NFL Player News

The Saints signed Kirkwood to a one-year extension Friday, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Kirkwood spent his first two NFL campaigns with the Saints before heading to Carolina. He re-joined New Orleans ahead of the 2022 regular season and bounced back and forth between the active roster and practice squad early in the campaign before landing an end-of-season contract at the beginning of January. He appeared in five games, including the Saints' last three regular-season contests, but he caught just two of four targets across 149 offensive snaps -- the most since his rookie campaign. He'll stick around the Saints organization through the 2023 campaign, but he's unlikely to garner a significant role, especially if Jarvis Landry (ankle) and Michael Thomas (toe) are healthy.

The Eagles signed Ward to a reserve/future contract Thursday.

Ward will return to the Eagles' organization again in 2023, where he's spent the entirety of his NFL career. Ward reached an injury settlement with the team after suffering a toe injury in camp, but he joined Philadelphia's practice squad in October and remained there for the rest of the season.

The Colts claimed Wilkerson off of waivers from the Patriots on Thursday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Wilkerson is now slated to compete for one of Indianapolis' roster spots throughout the offseason and into training camp following Thursday's transaction. The 26-year-old wide receiver sustained what turned out to be a season-ending concussion back in August, but given that he's since found a new home, it can be implied that Wilkerson is once again ready to throw the pads back on.

The Giants re-signed Hodgins to a one-year contract Thursday.

Hodgins, 24, was scheduled to be an exclusive rights free agent but is returning to the Giants after being claimed off waivers from the Bills in November. He quickly evolved into an every-down receiver for New York and was a prominent red-zone target for Daniel Jones. Hodgins finished the season with 33 catches for 351 yards and four touchdowns in eight games with the Giants and caught nine more balls for 108 yards and one score in two playoff contests. He should face more competition for targets and playing time in 2023, assuming the Giants find much-needed upgrades at the position.

Appearing on the Blogging the Boys podcast, Turpin said he hopes to get more chances on offense in 2023.

After being named the MVP of the USFL in 2022, Turpin signed a three-year deal with Dallas and made the Pro Bowl as a returner. He played just 62 snaps on offense, however, rushing three times for 17 yards and catching one of two targets for nine yards. With both Noah Brown and T.Y. Hilton slated for free agency, Turpin wants a shot to play more snaps. "They are going to try and get me on the offense and try to make guys respect me more on both sides of the ball," Turpin said. "I'm going into this training camp, I'm basically trying to show them that they have no choice but to use me on offense, that's my mindset." At 5-foot-9, 153 pounds, Turpin would do well to carve out a role in special packages. He's unlikely to come into fantasy relevance.

Kansas City signed Powell (undisclosed) to a reserve/future contract Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Powell landed on the practice squad injured list in early January and subsequently sat out the Chiefs' postseason run. The nature of Powell's injury wasn't ultimately disclosed, but this offseason he will get a chance to compete for a role on the 53-man roster for 2023.

Kansas City signed Smith-Marsette to a reserve/future contract Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Smith-Marsette suited up for two regular-season games with the Chiefs this season in addition to spending time on the team's practice squad. He wasn't targeted in those contests, playing just 12 offensive snaps and one snap on special teams. The 2021 fifth-round pick will get a chance to continue his development this offseason.

Cleveland signed a reserve/future contract with the Eagles on Wednesday, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Cleveland appeared in six games with the Broncos in 2022, recording two receptions on seven targets for 28 yards before finishing the season on Denver's practice squad. Since the Broncos declined to offer him a future contract following the season, Cleveland became a free agent and caught on with the Eagles as a member of the practice squad Jan. 17. He'll now work to earn full-time spot on the Eagles' 53-man roster in 2023.

Allen signed a reserve/future deal with the Eagles on Wednesday, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Allen spent the 2022 campaign on the Eagles' practice squad and never received an elevation to the active roster. The 28-year-old, who played collegiately at Oregon from 2014 through 2016, previously resumed playing football last year after a decorated track career that included stints in the 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympics.

The Patriots waived Wilkerson (concussion) on Wednesday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Wilkerson suffered a concussion during training camp and ultimately spent the entire 2022 campaign on injured reserve. The 26-year-old previously played in three games for the Patriots during the 2021 season, recording four catches on eight targets for 42 yards and two touchdowns. He'll likely look to find work elsewhere ahead of OTAs.