NFL Player News

Speaking with the media Tuesday, new Bucs OC Zac Robinson said third-round rookie Hurst is viewed as a "true X" receiver in Tampa Bay, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Hurst has the size at 6-foot-4 and 206 pounds and the long-range speed (4.42-second forty) to run the downfield routes vacated by Mike Evans, who is one of this generation's prototypical X receivers. The Bucs used the 84th overall pick on Hurst, who likely would've gone sooner if he'd faced stiffer college competition instead of playing at Georgia State. Hurst drew some Nico Collins comparisons in the pre-draft process. His main competition for playing time in three-wide sets figures to be Jalen McMillan.

New Bucs OC Zac Robinson said Tuesday that Egbuka will focus on the Z receiver position in 2026 after moving around the formation as a rookie last season, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

With Mike Evans and Chris Godwin missing a combined 17 regular-season games to injuries last season, Egbuka was forced into multiple roles as a rookie. Godwin split time between the slot and out wide on his 428 offensive snaps, but he figures to play mostly a slot role in three-wide sets under Robinson, who talked up third-round rookie Ted Hurst (6-foot-4, 206 pounds) as a prototypical X receiver Tuesday. After Egbuka got off to a hot start last season, he suffered a hamstring injury in Week 6 and dealt with the issue for multiple weeks after despite not missing a contest. Full health and a dedicated position should help Egbuka return to form in his second campaign. He's going in the fourth round of early best-ball drafts.

The Raiders waived Rice on Monday.

Rice joined the Raiders' practice squad in early December, finishing the season without being elevated to the active roster. The wide receiver signed a reserve/future deal with the team in early January but won't be around for OTAs. If Rice is not claimed during the waiver period, he will become a free agent and be able to sign with any team he wishes.

The Falcons released Thompkins on Monday, Tori McElhaney of the team's official site reports.

Thompkins signed with the Falcons in early December last season and played the remaining six regular-season games with the team. The wide receiver was mainly a special teams player, producing 265 yards as a kick returner and 54 yards as a punt returner. He also caught three receptions for 27 yards over his 23 offensive snaps. The veteran player is now a free agent and may sign with any team for the 2026 season.

Dalena was waived by the Jets on Sunday.

Dalena signed a reserve/future contract with New York after last season. The undrafted rookie was let go by the Chiefs just ahead of his 2025 rookie campaign, and he spent a brief stint on the Seahawks' practice squad in November. Dalena has yet to make his NFL debut.

Tyson did not participate in Saturday's rookie minicamp practice due to a "minor injury," Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Saints head coach Kellen Moore clarified that Tyson is dealing with a soft-tissue injury and that his absence Saturday was planned, per Underhill. Tyson participated in Friday's session, and there's no indication that it will impact his ability to participate in future offseason programs. The Arizona State product was the eighth overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, and his addition gives the Saints a lethal one-two punch at wide receiver with Tyson working alongside Chris Olave.

Miller and the Bears agreed to terms on a contract Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Miller spent the last two seasons with the Steelers after spending the first four years of his NFL career with the Buccaneers, with a one-season stint with Atlanta sandwiched in between. He didn't see much work in the Steelers' offense, and he finished the 2025 regular season with only nine catches (on 14 targets) for 62 yards across 13 games. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden are the clear top wideouts for the Bears, so Miller will be competing for offensive snaps against Kalif Raymond, Zavion Thomas and Jahdae Walker.

Katsis signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent Friday.

Katsis was dominant for Northern Arizona of the FCS last season, and he recorded a combined 95 receptions for 1,566 yards and 12 touchdowns over his last two college campaigns. He earned All-Big Sky First Team honors as a wide receiver and as a kick returner, as he averaged 30.6 yards per kick return while scoring once. The Broncos have a deep receiver corps, so Katsis likely will need to produce immediately as a returner to earn a 53-man roster spot.

The Titans waived Presley on Friday.

Presley spent his rookie season in 2025 on practice squads but was never elevated for a game. The Baylor product never surpassed 429 receiving yards in any of his four college seasons.

DeGennaro signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent Friday.

DeGennaro spent five seasons between Maryland and Richmond before finally settling in at James Madison for the 2025 campaign. He finished with 28 receptions for 500 yards (second on the team) and five touchdowns (tied for first). DeGennaro's team-high 17.4 yards per reception was impressive, and he backed it up with a 4.40 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. The late breakout is obviously concerning, but he could find a spot on special teams with a strong offseason program and training camp.