BYU's pro day turned all attention toward potential top-three pick Zach Wilson, but eagle-eyed scouts in attendance might have also spotted another promising talent.
Former BYU receiver Micah Simon didn't get a chance to have a pro day before he began his attempt to land with an NFL team because of the COVID-19 pandemic and ended up going undrafted, but 2021 gave him an opportunity for redemption. Simon returned to Provo to participate in BYU's pro day last week, catching passes from Wilson, and a 4.34 reported 40-yard dash capped a workout that impressed at least one team.
Simon signed with the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.
Simon recorded a total of 1,109 receiving yards over the course of his four-year career at BYU, which included a switch from defensive back to receiver to start his sophomore season. His best campaign was his last, catching 51 passes for 616 yards and two scores in 2019.
While still just an undrafted free-agent signing, Simon now has a chance to make up for the year lost to the pandemic. With his 4.34 speed, Simon is capable of running with the NFL's top athletes, and if he can stick with the Panthers, he'll become one of the latest success stories to emerge from a year and a half unlike any other.
Elsewhere in the NFL on Tuesday:
The Seattle Seahawks gave veteran guard Gabe Jackson a three-year, $22.575 million extension, Rapoport reported, per a source. Jackson, who was under contract through the 2022 season when the team acquired him from Las Vegas on March 21, will earn a $9 million signing bonus and an additional $7.075 million in guarantees. Seattle also announced the re-signing of defensive end Carlos Dunlap. It was reported on March 25 that Dunlap agreed to a two-year, $16.6 million deal.
- Free-agent cornerback Quinton Dunbar has visits scheduled with the Lions and Cardinals for next week, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Dunbar spent the 2020 season with the Seahawks and was limited to six games because of a knee injury.
- New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Williams signed his franchise tag, locking in a $10.612 million salary for 2021.
- The Pittsburgh Steelers signed offensive lineman Rashaad Coward and running back Kalen Ballage to one-year contracts. Ballage, 25, spent time with the Jets and Chargers in 2020. Defensive lineman Tyson Alualu, who made headlines last week after changing his mind about signing a deal with the Jaguars, is receiving a two-year, $5.5 million contract with $1.925 million guaranteed to stay in Pittsburgh, per Pelissero, via a source.
- The L.A. Chargers signed former Bucs cornerback/special teams ace Ryan Smith to a one-year deal. Pelissero reported the new pact is for $1.75 million.
- Defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford officially announced his retirement via Instagram. Mike McCarthy told reporters last week of the Cowboys lifer's plans to retire after nine seasons.
- The Minnesota Vikings are re-signing offensive lineman Dakota Dozier to a one-year deal, per Pelissero, via a source. The team later announced the signing, as well as tight end Hale Hentges being officially placed on the reserve/retired list.
- The Tennessee Titans agreed to terms on a one-year contract with safety Matthias Farley.
- The San Francisco 49ers announced their one-year deal with wide receiver Mohamed Sanu.
- The Buffalo Bills signed former Bengals offensive tackle Bobby Hart to a one-year deal.
- The Kansas City Chiefs agreed to terms with center Austin Blythe on a one-year deal, per Pelissero.
- The Green Bay Packers announced the re-signings of tight end Marcedes Lewis and defensive lineman Tyler Lancaster.
- The Houston Texans announced the signings of running back Phillip Lindsay, defensive back Desmond King, wide receiver Alex Erickson and punter Cameron Johnston.
- The New York Giants signed defensive back Joshua Kalu, defensive back Chris Milton and tight end Cole Hikutini.
- The Arizona Cardinals agreed to a one-year deal with veteran quarterback Colt McCoy, Pelissero reported.
- The Cincinnati Bengals are re-signing veteran defensive lineman Mike Daniels to a one-year deal worth up to $2.5 million, Pelissero reported. Daniels started 11 games last season for the Bengals. Daniels began his career with seven seasons in Green Bay, including a 2017 Pro Bowl trip.
