NFL Player News

Quarterback Tom Brady said Thursday that Gage will play a "very important" role in Tampa Bay's offense, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Gage inked a three-year, $30 million dollar with the Buccaneers early on in free agency, and Brady is now talking up his involvement on "a pass-heavy offense," which seems indicative that the two have already established some chemistry. While Chris Godwin (knee) works his way back from a Week 15 ACL tear Gage stands to operate as the No. 2 wideout behind Mike Evans, a role which could certainly involve significant and high-value targets from Brady, especially if Godwin is unavailable for the early portion of the season.

Kupp agreed Wednesday with the Rams on a three-year, $80 million contract extension, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

The 28-year-old was already under contract for the next two seasons for more than $29 million, and he's now set to receive nearly $110 million from the Rams over the next five years. Kupp was the most productive wide receiver in the NFL in 2021, catching 145 of 191 targets for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns in 17 games. He'll now get paid like one of the top receivers in the league.

Meyers was limited during Wednesday's minicamp practice due to an undisclosed injury, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Meyers was one of a handful of offensive weapons who were limited, but the severity of their injuries remains unknown. The undrafted wideout out of NC State led New England with 83 receptions, 126 targets and 866 yards last season, so the Patriots will likely be extremely cautious with Mac Jones' favorite target.

Washington head coach Ron Rivera said Wednesday he expects McLaurin to participate in next week's mandatory minicamp, Pete Hailey of NBC Sports Washington reports.

McLaurin has remained away from voluntary OTAs while attempting to negotiate a new contract with the Commanders. The 2019 third-round pick is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and he's once again facing the task of establishing chemistry with a new quarterback, this time former Eagles and Colts signal-caller Carson Wentz. Thus far in his career, McLaurin has averaged 74 catches for 1,030 yards and 5.3 touchdowns per season. In McLaurin's absence, rookie first-round pick Jahan Dotson has reportedly made strides in establishing a rapport with Wentz.

Dotson has been a standout at OTAs and is already establishing trust with quarterback Carson Wentz, Bijan Todd of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Dotson has consistently gotten open and become one of Wentz's favorite targets at OTAs, according to Ethan Cadeaux of NBC Sports. Granted, the Commanders are still only holding non-contact drills, but it's encouraging to see the rookie first-round pick making a solid first impression. Top wideout Terry McLaurin hasn't been participating in offseason activities due to dissatisfaction with his current deal, so Dotson will have plenty of opportunities to continue establishing a rapport with Wentz.

Williams (knee) isn't practicing during Tuesday's mandatory minicamp, Jeremy Reisman of SB Nation reports.

This isn't surprising given that the 2022 first-round pick tore his ACL during the National Championship Game in January. Williams will be roughly eight months removed from the injury when the NFL regular season kicks off and has already targeted training camp as a potential return date. However, the Lions are expected to be extremely cautious with him, so while there's optimism Williams will be available Week 1, he may not make an impact right away.

Osborn didn't practice during Tuesday's mandatory minicamp due to an undisclosed injury, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

The severity of Osborn's injury is unclear, but he joined fellow wideout Ihmir Smith-Marsette (leg) as a non-participant Tuesday. Despite their offseason injuries, Osborn and Smith Marsette are slated to be the top two receivers behind Minnesota's dynamic duo of Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen.

Metcalf (foot) isn't present for the start of Seahawks' mandatory minicamp, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Rapoport adds that Metcalf continues to rehab from a surgically repaired left foot in Los Angeles while Seattle begins mandatory minicamp. The star wideout is entering the final year of his rookie deal and may be displeased with the lack of an extension, but he did take part in voluntary workouts in May. Regardless, even if he was present this week, Metcalf likely wouldn't be able to practice anyway, so the ramifications of his absence remain unclear at this point.

Hodgins (undisclosed) was inactive for Tuesday's mandatory minicamp session, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

The wide receiver was unable to participate in Tuesday's opening day of mandatory minicamp, standing on the sideline for the session. Hodgins re-signed with the Bills this offseason after spending the majority of the 2021 campaign on the team's practice squad, playing four snaps on offense in his only appearance on the active roster. He remains buried on the depth chart behind the likes of Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis and Jamison Crowder, among others.

Samuel is present for Tuesday's mandatory minicamp, but he isn't in uniform, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Samuel reportedly requested a trade out of San Francisco in April, but the 49ers have remained adamant that the electric wideout will be with the team to start the 2022 campaign. The 2019 second-round pick's presence at minicamp is certainly a step in the right direction, but his lack of participation may be a sign he still isn't completely satisfied with his current situation.