NFL Player News

The Bears waived Hankins (shoulder/quadriceps) on Thursday.

Hankins wasn't let go with an injury designation, so he'll be ready to go at his next landing spot. The 25-year-old running back spent his rookie 2025 season on the Bears' injured reserve. He's an interesting player at 5-foot-11, 225 pounds, but he finished with just 4.4 YPC and two touchdowns in his sixth college season in 2024.

Stafford and the Rams agreed on a one-year, $55 million contract extension Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Stafford was set to enter the 2026 campaign in the final year of his two-year, $84 million contract that he signed with Los Angeles ahead of the 2025 season, but he now will be under contract through 2027. The 38-year-old is coming off of an MVP campaign in which he compiled 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns while completing 65 percent of his passes over 17 regular-season contests. His new deal is worth up to $60 million dollars, so Stafford could earn up to $105 million over the next two seasons. The Rams drafted the quarterback's successor in Ty Simpson 13th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, and Simpson may get a chance to sit behind Stafford for multiple years.

Wade (ribs) has been participating in the Ravens' OTAs.

Wade spent his 2024 rookie season on the Ravens' practice squad, and he subsequently spent the 2025 campaign on injured reserve following rib surgery. The Ole Miss product had had time to recover and is back on the field as he vies for a role this offseason. The Ravens drafted two wide receivers (Ja'Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt) in the first four rounds, so Wade likely needs to play a role on special teams to earn a 53-man roster spot for 2026.

Johnson announced his retirement Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Johnson was cut by the Raiders in August of 2025 and never found another spot on an active roster. The 28-year-old wide receiver played 38 games for three different teams and recorded 31 receptions for 394 yards and two touchdowns.

Loudermilk signed with the Vikings on Thursday.

Loudermilk suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 2 of the 2025 season and subsequently didn't return to action. The 2021 fifth-round pick out of Wisconsin spent five years with the Steelers in a reserve role, as he never surpassed 275 defensive snaps or 23 tackles -- both marks he set in his rookie year. Loudermilk will add depth to the Vikings' stout defensive line.

McCoy (knee) practiced without limitations Wednesday, Sam Warren of the Raiders' official site reports.

A rookie fourth-round pick, McCoy was limited during rookie minicamp while he was continuing to ramp up from a torn right ACL he suffered during the 2025 season. Now, McCoy -- who will turn 21 years old in August -- has increased his workload and drew praise from head coach Klint Kubiak for his progress. The Tennessee product is currently behind veteran Eric Stokes and 2025 third-round pick Darien Porter on the depth chart at outside cornerback.

Campbell is signing a four-year, $81 million extension with the Lions, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The Lions declined Campbell's fifth-year option for 2027 ($21.9 million) and now will keep him around long term on a deal that likely lands much softer on the 2027 cap sheet. He now deservedly ranks among the highest-paid off-ball LBs in the NFL, coming off a 2025 campaign with 176 tackles, including 5.0 sacks, four pass defenses, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Campbell hasn't missed a game since the Lions took him 28th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Ridley (fibula) is not practicing at OTAs this week, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Ridley suffered a season-ending broken fibula in the Titans' Week 11 loss to the Texans last November and is still working his way back. The 31-year-old has gotten by on pure volume in his three seasons since serving a season-long gambling suspension in 2022, but the Titans have added significant target competition this offseason in the form of slot man Wan'Dale Robinson and No. 4 overall pick Carnell Tate. Now on the wrong side of 30 and playing under a new coaching staff that didn't sign him, Ridley could easily finish third on the team in opportunities behind both Robinson and Tate. He's not a particularly exciting fantasy target for 2026.

Helm (toe) is participating in OTAs this week, Buck Reising of AtoZ Sports Nashville reports.

Helm missed the Titans' regular-season finale back in January but appears to be back to full health after compiling 44 catches for 357 yards and two touchdowns on 55 targets as a rookie last season. With Chig Okonkwo now with the Commanders, Helm looks poised to win the TE1 job with the Titans this summer. His main competition for playing time will come from blocking types Daniel Bellinger and Kylen Granson.

Levis (shoulder) is participating in OTAs this week, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Levis missed all of last season after undergoing shoulder surgery last summer. With Cam Ward locked in atop the depth chart and Mitchell Trubisky signed earlier this offseason to serve as the veteran QB2, it's unclear what Levis' future looks like in Tennessee. The team could look to trade him ahead of Week 1 if he's able to produce some quality tape during the preseason.