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 Jaguars placed White (undisclosed) on the reserve/retired list Monday.

White was an undrafted free agent who played college football at West Virginia, Liberty and Vanderbilt. The offensive lineman was placed on the reserve/retired list following the conclusion of rookie minicamp and is likely done with his football career. If he chooses to pick football back up in the future, the Jaguars will have control of his rights.

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 waived Washington on Monday, Tori McElhaney of the team's official site reports.

Washington spent 2025 on the Falcons' practice squad, being elevated for the season opener against the Buccaneers before returning to the practice squad for the rest of the season. The running back's few NFL snaps were spent on special teams. Washington will become a free agent if he clears waivers.

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.

Smith (undisclosed) reverted to the Jets' injured reserve Friday.

Smith was not claimed off waivers and will now stay with the Jets on injured reserve for the 2026 season, barring an injury settlement. The free safety played 14 games last season, split between three separate teams, and is primarily a special teams contributor.

Hartwig (undisclosed) reverted to the Jets' reserve/PUP list Friday.

Hartwig was waived by the Jets due to an undisclosed issue that caused him to fail his physical. The center was not claimed off waivers and now will remain on the reserve/PUP list while he recovers from his issue.

The Texans waived Lachey on Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Lachey was waived by the Texans last August before signing a reserve/future contract with the team in late January. The tight end will once again be culled to preserve roster spots, as the Texans signed running back Evan Hull in a corresponding move. Lachey will become a free agent if he clears waivers.

The Commanders signed Hamilton on Monday.

Hamilton played 15 games for the Commanders in 2025, totaling 18 tackles (12 solo) and two passes defensed. The cornerback was a consistent special teams contributor who was also called upon as a defensive depth piece late in the season. His consistency and versatility have earned him another year with the Commanders as the team looks to contend for the NFC East title.