NFL Player News

Rudolph is signing a two-year contract with the Steelers, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

The 2018 third-round pick will return to Pittsburgh after a one-year detour to Tennessee, where he went 1-4 as a starter while completing 64.0 percent of his passes for 6.7 YPA (with nine TDs and nine INTs on 228 pass attempts). Rudolph was better than Will Levis but subpar by pretty much any other standard, likely putting him in a backup role for 2025 unless things go horribly wrong for the Steelers over the next couple months. They're reportedly trying to sign Aaron Rodgers, and if that doesn't happen they may consider re-signing Russell Wilson or trading for Kirk Cousins. The initial report on Rudolph's contract has it at two years and $8 million, with $4.5 million guaranteed, putting him in the middle of the market for backup quarterbacks.

The Jets released Rodgers on Wednesday, NFL.com's Nick Shook reports.

The long-expected move became official shortly after the start of the league year. Rodgers is now said to be deciding between signing with the Giants, Steelers or Vikings, although it isn't clear Minnesota has the same level of interest as the other two teams. The Jets, meanwhile are designating Rodgers as a post-June 1 cut, which means they'll carry a $21 million cap hit until that date, at which point the number drops to $14 million. They'll then take a $35 million dead-cap charge in 2026. The Jets are signing QB Justin Fields to replace Rodgers, and they also have Tyrod Taylor under contract through 2025.

Jones agreed Wednesday with the 49ers on a two-year, $7 million contract, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

San Francisco was reportedly interested in Jones ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft, but the organization instead selected Trey Lance with the third overall pick, while Jones fell to New England at No. 15. However, the 49ers will now get a chance to work with Jones after the Alabama product mostly failed to live up to expectations during his first four campaigns in the NFL. Over 52 career appearances in the regular season, Jones has amassed a respectable 54:44 TD:INT, so he'll be one of the NFL's more capable backup options as he slots in on the depth chart behind Brock Purdy next season.

Trask and the Buccaneers agreed Wednesday on a one-year, $2.787 million contract, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Trask will spend his fifth straight NFL campaign with Tampa Bay after the organization selected him in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The 27-year-old has yet to see much action outside of the preseason, taking just 32 offensive snaps and completing four of 11 pass attempts for 28 yards over seven abbreviated appearances during the regular season. Trask is slated to serve as the backup to Baker Mayfield again in 2025.

Jones signed a one-year contract with the Colts on Wednesday, JJ Stankevitz of the team's official site reports.

Per Stephen Holder of ESPN.com, Jones' contract is guaranteed for $13.15 million and will be worth up to $14 million if he's active for all 17 regular-season games. The deal also contains up to $3.7 million in additional performance-based incentives. The stage is thus set for Jones -- the No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft -- to compete with Anthony Richardson for the Colts' starting quarterback job throughout training camp and the preseason.

Wilson is expected to visit the Browns this week, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

The report notes that Wilson is "still in the mix" to re-sign with Pittsburgh, although that likely depends in part on Aaron Rodgers choosing a different team. Justin Fields, meanwhile, is set to sign with the Jets, leaving the Steelers with limited options if they aren't able to work out a deal with Rodgers. As for Wilson, a move to Cleveland would put him in a rough situation in terms of the supporting cast, and there would also be risk of the team then drafting a rookie quarterback. Deshaun Watson may also be a factor at some point, but he won't be available at the beginning of the season, having undergone surgery in January after rupturing his Achilles tendon for a second time in less than three months.

Mariota agreed Wednesday with the Commanders on a one-year contract, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Mariota's combination of experience, mobility and scheme familiarity makes him a sensible backup for Jayden Daniels, who didn't miss any games during his rookie season but left two contests early (once because of an injury, and once in Week 18). Mariota played well both times, throwing for multiple touchdowns and completing more than 75 percent of his passes without turning the ball over.

Mahomes agreed Wednesday with the Chiefs on a restructure of his contract, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.

Mahomes and star defensive tackle Chris Jones both agreed to restructure their contracts Wednesday, freeing up a total of $49.4 million in cap space to help Kansas City maneuver in free agency. The team has already committed to a handful of key moves, including re-signing wideout Hollywood Brown to a one-year deal, placing the franchise tag on right guard Trey Smith and retaining linebacker Nick Bolton via a three-year contract. Mahomes remains signed through the 2031 season, and he'll enter the 2025 season with a reloaded supporting cast as the Chiefs work to bounce back from a disappointing 40-22 loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.

Rodgers is expected to reach a decision Wednesday on his next team, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Reports suggest Rodgers is deciding between signing with the Giants and Steelers, with some chance of the Vikings getting involved. He won't necessarily sign a contract Wednesday, but the Giants apparently should become aware soon whether he'll join them or not.

Brissett is slated to sign a contract with the Cardinals, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Brissett's arrival in Arizona will mark his sixth different organization as he prepares for the 10th campaign of his career. Overall, he's made 53 starts in 87 appearances, including five of eight in his second stint with the Patriots last season. Brissett will slot into the backup QB role behind starter Kyler Murray while Clayton Tune slides to No. 3 on the depth chart.