Franks signed a one-year deal with the Falcons on Thursday, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reports.

The tight end caught one pass for 12 yards in 16 games with the Panthers in 2024, playing more on special teams (302 snaps) than offense (44 snaps). Franks spent 2023 on the Falcons' injured reserve list with an undisclosed issue but suited up for 20 combined games with the team the previous two seasons. He did not record a catch in either campaign.

The Vikings have rejected multiple trade calls on McCarthy (knee) this offseason and aren't pursuing Aaron Rodgers in free agency, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Minnesota is still expected to sign a veteran quarterback after losing Sam Darnold and Nick Mullens last week, but it won't be someone that represents a serious threat to take the starting job from McCarthy. The 10th overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft appeared be pressing Darnold for the starting gig last summer after throwing for 188 yards and two touchdowns in his preseason debut, only to be diagnosed with a torn meniscus a few days later. McCarthy had season-ending surgery in mid-August and didn't resume on-field work until the winter, but he should be back to full strength well before training camp. It isn't yet clear if he'll have any limitations during spring practices.

The Vikings aren't expected to pursue Rodgers in free agency, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Pelissero adds that the team has rejected trade calls on J.J. McCarthy and will move forward with the 22-year-old as their starting quarterback. The Vikings plan to add a veteran signal-caller, but they're aiming lower than Rodgers, likely targeting players that will be content with a backup role. Seemingly left with the Steelers and Giants as his options, Rodgers may make a decision soon on his next NFL home.

Winston (shoulder) plans to visit with the Giants on Tuesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

The Giants reportedly are waiting on Aaron Rodgers' decision while continuing to explore alternatives. They've already met/talked with 36-year-old Russell Wilson and 40-year-old Joe Flacco, making 31-year-old Winston the relative youngster of the bunch. There hasn't been any report of Winston needing surgery or dealing with major complications after he missed the end of the 2024 season with a right shoulder injury.

Rush and the Ravens have agreed to a two-year contract valued at up to $12.2 million, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Rush spent the first eight seasons of his career in Dallas and made 14 starts during that span, winning nine of those games. The 31-year-old saw the most action of his career last year after Dak Prescott (hamstring) was hurt in Week 10, and Rush finished with an 83.8 passer rating, completing 61 percent of his 308 pass attempts with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions over 12 games. With Baltimore, Rush will be the No. 2 QB behind Lamar Jackson, who has missed just one regular-season contest over the past two years.

The Falcons have decided to keep Cousins on their roster ahead of Saturday's 4 pm ET deadline for his $10 million guarantee to kick in, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Cousins lost his starting job to Michael Penix late last season and has been the subject of trade speculation in recent months. However, the Falcons appear determined to keep him around as a backup and mentor to Penix for at least one more season. It's still possible that a trade partner will emerge to persuade Atlanta to part ways with the veteran quarterback, but Cousins has a no-trade clause in his contract and may waive it only if put in the position to be a starter elsewhere.

The Chiefs signed Zappe to a one-year contract Friday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Zappe spent time as a reserve option at quarterback for Cleveland in 2024, completing 16 of 31 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in his lone spot start. With Gardner Minshew (collarbone) the clear favorite to back up Patrick Mahomes after signing with Kanas City on Thursday, Zappe finds himself once again competing for a third-string role. The Chiefs also have Chris Oladokun on the roster.

Allen agreed to terms with the Lions on Thursday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Allen spent the 2024 season with Pittsburgh and operated as their emergency quarterback for most of the campaign. He'll now join the Lions' quarterback room as an experienced backup, and he will likely compete with Hendon Hooker for the No. 2 job to Jared Goff.

Heinicke signed a one-year contract worth up to $6.2 million with the Chargers on Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Heinicke spent the 2024 season with the Chargers as the backup to Justin Herbert but played only 22 offensive snaps while attempting five passes. He's spent parts of a few seasons as a starter and will once again be one of the more competent backups in the league.

Minshew (collarbone) has agreed to a one-year deal with the Chiefs, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The Raiders released Minshew (collarbone) on Wednesday with a failed physical designation, but just one day later the 28-year-old landed his next assignment, that of backing up star QB Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City. In that context, Minshew will remain off the fantasy radar as long as Mahomes is available, but in the event that Mahomes misses any time in 2025, Minshew provides the Chiefs with an experienced and reliable backup option to turn to.