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USA Today
15-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles offseason recap: Full list of roster transactions ahead of 2025 training camp
With the Eagles' training camp just days away, we are examining every move Philadelphia has made this offseason. Training camp is in the air, and the Eagles are the defending Super Bowl champions and have enough talent to repeat in 2025, but the losses suffered in free agency can't be discounted or easily replaced. Philadelphia saw three starters and two key contributors depart in the first hours of free agency. At the same time, a defensive starter and the backup quarterback were traded to free up salary cap space for future moves. On offense, the backup running back and starting right guard departed, leaving an explosive offense with two holes that need to be filled. All wasn't lost, as the Eagles added a running back, three pass-rushing linebackers, two tight ends, a cornerback, a wide receiver, and a new long snapper. The defense has undergone an overhaul after defensive tackle Milton Williams (New England), Josh Sweat (Arizona), cornerback Darius Slay (Pittsburgh), cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (Minnesota), and linebacker Oren Burks (Cincinnati) all departed via free agency. The Eagles added ten talented rookies on NFL draft weekend. After watching 12 players depart in free agency, Roseman added two dynamic SEC linebackers, an All-American pass rusher, three offensive linemen, and an accomplished quarterback from Philadelphia. With training camp just days away, we examine every move Philadelphia has made this offseason. Released Nick Gates Gates suited up in nine games for the Eagles last season, starting the regular-season finale at center. Gates suffered a groin injury in the prep for the Super Bowl and was placed on Injured Reserve. Signed RB Lew Nichols He originally entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick of the Packers out of Central Michigan in 2023. Nichols spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles during Training Camp and the preseason in 2024 and was returned to the practice squad a month ago. Nichols (5-10, 220 pounds) rushed for 3,061 yards, added 575 receiving yards, and scored 29 total touchdowns in 32 games at Central Michigan. He was the Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2021. Agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension with RB Saquon Barkley The Eagles rewarded Barkley with a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. The deal makes Barkley the NFL's first $20 million+ per-year running back. Agreed to terms on a three-year contract with LB Zack Baun Zack Baun is staying with the Eagles after agreeing to a massive deal. According to Adam Schefter, Philadelphia is re-signing the All-Pro linebacker to a three-year, $51 million contract, including $34 million guaranteed at signing and an additional $1.5 million in incentives and escalators. Released DB James Bradberry and CB Darius Slay The team then announced the release of cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry, bringing an end to a run that began before the 2020 season. Bradberry joined before the 2022 season, and both players earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. Acquired via a trade with the Detroit Lions in 2020, Slay earned three of his six career Pro Bowl nods with the Eagles and was a significant factor in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean maturing so quickly. Agreed to terms on a one-year deal with FB Ben VanSumeren VanSumeren had carved out a role as the Eagles' fullback, reserve linebacker, and special-teams standout. Still, his season ended after the second-year sensation suffered a knee injury during a Friday practice. VanSumeren did not play a single snap on defense last season; he has carved out a role as a fullback on the offensive side of the ball. He's also a major special-teams contributor, having played 12 offensive snaps last season and 153 on special teams. Agreed to trade QB Kenny Pickett to the Cleveland Browns The Browns acquired Pickett from the Eagles in exchange for Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a 2024 5th-round pick (originally from the Lions). Agreed to trade S C.J. Gardner-Johnson a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Houston Texans Philadelphia sent Gardner-Johnson and a 2026 6th-round pick to Houston in exchange for stud offensive guard Kenyon Green and a 2026 5th-round pick. Agreed to terms on a one-year deal with RB A.J. Dillon Dillon and Aaron Jones teamed up in Green Bay for a dynamic one-two punch, and that could happen in Philadelphia with the Eagles looking to take some of the load off of Saquon Barkley following a season in which he led the league with 2,0005 yards. Last summer, Dillon was set to enter a contract year in 2024, but he was placed on injured reserve with a neck injury and missed the entire season. Dillon was selected 62nd overall (second round) in the 2020 NFL Draft. The six-foot, 247-pound back, known as "Quadzilla" by Packers fans, has been cleared for action. Agreed to terms on a one-year deal with OLB Joshua Uche The Philadelphia Eagles landed their first outside free agent, agreeing to a deal with former Patriots and Chiefs pass rusher Josh Uche. The young pass rusher struggled over the past two seasons but was named an underrated pass rusher by PFF entering 2025 NFL free agency. The former Patriots draft pick ranked second in pressure rate in 2022 among edge defenders. That season, he had had 11.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 27 total tackles—easily the best season of his five-year career. He'll now look to rekindle that magic under Vic Fangio and a stout Eagles defense. Agreed to terms on a one-year deal with TE Harrison Bryant Bryant finishes his 2024 campaign with nine receptions for 86 yards on 12 targets across 13 games with the Raiders, primarily providing depth at tight end behind All-Pro rookie Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer. Agreed to terms with CB Adoree' Jackson on a one-year deal The veteran cornerback was a reserve for most of last season but has big-game experience and is familiar with the NFC East. Jackson, 29, was a first-round pick of the Titans out of USC in 2017. Jackson played in 14 games (five starts) during the 2024 regular season, logging 28 tackles (18 solo), five passes defended and one forced fumble. Jackson spent his first three years in New York as a starter, but last season, he didn't make his first start until Week 12. Agreed to terms with LS Charley Hughlett on a one-year deal Hughlett joined the Browns in 2014 and served as the team's long snapper for 152 games. Agreed to terms on a one-year deal with OLB Patrick Johnson The Philadelphia Eagles selected Johnson in the seventh round, with the 234th overall pick, of the 2021 NFL draft. The fourth-year linebacker totaled four tackles while serving as a core special-teams player in 12 games with the Giants. Agreed to terms with KR/PR Avery Williams on a one-year deal With the team moving on from Britain Covey, the Eagles signed return man Avery Williams to a one-year deal. Last season with Atlanta, Williams saw action in all 17 games, logging 22 rushing attempts for 109 yards and one touchdown, as well as 13 receptions for 61 yards. Williams is most efficient as a return man. In 2024, he returned 20 punts for 185 yards and 15 kickoffs for 408 yards. Agreed to terms with TE Kylen Granson on a one-year deal With the team potentially moving on from Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia signed a second tight end in free agency, inking Kylen Granson to a one-year deal. In the season finale, Granson caught one of four targets for seven yards in the Colts' 26-23 win over the Jaguars. The 26-year-old tight end finished the season with 14 catches on 31 targets for 182 yards and no touchdowns. Selected by the Colts with the 127th Pick In the 2021 NFL Draft, Granson has 86 career receptions on 136 targets for 958 yards and one touchdown. Agreed to terms with OLB Azeez Ojulari on a one-year deal Looking to replace Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham, the Eagles added another pass rusher, signing Azeez Ojulari to a one-year deal. Ojulari made a list of pass rushers the Eagles could be interested in, and Howie Roseman is signing the former Giants pass rusher for a one-year deal. The 25-year-old pass rusher lost some luster with the Giants trading for Brian Burns to join 2022 first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux on edge; Ojulari was the odd man out to start last season, playing just 37 percent of the defensive snaps and logging only one sack in the first five games. Agreed to terms with T Lane Johnson on a one-year contract extension The Eagles are rewarding their stars, and Lane Johnson was the latest. On February 14, $10 million (guaranteed for injury) of Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson's $20 million 2025 base salary became fully guaranteed. Now, the team has agreed to terms on a one-year extension with the All-Pro right tackle that'll keep him under contract until the 2027 NFL season. According to Adam Schefter, Johnson reworked his contract to add $8 million over the next two years and an additional $30 million in guarantees. As he closes out his career, the soon-to-be 35-year-old Johnson will earn $48 million over the next two years, including $40 million guaranteed. Signed OT Kendall Lamm to a one-year deal A 10-year veteran who played the past three seasons in Miami, Lamm could compete for the swing tackle spot after Fred Johnson departed in free agency. According to Pro Football Focus, in the 2024 season, Lamm ranked first among tackles with zero sacks allowed and 10th among tackles with a pass-blocking grade of 83.1. Signed OL Matt Pryor to a one-year deal. The Eagles selected Pryor in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL draft out of TCU. Pryor appeared in 27 games for the Eagles before being traded to the Colts in 2022. Last season, Pryor saw action in all 17 games for Chicago, making 15 starts at offensive guard. Pryor was solid in 2024 and was the 21st highest graded offensive guard in 2024 according to PFF. Signed WR Terrace Marshall to a one-year deal. The former LSU star pass catcher was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the second round (59th overall) of the 2021 NFL draft. He appeared in 13 games as a rookie and recorded 17 receptions for 138 receiving yards. Marshall finished his second season (2022) with 28 receptions for 490 receiving yards and one touchdown in 14 games. Marshall is still only 24 years old, so the 2021 second-round pick will look to compete for a roster spot again in 2025 on an Eagles team that has A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson as the top three players at the position. Agreed to terms with Cam Jurgens on a four-year extension The Eagles and Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens agreed to a four-year, $68 million extension with a $39.4 million guarantee, which contractually ties him to Philadelphia through the 2029 season, per the team and his agent Ryan Tollner. With the deal, the Eagles now have four linemen – Jurgens, left tackle Jordan Mailata (2028), left guard Landon Dickerson (2028), and right tackle Lane Johnson (2027) under contract through the next four years. A second-round draft pick in 2002 (No. 51 overall) and Jason Kelce's hand-picked successor, Jurgens was a reserve during his rookie year as the Eagles advanced to Super Bowl LVII. In year two, Jurgens started at right guard in 11 games. Last off-season, Jason Kelce retired, and Jurgens moved to his natural center position. He started 16 games last season and earned Pro Bowl honors, becoming the youngest Eagles center to earn Pro Bowl recognition since Ken Farragut (also 25) in 1953. Selected ten players in the NFL draft Signed nine undrafted free agents RB Montrell Johnson Jr.RB ShunDerrick PowellWR Ife Adeyi (waived)WR Darius CooperWR Giles JacksonWR Taylor MorinOT Hollin PierceOL Marcus TateLB Lance DixonLB BJ MayesDB Maxen HookDB Brandon Johnson Signed WR Giles Jackson. Waived RB Tyrion Davis-Price The team announced on Sunday, May 4, that they signed former Washington wide receiver Giles Jackson and released running back Tyrion Davis-Price. Jackson, 5-9, 185 pounds, went undrafted after six collegiate seasons, two in Michigan and four with the Huskies. He had a breakout year in 2024, catching 85 passes for 893 yards and seven touchdowns. Agreed to terms on a multi-year extension with Head Coach Nick Sirianni Nick Sirianni is one of the winningest coaches in NFL history, and the Eagles announced on Monday, May 19, that he's been rewarded with a multi-year contract extension. The Super Bowl-winning coach had one year remaining on his rookie contract, and the deal had been expected since Philadelphia defeated Kansas City in Super Bowl 59. Signed OL Marcus Tate Philadelphia announced on Monday, June 2, that they signed rookie offensive lineman Marcus Tate (6-5, 321 pounds) after the former Clemson star participated in the Eagles' Rookie Camp earlier this spring. A four-year starter, Tate saw action in 42 games (37 starts), logging 2,502 snaps during his Tigers career. Tate became just the third true freshman offensive lineman in Clemson history to start a season opener in 2021. Agreed to trade DE Bryce Huff to the 49ers in exchange for a 2026 draft pick Signed to a three-year, $51 million deal to replace Haason Reddick, Huff spent the majority of the 2024 season injured or out of the rotation. Claimed RB Keilan Robinson off waivers from the Jaguars The Eagles are constantly seeking to enhance their roster and claimed former Jaguars running back Keilan Robinson off waivers on Friday, June 6.
USA Today
26-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
5 Things to Know about new Lions WR Isaac TeSlaa
5 Things to Know about new Lions WR Isaac TeSlaa The Lions moved up from No. 102 to No. 70, sending both of their third-round picks in 2026 to the Jacksonville Jaguars to select Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa. Let's get to know TeSlaa a little bit. 1. Michigan native gets to come back to state in NFL TeSlaa is a Michigan native. He is from Hudsonville, MI, just outside of Grand Rapids, and went to school at Unity Christian. He then went on to Hillsdale College in Michigan, the same school his father played wide receiver at. He'll now get to play in his home state at the professional level. 2. Played quarterback in high school before moving to receiver in college TeSlaa was a high school quarterback at Unity Christian. The offense was a true Wing-T that didn't use wide receivers. TeSlaa also played safety and returned kicks. When he got to Hillsdale, he moved to wide receiver. He played three seasons at Hillsdale before moving up to Division I and Arkansas. 3. Initially had just one FCS offer TeSlaa always had a tall mountain to climb on his road to the NFL, starting with being a zero-star recruit in high school. Being a Wing-T quarterback makes it difficult to have much extensive film for colleges. He initially received just one Division I offer from Valparaiso, an FCS school. He ultimately chose Hillsdale to start and built himself up to get to a spot where he could go Division I. That included an All-American season in 2022. 4. Graduated Summa Cum Laude Not only was TeSlaa an excellent athlete in high school (football, track), he was an excellent student. Top-notch, in fact. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA. 5. Played through broken hand during All-American season in 2022 TeSlaa was named an Honorable Mention All-American as well as First-Team All-GMAC (Great Midwest Athletic Conference) and Conference Offensive Player of the Year during his final season at Hillsdale in 2022. He caught 68 passes for 1,325 yards and 13 touchdowns that season. He did that all with a broken hand. Imagine catching footballs at a high speed, and the most important part of your body is far from 100 percent. TeSlaa did just that. Kudos to him on that.
New York Post
25-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Watch Deion Sanders' reaction during crushing Shedeur 2025 NFL Draft moment
Deion Sanders seemed disappointed over the Saints passing on his son, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday night. The Colorado coach shook his head when NFL Commissioner Rodger Goodell announced Texas tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. as the No. 9 pick by the Saints. Deion previously listed New Orleans as a potential landing spot for Shedeur, who wasn't drafted in the first round. Advertisement The Pro Football Hall of Famer then pointed his finger and appeared to signal for someone to turn the volume down on the draft and turn the music on at their draft party in Texas. Shedeur, who was once a potential top-three prospect, was the wild card leading up to the draft. Advertisement 4 Deion Sanders seemed disappointed over the Saints passing on his son, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft while at a private party in Texas on April 24. X Some NFL analysts predicted he would go off the board at No. 21 to the quarterback needy Steelers — who selected Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. Pittsburgh might be waiting for Aaron Rodgers to make decision about his playing future. Shedeur slid out of the first round as the Giants traded up for Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart and the Saints and Steelers also passed. Advertisement 4 Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders at his draft party in Texas during the 2025 NFL Draft on April 24. X Shedeur hosted his family and friends at a private draft party in Texas, where he had a custom setup branded with his Legendary logo. ESPN showed Shedeur multiple times throughout the night as he slipped out of the first round. Shedeur explained that it was 'fuel to the fire' in a speech at the end of the night. Advertisement 'We all didn't expect this, of course,' Sanders said, according to a video posted to social media. 'But I feel like, with God, anything is possible. Everything is possible. I don't feel like this happened for no reason. All this is is, of course, fuel to the fire. We all know this shouldn't have happened.' Shedeur was heavily scrutinized leading up to the draft. Some execs and coaches gave anonymous testimonies about the quarterback acting 'brash' and 'entitled' during interviews and team visits. Deion emphasized that his son was under a microscope because of his famous last name. 4 Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, left, talks with quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during a timeout in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Central Florida, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. AP It's unclear if Shedeur will host another party for the second round on Friday. The Browns, who have two early second-round picks, are the favorites to land Sanders now. Advertisement The Steelers don't have a second-round pick, using it to trade for star receiver DK Metcalf this offseason. Sanders was the Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Year as a senior last fall, and he threw a school-record 64 touchdown passes over two seasons at Colorado. 4 Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders takes part in passing drills during Colorado's NFL football pro day Friday, April 4, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. AP The 2025 NFL Draft continues with Rounds 2-3 on Friday and Rounds 4-7 on Saturday.
USA Today
18-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Montana State's Tommy Mellott a hidden gem in the 2025 NFL Draft
Montana State's Tommy Mellott a hidden gem in the 2025 NFL Draft As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches on April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Montana State University quarterback Tommy Mellott stands out as a hidden gem from the FCS ranks. The 6-foot, 208-pound senior from Butte, Montana, is fun to watch with being a dual-threat and elite athleticism making him a compelling late-round or undrafted free agent prospect. Despite playing at a smaller program, Mellott's accolades and pro day performance suggest he could carve out an NFL role, potentially as a quarterback, gadget player, or even a Julian Edelman-style slot receiver. Lovinging known in Bozeman as 'Tommy Touchdown' , his college career is heavy with historic achievements. He became Montana State's first Walter Payton Award winner in 2024, recognizing him as the FCS's top offensive player, and was named Big Sky Conference Offensive Player of the Year. His 2024 season was a masterclass: 2,783 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and just two interceptions with a 67.8% completion rate, plus 1,050 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Over his career, he amassed 3,523 rushing yards (second in MSU history) and 5,810 passing yards (fifth). He showcased that talent of being able to throw, rush, and catch a touchdown in a single playoff game is just one example of how he could be a Swiss Army Knife for many offensive coordinators in the NFL. Mellot prepared for Montana State's pro day by heading to San Diego immediately after the loss to North Dakota State in the FCS National Championship to train with Lee Spellman at Spellman Performance Facility. Mellott's Pro Day performance was elite and had scouts take notice. Had he attended the combine he would have been at the top of the rankings in every single one the skill drills. With a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, a 41-inch vertical, which would have set the NFL Combine QB record, and a 10-foot-4 broad jump, these metrics, paired with his 4.20-second short shuttle and 6.93-second L-drill, highlight, his athleticism was indisputable. Scouts from 13 NFL and five CFL teams attended, with the Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Commanders, and Dallas Cowboys all working out the former Bobcat in the last few weeks leading up to the draft. Mellott also participated in wide receiver and punt return drills, adding to what his value could be for a team's 53 man roster. Despite his FCS competition level and what some have claimed an undersized frame, Mellott's football IQ, work ethic, and leadership make him an enticing developmental prospect. Analysts project him as a seventh-round pick or undrafted free agent, citing concerns about arm strength and pocket presence. However, his fit in RPO-heavy or West Coast offenses, where his mobility and short-to-intermediate accuracy can shine, only adds to the appeal of the value he could be in this draft. Comparisons to Taysom Hill or Edelman suggest he could thrive as a multi-role player. Mellott's journey from Butte to FCS stardom embodies the underdog spirit. With his pro day buzz and NFL interest, this 'Touchdown Tommy' could surprise as a roster-worthy talent, proving small-school prospects can make big impacts.
