NFL Roster Changes
In a series of roster changes ahead of the NFL’s new league year, the Green Bay Packers have secured cornerback Benjamin St-Juste with a two-year contract worth $10.5 million. Meanwhile, Nate Hobbs, who was signed to a hefty four-year, $48 million contract just last season, is set to be released after only 11 games with the team, according to two sources who requested anonymity pending the official announcement, which is expected on Wednesday.
Player Performances
St-Juste, 28, arrives to Green Bay after spending the previous season with the Chargers, where he participated in approximately 35% of defensive plays and made notable contributions to special teams. Over his five-year career, the former Washington player has recorded two interceptions since being drafted in the third round in 2021.
Conversely, Hobbs struggled with injuries during his stint with the Packers, sustaining a knee injury in training camp and ultimately losing his starting position midway through the season. The 26-year-old succeeded in making five starts but had a disappointing output, registering only two pass breakups, his lowest in a season. Following his injury, which he revealed was a torn medial collateral ligament suffered late in the season, Hobbs will be designated a post-June 1 cut, which is anticipated to facilitate an $8 million relief in salary cap space for the team.
Other League News
In other league news, the Pittsburgh Steelers struck a deal with running back Rico Dowdle, committing to a two-year, $12.25 million contract. This reunion with head coach Mike McCarthy follows Dowdle’s impressive performance last season with the Carolina Panthers, where he amassed 1,076 rushing yards, marking a significant milestone as the first undrafted Cowboys running back to rush for 1,000 yards in McCarthy’s final season with Dallas in 2024.
Also of note, the Kansas City Chiefs have finalized agreements with safety Alohi Gilman for three years at $24.5 million as they address a thinning defensive backfield, and receiver Tyquan Thornton for two years at $11 million, who stood out as a deep threat last season. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills have extended tight end Dawson Knox’s contract for three more years, a move aimed at relieving salary cap concerns.
The New York Giants responded to a cornerback void left by Cor’Dale Flott’s departure to Tennessee by reaching an agreement with Greg Newsome and also signing safety Ar’Darius Washington, marking a continued connection with new coach John Harbaugh from Baltimore. Lastly, the Minnesota Vikings are retaining two-time All-Pro long snapper Andrew DePaola, securing his seventh season with the team, during which he achieved the rare honor of making the Pro Bowl for three consecutive years (2022-2024).
