NFL Player News

Madubuike underwent neck surgery mid-April and there is optimism he will be able to retake the field during the 2026 season, Jamison Hensley of ESPN reports.

Madubuike suffered what was feared to potentially be a career-threatening injury in Week 2 of the 2025 campaign, so to see increased optimism after his recent surgery represents tremendous news for the Ravens. Earlier in April, Baltimore's director of strength and conditioning Scott Elliott confirmed that Madubuike has been participating in the team's voluntary workout program. The 28-year-old DT is the pillar of the Ravens' defensive front and has totaled a team-high 69 QB hits since entering the league in 2020.

Doctors have some concern that McCoy may eventually need surgery to replace a bone plug that was used to repair a cartilage defect in his knee, Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network report.

McCoy is considered one of the top cornerbacks available in the upcoming draft and widely viewed as a first-round talent despite missing all of last season following surgery for an ACL tear. Pelissero and Rapoport indicate that McCoy's repaired ACL is fine but that a bone plug in the same knee may need to eventually be replaced via surgery, which would require "an extensive recovery." It remains to be seen how far -- if at all -- McCoy's draft stock will slip due to the concern, as teams who have interest in the Tennessee product will need to weigh the risk of drafting a player with a potential long-term knee issue versus the reward of securing a potential shutdown defender.

Colts general manager Chris Ballard said Monday that Jones is progressing well in his recovery from the torn Achilles the quarterback suffered in December and added that the club is shooting for the QB to be ready to play by Week 1 of the upcoming season, James Palmer of The Athletic reports.

Palmer notes that the Colts aren't putting a timeline on Jones' return to game action, but Ballard's comments indicate that the signal-caller could be ready from the outset of the campaign. Ballard said that Jones is currently throwing and moving and is in a "really good spot," echoing the viewpoint the QB shared on The Pat McAfee Show in mid-March. Indianapolis placed the transition tag on Jones in early March before signing him to a two-year deal less than two weeks later, making it clear that the organization views him as a central part of the team's future.

Tremayne inked his exclusive-rights free-agent tender with Carolina on Monday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

Tremayne will officially return to Carolina for at least another season after being tendered by the club in early March. The 26-year-old was a regular part of the offense for the first time as a pro last year, tallying 14 catches for 160 yards over 262 offensive snaps spanning 16 regular-season games. He also played regularly on special teams and likely will retain the same role as a depth wideout and special-teamer during the upcoming season.

Coker signed his exclusive-rights free-agent tender with the Panthers on Monday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

Coker was tendered by Carolina in early March and made his return to the team official Monday. The 24-year-old posted a 33-394-3 receiving line over 11 regular-season contests last year, nearly replicating his stats from his rookie 2024 campaign. However, Coker exploded for a 9-134-1 line in the Panthers' wild-card round loss to the Rams, and he could take another step forward as one of QB Bryce Young's top targets during the upcoming campaign.

The Packers waived Johnson (undisclosed) on Friday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Johnson did not revert to a reserve list Monday, so the linebacker is officially a free agent. He made his defensive debut in 2025 during the Packers' Week 18 loss to the Vikings. The 24-year-old played 100 percent of defensive snaps in the contest, totaling 10 tackles (three solo) and one pass defensed.

The Jaguars picked up the fifth-year option connected to Harrison's rookie contract Monday.

Harrison has been a consistent presence at left tackle for three years, and another year of salary regulation for a key player protecting quarterback Trevor Lawrence makes a lot of sense. The 24-year-old is set to make $4.199 million in 2026 before his fifth-year option grants him $19.072 million in 2027. If Harrison's consistency remains, the Jaguars likely will pay him for future years beyond the confines of his rookie deal.

Okada signed his exclusive-rights tender with the Seahawks on Monday, John Boyle of the team's official site reports.

Okada is set to make $1.145 million over the 2026 campaign. The safety had a breakout year in 2025, starting 11 games for the Seahawks' secondary during the regular season and helping to secure the team's second Super Bowl win in franchise history. While the exclusive-rights tender locks Okada into a one-year deal, it is likely the ascending defensive back will see a much larger payday after the 2026 season concludes.

Smith signed his exclusive-rights tender with the Rams on Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Smith signed a $1.075 million tender to remain with the Rams in 2026. The depth wide receiver is all set to suit up as a special teams player who also can provide offensive utility for quarterback Matthew Stafford. Smith hauled in 18 receptions for 303 yards over 16 regular-season contests in 2025, a significant improvement from his two receptions for six yards in the Rams' 2024 campaign.

Melton (knee) signed his exclusive-rights tender with the Packers on Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Melton is set to receive $1.145 million in 2026 after playing 16 regular-season contests for the Packers in 2025. The wide receiver and special teams piece suffered a knee injury at the end of the 2025 regular season, but he's healthy and ready to go for the start of the 2026 offseason.