Panthers waive former Broncos defensive lineman

The Panthers waived former Broncos defensive lineman DeShawn Williams on Tuesday.

Story update: After clearing waivers, DeShawn Williams re-signed with the Panthers on their practice squad. See our original post below.


The Carolina Panthers waived defensive lineman DeShawn Williams on Tuesday to make room for newly-signed defensive tackle Sam Roberts, the team announced (via Panthers Wire).

Williams (6-1, 295 pounds) had three separate stints with the Denver Broncos, with the most recent tenure from 2020-2022. The 31-year-old defensive lineman totaled 113 tackles, 19 quarterback hits, eight pass breakups, 7.5 sacks and one interception in 46 games (34 starts) with the Broncos.

Williams was a 15-game starter in 2022, but Denver let him walk in free agency the following spring. He then signed with the Panthers, reuniting with defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. Williams later tweeted, “They didn’t want me” when asked when he did not return to the Broncos.

After his one-year deal with the Panthers expired, Williams joined the Buffalo Bills this spring. He failed to make Buffalo’s 53-man roster, though, and then returned to Carolina, initially on the practice squad. The Panthers promoted Williams to the active roster in October and he appeared in 10 games this season, recording 13 tackles and a half-sack.

Williams will now hit the NFL’s waiver wire.

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Former Wisconsin defensive lineman heavily pursued upon transfer portal entry

Former Wisconsin defensive lineman heavily-pursued upon transfer portal entry

Former Wisconsin defensive lineman James Thompson Jr. picked up a collection of major offers after entering the transfer portal on Monday.

Thompson Jr. had expressed his intent to enter the portal on Dec. 4. This activity follows the portal opening on Dec. 9. He is one of 14 Badger scholarship players to enter and one of 16 overall from the program.

Related: Wisconsin football 2024 transfer portal tracker

His early wave of offers came from Illinois, Arkansas, Cincinnati, Texas Tech, Cal, Stanford and Auburn. The heightened interest isn’t a surprise given Thompson Jr.’s experience and the premium put on depth and experience at the position.

The veteran lineman played five seasons with the Badgers. He was a standout in both 2022 and 2023, playing in all 26 games over that time and recording 52 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, two pass deflections and a fumble recovery.

Thompson Jr. missed most of the 2024 season with a torn pectoral muscle suffered during the preseason. He returned for the Badgers’ Week 13 loss to Nebraska, though he only played seven snaps. He didn’t play in the finale against Minnesota.

His and starting defensive lineman Curt Neal’s transfer departures create a glaring area of need for the Badgers this offseason. The program is losing most of its key contributors at the position on a defensive line that struggled against some of the top teams on the schedule.

Thompson Jr. appears set to find a strong destination for his final season of eligibility, following in the footsteps of former Badger linemen Rodas Johnson and Gio Paez. It will be worth monitoring where he ends up, and what Wisconsin is able to do at the position entering 2025.

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Chiefs DT Chris Jones comments on Charles Omenihu’s Week 13 return: ‘It was good to get him back’

Kansas City #Chiefs DT Chris Jones comments on Charles Omenihu’s Week 13 return: ‘It was good to get him back’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro defensive lineman Chris Jones is a leader for his unit and has commanded so much attention from offensive lines this season. He spoke with reporters Thursday about his excitement to have veteran sack specialist Charles Omenihu in the lineup against the Las Vegas Raiders for Week 13.

“It was fun. It was fun; It was good to get him back. He worked his butt off to be back and to have him back out there doing what he does best, rushing the passer.” said Jones. “I think he played more than we actually planned for him to play, and he looked really, really good. So we’re excited about that. We’ve got to keep him going and continue to get better with that. You know, he can bring a lot of versatility to our pass-rush unit. So, we always can do more sacks, man.”

Jones took advantage of Omenihu’s return to the lineup with two sacks on Raiders quarterback Aiden O’Connell. He now owns 80.5 career sacks, breaking a tie with Justin Houston to move into fourth place for most
sacks in franchise history. Jones already owns the franchise record for most sacks by a defensive tackle.

Broncos DL John Franklin-Myers receives Week 12 Game Ball from PFN

“John Franklin-Myers has been more impactful than his numbers all year,” PFN said of the Broncos’ defensive lineman.

The Denver Broncos defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 29-19 this past weekend, and now they are sitting pretty at 7-5. With rookie quarterback Bo Nix in tow, the Broncos appear to be ready to play their best football as November comes to a close and December approaches. 

Denver defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers didn’t record the who’s-who stats for defensive linemen (sacks, tackles, tackles-for-loss) this past week. Still, his performance against the Raiders helped the Broncos hold their division rival to only 19 points and 69 rushing yards. His performance got him a game ball via Pro Football Network for Week 12.

From PFN’s website:

Box-score divers will likely scratch their heads when they see that our Denver Broncos game ball goes to a defensive end who didn’t have a solo tackle, a sack, or a turnover. But John Franklin-Myers has been more impactful than his numbers all year. He’s solid against the run and disruptive against the pass.

On Sunday, Franklin-Myers had a game-high six pressures in 36 pass-rush snaps (16.7%) and helped limit the Las Vegas Raiders to 69 rushing yards in a 29-19 Broncos victory.

Denver had the week’s No. 5 defensive performance entering Monday’s action per DEF+ (82.2) to remain first in the season-long rating (93.1).

Congrats to Franklin-Myers on his accomplishment. Hopefully, he can replicate a similar performance as the Broncos face off against the Cleveland Browns on Monday.

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Chiefs DT Chris Jones responds to criticism after Week 11 loss to Bills: ‘I love adversity’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones responds to criticism after Week 11 loss to Bills: ‘I love adversity’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs first loss of the season in November isn’t a reason for concern, as they remain focused on a three-peat. All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones spoke to reporters on Thursday about the team’s mindset after last week’s loss and how they are working on correcting mistakes.

“I love adversity. I think it builds character, and we have a good group of guys with energy in the building. Has been great all week, uplifting. “said Jones. “We know it was one loss. It’s a lot of errors we can correct, and that’s what our main focus has been on this week, making sure we correct those errors and go out and play this week in Carolina.”

Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke with the unit earlier in the week, pointing out numerous mistakes from the game. Jones reflected on that film session with optimism.

“I think that was a positive. You can show us where the game is in ten plays and where we could have changed. Maybe the outcome could have been different, and be critical of your own errors.” said Jones. “I don’t think we played our best game last game, and a lot of us could have played better off in the defensive, and we’re going to get better from it. It’s a lot we can learn from.

The Chiefs defense hasn’t had the statistical production on pass rushes that thrived last season. The low number of sacks is a concern, but Jones and the rest of the line feel they can correct it soon.

Report: Broncos won’t deal D.J. Jones ahead of NFL trade deadline

The Broncos will not part with defensive lineman D.J. Jones at the NFL trade deadline.

The Denver Broncos won’t be sellers at the NFL trade deadline.

NFL teams have expressed interest in Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones, but the team “isn’t moving” him, according to a report from The Athletic‘s Dianna Russini.

Jones (6-0, 305 pounds) signed a three-year, $30 million deal with Denver in 2022. Over the last two and a half seasons, Jones has totaled 97 tackles (nine behind the line of scrimmage), six pass breakups, four sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 39 games, all of them starts.

Jones, 29, is set to earn $10 million this season before becoming a free agent in 2025. He is part of a Broncos’ defensive line that now also features Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers. Denver has a formidable front three and the team has no plans of breaking it up.

The Broncos were also expected to receive interest in pass rusher Jonathon Cooper, but Denver’s not expected to trade him, either. Russini expects the team to stand pat at the NFL trade deadline (Tuesday, Nov. 5).

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Jordan Jackson is an underdog story with the Broncos

“His story is a great one relative to making this team,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of defensive lineman Jordan Jackson.

After playing college football for the Air Force Falcons, defensive lineman Jordan Jackson entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints in 2022.

He spent his rookie season on the Saints’ practice squad and then signed with the Denver Broncos in 2023. After that, Jackson spent his second season in the NFL on Denver’s practice squad.

This summer, Jackson was considered a practice squad candidate once again, but he beat the odds and ended up on the team’s 53-man roster after impressing during preseason.

“I would say the thing that stood out the most is his ability to get on an edge,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said when asked about Jackson earlier this week. “He’s tough to block, he’s disciplined and I think his story is a great one relative to making this team. He did it during training camp. When we talk about, ‘We’re keeping the best players regardless of once they’ve gotten here, how they’ve gotten here,’ that’s of no importance to us. He’s a good example of that.”

Jackson, 26, has dressed for all eight games this season as a rotational defensive lineman. He has totaled nine tackles on 164 defensive snaps. Jackson was an underdog this summer and he’s carried that mentality into the season and he continues to beat the odds in Denver.

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Broncos share adorable pregame video of John Franklin-Myers’ son

The Broncos need to make more of these videos!

Denver Broncos defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers was a huge addition to the team when he was acquired via trade during the 2024 NFL draft. And he’s not the only one having fun on game days.

Prior to the Broncos’ 28-14 win over the Carolina Panthers, the Denver social media team followed the steps of Franklin-Myers’ son, Kyler, who was mic’d up.

“I’m Kyler Franklin-Myers, and I like playing football,” the video begins. Kyler and his mother go to various booths at the tailgates that occur outside of Empower Field at Mile High. The first booth the Franklin-Myers’ family visits is the face painting, where Kyler gets “Aztec Broncos” on his face.

After face-painting, Kyler and his family go to the field, where Kyler enthusiastically greets his dad with a high five. Kyler starts stretching before talking to other players and passing a ball to himself. In the middle of tossing to himself, Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain playfully “intercepts” a pass, before giving the ball back to Kyler, who was not pleased with PS2.

Kyler finishes his pregame routine by throwing and handing out mini-footballs signed by his father. As he gives a football to a young boy, Kyler is asked, “Who’s it signed by?” “That’s my dad,” Kyler responds. “Is your dad a player? What’s his name?” “His name is John Franklin-Myers,” Kyler proudly responds.

You can watch the entire video below:

 

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Kareem Hunt injury update: Latest news on Chiefs RB’s status

Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt is dealing with a hip injury. Here are the latest updates.

Kareem Hunt was listed on the Kansas City Chiefs’ injury report this week but should be available for the defending Super Bowl champions’ matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, October 27.

Kareem Hunt injury update

Hunt was listed with a hip injury that limited his participation in practice on Wednesday. However, Hunt recovered enough over the course of the week to be a full participant in Kansas City’s workouts on Thursday and Friday.

How long will Kareem Hunt be out?

Hunt isn’t expected to miss time due to his injury and should be available for the Chiefs’ Week 8 matchup against the Raiders on Sunday.

Chiefs RB depth chart

Assuming Hunt plays against Las Vegas in Week 8, Kansas City’s backfield will feature veterans Samaje Perine and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, as well as rookie rusher Carson Steele.

Expect one of Hunt’s backups to be listed as inactive when the Chiefs face the Raiders this weekend.

Mike Danna injury update: Latest news on Chiefs DE’s status

#Chiefs DL Mike Danna is dealing with a pectoral injury. Here are the latest updates.

After missing Week 7 due to a pectoral injury, starting defensive end Mike Danna will be out again in Week 8 when the Kansas City Chiefs face the Las Vegas Raiders, according to the team’s official injury report.

Mike Danna injury update

Danna has been listed as having a pectoral issue on the Chiefs’ injury reports since the team’s bye in Week 6. The injury has kept him from practicing while he takes time to heal. With an official status of OUT, he will miss his second consecutive game this week.

How long will Mike Danna be out?

The franchise has not indicated what Danna’s timeline for return might look like, but the defensive end will have to sit out Kansas City’s Week 8 matchup against Las Vegas.

Chiefs DE depth chart

With Danna out for another week, the Chiefs will need defensive ends Felix Anudike-Uzomah and George Karlaftis to do some heavy lifting for the defense when they face the Raiders. Kansas City is still missing B.J. Thompson and Charles Omenihu, both on the Chiefs’ injured reserve list.