NFL News

Patriots to unveil Tom Brady statue on Aug. 8

Patriots to unveil Tom Brady statue on Aug. 8

The New England Patriots will unveil a statue of quarterback Tom Brady outside of Gillette Stadium before their Aug. 8 preseason game against the Washington Commanders.

The team announced the details on Thursday, since June 12 is known as "Tom Brady Day" in Patriots territory because the date also can be written as 6/12. That represents the number of Super Bowl championships Brady won with the team (six) and his jersey number (12).

Plans for a 12-foot-tall bronze statue were originally announced in June 2024 when Brady was inducted into the franchise's Hall of Fame.

"(The statue) will stand alone in the plaza outside of the Hall of Fame to symbolize his position, not as the greatest in franchise history, but as the greatest in all of NFL history," team owner Robert Kraft said at the time.

Brady, 47, was a three-time NFL Most Valuable Player who holds the league records for completions (7,753), pass attempts (12,050), passing yards (89,214) and touchdown passes (649). He added his record seventh Super Bowl championship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020 season.

Texans S Jimmie Ward arrested in alleged family violence incident

Texans S Jimmie Ward arrested in alleged family violence incident

Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward is facing a felony assault family violence charge following an alleged incident at his home on Thursday morning in Magnolia, Texas.

Ward, 33, was arrested on the scene around 5:30 a.m. and was being held on third-degree felony charges, per information from the Montgomery County Jail. Bond had yet to be set.

"We are aware of the report involving Jimmie Ward," the Texans said in a statement. "We are gathering more information and have no further comment at this time."

Ward has not been spotted at the team's offseason workouts or this week's mandatory minicamp as he works his way back from a foot injury that required season-ending surgery.

He recorded 48 tackles and two interceptions -- one returned for a touchdown -- in 10 games (all starts) last season.

Ward has totaled 549 tackles, 10 interceptions -- three returned for a touchdown -- in 126 career games (99 starts) with the San Francisco 49ers (2014-22) and Texans. He was selected by the 49ers with the 30th overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Northern Illinois.

Bengals' first-round pick Shemar Stewart exits minicamp

Bengals' first-round pick Shemar Stewart exits minicamp

Bengals unsigned first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart has left mandatory minicamp in Cincinnati, multiple media outlets reported Thursday.

Per the Cincinnati Enquirer, Stewart left camp so as not to be a distraction to the other players.

Stewart, 21, had been attending voluntary workouts and team meetings but steered clear of participating in on-field activities. The Bengals selected the Texas A&M defensive end with the 17th overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Stewart is not planning to sign with the Bengals until they adjust the language in their contract offer to match the outline of the contracts signed by the team's previous two first-round selections (Myles Murphy and Amarius Mims).

"I've been doing this for most of my whole life, and then all of a sudden it's gone over something very simple to fix," Stewart told reporters on Tuesday. "It's kind of disappointing."

Bengals coach Zac Taylor talked to the media about Stewart after practice Thursday.

"For all the rookies, you'd like them to be on the field but certainly there's things that happen over the course of an NFL career and this is one of them right now," Taylor said of Stewart missing out on preparation time. "So he's been in the meetings. He's been positive in that way. He's been learning. He's been a good learner, and we look forward to getting him back on the field quickly."

Taylor said he didn't know how the contract process would progress and wouldn't guess whether Stewart would be with the team when camp opens next month.

"I'm not going to make any predictions," he said.

Sean McVay: Aaron Rodgers to Rams was 'a possibility'

Sean McVay: Aaron Rodgers to Rams was 'a possibility'

Aaron Rodgers finally ended up with the Pittsburgh Steelers after a long flirtation, but the star quarterback nearly had another offseason suitor.

Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay acknowledged on Wednesday that his team considered making a play for Rodgers before sticking with Matthew Stafford.

Speaking with NFL Media, McVay said, "Our first priority, which was consistently communicated, was, 'Hey, let's work out something with Matthew,' and we were very fortunate that it worked out that way.

"If that wasn't able to occur, then (pursuing Rodgers) was definitely conversations and a possibility for us. I have a ton of respect for the body of work, and I've gotten to know Aaron and enjoy the conversations and just the approach -- the way that he thinks about the game and in life. That was a possibility."

McVay added of Rodgers landing with the Steelers, "I'm really glad that worked out. I know there's a lot of people in Pittsburgh that are really excited that's come to fruition, and I'm a big fan of his."

The Rams and Stafford agreed to a new contract in early May that will pay the 37-year-old veteran $44 million in 2025, and he would get $40 million if he sticks with the club in 2026.

Stafford, who led the Rams to the Super Bowl championship after the 2021 season, owns a 34-23 record after Los Angeles' starter after going 74-90-1 as the Detroit Lions' starter from 2009-20.

Rodgers, 41, also has one Super Bowl ring, from the 2010 season with the Green Bay Packers. The four-time NFL Most Valuable Player landed a one-year deal in Pittsburgh that reportedly will pay him $13.65 million, including a $10 million guarantee.

Rodgers owns a 153-87-1 record as a starter with the Packers (2005-22) and New York Jets (2023-24).

Adam 'Pacman' Jones pleads not guilty in officer assault case

Adam 'Pacman' Jones pleads not guilty in officer assault case

Former NFL defensive back Adam "Pacman" Jones pleaded not guilty to multiple charges on Wednesday following his weekend arrest, according to multiple reports.

Accused of assaulting a police officer, disorderly conduct and alcohol intoxication in a public place, Jones was arrested in Kentucky on Saturday morning.

Jones' lawyer addressed the charges Wednesday, accusing the police and media of embellishing the facts of the case.

"The recent arrest of Adam 'Pacman' Jones in Covington, Kentucky, is yet another example of overzealous policing and the systemic issues that plague our justice system," attorney Pete Schaefer said. "Adam did nothing wrong other than exercise his right to ask why he was being detained. ... Initially, officers claimed he was being arrested for assault and then shifted to public intoxication, which, in itself, is not a crime in many jurisdictions unless it leads to dangerous behavior, and finally settled on disorderly conduct -- simply for asking why he was being detained.

"This pattern of escalating and inconsistent charges is a clear abuse of authority and demonstrates a troubling trend of police officers prioritizing their own discretion over constitutional rights.''

Schaefer also suggested his client has received unfair treatment since his detention.

"Adam, like every American, is innocent until proven guilty. Yet, once again, his past is being weaponized against him in the court of public opinion, while the officers involved face no scrutiny for their conduct. ... Adam deserves fairness, not another headline designed to paint him as a villain for clicks.''

Arrested several times since his playing days, Jones, 41, was most recently arrested for alleged public intoxication, assault of a police officer and evading arrest following the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 15, 2024.

Jones played 146 career games over 12 seasons with the Tennessee Titans (2005-06), Dallas Cowboys (2008), Cincinnati Bengals (2010-17) and Denver Broncos (2018).

He was a First-Team All-Pro in 2014, a Pro Bowl selection in 2015 and a member of the NFL All-Rookie Team in 2005. The punt return specialist retired from the NFL in 2019.

Reports: Commanders WR Noah Brown hurt during minicamp drill

Reports: Commanders WR Noah Brown hurt during minicamp drill

Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown was carted off the field with an apparent injury after making a catch during minicamp on Wednesday, according to multiple reports.

Brown, 29, caught a short pass from Marcus Mariota during 7-on-7 drills and stayed on the ground before slowly getting to his feet and limping off to the sideline, where he threw his helmet. He met with athletic trainers and was carted to the team facility.

Brown, who re-signed with the Commanders as a free agent in March, has dealt with injuries throughout his seven-year career. That includes the kidney injury he suffered against the Tennessee Titans on Dec. 1, 2024 that knocked him out for the rest of the season, including the Commanders' run to the NFC championship game.

Last season, his first in Washington, Brown played in 11 games (nine starts) and made 35 receptions on 56 targets for 453 yards. His lone touchdown came on a 52-yard Hail Mary pass that gave host Washington an 18-15 win over the Chicago Bears on Oct. 27.

A seventh-round draft pick by Dallas in 2017, the Ohio State alum has 150 catches for 2,000 yards and six TDs in 87 games (34 starts) with the Cowboys (2017-18, 2020-22), Houston Texans (2023) and Commanders.

The Commanders also were without veteran Michael Gallup on Tuesday and Wednesday, reportedly due to a strained hamstring. A Dallas receiver from 2018-23, Gallup, 29, signed with Washington in March after coming out of a retirement that he announced in July 2024.

Reports: LB Germaine Pratt signs 1-year deal with Raiders

Reports: LB Germaine Pratt signs 1-year deal with Raiders

Free agent linebacker Germaine Pratt reportedly reached a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders on Wednesday.

Pratt agreed to a contract with $4.25 million plus $500,000 in playing time incentives, according to the NFL Network.

Pratt, 29, was released by the Bengals earlier this week.

Pratt spent six seasons with the Bengals and had a career-best 143 tackles in 17 games last season. He made 261 stops over the last two seasons.

He also had two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 2024.

Pratt has 616 tackles, seven interceptions, seven forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, 23 passes defensed and 3.5 sacks in 96 career games (88 starts) for the Bengals, who selected him in the third round of the 2019 draft out of North Carolina State.

NFL extends, expands exclusive data deal with Genius Sports

NFL extends, expands exclusive data deal with Genius Sports

Genius Sports will continue to provide NFL data to sports betting entities through the end of the 2030 season after a multi-year deal was reached Wednesday between the two entities.

Since 2021, Genius Sports has been distributing NFL play-by-play statistics that pour through the league's Next Gen Stats real-time data platform. Next Gen Stats goes beyond typical rushing, passing and receiving totals by creating advanced statistics off raw player data.

Genius Sports distributes the data to sports betting operators and media brands.

Terms of the new deal were not disclosed but Genius Sports and the NFL had been working under a six-year, $120 million deal that was set to end in 2026. The new deal adds four more years to the partnership.

Genius Sports had previously extended its deal with the NCAA to provide data to the same entities from collegiate postseason events like the men's and women's basketball tournaments. That deal is set to run through 2032.

Report: Commanders sign S Jeremy Reaves to extension

Report: Commanders sign S Jeremy Reaves to extension

The Washington Commanders signed special teams standout Jeremy Reaves to a one-year extension, NFL Network reported Wednesday.

The 28-year-old safety is entering his eighth season in the nation's capital, a tenure highlighted by Pro Bowl and All-Pro first-team selections in 2022.

The extension keeps Reaves under contract with Washington through 2026, per the report.

Reaves has recorded 128 tackles, one sack, one interception and one forced fumble in 64 games (11 starts).

Of the 321 snaps he played with the Commanders in 2024, all but four came on special teams.

Broncos announced signing of RB J.K. Dobbins

Broncos announced signing of RB J.K. Dobbins

The Denver Broncos officially announced the signing of free agent running back J.K. Dobbins on Wednesday.

Terms were not disclosed but multiple reports on Tuesday said it was a one-year deal worth $5.25 million.

Dobbins, 26, remains in the AFC West coming off his best season in 2024 with the Los Angeles Chargers.

The oft-injured back rushed for a career-high 905 yards and tied a career high with nine rushing touchdowns in 13 games (11 starts) in his lone season with the Chargers.

In parts of four seasons spanning 37 games (21 starts), Dobbins has rushed for 2,252 yards and 21 TDs along with 59 receptions for 330 yards and one score with the Baltimore Ravens (2020, 2022-23) and Chargers.

"It's another good football player that we've seen firsthand," Broncos coach Sean Payton said Tuesday. "I've seen him for a while. The importance of that position group, we really like the group we're working with, (but) it's just another opportunity to possibly bring in another good football player who can help us win."

Dobbins joins Denver's running back depth chart that includes 2025 second-round draft pick RJ Harvey, Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin.

The Broncos waived long snapper Zach Triner to open a roster spot for Dobbins. Triner, 34, has played in 84 games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019-24) and Miami Dolphins (2024).

Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. 'fine' after injury scare

Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. 'fine' after injury scare

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is "fine" after he absorbed a hard fall during practice at minicamp, head coach Liam Coen said Wednesday.

Thomas appeared to injure his shoulder following a collision with cornerback Tyson Campbell during team drills. Thomas exited the field with trainers before returning to the sideline, however he did not go back into practice.

"He's fine. He absolutely could've gone back and played -- just bruised it a little bit," Coen said. "Said he had great range of motion, strength. He's all good. No issues, just precautionary.

"(If) he didn't come back out, he'd be really hurt. He was completely cleared to play."

Thomas, 22, recorded 87 catches for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games (16 starts) in his rookie season last year. He was selected by the Jaguars with the 23rd overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Eagles RB Saquon Barkley leads NFL in retail sales

Eagles RB Saquon Barkley leads NFL in retail sales

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley hurdled to the top of the NFL's year-end list for retail sales, the NFLPA announced on Wednesday.

The Super Bowl LIX champion and 2024 NFL rushing leader became the first running back since 2017 to finish No. 1 on the chart, which tracked the sales of officially licensed player products from March 1, 2024 to Feb. 28, 2025.

Going beyond jersey sales, the rankings included more than 85 licensed products such as apparel, bobbleheads, accessories, figurines, wall decals, backpacks, drinkware and more.

"It is the most comprehensive and up-to-date snapshot of player-driven consumer demand, offering a strong indicator of the NFL's most marketable and influential athletes -- impacting everything from endorsements to overall earning potential," the NFLPA said in a press release.

Falling short to Barkley, just as his Kansas City Chiefs did in February's Super Bowl, quarterback Patrick Mahomes was No. 2 on the list. He was in the top five for the seventh consecutive year.

Eagles quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts finished third, followed by fellow signal-callers Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders), C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans) and 2024 league MVP Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills).

At No. 7, Lions pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson was the highest-ranked defensive player. Detroit teammate and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was next, with Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons and Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson rounding out the top 10.

The NFLPA did not provide specific sales figures.

Chargers' Jim Harbaugh had cardiac ablation, hip surgery

Chargers' Jim Harbaugh had cardiac ablation, hip surgery

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said he's in top shape after undergoing cardiac ablation and hip replacement surgery in the offseason.

"The doctors can't find anything wrong with me. A-grade," Harbaugh said Tuesday.

Harbaugh, 61, said in mid-October that he previously underwent ablations in 1999 and 2012. The procedure treats irregular heart rhythms.

The heart issues attracted major attention during the Chargers' 23-16 victory against the host Denver Broncos on Oct. 13.

Just before kickoff, Harbaugh said he experienced an "atrial flutter," also known as arrhythmia, and was examined in the medical tent on the sideline.

Then right after the game began, Harbaugh walked off the field with team trainers. Once the situation was under control, Harbaugh returned to the sideline midway through the first quarter.

This was the second time Harbaugh experienced arrhythmia during a game. The other came on Nov. 19, 2012, when he was coach of the San Francisco 49ers during a 32-7 victory over the Chicago Bears on "Monday Night Football."

Harbaugh met with his cardiologist on Oct. 14 and was placed on medication and wore a heart monitor for the following two weeks.

The Chargers went 11-6 during Harbaugh's first season as coach before getting routed 32-12 by the host Houston Texans in an AFC wild-card game.

Patriots’ Stefon Diggs doesn’t comment on viral video

Patriots’ Stefon Diggs doesn’t comment on viral video

At the final practice of Patriots mandatory minicamp in Foxborough, Mass., on Tuesday, wide receiver Stefon Diggs spoke with reporters but did not address a viral video that has inspired speculation about his future with the team.

In the video, posted to social media, Diggs is seen enjoying himself on a boat with three bikini-clad women that included top-selling rapper Cardi B, but he's also seen brandishing a plastic bag filled with a mysterious pink substance.

The 31-year-old Diggs has refrained from speaking about the incident, and did so again Tuesday despite some observers wondering if the four-time Pro Bowler could be in hot water with either his new team or the NFL at large.

First-year Patriots coach Mike Vrabel spoke recently on the importance of players making "good decisions."

"I kind of keep my personal life personal," Diggs said. "I had a conversation with Vrabel, obviously, and I'm going to echo everything that he said. Hope everyone makes good decisions. I had some conversations with people in the building as well. So, everything else is everything else, and the particulars are all internal."

A First-Team All-Pro in 2020, Diggs signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Patriots in March.

He has described his rapport with Vrabel as being positive and expressed admiration for Vrabel's championship pedigree.

"I'm a huge fan of him," Diggs said. "I can't wait to play for him. He's got that itch that you want to run through a wall for him. I look forward to it. Me and him go back and forth in practice, and I'm not even participating."

A year ago, Diggs played in just eight games for the Houston Texans due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament, breaking a string of six straight 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career. He has amassed 857 receptions for 10,491 yards and 70 touchdowns during his 10-year career split among the Minnesota Vikings (2015-19), Buffalo Bills (2020-23) and Texans (2024).

Reports: Broncos to sign RB JK Dobbins to 1-year deal

Reports: Broncos to sign RB JK Dobbins to 1-year deal

Free agent running back J.K. Dobbins agreed to a one-year deal with the Denver Broncos on Tuesday, according to reports, keeping the 26-year-old in the AFC West.

Per the reports, Dobbins' contract is worth $5.25 million and brings a talented yet oft-injured rusher to an already competitive running backs room in Denver.

Following Tuesday's minicamp practice, Broncos coach Sean Payton indicated that the team was "close" to finalizing an agreement with Dobbins, who played the first three years of his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens before spending last season with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Dobbins visited the Broncos for two days last week, leading to speculation that he was set to sign with Denver.

Dobbins rushed for a career-high 905 yards and a career high-tying nine touchdowns over 13 games for the Chargers last season, which was shortened due to a Week 12 sprained MCL.

After allowing leading rusher Javonte Williams to leave in free agency, the Broncos drafted Central Florida's R.J. Harvey in April's NFL draft.

Outside of that, Denver featured Jaleel McLaughlin, who prepares for his third season to make him the most experienced running back with the team. Other backs include former Notre Dame standout Audric Estime, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, and former undrafted players Tyler Badie and Blake Watson.

A second-round pick out of Ohio State in 2020, Dobbins has endured a slew of injuries since entering the NFL. After totaling 925 total yards and nine scores in his rookie year, Dobbins missed all of 2021 and half of 2022 with a knee injury. He also missed all but one game in 2023 with an Achilles injury.

In parts of four NFL seasons spanning 37 games (21 starts), Dobbins has rushed for 2,252 yards and 21 scores along with 59 receptions for 330 yards and one touchdown.

Despite Dobbins' injury history, Payton expects big things from the Broncos' newest signee.

"It's another good football player that we've seen firsthand," Payton said. "I've seen him for a while. The importance of that position group, we really like the group we're working with, (but) it's just another opportunity to possibly bring in another good football player who can help us win."

Aaron Rodgers on first day with Steelers: I'm married

Aaron Rodgers on first day with Steelers: I'm married

It turns out joining a new team isn't the only recent life change for new Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

On his first day with the Steelers after signing a one-year deal last week worth a reported $13.65 million, Rogers was asked about the black band on his left ring finger.

"It's a wedding ring," the four-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowl selection told reporters Tuesday, adding that the couple were married "a couple months ago."

Rodgers did not reveal the name of his new bride, but said on ESPN's "The Pat McAfee Show" in December that he was dating a woman named Brittani.

"I'm in a different phase of my life," Rodgers said on the show. "I'm 41 years old. I'm in a serious relationship. I have off-the-field stuff going on that requires my attention. I have personal commitments not knowing what my future was going to look like after last year that are important to me."

Per the magazine Us Weekly, Rodgers was spotted wearing the same ring on the same finger at the Barnstable Brown Gala in Louisville, Ky., on May 2.

As for Rodgers' new deal, $10 million is guaranteed. He could earn another $5.85 million in play time and performance incentives, ESPN reported.

He has career earnings of $380.7 million, the most of any NFL player, according to Spotrac. Among active players, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has earned $364.3 million and is set to overtake Rodgers in all-time earnings this season.

Rodgers has a career record of 153-87-1. He has completed 65.1 percent of his pass attempts for 62,952 yards. He has 503 career touchdowns against 116 interceptions in 248 games.

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie donates $50M to autism center

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie donates $50M to autism center

With a $50 million donation to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine on Tuesday, Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie announced the creation of the Lurie Autism Institute in Philadelphia.

"This first-of-its kind Institute aims to be a global hub for autism research that connects scientists, clinicians, families, students, and donors," per an Eagles press release.

According to the release, Lurie's single donation is the largest toward autism research made to U.S. hospitals.

The Lurie family has supported autism research going back to 1977, when Lurie's mother founded the Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation. That foundation led to the establishment of the The Lurie Center for Autism at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston in 2009.

In 2018, Jeffrey Lurie started the Eagles Autism Foundation, which has raised more than $40 million, including over $10 million in 2025.

Texans QB C.J. Stroud resumes throwing

Texans QB C.J. Stroud resumes throwing

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was throwing without any limitations during the team's first minicamp practice on Tuesday.

Stroud did not throw last week at Houston's organized team activities, with head coach DeMeco Ryans referring to "general soreness" as the reason that the quarterback wasn't testing his arm.

Stroud downplayed the situation with reporters on Tuesday.

"I was already throwing -- before you guys see me out there -- pretty normally," Stroud said. "I think y'all don't have much to talk about so everything just gets blown up in the offseason. I'm fine, man. I'm really OK.

"... I felt great. I'm very grateful to be back out on the field. A little rusty, made some throws, missed some throws. Just very grateful to be out there with the guys."

Ryans explained his decision to sit Stroud as a means of protecting himself.

"C.J.'s a competitor," Ryans said. "Last week, C.J. was adamant about going out and practicing. It just showed the type of person C.J. is. For me, as the head coach, it's important for me to make sure that we're protecting him. ... Not really worried about the outside opinions of other people. Nobody knows the information about our players more than me. I'm going to make sure I always do what's in the best interest of our players, first and foremost, with their health and wellness. So that's why the decision was made with C.J. today and he looked pretty fine."

Stroud, 23, followed up Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2023 by seeing his numbers dip in 2024. His yards per game dropped from 273.9 in 2023 to 219.2 in 2024, and his interception total jumped from five to 12.

In two seasons with the Texans, Stroud is 19-13 with 43 touchdowns, 7,835 yards and a 93.7 passer rating. The No. 2 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft also has two wild-card playoff wins under his belt.

Vikings TE Josh Oliver signs 3-year extension

Vikings TE Josh Oliver signs 3-year extension

Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver signed a three-year contract extension that spans through the 2028 season.

Financial terms were not disclosed by the team, however ESPN reported -- citing Athletes First -- that the deal is worth $23.25 million with a maximum value of $27.5 million. It also includes $11.9 million in new guarantees and $19.9 million in total guarantees.

Oliver, who is second on the team's tight end pecking order behind Pro Bowler T.J. Hockenson, is heading into the final season of a three-year, $21 million contract.

Oliver, 28, recorded 22 catches for the second straight year in 2024 and finished with a career-best three touchdowns.

He has 70 receptions for 701 yards and seven touchdowns in 67 career games (37 starts) with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens and Vikings.

LB Shaq Thompson signs with Bills, reunites with Sean McDermott

LB Shaq Thompson signs with Bills, reunites with Sean McDermott

The Buffalo Bills bolstered their defensive corps on Tuesday by signing linebacker Shaq Thompson to a one-year contract.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed for Thompson, who will be reunited with head coach Sean McDermott.

Thompson was selected by Carolina with the 25th overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft. He spent the first two seasons of his NFL career playing under McDermott, who was the defensive coordinator of the Panthers from 2011-16 before becoming head coach of the Bills in 2017.

Injuries limited Thompson to four games in 2024 (torn Achilles) and two games in 2023 (broken ankle).

Thompson, 31, has recorded 752 tackles, 12 sacks, four forced fumbles and three interceptions in 123 games (112 starts) in his career, all with Carolina.

He helped the Panthers reach Super Bowl 50 during his rookie season and climbed to fourth place in team history in tackles, trailing Luke Kuechly (1,092), Thomas Davis (1,077) and Mike Minter (771).

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