Tom Brady was the poster boy for the Patriot Way during his 20-year stint in New England. But the star quarterback appeared to enjoy his newfound freedom with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers en route to his seventh career Super Bowl title.Bucs head coach Bruce Arians believes Brady - who shocked the football world last offseason by leaving New England for Tampa Bay as a free agent - was motivated to prove he could still be as successful with a new approach."I think his competitive spirit is so strong that he wanted to do it," Arians said on Showtime's "Inside the NFL." "He wanted to show people. I've never said anything bad about Bill Belichick; I know everybody tries to say I do. His record speaks for itself. He is probably the greatest one ever. But I think (Brady) wanted to try a different way."Arians previously said he allowed Brady "to be himself" and get involved in coaching, unlike his time with the Patriots.While the Bucs flourished with the future Hall of Famer under center, the Patriots struggled to their worst finish since 2000. Belichick's team ended the year 7-9, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008 when Brady was lost early in the season with a torn ACL. New England's 11-year run atop the AFC East came to an end, with the Buffalo Bills earning the division crown.Brady was rejuvenated after a relatively poor final campaign with the Patriots. He threw the second-most touchdowns of his career with 40 and racked up 4,633 yards, both unprecedented numbers for a 43-year-old quarterback.His competitive edge is seemingly as strong as ever. He said prior to the win over Kansas City that he will "definitively consider" playing beyond his long-stated goal of age 43. The signal-caller is signed for one more season in Tampa Bay.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Miami Dolphins and All-Pro kicker Jason Sanders have agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $22 million, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The deal keeps Sanders in Miami through the 2026 campaign, as he was already under contract through the 2021 season. Only three kickers - Justin Tucker, Graham Gano, and Ka'imi Fairbairn - earn a higher average annual salary than the $4.4 million that Sanders has landed from the Dolphins.Sanders converted 36 of his 39 field-goal tries in 2020, went 8-for-9 on attempts 50 yards or longer, and was a perfect 36-for-36 on extra points.Miami selected the 25-year-old in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former Houston Texans star J.J. Watt is seriously considering the Cleveland Browns as one of his free-agent options, sources told Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.The three-time Defensive Player of the Year is reportedly keen on joining the Browns due to the franchise's ability to pay him market value and its potential to be a contender in 2021.Watt has also prioritized finding a strong supporting cast and team culture, which Cleveland possesses, added Cabot.The Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, and Tennessee Titans are apparently among around a dozen clubs eyeing Watt since his release Friday.Of those four teams, Cleveland is best-placed to meet the pass rusher's salary demands, with a projected $21.7 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap.Pittsburgh will need to make significant moves, as it's currently projected to be $30.6 million over the expected $180.5-million cap. Meanwhile, Tennessee and Buffalo sit at $3.08 million and $323,000 over the cap, respectively.Watt's sack numbers have waned in recent years, with the defensive end producing five this season and four during an injury-shortened 2019 campaign. However, the 31-year-old racked up 16 quarterback takedowns and seven forced fumbles in 2018, bouncing back from a host of ailments that limited him to just eight games over the prior two years.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ndamukong Suh is ready to run it back with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.The impending free agent said he wants to return to Tampa Bay for a chance to add another Super Bowl ring to his resume."My goal is to come back and have an opportunity to go win another championship," the defensive lineman told Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.Suh continued: "Me and Tom (Brady) spoke the other day about that opportunity, as well as with (general manager) Jason Licht. I don't know if you saw our parade celebration on that podium, coach (Bruce Arians) said I'm not going anywhere. And he's usually a man of his word. So, I look forward to the opportunity to continue to play, especially for Tampa."Licht said he told Suh he'd like to have him back in 2021."I know that there's mutual respect for each other ... We'll have to see how it all shakes out, but he's definitely one that we want back," Licht said last week on the Pewter Report podcast, per Pro Football Talk's Charean Williams.Suh, 34, has started every game since signing with the Buccaneers two seasons ago. He recorded six sacks in 2020, his most since the 2015 campaign.Chris Godwin, Shaquil Barrett, and Lavonte David are among Tampa Bay's other impending free agents.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former San Diego Chargers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Vincent Jackson was found dead Monday at a Homewood Suites hotel in Brandon, Fla., the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office announced.Police are investigating, and a cause of death hasn't been determined. Jackson, 38, was a three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who last played for the Buccaneers in 2016."My heart aches for the many loved ones Vincent Jackson leaves behind, from his wife and children to the Buccaneers nation that adored him," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement, according to WFLA 8. "Mr. Jackson was a devoted man who put his family and community above everything else. Football aside, he touched countless lives through his Jackson In Action 83 Foundation."We shared a passion for supporting military families, and three years ago, Jackson was even made an honorary deputy by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office to recognize his dedication to the community. He will be sorely missed by not only football fans across the country, but also the people here in Hillsborough County who reaped the benefits of his generous contributions."A housekeeper at the hotel discovered Jackson deceased in his room at approximately 11:30 a.m, according to the police report. There were no apparent signs of trauma.Jackson checked into the hotel on Jan. 11. His family reported him missing on Feb. 10, but the case was canceled on Feb. 12 after deputies located Jackson, spoke to him, and assessed his well-being.Jackson was the Chargers' second-round pick in 2005, and he posted three 1,000-plus-yard seasons in San Diego. A contract dispute led to his departure, and he inked a five-year, $55.5-million deal with the Buccaneers in March 2012.The wideout then recorded three consecutive 1,000-plus-yard seasons in Tampa Bay. He finished his last two years with the Buccaneers on the injured reserve, and Jackson announced his retirement in May 2018 after going unsigned the previous season.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Adrian Peterson isn't planning on retiring anytime soon.The veteran running back wants to keep playing and remain productive until he's at least 40 years old."I want to live to be a 40-year-old back out there rushing for 1,500 yards and amazing people still," Peterson said to TMZ Sports.Peterson, who turns 36 in March, wants to accomplish two goals before retiring: Capturing a Super Bowl, and passing Emmitt Smith on the all-time rushing yards list."I'm going to keep playing, trying to chase the championship and, God's willing, within the process of doing that, I'm able to catch Emmitt and pass him," he added.Peterson ranks fifth all time with 14,820 rushing yards, putting him still significantly behind Smith's mark of 18,355 yards.PlayerRushing YardsEmmitt Smith18355Walter Payton16726Frank Gore16000Barry Sanders15269Adrian Peterson14820Peterson spent the 2020 season with the Detroit Lions, rushing for 604 yards on 156 carries. He's scheduled to become a free agent this offseason.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Alex Smith is hoping to continue his career during the 2021 season, but the passer's future with the Washington Football Team is uncertain.The 2020 NFL Comeback Player of the Year award winner wants to keep playing "somewhere," according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, via NBC Sports Washington's Kevin Brown.Washington would save $13.6 million if it moves on from the veteran this offseason. There are currently two years remaining on Smith's contract, and he's set to make $18.8 million in 2021.Smith returned to the league after his leg nearly needed to be amputated following a significant injury in November 2018.Over eight appearances in 2020, the 36-year-old tossed six touchdown passes to eight interceptions. A calf injury late in his comeback campaign forced Smith to miss a few games, including Washington's wild-card loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Washington has been looking to upgrade at quarterback this offseason. The team was reportedly involved in talks to acquire Matthew Stafford before he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Marshawn Lynch nearly made a return to the gridiron Saturday during the opening night of the new Fan Controlled Football league.The former NFL running back, who co-owns the FCF's Beasts, was prepared to take the field with his team but had second thoughts."Basically he felt he was taking snaps away from the starter, so he was ready to run out and backed out like a true owner with empathy," FCF communications advisor Bryan Kirsch said, according to Josh Peter of USA Today.The Beasts were able to win without Lynch's help, defeating Johnny Manziel and the Zappers 48-44.

Johnny Manziel debuted in the Fan Controlled Football league on Saturday night and produced more than a few entertaining moments.Manziel didn't come out on the winning side as his Zappers fell 48-44 to the Beasts, but Johnny Football's play was the talk of the contest. The former NFL quarterback completed just one pass and did most of his damage on the ground, scampering for a big run on his first snap of the game.

Tom Brady's Lombardi Trophy boat toss during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Super Bowl LV celebration Wednesday rubbed one person the wrong way.Lorraine Grohs, whose father Greg Grohs was the master silversmith at Tiffany and Company from 1967 to 1994 and crafted the first Vince Lombardi Trophy, told Leslie DelasBour of Fox4 the toss was an insult to her family's legacy."It just upset me that this trophy was disgraced and disrespected by being thrown as if it was a real football," Grohs said. "I have a big history of this trophy being made by my father and it's such an honor and I know all the craftsmen that made it when my dad was there also at Tiffany's and it takes a lot of hard work."

The Philadelphia Eagles are exploring their options to trade or release tight end Zach Ertz this offseason, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.Ertz could be added to a trade package that includes quarterback Carson Wentz.The 30-year-old currently has one year left on his current deal and is set to earn $8.25 million in 2021. Contract negotiations did not go smoothly between Ertz and the Eagles' front office leading up to the 2020 season, Fowler adds.Ertz has been a constant in Philly's passing game since being drafted 35th overall in 2013, racking up 561 receptions, 6,078 receiving yards, and 36 touchdowns over the span of eight seasons.The Stanford product played in 11 games last season before suffering an ankle injury that caused him to miss time. Ertz was able to return for the Eagles' regular-season finale against the Washington Football Team.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Longtime NFL wide receiver Chris Hogan is entering the Premier Lacrosse League draft in March, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter.Hogan, who spent most of the 2020 NFL season with the New York Jets, played lacrosse at Monmouth and Penn State before pursuing a career in professional football. In the past, the 32-year-old has announced himself as an alum of the Penn State lacrosse program during his Sunday Night Football introductions.Hogan broke into the NFL in 2011 as an undrafted player. He garnered airtime on HBO's "Hard Knocks" series in 2012 while trying to earn a roster spot on the Miami Dolphins. Reggie Bush nicknamed him "7-Eleven" because he was "always open," but Hogan didn't make the team.After a three-year stint with the Buffalo Bills, Hogan signed with New England Patriots in 2016 and won two Super Bowls in three years. He set a postseason Patriots record with 180 receiving yards in the 2017 AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.The Premier Lacrosse League played its inaugural season in 2019, beginning with six clubs before expanding to seven in 2020 and eight in 2021.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL fined Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. $7,815 for taunting Tyreek Hill in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LV, reports NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.After breaking up a fourth-down pass intended for Hill, Winfield crouched down and threw up a peace sign in front of Hill, who often uses that sign when scoring a touchdown.Winfield was penalized 15 yards for taunting after the play but said postgame he had no regrets about mocking the Kansas City Chiefs star."The taunting, man, it's something I had to do," Winfield said. "When we played them earlier, Hill went off on us. He backflipped right in front of my face and give me the (deuces). So, it was only right that I gave him the (deuces) right back to him. It felt amazing to be able to do that."Winfield, who finished fourth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, helped the Buccaneers defeat the Chiefs 31-9 in the NFL's season finale.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

J.J. Watt wasn't long for the Houston Texans anyway. That much was clear long before Friday morning, when the franchise made the prudent decision to trade its longtime defensive stalwart for ... wait. Hold on. The Texans outright released Watt? Really?It turns out Watt asked to be set free, and that Houston chose to grant that request. But why?

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer announced Friday night that Chris Doyle has resigned one day after he was hired as the team's new director of sports performance.The hire was widely criticized, as Doyle parted ways with the University of Iowa in June due to allegations of racism and bullying."Chris Doyle came to us this evening to submit his resignation and we have accepted," Meyer said in a statement. "Chris did not want to be a distraction to what we are building in Jacksonville. We are responsible for all aspects of our program and, in retrospect, should have given greater consideration to how his appointment may have affected all involved."Doyle served as Iowa's head strength and conditioning coach from 1999-2019. He was placed on administrative leave in June after a number of players described unfair treatment and racial bias from Doyle during their time with the team. The school then reached a separation agreement with the coach that included a $1.11-million buyout.Meyer defended the decision to hire Doyle, stating he vetted the coach and has known him for nearly 20 years.On Friday, the executive director of the Fritz Pollard Alliance - a foundation that champions diversity in the NFL - called the hire "unacceptable.""At a time when the NFL has failed to solve its problem with racial hiring practices, it is simply unacceptable to welcome Chris Doyle into the ranks of NFL coaches," Rod Graves wrote in a statement. "Doyle's departure from the University of Iowa reflected a tenure riddled with poor judgment and mistreatment of Black players. His conduct should be as disqualifying for the NFL as it was for University of Iowa."Graves added that Meyer's personal relationship with Doyle "reflects the good ol'boy network that is precisely the reason there is such a disparity in employment opportunities for Black coaches."Meyer was hired as the Jaguars' new head coach in January and is making the leap to the NFL for the first time after a successful 17-year run at the college level.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

J.J. Watt once seemed destined to finish his career with the Houston Texans, but that changed Friday after the three-time Defensive Player of the Year requested and received his release.The 31-year-old may not be the game-wrecker he once was off the edge, but there's no doubt he can still help plenty of teams. As Watt dips his toe into the free-agent waters for the first time in his career, we examine the five best fits for him:Pittsburgh SteelersLet's start with the most obvious one: Watt already has two brothers on the Steelers, and the chance to team up with T.J. and Derek - on a contender, no less - is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Pittsburgh will be in the market for an edge rusher this offseason, as Bud Dupree is an impending free agent who'll likely miss a chunk of the 2021 campaign recovering from a torn ACL. Imagine how thrilled Mama and Papa Watt will be if they can attend their sons' games without needing to split their rooting interests.Tampa Bay BuccaneersIf he's only looking for a ring, the Buccaneers are the phone to buzz. Watt has been to the playoffs many times, but he's never advanced beyond the divisional round, and he's running out of time to experience the euphoria of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. Tampa Bay will want to re-sign Shaq Barrett before it starts looking at other pass-rushers, but if he becomes too expensive or Watt is willing to sacrifice money and a full-time role for a chance to win a Super Bowl, the Buccaneers can make this work.Las Vegas RaidersNo coach adores grizzled veterans more than Jon Gruden, and no team needs pass-rushing help more than the Raiders. Since trading Khalil Mack three years ago, Las Vegas has ranked 32nd, 26th, and 24th in pressure rate, per PFF. Even though Watt is on the down side of his career, his 45 pressures in 2020 ranked 26th league-wide and would've been second on the Raiders behind Maxx Crosby's 48. The biggest problem here is that Watt and Crosby both do the bulk of their damage from the left side of the defensive line, and the Raiders surely aren't ready to give up on Clelin Ferrell, who mans the right. Still, it's hard not to connect the Raiders to a pass-rusher with Watt's resume.Green Bay PackersWatt's a Wisconsin kid, he played at the University of Wisconsin, and now he has a chance to return home to play for the team he grew up supporting. The Packers will need to alleviate some cap space, but that shouldn't be a problem given the widespread expectation they'll release Preston Smith and rework Aaron Rodgers' contract. Watt's very strong defending the run, an area where Green Bay struggled in 2020. The Packers have been knocking on the door for two seasons now, and Watt could be one of the missing pieces that pushes them over the hump in 2021.Tennessee TitansThe Titans ranked 28th in pressure rate in 2019 and got worse in 2020, but it wasn't for a lack of effort. Tennessee took fliers on Jadeveon Clowney and Vic Beasley in free agency a year ago, but both flopped. Not only do the Titans have a need, but they can also provide Watt with a chance at revenge - Watt openly criticized Texans management throughout his final season, and Tennessee faces his former team twice every year. The Titans also offer familiarity, as head coach Mike Vrabel worked with Watt in Houston. Vrabel once said he would chop off his genitals to win the Super Bowl; that seems to be the type of culture Watt wants to immerse himself in.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith and his family were robbed at gunpoint at a hotel Tuesday night, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic."We are aware of the situation involving Jimmy Smith," the Ravens said Friday in a statement. "We have spoken with Jimmy, and he and his family are safe."The Smiths were reportedly followed to their hotel from Los Angeles International Airport. Nobody was injured during the incident.Smith has spent 10 seasons with the Ravens, starting 88 games and appearing in 30 others off the bench. He has 14 career interceptions and was a member of the Ravens' Super Bowl XLVII team.The 32-year-old inked a one-year extension on New Year's Day to return to Baltimore.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Deshaun Watson is intrigued by the possibility of being traded to the Denver Broncos or San Francisco 49ers, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.The Miami Dolphins are also a more viable landing spot than the New York Jets, two teams that have also been connected to Watson, Fowler adds.The Houston Texans quarterback has been linked to numerous clubs since reportedly submitting a trade request.Kareem Jackson, a member of the Broncos and former teammate of Watson, claimed the signal-caller expressed interest in coming to Denver.The 25-year-old passer has control over his next destination due to a no-trade clause in his contract.Texans chairman Cal McNair reiterated his desire to retain Watson on Friday."There is a lot of misinformation out there, I’ll leave it at that," McNair said, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. "Deshaun is our quarterback, he is a Texan, and we expect him to remain a Texan, and we’ll leave that.”Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Houston Texans are releasing star pass-rusher J.J. Watt following his request.Watt approached the organization and both sides agreed to mutually part ways.

Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey and Los Angeles Chargers center Mike Pouncey are retiring from the NFL.The twin brothers made their announcement through Maurkice's former teammate and ex-Steelers guard Ramon Foster.Both brothers spent over a decade in the league and combined for 13 Pro Bowls. Maurkice was Pittsburgh's first-round pick (No. 18 overall) in 2010, while Mike was selected 15th overall by the Miami Dolphins in 2011.The duo attended Florida, winning a national championship in 2009 while being selected as All-Americans.Maurkice was set to enter the final year of his contract with the Steelers. He started 13 games in 2020 and only missed more than three contests once in his career.Mike was scheduled to hit free agency after battling injuries this past season in Los Angeles. The Chargers placed him on injured reserve after he underwent hip surgery in September.In addition to his nine Pro Bowls, Maurkice was also a three-time All-Pro selection and was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Before they depart Detroit for Los Angeles, Matthew Stafford and his wife, Kelly, have pledged $1 million to build a new education center in Detroit, according to Slone Terranella of the Detroit Free Press.Stafford spent the first 12 years of his career with the Lions, but Detroit agreed to trade the quarterback to the Rams in a deal that will become official when the new league year begins in March.Kelly Stafford announced the plans to build the education center in a thank-you post on her Instagram page.

The NFL released its full mic'd up footage of Super Bowl LV on Thursday, but notably absent is the exchange between Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady and Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu, despite Mathieu being wired for audio.NFL Films won't share what was said between the two competitors and doesn't typically release such audio, a source told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.Brady and Mathieu were seen jawing at each other on multiple occasions throughout the game. The Chiefs safety drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after one exchange and said after the Super Bowl loss that Brady called him "something I won't repeat."NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin - who works as an analyst for both NFL Network and Showtime's "Inside the NFL" - said he heard the audio, and Brady did not use any racial epithets."I didn't like that Tyrann Mathieu put that out like that. ... Because, I go, come on now. It makes it sound as if - it makes people want to know, 'What'd he say?'" Irvin said Tuesday on "The Rich Eisen Show," according to TMZ Sports."As if he said the n-word. And he did not. Tom did not. So, you know, I didn't like that even looming over this situation."Brady reportedly reached out to Mathieu and apologized via text after the Super Bowl.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Las Vegas Raiders will release wide receiver Tyrell Williams before the new league year, a source told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.Between base salary and an offseason workout bonus, the move will clear $11.6 million off the Raiders' salary cap for 2021.Williams missed the 2020 season after suffering a torn labrum in the summer. The wideout notched 42 receptions for 651 yards and six touchdowns the previous year.The Oregon native spent his first four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers before moving to the rival Raiders on a four-year deal worth $44.4 million in 2019. Williams, who turns 29 on Friday, had a 1,000-yard campaign with the Chargers in 2016.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Now that the curtain's officially closed on the 2020 NFL campaign, we can dig into next season's win totals. They've yet to be released, but it never hurts to get a head start.A lot will happen from now until Week 1 - the draft, free agency, scheduling, a quarterback carousel, and more - but here are three intriguing teams to keep tabs on once the numbers drop.Go bullish on the BucsThe Buccaneers are the reigning Super Bowl champions and led by Tom Brady. Those two factors alone will trigger the public to bet them.Digging a little deeper, Tampa could do a lot more damage on the heels of an 11-5 regular-season record.Here are the Buccaneers' 2021 opponents:HomeAwayFalconsFalconsPanthersPanthersSaintsSaintsCowboysRamsGiantsPatriotsBillsEaglesBearsJetsDolphinsWashingtonTalk about a seemingly perfect draw.The Buccaneers get two more games at home, draw both the AFC and NFC East - which went a combined for 55-72-1 in 2020 - play only five teams who made the postseason this past year, and travel only once outside the Eastern time zone.Over bettors might want to pounce right away on the win total - but beware of betting the Bucs to repeat as Super Bowl champions.The Chargers are positive regression candidates ... againThis is going to shock you, but the Chargers underwhelmed in 2020.Coming into this past season, the Chargers had underachieved in four of their previous five seasons. They were deserving of roughly two more wins in three of those campaigns, which is a whole new level of yikes.YearWinsExpected WinsDifference201957.8+2.820181210.6-1.420179.710.5+0.8201657.7+2.7201545.9+1.9So what did the Bolts do in 2020? They accidentally found a way to start rookie quarterback Justin Herbert, and all he did was rank top-10 in passer rating and average more than 300 passing yards through his first seven outings. Naturally, L.A. went 1-6 over that span, a far cry from its expected 4.8 wins. Overall the Chargers went 7-9, suffering five losses by five points or fewer.That's been the name of the game for L.A., which should be a "sleeper" once again. Herbert looks like a budding star, there's still talent littered throughout the roster, and gone is head coach Anthony Lynn who's become synonymous with one-score losses and questionable coaching decisions.I'd say the Chargers have all the ammo to surpass their win total, but, of course, we've heard that before.Buy low on the 49ersWhat a wild ride it's been for the 49ers over the last three years: 4-12 to 13-3 to 6-10. After winning the NFC in 2019, San Francisco finished last in the division, falling well short of its win total of 10.5. But was it more than just a Super Bowl hangover?The 49ers were the only NFL team to lose more than 300 man-games to injury last season. They went 1-3 in contests decided by four points or fewer and should have won 7.6 games based on point differential. Estimated wins - which account for DVOA and emphasize important, specific situations - projected the club for a whopping 8.7 victories; those 2.7 added wins were the most of any team.San Francisco finished the season No. 11 in overall DVOA - better than the Browns, Dolphins, Cardinals, Titans, and Washington. The 49ers could once again see another drastic change in fortunes next season.Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady will undergo minor surgery to "clean up" his knee, head coach Bruce Arians announced Thursday, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.The 43-year-old - who was seen wearing a brace on his left knee during the Bucs' Super Bowl boat parade Wednesday - played through discomfort for most of the season, a source told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The signal-caller didn't miss a game or a practice all year.Brady is coming off his seventh Super Bowl win, which culminated the veteran's first season in Tampa Bay after joining the Bucs as a free agent from the New England Patriots.The future Hall of Famer is signed for one more season with the Buccaneers, and the passer suggested prior to the win over the Kansas City Chiefs that he's open to playing beyond his long-stated goal of age 45.Arians also said he "wouldn't be surprised" if Brady signs an extension with the NFC South club beyond 2021.Brady threw the second-most regular-season touchdown passes of his career in 2020, tossing 40 before racking up another 10 during Tampa Bay's four-game title run.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Teams continue to call the Seattle Seahawks about the availability of quarterback Russell Wilson after he publicly voiced frustration with management, reports NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.Seattle reportedly gave no indication it would consider moving Wilson, who has three years remaining on his contract.Wilson hinted at dissatisfaction with the team on Tuesday, telling "The Dan Patrick Show" he wants to be more involved in personnel decisions. He added that he believes Seattle has received trade inquiries about him, and that his availability is "a Seahawks question."The veteran also said he's grown irritated with the number of hits he's taken behind a shaky offensive line over the last several years.Rumblings of a disconnect between Wilson and the Seahawks have picked up recently, and former teammate Brandon Marshall suggested the relationship may be unsustainable.

Shaquil Barrett has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but it doesn't sound like a deal will come cheap.Barrett is looking for a lengthy deal as a free agent this offseason."I'm most definitely looking forward to getting a long-term deal done," Barrett said to Adam Schein on SiriusXM's "Mad Dog Sports Radio," according to NFL.com's Kevin Patra.He added: "I feel like it's time for me to break the bank now, and I most definitely want to do that to be able to set my family up better and most definitely going to keep producing, so it's not like anything is going to fall off."Barrett has recorded 27.5 sacks since joining the Bucs two seasons ago. He pitched in four sacks during the team's playoff run that culminated in a Super Bowl victory.But the pass-rusher thinks his best is still to come."I still think I got a lot left in the tank. I'm still getting better, actually," he said.Barrett won't be the only player the Bucs are focused on, as Lavonte David, Chris Godwin, and Leonard Fournette are also due to hit free agency.The 28-year-old declared during the team's Super Bowl parade Wednesday that he's staying with the team and hopes the two sides can come to an agreement in the near future."I want to be here. I think we got a great team here, a great organization here. So we will definitely go on just to see how it works out and shakes up. But, I'm looking forward to trying to get something done here," Barrett said.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's been almost two decades since Tom Brady led the Patriots to back-to-back Super Bowl titles in 2004-05. Some bettors are wondering if he can do it again following the Buccaneers' Super Bowl victory a week ago.The odds are stacked heavily against a repeat. With this year's loss to Tampa Bay, the Chiefs became the 16th consecutive team to win the Super Bowl and fail to repeat the following season. They're one of just three clubs to even reach the title game again in that span, with five other teams missing the playoffs entirely.Here's every defending champion since 2005 and how each team has fared the following year. (Betting data from Pro Football Reference)Team (Season)SB OddsWin totoalRecordResultChiefs (2020)+45011.514-2Lost in Super BowlPatriots (2019)+40011.512-4Lost in Wild Card RoundEagles (2018)+140010.59-7Lost in Divisional RoundPatriots (2017)+27512.513-3Lost in Super BowlBroncos (2016)+25009.59-7Missed playoffsPatriots (2015)+80010.512-4Lost in AFC ChampionshipSeahawks (2014)+4501112-4Lost in Super BowlRavens (2013)+25008.58-8Missed playoffsGiants (2012)+180099-7Missed playoffsPackers (2011)+65011.515-1Lost in Divisional RoundSaints (2010)+100010.511-5Lost in Wild Card RoundSteelers (2009)+100010.59-7Missed playoffsGiants (2008)+20008.512-4Lost in Divisional RoundColts (2007)+80010.513-3Lost in Divisional RoundSteelers (2006)+120010.58-8Missed playoffsPatriots (2005)+5001110-6Lost in Divisional RoundThe regular season has actually been kind to defending champions. Since 2005, the reigning titleholders have averaged 11 victories with a 9-6-1 record to the over on each squad's win total. Every team finished at least .500, with half of the clubs boasting 12-plus wins during a repeat bid.The postseason, however, has reeked of disappointment. Despite being favored in 16 of 20 playoff games, those teams combined for a 9-11 record straight up and a 7-13 mark against the spread. That includes some spectacular letdowns. Remember the Saints losing to the 7-9 Seahawks in 2010? Or the Giants blowing out the 15-win Packers in 2011?In those 16 years, the amount of defending champs that have missed the playoffs (five) is nearly even with the number of postseason wins from the group (six), and four of the latter clubs triumphed following a bye week. A week off is harder to earn now with each conference only awarding a bye to the top seed.Brady's teams have averaged 11.7 wins as the defending champions while reaching the big game again twice, with six playoff victories over those six campaigns, including three during that 2004-05 run. If he can repeat with the Buccaneers (+800), Brady would once again be defying the odds in a way only he seemingly can.C Jackson Cowart is a betting writer for theScore. He's an award-winning journalist with stops at The Charlotte Observer, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The Times Herald-Record, and BetChicago. He's also a proud graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, and his love of sweet tea is rivaled only by that of a juicy prop bet. Find him on Twitter @CJacksonCowart.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford says an opportunity to win a championship was the driving force behind the trade to the Los Angeles Rams."I've always wanted to play in those big games, I feel like I will excel in those situations," he said, according to Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press. "I wanted to shoot my shot."The 33-year-old holds multiple franchise records with the Lions, but an opportunity at a Super Bowl has eluded him throughout his career. The Lions have made the postseason just three times with Stafford but didn't win a single playoff game.Stafford added he never thought he would finish his career outside of Detroit but also said he would only stall the Lions' current rebuild if he stayed with the organization."In my mind, I felt like I was going to be able to help us go win six, seven, eight games, because I wasn't gonna let us lose more than that, you know? But I probably wasn't good enough (by myself) to help us win more than that. And maybe we don't ever get those top picks that we needed," he said."Frankly, didn't feel like I was the appropriate person to oversee that time."While leaving the Lions looked all but certain after he submitted a trade request following the 2020 season, Stafford wasn't expecting to end up with the Rams. The veteran initially thought the Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers, or Washington Football Team would acquire him."I just didn't know how (the Rams) would ever be able to," Stafford said. "You know, I'm not a salary cap guru. It kind of got to a point where I'm like, OK, I can't sit there and go crazy. I just tried to let it happen. And L.A. aggressively jumped into it."The new Rams passer is "excited" about the potential of his new destination but added he's going to miss the organization that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2009."The way that they handled it, I think it's worked out for everybody, and I think it will in the future. I cannot express how much gratitude I feel towards the Lions for handling it the way they did."Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid, the son of head coach Andy Reid, is no longer employed with the team as his contract has expired, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The Chiefs announced Monday that Reid had been placed on administrative leave amid an investigation into a three-car crash that left two young children injured, one critically.Schefter clarified the outside linebackers coach was placed on leave through the duration of his contract, which is now expired.Reid told Kansas City police he had two to three drinks and also took prescription Adderall, according to a police officer statement ESPN's Adam Teicher obtained.Police have said they are investigating whether the 35-year-old was impaired before the crash.The NFL is also reviewing the incident under its personal conduct policy, the league said Tuesday, according to Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith.Reid did not travel to Tampa, Florida, for Super Bowl LV and did not coach in the Chiefs' loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Football Team agreed to a two-year extension with quarterback Taylor Heinicke, the club announced Wednesday. The deal is worth $8.75 million and includes incentives based on the number of games started, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.His contract extension gives Washington some security under center. Alex Smith, who led all QBs on the team in games played, has an uncertain future, while Kyle Allen isn't under contract for 2021. Head coach Ron Rivera also noted earlier in February that Washington will look at all its options to improve its quarterback situation.Heinicke joined Washington late in the 2020 season but performed admirably when called upon. The 27-year-old started the club's wild-card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and threw for 306 yards and a touchdown. He also added a rushing touchdown in the contest.The Washington signal-caller was just the fifth undrafted quarterback to ever record a passing and rushing touchdown in a playoff game, joining Jeff Garcia, Kurt Warner, Dave Krieg, and Steve Young (taken in supplemental draft).Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Denver Broncos are releasing cornerback A.J. Bouye one year after acquiring him from the Jacksonville Jaguars, a source told Mike Klis of 9News.Bouye played in only seven contests for the Broncos, missing time early in the 2020 season with a shoulder injury before suffering a concussion and then drawing a six-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. Bouye still has two games left on his ban.Denver landed Bouye for a fourth-round pick last March, hoping he would regain the Pro Bowl form he displayed in previous years with the Jaguars. He struggled as the Broncos' No. 1 cornerback, as opposing quarterbacks earned a 102.9 passer rating when targeting him in coverage, per PFF.By cutting him, Denver obtains $13,218,750 in salary cap relief, according to OverTheCap.Bouye, who turns 30 in August, has split his eight-year career between the Houston Texans, Jaguars, and Broncos.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

More changes are underway in Houston as Texans president Jamey Rootes resigned Wednesday."I think the organization is in a great place from a business perspective. We’ve got a great leadership team. I thought the time was right for me to do something different," Rootes said Wednesday, according to John McClain of The Houston Chronicle."I’m young enough to find a new opportunity to create something new."Rootes has been with the Texans for more than 20 years. Houston promoted him to team president in 2005, and he oversaw all business functions during his tenure.The Texans' front office reconstruction is being questioned by many within the organization and around the league, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Houston recently dismissed its director of football administration and equipment manager earlier this month.Rootes didn't meet with new Texans general manager Nick Caserio during the hiring process last month, Sports Illustrated's Jenny Vrentas and Greg Bishop report.Houston has typically included Rootes in head coach and general manager searches in previous years, McClain adds.The Texans are also embroiled in a stand-off with quarterback Deshaun Watson after he reportedly submitted a trade request.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Baltimore Ravens right tackle Orlando Brown Jr. wants to be traded to a team that will deploy him at left tackle, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Brown played the position at Oklahoma and moved back to the blindside in 2020 when All-Pro Ronnie Stanley went down with a season-ending ankle injury in Week 8.A third-round pick in the 2018 draft, Brown made the Pro Bowl as a right tackle in 2019. He earned another nod this past season.Brown drew attention when he tweeted his desire to stick at left tackle after the Ravens were eliminated from the playoffs.

Derek Carr isn't the only Las Vegas Raiders quarterback receiving trade interest.Teams have been calling the Raiders to inquire about backup Marcus Mariota, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Mariota only appeared in one game for the AFC West club in 2020 after Carr was hurt early in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers.The former Tennessee Titans signal-caller impressed during the 30-27 loss, completing 17 of 28 passes for 226 yards and one touchdown against one interception, adding 88 yards and another score on the ground."That performance that he gave at the end of the year really caught a lot of teams' eyes, that maybe he could be the next Ryan Tannehill," Rapoport said.Tannehill - who had an inconsistent start to his career with the Miami Dolphins - has blossomed into a Pro Bowl-level starter in Tennessee after taking over from Mariota.The No. 2 overall pick in 2015, Mariota struggled to establish himself as the Titans' franchise quarterback during five seasons in Tennessee.Mariota is owed a base salary of $10.625 million in 2021, the final year of his contract, per Spotrac. Las Vegas would be off the hook for all of Mariota's $10.75-million cap hit if it traded the backup.The Raiders have reportedly received multiple trade calls for Carr. They'd apparently consider pursuing Deshaun Watson if they could find a deal for their current starter.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Two days after the worst game of his professional career, Patrick Mahomes has opened as the favorite to win the 2021 NFL MVP.The Chiefs quarterback is the +500 front-runner to win the award, which would be the second of his career after he set the league ablaze in his first full season as a starter in 2018. He finished third in MVP voting this year and was briefly the favorite before giving way to Aaron Rodgers (+800), who's priced just behind Mahomes after winning his third MVP trophy late last week.Is either worth the short price? Mahomes is scheduled to undergo surgery Wednesday to repair a torn plantar plate in his foot, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. His lack of mobility clearly hindered Mahomes late in the year, though the Chiefs' offensive line is an even bigger concern heading into 2021.As for Rodgers, the future Hall of Fame quarterback could be headed for an acrimonious split with the Packers, either this offseason or the next. He turned that fuel into fire in 2020, but expecting a similar showing in 2021 might be too much to ask from the 37-year-old.Here are the odds to win the 2021 NFL MVP (shorter than 100-1) with a few of our favorite early values:PLAYERODDSPatrick Mahomes+500Aaron Rodgers+800Josh Allen+1300Russell Wilson+1300Matthew Stafford+1500Tom Brady+1600Lamar Jackson+1600Dak Prescott+1700Deshaun Watson+1700Justin Herbert+1800Kyler Murray+1800Ryan Tannehill+2500Derrick Henry+3300Christian McCaffrey+3300Baker Mayfield+4000Carson Wentz+4000Jameis Winston+4000Joe Burrow+5000Kirk Cousins+5000Tua Tagovailoa+5000Dalvin Cook+6600Cam Newton+6600Derek Carr+8000Sam Darnold+8000Alvin Kamara+8000Trevor Lawrence+8000Drew Lock+8000Matthew Stafford, QB, Rams (+1500)As I wrote in my early Super Bowl odds piece Monday, I can already tell that I'm going to be a Rams truther this year. That starts with Stafford, who's posted elite numbers with elite traits for years but has been trapped in the vortex that is Detroit Lions football.What happens when you pair a premier arm with a brilliant mind like Sean McVay? We've seen it result in MVP campaigns with Matt Ryan and Kyle Shanahan, Rodgers and Matt LaFleur, as well as Tom Brady and Josh McDaniels. Even McVay had Jared Goff drawing MVP attention in 2018 before the quarterback regressed to his true self in recent years.Goff has been in the top 10 in attempts during each of the past three years, including when he led the league (626) in 2019, so the volume will be there for Stafford to produce an MVP campaign. Maybe the experiment blows up in Los Angeles. But at 15-1 odds, I like my chances on Stafford posting the Hall of Fame-caliber season we've been waiting on for his entire career.Deshaun Watson, QB, Texans (+1700)The value of this ticket could skyrocket depending on where Watson lands. If he's shipped to the 49ers and gets to play in Kyle Shanahan's offense? Watch out. What if the Panthers make a play, and Watson sets records in Joe Brady's high-volume attack?Yes, this price could lengthen if he goes to, say, the Jets. But that's a risk I'm willing to take with oddsmakers pricing Watson like a fringe top-10 option. Even on a Texans roster devoid of playmakers, Watson led the league in passing yards (4,823) despite ranking 10th in attempts (544), and he posted an admirable 33-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio.Watson will put up numbers wherever he plays - assuming he plays at all. Again, there's risk abound, but betting on MVP is about upside swings in a winner-take-all market. I'll happily ride Watson at this price, warts and all.Ryan Tannehill, QB, Titans (+2500)Tannehill is finally getting some love in the MVP market after opening at 100-1 a year ago, only to see his price tighten to around this range late in the season.He finished tied for sixth among quarterbacks in PFF's offensive grades in 2020 after claiming the top spot in 2019. PFF's top-graded quarterback has won MVP in four of the last eight years, and every MVP since 2013 has finished ranked within the top five.Tannehill deserves it - he has one of the NFL's elite arms and he's flanked by two of the league's best players in A.J. Brown and Derrick Henry. If the Titans can produce a Bills-like run during the regular season, Tannehill will get his due credit.C Jackson Cowart is a betting writer for theScore. He's an award-winning journalist with stops at The Charlotte Observer, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The Times Herald-Record, and BetChicago. He's also a proud graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, and his love of sweet tea is rivaled only by that of a juicy prop bet. Find him on Twitter @CJacksonCowart.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Russell Wilson reiterated his desire to play for the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday but admitted the NFL can be a business ripe with unknowns.Appearing on "The Dan Patrick Show," the star quarterback said he believes other teams have spoken to Seattle about trading for him."Yeah, I definitely believe (the Seahawks have) gotten calls for sure," Wilson said. "I think any time you're a player that tries to produce every week and has done it consistently, I think people are going to call for sure and I think that's part of the process."When asked whether he was available via trade, the eight-time Pro Bowler replied, "I'm not sure if I'm available or not, that's a Seahawks question."Despite the cryptic response, Wilson later added, "Hopefully I'll play in Seattle forever," according to Andrew Perloff.Wilson has been vocal about the Seahawks' struggles following their playoff exit. He was adamant on being involved in the club's hiring of its next offensive coordinator, and reiterated Tuesday that he wanted to play a larger role in the franchise's decision-making process."For me, personally, I want to be able to be involved," Wilson said. "Because, at the end of the day, it's your legacy. ... I think that relationship's really key and that dialogue - especially being a veteran player - that dialogue is really important.""It helps to be involved more," he added. "But I think that dialogue (in Seattle) should happen more often."Rumors surfaced Monday that a couple of teams called the Seahawks to inquire about the veteran passer, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported there's no chance that he's dealt.The 32-year-old has a no-trade clause on his current contract.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes will undergo surgery Wednesday to repair a torn plantar plate, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The quarterback reportedly faces several months of rehab but is expected to make a full recovery.The signal-caller had been playing through the injury, commonly known as turf toe, since the divisional round against the Cleveland Browns on Jan. 17, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com.Mahomes was still injured for the Chiefs' 31-9 Super Bowl LV loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. He threw for 270 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions in the championship game. It was the first contest where Kansas City hadn't registered a touchdown and failed to reach double-digit points with Mahomes under center.The pivot downplayed the injury's severity after the Super Bowl."I can't say the toe was a problem when I played two weeks ago (in the AFC Championship Game), and I played well on it," Mahomes said after Sunday's loss, per ESPN’s Adam Teicher. "Anytime you play football, you have to battle through injuries."The 25-year-old took plenty of punishment during Kansas City’s postseason run. He couldn't finish the team’s divisional-round matchup after being placed in concussion protocol. However, the injury didn't appear to be a factor in the Chiefs' conference championship win over the Buffalo Bills on Jan. 24, with Mahomes throwing for 325 yards and three touchdowns.He ended his fourth NFL campaign racking up 4,740 passing yards and 38 touchdowns against six interceptions, with a 66% pass completion rate.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Life is full of lessons. So, too, is each NFL season. These are the biggest ones we learned from the 2020 campaign:Young QBs deserve time Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyEver since the Arizona Cardinals dumped Josh Rosen one season into his career for Kyler Murray, first-round rookie quarterbacks have faced immense pressure to succeed immediately. But if Josh Allen taught us anything in 2020, it's that sometimes all a young player needs - especially a quarterback - is time.Allen was a statistical nightmare in his first two seasons. He completed less than 53% of his passes and threw more interceptions than touchdowns as a rookie in 2018. Despite his improvement the next season, his completion percentage remained under 60, his deep-ball accuracy was a mess, and his decision-making under pressure resembled that of a student playing quarterback during recess. His supporting cast was far from perfect, but there were legitimate concerns that Allen would never become a franchise quarterback.Thanks to the benefit of time, though, Allen blossomed into an MVP candidate in 2020. He was undeniably great in his third year - against four-man fronts, against the blitz, inside the pocket, outside the pocket, in the fourth quarter, and on third down. Still a gunslinger at heart, Allen occasionally displayed some of the reckless abandon he became known for during his first two seasons, but he managed to harness it perfectly.Allen is the most pronounced example of a young quarterback who needed time to develop, but he's far from the only one. Jared Goff, Baker Mayfield, and Lamar Jackson all developed into quality starters and led their teams to the playoffs after worrisome trends early in their careers. Ryan Tannehill was a bust with the Miami Dolphins but is now coming off two sparkling seasons with the Tennessee Titans. Heck, even Tom Brady had to learn how to crawl before he could walk.This isn't to say that every young quarterback who looks lost early will eventually turn the corner. We can confidently posture that Rosen, Mitchell Trubisky, and Blake Bortles are among the former prodigies who will never sniff the stardom clubs once thought awaited them.But young players, especially quarterbacks, shouldn't be written off after one year. Remember this as rumors swirl around Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins over the coming weeks, or when any of the quarterbacks in the 2021 rookie class stumble next season.Trade your 1st-round pick Wesley Hitt / Getty Images Sport / GettyThough free agency often leads to buyer's remorse because teams get stuck overpaying for middling players, trades involving bona fide stars rarely come back to burn the acquiring clubs. In fact, all three players who were dealt in 2020 for a first-round pick - Stefon Diggs, DeForest Buckner, and Jamal Adams - made the Pro Bowl in their debuts with new organizations.Over the last three years, 11 players have been moved for at least one first-rounder (excluding Cordy Glenn, who was involved in a swap of first-round selections). Sure, not all 11 have been home runs, but none can be classified as strikeouts:2018PlayerKey StatWR Brandin Cooks1787 yards in 30 games for RamsLB Khalil Mack*30 sacks in 46 games for BearsWR Amari Cooper*3028 yards in 41 games for Cowboys2019PlayerKey StatWR Odell Beckham Jr.1354 yards in 23 games for BrownsDE Frank Clark14 sacks in 29 games for ChiefsLT Laremy Tunsil*5 sacks allowed in 28 games for TexansS Minkah Fitzpatrick*9 INTs in 30 games for SteelersCB Jalen Ramsey*645 yards allowed in 24 games for Rams2020PlayerKey StatWR Stefon Diggs*1535 yards in 16 games for BillsDT DeForest Buckner*9.5 sacks in 15 games for ColtsS Jamal Adams*9.5 sacks in 12 games for Seahawks*Made Pro Bowl with new teamOf the three players not to make a Pro Bowl with their new squad, Cooks had a 1,200-yard season and helped the Los Angeles Rams get to a Super Bowl, Beckham had a 1,000-yard campaign with the Cleveland Browns, and Clark helped the Kansas City Chiefs win a Super Bowl.Whether teams should trade multiple first-round picks for non-quarterbacks - especially given the financial implications that such deals often come with - is certainly debatable. It's also fair to philosophically oppose trading seven consecutive first-round picks like the Rams have done. But given the hit-or-miss nature of the draft, parting with a top selection once in a while is worth the boost a team gets from the player coming back.West coast, best coast - for offense Jamie Squire / Getty Images Sport / GettyOver the last six years, the Super Bowl has been filled with modernized versions of the west coast offense - the system Bill Walsh made famous with the San Francisco 49ers in the 1980s.At its core, the west coast scheme emphasizes high-percentage throws, asking quarterbacks to get rid of the ball quickly and receivers to pick up yards after the catch. The system has evolved over time, as each coaching disciple has put their own spin on it. Andy Reid utilizes spread formations to stretch the defense, while Sean McVay is keen on bootlegs because they misdirect the defense and help receivers create separation quickly. No matter the coach, though, the basis of the system is rooted in efficiency.Super Bowl play-callers since 2015Super BowlAFCNFC50Gary Kubiak (Broncos) ✅Mike Shula (Panthers) ❌LIJosh McDaniels (Patriots) ❌Kyle Shanahan (Falcons) ✅LIIJosh McDaniels (Patriots) ❌Doug Pederson (Eagles) ✅LIIIJosh McDaniels (Patriots) ❌Sean McVay (Rams) ✅LIVAndy Reid (Chiefs) ✅Kyle Shanahan (49ers) ✅LVAndy Reid (Chiefs) ✅Byron Leftwich (Buccaneers) ❌✅ = West coast offenseThe Carolina Panthers are the only team since 2015 to reach the championship round without either the west coast system or Brady, who showed this season he can make any scheme work with relative ease. And even Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers peaked late in the season when they integrated more crossing routes - a staple of the west coast offense - into Bruce Arians' vertical system. During their Super Bowl LV clinic, the Buccaneers ditched the downfield attack entirely, relying on a quick-passing game that had Brady holding the ball for a season-low average of 2.27 seconds per pass attempt.

Super Bowl LV between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs drew 96.4 million total viewers across all platforms on Sunday, according to Nielsen ratings.Viewership for the game, which aired on CBS, was down from last year's Super Bowl and represented the lowest since 2007 (93.1 million), when the Indianapolis Colts defeated the Chicago Bears.Despite the lower television ratings, CBS said Super Bowl LV drew an average minute audience of 5.7 million viewers on streaming platforms, the highest ever for an NFL contest.It marks the second time in three years the game failed to eclipse 100 million viewers. Super Bowl XLIX between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks remains the most-watched installment at 114 million.Viewership was expected to be lower for the championship tilt this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic despite an intriguing quarterback matchup between Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes.The game was also more one-sided than expected, with the Bucs earning a dominant 31-9 win. Data showed that the matchup itself impacted viewership, as senior vice president of Octagon's global media rights Dan Cohen told CNBC that the audience likely peaked when Tampa Bay held a 7-3 lead.Last year's Super Bowl drew a total audience of 102 million across Fox and all of its platforms.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman is entering the twilight of his likely Hall of Fame career.The pending unrestricted free agent, who'll turn 33 in March, said Monday he intends to play only until he's 35 years old."I only want to play two more (seasons)," Sherman told Stephen A. Smith, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. "I want to get on a competitive team. I think I still have a lot to give to the game."I think I still have a lot that I want to accomplish and I think I can go out there and help a defense come together like it should and reach their potential, reach the heights that the defenses that I've played on have reached."Sherman still expects to leave the 49ers after saying in December it would take a "miracle" to return due to the NFC West club's other in-house free agents and lack of cap space.The Las Vegas Raiders appear to be one of the teams most interested in the former Seattle Seahawks star. Head coach Jon Gruden told Sherman last week he's "looking for an alpha presence in our secondary" during an appearance on the podcast the cornerback co-hosts with Cris Collinsworth.Gruden's comments were regarded by some as potential tampering. Sherman defended the Raiders head coach, saying it was just "good entertainment."Sherman earned his fifth Pro Bowl nod and second-team All-Pro nomination in 2019 after joining the 49ers as a free agent the year prior. But the veteran appeared in just five games this season due to a calf injury.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jerry Rice has long been regarded as the best player to ever step onto an NFL field.But after Tom Brady won his seventh career Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, the Hall of Fame wide receiver won't argue if people want to hand his crown to the star quarterback."I don't have seven Super Bowl rings, but I think I played in an era when football was more of a contact sport," Rice said Monday on "The Morning Roast," according to Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith. "You're seeing a lot of that now - players are protected."When you have seven rings, you're doing something right. I think with Brady, he still wants to play. He said something about playing until he's 45. I think he can do it now in this league because players are so much more protected. So, yeah, he can have that GOAT status. I never wanted that status anyhow."Rice won three Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers and was named MVP of Super Bowl XXIII. He was also named Offensive Player of the Year twice and was either a first- or second-team All-Pro in 12 of his 20 seasons.The wideout's statistical career dominance at his position bolsters the argument for him being the greatest NFL player of all time.Rice's 22,895 receiving yards and 1,549 catches are 5,403 and 117, respectively, ahead of second-placed Larry Fitzgerald. The former 49ers star's 198 touchdown grabs are also 41 more than Randy Moss.While Brady's seven Super Bowl titles dwarf the championship achievements of every other quarterback, his career statistics and awards don't stand apart from his compatriots the way Rice's do.Brady's 79,204 passing yards are second all-time to Drew Brees' 80,358, and the 43-year-old is just 10 passing touchdowns ahead of the New Orleans Saints signal-caller with 581. Meanwhile, Brady's three MVP awards and three first-team All-Pro nods trail Peyton Manning's five MVPs and seven first-team All-Pro nominations.But with the Bucs field general suggesting before Super Bowl LV that he could play beyond his long-stated goal of age 45 - and Brees seemingly heading for retirement - Brady could still further cement his case as the GOAT.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With the 2020 campaign officially concluded, it's the ideal time to look ahead to one of the most exciting days on the NFL calendar.Below, theScore's Mike Alessandrini, Dane Belbeck, and Dan Wilkins project how the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft could shake out.1. Jacksonville Jaguars - Trevor Lawrence, QB, ClemsonLawrence has been atop 2021 draft projections since early in his Clemson career, and he didn't do anything over the past few years to change that. Getting the No. 1 pick in this draft is a franchise-changing opportunity for the Jaguars. - Wilkins2. New York Jets - Zach Wilson, QB, BYU Tim Warner / Getty Images Sport / GettyIf the Jets don't trade for Deshaun Watson, they'll target the second-best quarterback come April. Whether that's Wilson or Justin Fields isn't locked in right now, though the BYU product offers more upside, and he profiles as a better fit for new head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. - Alessandrini3. Miami Dolphins (from HOUSTON) - Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSUThe possibility of DeVonta Smith being reunited with his college teammate Tua Tagovailoa in Miami is getting the headlines, but here the Dolphins select the explosive Chase at No. 3 instead. The LSU star sat out the 2020 season after winning the Biletnikoff Award as college football's best receiver in 2019. He'd instantly provide a much-needed jolt to Miami's passing attack. - Belbeck4. Atlanta Falcons - Justin Fields, QB, Ohio StateIt doesn't seem like Matt Ryan is going anywhere yet, but the Falcons still need to capitalize on the rare opportunity to draft a top quarterback. Fields could be developed slowly behind the veteran passer before leading this organization into the future. - Wilkins5. Cincinnati Bengals - Penei Sewell, OT, OregonWith Chase off the board, Cincinnati can look to upgrade an offensive line that once again underperformed in 2020. The Bengals drafted Jonah Williams two years ago, but Sewell is too talented to pass on in 2021. One of the two can move to the right side for the upcoming campaign. - Alessandrini6. Philadelphia Eagles - Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama Collegiate Images / Collegiate Images / GettyThe Eagles haven't selected a cornerback in the first round since 2002, and that streak ends with Surtain out of Alabama. The son of a former NFL All-Pro, Surtain is a rock-solid prospect who should immediately shore up a secondary that allowed the league's fifth-highest opposing passer rating in 2020. - Belbeck7. Detroit Lions - Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota StateThe Lions getting additional draft capital in the Matthew Stafford deal to take on Jared Goff tells us everything we need to know about the latter's status in Detroit. The former Rams signal-caller will be given a chance to prove himself, but that shouldn't (and likely won't) stop the Lions from hedging their bet and bringing in another young quarterback to compete. - Wilkins8. Carolina Panthers - Kyle Pitts, TE, FloridaOne of the premier offensive prospects in this class regardless of position, Pitts would be an exciting addition to Joe Brady's offense in Carolina. Tight ends aren't often top-10 picks, but the former Gator possesses all the tools to be an early-round selection after a productive collegiate career. Pitts fills a major need for the Panthers, too. - Alessandrini9. Denver Broncos - Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia TechThe Broncos desperately need cornerback help, and Farley fits the bill perfectly. Vic Fangio loves tall, rangy players at the position, and the 6-foot-2, 207-pounder will slide right in to Denver's secondary. His toughness will be a major asset for a Broncos team that faces Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Derek Carr twice each year. - Belbeck10. Dallas Cowboys - Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami Mark Brown / Getty ImagesThe Cowboys need help throughout a defense that finished bottom-five in points allowed this past season. Rousseau is a versatile pass-rusher who could line up opposite DeMarcus Lawrence - and even get interior reps in sub packages - while significantly upgrading Dallas' front four. - Wilkins11. New York Giants - DeVonta Smith, WR, AlabamaReceiver won't be pegged as New York's biggest need this offseason, but Dave Gettleman and Co. would be hard-pressed to pass on a player with Smith's pedigree. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner could easily become a top-10 selection, which means this is an excellent value pick. - Alessandrini12. San Francisco 49ers - Rashawn Slater, OT, NorthwesternIf Trent Williams doesn't return to San Francisco next season, Slater would be an excellent fit on the 49ers' offensive line. Kyle Shanahan would love the Northwestern product's versatility, as Slater is adept at playing either tackle or guard. - Belbeck13. Los Angeles Chargers - Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USCIt feels like we say this every year, but the Chargers' roster actually features more talent than you think - especially with the quarterback position now settled. Addressing the offensive line with a pro-ready prospect like Vera-Tucker could go a long way toward expediting the club's rebuilding process. - Wilkins14. Minnesota Vikings - Kwity Paye, Edge, Michigan Joe Robbins / Getty Images Sport / GettyAlthough they were missing Danielle Hunter this past season, the Vikings' pass-rush could use a major boost after mustering just 23 sacks. Armed with size, strength, and athleticism, Paye's upside is likely the greatest among edge defenders in his class. - Alessandrini15. New England Patriots - Jaylen Waddle, WR, AlabamaThe Patriots' passing attack was borderline unwatchable after Tom Brady departed for Tampa Bay. Waddle will add game-breaking ability and become a major weapon for whoever is the team's passer next season. - Belbeck16. Arizona Cardinals - Christian Barmore, DL, AlabamaWith Larry Fitzgerald possibly retiring, receiver would be tempting here. But a defensive lineman remains a far greater need for the Cardinals. Barmore is the latest top-tier lineman to come out of Alabama, and he'd give Arizona a potential every-down contributor up front. - Wilkins17. Las Vegas Raiders - Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia TechKolton Miller and Trent Brown are currently penciled in as the Raiders' starting offensive tackles, but the latter could be cut this offseason to save $14 million against the cap. Brown has missed 16 games over the last two years, and Darrisaw would be a cheaper and more reliable right tackle. - Alessandrini18. Miami Dolphins - Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyAfter adding Chase at No. 3, Miami can stockpile offensive weapons and call Etienne's name. The Clemson star is one of the most productive collegiate running backs of all time, and his breakaway speed and big-play ability will instantly make him a fan favorite in south Florida. - Belbeck19. Washington - Rashod Bateman, WR, MinnesotaBateman isn't generating as much hype as some of the other top pass-catchers in this draft, but he's very much in that conversation. Adding him opposite Terry McLaurin would put Washington's new quarterback - whoever that ends up being - in a position to succeed. - Wilkins20. Chicago Bears - Mac Jones, QB, AlabamaChicago is involved in the Carson Wentz sweepstakes. If the Bears don't land the disgruntled Eagles quarterback, they could select a passer in the first round. Jones' stock is rising, and he might become a first-round pick after the four other top quarterbacks are off the board. - Alessandrini21. Indianapolis Colts - Jalen Mayfield, OT, MichiganThe Colts need a tackle following Anthony Castonzo's retirement. Enter Mayfield from Michigan, a multi-faceted offensive lineman who can play either tackle or guard. - Belbeck22. Tennessee Titans - Jaelan Phillips, Edge, MiamiTennessee's efforts to upgrade its pass rush last offseason didn't work out, with Jadeveon Clowney and Vic Beasley both flopping after being major signings. The position remains a major area of need heading into this offseason, and Phillips would step in as another athletic edge rusher alongside Harold Landry. - Wilkins23. New York Jets (from SEA) - Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyParsons is widely viewed as one of the top overall prospects in this year's class, but he could slide down the board due to character and off-field concerns. The Penn State product still looks like a first-rounder, so the Jets could end up with a steal here. - Alessandrini24. Pittsburgh Steelers - Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma StateIf the Steelers are really rolling with Big Ben for another season, keeping the aging, statuesque quarterback upright is a must. Jenkins would add desperately needed youth to Pittsburgh's offensive line. He'd also become the third Oklahoma State player on the Steelers' roster. - Belbeck25. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR) - Trevon Moehrig, S, TCUAfter taking care of the quarterback spot with the No. 1 pick, there are still plenty of needs for the Jaguars to address. Why not select one of the most well-rounded defenders in the draft next? Moehrig could be a foundation piece on the back end as Jacksonville looks to rebuild its defense. - Wilkins26. Cleveland Browns - Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre DameOwusu-Koramoah enjoyed a breakout 2020 campaign while emerging as one of college football's elite linebackers. His instincts, quick-twitch athleticism, and versatility could land him inside the top 20, so the Browns filling arguably their greatest need with the former Fighting Irish star is a match made in heaven. - Alessandrini27. Baltimore Ravens - Azeez Ojulari, Edge, Georgia Todd Kirkland / Getty Images Sport / GettyThis pick seems almost too perfect for the Ravens. Ojulari showed flashes of top-10 talent, but he's a little undersized and needs more consistency. Plugging his skill into Baltimore's system could pay off significantly. - Belbeck28. New Orleans Saints - Kadarius Toney, WR, FloridaDrew Brees' potential retirement makes quarterback the main focus in New Orleans, but there aren't many desirable options for a contending team this late in the first round. A unique talent like Toney - whose playmaking ability can be used all over the field - might be just what the Saints need to ease the transition with Taysom Hill or Jameis Winston under center. - Wilkins29. Green Bay Packers - Jaycee Horn, CB, South CarolinaThe Packers need to sort out their issues at cornerback beyond Jaire Alexander in 2021. Kevin King is a free agent, though he also performed poorly toward the end of this past season and the playoffs. Regardless of what Green Bay does with King, selecting a player of Horn's caliber at a critical position would be a great move. - Alessandrini30. Buffalo Bills - Levi Onwuzurike, DT, WashingtonThe Bills' roster is pretty solid from top to bottom, allowing them to take the best available talent in this spot. This pick likely comes down to Alabama running back Najee Harris or Onwuzurike. The Washington product gets the nod, and he'll add much-wanted depth to the Bills' defensive line. - Belbeck31. Kansas City Chiefs - Alex Leatherwood, OT, AlabamaWith Eric Fisher likely to miss most of the 2021 campaign due to a torn Achilles, the Chiefs fill an immediate need at the end of Round 1 while also looking to the future. Leatherwood has logged experience at guard, too, so he'd upgrade a position elsewhere if Fisher were to return early. - Alessandrini32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyAfter nailing their pick of Antoine Winfield Jr. in the second round of last year's draft, the Bucs go right back to the NFL bloodlines well. Samuel would continue the youth movement in Tampa Bay's secondary, giving Todd Bowles yet another playmaker to deploy. - WilkinsCopyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. 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Head coach Bruce Arians believes the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can keep most of their Super Bowl roster together this offseason."I'm very, very confident. I have all the trust in the world in Jason (Licht) and what he would do," Arians said Monday, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com."These guys, they have a bond. There will be dollars involved. But I think that this group is so, so close that sometimes dollars don't matter. But we're going to do everything we can to get the dollars right, too, because they earned it."Arians has confirmed he'll return for 2021, as has Tom Brady. But Tampa Bay has a laundry list of impending free agents, including Rob Gronkowski and Chris Godwin.Notable free agentsPlayerPositionShaquil BarrettOLBLavonte DavidLBRob GronkowskiTEChris GodwinWRAntonio BrownWRNdamukong SuhDTLeonard FournetteRBGronkowski, Antonio Brown, and Leonard Fournette were responsible for all four touchdowns scored by the Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV.The 31-year-old Gronkowski pushed aside all talk of possibly retiring again postgame while adding that he "definitely" sees himself returning to Tampa Bay, according to ESPN's Jenna Laine.The Buccaneers are also reportedly interested in retaining Fournette, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Brown, for his part, is optimistic about a return."I would love to be back here next year. It would mean everything to be back," the veteran receiver said, according to Laine.Shaquil Barrett, who played this season on the franchise tag, spoke of his appreciation for the Buccaneers' staff. He expects a "quick solution" to contract negotiations.Godwin, who's been an instrumental part of the team's receiving group, might be a candidate for the franchise tag.Arians also noted that Mike Evans offered to sacrifice a portion of his own salary to help the Buccaneers keep their free agents."Mike Evans is the most unselfish superstar I've ever met. He's told us to use some of his money if we need to (for) contracts to keep the team together," Arians told Peter King of NBC Sports.Tampa Bay is projected to have $38.1 million in cap space this offseason, per Spotrac.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tom Brady is still a draw in Massachusetts.Super Bowl LV generated a 57.6 television rating in Boston - higher than Tampa, where the rating was 52.3, according to John Ourand of Sports Business Daily. The 57.6 rating is the second-best Super Bowl rating in the Boston market.The New England Patriots were among those to congratulate Brady on Twitter after the quarterback claimed his seventh Lombardi Trophy and fifth Super Bowl MVP award Sunday night.

Tom Brady texted an apology to Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Tyrann Mathieu for his role in multiple heated exchanges during Super Bowl LV, a source told ESPN's Jenna Laine.Brady apologized for losing his composure during the confrontations and told the defensive back he considers him a "class act" and "incredible leader," Laine added.

Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Tyrann Mathieu explained his side of what led to a fiery exchange with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady during Super Bowl LV on Sunday.

A year ago, the Buccaneers were 60-1 long shots to win the Super Bowl coming off their 12th consecutive campaign without a postseason berth. Then they signed Tom Brady, saw their odds slashed to a front-runner price, and rewarded initial bettors with a handsome sum Sunday.It pays to buy early, and that's never been truer than ahead of this potentially unprecedented offseason for quarterback movement. We've already seen the Rams' price tighten dramatically after acquiring Matthew Stafford; could L.A. or another team follow Tampa Bay's script?Here are the updated odds at theScore Bet to win Super Bowl 56, along with a few of our favorite early values for 2021-22:TEAMODDSKansas City Chiefs+500Buffalo Bills+700Tampa Bay Buccaneers+800Green Bay Packers+800Los Angeles Rams+1200San Francisco 49ers+1400Baltimore Ravens+1400New Orleans Saints+1500Seattle Seahawks+1500Cleveland Browns+2000Indianapolis Colts+2500Pittsburgh Steelers+2500Tennessee Titans+2500Miami Dolphins+2800Los Angeles Chargers+3000Dallas Cowboys+3000New England Patriots+3500Minnesota Vikings+4000Arizona Cardinals+4500Chicago Bears+5000Carolina Panthers+5000Philadelphia Eagles+6000Las Vegas Raiders+6000Washington Football Team+6000Cincinnati Bengals+7500Denver Broncos+7500Atlanta Falcons+7500New York Giants+7500New York Jets+7500Detroit Lions+12500Jacksonville Jaguars+15000Houston Texans+15000Los Angeles Rams (+1200)Call me a sucker for being a believer, but this feels too similar to what we just watched unfold over the last 12 months.Remember when the Buccaneers had an elite defense and talent-rich offense that were held back by their quarterback, only for everyone to call them overrated when they upgraded at that position? That's how this feels with the Rams, who ended the regular season ranked fourth in DVOA in defense and rushing offense but 20th in passing offense.I was high on the Bucs entering last season, and I can already see myself buying into Los Angeles, which is just three years removed from a Super Bowl berth with a comparable roster. The future may be dicey with all those picks traded away, but it's easy to see the Rams' path to a title in 2021.Chicago Bears (+5000)If the Rams are what the Bucs were in March, the Bears are what the Bucs were last February. Chicago has made the playoffs just twice in the last 10 years and has been saddled with shaky quarterback play for that entire stretch, but the pieces are there for a Super Bowl run if things break right.The Bears posted a top-10 defensive ranking in DVOA for the third straight year and are loaded with talent behind Khalil Mack, Roquan Smith, Kyle Fuller, and Eddie Jackson, among others. They're also clear buyers in the signal-caller market - they were in on Matthew Stafford and are seemingly front-runners for Carson Wentz.The Eagles passer would be a step down from, say, Deshaun Watson, but he'd still raise the ceiling for a team that desperately needs more punch at that position. Wentz has played like an MVP before, and any quarterback upgrade this summer will tighten this price. Now is the time to buy.Washington Football Team (+6000)When over half the league could be starting a new quarterback in September, why not take a swing on a long shot like Washington, which already has a dominant defense and gets to play in the NFL's easiest division?Ron Rivera's group ranked second in yards allowed per game (304.6) and fourth in points allowed (20.6) this past season, but that effort was wasted by an offense that struggled to move the ball and ranked fourth in giveaways (27). That was the issue with the Buccaneers in 2019 before stable offensive play maximized their sky-high potential.Taylor Heinicke breathed some life into Washington's offense in the wild-card round against Tampa Bay - which subsequently held the Saints, Packers, and Chiefs to equal or worse performances. Bringing in even an above-average starter to unlock Terry McLaurin and Antonio Gibson would be massive for a team priced like a title afterthought.(Odds source: theScore Bet)C Jackson Cowart is a betting writer for theScore. He's an award-winning journalist with stops at The Charlotte Observer, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The Times Herald-Record, and BetChicago. He's also a proud graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, and his love of sweet tea is rivaled only by that of a juicy prop bet. Find him on Twitter @CJacksonCowart.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie Antoine Winfield Jr. doesn't regret taking a 15-yard penalty for taunting Kansas City Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill with a peace sign near the end of Super Bowl LV."The taunting, man, it's something I had to do," the safety said postgame, according to James Palmer of NFL Network. "When we played them earlier, Hill went off on us. He backflipped right in front of my face and give me the (deuces)."So it was only right that I gave him the (deuces) right back to him. It felt amazing to be able to do that."Winfield made the gesture after breaking up a fourth-down pass intended for Hill with 3:58 left in the fourth quarter. The Buccaneers held a comfortable 31-9 lead over the Chiefs, and they won the game by the same score.Hill is known for taunting opponents with the two-fingered salute when he scores touchdowns. He notched 13 receptions for 269 yards and three touchdowns when the Chiefs and Buccaneers met in Week 12 this season. But the pass-catcher was held to seven catches for 73 yards during the Super Bowl, with most of his damage coming when the score was out of reach.Winfield came down with one of Patrick Mahomes' two interceptions in the NFL's season finale, helping the Buccaneers win their first Super Bowl since 2002.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski shattered numerous NFL records during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV.Brady's first-quarter touchdown pass to his longtime tight end was the 13th postseason TD shared by the duo, surpassing Joe Montana and Jerry Rice's mark of 12 scores.The Buccaneers pair went back to work in the second quarter, connecting on another score. It marked their fifth career Super Bowl touchdown, which also eclipsed a record held by Montana and Rice (four).On the first touchdown, Brady hit Gronkowski while he was running parallel to the line of scrimmage. The tight end did the rest, beating the Chiefs' defense to the end zone for an 8-yard touchdown.It was the first postseason score between the two since Super Bowl LII when they connected twice as members of the New England Patriots. It also marks nine years since their first playoff touchdown, which came in a divisional matchup against the Denver Broncos.A fourth-down offside penalty against the Chiefs set up the second touchdown pass. With a fresh set of downs, Brady delivered a 17-yard strike to Gronkowski off play-action.Gronkowski also joined Rice as the only players in NFL history to record two or more touchdown receptions in multiple Super Bowls.The pair of touchdowns gave the Buccaneers an early 14-3 lead that the team never looked back from. Tampa Bay rode the early momentum to a commanding 31-9 win against last year's champions.Brady finished with 201 yards and three touchdowns, while Gronkowski finished as the team's leading receiver with 67 yards.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.