.73MM to $3.95MM.

In place as the Texans’ kicker over the past eight years, Fairbairn has long been among the league’s best at the position. The 31-year-old saw his overall accuracy dip slightly to 85.7% in 2024, but he showcased his range on several occasions along the way. Fairbairn made 13 field goals of 50 yards or more (on 16 attempts) last season. At one point, that represented an all-time record but Brandon Aubrey wound up making 14 such field goals for the Cowboys.

Fairbairn has signed two long-term deals during his time with Houston. The most recent of those came last spring, and his $5.3MM AAV places him in a tie for sixth amongst kickers. Expectations will remain high for the UCLA product moving forward as the Texans aim to improve on their middling offensive stats from last year. Fairbairn will give the team a reliable option at the position for 2025 and beyond.

Houston entered Monday near the bottom of the league in cap space. All but one member of the team’s draft class is already under contract, but this move will free up funds for other moves during the latter stages of the offseason.