NFL Player News

The Lions signed Black on Wednesday.

Black spent time with the Dolphins during the 2025 offseason but ultimately failed to make the 53-man roster. His last in-game NFL action came with the Jets in 2021, when he caught one of two targets for 10 yards during one contest. Now with the Lions, expect the Texas product to compete for a reserve role as the offseason progresses.

Martin signed with the Lions on Wednesday.

Martin made three appearances for the Commanders last season, catching both of his targets for 23 yards while playing 72 total snaps (42 on special teams, 30 on offense). Now in Detroit, he's expected to compete for a reserve role in the receiving corps ahead of the 2026 season.

The Saints signed Brown on Wednesday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Brown most recently spent time with the Falcons' practice squad in 2024, and he's now agreed to terms with the Saints. The Oklahoma State product has yet to make an NFL appearance after converting 22 of 23 field-goal attempts and all 42 of his point-after tries across 12 games during his final collegiate season in 2022. He's expected to compete with Charlie Smyth for New Orleans' top kicker spot ahead of the 2026 season.

Croskey-Merritt (undisclosed) participated in Tuesday's minicamp practice, John Keim of ESPN reports.

Croskey-Merritt missed time during the Commanders' voluntary OTAs due to an unspecified soft-tissue injury. However, the running back returned to the field Tuesday and looking healthy in the process, per Zach Selby of the team's official site. Now that he's back in the mix, Croskey-Merritt -- who logged a team-high 805 rushing yards on 175 carries and nine catches for 68 yards in 17 regular-season games in 2025 -- will look to solidify his key role in a crowded Washington backfield that also includes Rachaad White, Kaytron Allen, Jerome Ford and Jeremy McNichols

Moreno-Cropper signed with the Saints on Wednesday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

The Fresno State product spent most of his 2025 campaign with the Cowboys' practice squad, but he's since found a new home in New Orleans. Moreno-Cropper appeared in four regular-season games during his two seasons in Dallas, recording 38 kick-return yards and 27 punt-return yards. He'll likely compete for a special-teams role as the offseason progresses.

Franklin (hamstring) is participating in practice Wednesday at mandatory minicamp, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Franklin missed Denver's loss to New England in the AFC Championship Game due to a hamstring injury, but he now appears back to full health. The 2024 fourth-round pick totaled just 263 receiving yards as a rookie but took a sizeable step forward in 2025, with a 65-709-6 receiving line (on 104 targets) across 17 regular-season appearances. The Broncos traded for Jaylen Waddle earlier in the offseason, providing another alpha receiver atop the depth chart alongside Courtland Sutton, so Franklin faces increased competition for targets entering Year 3. If he can take a step forward in his development and build increased chemistry with QB Bo Nix (ankle), though, Franklin could well be the favorite for the No. 3 receiver gig over Pat Bryant and Marvin Mims.

Nix (ankle) participated in 7-on-7 drills at Wednesday's mandatory minicamp practice, Nick Kosmider of The Athletic reports.

Nix returned to individual work at the start of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, and he's already upgraded to 7-on-7 reps. While Nix, who is recovering back from offseason ankle surgery plus a follow-up procedure, isn't set to take part in 11-on-11 team drills at minicamp, he said Tuesday he could be "full-go right now if they wanted me to," as Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports. Head coach Sean Payton said Tuesday that Nix will be fully cleared for the start of training camp in July.

Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday at mandatory minicamp that Watts (undisclosed) is not practicing due to a minor injury, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

Stefanski declined to get into the specifics of Watts' injury, but he indicated that the team is simply being cautious with his health. The 2025 third-round pick emerged as a standout at safety as a rookie, suiting up for all 17 regular-season games and totaling 96 tackles (59 solo) and 11 passes defensed, including five interceptions. There are no indications that Watts' status for the start of training camp in July is of any concern.

Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday during mandatory minicamp that London (undisclosed) will not practice as a precaution, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

Stefanski noted that London could have practiced if necessary, but that Atlanta is opting for caution after signing the star wideout to a four-year, $141 million extension earlier this month. The 2022 first-round pick remains the clear No. 1 target for a quarterback room that features a competition between Michael Penix (ACL) and Tua Tagovailoa for the starting role, so the team's priority is having London fully healthy for training camp in July. London dealt with a PCL sprain last season, but Stefanski called his current injury a "small" issue.

Penix (ACL) said Tuesday at mandatory minicamp that "the expectation" is for him to participate in 11-on-11 drills during training camp, though he will first need to gain clearance from team doctors, Will McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

Penix did not participate in full-team drills at mandatory minicamp, though he reportedly showed no signs of discomfort while taking 7-on-7 and individual reps as well as footwork drills with quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt. The 26-year-old signal-caller spoke positively about his recovery progress, saying "each and every day that I come out here, I feel better than the day before." Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Penix is "exactly where he needs to be." Once Penix is fully cleared, he will face a competition with Tua Tagovailoa for the Week 1 starting job.