New England Patriots wide receiver Marqise Lee will opt out of the 2020 season, he told Mike Reiss of ESPN.Lee, who signed a one-year deal with New England in April, is the seventh player from the Patriots to skip the upcoming campaign due to the coronavirus pandemic.The 28-year-old wideout became a father in February, and he based his decision on protecting his family."This is a big sit-down process I had, with me and my significant other, as far as family goes," Lee said. "The risk factor in which we believe that's going out there, it just wasn't worth it in a sense. Just too many unknowns."We knew New England, honestly, had a great system in place," he added. "But I told (head) coach (Bill Belichick), at the end of the day, I wouldn't be doing him justice going out there because I wouldn't be able to give him my all knowing my family was back at the house worrying about their situation."Belichick told reporters Friday he supports his players' decisions to sit out of the 2020 season. New England's opt-out list now has seven players - the most in the league - and it includes linebacker Dont'a Hightower, safety Patrick Chung, and right tackle Marcus Cannon.A 2014 second-round pick from the Jacksonville Jaguars, Lee enjoyed campaigns with at least 50 catches and 700 receiving yards in 2016 and 2017 before battling injuries. He's appeared in just six games in the last two seasons.Lee's current contract tolls - keeping him a Patriot in 2021 - and he plans to play, according to Reiss.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As the NFL gears up to try to play a season in the middle of a global pandemic, it's fair to say there are plenty of issues. The players' union bargained with the league to get it to agree to a number of health and safety protocols, including the chance to opt out of playing this season.A total of 35 players had elected to opt out as of Saturday morning. You probably have questions about what this means. Let's try to answer them.Thirty-five players seems like a lot. Is that going to be a problem?Not really. Teams can have up to 90 players on their training-camp rosters - a number that must be reduced to 80 by Aug. 16. Only 80 can be in the facility at one time, though, so if teams choose to begin practicing with 90, they'll have to do split-squad workouts, with one group over at the stadium. The point - now that I'm finally getting to it - is that there are still more than 2,500 eligible players on rosters. Though there's still a chance for more to opt out.Is there a deadline to do so?Not quite yet. The protocols established that players would have seven days after the league's and the NFLPA's lawyers hammered out the written details, which could be imminent but hasn't happened yet. This creates an obvious problem, since all players were required to report by this week and they can be fined for each day they miss.Nothing like blowing past a deadline!(coughs) I wouldn't know what that's like, as my editors can surely confirm. (coughs)Are there layers to opting out?There are two tiers: one for those with a condition that puts them at high risk if they were to contract COVID-19, and one for those who simply want to voluntarily sit out this season. According to the memo the NFLPA sent to player agents last week, those in the high-risk category must have a medical diagnosis that includes one or more of 15 risk factors identified by the CDC. Those in the voluntary category need no reason for their decision, other than their own preference or risk calculation.Will they get paid?Yes, but it's a bit complicated. High-risk opt-outs will receive a $350,000 stipend and their contracts will toll, which means the terms of the contract will be pushed back a year. So a player signed through 2022 will instead have the 2020-22 terms of his contract apply from 2021-23, including any guarantees. The only exceptions are any offseason roster bonuses or signing bonuses, which were already earned. Importantly, high-risk opt-outs will still earn an accrued season toward free agency and a credited season toward benefits and future possible minimum salary.What's still not clear is whether that $350,000 will count as a benefit or as salary that will be applied to the 2020 cap at some point. Miguel Benzan, an expert at breaking down the New England Patriots' salary-cap dynamics, confirmed for me that the correct answer will appear in that final written agreement. Icon Sportswire / Getty ImagesSo there's a salary-cap impact?Yep, Multiple reports indicate that cap hits, including prorations for signing bonuses already paid, will also toll to 2021, which deviates from the way tolled contracts have been treated in the past.Why this matters: Right tackle Marcus Cannon of the Patriots, a cancer survivor and a high-risk opt-out, is a great example of the two ways this can go. If all of Cannon's proration were to toll, he would count for just $50,000 against New England's 2020 cap, as Over The Cap's database now indicates. If it doesn't, at least $2.56 million of Cannon's bonus proration would still be on the Patriots' books for 2020.Wait. A bunch of Patriots have opted out, no?So far, seven of them, in fact: Cannon, linebacker Dont'a Hightower, fullback Dan Vitale, running back Brandon Bolden, wide receiver Marqise Lee, offensive lineman Najee Toran, and safety Patrick Chung.Bill Belichick's got to have something up his sleeve …Relax. You're just being paranoid. Then again, at least one league executive has said something similar out loud …

The NFL has suspended free-agent wide receiver Antonio Brown eight games for violations of its personal conduct policy, the league announced Friday.The ban will begin Sept. 5 and end after eight games regardless of whether he is on a team. Brown will be eligible to participate in training camp up until that date should any club sign him.Brown's agent said the receiver won't appeal the suspension and is "excited" to continue his career:

Cam Newton is widely expected to be under center for the New England Patriots' season opener against the Miami Dolphins in September. But head coach Bill Belichick isn't just going to hand the starting job to the former NFL MVP as the Patriots get training camp underway."That spot's the same as all the other spots on the team," Belichick said Friday, according to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. "We've got a long way to go, and we'll see how things turn out. I can't control how players perform. That's up to them. We'll give everybody an opportunity and see what happens."New England also has sophomore Jarrett Stidham and journeyman Brian Hoyer on the roster. Stidham was widely tipped to earn the starting role prior to Newton's shock signing early in July.Newton's free-agent market was apparently weak, and New England took advantage and landed a far more talented potential replacement for Tom Brady at a discount price.Newton reportedly inked an incentive-laden, one-year contract worth up to $7.5 million. The former Carolina Panthers star was apparently only guaranteed $550,000 of his $1.05-million base salary."Things worked out," Belichick said. "We spent quite a bit of time with Cam, and he spent quite a bit of time with us. I think it was a mutual interest. We (spoke to) quite a ... number of different people and had a number of different conversations just trying to see how the fit would be. It was very positive on our end, and I'm glad it worked out."Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Las Vegas Raiders plan to sign free-agent running back Jeremy Hill after hosting him for a visit Friday, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Hill didn't play in 2019 and also missed most of the 2018 campaign. He still needs to pass his physical and undergo a COVID-19 test.The Cincinnati Bengals selected the running back in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He produced a 1,124-yard, nine-touchdown rookie season and racked up another 1,633 yards and 20 touchdowns over the following two years.Joe Mixon's arrival pushed Hill down the depth chart in 2017, and he finished the season on injured reserve due to an ankle ailment.Hill joined the New England Patriots for 2018 but suffered a torn ACL in Week 1.The Raiders have an established starter in sophomore Josh Jacobs but are in need of additional depth with Devontae Booker currently on reserve/COVID-19.Players sent to the new reserve list either tested positive for the coronavirus or were in close proximity to someone who tested positive.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Cowboys are the most valuable professional sports franchise in 2020, worth an estimated $5.5 billion, according to the annual list published by Forbes.The New York Yankees are the only other team worth at least $5 billion, while the New York Knicks remain the most valuable NBA club despite their continued struggles on the court.10 most valuable sports teamsRankTeamValueLeague1Dallas Cowboys$5.5BNFL2New York Yankees$5BMLB3New York Knicks$4.6BNBA4Los Angeles Lakers$4.4BNBA5Golden State Warriors$4.3BNBA6Real Madrid$4.24BLa Liga7New England Patriots$4.1BNFL8Barcelona$4.02BLa Liga9New York Giants$3.9BNFL10Manchester United$3.81BEPLThe most valuable NHL team is the New York Rangers, who sit 70th overall with an estimated worth of $1.65 billion.The NFL houses 27 of the top 50 franchises on the list.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow won't be satisfying a guilty pleasure with any of the money he secured Friday by officially signing his rookie deal with the Cincinnati Bengals."I don't plan on spending any contract money," the quarterback told reporters. "I'm just gonna live off the marketing money and let that accrue in my bank account."As the first pick in the 2020 draft, Burrow obtained a fully guaranteed four-year contract for $36.19 million, which included a signing bonus of $23.9 million.The 23-year-old already has Fanatics, Nike, Bose, Lowe's, Nerf, and Buffalo Wild Wings in his endorsement repertoire, and could grow his popularity with a successful start to his NFL career.Burrow also mentioned he took some marketing tips - and football tips - from Peyton Manning when he spoke to the legendary quarterback after the draft.Purportedly, Marshawn Lynch and Rob Gronkowski have gone their entire careers living off sponsorship money as well.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Steve Levy, Brian Griese, and Louis Riddick are expected to comprise the new Monday Night Football broadcast team on ESPN, sources told the New York Post's Andrew Marchand.The trio will replace Joe Tessitore and Anthony "Booger" McFarland, who were informed in May they would be replaced.Levy, a broadcasting veteran who's been at ESPN since 1993, has worked play-by-play across multiple sports throughout his career. He's called college football games since 2016 and participated in XFL commentary earlier this year.Griese was already working alongside Levy and will reportedly join him as one of two color analysts. The former quarterback played in the NFL from 1998-2008, appearing in games for four teams. He won Super Bowl XXXIII with the Denver Broncos as a backup to John Elway.Riddick, who will reportedly round out the booth, has been an on-air talent at ESPN since 2013. He's contributed to shows such as "First Take," "Sunday NFL Countdown," "Monday Night Countdown," and "NFL Live." He called college football games last year.Riddick also had an NFL career, playing as a safety from 1991-98. He served as a pro scout and director of player personnel for the Washington Football Team after his playing days, later working in each of those roles for the Philadelphia Eagles.The 2020 Monday Night Football schedule begins on Sept. 14 when the New York Giants host the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos host the Tennessee Titans. Veteran college football broadcasters Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit are slated to call one half of the opening week's doubleheader, according to longtime journalist James Miller.ESPN has spent months working on its revamped booth, making unsuccessful runs at Al Michaels, Peyton Manning, and Tony Romo before reportedly selecting the new team.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2020 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.Welcome to theScore Fantasy Football Podcast, hosted by Justin Boone.Find the show on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, and Anchor.In this episode, Eric Moody of The Athletic and 4for4.com joins Boone to discuss the latest news and the biggest training camp storylines to monitor.

Free-agent running back LeSean McCoy and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reached an agreement for a one-year deal Thursday, his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The 32-year-old will earn the veteran's minimum of just over $1 million with the Bucs, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.McCoy will be part of an offense led by Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, who both joined Tampa Bay this offseason."He's very excited to play with established vets like Brady and Gronk in trying to win another championship," Rosenhaus said.The Bucs have plenty of talent at wide receiver and tight end, but the unit's weakest link was arguably the running back position. Before McCoy's signing, sophomore Ronald Jones and rookie Ke'Shawn Vaughn topped the depth chart.Throughout his time with the New England Patriots, Brady thrived playing with pass-catching running backs such as James White and Dion Lewis.McCoy, who is entering his 12th NFL season, was a solid receiving back during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills.The veteran spent the 2019 season with the Kansas City Chiefs, earning his first Super Bowl title.In 13 appearances, McCoy averaged 4.6 yards per carry (his best mark since a career-high 5.4 in 2016) and racked up 465 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He caught 28 passes for 181 yards and one score.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Damien Williams, one of the team's Super Bowl victory heroes, is one of the biggest names to opt out of the 2020 NFL season so far.Like many of the other players who have decided to sit out, Williams did so to protect a close family member from potentially contracting COVID-19. The running back revealed Thursday that his mother was recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer."My mom is my rock, my everything. During a hard time like this, I think I should be next to her (for) every step," Williams told SiriusXM NFL Radio."My mom, she just was like, 'Whatever decision (you make), I'm behind you.' At the end of the day, it's hard," he added. "Football is my life, especially coming off a championship and wanting to do a repeat - which, you know, I know they're gonna handle that - but at the end of the day, this was something personal that I had to handle."Williams had the best regular season of his career so far in 2019. He racked up 498 yards and five touchdowns on the ground and added another 213 yards and two scores through the air.But the 28-year-old saved his best performance for the final game of the season. He scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving) to propel the Chiefs to a dramatic late-game comeback, finishing the game with 133 total yards.Though the loss of Williams is a blow to a Kansas City offense that'll also be without guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, who was the first player to opt out, the AFC West club's backfield is well-prepared to thrive without him.The Chiefs used their first-round pick on former LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and now the rookie is tipped for a standout first season alongside Patrick Mahomes and Co.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints and free-agent linebacker Nigel Bradham agreed to a one-year deal Thursday, his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Bradham spent the last four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles after starting his career with the Buffalo Bills, who took him in the fourth round of the 2012 draft.He helped Philly to a Super Bowl title in 2017 and led the NFC East club in tackles during three of his four years with the team.The Saints needed to add depth to their linebacker group, which is headlined by 2019 first-team All-Pro Demario Davis, Kiko Alonso, Alex Anzalone, and third-round pick Zack Baun.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Atlanta Falcons agreed to terms with free-agent cornerback Darqueze Dennard, a source told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.Details of the deal weren't revealed.Dennard reportedly agreed to a three-year, $13.5-million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars in March, but the two parties failed to finalize terms.The 28-year-old spent the first six seasons of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, who selected him in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.Dennard made just nine appearances in 2019 due to injury.The Falcons parted ways with longtime cornerback Desmond Trufant this offseason. Dennard should provide some veteran leadership to the inexperienced group.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Buffalo Bills sent their rookie players home Thursday after five positive COVID-19 tests this week, the team told ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques in a statement.One veteran and one rookie reportedly tested positive Thursday. In response, Buffalo is conducting the day's meetings virtually.The rookie tested positive after testing negative three times, a source told Louis-Jacques."As we were informed by medical experts as training camp opened, we expected to have positive tests for COVID," the team said. "With five since the beginning of the testing period last Tuesday, we decided to take a disciplined, proactive, and preventative approach to hopefully eliminate additional cases within our team."Since Monday, Buffalo has sent cornerback Ike Brown, defensive tackle Vincent Taylor, and wide receiver Duke Williams to the reserve/COVID-19 list.Players sent to the new reserve list have either tested positive or were in close proximity to an infected person. Teams aren't required to state why a player is placed on the list.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jamal Adams sees a future - and then some - with the Seattle Seahawks, even though he's yet to put on the pads for a single practice with his new club."The plan is to retire here," the All-Pro safety told reporters Thursday.Seattle acquired Adams from the New York Jets on Saturday for a package headlined by two first-round picks. The 24-year-old requested a trade from the Jets after hitting a contract impasse and had the Seahawks on his list of preferred landing spots."I just felt like Seattle was a first-class organization from top to bottom," he said. "When you think about coming into a situation like this as far as being drafted into an organization with Russell (Wilson), with Bobby Wagner on the other side, Bruce Irvin, so many guys that came before us ... these guys have done it and they've seen it all. They've been in the Big Dance, they've won the Big Dance, and that's what it's about."He added: "Having a great locker room, that brotherhood that they talk about over here, that's what it's about. I knew Seattle was definitely the perfect spot for me, I just couldn't come out and say it."Adams isn't expected to sign an extension before the new season, but he said he isn't worried about that while he gets acclimated to his new team. He has two years remaining on his rookie deal.The two-time Pro Bowler also sent positive vibes to his former team despite criticizing Jets owner Woody Johnson, general manager Joe Douglas, and head coach Adam Gase before the trade."I have nothing but love and respect for a lot of those guys over there in that organization. I wish them well, I really do," he said before naming some teammates he'll miss."I'm focused on being a Seattle Seahawk. I'm at peace with it, we have to move on, it's part of the business. ... I'm pulling for those guys over there, I really am. I have no hate in my heart towards anyone - to Joe, to Adam Gase, it doesn't matter - I wish them well."Adams, who grew up in Texas and went to college at LSU, said he'd never been to Seattle before flying in to finalize the trade."I'm just kind of finding my way around," he said with a grin. "I don't know too much, but I plan to, and I plan to be here and I'm excited to be here."In his third and final year with the Jets, Adams posted 75 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Yannick Ngakoue has yet to show up for Jacksonville Jaguars training camp and head coach Doug Marrone said he hasn't been in contact with the franchise-tagged defensive end regarding his absence, according to ESPN's Michael DiRocco.Ngakoue still hasn't signed his franchise tender in hopes of being traded.While the star pass-rusher is considered to be holding out, he isn't violating his contract and cannot be fined for skipping team activities. Because he hasn't inked his deal, he can report prior to Week 1 and still receive his full salary, per Pro Football Talk.Ngakoue hasn't backed off his trade request from earlier this offseason and doesn't plan to sign in the immediate future. The former third-round pick is reportedly engaged in contract discussions with other teams and is open to playing on the one-year tender elsewhere.Despite the 25-year-old's desire to leave Jacksonville, the Jaguars have been unwilling to deal their young defender. Ngakoue refused to negotiate a long-term deal with the club on multiple occasions after being tagged.The defensive end has posted at least eight sacks in all four seasons of his career, earning his lone Pro Bowl berth in 2017.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tennessee Titans edge rusher Vic Beasley Jr. will report to training camp after already missing the opening two days of COVID-19 testing without permission."I have been in contact with Vic, he is not here, he understands his absence is unexcused, and he told me he will be reporting to camp in the near future," general manager Jon Robinson said Thursday in a statement. "Our current focus is on the players that are here now, getting everyone acclimated to the protocols, our building, and our football program. We will have the same acclimation process with Vic when he reports."Beasley, who signed a one-year, $9.5-million contract with Tennessee in March, was an unexplained no-show to begin camp. The Titans placed him on the reserve/did not report list Tuesday, and he is subject to $50,000 fines for every day he misses.The 28-year-old reportedly never communicated his absence to the Titans as the rest of the team assembled in Nashville.Beasley was the eighth overall pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2015. He led the NFL with 15.5 sacks in 2016, but he's picked up just 18 since.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As the Pittsburgh Steelers open training camp, head coach Mike Tomlin provided an update on Ben Roethlisberger and his elbow injury.Tomlin admitted he hasn't seen Roethlisberger throw in person, but he remains confident in the quarterback's progress."He's been throwing, and that throwing has been going well," Tomlin told reporters Thursday, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "We don't have any reservations about him being a full participant in this process."Roethlisberger underwent season-ending surgery last September after suffering the injury in Week 2. The 38-year-old resumed throwing activities in February.Big Ben had planned to throw Wednesday at Heinz Field, but Pittsburgh's staff opted against it. The Steelers expect the 16-year veteran to work with teammates during their first padded practice on Aug. 17.In 2018, Roethlisberger led the league with 5,129 passing yards and tossed a career-high 34 touchdowns. Pittsburgh posted an 8-8 record last year with Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges splitting most of the starts under center.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It appears the Los Angeles Chargers will roll with their veteran instead of their top rookie at quarterback.Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn said Wednesday that Tyrod Taylor will likely be under center for the season opener instead of sixth overall pick Justin Herbert."He'll probably be our Day 1 starter," Lynn said, according to Jason Hirschhorn of Sports Illustrated.With only virtual offseason workouts available and no preseason games, Taylor was widely expected to have the starting advantage over the relatively raw former Oregon standout.Taylor last replaced a highly drafted rookie in 2018 when he started for Baker Mayfield, the top pick from that year's draft, in the first three games of the Cleveland Browns' campaign.In March, the one-time Pro Bowler said he expected the Chargers to "turn a lot of heads" if he earned the starting gig.Taylor made his name in three seasons as the Buffalo Bills' starter. He completed 62.6% of his passes for 8,857 yards and 51 touchdowns against 16 interceptions through 44 games (43 starts).Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the sports landscape, the NFL announced a two-tier opt-out plan in which players can choose not to participate in the 2020 campaign by Aug. 4 and earn a stipend for the year.Kansas City Chiefs guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif became the first player to opt out of the upcoming season on the same day the league's return-to-play plan was approved by the NFLPA.The New England Patriots have been impacted the most in the early stages, as star linebacker Dont'a Hightower, safety Patrick Chung, and starting right tackle Marcus Cannon won't suit up this season.On Wednesday, two big-name players - Chiefs running back Damien Williams and New York Giants left tackle Nate Solder - announced they would also opt out.Here is the full list of players who have elected to sit out thus far:PlayerPos.TeamDe'Anthony ThomasWR/KRBaltimore RavensAndre SmithOTBaltimore RavensStar LotuleleiDTBuffalo BillsJordan MackLBCarolina PanthersEddie Goldman*DTChicago BearsDrew ForbesGCleveland BrownsMaurice CanadyCBDallas CowboysStephen GuidryWRDallas CowboysKyle PekoDTDenver BroncosJohn AtkinsDTDetroit LionsLarry Warford*GFree agentDevin Funchess*WRGreen Bay PackersEddie Vanderdoes*DTHouston TexansDamien WilliamsRBKansas City ChiefsLaurent Duvernay-TardifGKansas City ChiefsMichael PierceDTMinnesota VikingsDont'a HightowerLBNew England PatriotsPatrick ChungSNew England PatriotsMarcus CannonOTNew England PatriotsBrandon Bolden*RBNew England PatriotsDan VitaleFBNew England PatriotsNajee ToranOLNew England PatriotsCole Wick*TENew Orleans SaintsJason Vander LaanTENew Orleans SaintsNate SolderOTNew York GiantsLeo Koloamatangi*OLNew York JetsMarquise GoodwinWRPhiladelphia EaglesChance WarmackGSeattle SeahawksAnthony McKinney*OLTennessee TitansCaleb BrantleyDTWashington Football Team* denotes a reported decisionCopyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2020 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.Damien Williams wasn't the first player to opt out of the 2020 NFL season, but his decision was the first to send shock waves across the fantasy landscape.Let's take a look at how the Kansas City Chiefs' backfield will be impacted with Williams sitting out, complete with updated projections for each back.Clyde Edwards-HelaireRkFantasy PtsRush Att.Rush YdsRush TDTgtRec.Rec. YdsRec. TDRB7275.462291124969513993Edwards-Helaire is now poised for a massive debut season as a first-round pick in an explosive offense with limited competition for touches. That's not to say the rookie won't share some of the workload with his veteran teammates, but he'll now enter Week 1 as Kansas City's unquestioned lead back.As shown in the tweet below from Ian Hartitz of Pro Football Focus, Andy Reid's starting running back has delivered a top-12 fantasy result in 13 of the last 16 seasons.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Damien Williams is opting out of the 2020 NFL season, the team announced Wednesday."As an organization, we certainly understand and respect Damien's choice, knowing it was made in the best interest of his family," Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said in a statement. "He means a lot to our football team as a player and a person, and we're going to miss having him around this season."Chiefs offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif recently became the first NFL player to opt out of the upcoming campaign due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Williams rushed for 104 yards on 17 carries in Kansas City's 31-20 victory in Super Bowl LIV.The 28-year-old ran for a career-high 498 yards and added 213 yards on 30 receptions across 11 regular-season appearances in 2019.Kansas City selected running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles moved right tackle Lane Johnson and two other players to the COVID-19/reserve list Wednesday, the team announced.Johnson quickly revealed he tested positive for COVID-19. The reserve list is for players who either tested positive or come in contact with an infected person. Teams are not required to reveal the reason why a player is on the list.

Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley, a potential 2021 first-round pick, has decided to opt out of the 2020 college football season.Farley will spend the year training for the NFL."I am opting out due to uncertain health conditions and regulations, and all the other opts-outs going on in football right now," Farley said in a video statement alongside his family. "I tragically lost my mother, Robin, Jan. 2, 2018, to an illness, and I cannot afford to lose another parent or loved one."

Pass-rusher Vic Beasley Jr. did not attend COVID-19 testing for a second straight day on Wednesday and has yet to communicate with the Tennessee Titans regarding his absence, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The Titans placed Beasley on the reserve/did not report list Tuesday after their free-agent addition didn't show up for testing. He'll be fined $100,000 if he wasn't already excused, per team insider Paul Kuharsky.The 28-year-old signed a one-year contract with Tennessee after spending his first five campaigns with the Atlanta Falcons.The Falcons selected Beasley eighth overall in 2015. He led the league with 15.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in his second season, but he's accumulated just 28 quarterback takedowns since.Beasley was expected to play a significant role on Mike Vrabel's defense, rotating with Reggie Gilbert and Kamalei Correa at outside linebacker opposite Harold Landry.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants left tackle Nate Solder is opting out of the 2020 season due to his history with cancer and the associated health risks with COVID-19, he announced Wednesday.Solder battled testicular cancer in 2015 and has a young son at home fighting cancer. Hudson Solder was diagnosed with cancerous tumors in both of his kidneys as an infant and undergoes chemotherapy regularly. The Solder family also welcomed another baby boy in the spring."We have great respect for Nate as a person and player," said Giants general manager Dave Gettleman, who has also dealt with cancer. "When he called today, I told him it is faith, family, and football. He is doing what's best for his family."The Giants signed Solder to a four-year, $62-million contract in 2018, which at the time made him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL. He struggled to play up to expectations over his first two seasons in New York.Without Solder, the Giants figure to move fourth overall pick Andrew Thomas into the starting lineup at left tackle. Thomas was more likely to begin the season at right tackle had Solder decided to play.Solder, 32, won two Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots before joining the Giants.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a contract extension with general manager John Lynch through the 2024 season, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.There were three campaigns left on Lynch's six-year deal he signed when he became GM of the club in 2017.In three years at the helm, Lynch has taken the 49ers from cellar dwellers to Super Bowl contenders. His biggest move was trading a second-round pick for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, while his high-profile signing of cornerback Richard Sherman - who was coming off a torn Achilles - has paid major dividends.In the draft, Lynch has used four of his six first-round selections on offensive or defensive linemen, with Nick Bosa and Mike McGlinchey emerging as the crown jewels of his hauls.Overall, the 49ers are 23-25 since hiring Lynch, who came to San Francisco as a packaged deal with head coach Kyle Shanahan. Shanahan landed a new six-year contract earlier in the offseason.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tua Tagovailoa is officially ready to battle for the Miami Dolphins' starting quarterback position.Head coach Brian Flores announced Wednesday that the first-round rookie passed his physical and will practice without limitations once his team hits the field, according to ESPN's Cameron Wolfe.Tagovailoa is working his way back from a hip injury suffered during his final season at Alabama. The lefty said he was "ready to go" last week after extensive rehab.Flores noted he understands fans are eager to see Tua, but noted he's yet to play an NFL snap and has a ways to go before unseating veteran passer Ryan Fitzpatrick."People want to talk about Tua, I understand it," the head coach told reporters, per WPLG's Will Manso. "At the same time, as a young player - it's his first NFL training camp - I think he has to take it one day at a time and not think about what's realistic for the season."Tagovailoa was considered a front-runner to go first overall before suffering his season-ending injury eight months ago. His recovery timetable was highly debated in the pre-draft process as he was unable to take a handful of team physicals due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Chargers and pass-rusher Joey Bosa agreed to a contract extension Tuesday, the team announced.Los Angeles didn't announce the terms of the deal, but sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Bosa received a five-year contract extension worth $135 million.Bosa's new-money average of $27 million tops all defensive players. Myles Garrett previously held the distinction after signing a deal worth $25 million per season earlier in July.The deal, which runs through the 2025 season, reportedly contains $102 million in injury guarantees - a record for a defensive player - and $78 million fully guaranteed at signing.Only six other defensive players - Khalil Mack, Aaron Donald, DeMarcus Lawrence, DeForest Buckner, Frank Clark, and Chris Jones - earn $20 million or more, according to Spotrac.The total value of Bosa's deal only trails Mack's $141-million extension with the Chicago Bears in 2018.Selected third overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, Bosa quickly became one of the NFL's most dominant pass-rushers. He was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year and earned Pro Bowl nods in 2017 and 2019.Bosa has racked up 40 sacks, 201 total tackles, and five forced fumbles since entering the league. He played in 51 of 64 possible regular-season games.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians said Tuesday "there was never a doubt" that he would participate in the 2020 season.Arians, who survived cancer three times, revealed he plans to wear a mask and possibly a face shield as a precaution against COVID-19."I'm very comfortable with our protocols now that I've gotten used to the protocols," said Arians. "We had a week of staff meetings where we went through the protocols, how to teach with a mask on, and all of the things that we are going to do differently."I'm very, very comfortable with it. As far as on the field, I'll maintain a mask and probably a shield just for personal use, and coach like I've always coached."Arians came out of a one-year retirement last year to take over the Bucs.The 67-year-old's desire to coach isn't surprising considering Tampa Bay is likely entering a short window to win with Tom Brady, who stunned the NFL world by inking a two-year contract with the NFC South club in March.With offseason workouts held virtually and training camps likely to be far more limited than usual, Brady and Arians have their work cut out to get the star quarterback up to speed with the playbook.But the head coach is confident the veteran passer, who held multiple private workouts with his new teammates, is up to the task."He's way ahead of the curve. He's a very bright guy - the terminology was the big thing," said Arians. "As we now get together starting tomorrow, we'll start to collaborate a little bit more. So yeah, I think he's in a great spot right now as far as that goes."Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was announced as the newest member of the Kansas City Royals' ownership group on Tuesday."We are very proud and excited to have Patrick as our partner in the ownership group of this franchise," Royals principal owner and CEO John Sherman said in a statement. "Along with the rest of Kansas City, I have watched Patrick compete and become an extraordinary leader, both on and off the football field.""Consistent with the entirely of our ownership group, he has a deep commitment to Kansas City and a real passion for the game of baseball - dating back to his childhood," Sherman continued.Mahomes' father, Pat, was an MLB pitcher from 1992 to 2003. Patrick, meanwhile, played baseball in high school, and the Detroit Tigers drafted him in the 37th round in 2014. He opted instead to play football at Texas Tech."I love this city and the people of this great town," Mahomes said. "This opportunity allows me to deepen my roots in this community, which is something I'm excited to do."Earlier in July, the Super Bowl LIV MVP inked the biggest contract in sports history, agreeing to a 10-year extension worth $450 million in base salary.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Running back Dalvin Cook officially reported to Minnesota Vikings training camp and underwent his first coronavirus test Tuesday, sources told Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune.Cook is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has reportedly been preparing to hold out unless he receives a "reasonable" extension. He missed multiple virtual team meetings in June.Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said last week that Cook told him he'd report to camp on time. However, Cook's agent denied that his client had said so.Cook is coming off his best NFL campaign. The 24-year-old made his first Pro Bowl in 2019 after racking up 1,135 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in 14 games. He also recorded 53 catches for 519 yards.A second-round pick in 2017, the Florida State product battled injuries in his first two pro campaigns, missing 17 games combined.Under his current deal, Cook is set to earn $1.33 million in base salary this season, according to Spotrac.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Aaron Rodgers expects to finish his career elsewhere in light of the fact the Green Bay Packers drafted Jordan Love to take over for him."I think that's probably what happens," the future Hall of Fame quarterback said on the "10 Questions with Kyle Brandt" podcast. "Based on just the circumstances around everything, just look at the facts. They traded up, they drafted him, I would say they like him, they want to play him."Rodgers, a two-time MVP, began questioning his future in April when the Packers moved up in the first round to select Love. Rodgers admitted he was hopeful Green Bay would take a skill player with its top pick, and was particularly fond of Justin Jefferson, who landed with the Minnesota Vikings.The 36-year-old also acknowledged he was initially "bummed" about the Love pick - especially since he has said he intends to play into his 40s - but isn't resentful of his potential replacement or the franchise.Rodgers was in a somewhat similar situation as Love when he entered the league, as he was drafted in the first round to eventually succeed Brett Favre. While he spent his first three seasons on the bench, Rodgers isn't sure that Love will have to wait as long."Different scenario," he said. "Now I think quarterbacks are playing earlier, it gives some latitude for young coaches and GMs to play their guys, and I get it. I really do, I don't harbor any ill will about it."Rodgers said he hoped to play his entire career in Green Bay. In August 2018, he signed a four-year, $134-million extension with the Packers, keeping him under contract through 2023. His deal contains no guaranteed money past 2020, though.Rodgers is coming off a down year by his standards, but still passed for over 4,000 yards last year with 26 touchdowns against only four interceptions. He led the Packers to a 13-3 record and their first playoff berth since 2016.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to terms with rookie quarterback Joe Burrow on a four-year, fully guaranteed deal worth $36.1 million, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The deal is pending a physical, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.The Bengals seemingly confirmed reports of an agreement on Twitter.

Twenty-one NFL players have tested positive for COVID-19 since reporting to training camps, the NFLPA said Tuesday.In total, 107 players have tested positive throughout the offseason. Veterans from most teams began reporting to camps Monday and Tuesday.The NFLPA didn't identify which players tested positive.The NFL established a reserve list for players who either test positive or come into contact with an infected player. Every team gets an unlimited number of slots on the reserve list and won't be required to disclose which players test positive.The union announced last week that 12 rookies tested positive before reporting to camp, and they would need to register two negative tests prior to entering team facilities.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung will opt out of the 2020 season, he told ESPN's Mike Reiss, becoming the sixth player from his team to do so amid the coronavirus pandemic.Chung is the third marquee Patriot to opt out, joining linebacker Dont'a Hightower and right tackle Marcus Cannon, who was deemed a high-risk player because of his prior battle against cancer.Patriots opting out of 2020 seasonPositionPlayerSPatrick ChungLBDont'a HightowerRTMarcus CannonFBDan VitaleRBBrandon BoldenGNajee ToranChung has spent 10 of his 11 NFL seasons in New England. He was a starter on the teams that won Super Bowls XLIX, LI, and LIII, and has been one of the Patriots' most consistent defenders over the last several years.The veteran recorded 51 tackles and three pass breakups last season. The Patriots often deploy him against tight ends in coverage.With the 32-year-old sitting out, New England figures to give second-round rookie Kyle Dugger a chance to earn a starting role in training camp.Given all the opt-outs, the Patriots will hold well over $20 million in cap space to work with in 2020.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch says Deebo Samuel's status for the beginning of the 2020 season is up in the air as he recovers from a broken foot."(I'm) not going to put an exact timeline on (Samuel's return) but it's fair to say he may miss some games at the start of the year," Lynch told reporters, according to Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury.The 24-year-old was initially slated to miss 12-16 weeks after he underwent surgery in June to repair a Jones fracture. With six weeks to prepare for Week 1, the second-year wideout should be questionable for San Francisco's season opener against the Arizona Cardinals.Samuel emerged from a young Niners receiving corps last year and became a favorite of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and head coach Kyle Shanahan down the stretch. He finished his rookie campaign with 57 receptions for 802 yards and three touchdowns.The speedy pass-catcher figured to feature more prominently in 2020 after San Francisco lost Emmanuel Sanders in free agency. Kendrick Bourne, Jalen Hurd, Travis Benjamin, and first-round rookie Brandon Aiyuk would fight for starting snaps out wide should Samuel miss time.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's football editors.1. Kansas City Chiefs Peter Aiken / Getty Images Sport / GettyPost-draft rank: 1With extensions for Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones out of the way, the Chiefs have nothing to distract them in their quest for another Super Bowl.2. Baltimore RavensPost-draft rank: 2The Ravens have all the ingredients. The question is whether they can shed the playoff choker label Marlon Humphrey assigned to them at the end of last season.3. New Orleans SaintsPost-draft rank: 3The Saints are bringing back the same nucleus for a fourth straight season, desperately hoping the door they've been knocking on - behind which a Lombardi Trophy awaits - finally opens.4. San Francisco 49ersPost-draft rank: 4While still one of the NFC favorites, there is concern that Deebo Samuel won't be ready for the start of the season. The 49ers could have a hard time replacing him with their relatively unproven receiving core.5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyPost-draft rank: 5The modified offseason and canceled preseason will be a challenge for the new-look Buccaneers, but betting against Tom Brady's ability to figure things out on the fly has never worked well before.6. Buffalo BillsPost-draft rank: 6If Josh Allen can become more consistent in his third year, the Bills could emerge as legitimate challengers to the Chiefs and Ravens in the AFC.7. Seattle SeahawksPost-draft rank: 9The Seahawks still have issues up front on both sides of the ball, but they just added an All-Pro safety in Jamal Adams who can make plays at every level of the field.8. Dallas CowboysPost-draft rank: 7Without Jason Garrett clapping aimlessly on the sidelines for 16 weeks, the Cowboys should have an easier time playing up to their potential in 2020.9. Tennessee TitansPost-draft rank: 8The Titans have gone 9-7 four years in a row but showed championship potential during last season's AFC Championship Game run.10. Green Bay Packers NurPhoto / NurPhoto / GettyPost-draft rank: 10Expectations for the Aaron Rodgers-Matt LaFleur offense will be greater in 2020. For a team coming off a 13-3 season, the Packers have a lot to prove.11. Minnesota VikingsPost-draft rank: 11Whether or not Dalvin Cook shows up at training camp, the greatest question facing the Vikings is how they're going to replace Stefon Diggs' production.12. Pittsburgh SteelersPost-draft rank: 14With Ben Roethlisberger returning, the Steelers could be AFC dark horses. They quietly fielded a top-five defense one year ago.13. Philadelphia EaglesPost-draft rank: 13Additions at receiver and in the secondary are reasons for optimism if you're an Eagles fan, but keep your fingers crossed that the injury bug finally leaves them alone.14. New England PatriotsPost-draft rank: 23If he's healthy and close to MVP form - and it's a huge "if" - Cam Newton can pave the Patriots a path to the Super Bowl. However, the opt-outs of Dont'a Hightower, Patrick Chung, and Marcus Cannon are massive.15. Indianapolis Colts Justin Casterline / Getty Images Sport / GettyPost-draft rank: 15The Colts are solid, but even they probably don't know what to expect from Philip Rivers, who's 38 and coming off a woeful year with the Chargers.16. Houston TexansPost-draft rank: 17J.J. Watt is another year older and DeAndre Hopkins no longer resides in Houston, so Deshaun Watson may have his work cut out this year more than ever.17. Arizona CardinalsPost-draft rank: 12The Cardinals look intriguing on paper, but that isn't where the games are played. They need to prove their worth on the gridiron to climb up the board.18. Atlanta FalconsPost-draft rank: 18The Falcons ranked in the bottom half of the league in defense during three of the last four years and are extremely young at corner, which puts a ton of pressure on Matt Ryan and Co. to pick up the slack.19. Los Angeles RamsPost-draft rank: 20The Rams' offensive line will be a challenge to overcome unless Jared Goff suddenly learns how to throw under pressure, but this team has enough star power to get at least seven wins.20. Denver Broncos Ron Chenoy / USA TODAY SportsPost-draft rank: 16The Broncos ooze young talent and are getting Bradley Chubb back from a torn ACL. They could be a pleasant surprise in Vic Fangio's second year at the helm, but they could just as easily face-plant if their rookies stall on the runway.21. Cleveland BrownsPost-draft rank: 21Cleveland is banking on a bounce-back year from Baker Mayfield, who will be working with his third head coach in as many seasons. The Browns still have a great cast of skill players around him, though.22. Los Angeles ChargersPost-draft rank: 22It's hard to buy Chargers stock until we know what's happening with the quarterback situation.23. Las Vegas RaidersPost-draft rank: 19The Raiders are in a tough division and face a daunting early-season schedule, which threatens to undo much of last season's apparent progress.24. Detroit LionsPost-draft rank: 26It's put up or shut up time for Matt Patricia, who's out of excuses after two poor seasons in Detroit. This roster should have enough to contend for a playoff spot, but we said that last year and the Lions won three games.25. Chicago Bears Stephen Maturen / Getty Images Sport / GettyPost-draft rank: 24You wouldn't trust a team led by Mitchell Trubisky or Nick Foles for a full season, so why on earth would we?26. New York GiantsPost-draft rank: 28The Giants could be good if everything breaks right, but no team in NFL history has ever had everything break right.27. Miami DolphinsPost-draft rank: 25It will be an epic waste of time if the Dolphins enter the season with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback over a healthy Tua Tagovailoa.28. Cincinnati BengalsPost-draft rank: 30The Joe Burrow era is upon us, A.J. Green is healthy, and the Bengals may not be this low on the rankings for much longer.29. Carolina PanthersPost-draft rank: 27The Panthers brought in Matt Rhule for the long run and are likely looking at a "culture year," which is code for "establishing good habits while losing a lot of games."30. New York Jets Patrick McDermott / Getty Images Sport / GettyPost-draft rank: 29Joe Douglas did well to get two first-rounders and then some for Jamal Adams, but trading his best player makes the Jets worse in 2020.31. Jacksonville JaguarsPost-draft rank: 32At least Jacksonville isn't Washington ... seriously, though, this team lacks impact players.32. Washington Football TeamPost-Draft Rank: 31It's been a tumultuous summer in Washington, and it may not get much better in the fall considering the rebuild this franchise is going through, both on and off the field.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Defensive tackle Eddie Goldman has informed the Chicago Bears that he intends to opt out of the 2020 NFL campaign due to health concerns related to COVID-19, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Goldman has started 46 games at nose tackle over the last three years. A stout run defender, the former second-round pick has also amassed 12.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries across five seasons.The 26-year-old signed a four-year contract extension with the Bears worth $42 million in 2018. He was owed $4.75 million in guarantees in 2020, but that amount will now be pushed to next year, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.Goldman is a key piece in the middle of Chicago's defense next to standout interior rusher Akiem Hicks. John Jenkins and Bilal Nichols figure to help fill his gap in the starting lineup.The defender's decision continues a trend of players opting out prior to the Aug. 4 deadline. He's the first Bears player electing not to participate in the 2020 season.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower is opting out of the season due to coronavirus concerns after having a child earlier in the month, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.A two-time Pro Bowler, Hightower becomes the most high-profile player thus far to skip the 2020 season and joins a collection of Patriots to do so.Hightower is the third Patriots starter to sit out the upcoming campaign, following in the footsteps of right tackle Marcus Cannon - a cancer survivor - and fullback Dan Vitale.Patriots opting out of 2020 seasonPositionPlayerLBDont'a HightowerRTMarcus CannonFBDan VitaleRBBrandon BoldenGNajee ToranThe Patriots now must replace three of their top linebackers from a year ago, as they lost Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy in free agency. Hightower has been a key defensive cog for the Patriots since 2012, helping deliver the franchise three Super Bowl titles.With the opt outs, the Patriots will gain over $14 million in cap space for the 2020 season, according to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.Hightower posted 71 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 2019 en route to his first Pro Bowl selection since 2016.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The list of NFL players opting out of the 2020 season is growing fast.New England Patriots starting right tackle Marcus Cannon, who battled non-Hodgkin's lymphoma early in his career, will sit out the upcoming campaign due to concerns over the coronavirus, Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald reports.Cannon started 15 games for the Patriots in 2019. His absence would leave a hole in New England's offensive line that could prove difficult to fill with training camp imminent and the roster featuring little in the way of experience at offensive tackle.Patriots fullback Danny Vitale will join Cannon on the sidelines after Vitale's agent confirmed the decision to Jarrett Bell of USA Today. Vitale and his wife, Caley, are parents to a newborn baby.Patriots guard Najee Toran, who signed a future contract in January after finishing 2019 on New England's practice squad, has also decided to skip the year, according to Jim McBride of The Boston Globe.Baltimore Ravens wide receiver and return specialist De'Anthony Thomas kicked off the small exodus of players when the Ravens announced his decision to sit out the campaign Monday afternoon.Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Chance Warmack will also skip the 2020 season, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, as will Dallas Cowboys cornerback Maurice Canady.Kansas City Chiefs guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was the first NFL player to opt out due to the coronavirus, announcing Friday he won't suit up for the defending Super Bowl champions this fall. The 29-year-old has a medical degree and has been serving as a frontline worker amid the pandemic.The NFL and NFLPA agreed to CBA changes for the 2020 season last week, including a two-tiered opt-out plan for players. Those considered to be at "low risk" from COVID-19 will reportedly earn $150,000 if they opt out, while players deemed to be high risk can earn $350,000 and an accrued NFL season if they choose to skip the season.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL is stenciling "End Racism" and "It Takes All of Us" messages on end-zone borders for all 2020 home openers as part of their social justice plan, the league informed teams Monday in a memo obtained by Jason Reid of ESPN.Additionally, players will be able to don helmet decals honoring victims of police brutality from a predetermined list of names, though they can also "select a victim of systemic racism who is not represented on this list," according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Players can sport the name in Week 1 or for the entire season, and coaches can wear a hat patch.Here are examples from the league sent to teams:

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2020 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.Welcome to theScore Fantasy Football Podcast, hosted by Justin Boone.Find the show on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, and Anchor.In this episode, Boone discusses the latest news items and answers listeners' mailbag questions on a variety of topics.

New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas made arguably the boldest move of his short tenure when he traded safety Jamal Adams to the Seattle Seahawks for a package that included two first-round picks.Adams' departure to Seattle came after months of tension between the star player and Jets' brass.Adams accused the club of failing to offer a contract extension after promising in January to do so. However, Douglas said Monday he made no such commitment to the former first-round pick."I never promised an offer to Jamal and his agent," said Douglas, per Dan Leberfeld of Jets Confidential.Douglas also pushed back on the suggestion that mixed messages from the team led Adams to want to leave New York."I feel like our communication was very clear from the very beginning," said Douglas.The final straw for the Jets was seemingly Adams' decision to publicly criticize head coach Adam Gase last week."I especially believe in coach Gase," said Douglas, per Manish Mehta of the NY Daily News. "I think he's the right person to lead this team."The Jets were able to get a potentially franchise-altering haul for the Pro Bowler. In addition to the two first-round picks, New York received a third-round pick in 2021 and veteran safety Bradley McDougald.New York will likely struggle in the short term without arguably its best player, but Douglas believes this decision could lead to long-term success."My message to the team and fan base is we're trying to build this the right way," said Douglas. "I think this deal does that. We're trying to build a foundation."Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Minnesota Vikings rookie wide receiver Justin Jefferson was among four players the team placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday.

New York Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar, who face armed robbery charges, were placed on the commissioner's exempt list Monday.Neither player will be eligible to practice or play while on the list, but both will be paid. Baker will appeal the decision, his attorney told Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, while the Seahawks simply acknowledged the development.Baker and Dunbar were each charged with four counts of armed robbery with a firearm in May after they allegedly took money and valuables from people at a party in Miramar, Florida. Baker also faces four counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. He's accused of pointing a gun at partygoers and directing two other men - one of whom was allegedly Dunbar - to collect attendees' possessions.Attorneys for each player maintained their clients' innocence, citing statements from witnesses. Police evidence later implicated Baker and Dunbar in a payoff scheme.Baker, a first-round pick of the Giants in 2019, struggled in his rookie season, conceding 834 yards and eight touchdowns in coverage.Dunbar is coming off a better season in Washington, as he gave up only 344 yards and two touchdowns. He requested a trade early in the offseason and was eventually shipped to Seattle for a fifth-round pick, which Washington used on linebacker Khaleke Hudson.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers and running back Raheem Mostert have finalized a new deal, his agent announced Monday.The reworked agreement won't add any extra years to Mostert's current deal, which runs through 2021, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.The 28-year-old, who's set to earn $2.875 million this year, can make an additional $2.75 million with a new bonus and incentives as part of the pact, Schefter reports.Mostert, who led the 49ers in rushing last season, requested a trade from the team earlier in July after failing to agree to a contract extension. However, both parties reportedly spoke to each other afterward to clear the air.Mostert racked up 137 carries for 772 yards and eight touchdowns through 16 regular-season games last year. He also registered two receiving scores.He continued his good form during the postseason, amassing 336 yards and five touchdowns on the ground through three playoff games, including Super Bowl LIV.Mostert previously signed a three-year contract extension with the 49ers worth $8.7 million in March 2019, according to Spotrac.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Eric Sugarman, the Minnesota Vikings' head trainer who doubles as the team's infection control officer, tested positive for COVID-19, the club announced Monday.The Vikings said they followed team protocol for sanitizing their facility and notified any team personnel who may have been in close contact with Sugarman. The trainer hasn't had any recent contact with players, and there haven't been any other COVID-19 cases identified within the front office, added the Vikings."I have an immense amount of pride in the effort I have personally put forth to protect the NFL family, the Minnesota Vikings organization, and our community with thoughtfulness and decision-making based on the current science over the last four months," Sugarman said. "I am humble to be serving in that capacity as it has been some of the most rewarding work of my career."Sugarman helped construct the Vikings' Infectious Disease Emergency Plan, which must be submitted before the season starts. The Vikings are one of 12 teams whose plan is still awaiting approval from the NFL Players Association.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is making another donation of $5 million in partnership with Ochsner Health to create community health centers in Louisiana, he announced Monday.Brees and his wife, Brittany, donated $5 million toward COVID-19 relief in March."We will continue to bridge the gap to bring healthcare, education, and economic equity to all of our communities," Brees wrote on Instagram. "We are proud to bring the first of these health care centers to New Orleans East later this year."

Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith is expected to start training camp on the active/physically unable to perform list as he makes his way back from a severe leg injury, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.Smith revealed Friday he received clearance from his surgical team to return to football activities, nearly two years after breaking his leg and suffering an infection that could have resulted in an amputation.The veteran passer doesn't appear close to returning to game action, but the PUP designation allows him to attend camp with his teammates, work out on the side, and continue his rehab.Smith will report to Washington's facility Monday and undergo a team physical.The 36-year-old, who's signed through 2022, amassed 2,180 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions in his first year with Washington before suffering the injury.Dwayne Haskins will open camp, and likely the 2020 campaign, as the team's starting quarterback.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.