NFL Player News

Panthers offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo said he views Darnold as his starting quarterback, though McAdoo also added, "that is something I shouldn't have said," per David Newton of ESPN.com.

The Panthers missed out on Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson, but they could still make a move for Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo, or else bring in an early draft pick to challenge Darnold. Ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft, it's only Darnold and P.J. Walker in the Carolina quarterback room for the start of the offseason program. Darnold has a guaranteed $18.9 million salary for 2022, the fifth and final year of his rookie contract.

Mayfield (shoulder) wasn't present Tuesday for the start of the Browns' voluntary offseason program, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Mayfield's absence was anticipated, as he's still rehabbing from surgery on the labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder. Moreover, it's expected that the Browns will look to trade Mayfield following the team's addition last month of fellow quarterback Deshaun Watson. Per Cabot, of the franchises potentially in the mix for Mayfield's services, the Panthers may have the best chance to deal for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Garoppolo is slated to remain away from the 49ers' team facility as he continues to rehab his surgically repaired right shoulder, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Garoppolo, who underwent a March 8 procedure to repair a torn capsule in his throwing shoulder, is not expected to throw until training camp in late July. The report notes that the quarterback has been rehabbing his injury in the Los Angeles area, while Garoppolo and the 49ers are said to be "on the same page" in terms of his offseason progress. In Garoppolo's absence from on-field work, Trey Lance is in line to take most, if not all, of the team's first-team reps, while Kevin Patra of NFL.com relays that it's still expected that San Francisco will move on from Garoppolo this offseason -- likely via a trade. If that indeed occurs, the team's transition to Lance, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 Draft, would be cemented.

Watson is in Cleveland on Tuesday for the start of the Browns' offseason program, while fellow quarterback Baker Mayfield (shoulder) isn't in attendance, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

That's as expected, given that Mayfield reportedly requested a trade in mid-March when the Browns were originally revealed to be pursuing Watson. Cleveland still has a few things to hash out in their QB room before Week 1, starting with a possible NFL suspension for Watson and finding Mayfield a new home. Watson, 26, is still facing civil suits for allegations of sexual misconduct after a Harris County, TX grand jury voted not to indict him on criminal charges in March.

The Seahawks have re-signed Smith, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Per Condotta, Smith's one-year deal with Seattle carries a base value in the $4 million range, plus incentives. Now that he's back in the fold, Smith bolsters a QB group that also currently includes Drew Lock and Jacob Eason. It's still possible that the Seahawks could add a veteran option such as Baker Mayfield or draft a signal-caller later this month, but for now Smith figures to have a chance to compete for the vacated starting spot created by the offseason trade of Russell Wilson.

As the 2022 NFL Draft approaches, the Browns are actively looking to trade Mayfield (shoulder), ESPN's Jake Trotter reports.

For his part, Mayfield, who acknowledged that he feels "disrespected" by the Browns after they traded for fellow QB Deshaun Watson last month, "is ready for the next chapter." With the Colts having dealt for Matt Ryan, Indianapolis -- once a preferred destination for Mayfield -- is out of the running to make a move for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 Draft. With that in mind, the Seahawks, who traded away Russell Wilson this offseason, continue to profile as a potential fit for Mayfield, who is under contract for the coming season at $18.9 million (fully guaranteed). The 27-year-old is bouncing back from a procedure that he underwent in January to repair a torn labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder.

Carr agreed Wednesday with the Raiders on a three-year, $121.5 million contract extension, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The Raiders now have both Carr and new top wideout Davante Adams locked in for the foreseeable future. Per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Carr's extension also includes a no-trade clause. The deal gives Las Vegas some long-term stability on offense, which features an aerial attack anchored by Carr and top targets Adams and Darren Waller, who is under contract through 2023. The team's willingness to both commit to Carr and build around him could provide fantasy managers -- especially those in multi-QB formats -- with more optimism about the 31-year-old signal-caller's outlook.

Rypien signed his one-year exclusive rights tender Monday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Rypien spent the majority of the 2021 season as the Broncos' No. 3 signal-caller behind Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock, appearing in just one game and logging three snaps in total. Even with Bridgewater (Miami) and Lock (Seattle) in new locations, Rypien's outlook won't change much in 2022. The Broncos acquired Russell Wilson from the Seahawks earlier in the offseason, while Josh Johnson looks like the favorite for the backup role after he was brought aboard in March on a one-year, $1.3 million deal.

Texans coach Lovie Smith said Monday that Mills is the team's quarterback, while offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton used the term "potentially our starting quarterback," Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports.

The 2021 third-round pick won just two of 11 starts last season, but both came in the final five weeks -- a stretch where he completed 68.4 percent of his passes for 7.4 YPA with nine touchdowns and only two interceptions. While he may have done enough to earn his shot as the Week 1 starter, Mills doesn't offer much fantasy upside for single-QB leagues, as he rarely runs (18 carries for 44 yards last year) and is stuck on one of the worst rosters in the NFL. The Texans have had a quiet offseason in terms of veteran additions, mostly settling for discount additions like RB Marlon Mack and WR DaeSean Hamilton. They did sign Brandin Cooks to an extension, locking in Mills' favorite target from last year, and the draft will bring more talent after trades netted Houston extra picks in Rounds 1, 3 and 4. The problem for Mills is that one of those picks could be a QB who threatens his starting spot, be it this summer or later down the line.

Dobbs agreed to a one-year deal with the Browns on Friday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Dobbs had a tryout with the Ravens earlier in the week, but he'll sign with another AFC North team. He hasn't taken the field since 2020 since he missed last season due to a toe injury, but he's healthy heading into the offseason and will compete for a depth role behind starter Deshaun Watson heading into 2022.