The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are intent on doing whatever it takes to ensure franchise legend Mike Evans never suits up for another NFL team."He's an unprecedented player. We want him to be a Buc for life. We're working towards that," general manager Jason Licht said Tuesday at the NFL combine, according to ESPN's Jenna Laine. "Obviously it takes two sides. I know he wants to be a Buc. We'll probably have to strain a little bit but we're working towards that right now."The Bucs and the star receiver weren't able to come to terms on a deal before last season. Evans opted to table talks and was frustrated that Tampa Bay never put forward an offer, sources told Laine.The franchise tag is unlikely to be an option to retain Evans, who recorded his 10th straight 1,000-yard campaign and caught an NFL-high 13 touchdowns in 2023.Evans' one-year tender would cost $28.4 million, and the NFC South club might need to use it to keep other key impending free agents in quarterback Baker Mayfield and All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield.Licht acknowledged there's a possibility that Evans tests free agency, with the negotiation window beginning March 11."Well, I mean there's always a chance," the GM said. "But we're going to do whatever we can to make sure that he's a Buc."Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sean McDermott believes it's inevitable that the Buffalo Bills will finally win their first Super Bowl."It's not a matter of if. It's just a matter of when," the Bills coach said, according to The Athletic's Tim Graham. "That is the relentless pursuit."Buffalo's been reinvigorated under McDermott, becoming one of the NFL's most consistent franchises during his seven-year reign. The Bills have won four straight AFC East titles, had two 13-win seasons, and produced four top-five offenses.However, Buffalo has continuously fallen short in the playoffs, frequently a victim of the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty.McDermott's club lost to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game during the 2020 season and then again in 2021 and this past season in divisional-round matchups. Buffalo was also defeated by the Cincinnati Bengals in the divisional round in 2022."The only thing left to do for us at this point is win an AFC championship and win a Super Bowl, which is pretty darn good," said McDermott. "There's not too many organizations that can say that over the last seven years. We've done everything else you can do, and that is what gets us out of bed in the morning."The AFC East club is facing a tough task to keep together its contending core in 2024. Buffalo is currently projected to be $41.3 million over the salary cap for next season - the worst mark in the league, according to Spotrac.The Bills are one of 12 NFL teams who've never raised the Lombardi Trophy. Buffalo famously lost four straight Super Bowls in the 1990s.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Las Vegas Raiders general manager Tom Telesco shut down speculation about Davante Adams being traded this offseason amid rumors that he could be courted by the New York Jets."He's a Raider," Telesco told reporters Tuesday at the NFL combine in Indianapolis, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.It was reported earlier this month that Aaron Rodgers, Adams' former teammate, was trying to recruit the wideout to the Jets. New York has repeatedly been linked to Adams, with the team's reported attempts at last season's trade deadline rebuffed.Adams is under contract with Las Vegas through 2026. The six-time Pro Bowler recorded 1,516 yards in his first campaign with the Raiders before accumulating 1,144 yards in 2023. His 14 receiving touchdowns in 2022 led the league.Telesco, who was made general manager this offseason, also addressed the future of star running back Josh Jacobs, who's slated to be a free agent."We're going to explore pretty hard and see if we can bring him back," Telesco said, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.Though Jacobs was franchise-tagged last year, Telesco said he doesn't envision the front office utilizing the tag again this offseason, per NFL Network's Andrew Siciliano.Las Vegas went 8-9 in 2023, though it finished 5-4 under Antonio Pierce, who's now the team's full-time head coach.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Justin Jefferson remains without a new contract, but Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah insisted Tuesday the star wide receiver will remain in Minnesota and that a trade isn't an option."That is not something that's once crossed my mind," said Adofo-Mensah, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. "You got a blue(-chip) player, a blue(-chip) person, you try to keep as many of those as you can."With negotiations for what's expected to be a market-resetting deal seemingly stalled, speculation has run rampant about why the two sides haven't reached a deal.Adofo-Mensah said at the NFL Scouting Combine that much of what he has heard about their negotiations is "completely false." He added that they got "unbelievably close" to a deal last summer.Tyreek Hill currently tops all wideouts with an average salary of $30 million on a deal signed in March 2022 upon his trade from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Miami Dolphins.Another benchmark for Jefferson could be the title of highest-paid non-quarterback, currently held by San Francisco 49ers pass-rusher Nick Bosa and his $34-million annual salary.Jefferson - who has one year remaining on his rookie contract - won Offensive Player of the Year in 2022 after leading the NFL with 128 catches for 1,809 yards and eight touchdowns.The 24-year-old missed seven games in 2023 but still produced over 1,000 yards. He also improved on his per-game marks from his career year in 2022, averaging 107.4 yards per contest and 15.8 yards per catch compared to 106.4 and 14.1.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Improving the offense will be one of the New England Patriots' biggest priorities this offseason, according to director of scouting Eliot Wolf."We need to weaponize the offense," Wolf told reporters Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine, according to Alex Barth of 98.5 The Sports Hub.Wolf, who has assumed a greater role in personnel decisions after Bill Belichick's departure, added that getting faster and more explosive on defense was another area of focus.The Patriots hold the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft and could be in a position to land a top quarterback prospect. However, Wolf didn't get into details when asked about the team's preferences."I'd say there's a lot of options on the table," Wolf said, according to Myles Simmons of ProFootballTalk. I'm glad you asked about Mac (Jones) and Bailey (Zappe) - we're not going to be a program that's talking about these guys in terms of through the media."New England's offense ranked 31st in scoring in 2023, averaging 13.9 points per game as Jones and Zappe struggled under center.Jones made the Pro Bowl in his rookie campaign in 2021 but has regressed over the last two seasons with 24 touchdowns to 23 interceptions. Wolf says Jones has provided valuable lessons to the franchise."The main thing is just trying to do everything we can to support that person once they get in the building," Wolf said, per MassLive's Mark Daniels. "We're going to make the best decision we can in terms of who that person is - if we decide to go quarterback at (No. 3)."The Patriots will meet with top quarterback prospects Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels at the NFL combine, Wolf added, per Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles isn't worried about Caleb Williams pulling an Eli Manning.Poles shrugged off the notion that Williams doesn't want to play for the Bears, who own the No. 1 pick, during his press conference Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine."No concerns about that at all," said Poles. "I would love to know why if that was the case. ... I think, as a young quarterback - and I've been around it - infrastructure is important."And I think we've made really good progress in terms of having (a) really good infrastructure for whoever were to come in or if Justin (Fields) were to stay here."Manning infamously refused to play for the then-San Diego Chargers - who held the No. 1 pick in the 2004 draft - and forced a move to the New York Giants.Poles said he's still in the process of deciding what to do with the top overall selection and current quarterback Fields."Contrary to reports out there, I have no master plan to present everyone today," he said. "This is an opportunity for us to continue to gather information, learn about the different players in the draft, listen to what opportunities could come up, and then ... make the best decision that we can for the Chicago Bears."Poles said if the Bears do ultimately draft a quarterback and trade Fields, they'd want to "do right" by him and be transparent with the process.Chicago would reportedly demand a historic offer to trade the No. 1 pick. Williams is widely viewed as the top quarterback in the class and one of the best prospects of the last decade.

Bill Belichick could be pursuing a new career path after parting ways with the New England Patriots.Belichick's son, former Patriots assistant Steve Belichick, provided an update on his father during a recent appearance on the "Green Light" podcast, saying he's been in good spirits since leaving New England. Steve also revealed that his dad has been eyeing a possible job in television."Yeah, I think he's good," Steve said. "Let the stuff roll off your back and move forward. He doesn't dwell unless we lost a game and he needs to get on some guys but, you know, eventually, you gotta turn the page. Honestly, I wasn't too involved in any of that stuff - he did his thing, I did my thing, and that was kind of that."He's definitely pursuing some other stuff, whether it's TV or hopefully a regular on 'Green Light' or whatever it may be."The elder Belichick, who spent 24 seasons with the Patriots, interviewed for the Atlanta Falcons' head coaching job in January but was passed over in favor of former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.Steve was recently hired by Washington to be the Huskies' new defensive coordinator.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen still sees a future with Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley serving as key pieces of the team's offense.Schoen told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday that he still has faith in Jones as the Giants' starting quarterback, according to team reporter Dan Salomone.Jones' 2023 campaign was cut short due to a torn ACL suffered in November, but Schoen says the signal-caller is progressing well. He's already throwing from a stationary position and should be ready for the start of training camp, Schoen added.As for Barkley, who's set to become an unrestricted free agent, Schoen noted that the franchise tag is not "off the table," according to NFL Network's Andrew Siciliano.Schoen and the running back's agent are slated to talk this week at the combine."There's nothing new on that front," the executive said. "He's a guy we'd like to have back."It's the second straight offseason that the futures of the quarterback and running back have come into question.The Giants franchise-tagged Barkley last summer, but the parties couldn't agree on a long-term deal. The two-time Pro Bowler previously talked about playing his entire career for the NFC East franchise but also said the business side of the NFL opened his mind up to the possibility of playing elsewhere.Jones was signed to a four-year, $160-million extension last offseason but struggled in 2023. He threw just two touchdowns to six interceptions across six starts.Jones and Tommy DeVito are the only quarterbacks under contract for 2024. Schoen has discussed adding another signal-caller ahead of the upcoming campaign, with Tyrod Taylor slated to hit free agency.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released two-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher Shaquil Barrett, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter."Shaq has been great for us over the last 5 years, but these tough decisions have to be made," Bucs head coach Todd Bowles said about Barrett on NFL Network, according to Rick Stroud of Tampa Bay Times. "Who knows? We'll see what happens down the line."Barrett was released before he was due a $15.04-million option in March, Schefter adds.The former Pro Bowler was integral to the Tampa Bay team that won Super Bowl LV. He recorded eight sacks in the 2020 regular season and pitched in four sacks during the postseason during the team's Super Bowl run.Barrett's best season in Tampa Bay came in 2019 when he registered a league-leading 19.5 sacks.His play faltered in recent seasons as he only recorded 4.5 sacks in 2023 and three in 2022, though he was limited to eight games.Barrett played the first four years of his career with the Denver Broncos and was part of the roster that won Super Bowl 50.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Jets are releasing guard Laken Tomlinson, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.New York will free up around $8.1 million in cap space with the move, Fowler adds. The Duke product was set to carry an $18.8-million cap hit in 2024, according to Spotrac.Tomlinson appeared in all 34 games for the Jets after signing a three-year, $40-million deal with them in 2022. He had spent the previous five years with the San Francisco 49ers before hitting free agency.The 32-year-old struggled in 2023, allowing a team-worst 51 pressures and seven sacks, according to PFF. However, New York's offensive line had a disappointing season, ranking 28th in sacks allowed per contest.Tomlinson has started 114 straight NFL games. He's now free to sign with any team and doesn't have to wait until free agency opens in March.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers interviewed Brandon Staley for their vacant defensive coordinator job, head coach Kyle Shanahan told Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports.The franchise also spoke with their defensive passing game specialist, Nick Sorensen, for the role, while 49ers defensive backs coach Daniel Bullocks is expected to interview for the position this week, Shanahan added.The Los Angeles Chargers fired Staley following a 63-21 loss in Week 15 against the Las Vegas Raiders. The 41-year-old finished his tenure with the Chargers losing five of his last six contests. He compiled a 24-24 regular-season record and an 0-1 record in the postseason.The Chargers hired Staley after he enjoyed a tremendous 2020 campaign as the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator. The Rams finished second in points per game and defensive success rate en route to a spot in the NFC divisional round.However, Staley's defensive success with the Rams did not translate to the Chargers, who ranked 27th in EPA/play from 2021-2023.Sorensen, meanwhile, was hired by Shanahan as a defensive assistant in 2022 after spending the 2021 season as the Jacksonville Jaguars' special teams coordinator. He played 10 seasons in the NFL as a defensive back with the Rams, Jaguars, and Cleveland Browns.The 49ers are likely to interview two other coaches from outside the team later in the week, per Maiocco. San Francisco fired Steve Wilks a few days after their Super Bowl loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 49ers' defensive coordinator job is the only vacant coordinator role in the NFL.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A host of star impending free-agent running backs could hit the open market.The New York Giants' Saquon Barkley, Las Vegas Raiders' Josh Jacobs, and Dallas Cowboys' Tony Pollard aren't expected to receive the franchise tag for a second straight season, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.However, both the Giants and Raiders will reportedly attempt to re-sign their Pro Bowl players.The Tennessee Titans also won't use their tag on Derrick Henry, while the Los Angeles Chargers will allow Austin Ekeler to test free agency, adds Schefter.Barkley and Jacobs both signed one-year deals with extra incentives to avoid playing on the tag last season. Pollard, meanwhile, did play on the tag. Using the one-year tender again on Jacobs would cost $14.15 million, while placing it on Barkley or Pollard would cost $12.1 million.It was widely expected that Henry would at least test the open market before deciding his future. The perennial All-Pro seemingly bid farewell to Tennessee after the final game of the regular season.All five running backs saw their production decline last season.2022 rush yards/TDs2023 rush yards/TDsSaquon Barkley1312/10962/6Josh Jacobs1653*/12805/6Tony Pollard1007/91005/6Derrick Henry1538/131167/12Austin Ekeler915/13628/5*Led NFLRunning backs have struggled to secure big-money contracts in recent years. Only four running backs earn more than $12 million per season on long-term deals, with reigning Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey topping the market at $16 million annually.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Top wide receiver prospect Marvin Harrison Jr. isn't expected to take part in on-field testing at the NFL Scouting Combine, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.Harrison instead plans to continue working out in Columbus with Ohio State strength and conditioning coach Mickey Marotti, adds Breer. He's also unlikely to participate in the Buckeyes' pro day, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Ex-LSU receiver Malik Nabers also won't participate in drills, sources told Rapoport. However, former Washington wideout Rome Odunze will take part in testing, Rapoport adds.Harrison is expected to be the first wide receiver taken in April, while Nabers and Odzune are both viewed as locks to be taken within the top 10.The combine runs from Feb. 29 to March 3 in Indianapolis.Harrison reportedly doesn't intend to hire an agent. He would be the second high-profile player to opt against hiring representation after Caleb Williams, the presumptive No. 1 overall pick.The 21-year-old Harrison established himself as one of the best receiver prospects of the last decade with an outstanding two-year stretch with the Buckeyes, producing 144 catches, 2,474 yards, and 28 touchdowns.Odunze and Nabers finished 2023 first and second in receiving with 1,640 yards and 1,569 yards, respectively.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs and Andy Reid are set to begin negotiations in the coming weeks for a deal that's expected to make him the NFL's highest-paid coach, sources told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.General manager Brett Veach is reportedly also in line for a new deal after the Chiefs won their second straight Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers. Both new contracts could be done by the Annual League Meeting, which takes place March 24-27, adds Pelissero.It was previously reported that Reid, who's led Kansas City to three Super Bowl wins in the last five years, was in line for an extension regardless of the result against San Francisco.While coach contracts aren't as widely reported as player deals, around six coaches are believed to earn more than $15 million per season, adds Pelissero.The 65-year-old is reportedly believed to rank eighth among NFL coaches in terms of average salary and third in the AFC West behind Sean Payton and Jim Harbaugh.Reid became the NFL's oldest active coach after Bill Belichick and Pete Carroll left their respective positions with the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks.Both Reid and Veach signed new deals following the Chiefs' Super Bowl win during the 2019 season.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL Scouting Combine runs from Feb. 29 to March 3. Some of the draft's most exciting prospects will undergo athletic testing, interviews, and medical evaluations at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Here are some of the storylines we'll be following.All eyes are on the Bears heading into the combine. Possessing the Nos. 1 and 9 selections and presumably shopping quarterback Justin Fields around, Chicago should dictate the flow of the first few picks on draft night.The combine is one of the few places where representatives from every team will be in attendance at the same time. Don't be surprised if reports about the Bears' plans begin to surface. Tim Warner / Getty Images Sport / GettyTexas has a quartet of playmakers who will be under the microscope in Indy.Jonathon Brooks is seen as one of the draft's better runners, with no true standout among this year's running back prospects. However, Brooks is recovering from a torn ACL and will need to lean on his interviews to improve his draft stock.A strong showing could push Ja'Tavion Sanders to lock up the No. 2 tight end spot behind Georgia's Brock Bowers. The 20-year-old wasn't the focus of Texas' passing attack but still eclipsed 600 yards in each of the last two campaigns.We'll touch on wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell shortly. Either player could solidify their status as a first-round worthy receiver with strong performances.The Michigan signal-caller wasn't tasked with a ton of complicated work this past season thanks to the Wolverines' dominant rushing attack, but his traits are among the class' most interesting.McCarthy leveraged play action and the strength of his offensive line to finish the season with an impressive 72.3% completion rate, at a reasonable 9 yards per attempt, with 22 touchdown passes against four interceptions. He also had 202 yards and a trio of scores as a runner.The 21-year-old is one of several highly ranked quarterbacks who plan to throw in Indy, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. McCarthy could sneak up some draft boards if he can prove he's an above-average athlete in some of the event's other drills. Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyIt's unlikely that anyone will catapult past Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr., LSU's Malik Nabers, and Washington's Rome Odunze, but wideout rankings beyond those three are mostly unsettled.Oregon's Troy Franklin, LSU's Brian Thomas Jr., Texas' Worthy and Mitchell, and Florida State's Keon Coleman are among a packed group of receivers vying to prove their worth.Mitchell and Coleman fell short of eclipsing 1,000 yards in their final collegiate seasons, but the rest hit that threshold relatively easily. That group was also productive when it came to scoring. Excluding Worthy, they all found the end zone at least 11 times.If you want to be an every-down back in the modern NFL, you have to contribute to the passing game. However, most of this year's top running back prospects weren't asked by their college programs to help much through the air.Hauling in 56 receptions for 413 yards and four touchdowns in 2023, only Oregon's Bucky Irving was a true focus in his team's passing game among the runners expected to go within the first several rounds. Other standout backs like Michigan's Blake Corum (16/117/1), Notre Dame's Audric Estime (17/142/0), and Tennessee's Jaylen Wright (22/141/0) had the bulk of their production come on the ground.Kentucky's Ray Davis, who recorded 323 yards and seven touchdowns on 33 catches in 2023, could leapfrog some of his contemporaries if he excels in those portions of his workout. Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyPower 5 representatives dominate the combine, but the Group of 5 (and lower divisions) have sent plenty of standout performers in years past. Don't be surprised if Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell is this year's strongest Group of 5 performer and ranks among the top finishers in the 40-yard dash and agility drills.But Mitchell won't be exclusively reliant on his athletic testing. He posted six interceptions and 37 pass deflections over his final two seasons with Toledo.The 6-foot, 197-pound corner has already snuck up boards. The former Rocket's strong Senior Bowl performance, mixed with good results from the combine, could guarantee his early selection.No off-ball linebacker in this year's class has separated from the pack yet. If Texas A&M's Edgerrin Cooper, Clemson's Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Michigan's Junior Colson, or another prospect put together a dominant showing, they could vault up boards.Our top pick to put on a show is NC State's Payton Wilson. His medicals will be important, but Wilson could be the latest member of the Wolfpack to go in the first couple of rounds if his testing matches up with his 138 tackles (17.5 for loss), six sacks, and three interceptions in 2023. Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyLatu should test well in whatever drills he participates in, but it's his medical results NFL teams will be most interested in. The 23-year-old medically retired from football before joining the Bruins and could be removed from some draft boards if his tests come back worrisome.Latu could challenge to be the first edge rusher off the board if the results on his neck are clear. He racked up 13 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss, and a pair of interceptions and forced fumbles in his final college season.A few hamstrings will inevitably be sore after all of the 40-yard dashes, but we hope no one leaves Indy any worse than that.The most serious injury during last year's combine came when offensive lineman Andrew Vorhees tore his ACL during drills. Vorhees still put up 38 reps on the bench press after the injury, but the tear dropped him to the seventh round. Joe Robbins / Getty Images Sport / GettyJohn Ross' lightning-fast 4.22-second 40-yard dash gets most of the attention when it comes to combine records, but Stephen Paea's 49 reps on the bench press and Byron Jones' broad jump of 12 feet and 3 inches were remarkable athletic feats in their own right. Jones' mark still stands as the unofficial world record for the standing long jump.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Potential No. 1 pick Caleb Williams won't throw at the NFL Scouting Combine, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.LSU signal-caller Jayden Daniels also doesn't plan to work out at the combine, Rapoport reports.Both quarterbacks will reportedly wait until their respective pro days to throw for scouts.Other notable passers such as Michael Penix Jr., Bo Nix, and J.J. McCarthy do plan to throw, Rapoport adds.Williams is one of the most anticipated quarterback prospects in recent memory. He threw for 72 touchdowns to only 10 interceptions during his two years at USC. Williams was named the 2022 Heisman winner after throwing for 42 touchdowns and 4,537 yards while adding 10 scores with his legs.The 22-year-old began his college career at Oklahoma, where he impressed with 1,912 passing yards and 21 touchdowns in his lone season.Meanwhile, Daniels captured the 2023 Heisman after a campaign that included 40 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing scores. He has built a reputation as one of the biggest dual-threat prospects.The Chicago Bears hold the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, with the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots rounding out the top three.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Russell Wilson would prefer to remain with the Denver Broncos but says he'd like to play for a team that wants him."People think I'm out of there. Maybe I am, but no matter what, I would love to go back," Wilson said on the "I AM ATHLETE" podcast. "I committed there. I committed to be there. I committed to win championships. I want to win more Super Bowls there."I love the city and everything else, but you also want to be at a place that wants you."Wilson's future in Denver has looked bleak since being benched for the final two games of the 2023 regular season. Though head coach Sean Payton said on-field factors determined Wilson's demotion, it was presumed the team sidelined him to avoid injury ahead of an expected offseason release.The Broncos quarterback said during the podcast that the team initially told him after a Week 8 win that he'd be benched for the remainder of the year if he didn't adjust his injury guarantees. Wilson added that he continued to start after his agent contacted the NFLPA."I didn't want to set a precedent for players to remove their injury guarantees," Wilson said. "There was no way I was going to do that."He added that Payton later told him he'd continue to start and that the quarterback should forget the incident "like nothing happened." That stood true until a Week 16 loss to the New England Patriots dropped Denver to 7-8."That's when he told me he was going to bench me, and I was like, 'Man, we were just winning not too long ago,'" Wilson said.Though the 35-year-old would become one of the top quarterbacks available in free agency if released, Wilson declined to rank other possible destinations."I would put Denver No. 1 'cause I'm there right now," Wilson said. "I'd love to be there, you know, (I'd) love to win. That's what I came here to do - to win more Super Bowls. If it's not there, though, I got to go to a place where we're going to win again."Wilson also denied rumors that his Denver home is up for sale.The Broncos signed Wilson to a five-year, $242.6-million deal after acquiring him in a trade in 2022. His $37-million base salary for 2025 becomes guaranteed if he's on the roster on March 17, per Spotrac.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Rams are expected to hire former Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Sean Desai in a senior role on defense, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.The Eagles fired Desai in January after just one season. He had been stripped of play-calling duties before Week 15 and replaced by Matt Patricia amid defensive struggles.The 40-year-old Desai was the DC for the Chicago Bears in 2021 after eight years as an assistant with the club. He also spent one season with the Seattle Seahawks before joining the Eagles.Desai will bring an experienced voice to a defense that lost former DC Raheem Morris, who was hired by the Atlanta Falcons as their new coach.The Rams promoted linebackers coach and pass rush coordinator Chris Shula to be Morris' replacement. Shula, the grandson of legendary Dolphins head coach Don Shula, has been with the Rams since Sean McVay arrived in 2017.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Miami Dolphins pass-rusher Jaelan Phillips is thrilled with his progress from a torn Achilles suffered in late November."I don't know what the schedule is. ... All I know is I feel strong. I feel great. Just attacking this rehab has been awesome so far," Phillips said Saturday, according to David Furones of Sun Sentinel."It's something that's kind of new to me because I've never had a lower-extremity injury like that - long-term, at least," he added. "It's been a new experience learning my body and figuring out what to do is best for me."Phillips sustained the injury in Week 12 against the New York Jets. The 24-year-old had a tremendous season before the ailment, recording 11 quarterback hits and 6.5 sacks in eight contests.Phillips is set to enter his fourth year in the NFL after the Dolphins selected him in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Miami has until May 2 to pick up Phillips' fifth-year option.The Dolphins cleared cap space Friday by releasing cornerback Xavien Howard and edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah. Both players had been with Miami since Phillips entered the league."Me, personally, Emmanuel was somebody who had me under his wings since I came in as a rookie," Phillips said. "It's really unfortunate to see him go, but the team's going to rally around each other. Definitely going to miss my brother."Same thing with X (Howard). Those two were staples on this team for quite a while."Phillips has 146 tackles and 22 sacks in 42 career games.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

UCLA is hiring former Washington Commanders and Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy as its next offensive coordinator and associate head coach, Bieniemy told Garrett Podell of CBS Sports.The Bruins and Bieniemy are finalizing a two-year deal, according to Adam Schefter and Pete Thamel of ESPN.Bieniemy spent the 2023 season with the Commanders after being with the Chiefs organization for 10 years, five as offensive coordinator. He was also the OC for Colorado from 2011-2012."This is a great opportunity for me to help support DeShaun as a new head coach, to work with him and for him as well," Bieniemy told CBS' Josina Anderson and Podell."I chose to fly under the radar during this hiring process, and my experience generated a lot of interest from a number of NFL teams prior to coming to this decision."Bieniemy interviewed for the Commanders' head coaching job and two other NFL offensive coordinator positions before landing with UCLA, according to Thamel and Schefter.The 54-year-old said he decided to leave Washington and was not fired despite reports."I have no regrets with the Commanders," Bieniemy told Thamel and Schefter. "Contrary to what some think and what has been put out in the media, I was not fired. I actually just chose not to stay. Learned a lot and that is always a good thing."Washington's offense ranked 25th in points per game and 24th in yards per contest under Bieniemy last campaign.Bieniemy added that other coaches have succeeded in returning to college after making a jump to the NFL. He pointed out that Nick Saban, Jim Harbaugh, Bill O'Brien, and Kliff Kingsbury all followed a similar path.The California native returns to UCLA having served as running backs coach there for three seasons from 2003-2005. He's excited to coach again for his hometown school."Southern California, I attended high school there," Bieniemy said. "I started my career in the league here (with the Chargers). It's obviously great to be back with the Bruins, where I was previously employed."UCLA hired DeShaun Foster as head coach after former bench boss Chip Kelly took the offensive coordinator role at Ohio State.The Bruins will make their Big Ten debut in 2024. They went 35-34 in six seasons under Kelly.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins is looking for a long-term contract extension from the only team he's ever played for."Oh man, I would love that," Collins said, according to Aaron Wilson of Click2Houston.com. "That would be great. I feel like that's what everybody works for. I'm just going to let it come to me, whatever they decide, whatever they want to do."He added: "If they want to negotiate, we can."With his third NFL season completed, Collins is now eligible for a contract extension. He's entering the final campaign of his four-year rookie deal.The Texans drafted Collins in the third round in 2021. He totaled just 927 yards and three touchdowns across his first two seasons while battling mediocre quarterback play and injuries.However, Collins emerged as one of the league's most productive wide receivers last year. The 24-year-old hauled in 80 receptions for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023, immediately clicking with rookie signal-caller C.J. Stroud."Man, it was amazing, a blessed season," Collins said. "I did miss a couple of games but made it out healthy. l did well for the team. I stayed healthy. I balled out. It was a long season but a fun season."Collins added: "Time to reload and pick up where we left off. It's definitely a blessing, a great team to be around. I think it's time. Can't wait to get everybody back. I feel like we're on a mission."Houston was one of the NFL's biggest storylines last campaign, winning the AFC South and advancing to the divisional round after posting a 3-13-1 record in 2022.The Texans have $73.9 million in cap space, according to Spotrac.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cincinnati Bengals informed wide receiver Tee Higgins that they'll franchise tag him, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The wide receiver tag value for 2024 is expected to be $21.8 million fully guaranteed, Rapoport adds. Higgins is the first player reported to be receiving the franchise-tag designation.Higgins has served as a vital No. 2 wide receiver in Cincinnati's offense alongside wideout Ja'Marr Chase. The 25-year-old exceeded 1,000 receiving yards in 2021 and 2022 while combining for 13 touchdowns.However, Higgins is coming off a down year in which he was limited to just 12 games. The former second-round pick posted career lows in receptions (42) and receiving yards (656) in 2023.The Bengals have prioritized retaining key members of their offense after the franchise signed quarterback Joe Burrow to a five-year, $275-million extension last year. In addition to addressing Higgins' long-term future, Chase is eligible for an extension this offseason.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Star wideout A.J. Brown set the record straight that he wants to remain a member of the Philadelphia Eagles despite his apparent discontent with the franchise."I have no problem," Brown told 94 WIP Radio's Ike Reese and Jack Fritz. "I want to be here; it's as simple as that. I love where I'm at; it's as simple as that. Next question."There's been ongoing speculation about Brown's future with the franchise for several months after he removed any reference to the Eagles from his Instagram.A recent post from Brown's X account took aim at local media, and although he said his account had been hacked, he appeared to agree with the sentiment in an Instagram story."I'm the person you need on this team because I am willing to hold people accountable, make people around me better. But nobody sees that. All you see is the little flare-ups. Nobody in that building works harder than me. I can stand on that and say that," Brown said Friday.The three-time Pro Bowl receiver also cleared the air regarding rumors of a strained relationship with quarterback Jalen Hurts."I think that is B.S. I'm not going to get into our relationship on the air. ... it wasn't a problem when I was on my six-game streak. They only started talking about that when we started losing," Brown said.The 26-year-old recorded six consecutive 100-yard receiving games from Week 3 to Week 8. Brown has posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons after being acquired by Philadelphia in a trade with the Tennessee Titans. He signed a four-year, $100-million extension in April 2022. He finished the 2023 season with 106 catches, 1,465 yards, and seven touchdowns.The Eagles started the year 10-1 but lost six of their final seven games before being bounced in the wild-card round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Philadelphia overhauled its coaching staff after the season after head coach Nick Sirianni faced plenty of scrutiny for the team's late-season collapse. Brown is adamant that while the "locker room is fine," he felt that the coaches became the scapegoats for players not executing.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Miami Dolphins informed cornerback Xavien Howard that he will be released at the start of the league year, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Peter Schrager.Howard will be designated as a post-June 1 cut and carry a $7.4-million dead-cap hit in 2024 and a $15.7-million mark for 2025, according to Spotrac.The 30-year-old had previously signed a five-year, $90-million deal with the club and was scheduled to be under contract through the 2026 campaign.Miami is projected to be $25 million over the new $255.4-million salary cap before moving on from Howard, per Spotrac.Howard allowed 39 completions on 62 targets for 419 yards and a touchdown in 2023, according to Pro Football Reference.Howard has spent his entire eight-year career with Miami since being selected No. 38 overall in the 2016 draft. He's tallied 29 interceptions, 95 passes defended, and four total touchdowns in 100 career games. The four-time Pro Bowler earned first-team All-Pro honors after leading the league with 10 picks in 2020.The Baylor product is the second high-profile defender that the Dolphins are moving on from, as the team is also parting ways with pass-rusher Emmanuel Ogbah.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Miami Dolphins released veteran linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah, the team announced Friday.Ogbah signed a four-year, $65.4-million contract extension with the Dolphins in 2022. His release would create close to $14 million in cap space, according to ESPN's Field Yates.The Oklahoma State product tallied nine sacks in each of his first two seasons with Miami after initially joining the team in 2020. However, he subsequently recorded 31 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and four tackles for loss combined over the past two campaigns.The Dolphins are slated to be over the league's $255.4-million salary cap by $46.2 million in effective cap space, which accounts for the club signing 51 players as well as its projected rookie class, according to Over the Cap.Miami is expected to return plenty of production at edge rusher ahead of the 2024 season. However, both Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips are returning from serious leg injuries that ended their respective 2023 campaigns. Cameron Goode is also set to return.Veteran pass-rusher Andrew Van Ginkel is set to become an unrestricted free agent this spring alongside Melvin Ingram and Justin Houston.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The salary cap for the 2024 NFL season will be $255.4 million per club, the league announced in a statement obtained by NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.An additional $74 million will be given per team for player benefits, which include performance-based pay and benefits for retired players. The total 2024 player costs will be $329.4 million per club, or $10.5 billion league-wide.The unprecedented $30-million increase from the 2023 salary cap is a result of the full repayment of all amounts advanced by the clubs and deferred by players during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the increase in media revenue for the upcoming season.Salary capYear$255.4M2024$224.8M2023$208.2M2022$182.5M2021$198.2M2020Several teams were working under the assumption that the cap number for next season would fall between $242 million and $245 million, per ESPN's Dan Graziano. However, with the figure exceeding projections, it could change the strategy for many clubs ahead of free agency.The Washington Commanders are currently projected to have the most cap space available this offseason with $87 million, per Over the Cap. The Buffalo Bills are currently $41.7 million over the cap limit.Teams will have until 4 p.m. ET on March 13, prior to the start of free agency and the new league year, to get under the salary cap.

The New Orleans Saints restructured quarterback Derek Carr's contract to create approximately $23 million in salary cap relief, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.The restructure was necessary as the Saints are projected to be roughly $42 million over the cap even after that relief is applied, according to Spotrac. The NFL set the 2024 cap Friday at $255.4 million. While this helps the team get closer to being cap compliant for 2024, the move increases Carr's 2025 dead cap hit to over $50 million.

Find year-round coverage of betting news and insights for all sports by visiting our Betting section and subscribing to push notifications.Josh Allen is a really good bet to win the 2024 NFL MVP.Allen is a known quantity whose candidacy for the award has slowly improved year over year.The stats will almost definitely be there. Allen added "goal-line running back" to his resume in 2023, running for 66% more touchdowns than his previous career high.Team success will also likely be there. The Bills stormed down the stretch of the 2023 season to get the AFC's No. 2 seed.So why not bet on Allen right now? Because the chances that Allen's odds get significantly shorter are lower than the 11.8% implied win probability that +750 odds suggest. We can revisit his candidacy in August and likely not lose any value on a bet that doesn't get paid out until early February 2025.NFL 2024 MVP oddsPLAYER ODDSPatrick Mahomes+650Josh Allen+750Joe Burrow+900C.J. Stroud+1200Jordan Love+1200Brock Purdy+1300Justin Herbert+1300Lamar Jackson+1300Dak Prescott+1600Jalen Hurts+1600Tua Tagovailoa+2200Aaron Rodgers+2500Matthew Stafford+2500Trevor Lawrence+3000Jared Goff+3500Kirk Cousins+3500Anthony Richardson+4000Kyler Murray+4000Christian McCaffrey+6000Justin Fields+6000Baker Mayfield+6000Deshaun Watson+6000Tyreek Hill+7500Remember the summer of 2023? If you don't, who could blame you for forgetting that Justin Fields was the hot commodity for MVP bettors? It was silly at the time, and even more so after seeing the import voters put on the team success of Lamar Jackson's Ravens.Jackson finished 15th in passing yards and 11th in passing touchdowns last season. Sure, he also added 50 rushing yards per game but had just five touchdowns on the ground. Forty-nine out of 50 MVP voters willfully ignored the Ravens' defense's impact on their 13-4 season. It halted the Texans' momentum in the divisional round before giving Jackson every opportunity to come back and beat the Chiefs, but it was too late to be reflected in the voting.Jackson wasn't burdened by being a season-long MVP favorite. Baltimore's win at San Francisco, where the Ravens forced four turnovers, made Jackson the late favorite. This follows a recent trend of voters having a short-term memory when it comes to the MVP and Heisman Trophy. It's also another reason we don't want a favorite early, as fans and media get bored with the presumptive winner and look for someone else to throw their hat in the ring.If your desire is to make a bet now, the only way to do it is to analyze the only question that matters when looking at NFL futures markets in February.Whose odds can shorten between now and August?Oddsmakers are beating bettors to the punch on a pair of newcomers to the MVP conversation: Jordan Love and C.J. Stroud. Tied for the fourth choice, the word is out that each young quarterback is ready to make the leap. Making a bet after the buzz shapes the market is rarely a good idea, as there's nowhere to go but down. Change is how things improve for a player's award contention.Fields was coming into last season with a three-win team that hadn't augmented their overall talent. The Bears acquired assets that should portend good things for their future, but adding DJ Moore was never going to be enough to improve Chicago by 10-plus wins.Betting markets have Fields at +700 (12.5% likely) to be in Chicago next season. He also wiped his social media clean of Bears-centric content. There are two teams he's most likely to play for: the Falcons and the Steelers.The Falcons won seven games last year, and their place in the NFC South means a big jump is way easier than if they played in almost any other division. They pillaged the Rams' coaching staff for head coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who likely won't ignore Atlanta's best playmakers.The Steelers won 10 games last year without a quality quarterback. While Arthur Smith failed miserably as a head coach, he could tap into what made him successful in Tennessee if Fields ends up in Pittsburgh. Fields - who's had some massive statistical games - could take off for a team with a chance at 10-plus wins.Buying Fields at 60-1 before the rush is the type of low-risk, high-reward bet that you won't notice you've lost but will have your attention if the quarterback soon finds himself in a better situation.Matt Russell is the lead betting analyst for theScore. If there's a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on social media @mrussauthentic.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman is determined to help quarterback Justin Herbert improve, and his plan begins with establishing a prolific run game."Can you imagine Justin Herbert with a great running game? ... We don't know, but I can imagine what it might look like," Roman said Thursday, according to ESPN's Kris Rhim. "So that's kind of the vision."He added, "I think in this league, you can really, really help dictate the defenses if you have a strong running attack. If you really talk to most defensive coordinators in this league and got 'em off to the side when they're playing a really good running team, they're sweating a little bit. They're sleeping a little less that week."The 51-year-old joined Los Angeles earlier in February as part of new head coach Jim Harbaugh's staff. The Chargers ranked 24th in rushing yards in 2023, the team's 16th straight season outside the top 10 in that category. L.A.'s leading rushers - Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley - averaged fewer than 4 yards per carry this past season. They're set to hit free agency in 2024.Los Angeles rosters one of the sport's most skilled quarterbacks in Herbert. The 2020 first-round pick threw for 69 touchdowns in his first two seasons, but he passed for 25 and 20 TDs in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The 25-year-old - who has yet to win a playoff game - missed four games last year due to a broken finger.Roman previously helped quarterback Lamar Jackson earn an MVP award in 2019 while serving as the Baltimore Ravens' offensive coordinator from 2019-22. Jackson shined in Roman's run-heavy scheme and led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes in 2019. He set the NFL single-season quarterback record with 1,206 rushing yards in that campaign as well.Roman also served as San Francisco 49ers OC from 2011-14, helping Colin Kaepernick - a quarterback who was also a threat in the run game - achieve success. Herbert has never rushed for more than 302 yards in a season."It's going to be a little different," Roman said of the offensive scheme he'll run with the Chargers compared to his offenses in Baltimore and San Francisco. "You're going to see probably a multiple running game. You'll probably see the use of motions and shifting, and then you'll see a pretty diverse passing game."He added: "We'll give it to anybody that can gain yards. And then will Justin run the ball? ... It'll probably be more as a scrambler. Will we have some of that other stuff in our back pocket? Remains to be seen."The Chargers stole headlines after the regular season by hiring Harbaugh as head coach. Los Angeles went 5-12 in 2023. Under ex-OC Kellen Moore, the team ranked 21st in points scored and 18th in total yards.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As the Chicago Bears consider whether they should keep Justin Fields or draft a new quarterback first overall this year, new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron said he's optimistic that his system will be the right one for whoever is under center for the team."I think in the past experiences with different quarterbacks, different experience levels, whether I was in the coordinator role or in a role as a position coach, I felt that way," Waldron said on Thursday during his introductory press conference, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin."I felt different quarterbacks have been able to step foot into the system, be able to learn it quickly, and that starts with us being able to teach it in a good and efficient manner where they understand it."After serving as the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks from 2021-23, Waldron joined Chicago in January to replace Luke Getsy. He mainly worked with three quarterbacks in Seattle: Russell Wilson, Geno Smith, and Drew Lock. Waldron was previously the Los Angeles Rams' passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach while working with signal-caller Jared Goff.Waldron added that his offense in Chicago will be able to "adjust the scheme to the player's skill set."The Bears own the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft (via the Carolina Panthers) and are projected to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams. That would presumably end the Fields era in Chicago four years after the team drafted him 11th overall.Chicago also has the No. 9 choice in this year's draft."It's not going to happen too often," Waldron said of the Bears having a pair of top-10 picks. "This is that year, and then also the core, the group of players that is already in place on offense, including the quarterback that played at a high level and that displayed the ability to win football games and make plays."Fields, who's expected to be traded this offseason, recently unfollowed the Bears on Instagram. However, the 24-year-old downplayed his decision on Wednesday, saying he hopes to remain with the team.Since entering the NFL, Fields has had his moments, largely thanks to his rushing ability. He ran for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022. But he hasn't taken his game to the next level as a passer and has yet to throw for more than 3,000 yards or 17 touchdowns in a season. The Bears posted a 10-28 record with him as the starter.Williams is widely considered the top prospect in the 2024 draft. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner spent his college career at Oklahoma and USC.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find year-round coverage of betting news and insights for all sports by visiting our Betting section and subscribing to push notifications.For the second year in a row, the Bears are faced with a decision while holding the first-overall pick in the NFL Draft: Will they keep or trade Justin Fields?Last year, the Bears dealt the top pick to the Panthers in exchange for a massive return that included wideout DJ Moore and two first-round picks.Thanks to the Panthers' league-worst record in 2023, the Bears ended up with the No. 1 pick again. However, this year's situation is slightly different than last, with highly-touted prospect Caleb Williams likely sitting atop every team's draft board.Fields only has one year remaining on his rookie contract, so a team has time to decide on a fifth-year option.By now, Chicago should know what they have with Fields after three seasons. Oddsmakers at theScore Bet suggest the Bears will move on from their current signal-caller. They've priced the Bears as Fields' next team at +700, which equates to an implied probability of 12.5%.Fields' next teamTeamOddsFalcons-130Steelers+350Bears+700Patriots+700Commanders+1100Broncos+1400Raiders+1500Seahawks+3500Vikings+5000Buccaneers+5000Odds via theScore Bet. Teams priced above +5000 are not listed.The quarterback-needy Falcons are the odds-on favorite to make a deal for Fields. At -130, they have an implied probability of 56.5% to acquire the former Buckeye.But what's more noteworthy is that the Falcons were +500 as of Tuesday, meaning there's been a drastic shift in odds in a short period.The Steelers were the original favorites but have drifted after the big shift in odds for the Falcons.The Patriots have the same odds of having Fields as their starting quarterback in 2024 as the Bears. New England is in rebuild mode without Bill Belichick and holds the No. 3 pick. The team may be content with taking whichever of the top three quarterback prospects - Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels - remains.Expect these odds to change drastically as more rumors and reports circulate leading up to the draft.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After a standout rookie campaign, Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is looking to join one of the NFL's most exclusive clubs in 2024."I want 2,000 yards rushing," Robinson told Daniel Flick of Sports Illustrated. "I know those are big expectations. (With) what we can do as an offense, with all the weapons, our O-line, with (new offensive coordinator) Zac (Robinson) being at the helm, it can be something special."I think it's going to be one of those special seasons that Atlanta's been waiting for and all of us as players have been waiting for. So, let's get it."Robinson set a new Falcons rookie record for scrimmage yards with 976 rushing and 478 receiving in 2023. He also had eight total touchdowns and was second on the team in catches with 58.However, ex-Falcons coach Arthur Smith was often criticized for underutilizing his new playmaker. The former No. 8 pick had just five games with over 15 rushing attempts. Backup Tyler Allgeier received almost as many carries (186 to Robinson's 214) despite averaging nearly a full yard less per rush (3.7 to 4.6)."Yeah, I had 1,400 yards, but for me, I have such high expectations, that's not a great season," Robinson said. "From the expectations people have from me, I could see them looking at that season like, 'that may be great somewhere else, but that shouldn't be the standard for me.'"Only eight running backs have eclipsed 2,000 rushing yards in NFL history, and none achieved the feat more than once. Derrick Henry was the last player to hit 2,000 yards in 2020.The Falcons replaced Smith with Raheem Morris and brought in Zac Robinson from the Los Angeles Rams to run their offense.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Potential No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams doesn't plan to hire an agent ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports.The NFL Players Association published a list of draft-eligible players and their agents Wednesday, and Williams' name wasn't included.The former USC quarterback is widely expected to be selected by the Chicago Bears at the top of April's draft, potentially explaining why he's opting against hiring an agent.The NFL implemented a rookie wage scale in 2011 in which contracts are given out based on draft position, meaning negotiations for first-year players are far less complex.However, issues like offset language - what happens to a player's salary if he's cut during his rookie deal and then signs with a new team - can still cause holdups.The first overall pick in 2023, Bryce Young, received a four-year, $37.96-million deal from the Carolina Panthers. He also got a $24.6-million signing bonus.The 22-year-old Williams won the Heisman Trophy in 2022. After beginning his college career at Oklahoma, he finished his two-year stint at USC with 8,170 yards and 72 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt isn't ruling out Mac Jones potentially returning as the team's starting quarterback in 2024 despite his disappointing 2023 campaign."Right now, everything is on the table," Van Pelt said Wednesday."We're still working through that process. When that time comes, I'm sure it'll be a collaborative effort, and we'll make the right decisions," he added, noting that he's met with Jones since being named the Patriots' new offensive coordinator on Feb. 1.Jones posted a strong 2021 season as a first-round rookie but hasn't replicated that success. The 25-year-old finished 2023 with just 2,120 yards and 10 touchdowns against 12 interceptions across 11 starts. New England benched him on multiple occasions for Bailey Zappe.Jones is considered a trade candidate this offseason as New England kicks off a new era led by first-year head coach Jerod Mayo. The Patriots, who went 4-13 in 2023, own the third overall pick in this year's draft and could select a QB in April."There's some good pieces in place," Van Pelt said of his new squad. "The best thing for everybody is it's going to be a fresh start for everybody. I've talked to a couple of guys already to come in with a clean slate. No preconceived expectations or notions of who these guys are, and then we'll build from the ground up."Regardless of who's under center for the Patriots, Van Pelt said he knows what he wants from his next quarterback."Smart, tough, and a leader," Van Pelt answered when asked about a signal-caller's most important traits. "Obviously there's accuracy in the pass game, mobility, and decision making, there's a lot that goes into it. ... The great players (are) often the best leaders and the most competitive guys."A former NFL quarterback, Van Pelt will call plays for the Patriots' offense in 2024. First-year coordinator DeMarcus Covington will be responsible for the team's defensive play-calling.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields is downplaying his decision to unfollow the Chicago Bears on Instagram."I still mess with the Bears, this and that, I'm just tryna to take a little break," Fields said Wednesday on the "St. Brown Bros Podcast," which features Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Bears wideout Equanimeous St. Brown, per ESPN's Adam Schefter."I unfollowed the Bears and the NFL," Fields said. "I'm not just trying to have football on my timeline."Fields' decision to unfollow Chicago comes during an offseason in which he's widely expected to be traded. The Bears own the No. 1 and No. 9 picks in the NFL draft and are expected to select a new signal-caller.Fields is aware of the rumors and included them in the list of reasons why he needed to take a break."It's either 'Keep Fields, we want Fields,' it's either 'Draft (USC quarterback Caleb Williams).' Man, I'm tired of hearing the talk. I just want it to be over," Fields said.However, despite the uncertainty, Fields wants to remain with the Bears."I can't see myself playing in another place," Fields said, according to The 33rd Team.The Ohio State product, who turns 25 on March 5, owns a 10-28 record since he was selected No. 11 overall in the 2021 draft. He boasts 6,674 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions on 60.3% passing in 40 career games. He's also run for 2,220 yards and 14 more scores.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill doesn't think the idea of his team trading wideout Jaylen Waddle makes any sense.A trade idea involving Waddle went viral on social media after ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum - who served as the Dolphins' executive vice president of football operations from 2015-18 - suggested that Miami should send Waddle to the Kansas City Chiefs for All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie.The hypothetical move clearly didn't sit well with Hill, who criticized it while praising Waddle in a series of tweets on Tuesday."He is better than I was at this point in his career, and for people in this fan base to want to trade him is ludicrous," Hill wrote.

New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen said he's optimistic that new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's system will help veteran quarterback Derek Carr find his best play again."Derek is going to do exceptionally well," Allen said Tuesday, according to NFL.com's Kevin Patra. "I thought there was a point in time this past season where we started incorporating a little more of the play-action passing game, and I really felt like that's where our offense started to take off. I thought that's where Derek really kind of started to take off. I've had communication with Derek throughout this process and talked to him about some of the different candidates that we were bringing in."The Saints announced Kubiak as their new offensive coordinator following Super Bowl LVIII after he spent the 2023 season as the San Francisco 49ers' passing game coordinator. The 37-year-old replaces Pete Carmichael, who served as New Orleans' OC from 2009-23.Kubiak was part of a 49ers coaching staff led by Kyle Shanahan that helped quarterback Brock Purdy top the NFL in several passing categories, including yards per attempt, passer rating, and EPA/play."I felt like Klint Kubiak was obviously the person of choice," Allen said. "I've known Klint for a long time. I feel like I've known the family for probably over 20, 30 years. I remember watching Klint's dad, Gary, play quarterback back at Texas A&M growing up. ... And I feel like this is the best scheme that gives your players the best chance to have success that's going in the National Football League right now."He added: "Klint is highly intelligent. He's (an) extremely hard worker. I think we've put together an outstanding staff with a little bit of mixture of older veteran coaches that have been there done that, with some younger, progressive-mindset type of guys, and I think it's gonna be a great mixture for our organization."New Orleans acquired Carr during the 2023 offseason. Though its offense improved statistically compared to 2022, the unit lacked consistency with the four-time Pro Bowler under center. The 32-year-old, who spent his first nine seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, passed for 25 touchdowns against eight interceptions this past campaign but ranked only 17th in EPA/play.The Saints finished the 2023 season with a 9-8 record and missed the playoffs for a third straight year.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL has caught trade fever in recent years. It used to be rare for teams to ship off star players in their prime, but massive names are on the move seemingly every offseason of late.Now, remember these are deals we want to see - not necessarily the most realistic trades that could happen.Before you call these proposals impossible, here's a quick list of the top players who've been traded over the last few years: Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Matthew Stafford, Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, A.J. Brown, Christian McCaffrey, Roquan Smith, and Khalil Mack.Anything can happen in the NFL in 2024. Let's have some fun.Davante Adams Jets Candice Ward / Getty Images Sport / GettyA second blockbuster move for Adams should only end in one destination. New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has reportedly already put a reunion with his former Green Bay Packers teammate atop his wishlist for 2024. While the Las Vegas Raiders apparently said they aren't interested in moving the star pass-catcher, believing they can make a playoff run in 2024, the team's resolve might not hold up if Adams asks to be traded. He's 31 years old and might not be willing to roll the dice on the Raiders being competitive within the next year or two.The Jets will also likely be relentless in their pursuit after treading water for a year following Rodgers' early season-ending Achilles injury. The AFC East club knows it might have just one year of Rodgers left and therefore has to do everything in its power to provide him with as talented a supporting cast as possible. Adams is still an elite wideout, producing 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023 despite the Raiders' poor quarterback play. Pairing the All-Pro with Garrett Wilson would give Rodgers a top-five receiver duo to ease his return. The 40-year-old is the last of the old guard of quarterbacks. Who doesn't want to see him go out throwing bombs to Adams again?Justin Fields SteelersThe Bears will likely keep the No. 1 pick unless another team blows them away with a historic offer, which means a new quarterback in Chicago - most likely USC star Caleb Williams - and an exit for Fields. With Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield the only viable veteran free-agent options for teams seeking a starter, Fields' market should be robust. The Pittsburgh Steelers feel like a natural fit, even if acquiring the 24-year-old undeniably comes with significant risk.While he's showcased elite running skills, Fields' passing abilities are still developing. Though Pittsburgh hasn't hit the heights of the early years of the Mike Tomlin era recently, it's still one of the NFL's best models of consistency and possesses a strong locker room. For some reason, the Steelers are still backing Kenny Pickett's chances of developing into a franchise player despite keeping him on the bench for Mason Rudolph. For the sake of Steelers fans everywhere, we'll bet they're blowing smoke and know they need a shot in the arm. For all his flaws, Fields could be just that.Stefon Diggs Panthers Timothy T Ludwig / Getty Images Sport / GettyLet's be honest: Bryce Young's rookie season was an absolute disaster. Canning Frank Reich and hiring Dave Canales is a good start, but the Panthers have to go all-out to help the 2023 first overall pick. Teams don't have to be tied to bad quarterbacks for as long as they used to be thanks to the rookie wage scale, but with Carolina also forfeiting the top pick in the 2024 draft as part of the trade to get Young, the team has to give him every possible chance to succeed.That brings us to Diggs, who was surrounded by questions about his future with the Buffalo Bills all season amid rumors of discontent. Diggs is still a great receiver, and the Bills will likely run it back under the belief that a Super Bowl is within reach. But his role diminished in 2023, with zero 100-yard games from Week 7 after five in the first six weeks. Diggs' contract is admittedly a big hurdle. But facing a tough cap situation, Buffalo could save $19 million by trading him after June 1 while also being able to focus on bringing in younger weapons for Josh Allen. Meanwhile, the Panthers can properly evaluate Young by giving him a proven wideout rather than relying on hitting on a rookie. It could be a win-win.Geno Smith FalconsSmith's future with the Seattle Seahawks was already somewhat of a question mark after an uneven 2023 campaign. Trade speculation then ramped up after they let Smith's base salary become guaranteed, and ESPN's Adam Schefter suggested that other teams may find value in trading for the quarterback.The Seahawks already kick-started a new era by pushing Pete Carroll upstairs and hiring Mike Macdonald. While Smith is a safe pair of hands, Seattle could want to get younger at the game's most important position.In this scenario, the Atlanta Falcons miss out on trading for Fields or signing Cousins or Mayfield. With the eighth overall pick in the draft, they're also unlikely to get one of the top three quarterbacks available. Atlanta needs a long-term answer under center, but it also needs a competitive season after three straight anonymous years. Smith isn't an elite passer, but he can lead a top-10 offense when surrounded by playmakers - which Atlanta has in spades - while buying time for the new regime to find a franchise quarterback.Brandon Aiyuk Colts Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Sport / GettyAiyuk is due a massive contract extension after racking up a career-high 1,342 yards in 2023. While the San Francisco 49ers said they want to keep him, warning signs for a potential breakup have already surfaced. Aiyuk, his girlfriend, and his close friend all made cryptic social media posts following the Super Bowl loss. Aiyuk didn't do much to quash those rumors when asked if he hopes to re-sign in San Francisco, saying he will "if that's the right move." The NFC champions are also already paying elite money to their large group of star players. At some point, San Francisco will have to make some tough calls.If Aiyuk were to become available, the Indianapolis Colts should be the first team to call. The Colts are convinced Anthony Richardson is a future star despite the quarterback playing only four games in his first year, which means they should go on the attack to surround him with top talent while he's on his rookie contract. Paying both Michael Pittman Jr., who's a free agent, and Aiyuk might be a little too rich for the usually conservative Colts. But with $66 million in cap space and a desire to build on the momentum from a surprisingly successful 2023 campaign, Indy should take a big swing.Haason Reddick LionsThe Detroit Lions' lack of consistent pass rush was one reason they fell agonizingly short of a Super Bowl appearance in 2023. Aidan Hutchinson is a stud, but he also had 78 more pressures than any of his teammates. Detroit needs to ease the burden on him by landing another established edge player who will command the respect of opposing offenses.While Reddick says he wants to remain in Philadephia, the Eagles reportedly permitting him to seek out a new home likely means they're intent on moving on from him. The pass-rusher is still a Pro Bowl-level player despite his sack total dropping from 16 in 2022 to 11 in 2023. Reddick, who turns 30 in September, could be a perfect complement to Hutchinson in Detroit. While many big-name edge free agents are set to hit the market, trading for Reddick guarantees Detroit isn't left with another weak pass rush as it attempts to go one step further in 2024.Justin Simmons Packers Michael Owens / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Packers' timeline to return to Super Bowl contention accelerated when Jordan Love showed off top-five quarterback abilities in his first year as a starter. Green Bay will reportedly give Love a big-money extension this offseason, so it can't be as aggressive as some teams have been with young quarterbacks on rookie deals. Still, the Packers can seek out proven talent to complement their super-youthful roster, and Simmons would be a great fit.The Denver Broncos need a rebuild. While Simmons is a four-time second-team All-Pro, he's now on the wrong side of 30 and will unlikely still be playing at an elite level by the time the Broncos are ready to contend again. With his value only set to drop, Denver should gain back some valuable assets lost in the Russell Wilson trade. On the other side of the deal, Simmons would easily fill the Packers' biggest need while also being an ideal fit for the scheme of new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who leaned heavily on single-high looks at Boston College.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions released safety Tracy Walker, the team announced Tuesday.The move frees up $5.5 million in cap space, according to the Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett.Walker posted a farewell message to the team and fans on Instagram.

New England Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater announced his retirement on Tuesday after 16 NFL seasons.Considered one of the greatest gunners in NFL history, Slater helped the Patriots win three Super Bowls. The 39-year-old finishes his career with 10 Pro Bowl nods, the most ever for a special teams player."In 2008, I came here as a young man with hopes and dreams," the former fifth-round pick wrote in a statement. "In 2024, I can retire knowing this experience has exceeded any hope or dream I ever had."Slater also claimed eight All-Pro berths, including five first-team selections. Pro Football Writers of America voted him as a first-team All-Pro three times before The Associated Press began including special teamers in its All-Pro squad in 2016.He made 239 regular-season appearances for the Patriots and played in 25 playoff games, serving as a special teams cornerstone of Bill Belichick outfit in New England. Belichick recently described Slater as the greatest gunner of all time.Slater, who was originally drafted as a wide receiver, caught just one pass throughout his career. The UCLA product also returned kicks for the Patriots.Slater presumably has the credentials to eventually be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but history hasn't been kind to former gunners looking for a bust in Canton. Former Buffalo Bills special teamer Steve Tasker, who retired with seven Pro Bowl nods and five first-team All-Pro berths, is yet to be inducted despite being a semifinalist on eight occasions.Slater's father, Jackie, became a Hall of Famer in 2001 after posting a decorated career as an offensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams.The Patriots kicked off a new era in 2024 after parting ways with Belichick. New England, which went 4-13 in 2023, recently named Jerod Mayo as its next head coach.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New England Patriots released defensive lineman Lawrence Guy and safety Adrian Phillips, the team announced Tuesday.Guy, 33, spent the past seven seasons with New England. He started 103 of 110 games with the franchise and recorded 379 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks. He was a member of the Patriots' Super Bowl LIII team that defeated the Los Angeles Rams.While Guy's contributions on the field were noteworthy, he was also twice nominated as the Patriots' candidate for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, an honor recognizing players who display a commitment to philanthropy and positively impacting the community.The Arizona State product will seek out his fifth NFL team after other stints with the Indianapolis Colts, the then-San Diego Chargers, and the Baltimore Ravens.Guy posted a farewell message on X.

The Minnesota Vikings are unwilling to give quarterback Kirk Cousins a fully guaranteed contract, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.Cousins signed a three-year, $84-million fully guaranteed deal with the club in 2018. He later signed two extensions that kept him in Minnesota until the end of the 2023 campaign. Cousins is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March.Minnesota reportedly spoke with Cousins' camp last week, and the two sides are maintaining contact.The regime that signed Cousins to his 2018 contract is no longer with the Vikings, as general manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer were fired in 2021 and replaced with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell.Cousins tore his Achilles in Week 8 of the 2023 campaign. He was on pace to have one of the better seasons of his career, totaling 2,331 passing yards with 18 touchdowns and only five interceptions in eight contests.Minnesota currently has $23.8 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap. Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall are the only quarterbacks the Vikings have under contract for the 2024 season.The 35-year-old Cousins has 39,471 passing yards with 270 touchdowns in 150 career games.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New Orleans Saints veteran tight end Jimmy Graham is set to embark on an adventure across the Arctic Ocean in pursuit of a world record.Graham announced Monday that he will be participating in the 2025 Arctic Challenge, where he'll be part of a four-person team rowing across the Arctic Ocean, according to Justin Vlosich of NewOrleansSaints.com. The team also includes former Navy SEAL Andrew Tropp, former Team USA rower Hannah Huppi, and former Team USA and Team Switzerland rower John Huppi.The journey will begin in Norway and continue for more than 600 miles, eventually coming to an end in Longyearbyen, Svalbard. The team will row non-stop for 24 hours a day, alternating through two-hour shifts.Once they complete their mission, Graham and his crew will own a Guinness World record as the first mixed-gendered team to row across the Arctic Ocean. They can also break the record for the fastest four-person team to row across the Arctic Ocean if they achieve the feat in less than 15 days, five hours, and 32 minutes.The Arctic Challenge is partnering with three charities for the row: the Jimmy Graham Foundation, Covenant House, and Laureus Sport for Good USA.Graham signed a one-year deal with the Saints in 2023 after sitting out the previous season, returning to the team with which he spent the first five years of his career. The 37-year-old's future in the NFL is unclear, as he bid farewell to New Orleans on Instagram in January.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Offensive tackle Tyron Smith isn't considering retirement and wants to sign another contract with the Dallas Cowboys, sources told Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News.Smith is set to become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins in March. He's one of the NFL's better offensive tackles when healthy, but injury issues have plagued him in recent years.The 33-year-old hasn't played every game in a season since 2015. He has missed 23 contests over the last three years due to various ailments, including a hamstring tear suffered in training camp in 2022."This is clearly his best season that I have experienced with him since 2020," head coach Mike McCarthy said in January.McCarthy added, "I think the fact that he's not going into the offseason with offseason surgeries is a plus. We'll continue to talk as we move forward."Dallas drafted offensive lineman Tyler Smith in the first round in 2022. He has started 31 games for the Cowboys over the last two years and has thrived as an offensive guard. However, he was initially projected to be Tyron Smith's eventual replacement at left tackle.Tyron Smith is the Cowboys' longest-tenured player. They selected him ninth overall in 2011, and he has secured five All-Pro selections over his career.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The window for NFL teams to assign the franchise and transition tags begins Feb. 20 and ends at 4 p.m. ET on March 5. Teams can use only one tag per offseason.The franchise tag restricts a player's rights in free agency while offering them a one-year contract. The tender's cost is determined by 120% of the player's cap number from the previous season or the average of the top five salaries at their respective position, whichever is greater. The player can sign the tag anytime and has until July 15 to negotiate a multi-year extension. Meanwhile, the transition tag allows a player to test free agency while giving his incumbent team the right to match any offer. The transition tag is presented as a one-year deal worth the average of the top 10 salaries at the player's position.Keep in mind that some high-profile free agents aren't considered candidates here, including Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive end Danielle Hunter, whose contracts are void after the tag designation window closes. In cases like Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans, using the tag may not make sense given how much it would cost ($28 million). Here are the top candidates for a tender in 2024, barring extensions:(Salary projections courtesy: Over The Cap)Candidates to get 2nd straight tag Ryan Kang / Getty Images Sport / GettyChris Jones, DL, Chiefs

The Chicago Bears are releasing veteran offensive lineman Cody Whitehair and safety Eddie Jackson, the team announced Thursday.Chicago will save approximately $21.5 million against the salary cap by releasing them, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Whitehair, 31, spent eight seasons in Chicago and earned a Pro Bowl nod during the 2018 campaign. He started 118 of the 124 games he appeared in with the team.The 30-year-old Jackson spent the past seven seasons with the Bears after being selected in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.The Kansas State product began his pro career as Chicago's starting center during his first three seasons. He became noted for his versatility after starting as an offensive guard along with lining up at center during the 2019-20 campaign before making the full-time move to guard.Jackson started all 100 games he was available for during his time in Chicago. He recorded 459 tackles, 44 pass breakups, 15 interceptions, and 10 forced fumbles. The two-time Pro Bowler (2018, 2019) is tied with former Bears linebacker Lance Briggs for third place in franchise history with six defensive touchdowns.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens signed wide receiver Nelson Agholor to a one-year extension, the team announced Sunday.The financial terms of the deal weren't revealed.Agholor is now under contract through 2024. He signed a one-year, $3.25-million deal with Baltimore ahead of the 2023 campaign. The contract was set to void if he didn't sign an extension by Monday, according to The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec.The 30-year-old hauled in 35 receptions for 381 yards and four touchdowns this season. His yardage mark ranked third among the club's wide receivers, trailing Zay Flowers (858) and Odell Beckham Jr. (565).Agholor added three more receptions for 51 yards and a score across the Ravens' two playoff games.The USC product has totaled 4,627 yards and 35 touchdowns on 375 receptions in 135 career games.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons believes his team should bring back running back Tony Pollard."I would say toward the end of the season Tony Pollard was catching his rhythm again," Parsons said in an interview with Stephen A Smith. "I do think he's an every-down guy. You've got to think, he broke his fibula, tibia, something that's a catastrophic injury."He added: "You saw him increase, like he even said, 'I'm just now getting back to myself.' I would give Tony Pollard another shot."Pollard is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year opens in March. He was selected by Dallas in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.The Memphis product had a terrific 2022 campaign, totaling 1,378 yards and 12 touchdowns on 232 touches. He suffered a fractured fibula in the team's divisional-round loss to the San Francisco 49ers, which haltered his prep for the 2023 season.Pollard's numbers took a hit this year, as he averaged only four yards per carry on 252 attempts. His dip in production affected Dallas' offense, which fell from ninth in rushing yards per contest in 2022 to 15th in 2023.The Cowboys placed the franchise tag on Pollard last offseason. He played on a one-year, $10-million fully guaranteed deal."You're talking about a guy that's really been off from that January, came back Week 1, but he didn't really do a lot," Parsons said. "It takes a while to get back into football. He didn't do OTAs. He didn't do minicamp. He kind of did camp a little bit like working through it, getting back into it."Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis are currently the Cowboys' only running backs under contract for 2024. Pollard has 3,621 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns in 79 career games.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Free safety Xavier McKinney says he wants to feel valued when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in March."I want to be appreciated in every way for what I do and bring to the table," McKinney posted Friday on X. "As a player and as a leader. I've stood by myself ten toes through the critics, the hate, etc."The 24-year-old's role and production grew through his four seasons with the New York Giants. McKinney recorded a career-high 116 tackles with 11 passes defended and three interceptions in 2023 while playing every defensive snap.With the conclusion of his rookie deal, McKinney is seeking compensation that would bring his value closer to the top of the safety market.The Giants could prevent McKinney from hitting free agency by placing the franchise tag on him, which is projected at $17.2 million in 2024. However, New York has constraints with just $19.4 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap.Derwin James leads all safeties with an average annual salary of $19 million. McKinney's rookie deal was a four-year contract worth $8.39 million.McKinney is among a group of Giants starters set to explore free agency this spring, along with Saquon Barkley, Adoree' Jackson, and Isaiah Simmons.His 91.2 coverage grade, per PFF, was the highest mark for a safety last season. Despite his production and becoming a team captain with the Giants, the Alabama product said he isn't keen on taking a hometown discount."I'm the most complete safety out there, and it's about time for some respect to that, too," McKinney said in January, according to the New York Post's Mark Cannizzaro.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Athletes First is telling its 2024 NFL Draft prospects to skip cognitive testing in the pre-draft evaluation process, according to The Athletic's Kalyn Kahler, who obtained an email sent by the sports agency to teams in January.The S2 test caused controversy last season when Houston Texas quarterback C.J. Stroud's poor score was leaked. Stroud, a client of Athletes First, reportedly scored 18 out of a possible 100 on the test, leading to questions about his worthiness of being a top selection.Stroud was ultimately selected second overall and went on to win Offensive Rookie of the Year after leading the Texans to the playoffs."We understand that many of your teams use these tests or protocols as part of your prospect evaluation process, however our recent experience with these exams has been less than positive," the email said."Specifically, the fact that certain results and performances were leaked publicly last year demonstrates that there truly is no confidentiality with these tests. It is not right for a player's intelligence, aptitude or mental processing to be subject to public discussion and ridicule - no other job interview carries the same scrutiny."The creators of the S2 told The Wall Street Journal in January that Stroud's low score was flagged as "potentially invalid." The 45-minute test is used by half of the NFL's 32 teams and measures a player's processing speed, reaction time, and ability to digest information and respond under duress.The 22-year-old Stroud shrugged off his S2 score before last April's draft.I'm not a test-taker. I play football," Stroud told the Charlotte Observer's Scott Fowler. "At the end of the day, I don't have nothing to prove to nobody. I'm not (going to) sit here and explain how I process football. The people who are making the picks know what I can do, so that's all the matters to me."Athletes First doesn't represent any of the 2024 quarterback class, which is headlined by Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.