Vet Signings

Teams are using the quiet part of the offseason to bolster their rosters with affordable, one-year additions.

The Vikings re-signed veteran offensive tackle Dalton Risner, who started 11 games last season in his fifth year.

Vikings Re-Sign Starting Offensive Lineman Dalton Risner.

Meanwhile, the Jets added Tarik Cohen, a once-promising Bears running back and kick returner who made All Pro in his second season but hasn’t played the last three seasons because of injuries.

No free-agent signings after May 1 count against a team’s compensatory pick formula.

Texans Extend Collins  

Texans wide receiver Nico Collins, who broke out for 80 catches and 1,297 yards in 2023, agreed to an extension for a reported three years and $72.75 million, per ESPN.

Collins’ deal comes with $52 million guaranteed and secures the 25-year-old who enters the fourth year after being drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Michigan product emerged as one of quarterback C.J. Stroud’s favorite targets. Collins averaged more than 16 yards per reception and caught eight touchdowns.

Collins pairs with newcomer Stefon Diggs to give Stroud some major firepower, along with one of last year’s top rookies, Tank Dell, who’s coming off surgery to repair a fractured fibula.

New Deal for Jennings

The San Francisco 49ers have reportedly come to terms with restricted free agent WR Jauan Jennings on a two-year contract.

It is a nice payday for the 26-year-old who was almost a Super Bowl hero. In the 25-22 overtime loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII, Jennings caught four passes for 42 yards and recorded a receiving touchdown as well as a passing touchdown on a trick play.

The deep Niners wideout room features two All-Pros in Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, both of whom are looking for a new contract. 

In preparation for the long-term, the team also selected Ricky Pearsall with the 31st pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.  

Saints’ Edge Injury Woes

Dennis Allen, head coach of the New Orleans Saints, confirmed that rotational defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon tore his achilles during the offseason and will be out for at least the beginning of the 2024 season.

The 30-year-old has seen consistent playing time in his three years with the team, most recently recording 3.5 sacks while playing 37% of the team’s defensive snaps in 2023.

New Orleans’ defensive line, while deep in names, is lacking reliable health. Aside from Carl Granderson, who has emerged as the team’s top pass rusher, the newly signed Chase Young and longtime veteran Cameron Jordan are both recovering from offseason surgery.

Also in the edge rusher room is 2021 first round pick Payton Turner, who played in just two games in ‘23 after suffering a toe injury, and 2023 second round pick Isaiah Foskey, who saw limited playing time in his rookie campaign.

– Geoff Mosher and Benjamin Paul contributed to this story.