NFL Player News

As the 2026 season approaches, Jefferson's status as the Vikings' top pass catcher is secure, but it remains to be seen who will be throwing him the ball come Week 1.

Former Cardinal Kyler Murray was brought in to compete with J.J. McCarthy, and according to coach Kevin O'Connell, it's possible that the team's looming QB competition could extend into the preseason, Kevin Seifert of ESPN reports. Murray, the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, is viewed as the favorite to win the job, and if that ends up being the outcome, he'd be Minnesota's fourth different Week 1 starter in the past four seasons. Subpar QB play hampered Jefferson's fantasy upside in 2025, but if Murray seizes the top job and engineers a bounce-back season of his own in the process, the four-time Pro Bowler stands to benefit.

Walker made a strong impression during the Ravens' spring practices, Jamison Hensley of ESPN reports.

The 2024 fourth-round pick reportedly stood out as a field-stretcher during OTAs and mandatory minicamp, aiding his chances of earning a role behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman (personal). Baltimore added wide receivers Ja'Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt in the 2026 NFL Draft, along with rookie tight ends Matthew Hibner and Josh Cuevas, creating significant competition for targets. Walker has nonetheless flashed big-play ability in limited opportunities, turning seven career receptions into 157 yards and three touchdowns, providing reason for excitement if he does manage to make a leap in Year 3.

Johnston said at mandatory minicamp that he's excited for new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's scheme and expects to be "set up for the yards after catch," Omar Navarro of the Chargers' official site reports.

Johnston said McDaniel's scheme will put him "in the right position to be successful," noting that much of his collegiate success at TCU came after the catch. The 2023 first-round pick, who had his fifth-year option exercised in April, also said he's enjoyed working closely with his new offensive coordinator. Johnston managed a 51-735-8 line on 84 targets while suiting up for 14 regular-season games last year and could take a step forward in 2026 under McDaniel's scheme, with Keenan Allen still unsigned and freeing up 122 targets, and Los Angeles' offensive line set to return to health. Johnston, Ladd McConkey (hamstring) and Tre' Harris headline Justin Herbert's receiving corps, while tight ends Oronde Gadsden, David Njoku and Charlie Kolar will also figure into the passing game.

Bond added 15 pounds of muscle during the offseason and was one of the Browns' standout performers during spring practices, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

According to Oyefusi, Bond led the team in targets during spring practices and "continued to display his speed" while also making "a bunch of contested catches." Cleveland used early draft picks on wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston back in April, and the team also still employs Jerry Jeudy (hamstring) and Cedric Tillman, so it's unclear how this wideout depth chart is going to shake out over the summer. Bond is putting himself in the mix after securing just 18 of 44 targets for 338 yards and no touchdowns across 16 regular-season games as a rookie last season.

Young made a strong impression in the Bengals' recently concluded minicamp, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

After the Bengals swung and missed on Jermaine Burton in the draft two years ago, they've been lacking a solid No. 3 wide receiver to replace Tyler Boyd. They're hopeful that Young, their fourth-round pick from Georgia, can help fill that void.

Meeks has converted from wide receiver to tight end during spring practices, John Maakaron of SI reports.

Meeks inked a reserve/future contract with the Lions in January after spending the entire 2025 season on the team's practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster twice last year but didn't record any stats, playing five snaps on offense and 23 snaps on special teams. In order to earn a spot on the 53-man roster, Meeks will need to display impressive development at his new position, particularly as a blocker.

Alford (undisclosed) reverted to the Saints' injured reserve Thursday.

Alford will return to the Saints after clearing waivers. The 25-year-old found success last season in the CFL, finishing with 407 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

Keys signed a contract with the Lions on Thursday.

Lawrence last spent time with the Bills in 2024 but was let go prior to the season due to a leg injury. The 26-year-old had one catch for 13 yards in his singular preseason game in Buffalo. The former Tulane prospect will compete for a spot on the Lions' 53-man roster as the offseason program continues.

Brinson was waived by the Cowboys on Thursday, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports

Brinson signed a contract with the Cowboys in early June, spending a few short weeks on the roster. His exit makes way for UFL wide receiver Denzel Mims to compete for a spot in the Cowboys' corps. If Brinson clears waivers, the undrafted free agent will be available to sign with a team of his choosing.

The Cowboys signed Mims on Thursday, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

The 2020 second-round pick played three years for the Jets before bouncing around practice squads for the next two years. Mims played the 2025 and 2026 seasons in the UFL, accumulating 11 receptions for 110 yards over 11 games split between the Battlehawks and Renegades. The wide receiver will now compete with a packed Cowboys corps in an attempt to remain on an NFL roster.