The most enduring image of the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2020 season took place as the clock struck zero on a playoff loss to the Cleveland Browns: Your browser does not support the video tag. NBC Sports/theScoreThat's quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who was also seen in tears. He appeared to be contemplating an uncertain future. The image became a meme, but all these months later, that same portrait of Roethlisberger sitting alone with a faraway gaze remains representative of the Steelers' hazy present.Pittsburgh is one of the NFL's most stable franchises. It's had just four losing campaigns in the last 30 years, and none since 2003, which was four seasons before Mike Tomlin took over as head coach. In the last 10 years, only the New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, and Seattle Seahawks have more wins. Roethlisberger, a surefire Hall of Famer, has been to three Super Bowls, winning two. However, heading into 2021, he and the Steelers find themselves in a weird sort of holding pattern.The Steelers seem to think their championship window is still open, even with the odds stacked against them. The defense was the league's best in 2020, according to Football Outsiders' DVOA metric. But after an 11-0 start that devolved into a 12-4 finish plus a first-round playoff exit, Pittsburgh made a host of changes to its offense - the unit most exposed during the season's dismal stretch run. Coordinator Randy Fichtner and his unimaginative scheme were replaced by quarterbacks coach Matt Canada; the offensive line was completely made over; running back Najee Harris was selected in the first round of the draft to provide a hybrid of rushing and pass-catching skills.Roethlisberger, the team's longtime fulcrum, chose to return for what could be his final season. He even took a $5-million pay cut to help the team get salary-cap compliant. But he's 39 and entering his 18th season; his 2004 draftmates Eli Manning and Philip Rivers have both retired. And while Roethlisberger spent much of 2020 posting respectable numbers by traditional metrics - 65.6% completions, 3,803 yards, 33 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, a 94.1 passer rating - his actual performance was an alarming indicator of how inadequate those stats are in today's game. To consider the Steelers in 2021 is to wonder how on Earth they intend to run it back with him and to note they have no real succession plan.Too often last season, Roethlisberger relied on short, quick passes as a crutch. Some of this was to compensate for inadequacies in a run game that finished 30th in DVOA behind an O-line that ranked dead last in adjusted line yards, according to Football Outsiders. Some of it was because Roethlisberger can no longer scramble as he did back when he was so masterful at using his 6-foot-5, 240-pound body to absorb hits and extend plays. Some of it was because he was a year removed from reconstructive elbow surgery. Joe Sargent / Getty ImagesBut even as the Steelers won their first 11 games, their reliance on having Roethlisberger take a shotgun snap and immediately toss a pass near the line of scrimmage made it easy for better defenses late in the season to scheme against them. The quarterback consistently saw his receivers jammed and teams crowd the short and intermediate parts of the field.According to PFF, Roethlisberger's average time to throw during those first 11 games was 2.13 seconds, a stretch in the schedule in which the Baltimore Ravens were their only opponent with a defensive DVOA in the top 12. In his last four starts against three defenses in the DVOA top 12, that number was still only 2.16 seconds. Despite teams planning for his short, quick passes, he still kept trying them. For the season, no other qualified QB got rid of the ball faster on average than 2.35 seconds.There's a trend to this. PFF's database on a quarterback's average depth of target goes back as far as 2006. From that year through 2017, there were only two seasons in which Roethlisberger did not rank in the top 10 in ADOT. By 2018, he was 18th with an ADOT of 8.1. He missed nearly all of 2019 with an injury. Last year, his ADOT was just 7.4, which ranked 25th.All in all, Roethlisberger just wasn't that efficient: he finished the year 17th in DYAR, 20th in both QB DVOA and expected points added per play, and 22nd in Total QBR.According to Warren Sharp's database, only the Jacksonville Jaguars (66%) passed more frequently than the Steelers did last season (65%) - and the Jags were constantly playing from behind en route to a 1-15 finish. The Football Outsiders Almanac is stuffed with data on how strikingly conservative the Steelers' offense was, even as it all but abandoned the running game:

Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of his enshrinement into the NFL Hall of Fame next weekend."I recently tested positive for COVID-19," Polamalu announced. "Thank God I feel great, and (my) family (is) well. I'm working with the (Hall of Fame) to ensure we abide by all protocols to make it to Canton in time for all the festivities."Polamalu is scheduled to be honored Aug. 7 as part of the 2020 Hall of Fame class.David Baker, the president and CEO of the Hall of Fame, is working with Polamalu on a solution for his enshrinement."We are disappointed for Troy right now and pray for his quick recovery with no complications," Baker said in a press release obtained by KDKA."We'll work with him to make sure he's honored as an enshrinee the way he should be - and that's mindful of others in the centennial class, fans, and everyone else in attendance. He had an incredible football career and will have an equally incredible career as a Hall of Famer."Polamalu played 12 years in the NFL, all with the Steelers. He won two Super Bowls with the club. Polamalu also made eight Pro Bowls and was named the 2010 Defensive Player of the Year.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dak Prescott is optimistic the shoulder strain he suffered during Wednesday's practice won't have long-term consequences."So, I know I will be fine. I know I am doing the treatment. I am doing everything necessary to make sure I will be just fine," Prescott said, according to ESPN's Todd Archer. "I am not worried about that. It's not anything I worry about lingering or causing problems. Not even near the same aspect of the ankle and the time I had to take from that."The Dallas Cowboys quarterback said he left Wednesday's practice out of precaution and believes the injury may have been caused by not warming up correctly."I didn't want to work through (the injury) and making something small worse and bigger than it has to be," Prescott said.Though Prescott isn't expected to throw for a few more days, he thinks the injury wouldn't stop him from playing had it happened during the regular season."I think I'd do whatever is necessary and take the steps that were needed to make sure I was ready for Sunday if that's when it was or Monday or whenever the game would be," Prescott said.He added: "I know I'd get myself there one way or the other and be able to perform the way I want to."The 27-year-old is set to be reevaluated Monday, and the team will be patient with him, according to head coach Mike McCarthy.Prescott signed a four-year, $160-million contract with the Cowboys this offseason. He missed most of the 2020 campaign after sustaining a compound ankle fracture and dislocation.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz is out indefinitely due to a foot injury he suffered Thursday toward the end of practice, ESPN's Adam Schefter and Mike Wells report.The injury involves a bone and a ligament, and the Colts are bracing for the possibility of surgery, according to NFL Network's Michael Silver. Wentz also felt a "pop," Silver adds.The Colts' newcomer is set to visit foot specialist Robert Anderson and should receive a clearer timeline for his return afterward, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport.However, the quarterback's injury is not expected to be season-ending at the moment, Schefter adds.Wentz arrived in Indianapolis this offseason through a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Colts coughed up a 2021 third-round pick plus a 2022 second-round pick that could turn into a first-rounder based on how many snaps Wentz plays.Wentz has battled injuries throughout his career, but he was an MVP candidate in 2017 before tearing his ACL late in the year. He struggled last season en route to a demotion, which accelerated his exit from Philadelphia.Second-year signal-caller Jacob Eason led the starting offense Friday in Wentz's absence, while rookie Sam Ehlinger served as the backup.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In the wake of Aaron Rodgers' criticism of the Green Bay Packers for a lack of input on management decisions, Arizona head coach Kliff Kingsbury said the Cardinals have been approaching quarterback Kyler Murray for his opinion on the team's personnel."Those guys have as good a feel for players, players' personalities, and talent as any of us because they have been on the field and they have worked with them," Kingsbury said, according to team reporter Darren Urban."I do think that goes a long way. I like, and (general manager) Steve (Keim) is the same way, we talk to Kyler about different players he likes, whether it be receivers, linemen, and we like having that dialogue. (It) gives you a different perspective."Quarterback input on management and personnel decisions has been a hot topic since Aaron Rodgers' comments Wednesday. Murray said he enjoyed Rodgers' candid press conference because of "how real he was with it" while explaining why player input is a crucial part of the evaluation process."You like to have a say in what goes on, you like to have a say in guys you'd want to play with, because at the end of the day, we're the ones on the field, we go through it, we see it every day, we know who is good," Murray said.However, the former first overall pick understands that while his input is important, a final decision will ultimately come down to those running the club."We can only give our opinion," Murray said. "It is what it is. They can take it and run with it however they may."Arizona has made numerous high-profile offseason moves in hopes of improving on last season's 8-8 record, adding J.J. Watt, A.J. Green, and James Conner, among others. Murray is coming off his first Pro Bowl campaign after tossing 26 touchdowns while also adding 11 scores on the ground.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst seems to differ with Davante Adams on what it means to be the league's highest-paid receiver."I think there's a little bit with that particular situation, it's how you interpret what the highest receiver in the National Football League is getting paid, you know what I mean?" Gutekunst said Thursday, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky.Adams was outspoken Wednesday on becoming the NFL's highest-paid wideout, stating he's earned that right."Certainly, I agree with him that he's definitely worth that," Gutekunst added. "We believe that, as well. I think there might be just a little bit of difference in what we believe is the highest-paid receiver and what he might."The disagreement is based on DeAndre Hopkins' contract, Demovsky adds. Hopkins received a two-year, $54.5-million extension after being traded to the Arizona Cardinals in 2020. While Adams' camp sees Hopkins as the league's highest-paid receiver at $27.25 million per season, the Packers - and many other NFL teams - believe his average annual value is near $20 million because he already had three years remaining on his original contract.Adams has one season left on his four-year, $58-million deal, which ranks 18th among wide receivers in average annual salary, according to Spotrac. Green Bay and the wideout broke off extension talks after the club balked at Adams' asking price.Despite the difficulties in negotiations, Gutekunst hopes the two sides are able to come to an agreement."Again, we value him," the GM said. "He's such a great player. He's a warrior when he goes out there. Obviously, we would like to figure something out and will continue to work on that as we go."Adams led the league last season with 18 receiving touchdowns. He also registered 115 receptions and 1,374 yards.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Nick Bosa is on track to be on the field for the San Francisco 49ers' season opener.The 49ers pass-rusher saw his 2020 campaign end in Week 2 after tearing his ACL but assures his recovery has gone smoothly."I knew when it was an early injury, I, for the most part, would be ready to go for Week 1, and everything now is trending toward that," Bosa said Thursday, according to Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury. "I'm hoping to ramp it up toward that and give it all I've got Week 1."Prior to the injury, Bosa was looking to build off a nine-sack 2019 campaign that won him Defensive Rookie of the Year honors."It's tough. You come off 2019 and on top of the world and start well in next season, and it's all taken away really quick," Bosa said. "Mentally, it was really rough."He added, "When your body feels terrible, your mind goes to that place. As my body started to feel better, my mind followed."Bosa has been encouraged by his recovery, stating he's moving better than he ever has before, according to The Athletic's Matt Barrows.The 49ers open their regular season on the road against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 12.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott exited the first padded practice of training camp Wednesday with soreness in his throwing arm, team officials said.The results of an MRI showed Prescott has a strained muscle in his right shoulder, the Cowboys announced. He'll undergo treatment and be evaluated on a daily basis."I felt some soreness when making certain throws today, and I really just decided not to push things too far," Prescott said in a statement obtained by The Athletic's Jon Machota. "Better to be cautious and smart about it. I don't see this as any kind of serious setback. We'll treat it on a daily basis and I'll be fine."Prescott attended practice Thursday but didn't participate in any throwing activities. Head coach Mike McCarthy said the signal-caller will resume throwing in "two, three days," according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk.The 27-year-old missed most of the 2020 campaign after sustaining a compound ankle fracture and dislocation early in the season. He's expected to be ready for Week 1.The Cowboys signed Prescott to a four-year, $160-million contract early in the offseason, locking him down as the face of the franchise for years to come. He threw for over 4,900 yards in 2019, trailing only Jameis Winston in that category.Garrett Gilbert took over the first-team offense as Prescott left the field with trainers, according to NFL Network's Jane Slater.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFLPA president and Cleveland Browns center JC Tretter slammed teams that are requiring unvaccinated players to wear wristbands to identify their status, calling it "a nonsensical idea.""They say they need a differentiator between vaccinated and unvaccinated players," Tretter said Thursday, according to ESPN's Jake Trotter. "We already have a differentiator. The unvaccinated players need to wear masks. No other sports league uses any sort of scarlet marking or helmet decal or wristband, because they know it's not necessary and the teams know who's vaccinated, who's not vaccinated."Tretter believes the league is using wristbands as a tactic to put pressure on players to get vaccinated."So what it really comes down to is the NFL wanted to put a policy in place to try to shame unvaccinated players publicly about their status and make that known to everyone on the field," Tretter said. "It shouldn't be the case because it's unnecessary. We all know who's vaccinated and who's not, and it doesn't need to be a scarlet marking on people's helmets or wrists."The NFL and NFLPA continue to clash over the use of wristbands, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.The Browns aren't one of the teams using the wristband rule, with head coach Kevin Stefanski saying he wanted to avoid "dividing the team over this issue."Players around the NFL widely condemned the league's latest vaccination rules, which includes any game that can't be rescheduled due to a COVID-19 outbreak among unvaccinated players will result in the responsible club forfeiting the contest.Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins initially said he'd consider retiring over the new rules before walking back his comments several hours later.The NFL announced Thursday that 87.9% of players have been vaccinated with at least one shot. Teams with fully vaccinated rates of over 85% will have restrictions significantly reduced.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank was disappointed that former star wideout Julio Jones asked for a trade."I think the part that bothered me personally was the fact that he expressed that he wanted to be traded," Blank told reporters Thursday, according to ESPN's Michael Rothstein. "You know, we had a 10-year relationship. I think it was a good relationship. It was certainly productive."He's a Hall of Fame player, so I was disappointed he felt that way. For whatever reasons, I'm not sure. I was unable to speak with him myself. I tried to, but he felt the way he felt and was ready to make a change."The Falcons traded Jones and a 2023 sixth-round pick to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a 2022 second-round pick and a 2023 fourth-rounder earlier this offseason.Blank, who has owned the Falcons for nearly two decades, said the franchise would prioritize players who want to be with the team moving forward. He added that trading the seven-time Pro Bowler was beneficial for both sides.Jones' departure gave Atlanta much-needed cap space to sign its 2021 draft class led by tight end Kyle Pitts."We have tremendous regard for the player and the human being as well," Blank said of Jones. "And he's given us 10 great years - and that's about half of my ownership - and set all kinds of records."Blank said the Falcons did not initially intend to deal the former All-Pro after an injury-plagued 2020 campaign that saw Jones haul in 51 receptions for 771 yards and three touchdowns in nine appearances.Jones, 32, spent 10 seasons with Atlanta after the Falcons traded five draft picks to the Cleveland Browns to move up and select him sixth overall in 2011.Though he's disheartened by Jones' exit, Blank doesn't place any blame on new Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot or head coach Arthur Smith."The time was right for him to move on, and I think the coach did what he could, and the general manager did what he could to have him try to stay," said Blank. "But he was ready to move."Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2021 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.More in this series

Randall Cobb is back with the Green Bay Packers for one reason only: Aaron Rodgers wanted him.Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said Thursday he acquired the wide receiver from the Houston Texans to help end the standoff with his franchise quarterback."I think that's a big part of it, I don't think without Aaron we would be pursuing him," Gutekunst said, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "This was a very important thing for Aaron and that's why we did it."The Packers already had two starting wideouts in All-Pro Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The team also drafted Amari Rodgers in the third round of this year's draft; the rookie and Cobb are both primarily slot receivers.Though Gutekunst wouldn't have added Cobb for a reported sixth-round pick without Rodgers' input, the executive is excited about bringing in another veteran to his team."Having Randall Cobb in our building is a positive," he said, according to Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. "There's no doubt about that. What he brings not only as a player but a person in our locker room is a positive."Rodgers outlined his issues with the Packers organization in a candid press conference Wednesday following his first training camp session.The quarterback criticized how the front office treated outgoing veterans and lamented his lack of input in key personnel decisions, seemingly lending credence to reports during the offseason that Rodgers' frustrations centered mostly around Gutekunst.The reigning NFL MVP described his relationship with the general manager as "professional." Gutekunst said he hopes to repair the bond with Rodgers, but that it will take both sides to do so.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Imagine this: An error is discovered in the legal language of the NFL's rulebook that immediately renders all player contracts null and void. To restart the league, a draft is planned. All players are eligible to be selected.In this four-part series, theScore's NFL editors will draft on behalf of the league's 32 teams, with each employing a unique roster-building strategy, explaining their picks as they go.Editors drafted four teams each. If you're just joining us now, or want to recap how we got to this point, you can go back and see all the picks here:

Kelvin Benjamin had some not-so-fond things to say about his experience with the New York Giants after being cut on the first day of training camp Wednesday.After a tryout in May, the 30-year-old former first-round pick signed with the Giants. He was to convert from receiver to tight end for the first time in his career.But as Benjamin ran onto the field for warmups Wednesday, he was met by head coach Joe Judge and general manager Dave Gettleman and dismissed moments later.Benjamin pointed his ire not at Gettleman - the man who drafted him with the Carolina Panthers in 2014 - but at Judge, who he accused of sabotage."I just felt like from Day 1, once I stepped onto the field, once I put on the colors, he never liked me. He didn't even want me there," Benjamin told Zack Rosenblatt of NJ.com.He added: "I don't want to bash anyone, but I just felt like Joe has had it out to get me since I walked into that team building. It never felt right. The guy never even had a conversation with me until the day they signed me."Benjamin says he weighed 265 pounds at the end of minicamp in June and was instructed to come to training camp at 251 pounds. He arrived weighing 268 pounds, but he claims he put on muscle.Though Benjamin says he passed a conditioning test, Judge told him as he ran out to practice that he'd be fined for being overweight. The conversation dissolved from there."To be honest, man, I just felt like it was all a hoax," Benjamin said. "I felt like they didn't give me a chance. I finished the conditioning. I finished all of that. I did what I was supposed to do. Everybody in the building was telling me I looked great. They never wanted the narrative to be good about me."Benjamin, who hasn't appeared in a game since 2018, doesn't plan to pursue any more NFL opportunities.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton isn't happy that he'll be without star receiver Michael Thomas to open the season.Thomas underwent surgery in June to repair ligaments in his ankle and is expected to miss at least the first month of the 2021 campaign.The surgery is on the same ankle that bothered Thomas from the outset of the 2020 season."It's disappointing and we'll work through it with the other players that are here, but the surgery took place, and, obviously, we would have liked that to have happened earlier than later, and, quite honestly, it should have," Payton said at Wednesday's press conference.General manager Mickey Loomis said Thomas and the Saints initially opted for a conservative approach to treating the injury and hoped it would heal, but it didn't."Obviously, in hindsight, we would've preferred the surgery to be earlier but it wasn't, so it is what it is," Loomis said, according to Katherine Terrell of The Athletic.The 28-year-old pass-catcher is coming off an injury-plagued season in which he was limited to 40 receptions for 438 yards and zero touchdowns. Thomas set a league record in 2019 with 149 catches.New Orleans will begin a season without Drew Brees under center for the first time in 15 years. Whoever wins the quarterback battle between Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill won't have their No. 1 target to ease the transition.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill isn't pleased with NFL's COVID-19 policies.The 33-year-old said he's only getting vaccinated because of the league's strict protocols for unvaccinated players."I am currently in the process right now," Tannehill said, according to ESPN's Turron Davenport. "The NFL has made it clear what they want to happen. If you don't fall in line, they're going to try and make your life miserable because of the protocol."I wouldn't have gotten the vaccine without the protocols that they are enforcing on us. I think it's a personal decision for each of us. They are trying to force our hands and ultimately have forced a lot of hands by the protocols. It is what it is."Tannehill believes being vaccinated will help him build chemistry with his teammates on and off the field.The NFL has not mandated that players get the vaccine but has set up stringent guidelines for those who don't. Unvaccinated players must wear masks at all times, including during workouts, and are not permitted to eat meals with teammates.Titans general manager Jon Robinson said 90% of the team is at least partially vaccinated.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It didn't take long for teams to start calling the Miami Dolphins about Xavien Howard.Several clubs - including two playoff teams - contacted the team about trading for the disgruntled cornerback, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Howard asked for a trade Tuesday, expressing disappointment with his contract situation. The 28-year-old, who led the NFL with 10 interceptions last season, isn't happy about being the second-highest-paid cornerback on his team after Byron Jones.Howard became one of the NFL's top-paid defensive backs after signing a five-year, $75.25-million extension with Miami in 2019. One year later, the Dolphins also gave Jones a massive deal, signing him for five years and $82.5 million.Jones ($16.5 million) and Howard ($15.05 million) currently rank fifth and sixth in average annual salary at the position, respectively, according to Spotrac.Howard, a two-time Pro Bowler, earned his first career All-Pro berth last year after topping the league with 20 pass breakups. He also notched a career-high 51 tackles in 2020.Meanwhile, Jones finished his debut campaign in Miami with two interceptions and four pass breakups.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams wants to become football's highest-paid pass-catcher whenever he signs a new contract, and he won't take a discount."That's not going to happen," Adams said Wednesday. "It's not about being a baby, but what other profession do you take less than what you have earned? It's not how it goes. The fans may see it differently in certain ways, and I'm sure there are a lot of fans that see it the same way that myself, my family, my agent, and most of the league sees it."He added: "I've earned the right to be paid the highest in the league."Adams has one season left on the four-year, $58-million extension he signed with Green Bay in December 2017. His average annual salary of $14.5 million currently ranks 18th among wide receivers, according to Spotrac.The two parties opened negotiations for a long-term extension this offseason, but talks reportedly broke off after Green Bay made offers that wouldn't make Adams the league's highest-paid wideout.The 28-year-old earned his first career All-Pro berth in 2020 after posting his most productive campaign in the NFL. Adams topped the league with 18 touchdown catches through 14 games and led all receivers in yards per game (98.1).The four-time Pro Bowler has averaged 87 receptions for 1,051 yards and 10 scores per 16 games played since entering the NFL as a second-round pick in 2014.Aaron Rodgers reported for training camp this week after holding out of Green Bay's minicamp. Adams previously said he'd have to do some extra thinking about his future if the signal-caller left the Packers.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Aaron Rodgers spoke candidly about his issues with the Green Bay Packers for the first time Wednesday, pointing to the treatment of outgoing veterans, his exclusion from major decisions, and his contract status."This started with a conversation in February as the season ended," the quarterback said. "I just expressed my desire to be more involved in conversations directly affecting my job."Rodgers reported for training camp after skipping all team activities throughout the offseason. The Packers avoided a camp holdout by agreeing to various concessions with him.The three-time MVP named 12 former Packers - including Charles Woodson, Jordy Nelson, Julius Peppers, Clay Matthews, and Randall Cobb - who were once part of the fabric of the team but later weren't "offered a contract at all, or were extremely lowballed, or were, in my opinion, not given the respect on the way out that guys of their status and stature and high character deserved."The Packers are finalizing a trade to reacquire Cobb from the Houston Texans in a move believed to serve as a sign of good faith from the organization.The 37-year-old became further disgruntled when the Packers kept him out of conversations pertaining to free agency, continuing a trend he fought hard to reverse."I wanted to offer my services as a recruiter," he said. "I think we can all understand Green Bay isn't a huge vacation destination, people are coming here to play with me, to play with our team, and knowing that they can win a championship here. The fact that I haven't been used in those discussions was one I wanted to change moving forward. I feel like based on my years, the way I can still play, that that should be a natural part of the conversation."Rodgers said "nothing really changed" as the market opened in March. At the same time, the Packers failed to approach him about an extension, which would have given Rodgers security beyond 2021 - he has no guaranteed money on his contract after this year - and lowered his exorbitant cap hit, thereby helping the team."If you can't commit to me past 2021 and I'm not a part of the recruiting process in free agency - if I'm not a part of the future, then instead of letting me be a lame-duck quarterback, if you want to make a change and move forward then go ahead and do it," he said.The reigning MVP said "there wasn't a conversation" about his contract until May, when the Packers tried "throwing some money" at him to appease him.Rodgers also revealed that he didn't speak to head coach Matt LaFleur until a deal was already in place to hire him in 2019."I wasn't part of that conversation, let's make that completely clear," Rodgers said. "I do love Matt, and we've had a blast together, and I'm glad he's here. But it's decisions like that that have happened over and over and over again that make me realize that the organization looks at me and my job like it's just to play. In my opinion, based on what I've accomplished in this league, the way I care about my teammates, the way I show up in the locker room, the way I lead, the way I conduct myself in the community, it should tie myself to a little bit more input."The rules are the same for most people but every now and then there's some outliers - guys who have been in organizations for 17 years and won a few MVPs where they can be in conversations at a different, higher level. I'm not asking for anything that other great quarterbacks across the last few decades have not gotten."He then admitted he wished the franchise informed him Jake Kumerow was being cut in training camp in 2020. Green Bay made the move shortly after Rodgers raved about his performance on the practice field."If you're going to cut a guy who was our second-best wide receiver in training camp last year, maybe run it by me," he said.Rodgers confirmed he contemplated retiring to avoid another season with the Packers, but knows there's a "big competitive hole in my body that I need to fill."As he's done since the Packers drafted his apparent replacement Jordan Love, Rodgers left his future in Titletown open-ended.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2021 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.Welcome to theScore Fantasy Football Podcast, hosted by Justin Boone.Find the show on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and Anchor.In this episode, Edwin Porras of Fantasy Points joins Boone to discuss the latest injury updates heading into training camp.

Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman expects Zach Ertz to be on the roster Week 1 after an offseason of speculation about the tight end's future, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer's EJ Smith.Ertz - along with his new blonde hairdo - was on the field Wednesday at training camp. The three-time Pro Bowler has been at odds with the Eagles over his contract for more than a year."It's really good to see him out here," Roseman told reporters, according to Dave Sparado of PhiladelphiaEagles.com.Ertz reportedly drew trade interest throughout the offseason, but a move never materialized. He - like the Eagles - is looking to bounce back from a down year filled with injuries."We have a tremendous opinion on Zach Ertz as a player and person," Roseman said, according to CBS Sports' Jeff Kerr. "Last year was embarrassing for him as a player and for this team."Ertz, who's been one of the most reliable pass-catching tight ends over the last seven seasons, posted only 335 yards and a touchdown across 11 appearances in 2020. Meanwhile, the Eagles went 4-11-1 before firing Doug Pederson as head coach and trading disgruntled quarterback Carson Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts.The 30-year-old Ertz is entering the final year of his contract, and is scheduled to earn $8.5 million in base salary.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will be sidelined from training camp after testing positive for COVID-19, head coach John Harbaugh announced Wednesday.Harbaugh added that running back Gus Edwards also tested positive. He didn't provide a timeline for Jackson and Edwards' return to practice.The star signal-caller tested positive for COVID-19 in November and missed one game."I wouldn't wish that on anybody, though. It's not good to have," Jackson said at the time of contracting the virus, according to NFL.com's Kevin Patra.The 24-year-old declined to say whether he's vaccinated during minicamp in June, calling it a personal decision.Trace McSorley and Tyler Huntley will split the majority of training-camp snaps during Jackson's absence.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Patrick Mahomes has overtaken Tom Brady for the most valuable NFL trading card.PWCC Marketplace announced Wednesday that a 2017 National Treasures NFL Shield Mahomes rookie card fetched $4.3 million in a private sale, setting a new record for a football card. A Brady 2000 Playoff Contenders Championship Rookie Ticket card set the previous record when it sold for $3.1 million in March.

Xavien Howard has submitted a request to be traded, the Miami Dolphins cornerback announced Tuesday.He says the request stems from unhappiness with his contract situation. Howard noted that he tried approaching the club for a resolution, and Miami refused all of his proposals.

The NFL won't hold Deshaun Watson out from participating in training camp with the Houston Texans."At this time, there are no restrictions on Watson's participation in club activities," the league noted in a statement that ESPN's Sarah Barshop obtained.The NFL's 2020 passing leader is facing 22 lawsuits alleging sexual assault and inappropriate behavior. To this point, the NFL has decided not to place Watson on the commissioner's exempt list as investigations continue."The NFL's review of the serious allegations against Deshaun Watson remains ongoing and active. We are working cooperatively with the Houston Police Department and ensuring that the NFL's inquiry does not interfere with their investigation," read the statement, according to Mark Maske of the Washington Post.Watson reported to training camp over the weekend. The team will take to the field for practice Wednesday.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Lamar Jackson is hoping to make history for the Baltimore Ravens with two different jersey numbers."If we win the Super Bowl, I'm going to No. 1," the quarterback said on the team's "The Lounge" podcast, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley. "I want the No. 1. That's my first number ever. My dad told me, 'Get No. 1 because that's the best. You're the best.' And it always stuck with me."Jackson kept wearing No. 8 in the NFL after donning the number at Louisville. He previously wore No. 7 in high school."I want to retire No. 8 and No. 1. ... I want to do that here at the Ravens. I want to win a Super Bowl with No. 8 on, do as much as I can with No. 8 on, then come back and do the same thing with (the No.) 1 on," added Jackson, who's currently negotiating a new contract with Baltimore.Jackson has taken the NFL by storm since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2018. He led all signal-callers with 36 touchdown passes en route to winning the MVP award in his first full campaign as a starter in 2019.The Pro Bowler is the first quarterback ever to top 1,000 yards on the ground in two different campaigns and boasts a 30-7 regular-season record as a starter.That success in the regular season hasn't fully translated to the playoffs for Jackson. He's failed to advance past the divisional round in back-to-back years and is 1-3 in the postseason.The Ravens don't officially retire uniform numbers, but several numbers haven't been worn again after specific players hung up their cleats, including Ray Lewis (No. 52) and Ed Reed (No. 20).Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera sounded off Tuesday on the least vaccinated team in the NFL - his own."I'm truly frustrated. I'm beyond frustrated," he told reporters, according to Michael Phillips of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. "Part of it is - and the reason I walked in with a mask on is - you know, I'm immunodeficient. So with this new variant, who knows?"Rivera, who coached while undergoing cancer treatments last year, spent part of his offseason encouraging his players to get vaccinated against COVID-19. His message was met with resistance, as only 60% of his roster has received at least one dose, which is well below the league average of 84%."I hope we can get to these guys and get them to understand, really, it's not just for them, but it's for the people around them," Rivera said. "And that's the thing that hopefully will get their attention is that it's not just about them, but the folks around them."Washington successfully navigated the pandemic in 2020, placing only two players on the COVID-19 reserve throughout the season, according to The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala.The NFL strengthened COVID-19 protocols for 2021 and has threatened clubs with forfeits if they're unable to field a team because of an outbreak."The thing they've got to think about too, is, you know, based on the rules, you're risking not just your paycheck, but other people's paychecks too if there's no gameplay," Rivera said.Rivera, a two-time NFL Coach of the Year, steered Washington to an NFC East title last season in his first year on the job.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Cowboys officially signed free-agent safety Malik Hooker.Hooker, who worked out with the team last week, was spotted at Cowboys training camp Tuesday.

Rick Dennison will serve the Minnesota Vikings as a senior offensive advisor in 2021 after losing his gig as offensive line coach for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine, the team announced.Phil Rauscher, who worked as the assistant offensive line coach the previous two seasons, will ascend to the top role in 2021. Ben Steele will serve as Rauscher's assistant.Minnesota removed Dennison as offensive line coach and run game coordinator before training camp after he failed to receive a vaccine exemption.The NFL requires all Tier 1 staff - coaches, front-office executives, equipment managers, and scouts - to get vaccinated because of their frequent contact with players and other coaches. As an advisor, Dennison won't be required to take the vaccine."He's going to watch the practice with the offensive coaches, he's going to be helping to evaluate," head coach Mike Zimmer said, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin.Zimmer added: "And then the next part, as we start getting ready for the games in the season, he'll be helping with game plan ideas, third-down ideas, protection ideas, things like that."Dennison began his NFL coaching career in 1995 and has three Super Bowl rings from his time with the Denver Broncos. He's entering his third season on the Vikings' staff.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Jets opened training camp Tuesday without quarterback Zach Wilson, who has yet to sign his rookie contract.The second overall pick and Jets are still negotiating the payment structure and offset language of the deal, with the latter likely being the biggest issue, according to Connor Hughes of The Athletic. The offset language gives New York financial protection in case the team releases a player under contract.Head coach Robert Saleh is optimistic the two sides will agree on a deal before the Jets conduct their first practice at training camp Wednesday."I have a lot of faith in (general manager) Joe (Douglas)," Saleh said Tuesday, according to Hughes. "We'll see what happens in the next couple of hours."He added: "From a rookie standpoint you need as many reps as you can while veterans get off days here and there. It's something they'll have to navigate through. I have a lot of faith in Zach, too. He's incredibly intelligent. Has a tremendous drive. When he does get here I know (he'll be fine)."Wilson is expected to ink a four-year guaranteed deal worth $35.15 million.New York's quarterback depth chart still features James Morgan and Mike White, who have no regular-season experience in the NFL.The Jets and Sam Darnold also had a brief contract dispute in 2018. The then-rookie signal-caller ended up missing three days of practice before signing a deal.San Franciso 49ers quarterback Trey Lance is the only other first-round rookie who remains unsigned this year.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Football Team has reached an agreement on a three-year extension with tight end Logan Thomas, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.The deal is worth roughly $24 million, including $10.3 million in guarantees, a source told Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post.Thomas, 29, transitioned to tight end after entering the league as a quarterback. He tallied 72 receptions for 670 yards and six touchdowns in 2020.The Virginia Tech product previously spent time with the Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, and Miami Dolphins after being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2014.Washington also extended defensive tackle Jonathan Allen for four years and $72 million Monday.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seven quick thoughts on the easing of hostilities between Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, as he arrived at training camp Tuesday while they're reportedly reworking his deal to bring him back for the 2021 season ...1. The contours of the arrangement make it clear that Rodgers never had enough leverage to force the Packers to trade him now, at least if he wasn't willing to sacrifice a swimming pool full of cash (including a substantial portion of what he'd already earned). Yes, Rodgers got what he wanted - there's a very real chance he'll be traded next offseason, when we'll get to speculate all over again - but it was largely on the team's terms, and according to the team's timeline.2. Think about it this way: Green Bay already has what it hopes will be its post-Rodgers quarterback in Jordan Love. And even if the decision to draft Love without first informing Rodgers was the source of all this passive-aggressive tension, Love's presence meant the Packers were presumably prepared to turn the page eventually. The most logical scenario always involved the Packers handing the keys to Love in 2022, when he'll still have two years remaining on his cheap, cost-controlled rookie deal, with an opportunity to flip Rodgers for some king's ransom of draft assets and/or players. That calculation hasn't changed in light of Monday's agreement.3. Rodgers' contract prevented him from being moved this summer. Unlike Tom Brady - who brokered his final contract in 2019 with an eye on having it void after that season so he could become a free agent in March 2020 - Rodgers has three years remaining on the massive deal he signed in 2018. The terms of that pact simultaneously made it cost-prohibitive for the Packers to trade Rodgers this summer and for him to hold out. Maddie Meyer / Getty Images4. From a cap standpoint, it always made much less sense for Green Bay to move on now as opposed to after this season. As Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap noted as early as April, Rodgers already collected substantial signing and roster bonuses in his current contract, and a trade this summer would have blown a $21.152-million dead-money hole in Green Bay's cap this year, with an additional $17.204 million in dead money hitting the books next year.Before Monday's agreement, a 2022 trade would have still resulted in that $17.204 million in dead cap for 2022. However, the Packers still would have had the MVP QB they paid for in 2021, with the chance to trade him before free agency and the draft in 2022 - right when potential suitors are setting up their budgets and priorities for the offseason, enhancing the value of any potential return.5. Rodgers did get three significant concessions from the Packers. Adam Schefter's ESPN report said Rodgers agreed to provide Green Bay with salary-cap relief, presumably by simply converting his 2021 salary into a signing bonus, which won't cost him a thing. This will result in $11.3 million in 2021 cap savings for the Packers, which they can put toward signing wideout Davante Adams to an extension.The fallout means the Packers will have to eat roughly $26 million in dead cap in 2022 if they trade him next year, but the cap will be much higher and - again - the team can maximize its possible return. Rodgers also got the Packers to void his 2023 contract season and to agree not to apply the franchise tag once it voids. This potentially sets the stage for a trade after the 2021 season. Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images6. Let's count the money. Had Rodgers refused to report this summer, he'd have faced fines totaling $50,000 per day, plus one regular-season game check (roughly $816,666) for every preseason game missed. So that's something in the neighborhood of $5 million before the regular season even starts. A new provision in the 2020 collective bargaining agreement prevents teams from forgiving any fines for holdouts, as they often did in the past. That's a big chunk out of the $14.7 million Rodgers will earn in base salary for the season.Plus, he faces a fine of $93,085 for skipping mandatory minicamp in June, and he likely won't get the $500,000 workout bonus he was owed, on top of the $850,000 in incentives he stands to earn in 2021. Then there's the $23 million in unamortized bonuses he's already received, which the team could have tried to make him repay if he were to retire, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. Rodgers has his principles, but that kind of dough makes it easy to see why he'd return to Green Bay for at least one more year.7. So where will Rodgers go? The Denver Broncos always seem to need a QB. The Philadelphia Eagles have an aggressive general manager in Howie Roseman and lots of draft capital lying around from the Carson Wentz trade. The Carolina Panthers might be looking for their next guy if Sam Darnold doesn't pan out this fall. The Pittsburgh Steelers have Ben Roethlisberger entering his final contract year, though they're loath to make trades of this magnitude. The Miami Dolphins could be in play if Tua Tagovailoa struggles this year. You get the idea. The Offseason of Aaron Rodgers may finally be over, but brace yourself for a likely sequel next year.Dom Cosentino is a senior features writer at theScore.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard reported to training camp on Tuesday, ending his offseason holdout.The All-Pro would have had to pay a $50,000 fine for each day he didn't attend."We're excited to work with X and all the players that are here," head coach Brian Flores said, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.Flores declined to answer whether the Dolphins will give Howard a bump in pay."Those conversations are going to be internal, confidential," he said.Howard signed a five-year, $75.25-million extension with Miami in 2019 but indicated he thought he deserved to be paid more after teammate Byron Jones inked a five-year, $82.5-million deal last year.The two-time Pro Bowler skipped the Dolphins' offseason activities, including mandatory minicamp, in an effort to get his contract restructured.Several teams have reportedly expressed interest in trading for Howard.The Baylor product led the NFL with 10 interceptions and 20 passes defended last season.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants are taking a cautious approach with Saquon Barkley's recovery from a torn ACL.Barkley has been placed on the physically unable to perform list to open training camp, and the Giants won't guarantee the star running back will be ready for Week 1."We're thinking long term with Saquon; long term in the season, long term in his career," Giants head coach Joe Judge told ESPN's Jordan Raanan. "And by taking care of him individually, that is going to help our team long term as well. We're going to make sure when we get him out there we can keep him out there."Barkley suffered the right knee injury - as well as damage to his meniscus - in Week 2 of last season. The recovery timeline is typically 10-12 months.It was reported in April that he was on track to be ready for Week 1, but the Giants would prefer to be certain with the 24-year-old."We've got to make sure we do the best thing for him as we go along the way and make sure we make decisions based on his body and not some artificially anticipated timeline," Judge said. "When he's ready to go, that is when he's going to go out there."The Giants open training camp Tuesday and host the Denver Broncos in Week 1 on Sept. 12.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2021 Fantasy Football Draft Kit 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 has finished among the top seven each of the last seven years.Follow the links below to see his updated 2021 rankings.Half PPR

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers are in the final stages of a reworked deal to bring the reigning NFL MVP back for the 2021 season, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The new pact will also help set up Rodgers' departure from Green Bay after this season, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.The signal-caller was set to become a free agent following the 2023 campaign. But as part of the new agreement, Green Bay is willing to review Rodgers' situation after the upcoming season and void the last year of the nine-time Pro Bowler's current deal without potentially placing the tag on him, Schefter adds.Rodgers, 37, skipped mandatory minicamp in June and has reportedly been disappointed with the Packers' front office for many reasons, including his current contract and Green Bay's recent personnel decisions. The three-time MVP, who reportedly declined a mega-extension this year, apparently told teammates during the offseason that he wasn't willing to return in 2021 if Brian Gutekunst remained general manager.The extension Rodgers reportedly refused was for two years and would've tied him to the franchise for five more seasons while making him the highest-paid quarterback in football.However, the two parties were able to verbally agree on a deal after talks intensified over the past weekend, sources told Schefter. The Packers are reportedly offering Rodgers concessions, which don't include money."We have been working tirelessly with Aaron's representatives," Gutekunst said Monday during the Packers' shareholders meeting, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Tom Silverstein.Packers president Mark Murphy described Rodgers' holdout as "challenging" but added the club remains committed to the signal-caller for 2021 and beyond, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky.Murphy also praised Gutekunst, saying, "He is the man to lead us going forward."Gutekunst and Co. reportedly also saw long-term contract talks with star receiver Davante Adams break off recently. However, Rodgers and Adams recently fueled speculation about their futures after both shared an image of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in a possible homage to the documentary, "The Last Dance."The Packers stars formed the NFL's most prolific quarterback-receiver duo last season - the passer topped the league with 48 touchdowns, and the pass-catcher notched an NFL-high 18 TD receptions through 14 games.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A total of 10 women have filed complaints to Houston police against Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, his attorney, Rusty Hardin, told ESPN's John Barr.Two women brought forward new complaints and are not among the 22 who have filed civil lawsuits against Watson for sexual assault and/or inappropriate sexual behavior during massage sessions. Eight of the complainants are among those suing Watson.Hardin said the NFL has yet to speak to Watson about the allegations."We've made it clear to the NFL that we'll totally cooperate with them when they're ready to visit with us. But they, out of deference to the criminal investigation, always try to wait until that's completed before they try to talk to the accused person," Hardin said.The league has spoken to nearly half the 22 plaintiffs suing Watson as it continues its investigation, said attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents the complainants.Depositions for the plaintiffs won't begin until September. Watson is expected to be deposed in February 2022.The 25-year-old is expected to attend Texans training camp starting Tuesday.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints are signing free-agent wide receiver Chris Hogan, a source told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.Hogan entered the Premier Lacrosse League this offseason after spending the 2020 NFL season with the New York Jets. He racked up just 14 receptions for 118 yards through five appearances last year.The 33-year-old has also spent time with the Buffalo Bills (2012-15), New England Patriots (2016-18), and Carolina Panthers (2019). He set a Patriots postseason record with 180 receiving yards in the 2017 AFC Championship Game and helped New England win two Super Bowl titles.New Orleans began looking for help at receiver after losing Michael Thomas to injury. The star pass-catcher will reportedly miss at least the first month of the season after undergoing surgery in June to repair damaged ligaments in his ankle that limited him to seven regular-season appearances in 2020.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Football Team and defensive lineman Jonathan Allen agreed to a four-year, $72-million contract extension that includes a $30-million signing bonus, Allen's agency announced Monday.Allen was entering the final year of his rookie deal, and he was due $10.1 million.The 26-year-old celebrated on Twitter:

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich will miss the beginning of training camp after testing positive for COVID-19, the team announced Monday.Reich, who is fully vaccinated, is quarantining and has no symptoms.More to come.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Houston Texans are willing to listen to trade offers for quarterback Deshaun Watson, sources told Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.Watson reported to training camp but reiterated his desire to be traded, which he officially requested in January, Pelissero adds. The Texans consistently said they wouldn't entertain offers for the quarterback since then.The team's asking price could reportedly be at least three first-round picks. Two NFL executives told ESPN's Chris Mortensen that Watson could fetch five high draft picks and starting-caliber players.The 25-year-old remains under police and NFL investigation after 22 lawsuits alleging sexual assault and inappropriate behavior were filed against him this offseason. Watson has denied any wrongdoing.

The Denver Broncos are often seen as the prime candidate to trade for NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers if the Green Bay Packers make him available.However, the Broncos are leery of the cost of such a trade, reports Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, citing a league source.Industry belief is the Packers would seek three first-round picks and a second-round selection for Rodgers, according to Florio. Then there's the matter of financially compensating the 37-year-old, who reportedly declined an offer from Green Bay that would have made him the highest-paid player in the league.However, Rodgers and star wideout Davante Adams appeared to declare their intention to take one last shot at a championship together when they shared an image of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in a possible homage to "The Last Dance" on Saturday.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As of Friday, nine NFL teams had at least 90% of their players in the process of being fully vaccinated. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones believes his franchise is one of those.

The Chicago Bears are signing veteran tight end Jesse James to a one-year deal, reports NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.James spent the past two seasons with the Detroit Lions and the previous four with the Pittsburgh Steelers.The 27-year-old averaged 135.5 receiving yards over the last two campaigns. James has also averaged just under two touchdowns per season across his career.He joins a tight end room that includes veteran Jimmy Graham, 2020 draft pick Cole Kmet, JP Holtz, and Jake Butt.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cincinnati Bengals and defensive end Sam Hubbard have reached an agreement on a four-year, $40-million extension, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.More to come.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Star pass-rusher Chandler Jones requested a trade from the Arizona Cardinals during the offseason, sources told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.Jones has reportedly been unhappy with his current contract with the team.Arizona doesn't want to trade the three-time Pro Bowler and expects him to report for training camp, Fowler adds.More to come.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Odell Beckham Jr. believes the Cleveland Browns are building something exceptional."I think there's something special going on and something special with this city," the wide receiver said Sunday during his youth football camp.Beckham added: "Cleveland needs a championship. And I think that's the goal and mentality in that building, and that's what I want to be a part of."The Browns earned their first playoff berth since 2002 last year, but Beckham's season ended prematurely after he suffered a knee injury in Week 7. Cleveland beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild-card game before losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in the next round."I watched them compete last year, and the one game that hurt me the most was watching Kansas City," Beckham said. "I know I could've made one play, just something to help the team."Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Beckham looked good on the field after returning to practice as a limited participant last month. The three-time Pro Bowler is now waiting to be full go."At this point, we're just running our race," Beckham said. "I feel like in the past, I've been caught up in this question. I'm not really here for it anymore. Whenever I'm ready to get out on the field, that's when it will be. Whenever the team, the docs, my team, everything gets cleared, we'll be ready to go."Cleveland will kick off its 2021 campaign against the Chiefs on Sept. 12.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Joe Burrow is cleared for training camp.The Bengals quarterback wasn't among the Cincinnati players placed on the physically unable to perform list Sunday. He was limited at organized team activities in May and said at the time that his knee wasn't 100%.

Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Jaylen Twyman, who was shot four times in June, will report for training camp along with other rookies Sunday, his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Twyman is expected to start camp on the non-football injury list, but the 22-year-old believes he'll be able to play at some point early this season."He's really excited," Rosenhaus said of his client.Twyman was in his car during a trip to Washington, D.C. to visit his family when he was shot. He suffered injuries Rosenhaus previously described as "superficial, exit wounds."Minnesota selected the Pittsburgh product in the sixth round of this year's draft.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The 2021 NFL season is almost here. But after a busy offseason, there's still much to be settled in the final six weeks before kickoff. Here are the 10 biggest storylines to follow during training camp.Aaron Rodgers' standoffSaturday marks 47 days until the NFL season opener - and there remains no resolution between the Green Bay Packers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Is the league really about to embark on a season without the reigning MVP?Rodgers has his heels dug in. The latest reports indicate the Packers offered the 37-year-old a contract extension that would not only keep him with Green Bay for the next five years but also make him the highest-paid player in the NFL. Yet Rodgers apparently declined.If it's not about money or job security, perhaps ESPN's Adam Schefter is correct: Perhaps Rodgers simply wants out.This pseudo-holdout is one of the only cards Rodgers can play, but the Packers aren't inclined to trade the league's best player. That may force Rodgers to pursue an unconventional route, much like Carson Palmer did when he retired in 2011 to force a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals to the then-Oakland Raiders that October.It remains to be seen how this drama plays out, and the next move appears to be Rodgers' to make. Will the gunslinger report to training camp Tuesday? Or will the Packers be forced to move forward with Jordan Love under center in Week 1?Broncos' QB battle Hyoung Chang/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images / Denver Post / GettyTraining camp is rife with position battles, and one of the highest-profile competitions will pit Drew Lock against Teddy Bridgewater for the Denver Broncos' starting quarterback job.Broncos head coach Vic Fangio intends to split reps evenly between the two passers, hoping the rightful winner will emerge.Each signal-caller has had an opportunity to lead a franchise. Lock, the Broncos' 2019 second-round pick, has started 18 games in two seasons. But he led the team to just four victories in 13 games in 2020, throwing a league-high 15 interceptions and completing 57.3% of his passes.Bridgewater also led his club to four wins as the Carolina Panthers' starter last season, throwing 15 touchdown passes against 11 interceptions and completing 69.1% of his passes in 15 games.Bridgewater, 28, is the veteran competition Denver brought in on the eve of this year's draft, costing just a sixth-round pick. The hope is neither he nor the incumbent Lock makes the Broncos look foolish for opting not to draft a quarterback.Will Tebow make the Jaguars? Sam Greenwood / Getty Images Sport / GettyTim Tebow signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a tight end, but he's just one of 90 players invited to training camp. Will he be one of the final 53 to make the team?His relationship with former college coach and new Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer may have got him in the door, but now the 33-year-old has to prove he's capable of making a position switch nearly 10 years after his last NFL appearance.Jacksonville's depth chart at tight end includes veterans Chris Manhertz and James O'Shaughnessy, second-year pros Tyler Davis and Ben Ellefson, and 2021 fifth-round pick Luke Farrell. It's certainly no collection of world-beaters, so Tebow has a legitimate shot.The former first-round pick and minor-league baseball player will have even casual fans tuning in to follow his latest pro sports venture.Replacing a legend Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images Sport / GettyFor 15 years, New Orleans Saints fans had the pleasure of watching Drew Brees quarterback their team. Now, either Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill will have to uphold the future Hall of Famer's standard.Winston has first-round pedigree and five seasons of experience as a starter, but Saints head coach Sean Payton turned to the dual-threat quarterback in Hill when Brees went down to injury last season.Though his four-game apprenticeship included an ugly Week 11 outing that saw him throw for 78 yards and an interception, Hill eclipsed 230 passing yards in the three other games and tossed two touchdown passes in two contests.Nonetheless, it's the training camp battle that will determine who opens the year as New Orleans' QB1. And whoever wins the job will have his work cut out; Saints star receiver Michael Thomas will reportedly miss the first month of the season after undergoing ankle surgery.Player vaccination rates MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images / MediaNews Group / GettyThe race is on for those who haven't been vaccinated for COVID-19. As of last week, 80% of NFL players have had at least one dose, and nine teams have at least 90% of their players vaccinated.The league wants teams to boost those numbers, and it's providing a major incentive to do so: Any game that is canceled due to a COVID-19 outbreak this season and can't be rescheduled will see the team dealing with the outbreak forfeit the contest.Such losses in the standings will create monetary problems as well. Players on both teams won't be paid for missed games, and any club responsible for an outbreak due to unvaccinated players will have to cover financial losses.Making or missing the NFL playoffs can hinge on a single loss, and the league is placing the onus on its players to ensure the coronavirus doesn't heavily influence the campaign.Texans' QB uncertainty Carmen Mandato / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Houston Texans have a contingency plan if Deshaun Watson is not their quarterback to begin the season, but they still don't know whether they'll need to implement it.Watson has had 22 sexual assault allegations levied against him this offseason. The NFL continues to investigate the situation and has yet to rule on his playing status for the 2021 campaign. Watson's reportedly expected to arrive on time for training camp this weekend but still wants to be traded.If Watson isn't available, Houston has veterans Tyrod Taylor and Jeff Driskel and 2021 third-round draft pick Davis Mills as potential replacements.Taylor's last extended stint as a starter came in 2017. Mills was Houston's first selection in this year's draft and new Texans general manager Nick Caserio's first pick.Clock ticking for Jimmy G Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / GettyIt may not be a quarterback competition in the traditional sense, but Jimmy Garoppolo certainly has a battle on his hands trying to keep rookie Trey Lance from taking his job.The San Francisco 49ers have already signaled that the 29-year-old Garoppolo must prove he can stay healthy and effective to keep the team from giving Lance the reins.Lance has a skill set Garoppolo doesn't, one that 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has long sought in his quarterbacks. The youngster has the ability to make off-schedule throws and make plays with his feet. He'll also expand Shanahan's playbook.How quickly could the rookie supplant the quarterback who guided San Francisco to an appearance in Super Bowl LIV? Shanahan has said he won't hesitate to play Lance in Week 1 - if he's ready.Next QBs to strike it rich Patrick Smith / Getty Images Sport / GettyThree of the league's best young quarterbacks are in line to net massive paydays, and they could sign their next contracts before the season begins.Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens, Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, and Baker Mayfield of the Cleveland Browns are all entering the fourth and final year of their rookie contracts. Each of their teams has picked up their respective fifth-year options, but the time is nigh to lock up the young stars long-term.All three have proven themselves worthy of being labeled and paid like franchise quarterbacks. Jackson has an NFL MVP trophy on his mantle and has led the Ravens to the playoffs in each of his three seasons at the helm. Allen was an MVP candidate in 2020 and brought the Bills to the cusp of a Super Bowl berth. Mayfield has brought much-needed quarterback stability to a Browns franchise that desperately needed it and helped end the NFL's longest playoff drought.Each signal-caller will command near-top dollar in the ballpark of Deshaun Watson's four-year, $156-million deal, and it appears Jackson and Allen are closer to getting their deals done. Mayfield's extension talks could reportedly stretch into the season, but with expectations high for Cleveland in 2021, the Browns may be wise to ensure their quarterback is at peace.Wide-open NFC East Ronald Martinez / Getty Images Sport / GettyOptimism is everywhere at this time of year, even in the NFC East.Seven wins were enough to win the division last season, as no team topped the Washington Football Team's .438 win percentage. With an extra game on the schedule, the hope is all four clubs will turn in better showings this season.Each team can boast of an improved roster. Washington already had a formidable defense and added an array of talent headlined by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. The New York Giants bolstered their arsenal by signing wideout Kenny Golladay and hope to have a healthy Saquon Barkley for the start of the season.The Dallas Cowboys have Dak Prescott signed long-term, and he's recovered from his gruesome leg injury. The Philadelphia Eagles enter the year with Jalen Hurts as their presumptive starter and added his former college teammate, DeVonta Smith, in the 2021 draft.Surely one of these teams will improve on last year's results. They couldn't get much worse.Can Cam hold off Mac? Boston Globe / Boston Globe / GettyThere's another intriguing quarterback battle to watch during training camp: Can New England Patriots incumbent Cam Newton hold off rookie Mac Jones?Bill Belichick declared Newton the starter even after selecting Jones with the 15th overall pick in this year's draft. The Patriots re-signed Newton to a one-year deal, and the 32-year-old will have the benefit of a second full training camp to grow even more familiar with New England's system.Belichick did leave the door open for Jones to start, however, if and when he's ready. It would take an eye-popping showing in camp and the preseason to unseat a former NFL MVP, but Jones is the first quarterback the Patriots have drafted in the first round since 1993 due in part to his smarts and decision-making skills.Despite his seniority, Newton's incentive-laden contract leaves him little margin for error.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.