The Indianapolis Colts placed their non-exclusive franchise tag on wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., the team confirmed Tuesday.The Colts and Pittman have been working on an extension and will continue talks, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.The pass-catcher's one-year tender costs $21.816 million. He'll have until July 15 to agree to a long-term deal and avoid playing on the tag.Pittman was poised to hit the open market after setting career highs in catches (109) and yards (1,152) in 2023 despite quarterback Anthony Richardson only playing in four games.With Richardson set to return from his shoulder injury for the start of the 2024 campaign, retaining Pittman was a key part of Indianapolis' offseason plan.Colts general manager Chris Ballard said last week that Pittman would be on the team's roster one way or another when next season starts.Pittman, a 2020 second-round pick, led the Colts in receiving yards in each of the last three years. He's produced 336 receptions, 3,662 yards, and 15 touchdowns in 62 appearances.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed the franchise tag on safety Antoine Winfield Jr., the team announced Tuesday.It'll cost the Bucs about $17.1 million if Winfield plays on the tag, but the sides are hoping to work out a long-term deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Winfield has posted seven interceptions, 27 pass deflections, 11 forced fumbles, and 15 sacks since being selected with the No. 45 pick in the 2020 draft. His six forced fumbles in 2023 led the NFL.The 25-year-old earned first-team All-Pro honors for the first time last season. He's also made one Pro Bowl.Quarterback Baker Mayfield is now slated to hit free agency with Winfield receiving the team's tag.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Panthers placed the franchise tag on pass-rusher Brian Burns, the team announced on Tuesday.Burns will make approximately $24 million on the tag. The Panthers will have roughly $11 million in salary cap space after the move, per Over the Cap.Carolina and Burns reportedly broke off long-term talks several days ago.Burns has been a trade candidate before and could be the subject of rumors again this offseason. The Los Angeles Rams reportedly offered the Panthers a package including two first-round picks and a second-round selection during the 2022 campaign.The Florida State product's sack production dipped slightly in 2023, but Burns still notched eight quarterback takedowns to lead the team. He also had 16 tackles for loss, 18 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles.The two-time Pro Bowler has racked up 46 sacks, 59 tackles for loss, 95 quarterback hits and eight forced fumbles since being selected No. 16 overall in the 2019 draft. His sack total ranks fifth on the club's all-time leaderboard.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Quarterback Dak Prescott is optimistic about signing a contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys this offseason and believes that owner and general manager Jerry Jones will get it done."I'm definitely confident, obviously it helps the team and it's important for the numbers," he said Monday, according to the Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins. "I've heard Jerry say that. This is a process, both sides understand that. Everything is great. It will happen."The 31-year-old Prescott is entering the final season of a four-year, $160-million extension signed in 2021. The star passer is set to account for a whopping $59.4-million cap hit in 2024.Dallas is currently $10 million over the cap and looking to free up some space to keep the core of its roster intact. The Cowboys are eyeing new deals for CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons.Prescott is coming off the heels of one of his most impressive campaigns since he was drafted by Dallas in 2016. The former Mississippi State standout threw for a league-leading 36 touchdowns and added 4,516 yards last season en route to his third career Pro Bowl nod.However, the Cowboys have struggled to make a lengthy postseason run during his tenure. The latest setback was a stunning defeat to the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round."What I'm encouraged by is that, by all accounts, and everybody around him, including him, believe that he's going to be better and is getting better," Jones said at the NFL combine last week.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Denver Broncos informed quarterback Russell Wilson that he'll be released when the new league year opens, the team announced Monday."Over the last two years, you have welcomed my family and me with open arms and have embraced us as members of the Denver community," Wilson said in a statement."This place will always hold a special place in my heart. ... Tough times don't last, but tough people do. God's got me. I am excited for what's next."The Broncos will carry $85 million in dead money, exceeding the previous league record of $40.5 million that the Atlanta Falcons incurred after trading former NFL MVP Matt Ryan, per Over The Cap's Jason Fitzgerald.Denver still owes Wilson $39 million in salary ahead of his departure, but avoids guaranteeing $37 million in salary by moving on from the veteran passer.The Broncos acquired Wilson in 2022 from the Seattle Seahawks for two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, quarterback Drew Lock, defensive tackle Shelby Harris, and tight end Noah Fant. He then signed a five-year, $245-million contract extension with the club in August.The 35-year-old failed to provide the Broncos with adequate quarterback play in his first season, going 4-11 in 15 starts with 16 touchdowns and 13 turnovers. Head coach Sean Payton kept Wilson as his starter last year, but the Wisconsin product failed to live up to expectations. He went 7-8 and was ultimately benched for the team's final two contests.Wilson finishes his Broncos tenure having thrown for 6,594 passing yards with 42 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, the team announced Monday.Kansas City is reportedly open to trading the Louisiana Tech product if the two sides can't agree on a long-term contract extension.Meanwhile, the Chiefs are still working to sign star defensive tackle Chris Jones, who was franchise-tagged last year, to a long-term extension, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports.Sneed and Jones are among the Chiefs' most important free agents this offseason. Teams can begin negotiating with free agents March 11."We usually work through things systematically and have a list of the priorities," Veach said before the Super Bowl, per Mark Puleo of The Athletic. "Certainly, Chris and (Sneed) are at the top of the list."Sneed has been with the Chiefs since the club selected him in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He's been a crucial part of Kansas City's back-to-back Super Bowl victories, emerging as one of the league's better cornerbacks.The 27-year-old has 303 tackles and 40 passes defended in 57 career regular-season games.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Miami Dolphins will not use the franchise tag on star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Wilkins will be among one of the top available players at his position.The 28-year-old recorded a career-high nine sacks and 23 quarterback hits last season.Miami drafted Wilkins in the first round in 2019. He's accumulated one interception, four forced fumbles, 20.5 sacks, 43 tackles for a loss, and 50 quarterback hits across 77 starts.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Warning: Video contains coarse languageJason Kelce is riding off into the sunset after 13 NFL seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.An emotional Kelce confirmed his retirement at a press conference Monday, thanking his family, coaches, teammates, and Eagles' fans.

The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't planning to take a big swing at quarterback this offseason.The Steelers won't pursue Kirk Cousins or Baker Mayfield in free agency, sources Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, who adds Pittsburgh also isn't interested in signing Russell Wilson upon his expected release from the Denver Broncos.Additionally, the Steelers aren't among the teams working to acquire Justin Fields in a trade from the Chicago Bears, sources told The Athletic's Dianna Russini. Fields should be made available with the Bears expected to draft a quarterback at No. 1.The Steelers have rallied around Kenny Pickett despite a poor sophomore showing in which he was bench for Mason Rudolph to conclude the season.Head coach Mike Tomlin said in January that Pickett will enter 2024 atop the depth chart, though he'll face competition.Steelers general manager Omar Khan backed Pickett as well, saying he has "full faith" in the 2022 first-round pick. Khan also said the club would like to re-sign Rudolph, who's an impending free agent.Pickett has thrown for just 4,474 yards and 13 touchdowns against 13 interceptions in 25 games across his first two seasons.Pittsburgh hired former Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith as its new offensive coordinator in hopes of sparking Pickett's career.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have started negotiations with quarterback Baker Mayfield and are "making every effort" to retain him, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported, citing sources.Mayfield isn't willing to take a hometown discount to stay in Tampa Bay, sources told Russini. The Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings are reportedly interested if Mayfield does hit the open market.The 28-year-old is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year opens. Teams can begin negotiating with players on March 11.Mayfield signed a one-year, $4-million deal with the Bucs last offseason. The Cleveland Browns traded him to the Carolina Panthers in 2022 and he struggled in six starts, going 1-5 and completing 57% of his throws. The Panthers waived him and he was claimed by the Los Angeles Rams, starting four contests for L.A. late in the season.The former first overall pick resurrected his career with Tampa Bay in 2023, going 9-8 en route to the NFC South crown. The Buccaneers defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 32-9 in the wild-card round as Mayfield threw for 337 yards with three touchdowns. The Bucs lost to the Detroit Lions in the divisional round.Tampa Bay signed star wide receiver Mike Evans to a two-year, $52-million deal on Monday. Evans and Mayfield had instant chemistry, totaling 1,255 receiving yards and 13 scores.Mayfield set career highs in passing yards (4,044) and touchdowns (28) last season.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The conclusion of the NFL Scouting Combine means it's time for another mock draft.Here's our latest look at how the first round could shake out after an eventful week in Indianapolis.Caleb Williams, QB, USCWe're not changing our minds on this one, and we don't expect the Bears to do so, either. Williams is a truly elite quarterback prospect and would be Chicago's first franchise player at the position in, well, ever.Drake Maye, QB, North CarolinaMaye's measurements of 6-foot-4, 223 pounds at the combine confirmed he possesses the best size for a prototypical NFL quarterback. His arm strength is also top tier, and he can make any type of throw. While there's a drop from Williams to Maye, the North Carolina star is firmly QB2.Jayden Daniels, QB, LSUThe Patriots are the first logical trade-down candidate in this draft. But they need to find a way to get a quarterback, too. Staying put and taking Daniels, a dual-threat star with plenty of college experience, is a great first step for rebuilding this offseason.Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio StateHarrison didn't participate in much at the combine, but he did interview with several teams. The Cardinals were impressed after meeting with the Ohio State star, a source told Josh Weinfuss of ESPN. That should essentially seal the deal for the NFC West club if he's available at No. 4.Joe Alt, OT, Notre DameThe Chargers could use a playmaker or two, depending on who gets cut to address their cap issues. But addressing the offensive line is probably even more important given the way we know Jim Harbaugh wants his team to play. Alt and Rashawn Slater would be one of the league's premier tackle tandems.Malik Nabers, WR, LSUThe Giants haven't had a 1,000-yard receiver since Odell Beckham Jr. - who's already played for three teams since leaving New York. Nabers projects to stop that porous run with a pro-ready skill set after a dominant career at LSU.Rome Odunze, WR, WashingtonOdunze is only available at this point because of a truly stacked receiver class. The Washington standout provides a major upgrade to the supporting cast around second-year quarterback Will Levis.Dallas Turner, EDGE, AlabamaWhile most expected Turner to shine at the combine, the Alabama standout took it up a notch with an incredible showing. Turner showed off his absurd athleticism with a 4.47-second 40-yard dash, 10-foot-7 broad jump, and 40.5-inch vertical. That certainly caught the eye of the Falcons, who opt to obtain their new quarterback via trade or free agency and draft the talented edge instead.Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSUThomas already had a legitimate case as a top-15 talent heading into the combine. The LSU star's 4.33-second 40 time should send his draft stock through the roof. That kind of speed at 6-foot-3 makes Thomas an incredibly intriguing complement to D.J. Moore.Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn StateThe question at No. 10 doesn't seem to be if the Jets will take an offensive lineman - it's which one they'll select. Fashanu gets the nod to bolster the offensive line in New York, with the Penn State star's ideal blend of size, strength, and athleticism sealing the deal.J.J. McCarthy, QB, MichiganMcCarthy's draft stock is on the rise, so the Vikings might have to trade up to make this happen. But pursuing such a deal could be their best option with Kirk Cousins headed for free agency. There's a legitimate case to be made that McCarthy offers much more than he was able to show in Michigan's run-first offense.Terrion Arnold, CB, AlabamaWith four quarterbacks off the board, Sean Payton opts to strengthen the secondary to help face in-division star quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. Arnold is the true CB1 of this draft and will partner with fellow Alabama alum Patrick Surtain II to give the Broncos one of the best young cornerback duos in the league.Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon StateTrading up for a quarterback won't be cheap. The Raiders should be interested either way, but sticking at this spot and upgrading the offensive line isn't such a bad option, either. Fuaga is a powerhouse right tackle who can help establish a physical run game.Brock Bowers, TE, GeorgiaDo the Saints desperately need a tight end? No, but if Bowers is somehow still around at No. 14, they'll likely take the plunge. The Georgia product was one of the most dangerous offensive players in college football last season and will give New Orleans a prolific pass-catcher to help take the attention off Chris Olave.Quinyon Mitchell, CB, ToledoMitchell was our pick for the Colts last time around, and we're feeling even better about that after a stellar combine performance. The Toledo product would fill a major need for Indy with the kind of athleticism this front office loves.Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida StateVerse showed off some impressive strength and speed at the combine, running a blazing 4.58-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds. He also put up 31 reps on the bench press to show he's more than just a speed demon. Verse is exactly the type of versatile defender the Seahawks covet.JC Latham, OT, AlabamaJacksonville's efforts to upgrade the supporting cast around Trevor Lawrence should start up front. Latham could team up with 2023 first-rounder Anton Harrison to give the Jaguars an outstanding young pair of bookend tackles.Amarius Mims, OT, GeorgiaWith only eight starts in three years, Mims represents potential instead of polish at the offensive line position. However, he possesses elite size at 6-foot-7, 340 pounds and is one of the most athletic tackles in the draft. That'll catch the attention of the Bengals, who seem to be on a never-ending journey to find adequate protection for Joe Burrow.Troy Fautanu, OT, WashingtonThe Rams must ensure the offensive line remains strong if they're to get the most out of Matthew Stafford at this stage in his career. Fautanu could be a Day 1 starter at either tackle or guard.Nate Wiggins, CB, ClemsonWiggins should slot in across from Joey Porter Jr. to give the Steelers an impressive pair of young corners. The speedster from Clemson posted an outrageous 4.28-second 40-yard dash to wow all onlookers at the combine.Tyler Guyton, OT, OklahomaThe Dolphins have to find a way to upgrade the offensive line regardless of Terron Armstead's playing future. Guyton is an athletic tackle prospect who could be a Day 1 starter on either side of the line.Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, AlabamaMcKinstry didn't work out at the combine due to a Jones fracture in his foot, but he should recover in time for his pro day at Alabama. His 40-yard dash time will be heavily scrutinized, as it's the only question mark keeping him from a top-20 selection.Byron Murphy II, DL, TexasFinding an interior defensive lineman to complement Will Anderson's presence on the edge should be a major focus for the Texans. Staying in-state with Texas standout Murphy represents some incredible value toward the end of the first round.Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&MThe Cowboys opt for the incredibly polished linebacker out of Texas A&M at the No. 24 slot. Cooper flies around the field and is just as adept at stepping up in the run as he is at dropping off into coverage. It might not grab headlines like a new receiver, but Cooper is a very solid pick for Dallas.Cooper DeJean, DB, IowaGreen Bay has needs at both cornerback and safety. DeJean, the latest in a long line of top defenders from Iowa, is capable of filling either role. His playmaking ability will be valuable no matter where he lines up.Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn StateRobinson's production at Penn State may not blow scouts away, but his eye-popping athleticism will allow him to sneak into the first round. A sub-4.50 time in the 40-yard dash at 254 pounds was one the most noticeable sprints of the combine - the Bucs will covet that burst coming off the edge.Adonai Mitchell, WR, TexasFew players boosted their profile at the combine more than Mitchell did. The former Georgia and Texas standout peeled off a blazing 4.34 time in the 40-yard dash and flashed his explosion with a broad jump of 11-feet-4 and a vertical leap of 39.5 inches. That athletic profile at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds could make him the new lead WR in Arizona.Xavier Worthy, WR, TexasWorthy's unbelievable 4.21-second 40-yard dash set a new NFL combine record. Speed isn't everything, but that should be more than enough to get him late first-round consideration. His fit in a vertical offense with Josh Allen is particularly enticing.Jer'Zhan Newton, DL, IllinoisThe Lions are only a few pieces away from legitimate Super Bowl contention. Newton fills one major need on the interior defensive front, giving Detroit a pass-rush complement to star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson.Keon Coleman, WR, Florida StateDon't be fooled by a disappointing 4.61 time in the 40-yard dash - Coleman's play speed is fast enough to make him worthy of a first-round pick. The Florida State star flew through the pass-catching drills at the combine to ease those concerns and has plenty of punt-return prowess on his tape to show he's an elite athlete.Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, OregonPowers-Johnson should be long gone by this point, but centers tend to drop further than they should. You won't be hearing any complaints from the 49ers in this scenario. The Oregon standout should be a high-level starter from Day 1.Troy Franklin, WR, OregonAfter winning the Super Bowl with a less-than-stellar receiving group, the Chiefs immediately move to fix that at the end of the first round. Franklin showed off his game-breaking speed with a 4.41-second 40-yard dash and immediately steps into the role vacated by the departing Marquez Valdes-Scantling.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and wide receiver Mike Evans agreed to a two-year, $52-million contract ahead of free agency, his agent Deryk Gilmore told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Evans' deal includes $35 million in guaranteed money, Schefter adds."Mike just called me last night and said, 'I want to be a Buc for life,'" Evans' agent told Greg Auman of Fox Sports.The 30-year-old was slated to be one of the top wide receivers on the free-agent market. It was previously reported Evans was in contact with the Bucs but would test free agency.Tampa Bay has been consistent in its mission to ensure Evans stays put. General manager Jason Licht said in February he wanted the wideout to be a "Buc for life."Evans is the first player in NFL history to put together 10 straight 1,000-yard campaigns to start a career, recording 1,255 yards on 79 receptions in 2023.His 13 receiving touchdowns last season also led the league.The Bucs can now turn their attention to other key free agents, including quarterback Baker Mayfield and safety Antoine Winfield, among others.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow expects to be fully cleared for offseason activities in May after suffering a season-ending hand injury last year."I think middle of May is when I am expecting to kind of be cleared for full contact and everything," Burrow told ESPN's Ben Baby. "Over the next month (to) month and a half, we'll kind of decide all those things."Burrow said he expects he'll resume full throwing sessions during OTAs. He added that his timeline isn't far off from his regular offseason routine of the past two years as he usually begins throwing at OTAs."I can lift basically normally now, which I'm excited about," Burrow said. "So, the next two months, I'll basically be just doing what I've done for the last couple of years, just the 12 weeks of extra work in the rearview."The 27-year-old tore a wrist ligament in his throwing hand in Week 11 last season against the Baltimore Ravens. Burrow also missed most of training camp last year due to a calf injury that lingered into the beginning of the campaign. He went 5-5 in 10 starts last season, throwing for 2,309 yards with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions.Cincinnati finished last in the AFC North with a 9-8 record, failing to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Despite injuries to Burrow and wide receiver Tee Higgins, the star passer doesn't believe the ailments resulted in the Bengals' disappointing season."We need the guys that we draft to come in and be productive and take on the leadership roles that we've lost the last couple of years," Burrow said. "And we need to bring in the right pieces this offseason, too, whether it's the draft or free agency."He added: "The injuries were what they were last year, but we weren't good enough in a lot of different places to make a Super Bowl run in my opinion."Burrow has 14,083 passing yards and 97 touchdowns in 52 career starts.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Panthers have broken off contract talks with edge rusher Brian Burns, a source told Josina Anderson of CBS Sports.General manager Dan Morgan said Tuesday that he'd meet with Burns' agent at the NFL combine in Indianapolis to discuss a long-term pact, per Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. He also said the Panthers will use the franchise tag if they have to.The franchise-tag deadline is March 5.Burns had his lowest sack total since his rookie year in 2023 (eight) but still finished second on the team in pressures with 40, according to PFF. The 25-year-old has been highly productive since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2019, totaling 46 sacks and 246 tackles in 80 career games.Carolina currently has $36.1 million in cap space, according to Spotrac.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Plenty of prospects boosted their draft stock during the NFL Scouting Combine this weekend. Here are 15 players who stood out to us. Stacy Revere / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe first of two Texas wideouts to make this list, Mitchell impressed in everything he did. He measured in at a strong 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, ran a blazing fast 4.34-second 40-yard dash, posted a 39.5-inch vertical, and had an 11-foot-4 broad jump.On top of his excellent testing, Mitchell looked fluid and comfortable in the receiver drills. He got in and out of breaks with ease, showed good hands, and leveraged his third-fastest 40 of the event to really shine.There's an argument to be made that no one improved their stock more than Fiske. The 6-foot-4, 292-pounder led the defensive tackle group in the 40-yard dash (4.78), vertical jump (33.5 inches), broad jump (9-foot-9), and 20-yard shuttle (4.37).Fiske's 40-yard dash was extra fun to watch as he let out an audible "Oh yeah!" when he crossed the finish line.

Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy stole the show Saturday when he set the NFL Scouting Combine's 40-yard dash record with a 4.21-second sprint.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones doesn't believe his team has to extend quarterback Dak Prescott this offseason."We don't need to, but we can if everybody wants to solve it," Jones said Friday at the NFL combine, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. "If you can't, what we have in place works. And so obviously, if you do it one way, then that gives you, you'll be working through some of the other areas on the team in a different way."He added: "But you can't really plan on that until you see where you are there. That's what we're doing."Prescott is entering the final season of a four-year, $160-million deal signed in 2021 that includes no-trade and tag clauses. He'll become an unrestricted free agent in 2025 if the sides can't agree on a new contract.Dallas is currently $4 million over the cap, according to Spotrac. Signing Prescott to an extension could give the club financial relief, as he'll carry a $59.4-million cap hit in 2024.The 30-year-old is coming off arguably his best season as a pro, setting career highs in completion percentage and touchdown passes. He totaled 4,516 passing yards and finished second in MVP voting.However, the Cowboys have compiled just a 2-5 postseason record with Prescott as their starter, most recently losing 48-32 to the Green Bay Packers in January.Dallas hasn't reached the NFC Championship Game since the 1995 season."I'm very pleased with how Dak progressed," Jones said. "I am not to the stage of saying, 'Well, I've had it. I'm fed up in any way with Dak.' What I'm encouraged by is that by all accounts and everybody around him, including him, believe that he's going to be better and is getting better."Prescott has started 114 regular-season contests since Dallas drafted him in the fourth round in 2016.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The running backs showed off their speed at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday.Louisville's Isaac Guerendo, Tennessee's Jaylen Wright, and Florida State's Trey Benson each posted sub-4.4 times in the 40-yard dash. Below are the top 10 times for the running backs who participated.NameTimeHeightWeightSchoolIsaac Guerendo4.336221LouisvilleJaylen Wright4.385-10210TennesseeTrey Benson4.396216Florida StateKeilan Robinson4.425-8191TexasJaden Shirden4.455-8187MonmouthKimani Vidal4.465-8213TroyMarShawn Lloyd4.465-9220USCTyrone Tracy Jr.4.485-11209PurdueMichael Wiley4.515-10210ArizonaRay Davis4.525-8211KentuckyGeorge Holani4.525-10208Boise StateWisconsin's Braelon Allen was among the group of tailbacks that elected not to run.Notable runners like Michigan's Blake Corum narrowly missed out on the top 10, while Notre Dame's Audric Estime posted a 4.71 time.NameTimeHeightWeightSchoolBlake Corum4.535-8205MichiganBucky Irving4.555-9192OregonKendall Milton4.626-1225GeorgiaDillon Johnson4.686217WashingtonAudric Estime4.715-11221Notre DameCopyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Impending free-agent left tackle Tyron Smith will hit the open market and a return to the Dallas Cowboys is unlikely, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Smith, 33, has spent his entire 13-year career in Dallas, earning eight Pro Bowl nominations and making five All-Pro teams. He was also named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.Despite his age and long injury history, Smith will be "highly coveted" in an offensive tackle market that lacks top talents, adds Rapoport.Smith hasn't played a full regular season since 2015. The veteran missed 33 games from 2020-22 but was able to make 13 appearances in 2023 and earned second-team All-Pro honors.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers attempted to land Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo before he signed a new contract with the reigning champions, a source told The Athletic's Dianna Russini.Spagnuolo was lauded for his defensive game plan in the Chiefs' second straight Super Bowl victory against the 49ers.San Francisco was in search of a new leader on defense after firing Steve Wilks following the defeat. After missing out on Spagnuolo, the 49ers are reportedly promoting defensive pass game specialist and nickel cornerbacks coach Nick Sorensen to defensive coordinator.The NFC West club is reportedly also adding former Los Angeles Chargers bench boss Brandon Staley to the staff as assistant head coach.Spagnuolo has been Kansas City's defensive coordinator since 2019, winning three Super Bowls. His unit ranked second in points allowed in both the regular season and the playoffs in 2023.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers are promoting defensive pass game specialist and nickel cornerbacks coach Nick Sorensen to defensive coordinator, sources told Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.San Francisco will reportedly also add former Los Angeles Chargers bench boss Brandon Staley to their staff as assistant head coach.Sorensen will replace Steve Wilks, who was fired Feb. 14 following San Francisco's Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and after just one season.49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said he parted ways with Wilks because his scheme wasn't the "right fit" with San Francisco's players. Shanahan expressed a desire to return to the team's previous approach.Sorensen will lead that switch after spending the last two seasons with the 49ers. He was also the Seattle Seahawks' assistant defensive backs coach and secondary coach from 2013-20 and spent 2021 as Jacksonville Jaguars' special teams coach. He has never served as a defensive coordinator.Staley will bring an experienced voice to the 49ers' defensive staff. He was the Chargers' head coach from 2021-23 and led the Los Angeles Rams' defense in 2020.The 49ers reportedly attempted to land Kansas City Chiefs coordinator Steve Spagnuolo before he signed a new deal with the reigning champions.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans plans to hit free agency for the first time in his career, sources told The Athletic's Dianna Russini.Evans and the Bucs are engaged in contract talks, but the five-time Pro Bowler wants to explore all of his options, Russini reports.Evans has been with Tampa Bay since being drafted seventh overall by the club in 2014. The veteran is the first receiver in league history to post 1,000 yards in each of his first 10 seasons.The 30-year-old completed a five-year extension worth $82.5 million signed in 2018. Evans and the Bucs couldn't agree on a long-term deal prior to the 2023 campaign, and the sides agreed to table extension discussions until after the season.Evans recorded 79 catches for 1,255 yards and tied Tyreek Hill with a league-high 13 touchdowns in 2023.General manager Jason Licht highlighted re-signing Evans as a priority earlier this week, saying, "We want him to be a Buc for life."Tampa Bay reportedly wants to retain Evans and quarterback Baker Mayfield, with both scheduled to become unrestricted free agents on March 13. Antoine Winfield, Devin White, and Lavonte David are also among several Bucs starters expected to hit the open market.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former New York Jets wideout Mecole Hardman vehemently denied leaking the team's game plan to opponents.Members within the Jets organization suspect Hardman leaked their offensive game plan before matchups against the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs last season, according to SNY's Connor Hughes."There were false accusations made about me and my character," Hardman posted on X. "To set the record straight, I have never and would never leak game plans to another team. I have never been a person to give an opponent an upper hand. I always want to win no matter the circumstances."Current Jets players Sauce Gardner and Kenny Yeboah took umbrage with criticism from Hardman regarding the team's culture in an appearance on "The Pivot" podcast this week."(Hardman) is tripping out. We ain't (going to) talk about how our offensive game plan got leaked versus the Eagles, (though)," Gardner wrote in a since-deleted post on X, per ESPN's Rich Cimini.Hardman said he contacted Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and general manager Brett Veach to "Come get me" while with the Jets. The veteran wideout, who captured his third Super Bowl title with Kansas City after being traded by New York in October, denied contacting the Chiefs before being dealt.Jets general manager Joe Douglas said that Hardman's comments "definitely resonated with us" as speculation ramped up regarding whether the team would investigate tampering by the Chiefs.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller is considering retirement, according to Paul Schwartz and Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post.Waller reportedly expressed to individuals in the Giants organization that he was contemplating retirement after the end of the 2023 season.The Giants were optimistic about Waller returning to the club for a second season after speaking with his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. However, it appears the former Pro Bowler hasn't made a final decision."I have not made a decision either way," Waller told Schwartz and Dunleavy.The veteran tight end has a $14.1-million cap hit for the 2024 season.Waller endured a difficult campaign, missing five games due to a hamstring injury and contending with subpar quarterback play. He caught 52 passes for 552 yards and one touchdown. His receiving yardage ranked second on the team, trailing only Darius Slayton (770 yards).Waller joined the Giants from the Las Vegas Raiders prior to the 2023 campaign.The 31-year-old, who also suffered hamstring injuries during his time with the Raiders, is seeking his first 1,000-yard campaign since 2020.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New England Patriots announced Friday they released cornerback J.C. Jackson.New England will free up $14.4 million in cap space by cutting the veteran defensive back, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The Patriots are now projected to have the most cap space ahead of the new league year with $101.6 million, per Over the Cap.Jackson spent close to five seasons over two stints with the Patriots. He left the organization as a free agent in 2022 after signing a five-year, $82.5-million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. The former Maryland star played his first four NFL campaigns (2018-21) with New England.Jackson gradually evolved into a reliable piece of the Patriots' secondary. His best season came in 2021 when he led the league with 23 passes defended along with eight interceptions to earn the only Pro Bowl nod of his career.He ultimately played just seven games with the Chargers after sustaining a patellar tendon injury that prematurely ended his 2022 campaign. Jackson started the first two contests of the 2023 season for Los Angeles but soon found himself out of the starting rotation.New England reacquired the 28-year-old in a trade with the Chargers on Oct. 4. Jackson played in eight games and made six starts in his second stint last season. He recorded 25 tackles and six passes defended in his return to the Patriots.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Commanders announced Friday they released tight end Logan Thomas and offensive tackle Charles Leno.Cutting Thomas provides the Commanders with $6.5 million in cap savings, according to Over The Cap. Leno's release brings another $7.3 million in cap savings.Thomas played the last four seasons for Washington, totaling 1,685 yards and 14 touchdowns. His best year came in 2020 - his first campaign with the team - when he recorded 670 yards and six scores.His final year in Washington saw him haul in 55 throws for 496 yards and four touchdowns.Meanwhile, Leno spent the last three years with the Commanders. He started all 47 games he appeared in.Washington is also expected to cut center Nick Gates at the start of the new league year, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 28-year-old offensive lineman signed a three-year, $16.5-million contract last March. He made 10 starts in 13 games in 2023.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles are releasing safety Kevin Byard, the team announced Friday.Philadelphia acquired Byard from the Tennessee Titans in October 2023 in exchange for 2024 fifth- and sixth-round picks plus Terrell Edmunds.Byard suited up in 10 games for the Eagles in 2023, recording one interception and 75 tackles.The move gives the Eagles just over $13 million in cap savings, according to Over The Cap.A two-time Pro Bowler, Byard has 28 interceptions over his career, including a league-high eight in 2017.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins sustained a hip flexor injury during his 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine on Friday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Wiggins said he felt his groin "pop" as he was running, per Stacey Dales during the NFL Network broadcast. He won't participate in the remainder of the event's drills, according to Rapoport.Despite the injury, Wiggins posted a 4.28-second 40-yard dash time - the fastest of any player at the combine thus far.

Potential No. 1 pick Caleb Williams says he isn't concerned with the Chicago Bears' lack of recent success at the quarterback position."I don't compare myself to other guys," Williams said Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine, according to NBC Chicago's Josh Schrock.Williams added, "I like to rewrite history."Chicago has struggled to find a long-term franchise quarterback with former first-round pick Justin Fields appearing to be the latest failed project. The Bears, who hold the first selection in the 2024 draft, would be expected to trade Fields if they intend to select Williams.The USC product reiterated Friday that he would be happy to play for the NFC North team."The Bears were 7-10 last year, and that's pretty good for a team with the No. 1 pick," Williams said, according to ESPN's Stephen Holder."It's pretty exciting if you can go to a situation like that," he added.Asked what type of player the Bears would receive if they selected him, Williams highlighted his leadership qualities and competitive nature."A person that cares for his teammates," the standout prospect explained, per Courtney Cronin of ESPN. "Some of y'all may have seen, some of y'all may have not. I try to take care of all my guys no matter if you've been fourth on the depth chart or you're the star player. So, I care for my teammates, and the other part is I'm a fierce competitor as you may have seen after some games."Williams previously decided he won't throw at the NFL combine and announced Friday he won't participate in medicals either. Instead, he said he would do medicals only with the teams he visits later in the pre-draft process, according to Adam Jahns of The Athletic.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL's last 16-game regular season produced an aerial assault. In 2020, offenses combined to pass for 871 touchdowns as quarterbacks and their playmakers shredded coverage schemes.The longer, listless 2023 season produced 754 passing scores. Teams would've needed to play 20 games apiece to beat the 2020 total.Signs suggest that quarterback play is slipping. Tua Tagovailoa's 4,624 passing yards were the fewest by the league leader since 2017. The average passer rating (89.0) also hit a six-year low. Collectively, QBs threw for the fewest net yards per attempt (6.04) since 2006, partly because they were sacked on the greatest share of dropbacks (7.1%) since 1998, per Pro Football Reference.Few quarterbacks were dominant last season. An egregious number of them, visualized in red below, struggled to move the ball upfield.Their stagnancy contrasts with how the position is compensated. QB play has plateaued, but the pay's rising.There are 15 NFL quarterbacks - more than can fit in the postseason field - who earn at least $35 million annually. Only nine passers were in this cohort a year ago. The league's top earner at any other position, 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa, commands an annual average of $34 million.The QB salary chasm is widening. Just four QB contracts - those belonging to Jared Goff, Geno Smith, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Jordan Love - are valued between $10 million and $35 million. The middle class will thin if the Raiders release Garoppolo in March, as expected, and Goff and Love proceed to ink lucrative extensions.In baseball's version of this trend, superstars make bank while lesser veterans get squeezed. A growing share of MLB players haven't amassed the service time to be eligible for arbitration, theScore's Travis Sawchik noted recently. There are more young players around the majors who earn less, like NFLers on cost-controlled rookie deals, and fewer dollars being lavished on free agents.The dynamic at quarterback differs. Functional vets - guys who've impressed in the past and could conceivably lead future playoff runs - have secured the bag at an unprecedented rate. Front offices that seek stability under center are enriching elite talents, occasional MVP contenders, grizzled trade acquisitions, and one-year wonders. In any given season, some inevitably will disappoint.Regardless, the going rate for solid production has ballooned. That could benefit Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield when free agency opens March 11. Nick Wosika / Icon Sportswire / Getty ImagesCousins is rehabbing an Achilles tear and turns 36 in August, but he's considered the top offensive free agent in the class. His reputation grew in 2023. Over eight Vikings games, Cousins threw at a 4,954-yard pace with a 69.5% completion rate and an 18-to-5 TD-to-INT ratio. Dak Prescott was the only starter who boasted a higher on-target throw rate (Cousins' was 82.2%) and a superior bad-throw rate (12.8%), per Pro Football Reference.Cousins' annual market value is $39.3 million, Spotrac projects. Competition between possible suitors, be it the Vikings or QB-needy playoff hopefuls like the Falcons or Steelers, could drive up the average cost.

The New Orleans Saints have told safety Marcus Maye that he'll be released at the start of the new league year March 13, sources told Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report.The 30-year-old has been with the Saints since he signed a three-year, $22.5-million deal in 2022. He spent the first five years of his career with the New York Jets after being selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.Maye battled availability issues with New Orleans. He received a three-game suspension in September for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy and missed the final three contests of 2023 due to a shoulder injury. Maye only played 17 games in two years with the Saints.New Orleans will save $7.235 million in cap space by designating Maye as a post-June 1 release, according to Over The Cap.Maye has 409 tackles and 28 passes defended in 77 career contests.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Minnesota Vikings told running back Alexander Mattison that they plan to release him, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN.Mattison has been with the Vikings since they selected him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He signed a two-year, $7-million deal with the club last offseason.The 25-year-old took over the starting job in 2023 after the team released veteran running back Dalvin Cook.Mattison struggled in the starter role, averaging only 3.9 yards per carry on 180 attempts. He never eclipsed 100 rushing yards in a single contest and tallied zero rushing scores. Minnesota's offense ranked 29th in yards per carry in 2023.The Boise State product has 2,370 rushing yards in 75 career contests.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan remains confident that quarterback Kenny Pickett has a bright future."I have full faith in Kenny," Khan told reporters Thursday, including ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "He's shown us some good things, and, obviously, there were some issues with the offense."The 2022 first-round pick failed to take a leap in 2023 after showing flashes of promise during his rookie campaign. He threw for 2,070 yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions, along with a 62% completion rate, in 2023. Pickett played just 12 games due to an ankle injury and lost his starting job to Mason Rudolph after being cleared to return to action ahead of Week 17.Pickett has posted a 14-10 record as a starter while recording 4,474 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and a 78.8 quarterback rating through his first two seasons.However, Khan is optimistic that new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith will benefit both Pickett and the Steelers' offense."I'm excited about the impact that Arthur Smith's going to have on him," Khan said. "Arthur's very optimistic about Kenny. ... Feel really good about him."Pickett is Pittsburgh's only passer under contract with Rudolph an unrestricted free agent and Mitch Trubisky being released earlier this month. Yet Khan echoed head coach Mike Tomlin and his wish to bring in competition for the starting position."(I) feel really good about Kenny, but he knows, and we all know, that there's going to be competition in the room," Khan said, according to team reporter Dale Lolley. "We've always been a team that keeps three quarterbacks, and I'd expect that to be the same this year."Khan expressed a desire to bring back Rudolph, but he wouldn't say whether the Steelers could target passers such as Justin Fields or Russell Wilson, per Pryor."I have an obligation to look at every avenue that's out there to try to make us a better football team," he said.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There's "growing optimism" that the Kansas City Chiefs will re-sign star defensive tackle Chris Jones before free agency opens, sources told Nate Taylor and Dianna Russini of The Athletic.Jones is looking for an annual salary of $30 million, Taylor and Russini add. San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa and Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald are the only defensive players who currently make more than $30 million per season.Unrestricted free agents can begin negotiating with teams on March 11.Chiefs general manager Brett Veach reiterated Tuesday at the NFL combine that re-signing Jones is a top priority for the organization."I love Chris (Jones)," Veach said, per Mark Puleo of The Athletic. "Tried really hard to get something done, and we didn't, but when we got together right after that Detroit game, we had a great talk.Both parties, I think, want to be here, so we'll get to work. That's certainly a guy we want back and love and want to see him finish his career here in Kansas City."Jones held out of training camp and the season opener against the Detroit Lions due to his contract situation. He ultimately agreed to a one-year deal with incentives worth up to $25 million.The 29-year-old had another tremendous campaign in 2023, totaling 10.5 sacks and 91 pressures, per PFF. Jones was a key contributor to a Chiefs defense that ranked second in points allowed per contest.Jones has 273 tackles and 75.5 sacks in 123 career games.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley has targeted the Houston Texans as his top free-agent destination, sources told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2.Barkley has been in communication with Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, Wilson reports.The 27-year-old is slated to be the top free-agent running back this offseason. The class also includes the likes of Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, and Austin Ekeler, among others.New York franchise tagged Barkley last year but reportedly is not expected to tag him again. However, general manager Joe Schoen didn't rule it out earlier this week.A two-time Pro Bowler, Barkley would boost a Texans ground attack that failed to produce a 1,000-yard rusher in 2023. Devin Singletary led the team with 898 yards after Dameon Pierce struggled in his second season, averaging just 2.9 yards per carry.Barkley rushed for 962 yards and totaled 1,242 yards from scrimmage last year. He's one year removed from a career-high 1,312 yards on the ground.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions are scheduled to meet with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown's representatives later this week to talk about an extension, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.No deal is imminent despite the club's interest in retaining St. Brown, Birkett adds.The 24-year-old is eligible for a contract extension as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. He's slated to earn roughly $3.4 million this season, according to Over the Cap.St. Brown was selected No. 112 overall in the 2021 draft and led the Lions in every major receiving category last season, tallying 119 receptions, 1,515 yards, and 10 touchdowns. He earned a first-team All-Pro nod for the first time in his career in 2023.An extension will likely come with an average annual value between $25 million and $30 million. Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill is currently the league's highest-paid wideout with an average value of $30 million per season, while 14 different receivers have deals worth $20 million per year or more, per Over the Cap.St. Brown reached at least 90 receptions and 900 yards in each of his first three campaigns. The USC product has totaled 3,588 yards and 21 touchdowns on 315 catches in 49 career games.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Super Bowl LVIII game coin used to determine whether the Kansas City Chiefs or San Francisco 49ers would receive the ball first in overtime fetched over $26,000 in an online auction.Bidding on the coin started at $800 and had reached $26,300 when the auction came to a close Wednesday, with proceeds from the sale supporting the Luna Strong's Maui relief efforts, according to the NFL Auction website.The Chiefs' and 49ers' logos appear on one side of the coin, while the other side features the Super Bowl LVIII logo and commissioner Roger Goodell's signature.

The New England Patriots are planning to draft a quarterback with the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, sources told Karen Guregian and Mark Daniels of Mass Live.New England reportedly also intends to bring in a veteran signal-caller who could potentially be the starter to begin 2024, allowing the new rookie time to adjust to the NFL level.The Patriots' plan will likely mean the end of Mac Jones' time with the team, adds Guregian and Daniels. The 2021 first-round pick struggled over the last two seasons following a solid rookie year and could be a trade candidate.Former USC star Caleb Williams is the odds-on favorite to go No. 1 overall to the Chicago Bears, leaving North Carolina's Drake Maye and LSU's Jayden Daniels as the remaining top quarterback prospects.The Commanders are also in the market for a quarterback, so New England seems to be in line to draft whichever passer Washington doesn't select."If the team selects Daniels or Maye and deems them ready, the rookie would start," wrote Guregian and Daniels. "But this is a process that this new Patriots brass isn't going to rush."New England is beginning a new era with head coach Jerod Mayo replacing the legendary Bill Belichick, while Eliot Wolf is running the personnel department, which Belichick previously oversaw.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Jets aren't pleased with Mecole Hardman.After the receiver ripped his former team on "The Pivot" podcast, Jets general manager Joe Douglas said his comments "definitely resonated with us," according to ESPN's Rich Cimini."I'll just say, we were excited to sign Mecole," Douglas added. "He was excited to, obviously, join our team. Xavier Gipson really came on for us this year. ... So, ultimately, we made a decision to move on from Mecole ... he was excited to be here, and it just didn't work out. And a lot of that has to do with Xavier."Jets punter Thomas Morstead was far more blunt."Be careful getting information from disgruntled former employees," he said on X. "Getting beat out by a rookie free agent after being guaranteed millions of dollars is tough to deal with. Entitlement is a killer of opportunity. You have to earn it every year."Hardman criticized the team's culture and lack of an offensive game plan Tuesday, saying the Jets have "no standard there." He recorded just one reception on three targets for six yards in five games with the club after signing a one-year, $4-million deal last spring. New York traded him to the Chiefs in October.Hardman also pointed to a dispute between himself and special teams coordinator Brant Boyer as an additional source of frustration while in New York."I was so checked out. ... I already talked to (Chiefs GM Brett) Veach, Pat (Mahomes), like, 'Come get me,'" Hardman said Tuesday.That comment, in particular, created a stir on social media as teams aren't permitted to have contact with another team's players or coaches. Hardman clarified that he didn't have discussions with the Chiefs prior to being dealt.

Kansas City Chiefs superfan Xavier Babudar, better known as "ChiefsAholic," pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to charges stemming from 11 robberies or attempted robberies that occurred across seven states.Babudar pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering, one count of transporting stolen property across state lines, and one count of bank robbery, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Missouri.The 29-year-old also admitted to engaging in a string of nine other bank and credit union robberies or attempted robberies, as well as two bank robberies committed while he was on the run from authorities in 2023."His violent crime spree across the Midwest and beyond traumatized bank employees and victimized financial institutions in seven states," U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore said. "The defendant tried to conceal hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen cash by using it to gamble online and at casinos, but the odds caught up with him. With today's conviction, he will be held accountable for the full scope of his criminal conduct, including his attempt to flee from justice."As part of his plea agreement, Babudar must pay a minimum of $532,675 in restitution and forfeit any property involved in his money laundering activity to the government, including an autographed painting of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.Babudar was initially arrested in December 2022 in connection with an armed robbery at the Tulsa Teachers Credit Union in Bixby, Oklahoma. He was released on bond but allegedly cut off his ankle monitor and was on the run for four months before he was eventually arrested in California.He's scheduled to appear in court for a sentencing hearing on July 10. Babudar faces up to 50 years in prison without parole.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will be on the team's roster one way or another when next season starts, general manager Chris Ballard said Wednesday, according to Joel Erickson of the Indy Star.Pittman and the club are engaged in long-term extension talks, but the Colts can use the franchise tag if the sides can't agree to a deal, per the Indy Star's Nate Atkins. The wide receiver franchise tag is approximately $21.8 million for 2024 and the deadline to use it is March 5.The 26-year-old wideout is slated to hit free agency in March when his rookie contract expires.Pittman set career highs in receptions (109) and yardage (1,152) in 2023 despite quarterback Anthony Richardson missing the majority of the campaign. He also caught four touchdowns.The former second-round pick has totaled 336 receptions, 3,662 yards, and 15 scores in 62 career games. He posted at least 500 yards in each of his first four NFL seasons and led the Colts in receiving yards each of the last three seasons.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Jets officially granted quarterback Zach Wilson permission to seek a trade, general manager Joe Douglas said Wednesday, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini.The announcement coincides with a January report that indicated the Jets would move on from Wilson this offseason.Wilson started nine of the team's first 10 games in 2023, but he was benched following a Week 11 loss to the Buffalo Bills in which he completed seven of 15 passes for 81 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He returned to the starting lineup for Weeks 13 and 14 out of necessity but finished the season on the sideline.The 24-year-old ended the campaign with 2,271 passing yards and eight touchdowns against seven interceptions. New York went 4-7 in his 11 starts.Wilson has struggled to produce consistently since the Jets selected him with the No. 2 pick in the 2021 draft. The BYU product has thrown for 6,293 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 25 picks in 34 appearances. He owns a 12-21 record as a starter.Aaron Rodgers and Wilson are the only signal-callers that New York currently has under contract for 2024.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFLPA released its second NFL Player Team Report Cards on Wednesday, intending to help players make career decisions and improve working conditions across the league.An impressive 1,706 players provided information that shaped the rankings with categories including treatment of families, food/cafeteria, nutritionist/dietician, locker room, training room, training staff, weight room, strength coaches, team travel, head coach, and ownership.A complete breakdown of each team's grades in each specific category can be found here.Here's how all 32 teams ranked:TeamReport Card RankDolphins1stVikings2ndPackers3rdEagles4thJaguars5th49ers6thTexans7thGiants8thRaiders9thBears10thBills11thCowboys12thLions13thSeahawks14thRavens15thBroncos16thPanthers17thTitans18thSaints19thRams20thJets21stColts22ndBrowns23rdBuccaneers24thFalcons25thBengals26thCardinals27thSteelers28thPatriots29thChargers30thChiefs31stCommanders32ndThe Miami Dolphins earned the highest overall grade, marking a slight increase from their second-place score in 2023. The Dolphins received no lower than an A- in each category, ranking first in food/cafeteria, training room, training staff, weight room, team travel, and ownership.Meanwhile, it's the second straight year the Washington Commanders wind up at the bottom of the league's report card. The team's facility was a major issue, as interviewed players criticized the locker room's small size and need for renovation after multiple sewage leaks were reported. The training room, training staff, treatment of families, and team travel also all received scores of F or F-.Odd Tidbits

The Bears and presumptive No. 1 pick Caleb Williams seem destined for one another, and the star quarterback has no issues with landing in Chicago despite speculation he'd prefer another NFL destination."If I get drafted by the Bears, I'll be excited," Williams told ESPN's Pete Thamel. "If they trade the pick, and I get drafted by someone else, I'm just as excited. Speaking about Chicago, they have a talented team, a talented offense and defense. For anyone to be in that situation, I think they'd be excited."Bears general manager Ryan Poles shrugged off the suggestion Tuesday that Williams could follow in the footsteps of Eli Manning, who refused to play for the then-San Diego Chargers, the owners of the No. 1 pick in 2004.The former USC standout also dismissed the rumors."I'm not pushing any agenda," Williams said. "At the end of the day, the Bears have the last say. Regardless of how I feel, I'm not pushing an agenda of, 'Yeah, I want to go. Or no, I don't want to go.' I'm excited for whatever comes."Poles said he remains in the process of deciding what to do with the first overall pick - which Chicago received from the Panthers as part of Carolina's trade up to the top selection last season - and current quarterback Justin Fields.The Bears are widely expected to select Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner and consensus top passer in the 2024 class, and trade Fields.Williams has reportedly opted not to throw at the NFL Scouting Combine and will instead work out for teams at his pro day on March 20.Top quarterbacks often decide against performing at the combine, with former No. 1 picks Bryce Young and Joe Burrow being the most recent examples.Though Williams won't participate in on-field work, he will meet with teams in Indianapolis and said he's excited for his "first date" with Chicago. He's also set to talk to the Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, New York Giants, and Minnesota Vikings, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs are releasing wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.The reigning Super Bowl champs will save $12 million in cap space by moving on from the veteran, adds Fowler.Valdes-Scantling had one year remaining on the three-year, $30-million deal he signed with the Chiefs in free agency in 2022.The 29-year-old caught a career-high 42 passes for 687 yards and two touchdowns in his first season with the Chiefs. But his role diminished in 2023 amid struggles with drops, and he finished the campaign with just 21 catches for 315 yards and one score.The Chiefs are expected to revamp their receiving group for next season after the unit underperformed last year, except for standout rookie Rashee Rice.The move gives Kansas City more financial flexibility as it attempts to retain star defensive tackle Chris Jones and cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, who are both impending free agents.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Despite becoming a Super Bowl hero after rejoining the Kansas City Chiefs, veteran receiver Mecole Hardman still has a bad taste from his brief tenure with the New York Jets this season.During a recent appearance on the "The Pivot" podcast, Hardman criticized Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett's game plan after quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending injury in the first game of the 2023 campaign."I just feel like it's not an established coaching staff there," Hardman said. "You just got a new coaching staff that came in, and there's no standard there. Everybody do what they want to do. Granted, the defense has more of a stabilized standard with the coaching staff on that side. ... But the offense is just like, 'We'll just figure it out. It's Aaron's show. Let Aaron do what Aaron does.' Then, when Aaron goes down, it's like we don't know what to do."The Jets offense finished 29th in points per contest (15.8) and 31st in total yards (268.6) in 2023.Hardman highlighted the contrast between the Jets' and Chiefs' personnel, saying that Kansas City rosters far more selfless players despite having large personalities like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones. The fifth-year wideout added that New York had too many egos in its locker room.After spending four campaigns with the Chiefs, the 25-year-old signed a one-year, $4-million contract with the Jets as a free agent in March 2023. Hardman was expected to be a reliable weapon alongside Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard in a passing game featuring Rodgers under center. However, Rodgers' injury put New York's postseason ambition on uneven ground.Hardman recorded just one reception on three targets for six yards in five games with the Jets. He pointed to a dispute with special teams coordinator Brant Boyer as an additional source of frustration while in New York."I was so checked out. ... I already talked to (Chiefs GM Brett) Veach, Pat (Mahomes), like, 'Come get me,'" Hardman said.Kansas City reacquired Hardman via trade last October. The former Georgia star saved his best moment in his second stint with the Chiefs for Super Bowl LVIII. He made three catches for 58 yards and was on the receiving end of the game-winning touchdown to secure the third championship title of his career.Although Hardman is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, he's already ruled out a reunion with New York as a possible outcome."No, I won't go back to the Jets," Hardman recently told NFL Network's Andrew Siciliano.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni believes quarterback Jalen Hurts will be a better player and an improved leader in 2024."Here's what I know about Jalen: Whatever we see that he needs to work on or he sees that he needs to work on, he's going to get better at that because he puts everything he has into it," Sirianni said Tuesday at the NFL combine, according to Tim McManus of ESPN.The Eagles lost six of their final seven games in 2023, including a 32-9 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card round. Hurts was far from the player he had been earlier in the year during the seven-game slide, totaling only 1,611 yards with nine touchdowns and six turnovers.But Sirianni believes other factors contributed to the Eagles' collapse."It's not just Jalen, it's not just me; we had a fall-off as a team those last six weeks that we all need to get better from," Sirianni said, per McManus. "But Jalen's played some really outstanding football."Following the season, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported that the Eagles would like Hurts to be a more "vocal leader" next year, as veterans Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox will potentially be departing."There is not a book written on this is how you lead. People lead in different ways," Sirianni said at the combine. "One thing I learned early in leadership is you have to be yourself because if you're trying to be somebody you're not when you lead, that gets seen through."Philadelphia selected Hurts in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He was the franchise's starting quarterback the last three years, racking up a 33-14 record during that stretch with 12,852 total yards and 99 touchdowns.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Head coach Mike McDaniel is fairly confident the Miami Dolphins can agree to a long-term deal with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa ahead of the 2024 season."I'm very encouraged both Tua's representation and our organization are hard at work," McDaniel said Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel's David Furones.He added: "My main concern this offseason has been communicating what Tua needs from his head coach and his offensive coaching staff, which is what things can we identify to continue the progression of your game."Tagovailoa led the NFL with 4,694 passing yards and posted a career-high 29 touchdown passes last season to earn his first Pro Bowl nod.The former Alabama star managed to start all 17 games in 2023. However, injuries plagued his 2021 and 2022 campaigns, including multiple stints in the league's concussion protocol. McDaniel highlighted the signal-caller's ability to stay on the field this past season as a key factor in his development."My belief has always been strong - since Day 1 - in Tua. It's stronger than it was the first day I met him, and that's because of that relationship where I'm focused, which is continuing to provide the coaching so he can continue to evolve his game, as he has since the second that I started talking to him," McDaniel said.Tagovailoa is entering the final year of his contract after Miami picked up the fifth-year option of his rookie deal. A new pact for Tagovailoa would provide the Dolphins with much-needed flexibility since his full $23.17-million salary in 2024 will count toward the cap, per Over the Cap.Miami is currently $29 million over the cap and will need to be creative to get under $255.4 million ahead of the new league year that begins on March 13.Tagovailoa could become an unrestricted free agent in 2025 if the Dolphins don't use the franchise tag on him to retain his rights.The soon-to-be 26-year-old told reporters earlier in February that he believes he'll sign an extension with Miami this offseason. Tagovailoa is in line to receive a lucrative contract after leading the Dolphins to back-to-back postseason appearances over the last two years.Miami touts a 32-19 record with Tagovailoa as its starting quarterback. He's thrown for 12,639 yards, 81 touchdowns, and 37 interceptions in 53 career games.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs told cornerback L'Jarius Sneed they are prepared to use the franchise tag on him, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.If the two sides cannot agree on a long-term extension, the Chiefs are reportedly open to trading the 27-year-old.Sneed is agreeable to this situation, Fowler reports. The cornerback can begin negotiating with other clubs with the possibility of returning to the Chiefs if a trade does not surface.The Louisiana Tech product is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year opens in mid-March. The Chiefs selected him in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.Sneed and star defensive tackle Chris Jones are the big names from the Chiefs' defense that are set to hit the open market. Jones was franchise tagged last year, so his 2024 tag price is much higher than the cornerback tag price of $19.8 million."You'd like to be able to tag all the guys and pay all the guys," Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said Tuesday, per Mark Puleo of The Athletic."It's tough because the more you win, the more you've got to pay players, and obviously when you have this amount of success, you're paying a lot of players a lot of money, and then it's equally as tough because you're drafting late."Sneed has been a key contributor for the Chiefs in the last three years and is coming off his best season as a pro. He had 78 tackles and 14 passes defended in 16 regular-season starts and was one of the best cornerbacks in the league.In 2019, the Chiefs traded defensive end Dee Ford to the San Francisco 49ers for a second-round pick after placing the franchise tag on him.Kansas City has $16.9 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Atlanta Falcons are cutting tight end Jonnu Smith after one season, the team announced Tuesday.The Falcons will save $6.5 million in cap space by releasing Smith, per Over the Cap."Thankful to have had the opportunity to be a part of an amazing organization," Smith posted on X. "This season will be one of the most memorable years during my career for many great reasons on and off the field. Special locker room and special people all throughout the building."Smith tallied a career-high 582 yards on 50 catches in 2023 and also hauled in three touchdowns. The veteran tight end was traded from the New England Patriots to the Falcons last offseason. He spent two seasons with New England after striking a four-year, $50-million deal with the franchise in free agency in 2021. However, he caught just one touchdown and put up only 539 yards over his two years with the AFC East team.In Atlanta, he reunited with then-head coach Arthur Smith, who had been his position coach and then his offensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans, the franchise where his career started.A third-round pick in 2017, Smith has recorded 2,423 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns over his career, including a personal-best eight scores in 2020.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.