NFL Player News

Hyde has said he will either sign with Buffalo for 2024 or retire before the start of next season, Nick Sabato of the Niagara Gazette reports.

Hyde has been considering retiring from football since the Bills were eliminated by the Chiefs from the postseason back in January. Former running mate Jordan Poyer departed for Miami in March, so if Hyde does come back to Buffalo for one more year, he would likely be in line for a significant role.

The Jaguars signed Edmunds to a contract Thursday.

Edmunds began the 2023 campaign as a starter for Philadelphia before being dealt to the Titans in Week 7, where his opportunities grew more inconsistent. Across nine games with the Titans he handled over 50 percent of defensive snaps on just one occasion, but contributed heavily on special teams. Now, Edmunds likely profiles to head into the 2024 season as a depth player for Jacksonville.

The Lions waived Rex on Thursday.

Rex was waived to make room for fellow tight end Sean McKeon. An undrafted rookie out of BYU, Rex will now have to look for an opportunity to compete with another club this offseason.

The Lions signed McKeon to a contract Thursday.

McKeon suffered an ankle injury last December and was placed on IR after suiting up for nine games with the Cowboys, in which span he failed to secure either of his two targets. He can contribute both on special teams and as a blocker on offense, and McKeon, who's presumably past his ankle issue, now gets a chance to compete for a depth role with Detroit.

Chargers GM Joe Hortiz said he believes Johnston is "really going to launch" as a starter during the 2024 season, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reports.

Horitz mentioned that in his time as director of player personnel with Baltimore last season that Johnston "was a player we liked," and he praised the 2023 first-round pick's work ethic this offseason while acknowledging "some rawness to his game" as a rookie. Johnston finished with a subpar 431 yards last season despite suiting up for all 17 games, but with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams (knee) no longer in the picture for Los Angeles, he has a clear path to a starting role alongside incumbent Joshua Palmer, while being joined by DJ Chark and rookie second-rounder Ladd McConkey. New coach Jim Harbaugh and OC Greg Roman could spark life to the Chargers' offense, though the new scheme projects as a run-heavy approach. Still, Johnston will have every opportunity to establish himself atop this depth chart, despite his uninspiring rookie production. He'll need to make some strides this offseason toward more consistently gaining separation, not to mention cleaning up issues with drops.

Tonyan and the Vikings agreed to terms Thursday on a contract, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Tonyan suited up for all 17 games with the Bears last season, but he secured only 11 of 17 targets for 107 yards. He joins a Minnesota tight end room behind T.J. Hockenson (knee), who isn't a lock to be ready for Week 1 as he works his way back from a serious knee injury. That could give Tonyan the opportunity to compete with Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt for an expanded early season role.

Jefferson (undisclosed) was on the field last week for the start of Detroit's offseason program.

Jefferson finished the 2023 campaign on Lions' practice squad injured list after sustaining an undisclosed injury in late January. The nature of the 24-year-old's issue was never revealed, though he appears to have moved past the injury over the past few months. Jefferson hasn't seen any regular-season NFL action since 2021, as he's spent both of the past two campaigns on Detroit's practice squad.

Mitchell (hand) was seen catching passes last week during the beginning of Detroit's offseason program.

Mitchell played 15 games during the 2023 regular season while primarily slotting in as a blocking tight end and contributor on special teams, as he caught just two passes. The 24-year-old then missed the Lions' postseason run with a hand injury. Mitchell's return to action during the offseason program likely means he's moved past the injury or the time being, so he'll likely slot back in behind Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright on the depth chart at tight end to begin the 2024 season.

Byrd agreed to a contract with the Commanders on Wednesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Byrd appeared in just one game during the 2023 campaign after the Falcons elevated him from the practice squad in early November. The 31-year-old had previously played 14 games with Atlanta in 2022, collecting 13 receptions (on 23 targets) for 268 yards and two touchdowns. Byrd has played for five teams during his career, and he'll now reunite in Washington with Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who was Bryd's head coach in Arizona during the 2019 season.

McLeod (biceps) said Tuesday he plans to retire after the 2024 season, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

McLeod is presumably healthy after a biceps injury limited him to 10 appearances (five starts) in 2023. He signed a one-year deal back in March to return to Cleveland for a second season. The soon-to-be 34-year-old will likely serve as a depth option in the secondary while also handling a role on special teams.