The Minnesota Vikings are doing something in free agency! I repeat. . .the Minnesota Vikings are doing something in free agency! Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network are reporting that the Vikings have signed Buffalo Bills restricted free agent offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark to an offer sheet. The Bills tendered Van […] The Minnesota Vikings are doing something in free agency! I repeat. . .the Minnesota Vikings are doing something in free agency! Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network are reporting that the Vikings have signed Buffalo Bills restricted free agent offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark to an offer sheet. The Bills tendered Van Demark at the “original round” tender amount of $3.52 million. The Bills now have five days to decide whether or not they want to match the Vikings’ offer. If they choose not to, he will be on his way to Minnesota. Because Van Demark was an undrafted free agent, the Vikings would not owe the Bills any compensation if the Bills choose not to match. Van Demark played his college ball at the University of Connecticut. He went undrafted in 2022 and originally signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent, but was let go by the Colts as part of their final cuts. He then signed with the Bills and spent the 2022 season on their practice squad. Van Demark made the Bills’ 53-man roster in 2023, and has since appeared in 43 games for them, including six starts. Four of those starts came this past season. If the Bills choose not to match the Vikings’ offer and he winds up coming to Minnesota, he would presumably fill the role that Justin Skule had this past season with the Vikings as the team’s swing tackle, as he can play either of the tackle spots. So, the clock is ticking on whether or not the Bills will choose to match the Vikings’ offer on Ryan Van Demark and keep him in Western New York or allow him to join the Vikings. We’ll be keeping an eye on this one. See More:
Vikings Sign Bills OT Ryan Van Demark to Offer Sheet
Miami Dolphins Discussion: Missed Opportunity Edition
At the beginning of the new NFL season, Miami Dolphins fans go into free agency with their own list. Our own list of players that we, even in a year when we have no real money to spend, hope to see our team make a real, honest effort to sign. Every year, almost every one […] At the beginning of the new NFL season, Miami Dolphins fans go into free agency with their own list. Our own list of players that we, even in a year when we have no real money to spend, hope to see our team make a real, honest effort to sign. Every year, almost every one of us is disappointed that they missed on either multiple players or maybe just that one player that you knew was either a really solid bargain or just a guy in general that could make a real difference for the team in the upcoming season. So with that in mind, this evening’s Phinsider Question Of The Day is: Which player did you seriously hope, despite their serious financial restraints, that our Miami Dolphins would make a real effort to bring to South Florida, but instead either wiffed on or just ignored, only to disappointingly see them sign with another franchise, and why? Please share your thoughts and answers in the comments section below- See More: Miami Dolphins News
Rams-49ers to be Week 1 featured game
Next season’s game between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers to be played in Melbourne, Australia will be the NFL’s Thursday night feature in Week 1 and it’s causing the league to totally shift its usual routine. Instead of opening with the Super Bowl winner on Thursday in Week 1, as it usually […] Next season’s game between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers to be played in Melbourne, Australia will be the NFL’s Thursday night feature in Week 1 and it’s causing the league to totally shift its usual routine. Instead of opening with the Super Bowl winner on Thursday in Week 1, as it usually does, the NFL is going to be shifting the opening game to a rare Wednesday contest according to Joe Flint of the Wall Street Journal. The teams that will be in that game are unknown and may not include the Seattle Seahawks. Or if it does, the Seahawks will end up playing on the road because their home field is already scheduled for an MLS game of the Seattle Sounders. How interesting then that a Rams-49ers game could end up disrupting the Seahawks’ expectations for a Week 1 home game on a Thursday. The Rams-49ers game in Melbourne is a historic moment for the NFL and clearly it wants to showcase their worldwide appeal by debuting in Australia. The amazing amount of jet lag that both teams will have to deal with also makes sense for why the league wants to get this game out of the way in Week 1 and give L.A. and San Francisco enough time to readjust to the U.S. time zone once they return to the west coast. We knew the Rams-49ers in Melbourne would be an interesting moment for the franchises and the league but with this reported shift to the Week 1 schedule, it’s going to be an even bigger night. See More:
Things break terribly for Bengals in new Mel Kiper NFL Mock Draft
The Cincinnati Bengals are sitting at No. 10 in the NFL Draft, which would be great most years. You get a chance to pick up a falling prospect while desperate teams scoop up potential quarterbacks. Well, this year, there really isn’t a quarterback making much noise other than Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. On top of that, […] The Cincinnati Bengals are sitting at No. 10 in the NFL Draft, which would be great most years. You get a chance to pick up a falling prospect while desperate teams scoop up potential quarterbacks. Well, this year, there really isn’t a quarterback making much noise other than Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. On top of that, the way the tiers of talent are shaping up, the Bengals might be in the worst spot. Depending on who you talk to, there are roughly five to eight blue-chip prospects (several at positions of need for Cincinnati), but then the drop-off to the second tier happens. That tier is fairly robust, where picking early in the second might get you a similar caliber player. That drop-off happens right where the Bengals select. As you can see in ESPN’s Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft, things can go very poorly for the Bengals, who end up with LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. Even with Boye Mafe in the fold, the edge rush leaves a lot to be desired. But with Bain off the board, there isn’t a pass rusher whose value fits here. The Bengals would have to reach for Missouri’s Zion Young, Auburn’s Keldric Faulk or Miami’s Akheem Mesidor, and it’s just too early for any of those guys. But Cincinnati was also one of four teams to give up more than 7 yards per opponent dropback in 2025, and it would love to have a true No. 1 corner. Delane can make plays on the ball (11 pass breakups, two interceptions last season) in either man or zone coverage. Even Kiper acknowledges the team essentially just missed out on Rueben Bain Jr., who went No. 9 to the Kansas City Chiefs. The pair of Ohio State defenders who could have possibly fallen were also gone. This is obviously nothing against Delane. He looks to be a very good cornerback prospect. He would probably also be a nice starter eventually. It is just that the cornerback position was the strongest area of the defense last season. The Bengals have been open about trying to get DJ Turner extended, and Dax Hill has also been reliable. Drafting Delane feels like Hill’s or Turner’s future with the team would be coming to an end while giant holes at other areas on the defense would continue to linger. It would probably be nice for Cincinnati to trade back in this situation, but without a true blue-chip player or quarterback, the odds of finding a trade partner are slim to none. See More:
Colts sign a pair of intriguing depth pieces
Indianapolis, IN — The Indianapolis Colts announced they have signed veteran defensive tackle Jerry Tillery and undrafted free agent tight end Carson Towt. Both players represent opposite sides of the spectrum in experience, yet both are facing similar expectations upon signing. These are rather inconsequential signings as far as the grand scheme goes, but competition […] Indianapolis, IN — The Indianapolis Colts announced they have signed veteran defensive tackle Jerry Tillery and undrafted free agent tight end Carson Towt. Both players represent opposite sides of the spectrum in experience, yet both are facing similar expectations upon signing. These are rather inconsequential signings as far as the grand scheme goes, but competition from depth pieces is always a positive. Jerry Tillery KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – DECEMBER 07: Jerry Tillery #99 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs across the field during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on December 7, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)Getty Images The seven-year veteran has become a journeyman depth piece who has provided solid spot-starts over the latter half of his career. Tillery was part of a historic first-round 2019 draft class that saw six different defensive tackles selected in the first 32 picks, with him serving as the final DT drafted 28th overall by the Los Angeles Chargers. Listed at 6’6”, 295 lbs, Tillery provides the aforementioned spot-start ability as a backup, starting in 20 of 51 games played over his last three seasons spent with the Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, and most recently, the Kansas City Chiefs. He totaled 79 tackles, 11 QB Hits, 5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks during that stretch. Carson Towt Feb 28, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Carson Towt (33) dunks against the NC State Wolfpack during the first half at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn ImagesMichael Caterina-Imagn Images If you’d never heard of Carson Towt, the football player, before today, do not fret, for not even Towt himself has ever put on the pads. The former Notre Dame and Northern Arizona basketball product is listed at 6’8”, 250 lbs, and was a rebounding machine in the college ranks. Towt averaged 8.8 total rebounds across 154 games played in college, and now looks to use those talents for a seamless transition to NFL tight end — a position he’s never played in a sport he’s never played. Regardless of the likelihood that Towt makes the team, it’s a fun story nonetheless. General manager Chris Ballard already went Victor Frankenstein on tight end Mo Alie-Cox and birthed an NFL mainstay. There’s enough precedent to bet on him unlocking another basketball player. Even if the project in question does go poorly, you can’t fault a man for chasing the low-risk, high-reward Antonio Gates route. Although they have uphill battles in making the opening day roster, both Jerry Tillery and Carson Towt, two wildly different stories, have been given the opportunity. They both are finding their way as NFL players, one more than the other, but they do share a hunger to improve and belong, and that alone is grounds for a worthy competition. See More: Indianapolis Colts News
Raiders Reacts Survey: Have the Raiders improved in Free agency
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Raiders fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. With free agency entering its second week, most fans have turned back to the draft. While […] Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Raiders fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. With free agency entering its second week, most fans have turned back to the draft. While the slow period starts teams free agency class start to get graded as people look at who franchises have added to the roster for improvements. The Las Vegas Raiders went to work on the first day with a plethora of signings. It was highlighted on the defensive side of the ball with Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean highlighting the best of the class. Other additions such Kwity Paye and Jalen Nailor will help add depth to the roster and the trade for Taron Johnson solidifies the slot corner position. John Spytek was expecting to have more cap space with the Maxx Crosby trade the Raiders were able to bolster to the roster. In this week’s SB Nation Reacts we ask Raider Nation if the team improved in free agency. Let us know in the survey below. See More: Las Vegas Raiders Odds
Minnesota Vikings News and Links: So, What Do You Want To Talk About?
Not much to talk about unless we beat the different QB debate horse into oblivion. I am sure we will. The team is taking it’s sweet time and nobody knows what is going to happen, if anything, next. I am hoping for a contract extension for O’Neill, a contract extension or trade for Greenard, and […] Not much to talk about unless we beat the different QB debate horse into oblivion. I am sure we will. The team is taking it’s sweet time and nobody knows what is going to happen, if anything, next. I am hoping for a contract extension for O’Neill, a contract extension or trade for Greenard, and maybe a couple of additional free agent signings. It could be that they are simply going to only sign players who will take 2M or less in order to at least get one compensatory pick for Nailor. It is al so possible that they wait until after the draft when the compensatory picks will not be affected and once they see what they can get in the draft. Minnesota Vikings News and Links Kyler Murray posted two photos and a one-word caption to his Instagram profile. Skol. A simple statement but one that speaks volumes for the QB who first donned a jersey with the name “Vikings” across the front two decades ago. Murray joined a virtual call with Twin Cities media members shortly after inking his deal with Minnesota — and taking to Instagram — to answer questions about joining the team he grew up rooting for. “I was 7 years old,” Murray said. “Genuine, genuine fandom that ran deep. Vikings gear, through and through, a lot of Purple in my household.” … “Never in a million years,” he emphasized. “Never in a million years did I think this was going to come around full circle. Never even a thought in my head. But the opportunity presented itself.” Murray reflected on a whirlwind day at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center, where he “met a lot of genuine, real people” who showed him “nothing but great respect and love.” “I’m very appreciative of how today went, and I cannot wait to get [in the locker room], compete and just represent the Vikings,” he said. … Murray will reunite with former Cardinals teammate Byron Murphy, Jr., a draft classmate who played with Murray in Arizona from 2019-22 before signing with Minnesota as a free agent in 2023. “Murph’ hit me up earlier; it’s been a great day,” Murray said of the cornerback who commented on the Instagram post, “Let’s get it Brudda 🤟🏽” Vikings Executive Vice President of Football Operations Rob Brzezinski noted Murray’s enthusiasm throughout the afternoon. “He couldn’t have been more excited to be here, and that was so awesome to see,” Brzezinski said. “It’s exciting. I mean, we’re all fans, too. We’re excited to see this team continue to be built and get it ready for the fall.” Part of Murray’s energy revolves around playing for Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell. “Watching from afar what K.O. has been able to do with quarterbacks, offense, the guys in place here, B-Flo’s (Brian Flores) defense,” Murray said. “I think it’s a great fit, and like I said, I’m thankful. I’m thankful for the opportunity, and I can’t wait to get to work.” His relationship with the Vikings coach dates to Murray’s sensational prep career at Allen High School in Texas where he compiled a perfect 43-0 record and participated in the lofty Elite 11 quarterback camp. “Me and K.O. go back to the Elite 11 days,” Murray shared, before recalling an anecdote in the leadup to his selection by the Cardinals. “I remember during the combine, I did … had an interview with [Washington] and he was with them, and he pulled me aside after my meeting with them, and ever since then, our relationship, he’s always made sure to check in on me, whether it was after a game, things like that, so I always respected that, always appreciated his opinion of me and the support that he’s given me. (And) so, now, getting to play for him and have that relationship with him means the world [to me]. “Obviously, he’s had a lot of success with quarterbacks, different quarterbacks, and he’s one of the best offensive minds in the game,” Murray continued, “so I’m looking forward to going to work with him.” Murray answered questions about “starting” like a seven-year pro, communicating his gratitude for the opportunity to come in and learn the offense under O’Connell and compete. While Murray was limited to five games last season due to a foot injury — he went 2-3 and didn’t play after Oct. 5 — he said “I take extreme pride in my health” and sounded confident he’ll be readily available. And once he’s on the field, competing with J.J. McCarthy, who started 10 games for the Vikings in 2025, and is building rapport with the guys, Murray knows he has one of, if not the best, receivers on his side. “I’m sure I’ll talk to him here pretty soon,” Murray said when he was asked about his kinship with four-time Pro Bowl WR Justin Jefferson. “My last real interaction with Jettas was at the Pro Bowl. … Everybody knows what type of talent he is, what type of player he is, and his ability is through the roof. “I’m just super excited to get to work with him; be able to call him a teammate,” Murray added. In Murray’s mind, it’d be wrong to put a ceiling on expectations with him under O’Connell, who has played a big hand in maximizing the performance of veteran QBs, namely Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold. “I don’t want to put any limitations on what that looks like,” he stated. “I know he’s had a tremendous amount of success with multiple different quarterbacks. I know [what] my skill set brings to the game. I know what I’m capable of, and I
Cade Mays contract details: Salary breakdown, guarantees, bonus incentives
Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes doesn’t give out too many multi-year contracts during the offseason’s free agency period, but he does typically make at least one early move to secure a player that he envisions thriving on the roster for a few seasons. This year, center Cade Mays was the Lions’ primary target in […] Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes doesn’t give out too many multi-year contracts during the offseason’s free agency period, but he does typically make at least one early move to secure a player that he envisions thriving on the roster for a few seasons. This year, center Cade Mays was the Lions’ primary target in free agency, as they not only secured his services on day one of the tampering period but also gave him a three-year deal. On Tuesday, the details surrounding Mays’ contract with the Lions was made public. So, let’s take a closer look and see what we can ascertain. Cade Mays: 3-year, $25 million, $14 million guaranteed First, let’s take a look at Mays’ contract in an overview snapshot: As you can see, Mays has three active seasons built into his contract, as well as four voided years (after he becomes a free agent) built in for salary cap purposes. Each season, Mays has “game” and “workout” bonuses that can be earned, as well as a team option bonus that kicks in for 2028 and is distributed across the voided years. Like most Lions contracts, Mays’ first season in Detroit will carry a very low salary cap hit, then sharply increases in year two. But what makes Mays’ third year a bit unusual is the option bonus and how it results in a low cap hit in 2028—it could also give the Lions an “out” on the contract if Mays happens to underperform. Let’s dig a bit deeper by taking a look at each year of Mays’ contract for more information. 2026Base salary: $1.215 millionSigning bonus: $1.296 millionPer game roster bonus: $210,000Workout bonus: $50,0002026 cap hit: $2.771 million Pretty straightforward NFL contract. Mays receives a large portion of his overall contract guaranteed ($14 million) and, in turn, allows the Lions to structure the contract with a low initial cap hit to help them manage their salary cap. 2027Base salary: $7.695 millionSigning bonus: $1.296 millionPer game roster bonus: $255,000Workout bonus: $50,0002027 cap hit: $9.296 million With a low cap hit in year one, Mays still maintains $11 million in guarantees into year two of his contract, and because his guarantees are larger than his cap hit, it means that it is cheaper for the Lions to keep him on the roster, rather than release him, if his play is not up to their standards. Translation: Mays will almost surely be on the Lions roster through 2027. 2028Base salary: $1.305 millionSigning bonus: $1.296 millionPer game roster bonus: $255,000Option bonus: $1.478 millionWorkout bonus: $50,0002028 cap hit: $4.384 million 2029 (VOID)Signing bonus: $2.592 millionOption bonus: $5.912 million2029 cap hit: $8,504,000 If Mays is thriving in Detroit, and the Lions want him on their roster in 2028, they can simply let the contract play out, and Mays will see a large reduction in his cap hit from the previous season. However, the downside of this contract is that all the money structured into the “void” years will come due in 2029, when the contract officially expires. In this design, while Mays gives them a low cap number in 2028, it would also trigger the “option bonus” years, meaning his third year on the roster would cost the Lions roughly $10.3 million in total cap space (spread out over two seasons). That being said, as mentioned earlier, if Mays isn’t living up to his contract by year three, the Lions do have an out. For the Lions to get “out” of Mays’ contract for a relatively cheap cost, they could elect to release Mays before the option bonus kicks in. If they do that, Mays would become an immediate free agent, and the Lions would incur a $3.888 million cap hit in 2028, but they would have zero cap obligations in 2029. This is a good contract for Mays because if he performs well and the contract stays intact, he’ll make a total of $25 million over a three-year period, and at age 29, he will still be in line for another payday in the NFL. This is a good contract for the Lions because they incur a very low cap hit in 2026, and have a relatively cheap out after year two if Mays underperforms. In that scenario, Mays would cost them just under $16 million over two seasons (three contractually). If Mays does perform at or above expectations, investing $25 million into a starting center over three seasons is a bargain in the NFL. See More:
Calvin Austin could bring tremendous value to the NY Giants’ offense
The New York Giants signed Calvin Austin III to add speed and a reliable slot option to their wide receiver room. The departure of Wan’Dale Robinson to the Tennessee Titans opened up a role in the slot, and Austin was signed at a fraction of the price of the former Giant. Robinson landed a lucrative four-year, $78 million contract with Tennessee, including roughly $38 million guaranteed after a breakout 2025 season, in which he secured 1,000 yards on the year. He now rejoins Brian Daboll in Nashville. Meanwhile, the Giants added Calvin Austin III on a far more modest deal—a one-year contract worth $1.5-million, with incentives that can push the total value to around $3-million. While Austin does not match Robinson’s recent production or target volume, he offers a similar stylistic profile as a quick-twitch slot receiver who can separate underneath and create yards after the catch. Robinson is a more accomplished player who is more dangerous underneath and stronger, but Austin does have a respectable vertical element to his game, while possessing the slipperiness underneath that can lead to ample separation. By replacing Robinson with Austin on a short-term, low-cost deal, the Giants preserve financial flexibility while still adding a player whose speed and suddenness can stress defenses from the slot. Austin joins a group headlined by Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton, along with fellow newcomer Darnell Mooney. The depth chart also includes Isaiah Hodgins and Gunner Olszewski, giving the Giants a diverse group of talent, albeit with no clear-cut number two behind star Malik Nabers. Austin arrived after spending the early part of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he steadily carved out a role as a slot receiver and gadget weapon. In 2025, Austin recorded 41 receptions for 560 yards and four touchdowns, averaging more than 13 yards per catch while also contributing as a return specialist. Though not a high-volume target in Pittsburgh’s offense, his explosiveness and quickness consistently showed up when the ball found his hands. At 5-foot-7 with elite short-area burst, Austin brings a different skill set to the Giants’ offense. His acceleration off the line and ability to separate quickly make him a natural fit for motion-heavy concepts, quick-game routes, and manufactured touches. Austin is particularly dangerous when working across the field on jet motion, shallow crossers, and screens, where his speed can stress linebackers and defensive backs in space. Austin’s presence will likely mostly be used in 11 personnel, but some 12 personnel packages could stress defenses that match 12 personnel with heavier looks. Austin, though, isn’t a great blocker, and his size does pose a problem, which may render him more of an 11-personnel weapon out of the slot. Either way, the Giants now have several capable options to work through depending on matchups. Please enjoy the video below about Calvin Austin III’s talents. Like and subscribe! See More: New York Giants analysis
Survey: Who was the Giants’ best free agent signing?
The frenzy surrounding the 2026 free agency period is past us, and the New York Giants were certainly busy. True to reports, they didn’t tear the roster apart in an attempt to remake it. The Giants may not have made any blockbuster signings, they made a series of moves that seemed designed to shore up the roster in advance of the 2026 NFL Draft. For this week’s survey we want to know which of the Giants’ biggest free agent signings you like the best. TE Isaiah Likely – One of John Harbaugh’s Guys. Likely is an athletic receiving tight end whose grown into a complete tight end. The Giants are betting big that Likely will thrive after getting to step out of Mark Andrews’ shadow, and that he’ll complement Jaxson Dart’s improvisation well. FB Patrick Ricard – Another of Harbaugh’s Guys, Ricard is one of the best pure fullbacks in the NFL, and an avatar of Smashmouth Football. The Giants were already a run-heavy team last year, and could be even more so this year. His presence could also help sell play-action passes to versatile weapons like Likely or Tyrone Tracy. WR Darnell Mooney – Mooney is an undersized but explosive wide receiver who has 1,000-yard upside. He might be more of a tertiary option for the Giants, but offensive coordinator Matt Nagy knows how to get the best out of him. He could take full advantage of the opportunity to reignite his career after being released by the Atlanta Falcons. CB Greg Newsome II – Cor’Dale Flott was one of several players the Giants were disappointed to lose to the Tennessee Titans. However, they quickly pivoted to former first rounder Greg Newsome II. Newsome’s career started strong with the Cleveland Browns, but got off track by the time he was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars. As things stand now, Newsome is competing with another first rounder trying to turn his career around in Tae Banks. If Newsome wins the competition and plays up to his potential, he could be a home-run signing at a cornerstone position. P Jordan Stout and K Jason Sanders – The Giants’ kicking situation cost them games last year, so it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that former Special Teams Coordinator John Harbaugh made upgrading the specialists a priority. Stout and Sanders are both excellent and dependable when healthy, and considering the Giants had enough talent to build double-digit leads over the likes of the Broncos, Bears, and Lions last year, these two could win multiple games for Big Blue. (Note: I combined the kickers due to constraints on our polls.) I decided to leave out Jermaine Eluemunor for argument’s sake. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that he would be the runaway favorite in this poll — as well he should be as the Giants’ most important free agent and on a very good contract. I also left Tremaine Edmunds off for a similar reason, given how vocal some Giants fans are about the linebacker position. I didn’t want to make this too easy for you. Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Giants fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.