NFL Rumors: Bills sign former Chiefs QB Shane Buechele to practice squad
The Buffalo Bills have signed QB Shane Buechele to the practice squad, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Buechele previously spent two seasons on the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad after going undrafted out of SMU in 2021. The Chiefs cut him on Tuesday.
Buechele will serve as captain of the Bills' practice squad offense. The 25-year-old put together a solid training camp and preseason with the Chiefs — completing 29-of-45 passes for 349 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions — but Andy Reid's team ultimately decided to roll with Blaine Gabbert, who has more NFL experience than Buechele.
Do not expect Buechele to see much action at all with the Bills' 53-man group. He's a break-in-case-of-emergency option, situated firmly behind superstar QB Josh Allen and his two backups, Kyle Allen and Matt Barkley. The latter suffered an elbow injury in the Bills' final preseason game and was subsequently moved to the injured reserve, but both Allens will take precedent over Buechele.
Buechele will continue to chip away at his NFL dreams on the practice squad. He made a compelling case for the QB2 job in Kansas City, and it's not like Kyle Allen has been ordained by higher powers to be Buffalo's primary backup. There's a path for Buechele to make an impression and work his way up the corporate ladder with a strong practice season in Buffalo.
NFL Rumors: Vikings make T.J. Hockenson the NFL's highest-paid tight end
The Minnesota Vikings have officially made T.J. Hockenson the highest-paid tight end in NFL history with a four-year, $68.5 million contract, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. His $17.13 annual average and $42.5 million in guaranteed salary are positional records.
Hockenson arrived in Minnesota at the trade deadline last season. He played 10 games (seven starts) for his new franchise, accumulating 519 yards and three touchdowns on 60 receptions. He averaged 8.7 yards per catch with Minnesota, a stark decline from his 15.7 yards per catch in seven prior games with Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions.
While the Vikings relied on Hockenson closer to the line of scrimmage, he's still capable of reeling off huge gains. He's a monster after the catch, all of 6-foot-5 and 248 pounds with a mean stiff arm and impressive open-field athleticism. On short-yard passes or in the red zone, Hockenson's size and deft hands have already cemented him as a favorite target of Kirk Cousins.
Minnesota now has two of the most expensive pass-catchers in the NFL between Hockenson and Justin Jefferson, who's in line for a historic extension of his own in the coming months. The Vikings also used a first-round pick on USC WR Jordan Addison, who should become fast friends with Cousins.
The Vikings finished second in the NFL in passing yards last season (4,818) and are well on their way to a similarly explosive offensive campaign in 2023.
NFL Rumors: Dolphins could express interest in Kareem Hunt
The Miami Dolphins have been on the hunt for running back help all summer. First, it was Dalvin Cook. The Dolphins took a keen interest in Cook's services before he decided to sign with cross-division New York. Then it was Jonathan Taylor, but the Colts refused to negotiate in good faith.
Next in line could be free agent Kareem Hunt, who has been searching patiently for a new team after his contract with Cleveland expired. While Hunt is probably past his prime as a potential three-down workhorse, the Dolphins would be able to incorperate him into a deep RB room.
Hunt is a versatile offensive weapon, elusive on the ground and more than competent through the air. He's a great third-down and red zone option. He became fantasy football famous because he stole so many touchdowns from Nick Chubb in his Browns heyday. Hunt saw his role decrease considerably in 2022, however, with his touches (123), yards (468), and touchdowns (3) on the ground all reaching career lows for a healthy season.
Miami would presumably place Hunt in a timeshare with veteran Raheem Mostert. The Dolphins also roster Jeff Wilson Jr., but he was placed on IR due to a "midsection injury compounded by some finger issues," per head coach Mike McDaniel. Third-round pick De'Von Achane is also in the mix.
Hunt has visited with several teams in free agency, including the Colts, Vikings, and Saints. He's the most sought-after free agent left on the market, which means the Dolphins will have to offer a significant role and contract to convince him. Hunt could also value the opportunity to compete, which the Dolphins can deliver on.
