The Las Vegas Raiders signed quarterback Derek Carr to a multi-year contract extension, the team announced Wednesday.While the Raiders didn't announce the terms of the deal, Carr agreed to a three-year, $121.5-million extension that runs through the 2025 season, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.The deal also includes a no-trade clause, reports Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.Carr was entering the final season of a five-year, $125-million contract he signed in 2017. He will reportedly earn $141.3 million over the next four years, including $100 million over the next three years.The 31-year-old's new-money annual average of $40.5 million puts him fifth among quarterbacks behind Aaron Rodgers ($50.27 million), Deshaun Watson ($46 million), Patrick Mahomes ($45 million), and Josh Allen ($43 million), according to Over The Cap.Carr reportedly drew trade interest the last two offseasons, but the Raiders made it clear they wanted him to lead the team into a new era alongside head coach Josh McDaniels.

Baker Mayfield felt betrayed by the Cleveland Browns when they pursued a quarterback after assuring him he'd return in 2022."I feel disrespected - 100% - because I was told one thing and they completely did another," he told the "YNK: you know what I mean?" podcast. "That's what I'm in the middle of right now. I got my taste of it because I've had four different head coaches in four years, bunch of different coordinators."At the NFL combine, the Browns reportedly told Mayfield's representatives that they would bring him back in 2022, but the team wound up executing a massive trade with the Houston Texans for Deshaun Watson.Mayfield is coming off a down season with the Browns. He threw for 3,010 yards with 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while battling an array of injuries. He underwent shoulder surgery at the end of the season.The 26-year-old is due $18.858 million in 2022, the final year of his contract. He's expected to be traded at some point before the new campaign."I'm just looking for stabilization right now and I know what I need to do for me to be the best version of me and to be able to lead an organization," he said.The Browns drafted Mayfield first overall in 2018. He led Cleveland to the playoffs in 2020, ending an 18-year playoff drought for the franchise."I really, truly, honestly have no regrets of my time in Cleveland of what I tried to give that place," he said. "True Clevelanders and true Browns fans know that, and that's why I can walk away from the whole situation feeling like I did it."Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Houston Texans signed free-agent cornerback Steven Nelson to a two-year, $10-million contract, a source told Pro Football Network's Aaron Wilson.The veteran defender is coming off a one-year stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, recording seven pass breakups and one interception in 2021. He surrendered 553 yards in coverage with the Eagles, marking the third straight season in which he allowed fewer than 600 yards, according to PFF.Nelson, who has 84 career starts, projects to step into the starting lineup for Houston, which ranked 23rd in pass defense last campaign.The 29-year-old entered the NFL as a third-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015. Nelson spent two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and started opposite Joe Haden in their stout secondary before heading to the Eagles.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The XFL snagged some high-profile coaching names for its 2023 return.Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips and ex-Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward are among eight XFL head coaches, the league announced Wednesday.Former Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, former Virginia State coach Reggie Barlow, ex-NFL tight end Anthony Becht, former New Orleans Saints head coach Jim Haslett, and ex-NFL cornerbacks Terrell Buckley and Rod Woodson round out the XFL's coaching group.Stoops is the only returning coach after guiding the Dallas Renegades for the league's ill-fated comeback season in 2020."This is yet another huge moment for the XFL," said league co-owner Dwayne Johnson. "I have experienced firsthand the positive influence and impact that coaches can have on a player's life, and with our group of smart, accomplished, and motivating head coaches, I expect nothing less."Not only will these coaches be mentors to our players, but they will be a big part of the cities in which we will operate."

Don't underestimate the Rams' ability to bring another star to Los Angeles.The Rams have been in contact with free-agent cornerback Stephon Gilmore this offseason, a source told The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue.Gilmore, 31, has been linked to multiple teams since becoming a free agent, but he's been quiet about his future. The New England Patriots traded the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year to the Carolina Panthers midway through last season. Injuries limited him to just 16 tackles, two pass breakups, and two interceptions through eight games with the Panthers.Cornerback became a need for L.A. after losing Darious Williams to the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency. Gilmore would replace Williams and start outside opposite Jalen Ramsey, filling a big hole in the Rams' secondary. The team expects David Long to remain in the slot.Gilmore isn't as dominant as he once was, but he hasn't allowed a passer rating over 80 when targeted over the last two campaigns, according to Pro Football Reference. He also earned consecutive first-team All-Pro nods in 2018 and 2019.The reigning Super Bowl champions have added several high-profile players in recent years. L.A. acquired linebacker Von Miller and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. last season en route to lifting the Lombardi Trophy for the first time in 22 years.The Rams saw Miller sign with the Buffalo Bills this year, and they have yet to re-sign Beckham. The team also recently added eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker Bobby Wagner.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Denver Broncos' voluntary offseason workouts have just started, but wide receiver Courtland Sutton can already feel quarterback Russell Wilson's effect in the building."You all can feel it, we all can feel it. The juice is just different," Sutton said Tuesday. "I wasn't around when Peyton (Manning) was here, but what I'm hearing from everyone that was here when Peyton was here is that the juice and the energy (are) pretty similar."Denver has struggled to find stability at quarterback since Manning retired at the end of the 2015 season. The Broncos, who won four division titles with Manning under center from 2012-15, have missed the postseason in six consecutive years while starting 10 different signal-callers. Teddy Bridgewater started most games last year, posting a 7-7 record.The Broncos acquired Wilson this offseason in a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks. The nine-time Pro Bowler joins Denver with two Super Bowl appearances and one title on his resume."We have a guy that has been at the top of that mountain before, has won a Super Bowl before, does know what it's like to be at the highest level for his position and to lead a team to a Super Bowl," Sutton said. "I think everyone in the building understands the expectation. The standards are being risen to everyone's best ... Everyone in the building is understanding that we have to operate at a different level."Sutton led all Broncos wide receivers last season with 58 catches and 776 yards. The 26-year-old, who was limited to only one game in 2020 due to a torn ACL, set career highs in 2019 with 72 receptions, 1,112 yards, and six touchdowns. He earned a Pro Bowl nod that year.The 2018 second-round pick was due to hit free agency this offseason but inked a four-year, $60.8-million extension in November.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne sees a bright side in missing his entire rookie season due to a foot injury.When asked Tuesday if he was glad he didn't have to go through Jacksonville's disappointing 2021 season, with a smile, Etienne said, "Definitely.""That's just the human element of it, just seeing the results you're definitely like, 'Phew, if there was any year to miss, I missed a great one.'"The Jaguars kicked off a new era last year after selecting quarterback Trevor Lawrence first overall. Jacksonville also brought in Urban Meyer as head coach, hoping the college football legend would help lift Lawrence's game to the next level.Meyer's stint in the NFL didn't go as expected, though, as the Jaguars ended with a 3-14 record following a campaign marked with controversy. Meyer was fired midway through the campaign after going 2-11. The 57-year-old, who won two national titles at Florida and one at Ohio State in almost two decades in the NCAA, recently called his time in Jacksonville "the worst experience" of his professional career.The team placed Etienne, the 25th overall pick in 2021, on season-ending injured reserve Aug. 24 after he sustained a Lisfranc injury during a preseason game.The 23-year-old said he feels "85-90%" in his recovery, according to The Florida Times-Union's Eugene Frenette.The Jaguars, who ranked 32nd in scoring last season, hired Super Bowl-winning former Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson to replace Meyer this offseason."It's easy to get behind a guy who's been there, who has the blueprint," Etienne said of Pederson, according to the New York Post's Jaclyn Hendricks.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find positional rankings, additional analysis, and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.theScore's Justin Boone was first overall in FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition in 2019 and finished among the top seven each of his last seven years in the contest.Follow the links below to see his 2022 rankings.Half PPR

The Seattle Seahawks have picked up the fifth-year option on Noah Fant's rookie contract, tying the tight end to the franchise through the 2023 season, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The Seahawks acquired Fant as part of the Russell Wilson trade in March. The Broncos drafted him 20th overall in 2019, and he's the first player from his draft class to have his option picked up.Fant had 68 receptions for 670 yards and four touchdowns last season in Denver. He said recently he was frustrated with his lack of opportunities downfield in the Broncos' offense."I feel like when I came into the league, that's what I was drafted to do, right?" he told a Denver radio station at the end of March. "Get down the field, make those explosive plays, and kind of be that pass-catching tight end. And over my time in Denver, I felt like that narrative kind of got muddled down a little bit."Fant will join a tight end room in Seattle that also features Will Dissly and Colby Parkinson.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore goes division by division to identify every AFC team's biggest need ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft, which runs April 28-30.AFC I NFCAFC EastBuffalo BillsBiggest need: Cornerback Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyThe Bills boast one of the AFC's most well-rounded rosters. But reinforcements at cornerback are needed with Levi Wallace leaving in free agency and Tre'Davious White coming off a torn ACL. Ahmad Gardner and Derek Stingley Jr. will likely be gone by the time Buffalo picks at No. 25, but this class has a solid second tier of prospects at the position.Top early-round targets: Andrew Booth Jr., Trent McDuffie, Kaiir ElamMiami DolphinsBiggest need: LinebackerThe Dolphins enter the draft with only four picks after their blockbuster acquisition of Tyreek Hill. The first of those comes at No. 102 overall, so Miami won't have a chance to fill the hole at the center of its defense with a top prospect. Still, the club should have options to find a linebacker with above-average coverage skills who can step in as a rotational piece in 2022.Top early-round targets: JoJo Domann, Channing Tindall, Terrel BernardNew England PatriotsBiggest need: CornerbackThe Patriots didn't make much of an effort to retain J.C. Jackson in free agency, creating a major long-term need at cornerback. Following the trade for receiver DeVante Parker, it's now their clear No. 1 priority. While New England has experienced veterans like Malcolm Butler and Jalen Mills, it lacks the top-tier talent necessary to run its man-heavy scheme.Top early-round targets: Derek Stingley Jr., Roger McCreary, Andrew Booth Jr.New York JetsBiggest need: Wide receiverThe Jets' wide receiver group isn't the team's worst unit; the trio of Corey Davis, Elijah Moore, and Braxton Berrios is solid. But New York clearly wants to upgrade after chasing Hill and inquiring about DK Metcalf, and it's easy to understand why. This isn't New York's least talented position, but it is the position that could dictate how much quarterback Zach Wilson improves in Year 2.Top early-round targets: Garrett Wilson, Drake London, Chris OlaveAFC NorthBaltimore RavensBiggest need: Edge rusher Rob Carr / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Ravens thought they had a short-term fix at outside linebacker with the signing of Za'Darius Smith, only for the veteran to back out of their agreement. Odafe Oweh looked promising as a rookie, but beyond the sophomore is only Tyus Bowser - who's coming off an Achilles injury - Daelin Hayes, and Jaylon Ferguson. Even if Baltimore brings back Justin Houston, it needs to add a pass-rusher in the opening two rounds.Top early-round targets: George Karlaftis, Jermaine Johnson III, Boye MafeCincinnati BengalsBiggest need: CornerbackThe Bengals are set to use the best-player-available strategy early after reinforcing their offensive line with a flurry of free-agency moves. They simply don't have any glaring weaknesses. But in a conference stacked with star quarterbacks, bolstering the cornerback position even further could make all the difference.Top early-round targets: Cam Taylor-Britt, Roger McCreary, Andrew Booth Jr.Cleveland BrownsBiggest need: Defensive tackleThe Browns have one of the worst groups of defensive tackles in the NFL, with only Jordan Elliott, Tommy Togiai, and Taven Bryan on the roster. Cleveland doesn't have a first-round pick, and interior defensive line is one of the draft's weaker position groups. The Browns will likely have to use a second- or third-round pick to land a player who can help straight away.Top early-round targets: Perrion Winfrey, Phidarian Mathis, John RidgewayPittsburgh SteelersBiggest need: QuarterbackFor the first time in 18 years, the Steelers enter the season with questions at quarterback following Ben Roethlisberger's retirement. Mason Rudolph is nothing more than a backup, and free-agent addition Mitchell Trubisky could have untapped potential but is highly unlikely to become a long-term option. Though this quarterback class is underwhelming, that could mean Pittsburgh will have a shot at landing its desired prospect despite picking at No. 20 overall.Top early-round targets: Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, Desmond RidderAFC SouthHouston TexansBiggest need: Edge rusherThe Texans tied for 27th with only 32 sacks last season, and the losses of Whitney Mercilus and Jacob Martin further weakened their pass-rushing group. Houston could use the No. 3 overall pick on an offensive lineman, but it may find the elite group of edge rushers too enticing to pass up as it looks for cornerstone pieces to rebuild around.Top early-round targets: Travon Walker, Aidan Hutchinson, Kayvon ThibodeauxIndianapolis ColtsBiggest need: Wide receiverIf Matt Ryan is to return to form with the Colts, the former MVP needs better receiving weapons. Michael Pittman is Indianapolis' only proven wideout after producing his first 1,000-yard season in 2021. Ashton Dulin - who has 243 yards in three years - and the oft-injured Parris Campbell are currently slated to start.Top early-round targets: Skyy Moore, Jahan Dotson, George PickensJacksonville JaguarsBiggest need: Edge rusherThe Jaguars' wild free-agent spending spree filled big holes at wide receiver and on the offensive line, leaving pass-rusher as the team's most obvious need. While it's possible Jacksonville gives Trevor Lawrence another pass protector, the team seems to be planning to take the best edge player on the board at No. 1 overall.Top early-round targets: Travon Walker, Aidan Hutchinson, Kayvon ThibodeauxTennessee TitansBiggest need: Offensive lineThe Titans' offensive line needs a retooling after regressing in 2021, especially if Ryan Tannehill is to rebound this season. Left tackle and center are set with Taylor Lewan and Ben Jones, respectively. But Tennessee has a big hole at right tackle and could also eye long-term upgrades for both guard spots.Top early-round targets: Zion Johnson, Trevor Penning, Bernhard RaimannAFC WestDenver BroncosBiggest need: Offensive tackle Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyRussell Wilson isn't quite as nimble as he was just a few years ago, and he dealt with poor protection from the Seahawks for too long. Garett Bolles is a solid left tackle, but he'll turn 30 in May. The Broncos' right tackle spot, meanwhile, is a question mark. They signed Billy Turner and have a couple of other options in Calvin Anderson and Tom Compton but probably want to shoot higher with one of their early picks.Top early-round targets: Nicholas Petit-Frere, Abraham Lucas, Tyler SmithKansas City ChiefsBiggest need: Wide receiverThe Chiefs somewhat mitigated the loss of Hill with the free-agent additions of JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who signed one- and three-year deals, respectively. But Kansas City needs a long-term option to partner with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and it has multiple first-round picks with which to land one.Top early-round targets: Jameson Williams, George Pickens, Jalen TolbertLas Vegas RaidersBiggest need: Defensive tackleWhile the Raiders brought back Johnathan Hankins and signed Bilal Nichols to bolster their interior defensive line, neither is a real difference-maker. Las Vegas' depth is also severely lacking. The outside pass rush should be a strength with Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones, but it could be even better if supported by a greater threat from the interior.Top early-round targets: Phidarian Mathis, Matthew Butler, Haskell GarrettLos Angeles ChargersBiggest need: Offensive tackleJustin Herbert is an MVP-in-waiting, and the Chargers were smart to bolster his protection last offseason with Rashawn Slater, Corey Linsley, and Matt Feiler. But an offensive line is only as good as its weakest spot. Right tackle Storm Norton gave up nine sacks while starting most of last season in place of the injured Bryan Bulaga, whom the team cut in March.Top early-round targets: Trevor Penning, Charles Cross, Kenyon GreenCopyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Miami Dolphins boast two of the fastest players in the league in wide receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill.Waddle, entering his second season with Miami, is prepared for an eventual race with the newly acquired veteran after Hill issued a challenge during his introductory press conference."The next day, I said, 'I know he's going to try to race. Let me get on these legs real quick,'" Waddle told Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel during an interview on the "I Am Athlete" podcast. "I already know a race is going to come."The Dolphins traded multiple picks to the Kansas City Chiefs to add Hill, and Waddle is also relishing the opportunity to learn from the three-time All-Pro."He's going on his seventh year. He's had tremendous success. I can learn a lot from him if he's willing to teach it," Waddle said.Waddle quickly became a reliable outlet for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during the 2021 season. He set an NFL record for receptions by a rookie with 104 catches to go along with 1,015 receiving yards and six touchdowns.In addition to Waddle and Hill, first-year coach Mike McDaniel can also call upon Cedrick Wilson to serve as a formidable weapon.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Free-agent pass-rusher Melvin Ingram is visiting the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday, according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.Ingram, 32, finished the 2021 season with the Kansas City Chiefs after a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers.The three-time Pro Bowler tallied 25 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and one forced fumble playing for Pittsburgh (six games) and Kansas City (nine games).Ingram spent nine years with the Chargers after being a first-round selection in the 2012 NFL Draft. He racked up 360 tackles, 95 tackles for loss, and 49 sacks during his tenure with San Diego and later Los Angeles.The Dolphins have brought in Terron Armstead and Teddy Bridgewater and traded for Tyreek Hill this offseason, among other transactions.Ingram would be a veteran addition to a Miami pass-rushing rotation that produced 40 sacks and allowed 214.8 passing yards per game.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore goes division by division to identify the biggest need for every NFC team ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft, which will take place April 28-30.AFC I NFCNFC EastDallas CowboysBiggest need: Offensive line Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyA solid offensive line became a standard in Dallas, but the unit enters the draft with question marks. Though we shouldn't rule out the Cowboys stealing the best player available like they did with CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons in recent years, the team should focus on replacing tackle La'el Collins and guard Connor Williams, who left this offseason. Left guard is the bigger concern, but right tackle also needs more competition.Top early-round targets: Tyler Linderbaum, Zion Johnson, Kenyon GreenNew York GiantsBiggest need: Offensive tackleWith two top-10 picks, the Giants are in a great spot to address their biggest needs - tackle and edge rusher. Finding a new right tackle became New York's top priority after the club didn't re-sign Nate Solder. Plus, it's about time the Giants gave Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley, and Co. an above-average offensive line; the team ranked 30th and 21st in pass- and run-blocking last year, respectively, according to PFF.Top early-round targets: Evan Neal, Ikem Ekwonu, Charles CrossPhiladelphia EaglesBiggest need: Wide receiverThe Eagles, owners of two top-20 selections, have holes on both sides of the ball. The biggest one is probably at wide receiver since Jalen Reagor has been a major bust. Philly's receiving corps features good depth with the likes of Quez Watkins, Zach Pascal, and Greg Ward, but it's hard to envision it breaking out without a solid pass-catcher playing opposite DeVonta Smith. Don't be surprised if Philadelphia bolsters its defense early in the draft, too.Top early-round targets: Garrett Wilson, Drake London, Jameson WilliamsWashington CommandersBiggest need: Wide receiverThe real need in Washington is at quarterback. However, the Commanders acquired Carson Wentz this year and are expected to start him, avoiding a questionable draft class for QBs. Elsewhere on offense, they could definitely use a boost at wide receiver after Terry McLaurin finished last year as Washington's only player with 45-plus receptions.Top early-round targets: Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Drake LondonNFC NorthChicago BearsBiggest need: Wide receiver Justin K. Aller / Getty Images Sport / GettyChicago doesn't have a first-round pick after trading up in last year's draft to select Justin Fields, and now the team should set up the second-year quarterback for improvement. The wide receiver trio of Darnell Mooney, Equanimeous St. Brown, and Byron Pringle may give the Bears a lot of speed, but that doesn't seem like enough to help lift Fields' game to the next level.Top early-round targets: George Pickens, Christian Watson, David BellDetroit LionsBiggest need: Edge rusherThe Lions have many glaring needs, but this seems like the perfect year for them to address their pass-rush issues. Detroit didn't add any high-profile edge rushers in free agency despite seeing only one of its players record double-digit sacks over the last four seasons. The 2022 draft is loaded with talented edge rushers, and all of them could be available for the Lions at No. 2.Top early-round targets: Aidan Hutchinson, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Travon WalkerGreen Bay PackersBiggest need: Wide receiverThere's no way Green Bay ends the first round without selecting a receiver, right? The team had depth issues at wideout last year and still traded Davante Adams this offseason, leaving Aaron Rodgers with one of the NFL's thinnest receiving groups. The Packers, who own two Round 1 picks this year, haven't drafted a wide receiver in the first round since 2002 (Javon Walker).Top early-round targets: Drake London, Chris Olave, Treylon BurksMinnesota VikingsBiggest need: CornerbackAdding a new corner makes sense for Minnesota short and long term. If the season started today, the Vikings' main cornerbacks would be Patrick Peterson, who turns 32 in July, and Cameron Dantzler, an unproven third-year player. It's time for the Vikings to add a young talent to the mix, and at least one of the top cornerback prospects will likely be available at No. 12. This group not only wants more depth, but it also needs a star playmaker.Top early-round targets: Ahmad Gardner, Derek Stingley Jr., Trent McDuffieNFC SouthAtlanta FalconsBiggest need: Wide receiver Edward M. Pio Roda / Getty Images Sport / GettyIt'd be easier to list what the Falcons don't need. Atlanta began looking for a new franchise quarterback after trading Matt Ryan this offseason but ultimately signed Marcus Mariota, who can probably hold the fort for a year. Atlanta hasn't even found a similar stopgap solution at wide receiver, however. While the Falcons added depth in free agency, their current roster lacks star power and a No. 1 wideout.Top early-round targets: Garrett Wilson, Drake London, Chris OlaveCarolina PanthersBiggest need: QuarterbackNew offseason, same problem. A year ago the Panthers traded multiple picks for Sam Darnold and focused on other needs in the draft. It didn't work, and Carolina is still looking for a franchise signal-caller. This year's quarterback class may not be as impressive as the Panthers hoped, but Carolina knows it'll "have to take a shot."Top early-round targets: Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, Matt CorralNew Orleans SaintsBiggest need: Wide receiverA franchise quarterback may be New Orleans' most glaring need, but the team seems to be set with Jameis Winston for 2022. That leaves a big question: Who's catching the ball? Michael Thomas, who's appeared in only seven games over the last two seasons, remains the No. 1 target. But he didn't play at all in 2021, and running back Alvin Kamara led the team with just 47 receptions.Top early-round targets: Chris Olave, Drake London, Jameson WilliamsTampa Bay BuccaneersBiggest need: Defensive lineIf Ndamukong Suh doesn't return to the team, the Bucs have a big hole to fill in their D-line. This year's draft class features plenty of defensive linemen who stand out against the run and can also wreak havoc from the inside, and adding a high-profile rookie next to Vita Vea would help keep Tampa Bay's line among the NFL's best. Also high on the Buccaneers' to-do list: drafting a replacement for retired guard Ali Marpet.Top early-round targets: Jordan Davis, Devonte Wyatt, Travis JonesNFC WestArizona CardinalsBiggest need: Edge rusher Kelsey Grant / Getty Images Sport / GettyArizona needs fresh blood in its pass rush. After losing Chandler Jones this offseason, Markus Golden and J.J. Watt are the Cardinals' main pass-rushers. Though Golden led the team with 11 sacks last year, he turned 31 in March. Meanwhile, Watt, who's played only two full seasons since 2016, was limited to seven games in 2021, his first campaign with the Cardinals.Top early-round targets: Travon Walker, George Karlaftis, Jermaine Johnson IILos Angeles RamsBiggest need: Offensive lineThe reigning champs don't have a pick until the third round, so it won't be easy to replace a few key offseason losses. Still, the Rams need to add to their offensive line after tackle Andrew Whitworth retired and guard Austin Corbett left in free agency. A new pass-rusher and cornerback should also be high priorities.Top early-round targets: Cole Strange, Ed Ingram, Dylan ParhamSan Francisco 49ersBiggest need: Offensive lineSan Francisco's O-line is far from complete. Pro Bowl left guard Laken Tomlinson left a big hole after departing in free agency, right tackle Mike McGlinchey is recovering from injury, and center Alex Mack is nearing the end of his career. The Niners don't have a first-round pick, so ideally they'll land a versatile lineman in Round 2 who gives them immediate competition at guard and could potentially play other positions.Top early-round targets: Jamaree Salyer, Ed Ingram, Dylan ParhamSeattle SeahawksBiggest need: QuarterbackThe Russell Wilson era in Seattle is over and Drew Lock is atop the team's quarterback depth chart. Though the Seahawks haven't ruled out going with Lock in 2022, the 2019 second-round pick hasn't done anything to prove he should be a starter in the NFL.Top early-round targets: Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, Matt CorralCopyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Count new Houston Texans head coach Lovie Smith among quarterback Davis Mills' supporters."If you look at all of my comments about Davis, I am a believer in him and what he's going to do," Smith said Monday, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com.Smith added: "If you just go back and look at the plays that he made, throwing the ball downfield last year, so many good things that he did, and that's as a rookie. … The improvement that you see from Year 1 to Year 2 is normally a big improvement, and that's what we're gonna get from him."Mills made 13 appearances and started 11 games for the Texans as a rookie last season. The 2021 third-round pick displayed reasonable promise in his final five starts, throwing nine touchdowns to two interceptions. He finished the 2021 season throwing for 2,664 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.The 23-year-old is the front-runner to earn the starting gig - ahead of veterans Jeff Driskel and Kyle Allen - after the Texans traded Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns for multiple first-round picks, among other draft compensation. Houston also let Tyrod Taylor, who started six games in 2021, leave in free agency.Smith said Mills has assumed a greater leadership role in the offseason by organizing workouts with teammates and recruiting players.Both Smith and offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton noted there's plenty of pressure on the young signal-caller's shoulders and highlighted how important consistency will be.Houston is set to provide Mills with some weapons ahead of his second campaign. The team signed Brandin Cooks to a two-year extension Friday and will likely add more pieces in the 2022 NFL Draft.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kirk Cousins hopes his recent short-term extension is a precursor to a longer deal that allows him to finish his career with the Minnesota Vikings."I would like to retire as a Viking, and so I would like to play my way into that, if you will," Cousins told reporters Monday. "I know I gotta earn the right to do that, but if I could draw it up, it would be (to) play well enough that (I) never have to play or wear another jersey anywhere else."Cousins inked a one-year, $35-million extension in March, tying him to the Vikings through the 2023 season. The new pact quieted speculation that Minnesota could trade him this offseason.While the 33-year-old has been a stabilizing presence since signing with the Vikings in 2018, he's yet to engineer a deep playoff run. As a result, Cousins faces a murky future in Minnesota, which has a new general manager in Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and a rookie head coach in Kevin O'Connell."You earn it every day," Cousins said of the security he covets. "It's coming in now in OTAs and picking up the system quickly, learning the things we were taught today quickly so that you can build the next brick and just keep stacking 'em up and be consistent so that year after year, you're doing the things that it takes to be successful."That's staying healthy, that's playing at a high level, that's protecting the football, that's making plays. It's leading your teammates, it's playing with poise, with toughness - all the things it takes to be a great quarterback. It's doing them - not one time, not one season, not for a two-year, three-year run - it's doing it day after day after day. And you look back after, hopefully, double-digit years, and you say, 'Man, that was a great run.'"Cousins has thrown 124 touchdowns with 36 interceptions over the last four seasons, but he's only led the Vikings to the playoffs once.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders isn't taking the 2022 season for granted as he enters the final year of his rookie contract."I've still got a lot to prove," Sanders said, according to Aaron Wilson of the Pro Football Network. "A lot of people don't respect all the work I've done, and I've still got a lot to prove. I'm taking it real personal this year."Sanders received fewer than 190 touches for the first time in his career last season due to a combination of injuries and the Eagles' reluctance to commit to the run game during the first half of the campaign.He finished last season with 754 rushing yards on 5.5 yards per carry but had zero touchdowns. Sanders also added 26 receptions for 158 receiving yards.The former second-round tailback has rushed for 2,439 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 5.1 yards per carry through his first three seasons.The Eagles relied on a platoon of tailbacks in Sanders' absence that included Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott, as well as the rushing ability of quarterback Jalen Hurts, to spark their ground attack. The group's combined efforts helped Philadelphia produce a league-high 159.7 rushing yards per game last season.After ankle and hand injuries cost him five games last season, Sanders said he's "good to go" and is excited about his fourth year with an Eagles team that hopes to contend in 2022."Just can't wait to get back together with the guys and get the chemistry going and start the season off right."Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and former first-round draft pick Dwayne Haskins died Saturday morning after a dump truck hit him on a highway in Florida.Haskins was 24 and would have turned 25 on May 3. He was in South Florida training with Steelers teammates.Haskins was attempting to walk across the westbound lanes of Interstate 595 when the vehicle struck and killed him, the Florida Highway Patrol stated in a release obtained by Ben Standig of The Athletic. The incident was reported around 6:37 a.m., and Haskins was pronounced dead at the scene."I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins," Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement. "He quickly became part of our Steelers family upon his arrival in Pittsburgh and was one of our hardest workers, both on the field and in our community."Dwayne was a great teammate, but even more so a tremendous friend to so many. I am truly heartbroken. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Kalabrya, and his entire family during this difficult time."Haskins entered the NFL in 2019 after the Washington Commanders selected him 15th overall. Washington released him after he failed to secure the starter's role through two seasons with the team."We are devastated to hear the news of the tragic passing of Dwayne Haskins Jr.," Commanders owners Dan and Tara Snyder said in a statement. "He was a young man with a tremendous amount of potential who had an infectious personality."To say we are heartbroken is an understatement. Our hearts and prayers are with the members of Dwayne's family and all of those who knew him and loved him."The Ohio State product signed with the Steelers following his departure from Washington and was their third-string quarterback in 2021. Pittsburgh tendered him a contract as a restricted free agent, setting him up to return in 2022.Haskins threw for 4,831 yards and 50 touchdowns at Ohio State in 2018, earning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honors and finishing third in Heisman Trophy voting. He led the Buckeyes to a Rose Bowl win over Washington and was named the game's offensive MVP following a three-touchdown performance.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Six-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Calais Campbell is re-signing with the Baltimore Ravens on a two-year pact, he confirmed to CBS Sports' Josina Anderson.The deal is worth $12.5 million in base value but can reach $16.5 million, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. It should give Campbell a chance to finish his career with the Ravens after spending the last two campaigns with them."It just felt like the right move," Campbell said. "I feel like we started something special, and we have unfinished business there."Campbell joined Baltimore through a 2020 trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He's posted 77 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 22 quarterback hits with the Ravens.The 35-year-old broke into the NFL as a second-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2008. He blossomed into one of the NFL's most versatile defensive linemen with the Cardinals, for whom he played nine seasons.Campbell left Arizona for a lucrative contract with the Jaguars in 2017 and helped Jacksonville make a run to the AFC Championship Game. He had a career-best 14.5 sacks for the Jaguars in 2017 and registered 10.5 sacks in 2018.The Ravens had Michael Pierce, Broderick Washington, and Justin Madubuike lined up to anchor the defensive interior before bringing back Campbell.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tom Brady to the Buccaneers. Matthew Stafford to the Rams. Jared Goff to the Lions. Carson Wentz to the Colts. Sam Darnold to the Panthers. Russell Wilson to the Broncos. Wentz to the Commanders. Deshaun Watson to the Browns. Matt Ryan to the Colts. Baker Mayfield and Jimmy Garoppolo to who knows where.And let's not get started on all the ways the Rams, Eagles, Bears, Chiefs, Texans, Bills, Ravens, and 49ers all moved up in the draft in the last six years to select the quarterback they thought would be The Guy. Heck, the Bears have done it twice.Quarterback has long been football's most important position, and because truly great ones are in such short supply, NFL teams have always plotted ways to acquire one. But the aggressiveness of that pursuit has whipped into overdrive in recent years, with more franchises willing to commit more resources to the chase, which in turn has led to more QB movement than ever."I think over time, at least since the passing generation came in, the quarterback position has become a big part of what you're doing," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said at last week's NFL annual meeting in Florida. "With teams, they're going to sit there and evaluate their draft, if they think they can get a guy in the draft, they'll do it. If not, they'll go try to find one that fits their scheme. I think it's basically that simple. But you need a good quarterback for this day and age that performs." Sean M. Haffey / Getty ImagesReid's references to "the passing generation" and "this day and age" hint at part of what's driving this phenomenon. Throwing the ball is more important than ever thanks to rule changes designed to protect both quarterbacks and pass-catchers, the league's long-overdue embrace of spread-passing concepts that are so influential at the high school and college levels, and the growth of an analytics movement that has sussed out the efficiencies of the passing game.Additionally, after a barren stretch of draft busts, a bumper crop of recent picks has raised the bar for everyone else."I think all you have to do is watch last year’s playoffs and season," Rams chief operating officer Kevin Demoff told theScore.Parity was indeed more pronounced in 2021 when a record 12 teams were still within a game of the final playoff spot in either conference after Week 14; at that point, no AFC team had 10 wins. Then came the playoffs, when six of the seven games from the divisional round onward were decided by a field goal. The lone exception? The Chiefs' bughouse gallop against the Bills that basically broke the sport.The margin for error was so slim throughout the postseason and quarterback play proved to be a decisive factor in almost every game:

The Cleveland Browns are re-signing safety Ronnie Harrison to a one-year contract, his agents told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Harrison has played a vital part in the Browns' secondary since being acquired in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020. Cleveland has mostly utilized him in the box, where he's racked up 96 tackles and two sacks over his last two seasons.The 24-year-old got his hands on one interception across 11 starts for the Browns in 2021. The club frequently paired Harrison with safety John Johnson, though Grant Delpit also received considerable playing time.The Jaguars drafted Harrison in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He recorded three interceptions over two years in Jacksonville before heading to Cleveland.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It might only be a matter of time until Derwin James becomes one of the NFL's highest-paid defensive backs.The Los Angeles Chargers and their star safety are "cautiously optimistic" about inking a long-term extension before next season, reports Tyler Dragon of USA Today.James, 25, is entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract.The 2018 first-round pick has been one of football's best defenders when healthy. He earned first-team All-Pro honors as a rookie but appeared in only five games in 2019 and zero in 2020 due to injuries. The Florida State product bounced back last year, racking up a career-high 118 tackles with three forced fumbles and two interceptions.James is in line to receive a raise that could reset the market at his position. Seattle Seahawks star Jamal Adams currently leads all safeties in average annual salary at $17.65 million, according to Spotrac.The Chargers carry high expectations into the 2022 season after adding multiple high-profile defenders, including linebacker Khalil Mack and cornerback J.C. Jackson.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens and free-agent running back Melvin Gordon are discussing a potential deal, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Gordon played the last two seasons for the Denver Broncos. He topped 1,000 scrimmage yards in both campaigns while averaging 4.6 yards per rushing attempt. He joined the Broncos as a free agent in 2020 after spending his first five NFL seasons on the Los Angeles Chargers, where he earned two Pro Bowl berths.Gordon has been in touch with the Broncos this offseason, but it's unclear if he'll return to Mile High. Denver is set to give sophomore Javonte Williams a bigger role this season.The Ravens have had one of the NFL's most dominant running games in recent years but face questions at the running back position with J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards coming off torn ACLs. Quarterback Lamar Jackson led Baltimore with 767 yards on the ground in 2021.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Playing for a team other than the Kansas City Chiefs wasn't part of Tyrann Mathieu's 2022 plans.The star safety's contract with Kansas City expired at the end of the 2021 season, and the Chiefs decided to go in a different direction rather than offer him a new deal."Bro, I was depressed," said Mathieu, according to Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star. "Heartbroken. Heart, broken."I could not understand it. I could not, man."Mathieu, who turns 30 in May, was one of the cornerstones of K.C.'s defense over the last three seasons. The three-time Pro Bowler, who helped the Chiefs win Super Bowl LIV, amassed 213 tackles, 27 pass breakups, and 13 interceptions across 47 regular-season appearances for the team.The Chiefs went after free agent Justin Reid to replace Mathieu this offseason and signed the former Houston Texans defensive back to a three-year, $31.5-million deal that includes $20 million guaranteed."To be honest, if they would've offered me Justin Reid's deal, obviously I would've tried to negotiate, but if that's where they drew their line in the sand, I probably would've took it," Mathieu said.He added: "Agents are going to do their thing, but at the end of the day, it's the player's decision whether to sign it or not."Mathieu joined Kansas City as a free agent in 2019 on a three-year, $42-million contract and helped the club lift the Lombardi Trophy that season.The LSU product has yet to find a new team this offseason, though he recently met with the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Houston Texans and wide receiver Brandin Cooks agreed to a two-year contract extension, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The pact is worth $39.6 million and includes $36 million guaranteed, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Cooks has been the subject of trade rumors since last year's midseason deadline, and the New York Jets reportedly were the latest team to inquire about his availability.But it appears Houston prioritized retaining its top receiving weapon ahead of his contract year with the team set to start sophomore Davis Mills or potentially a rookie quarterback in 2022.Cooks recorded 90 catches for 1,037 yards and six touchdowns last season to become the Texans' runaway leading receiver. Nico Collins ranked second on the club with 33 catches for 446 yards.The 28-year-old has constantly been on the move throughout his career since being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round in 2014.The Saints traded Cooks to the New England Patriots in 2017 for a first-round pick. Cooks lasted just one season in New England before the Los Angeles Rams acquired him for a first-round selection. The Rams then dealt Cooks to Houston in 2020 for a third-rounder.Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson is the only player to have been traded more times than Cooks since 1980, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Some believe the Detroit Lions will kickstart their rebuild by taking a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.However, the Lions might be taking a different approach as head coach Dan Campbell said Wednesday that he doesn't buy into the philosophy that having an elite signal-caller is the only path to winning in the NFL."No, I don't think you need that," Campbell said, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. "I think that those guys like that are obviously, they're special. And they certainly can give you a better chance. But no, I don't believe you have to have one of those guys to have sustained success."With Jared Goff in place as a bridge starter for at least 2022 and Campbell entering his second year in charge, Detroit would usually be in a prime position to take a quarterback with the first of its two first-round picks.But this year's class of quarterbacks is widely seen as lacking any franchise-caliber prospects. Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, and Desmond Ridder are all expected to be taken in the first round, but few see them as worthy of a top-three selection.Detroit's roster still severely lacks talent, and Campbell wants to take a player at No. 2 that can make an immediate impact."That's really what you're trying to acquire, a guy that you can feel like can come in, and he's going to be able to have solid production for you," Campbell said. "We need to feel like, all right, this guy comes in, it may take just a little bit, but you'd like to believe by the time you hit your first game that this player's starting for you and is going to be able to produce. And then be able to grow every year a little bit here."The NFC North club selected Georgia pass-rusher Travon Walker in theScore's latest mock draft.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles met virtually Thursday with free-agent safety Tyrann Mathieu, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Mathieu previously made an in-person visit to the New Orleans Saints. He left the trip thinking the Saints don't "need" him, but he said he'd enjoy playing for his hometown team nonetheless.Despite his reputation as one of the top safeties in the NFL, Mathieu's market has been lukewarm since free agency opened nearly one month ago. The three-time Pro Bowler spent the last three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs but isn't expected to return for financial reasons.Mathieu posted 76 tackles and three interceptions last year, and he picked off 13 passes over his tenure in Kansas City. The 29-year-old helped the Chiefs win Super Bowl LIV in his first season with the club.The Eagles started Anthony Harris and Rodney McLeod at safety last season. K'Von Wallace projects to replace McLeod, a free agent, barring additional moves at the position.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Jets have inquired about trading for DK Metcalf and A.J. Brown as they look to acquire a game-changing wide receiver, sources told SNY's Ralph Vacchiano.The Jets reportedly also looked into trading for the Houston Texans' Brandin Cooks, but the veteran apparently inked a two-year extension, ending speculation about his future.Metcalf and Brown have also been tied to the rumor mill recently, but the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans reportedly haven't made their respective stars available for trade.The Jets revealed their desire to add a marquee wideout by making a run at landing Tyreek Hill from the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs ultimately traded Hill to the Miami Dolphins.New York reportedly also had interest in Calvin Ridley before the NFL suspended the Atlanta Falcons star for gambling on games. The Jets talked to the Dallas Cowboys about Amari Cooper as well before they sent him to the Cleveland Browns.Metcalf and Brown are entering the final year of their contracts. Both are in line for massive new deals due to their abilities to stretch the field and in light of the exploding receiver market.PlayerAgeREC Yards (2021)REC TD (2021)Metcalf2496712Brown248695The Jets struggled in the passing game last season, with Elijah Moore leading the club in receiving with 538 yards and five touchdowns. Corey Davis put up 492 yards and four touchdowns in his first campaign with New York after coming over as a free agent from the Titans. Moore and Davis both missed stretches of the season due to injury.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Buffalo Bills have signed star wide receiver Stefon Diggs to a four-year extension, the team announced.The deal is worth $104 million and includes $70 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Diggs had two years left on his previous contract, so the deal ties him to Buffalo for six more seasons at $124.1 million, Schefter adds.The 28-year-old's new $26-million average annual salary ranks fourth among wide receivers, behind only Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins ($30 million), Davante Adams of the Las Vegas Raiders ($28 million), and DeAndre Hopkins of the Arizona Cardinals ($27.25 million), according to Spotrac.In guaranteed money, Diggs trails only Hill, who received $72.2 million guaranteed in Miami.Diggs has been an integral part of the Bills' offense since Buffalo acquired him in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings in 2020. He led the NFL in receptions (127) and yards (1,535) in his first year with the team before putting up 1,225 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns on 103 catches last season.The two-time Pro Bowler ranks first in the league with 330 targets since 2020, according to Pro Football Reference. He's also racked up the third-most catches and fourth-most receiving yards in that span.The receiver's extension comes less than a year after Buffalo gave star quarterback Josh Allen a new six-year contract worth up to $258 million.Extending Diggs is the latest move in what's been another successful offseason for the Bills.

Tom Brady's return from his brief retirement was a key factor in Bruce Arians' decision to step down as Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach."I was waiting for Tom and to see what he was going to do," Arians said on the "Wolf & Luke Show" recently. "Once he came back, it was a no-brainer. (Todd Bowles is) in a great shape. The organization is in a great shape. I probably wouldn't have done it had Tom not unretired."The 69-year-old isn't sure he would've remained head coach if Brady were still retired, either."There was always a possibility, and we were going to wait until the last minute," Arians said. "We were making plans in case he didn't (unretire), but thank goodness he did."Arians stepped down as the Buccaneers' head coach in a stunning move March 30 and moved to a senior football consultant role. Bowles, who served as Tampa Bay's defensive coordinator over the last three seasons, was named his successor."It was kind of a shock because of the timing, but it was something I've dreamt about a long time," Arians said. "To have one of my guys take over, get a deal, and get a contract. … It couldn't have worked out any better. I'm really excited."During Bowles' introductory press conference last Thursday, Arians rejected reports that a strained relationship with Brady prompted his move to the team's front office.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks and former defensive coordinator Ray Horton have joined Brian Flores' class-action lawsuit against the NFL and three teams, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Flores, who was fired by the Miami Dolphins this offseason, filed a lawsuit against the league, the Dolphins, the New York Giants, and the Denver Broncos in February over alleged racial discrimination in hiring practices."When coach Flores filed this action, I knew I owed it to myself, and to all Black NFL coaches and aspiring coaches, to stand with him," Wilks said in a statement, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "This lawsuit has shed further important light on a problem that we all know exists, but that too few are willing to confront."Black coaches and candidates should have exactly the same ability to become employed, and remain employed, as white coaches and candidates. That is not currently the case, and I look forward to working with coach Flores and coach Horton to ensure that the aspiration of racial equality in the NFL becomes a reality."Wilks explained his complaint against the Cardinals in a statement via Schefter:

It's no secret that the Carolina Panthers are looking for a new quarterback.Though Sam Darnold said Carolina's search for a new passer is "a little shot to the ego," he's still confident in himself ahead of his second season with the team, according to David Newton of ESPN."Whatever happens, happens. Because at the end of the day, it's out of my control, and I know that," Darnold said on the "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast. "I have enough security in myself where I can say, 'I know I'm a good quarterback. I know I can be a good quarterback in this league. I've proved it.'"And I know there's a team, if something happens, that would want me."In his first season with the Panthers last year, Darnold completed just 59.6% of his passes while tossing only nine touchdowns to 13 interceptions through 12 appearances. The 24-year-old also battled a shoulder injury that sidelined him for multiple games.Carolina tried to acquire Deshaun Watson this offseason before the Cleveland Browns landed him in a trade that sent three first-round picks to the Houston Texans.The Panthers, who own the sixth overall pick, have also been linked to the top quarterback prospects in this year's draft. Carolina is set to meet with several of them next week, including Liberty's Malik Willis, Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett, and Ole Miss' Matt Corral, reports Albert Breer of The MMQB.Though Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer recently said he isn't sold on drafting a quarterback at No. 6, he's open to taking a shot at it."At the end of the day, somebody has got to answer for it," Darnold said on whether Carolina will select a quarterback this year. "Whoever it is. The GM. The coach. If something happens like that, we'll see what they have to say, and that's about it."The Panthers, who acquired Darnold last year in a trade with the New York Jets, also started P.J. Walker and Cam Newton in 2021 en route to finishing 5-12. Carolina brought Walker back for the 2022 campaign but has yet to re-sign Newton.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians feels that offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich deserves more credit for the team's success."I get credit, and (Tom) Brady gets way too much credit for what Byron does with our offense," Arians told "The Wolf & Luke Show" on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM."One of the reasons I hope he gets all the credit he deserves this year is to get a coaching gig. He had about four or five teams real interested last year."Leftwich worked under Arians as an intern in 2016 before earning a promotion to quarterbacks coach and later being named the Arizona Cardinals' interim offensive coordinator in 2018. The former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback followed Arians to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the latter accepted the head coaching gig.Since 2019, the Buccaneers have finished among the top three teams in points per game each season. Before Brady arrived in 2020, Leftwich worked with Jameis Winston to create an explosive offense during the 2019 campaign. Tampa Bay ultimately won Super Bowl LV with Brady and a plethora of weapons on both sides of the line of scrimmage.After averaging 30.1 points and 405.9 yards per game in 2021, Leftwich appeared destined to leave the Bucs this offseason after landing among the finalists for the Jaguars' head coaching vacancy. However, Doug Pederson ended up with the job, and Leftwich decided to return to Tampa Bay."I really thought he was going to be the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars this year," Arians said. The new Bucs executive is convinced that a head-coaching opportunity is "on the horizon" for his former pupil.Meanwhile, Leftwich will reunite with Brady for a third consecutive season after the quarterback retired for 40 days and then decided to return for his 23rd campaign.Arians announced in March that he was stepping down as coach to take a role in the club's front office. Leftwich will now work under former defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, who the team named Arians' replacement.Tampa is looking to make another playoff run after losing to the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams in the NFC divisional round.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are signing free-agent safety Keanu Neal, the team announced Wednesday.The 26-year-old is moving back to his familiar position in the secondary after playing the 2021 season as a linebacker with the Dallas Cowboys.Neal racked up 72 tackles, four tackles for loss, and a sack last season.The Atlanta Falcons drafted the Florida product as a safety in 2016, and he spent five seasons with the team. Neal's most productive campaign came in 2017 when he tallied 116 tackles and six passes defended to earn his first and only trip to the Pro Bowl.Neal is the latest veteran the Bucs have added to their secondary this offseason, joining cornerback Logan Ryan. The defensive back helps fill the void left at safety after Jordan Whitehead signed with the New York Jets last month.Tampa Bay also announced that it has re-signed quarterback Blaine Gabbert. The veteran passer will back up Tom Brady alongside Kyle Trask and Ryan Griffin.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Terrell Owens can't wait to return to the football field.The Hall of Fame wide receiver is joining the Fan Controlled Football league and is expected to team up with quarterback Johnny Manziel as a member of the Zappers, according to ESPN's Tim McManus."I'm looking forward to throwing with Johnny or whoever the quarterback may be," Owens said. "If it's Johnny Football - it doesn't matter if it's Pee-wee Herman - as long as they throw the ball where it needs to be and ... put it in my catch radius, I'm going to do my best to make some stuff happen with it."Owens, 48, believes he can still play at a high level. Though he last appeared in an NFL game in 2010, he has never considered himself retired from the league."I wasn't given the opportunity to play. That doesn't mean I retired," he said. "Has Colin Kaepernick retired? (He's not in the NFL) because he hasn't been given an opportunity."Owens thinks age is just a number."If Tom Brady can do it, if they can marvel at some of the things he's done, I'm no different than Tom," Owens said of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, who turns 45 in August.He added: "I just don't like the notion that people see it, even in the National Football League, it's almost like, OK, you've reached a certain age at whatever point in time in your life, and they feel like you can't play anymore or your skills decline to a degree."Of course, everybody's skills at some point may decline, but I think there are certain people that kind of defy those odds, and I think I'm one of those people."Owens, who will interview guests on the sideline as a part of an alternate game-day broadcast, is happy to help the Fan Controlled Football league expand."If (another NFL opportunity) arises or comes about because of playing in Fan Controlled Football league because they see me take hits ... then so be it," he said. "But that's not what I'm actively pursuing. It's a partnership with Fan Controlled Football league. It's to help grow what they're trying to do."Fan Controlled Football is a seven-on-seven league that features eight teams and allows fans to call plays. The league's second season begins April 16.Owens, who earned six Pro Bowl berths across 15 NFL seasons, retired from the league in 2010 with the third-most receiving yards (15,934) and touchdown catches (153) in NFL history. The 1996 third-round pick also ranks eighth all time with 1,078 receptions.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tyrann Mathieu would love to return to his home state of Louisiana.After the New Orleans Saints hosted the visiting free-agent safety Tuesday, Mathieu spoke about what signing with his hometown team would mean to him."Any time I get to play in front of family and friends, it obviously gives me more energy," Mathieu said, according to Wilson Alexander of The Advocate. "It would be a great opportunity if that was to come."He added: "I have a lot of respect for (owner) Mrs. (Gayle) Benson and the kinds of things she does throughout the community. It's a team I grew up watching."Mathieu played his high school ball in New Orleans before starring for LSU in college. But aside from his connections to the city, the three-time All-Pro said he'd be excited to join a defense as good as the Saints'."Any time I see the Saints play defense, I always tap myself on the shoulder and say, 'Hey, I could probably roll with those guys,'" Mathieu said.Additionally, the nine-year veteran, who was a key contributor on the Chiefs' Super Bowl LIV-winning squad, said he's focused on finding a situation where his family is comfortable and where he can compete for another championship."This time around, it's not about being the highest-paid safety," Mathieu said.In addition to the Chiefs, Mathieu has also played for the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals. He tallied 76 tackles, six passes defended, and three interceptions last season with Kansas City.The Saints are in search of a veteran presence in the secondary after Marcus Williams signed with the Baltimore Ravens and Malcolm Jenkins announced his retirement. However, New Orleans did add Marcus Maye earlier this offseason.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tennessee Titans aren't fielding trade offers for star wide receiver A.J. Brown, sources told ESPN's Dianna Russini.Brown is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and with no apparent progress on extension talks between him and Tennessee, Brown's been the subject of trade speculation. The 24-year-old fueled those rumors lately with a series of cryptic tweets.Titans general manager Jon Robinson, who said in March there were preliminary talks with Brown, reportedly remains committed to keeping the Pro Bowl pass-catcher in Tennessee long term, though it's unclear where the negotiations currently stand.The New York Jets are one team that's been looking for a high-profile wideout this year. After losing out on Tyreek Hill, New York is keeping an eye on receivers who are entering the final year of their rookie contracts, including Brown, DK Metcalf of the Seattle Seahawks, and Deebo Samuel of the San Francisco 49ers, reports ESPN's Rich Cimini.Brown is expected to become one of the NFL's highest-paid receivers when he inks a new deal. The Ole Miss product has put on a show since Tennessee drafted him in the second round in 2019, topping 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons while averaging 17.2 yards per reception. Brown notched 869 yards and five touchdowns on 63 catches through 13 games in 2021.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It looks like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won't know anytime soon whether they'll have Rob Gronkowski in 2022."I knew if I started catching some passes that my head would have started turning like, 'Oh crap, I got to get back out on the field,'" the star tight end said, according to TMZ Sports. "And right now, I'm not ready to get back out on that field. I'm not ready to commit to the game of football right now."Gronkowski, 32, said in January that he needed time to decide whether to return for his 12th NFL season, suggesting he'd retire for a second time if forced to make a quick decision about his future.The Bucs, who saw quarterback Tom Brady come out of his brief retirement this offseason, reportedly also hope they can bring back Gronkowski. The tight end has played every season of his career with Brady.The Buffalo Bills reportedly are also interested in signing Gronkowski.Gronkowski racked up 802 yards and six touchdowns on 55 receptions through 12 games in his second season with the Bucs last year. The five-time Pro Bowler previously retired for the first time in 2019 after nine seasons with the New England Patriots.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New Los Angeles Rams linebacker Bobby Wagner is still frustrated with the way the Seattle Seahawks mishandled his release last month."I think after 10 years, I think it's just simple communication," Wagner said at a press conference Monday, according to The Associated Press' Greg Beacham."I don't think it had to be that difficult. I watched their interview … and I'm grateful, but when they said it was because I represented myself, I feel like that was weak."I shouldn't have had to find out the way I found out. But it is what it is, and I ended up in a great place. I just think that after 10 years, it could have been a simple conversation."After Wagner's release, Seattle general manager John Schneider said, "When you do have an agent, there's a certain buffer that goes on there," according to The Athletic's Michael-Shawn Dugar.Seattle cut Wagner after he earned his eighth Pro Bowl nod during the 2021 campaign, and the 31-year-old left the franchise as its all-time leader in tackles (1,383). Los Angeles signed the six-time All-Pro to a five-year, $50-million contract on March 31.While Wagner denied that facing his former team was part of his motivation, he does relish the opportunity to play the Seahawks twice next season."A lot of people think that it went into my decision, being able to play the Seahawks," he said, according to Beacham. "I don't have that much hate in my heart. I really wanted to be happy and wanted to be close to home and stay on the West Coast. That was important to me."But playing the Seahawks twice a year was the cherry on top. I'll make sure they see me every time we play. They'll know where I'm at, and I'll make sure I'll tell them. It won't be a quiet game for me."Wagner's departure was another loss to Seattle's roster following a blockbuster trade that sent quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos.Meanwhile, Wagner spurned a contract offer from the Baltimore Ravens, among other suitors, to play in his hometown. He joins wide receiver Allen Robinson as one of the Rams' notable free-agency additions.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Cowboys remain interested in bolstering their wide receiver corps, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.The Cowboys were among the teams pursuing former Miami Dolphins wideout DeVante Parker before the New England Patriots acquired him Saturday, Schefter reports.Dallas' receiving group has undergone a makeover this offseason. The club traded Amari Cooper and lost Cedrick Wilson to the Dolphins in free agency but opted to re-sign Michael Gallup to a five-year deal and brought in former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver James Washington on a one-year pact.However, Gallup is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in January, and his timetable for the 2022 campaign is unclear.The shuffling places CeeDee Lamb at the top of the team's receiver depth chart. The 2020 first-rounder caught 79 passes for 1,102 yards and six touchdowns last season.There are still numerous veteran pass-catchers on the market, such as Julio Jones, Odell Beckham Jr., A.J. Green, and Jarvis Landry, among others.The Cowboys hold the 24th overall selection in this year's draft. Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jameson Williams, and Treylon Burks are among the top receiver prospects.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints acquired the 16th and 19th overall picks in the 2022 NFL Draft from the Philadelphia Eagles for the 18th selection in a deal involving eight total choices, the Saints announced Monday.The Saints come out of the swap with the pair of first-round picks plus a sixth-round selection (No. 194). The Eagles get back five picks: a first-rounder (No. 18), a third-rounder (No. 101), a seventh-rounder (No. 237), a 2023 first-rounder, and a 2024 second-rounder.Philadelphia still owns the 15th overall pick, meaning the club is on track to take two players on Day 1 of the NFL draft. The Eagles obtained the 15th pick in a trade with the Miami Dolphins last year. The 16th pick, which is headed to New Orleans, originally belonged to the Indianapolis Colts and went to Philadelphia in the Carson Wentz trade.New Orleans is now a candidate to trade up for its preferred quarterback prospect early in the 2022 draft. The Saints re-signed Jameis Winston in free agency after striking out on bigger names and still face uncertainty at the position long term.The Saints could also use their top two choices to bolster their nucleus. They had two first-round picks in 2017 and came away with foundational pieces in cornerback Marshon Lattimore and offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk.The Eagles are in position to draft a quarterback next year if they lose faith in Jalen Hurts, as they now own two first-rounders in 2023. That quarterback class is expected to feature Alabama's Bryce Young and Ohio State's C.J. Stroud, who would likely rank ahead of Kenny Pickett, Malik Willis, and the other top signal-callers in this year's group.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones doesn't expect the neck injury that bothered him last year to be an issue going into the 2022 season."I'll be cleared and ready to go," Jones said Monday on the first day of the Giants' offseason program, according to Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post.The signal-caller has no doubt that he'll be able to play in Week 1, per SNY's Ralph Vacchiano.Jones missed six games last season and finished the year on injured reserve. The Giants turned to Mike Glennon and Jake Fromm to replace Jones and went 0-6 en route to finishing the year 4-13, marking their fifth straight losing campaign.New York signed veteran Tyrod Taylor this offseason to serve as Jones' backup. Taylor started six games for the Houston Texans in 2021."I'm excited (to work with Taylor)," Jones said, according to NFL Network's Andrew Siciliano. "He's a guy with a lot of experience in this league."Jones has failed to meet expectations since New York drafted him sixth overall in 2019. The 24-year-old, who's 12-25 as a starter in the NFL, tossed 10 touchdowns against seven interceptions through 11 games in 2021.The Giants hope new head coach Brian Daboll can help him turn things around."These offenses that score a lot of points create a lot of explosive plays and have a lot of success," said Jones, adding that he's looking forward to working in Daboll's offensive system, according to Sports Illustrated's Madelyn Burke.Daboll came to the Giants after four seasons as offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, who finished in the top three in scoring in 2020 and 2021.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Peyton Manning is hoping to make things easier for Russell Wilson as he embarks on a new journey with the Denver Broncos.Like Wilson, Manning arrived in Denver after a long successful stint with the team that drafted him. The Hall of Fame quarterback found success with the Broncos and has offered advice to Wilson to help with his transition."I've talked to Russell a number of times," Manning told Ryan O'Halloran of The Denver Post. "And we've had conversations about some of the things that helped me in my transition to a different team that I think can apply to anybody making the jump, especially after being in a place for a long time."(I've had) conversations (with coach Nathaniel) Hackett as well about some of those things, maybe some dos and don'ts that helped me and can certainly apply and Russell can hit the ground running here in his first year."The Seattle Seahawks traded Wilson to Denver in early March after 10 seasons with the team, where he won two NFC championships and a Super Bowl title.The Broncos are coming off a disappointing 7-10 season, but Manning anticipates major improvements for the team with Wilson under center."Look, it's all about having continuity and consistency," Manning said. "The fact that Russell is the starting quarterback today - we know that. There is no quarterback competition (like last year). Every receiver knows they need to get their timing with him down to a perfect science. That's the world I always lived in and always believed in, and that's just going to pay great dividends for the team."Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Five-time Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore intends to sign a one-day contract with the San Francisco 49ers and announce his retirement from football this offseason, he told TheSFNiners."Probably in a couple months," Gore said about his retirement. "We're still trying to figure out when I'm going to do my one-day contract, to sign, do my retirement. I told (49ers owner) Jed York that I always wanted to be a Niner, so we're working on that right now, and then we're going to also sit down ... to talk about me working in the front office."Gore, who's rushed for the third-most yards in NFL history, didn't play last year after appearing in 15 games with the New York Jets in 2020.The 38-year-old spent the majority of his career with the 49ers, who drafted him in the third round in 2005. He became San Francisco's all-time rushing leader after racking up 11,073 yards and also accrued 64 touchdowns through 10 seasons with the team.Gore joined the Indianapolis Colts in 2015 and played three seasons in the AFC South. He rushed for at least 900 yards each year, topping the 1,000-yard mark for the ninth time in 2016.The Miami product also had one-season stops with the Miami Dolphins (2018) and Buffalo Bills (2019).Gore's 16,000 career regular-season rushing yards rank third all time behind only Emmitt Smith (18,355) and Walter Payton (16,726). Adrian Peterson is the next active player on the list at No. 5 with 14,918.A member of the NFL's 2010s All-Decade Team, Gore also ranks third in career rushing attempts (3,735) and 19th in rushing touchdowns (81). He will retire with the most games played by a running back (241).In college, Gore helped Miami win a national title in 2001.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Miami Dolphins are sending wide receiver DeVante Parker and a 2022 fifth-round selection to the New England Patriots for a third-round pick in 2023, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Parker will bolster a Patriots receiving group that features the likes of Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, and Jakobi Meyers. He comes to New England with two years remaining on his contract.

Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard has agreed to a new five-year, $90-million contract with the Miami Dolphins, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.Howard already had three years and $39.3 million left on his deal. The extension tacks on two years and $50.69 million in new money, Howard's agent told CBS Sports' Josina Anderson.Howard led the NFL in interceptions in 2018 and 2020, and earned his third career Pro Bowl selection in 2021 to further cement himself as one of the league's top defensive backs. He tallied 16 pass breakups and five interceptions last season.Miami already had two of the 10 highest-paid cornerbacks in the league with Howard and Byron Jones. The Dolphins assured Howard last year they would redo his deal after 2021; he became discontent with his contract when Miami handed Jones a larger deal in free agency.Despite boasting the two marquee cornerbacks, Miami ranked a pedestrian 16th in passing yards allowed last year.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Houston Texans have signed free-agent running back Marlon Mack, a source told ESPN's Sarah Barshop.Mack spent his first five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2019. He tore his Achilles tendon in the 2020 season opener and lost his role by the time he returned to health in 2021.The Texans struggled to squeeze production out of their committee of running backs last season, ranking last in the NFL in rushing yards and yards per carry.Mack, 26, will join a backfield that also contains Rex Burkhead, Royce Freeman, and Dare Ogunbowale. Burkhead led the team with 427 yards on the ground in 2021.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick will hold an exhibition throwing event with multiple draft-eligible prospects during halftime of Michigan's spring game on Saturday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Any NFL club personnel in attendance are allowed to watch the throwing session, though it's unclear which NFL teams will be at the event.Kaepernick, 34, continued to work out during his prolonged absence from the league this offseason. He's held several practice sessions lately, including one with Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett.Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll recently said Kaepernick reached out to him, telling Carroll he'd like another shot in pro football.Kaepernick hasn't played in the NFL since 2016. He was the first NFL player to kneel during national anthems to protest police brutality and racial inequality in the United States.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are re-signing running back Giovani Bernard to a one-year deal, a source told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.Bernard reportedly had offers from multiple teams this offseason but chose to return to Tampa Bay, where he was in 2021. His base salary in 2022 will be $1.12 million, according to The Athletic's Greg Auman.The 30-year-old, who spent his first eight NFL seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, joined the Buccaneers last year as a pass-catching weapon in the backfield for Tom Brady. He finished the campaign with 23 receptions for 123 yards and three touchdowns while carrying the ball only eight times through 12 appearances.Bernard will provide depth to Tampa Bay behind running backs Leonard Fournette and Ke'Shawn Vaughn. The Bucs brought Fournette back this offseason but saw Ronald Jones sign with the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency.

Bobby Wagner is staying in the NFC West.The Los Angeles Rams are signing the former Seattle Seahawks star to a five-year contract, the team announced Thursday.Financial terms of the deal weren't released, but the All-Pro linebacker's deal is worth $50 million, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Wagner's pact reportedly has a maximum value of $65 million.The Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys were apparently also pursuing Wagner.Wagner, who was born in Los Angeles, joins a Rams squad primed to defend its Super Bowl title and a defense that boasts fellow stars Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey.The reigning champions lost pass-rusher Von Miller to the Buffalo Bills in free agency but bolstered their already stacked offense with receiver Allen Robinson.Wagner put together a Hall of Fame-worthy decade with the Seahawks, earning six first-team All-Pro nominations, two second-team nods, and eight Pro Bowl appearances. He was also a key member of the Super Bowl-winning team in 2013.Seattle traded quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos and released Wagner on the same day in early March, signaling the end of an era for Pete Carroll's club.Wagner left the Seahawks as the franchise's all-time leader in tackles (1,383) and All-Pro selections (eight).Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Cowboys aren't interested in moving Micah Parsons to defensive end, where he would rush the quarterback on all passing downs."The people that say, 'Hey, why don't you play him at defensive end?' - very fair. That's a very fair question," head coach Mike McCarthy told David Helman of DallasCowboys.com. "But we've made it clear: we want him moving around."A natural linebacker, Parsons led the Cowboys with 13 sacks as a rookie last season. Dallas will enter the 2022 campaign looking to replace defensive end Randy Gregory, who left for the Denver Broncos in free agency."It would be very easy to just line him up at end and play him there every down, but the fact of the matter is he had, what, 13 sacks? Seven came from the linebacker position, six from the defensive end position," McCarthy said.The third-year head coach added it would help opposing offenses game plan for the Cowboys if Parsons is limited to one role."I know as an offensive guy, you're helping me if you can line him up at one position every time," he said.Parsons notched 84 tackles, three forced fumbles, and three pass breakups to go with 13 sacks last year. The Penn State product was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year at the end of the season.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.