News
9/2/22
8 min read
Notable NFL Waiver Wire Claims, Plus Other Team Moves and Injuries
Wednesday, Aug. 31st
Bears Claim OT Alex Leatherwood
The Chicago Bears claimed Alex Leatherwood off waivers from the Las Vegas Raiders, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Leatherwood was a first-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Alabama. Leatherwood was moved around the Raiders line in his rookie season but never found solid footing. Now, he'll have a chance to earn reps on a Bears team that needed help up front.
Browns Claim QB Kellen Mond
The Cleveland Browns claimed Kellen Mond off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings, according to PFF's Ari Meirov. Mond was a third-round pick of the Vikings in 2021. He got a chance to earn a spot this preseason, but his up and down play, and the team's trade for Nick Mullens muddied the waters. He'll get an opportunity to help backup Jacoby Brissett in Cleveland, while the team waits for Deshaun Watson to serve his 11-game suspension.
Giants Claim Safety Tony Jefferson
The New York Giants claimed Tony Jefferson off of waivers from the Baltimore Ravens, according to ESPN Media. Jefferson comes off a 2021 season where he played just six games after missing the 2020 season. He heads to New York to be reunited with former coach Don Martindale who coached him in Baltimore from 2018 to 2019.
Eagles Claim QB Ian Book
The Philadelphia Eagles claimed Ian Book off waivers from the New Orleans Saints, according to ESPN Media. Book made one start for the New Orleans Saints against the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football. Book is expected to be paired up with Gardner Minshew II as they backup Jalen Hurts this season.
Texans Claim WR Tyler Johnson
The Houston Texans claimed Tyler Johnson off waivers from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Johnson was released after a strong preseason and a stint as the team's fourth receiver. Houston doesn't have a lot of proven options at receiver, so Johnson might get an opportunity to climb the depth chart there.
QB David Blough Released by Detroit Lions
After seemingly winning the backup quarterback job on Tuesday over Tim Boyle, the Detroit Lions released Blough this morning, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The three-year veteran from Purdue has played in seven games for the Lions, including starting five in his rookie season. Blough is likely a candidate for the practice squad.
QB Nate Sudfeld Signed by Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are planning to sign Sudfeld to replace Blough, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. A sixth-round pick in 2016, Sudfeld has been a backup quarterback for the last six years, four of those with the Philadelphia Eagles. While with the Eagles, Sudfeld was lauded as being a potential starter, but that has yet to materialize.
K Eddy Pineiro Signed by Carolina Panthers
After placing veteran kicker Zane Gonzalez on season-ending IR Tuesday, the Carolina Panthers signed kicker Eddy Pineiro, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Pineiro went undrafted after playing his college ball at the University of Florida, but the Raiders quickly signed him following the 2018 NFL Draft.
Pineiro spent most of the 2019 season kicking for Chicago. He converted on more than 80% of his field goals for the year. In 2021, he spent five games with the New York Jets, converting all 8 of his field goal attempts. The Panthers will take on the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 11 in a Week 1 matchup, and Pineiro will likely start for the team at kicker.
