The Seattle Seahawks and Jamal Adams agreed that the recently acquired safety will play the 2020 campaign under his existing rookie contract, a source told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.Adams was traded to Seattle in a blockbuster deal on Saturday for a package that includes a pair of first-round picks. He agreed to the terms prior to being dealt, according to Pelissero.There are two seasons remaining on the All-Pro defender's rookie contract after the New York Jets exercised his fifth-year option. He'll earn $3.59 million this season and $9.86 million in 2021 if Adams doesn't sign a long-term extension next year.The two-time Pro Bowler was lobbying for an extension from the Jets all offseason that would have made him the league's highest-paid safety. He repeatedly voiced his frustration over the time it was taking to receive an offer.The 24-year-old was drafted sixth overall in 2017. He amassed 75 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and one interception in 2019, and the defensive chess piece now joins an improved Seahawks secondary.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Upset with his place on the NFL Top 100 list, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen called out three counterparts set to be ranked ahead of him.

The Chicago Bears traded tight end Adam Shaheen to the Miami Dolphins for a conditional 2021 seventh-round pick, the Dolphins announced Sunday.Shaheen, a second-round selection in 2017, struggled to carve out the type of pass-catching role in Chicago that the organization had envisioned. He recorded just 74 yards in eight games last season, and the 25-year-old has posted a measly 249 yards and four touchdowns across three campaigns.The Bears had a logjam at tight end, making them a logical trade partner for a team seeking depth at the position. Before moving Shaheen, there were eight tight ends under contract in Chicago, including Jimmy Graham and second-round rookie Cole Kmet.In Miami, Shaheen will compete for a role behind Mike Gesicki, who's coming off a 570-yard, seven-touchdown season.Shaheen is due a base salary of $1.27 million in 2020, and he'll be a free agent after the season.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.With training camps approaching, theScore's Justin Boone is releasing his complete offensive projections for every position.2020 Projections

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2020 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.With training camps approaching, theScore's Justin Boone is releasing his complete offensive projections for every position.2020 Projections

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2020 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.With training camps approaching, theScore's Justin Boone is releasing his complete offensive projections for every position.2020 Projections

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2020 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.With training camps approaching, theScore's Justin Boone is releasing his complete offensive projections for every position.2020 Projections

The New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks gave the NFL a jolt Saturday when they agreed to a trade that sent All-Pro safety Jamal Adams to the NFC West.Adams requested a trade in June after growing frustrated with extension talks. The Jets granted his wish less than 48 hours before the opening of training camp.Here's the deal in its entirety:Seahawks receiveJets receiveS Jamal AdamsS Bradley McDougald2022 4th-round pick2021 1st-round pick2021 3rd-round pick2022 1st-round pickSeattle SeahawksThere's no question about whether the Seahawks got better with this deal. Adams is arguably the NFL's premier safety and still just 24 years old. He's as outstanding an addition that Seattle could make to a defense that's been devoid of playmakers since the "Legion of Boom" was dismantled.Adams is a do-it-all defensive back - much like Kam Chancellor, a key member of that famed Super Bowl-winning group - who offers far more than the "box safety" label that's followed him from LSU. He's a tone-setter around the line of scrimmage, highly productive in coverage, and one of the best blitzing safeties in years. That versatility will make him the ultimate chess piece for Seattle's defense, and his leadership can't be overlooked, either.It's entirely possible that Adams ends up being a difference-maker in Seattle's efforts to capitalize on the Super Bowl window directly tied to Russell Wilson's prime. For that reason, this could prove to be a great deal for the Seahawks. But, as things stand right now, we can assess only the sheer value of the deal, and that's where it doesn't look great for John Schneider and Pete Carroll. Joe Nicholson- / ReutersTwo first-round picks, a third-rounder, and a perfectly capable player is an exorbitant price to pay for a safety, however spectacular Adams may be. Factor in the inevitable contract extension - which will likely come next season at the latest, if not in the coming weeks - and the acquisition cost becomes even more daunting.Reports of Adams' contract negotiations (or lack thereof) with the Jets suggest he might be seeking $20 million annually. It's tough to imagine him approaching that number given that Eddie Jackson is the NFL's highest-paid safety at $14.6 million per year, though Adams is poised to shatter that mark. The Seahawks also don't exactly hold much leverage in the upcoming contract talks. If they don't sign him, they've essentially wasted all of those draft picks.Either way, it's a risky move to give up such a significant number of future assets for a player at one of the lesser valued positions on defense only to pay him like an edge rusher - especially with the pandemic leading to a lower NFL salary cap next season. Seattle already lacks depth on the offensive and defensive lines, which will become an even greater issue when they have no money to spend and no first-round picks to add premium talent on cheap contracts.It's not often that the team that gets a perennial All-Pro - and perhaps future Hall of Famer - is considered the loser of a blockbuster trade. However, despite how good Adams is, it's tough to not think the Seahawks grossly overpaid.Grade: C+New York JetsKudos to Joe Douglas, who got four assets - including two first-round picks - for a player who wanted out and was wreaking havoc on the franchise. Adams basically undermined his own team by calling Adam Gase the wrong head coach - a statement that inevitably would divide the locker room - so it's a miracle Douglas extracted such a large return.It's never ideal to trade an All-Pro player, especially one who's only 24, but the Jets would have had to reset the safety market to keep Adams long term. Had they done so, they would have been committing huge money to a player who ultimately doesn't significantly alter the trajectory of a franchise.In three seasons with Adams, the Jets went 16-32 and finished last in the AFC East twice; his individual success didn't translate to the team. Adam Glanzman / Getty Images Sport / GettyIf we learned one thing about Adams this offseason, it's that he isn't the easiest player to deal with when he doesn't get what he wants. Though his complaints and criticisms were valid, it was bad for the organization that one of its leaders was so outspoken against it. If Adams was testy in 2020, imagine how short his fuse would have been after more losing seasons, which is what the Jets seem headed for.With multiple first-round selections for the next two years and an extra third-round choice in 2021, Douglas has the tools he needs to patch up a roster in cost-effective fashion. It's unlikely those Seahawks picks will net the Jets a player as good as Adams, but there's a good chance they collectively surpass the value he would have provided.Now that he's stocked with draft capital and cap space going forward, Douglas - who's in just his second year as GM - can reshape the roster however he pleases.As for the player the Jets got back, McDougald isn't nearly as good as the man he's replacing, but he's a quality veteran with 75 starts under his belt. Additionally, McDougald has graded out as one of the top cover safeties in the game during the last couple of years, so pairing him with Marcus Maye means New York should still be solid at the back of the secondary. The 29-year-old comes off the books in 2021 and can be used as trade bait before the deadline if the Jets' season goes south.Grade: A-Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants plan to cut kicker Aldrick Rosas, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport.Rosas was arrested in June after allegedly fleeing the scene of a car crash in Chico, California.The 25-year-old was reportedly charged with three misdemeanors: reckless driving on a highway, hit-and-run, and driving with a suspended license.Rosas spent his first three NFL seasons with the Giants. He made the Pro Bowl in 2018.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook's agent, Zac Hiller, denied that the star player told head coach Mike Zimmer he would report to training camp on time."First, congrats to coach Zimmer on his well-earned extension. However, Dalvin has not spoken to him in regard to reporting to camp," Hiller said, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. "We are unsure why this was said. I hope Dalvin can continue to play a major role in the Vikings' future success."Zimmer, who agreed to a three-year extension with the Vikings on Thursday, told NFL Network's Stacy Dales that Cook personally told him he would report to camp next week.Cook, who's entering the final year of his rookie contract, has reportedly been preparing to hold out unless he receives a "reasonable" extension.The 24-year-old powered the Vikings' offense a season ago, posting 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground while averaging 4.5 yards per carry. He's on track to be a part of a stacked class of free-agent running backs in 2021.Minnesota is scheduled to open the season Sept. 13 against the Green Bay Packers.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Jets have traded disgruntled All-Pro safety Jamal Adams to the Seattle Seahawks for a package that includes a pair of first-round picks.The Jets will receive first-round picks in 2021 and 2022, as well as a third-round pick in 2021 and safety Bradley McDougald. The Seahawks will walk away with Adams and a fourth-round pick in 2022.New York pulled the trigger one day after Adams laid out the mixed signals he had received from management regarding a contract extension and called head coach Adam Gase the wrong leader for the team.Adams sought an extension from the Jets all offseason that would have made him the league's highest-paid safety, but he complained about the time it was taking to receive an offer. He's prepared to play the 2020 season without an extension from Seattle, sources told Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.Adams was drafted sixth overall in 2017, and there are two seasons remaining on his rookie contract. He gave the Jets two Pro Bowl campaigns in three years, and the 24-year-old finished 2019 with 75 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two interceptions.The seeds of a divorce between Adams and the Jets were seemingly planted just prior to the 2019 trade deadline when the safety learned he was being dangled in talks with other teams."The Rams don't take calls on Aaron Donald, the Patriots don't take calls on Tom Brady," he said at the time. "That's where I hold myself, in that regard."The San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys were believed to be involved in the Adams sweepstakes before the Seahawks acquired him, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Patrick Mahomes is confident in the safety protocols established at the Kansas City Chiefs' facility to protect against COVID-19."It's better than I thought coming in," Mahomes said Saturday, according to ESPN's Adam Teicher. "That's kind of put my mind at ease, knowing that I'm going to be put in the best possible situation given this time."In addition to using masks and following distancing requirements, the Chiefs installed plexiglass partitions between lockers to reduce the risk of a possible outbreak.Mahomes was initially hesitant about returning to the practice facility but felt better after a tour of the building and Arrowhead Stadium, both of which will be used during training camp."You can just see that the NFL and the NFLPA are really taking this seriously (with) the social distancing, the wearing a mask," Mahomes said.The Chiefs were the first team to lose a player to the COVID-19 opt-out arrangement, as right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif decided to skip the season to continue working at a care facility in Canada.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Patrick Mahomes wasn't expecting to play without his starting right guard in 2020, but the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback is supportive of Laurent Duvernay-Tardif's decision to opt out of the season.A medical school graduate, Duvernay-Tardif has spent the COVID-19 pandemic working at a long-term care facility in Canada, his home country. He elected to continue his service rather than return to the defending Super Bowl champions for the upcoming campaign."I think it surprises anyone, but at the same time you respect his decision," Mahomes said Saturday, according to Grant Gordon of NFL.com. "He's a guy that's been on those front lines working with the people that are suffering from COVID day to day and putting in all that time and all that work. He understands it and his decision was he wanted to stay there; he wanted to keep helping in that capacity and I know it was difficult for him, but you respect the decision for him to put his thoughts aside and do what he thought was best to help out his community and the world as he sees it."Duvernay-Tardif has been a full-time starter in Kansas City for the last five years, though the Chiefs played most of their games without him in 2018 because of an injury.By opting out of the season, the 29-year-old forfeited his $2.75-million base salary for 2020 and will instead receive a $150,000 package. Duvernay-Tardif became the first NFL player to opt out of the approaching season."From everybody that I've spoken to, everybody respects his decision 100%," Mahomes said. "Larry's a guy who loves football, but he also loves his other passions and being a doctor is extremely important, especially at this time that we're at in this world. And so for him, I know it's difficult for him, he wants to be out here with us, he wants to be a part of us, he wants to be a part of the guys. But at the same time, he wants to make sure he's doing something to make the world a better place and I believe he is doing that. He's seen it first-hand and he understands he has to be in that place now and we're gonna respect it and give him as much support as we can."It's unclear who will take Duvernay-Tardif's spot in the lineup. The Chiefs have had great stability up front for the last several years under head coach Andy Reid.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Teams won't be allowed to work out free agents until further notice while the NFL tries to limit the spread of COVID-19, according to an email obtained by ESPN's Dianna Russini.Unsigned players - for instance, Jadeveon Clowney - can visit the office of a club physician for an examination if a team is interested. Players will be subject to screening and testing protocols once they join a new team, whether it be via free agency, trade, or waivers.The NFL and NFL Players Association could agree to amend the procedures before or during the season. The two sides resolved several issues related to the pandemic before the weekend, clearing the way for training camps to get underway by the end of the month.Players will also be banned from a number of social spots this season, sources told Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk. They can reportedly be fined for breaking rules, while guarantees in their contracts may be voided if they miss a game after being found to have attended any of the following places:

The New York Jets remain uninterested in trading Jamal Adams following his latest outburst toward the organization, sources told Brian Costello of the New York Post.Fed up with how long he's waited to be offered a contract extension, the All-Pro safety requested a trade in June. He previously claimed the Jets told him a proposed extension would be delivered in January.In his most recent tirade, the outspoken defender laid out the mixed messages he's received from Jets management about the team's intention to sign him long term. He added that general manager Joe Douglas is willing to move him, though Adams' camp hasn't received permission to discuss trade parameters with interested clubs.He also criticized Adam Gase, saying he doesn't believe the second-year head coach is the right leader for the Jets.Adams has called out the team numerous times during the offseason, both vocally and through social media, seemingly in an attempt to force their hand into trading him.Publicly, the Jets have lauded Adams, with Douglas saying at the scouting combine in February that he wanted to keep the LSU product in New York for the remainder of his career.Adams, who had 75 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two interceptions a year ago, said he isn't planning to hold out of training camp. He is signed through the 2021 season.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL and NFL Players Association agreed on Friday to terms on changes to the collective bargaining agreement for the 2020 season, the union announced. The NFLPA's team representatives voted 29-3 in favor of the agreement.Training camps will start as scheduled, with veterans reporting no later than Tuesday.

Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is the first NFL player to opt out of the upcoming campaign due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he announced Friday."This is one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make in my life but I must follow my convictions and do what I believe is the right for me personally," Duvernay-Tardif wrote. "That is why I have decided to take the opt-out option negotiated by the league and the NFLPA and officially opt out of the 2020 season."Being at the frontline during this offseason has given me a different perspective on this pandemic and the stress it puts on individuals and our healthcare system. I cannot allow myself to potentially transmit the virus in our communities simply to play the sport that I love. If I am to take risks, I will do it caring for patients."Duvernay-Tardif acknowledged the efforts from the NFL, players' association, and Chiefs' medical staff, but he said that "some risks will remain."The NFL and NFLPA agreed Friday to CBA changes ahead of the 2020 season. The agreement includes a two-tiered opt-out plan for players.Duvernay-Tardif was set to make $2.75 million this season. Instead, he'll receive $150,000 from the league's new opt-out deal. The 29-year-old was drafted by the Chiefs in 2014 and started 17 games during Kansas City's title campaign last season, including Super Bowl LIV.The Canadian graduated from McGill University with Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery degrees. He's been one of the most active NFL players in supporting his community amid the coronavirus pandemic.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Baltimore Ravens guard D.J. Fluker says he's repeatedly been a victim of domestic abuse, according to police documents obtained by Austin Denean of WBFF.Kimberly Davis, the mother of Fluker's child, was arrested July 13 for allegedly punching the lineman in the face during an argument at their home in Reisterstown, Maryland. While Davis said she didn't intentionally hit him, Fluker told police that Davis has assaulted him several times over the course of their long-term relationship.Fluker also told police that another incident occurred June 29.Davis is facing charges of second-degree assault and destruction of property for the July 13 incident.The Ravens' senior vice president of communications, Chad Steele, released a statement on the case."We have been in regular communication with D.J. regarding this matter and will continue to monitor the situation," Steele said.Baltimore signed Fluker this offseason after he spent the previous two campaigns with the Seattle Seahawks.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith told Stephania Bell of ESPN that he's received clearance from his surgical team to return to football activities.Though Smith felt he was progressing physically in his rehab, he wanted to determine just how well his broken leg was healing."Everyone was in agreement that my bone was in a really good place," Smith said. "I had healed a lot. They said that given the combination of the rod and where I was with the healing process, I had zero limitations and could even resume some football activities."To hear them say that, from a life standpoint, they wouldn't restrict me from doing anything - I could go skiing or snowboarding tomorrow if I wanted - then on top of that, to get the green light that I could practice, get contact, that I had healed up, that much was pretty wild to hear. I didn't know if I would ever hear those words."Smith expects to report to Washington's facility Monday. He'll then undergo a team physical.After receiving his surgical team's approval, the 36-year-old now wants to prove to himself that he's ready for the next step in his attempt to return to football."For me, all eyes are on practice," he said. "That's the next step. I have to go prove to myself, and certainly to everybody else, that I can go practice."The signal-caller broke his leg against the Houston Texans in November 2018. He also suffered an infection that could've resulted in a leg amputation.Smith, who's signed through 2022, completed 62.5% of his pass attempts for 2,180 yards and 10 touchdowns against five interceptions in his first year with Washington before suffering the injury. He made two straight Pro Bowl appearances in 2016 and 2017.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFLPA told players Friday that 12 rookies have tested positive for COVID-19, a source told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.Those positive tests are from the nine teams that have received results from their initial round of screening, Pelissero adds. The NFL plans to isolate those players.Rookies were scheduled to start reporting to training camp Tuesday. They will be tested twice for COVID-19 and need two negative results before being allowed to join the practice facility.The players' association announced Tuesday that 59 NFLers have tested positive for COVID-19.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Washington was widely expected to introduce a new name prior to the 2020 season, but the franchise announced Thursday that the club will temporarily go by the Washington Football Team for the upcoming campaign.Washington head coach Ron Rivera said Friday on "Good Morning Football" that the organization decided there wasn't enough time to properly vet a permanent rebrand before the season began."We've had conversations. I've been involved in those conversations," he said, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com. "What happened was we found the realization that this is about a 16-18-month process. This can't happen instantly. So we've really got to do our homework. We've got to be very thorough with what we're doing going forward because we want to get it right. We want this new name, this new nickname, to be able to stand the test of time - stand for 100 years. We're going to be real busy with that. We've hired a firm that wants to be very diligent with their work; they want to be inclusive with their work."

One week before NFL players are scheduled to report for training camp, tensions between the New York Jets and Jamal Adams don't appear to be fizzling out.The star safety told Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News that Jets general manager Joe Douglas has expressed willingness to trade him if the right offer presents itself.Douglas stated on multiple occasions this offseason that he didn't plan to trade the All-Pro defender, and Mehta notes Adams has yet to receive permission to discuss a deal with other teams."It's definitely mixed feelings," Adams said. "But at the end of the day, my happiness is more important. I know my worth. I'm going to stand on my beliefs. I'm going to stand on who I am as a person. And I'm not ever going to change who I am for somebody who's judging me."Either you accept me for who I am and you work with me and support me or you don't. It's OK if you don't."The 24-year-old outlined the reasoning behind his trade request, including poor communication and frustration over not receiving a new contract. He also voiced concern for the club's future under head coach Adam Gase."I don't feel like he's the right leader for this organization to reach the promised land," Adams said of Gase. "As a leader, what really bothers me is that he doesn't have a relationship with everybody in the building."He added: "At the end of the day, he doesn't address the team. If there's a problem in the locker room, he lets another coach address the team. If we're playing shitty and we're losing, he doesn't address the entire team as a group at halftime. He'll walk out of the locker room and let another coach handle it."Adams is entering the fourth year of his rookie deal and reportedly wants to be the league's highest-paid safety. The two-time Pro Bowler has yet to participate in the Jets' virtual offseason but said he plans to report for training camp next week.Gase denied having any issues with Adams in June despite the latter's absence from team activities.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With NFL training camps getting underway in late July, theScore is examining the biggest storylines in every division across the league.AFC (July 14-17)

With NFL training camps getting underway in late July, theScore is examining the biggest storylines in every division across the league.AFC (July 14-17)

With NFL training camps getting underway in late July, theScore is examining the biggest storylines in every division across the league.AFC (July 14-17)

Washington's NFL franchise will call itself the Washington Football Team until a new name is chosen, the team announced Thursday.

The Kansas City Chiefs have their sights set extremely high for the upcoming decade.After star defensive tackle Chris Jones predicted earlier this week that the Chiefs would win "five-plus" Super Bowls in the coming years, Tyreek Hill raised the bar even higher."Well, I'm not gonna say he's telling a fib," Hill said on ESPN's "First Take." "But Chris Jones ... he's definitely a man of his word, and we're definitely creating something special here in K.C., so I don't see why not. Why say five? Why not go seven rings?"Right now we're just chasing (Michael) Jordan, so that's what we do. So I'm going over five, and I'm saying seven."Jordan captured six NBA championships in the 1990s with the Chicago Bulls, a team widely regarded among the best in sports history.The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers are the only NFL franchises with six Super Bowls wins.Kansas City defeated the San Francisco 49ers in February to win its first title in 50 years.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is gearing up to get back on the football field with his new teammates."I'd say I'm ready to go," Tagovailoa said Wednesday, according to Chris Bumbaca of USA TODAY. "It's kind of those things where you start getting the itch to get back out on the field, to be able to compete. It's going to be a new setting, so that's what's even more exciting."The No. 5 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft played his last snap at Alabama in November and suffered a season-ending hip injury on the play.After going through what his physical therapist described as a "miraculous" recovery this offseason, the left-handed signal-caller is now set to compete for Miami's starting quarterback role with veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick."I think the way I stay myself is, I just go out there and do whatever I can to help the team," Tagovailoa said. "If helping the team looks like me being on the sideline and telling (Fitzpatrick) what I've seen, then that's what it is. Or whoever the quarterback is out there."Tagovailoa was considered a front-runner to go first overall before suffering his season-ending injury. In 32 games with the Crimson Tide, he completed 69.3% of his pass attempts for 7,442 yards and 87 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.Dolphins rookies are reporting Thursday for the first round of COVID-19 testing. Players who test negative twice will be allowed to enter Miami's facility for training camp. Veterans are set to report for testing on July 28.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL is aiming to finalize the deal with the league's players' union before Sunday, though neither party is setting a firm deadline to strike an agreement, sources told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.The Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans, who play in the 2020 season opener, are scheduled to begin strength and conditioning Sunday. Veterans across the league must report by July 28.Since the collective bargaining agreement doesn't allow for a strike or lockout under these circumstances, the NFL could extend virtual workouts indefinitely if no deal is reached by its target date, added Pelissero.A major sticking point is reportedly how to manage lost salary cap revenue.

Fans will not be in attendance when MLB's delayed season starts Thursday, but FOX Sports wants those at home to still feel like they're watching a full ballpark.Games on FOX Sports will have virtual crowds and pumped-in crowd noise in order to create a simulated atmosphere, the network announced Thursday, according to John Ourand of Sports Business Daily."We wanted to make it as normal as possible - this is what a Major League Baseball game should look and feel like," said FOX Sports executive Brad Zager. "What we're going for is normalcy and authenticity. We're not trying to fool anybody. If there's a few seconds where we can make it feel like a Major League Baseball stadium, that's what we're going for."The network also carries NFL games, and FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks said he's been in talks with the football league about using the same technology when its season begins in September.Here's a teaser for how virtual crowds will look at MLB games:

With NFL training camps getting underway in late July, theScore is examining the biggest storylines in every division across the league.AFC (July 14-17)

Antonio Brown's career might not be finished after all.Just two days after seemingly announcing his retirement, the wide receiver addressed NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in an Instagram post and teased a possible return.Brown included a video of Goodell discussing the wideout's off-field issues and wrote a message in which he questioned the NFL's investigative process and said he wants to be able to contact teams."NFL I have complied with each and every ask of your investigations throughout the past 11 months," Brown wrote. "You have had access to all of my phones, you know what the deal is in each and every situation that the media has distorted. I have been seeing the therapist you asked me to, I have worked on all aspects of my life this past year and have become a better man because of it."The fact that you refuse to provide a deadline and the reason for the fact you won't resolve your investigations is completely unacceptable. I demand you provide me clarity on this situation immediately if you really care about my well-being. My legal team continues to ask and you provide no answers. How is it that the league can just drag its feet on any investigation it chooses on players and we just have to sit there in limbo? Need an update so I can talk to these teams properly, they're waiting on you NFL, let's get this thing moving! We've got history to make!"The NFL is reviewing Brown's status following separate allegations against the player of sexual assault and sexual misconduct, which resulted in the New England Patriots releasing him in September.Brown also suggested he would retire last August due to a helmet grievance with the then-Oakland Raiders, and he said he wouldn't "be playing in the NFL anymore" when he was cut by the Patriots a month later.The star pass-catcher appeared in just one game during the 2019 campaign.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady is calling for unity among NFLPA members as players seek answers on the NFL's plan to start the 2020 season amid the coronavirus pandemic."There are more questions than answers, but we must have faith in our NFLPA leaders, both players and staff, to get the game and the business of football in the right place," Brady tweeted Wednesday. "Let's stay unified and demand necessary answers from the NFL as partners. We're all in this together."Several high-profile players have criticized the league over its response to the pandemic. The NFL and NFLPA are in ongoing negotiations regarding coronavirus protocols and testing, with both sides in disagreement over injured reserve rules for infected players and contact tracing procedures.Both parties recently agreed that players will be tested daily for the virus over the first two weeks of training camp, which are scheduled to get underway next week. The league also announced that fans will be required to wear masks at games in 2020.The NFLPA announced Tuesday that 59 players have tested positive for COVID-19.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The U.S. State Department inspector general investigated allegations of racist and sexist remarks made by New York Jets co-owner Woody Johnson to his staff, as well as alleged attempts by Johnson to use his position as the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom to benefit President Donald Trump's personal business interests, sources told Jennifer Hansler, Kylie Atwood, and Nicole Gaouette of CNN.CNN reports the inspector general's investigation appeared to focus primarily on allegations that Trump asked Johnson to help relocate the PGA Tour's British Open to one of Trump's properties, and that it's unclear how much focus was given to Johnson's alleged comments.Sources told CNN that Johnson has previously questioned why Black History Month is celebrated and has made "cringeworthy" comments about women in the past.Johnson denied the allegations through a team statement."I have followed the ethical rules and requirements of my office at all times," he said. "These false claims of insensitive remarks about race and gender are totally inconsistent with my longstanding record and values."The Jets said they are aware of the situation and stated that Johnson established the club's principle of treating all fans and members of the franchise with respect."Since the Johnson family became owners of the New York Jets, the organization has consistently and actively supported, engaged, and encouraged the development of many different social justice, diversity, women's, and inclusion initiatives," the team said."One of our fundamental principles is treating employees, players, coaches, and fans with respect and dignity, regardless of their race, color, religion, or gender. These principles have been established by the Johnson family, which Woody implemented in our organization over the past 20 years."Johnson, 73, reportedly appeared agitated ahead of a Black History Month event in 2018 and asked if there would be "a whole bunch of Black people" in the audience.Diplomats reportedly told investigators the Jets co-owner often made casual remarks they found offensive and demoralizing.The White House declined to comment on the reported investigation, while Johnson simply said it was an "honor of a lifetime" to serve as ambassador when asked about the allegations.A State Department spokesperson called Johnson "a valued member of the team" who has led "honorably and professionally."The report of the investigation into Johnson's conduct continues a disturbing trend across the NFL. Fifteen former female employees of the league's Washington franchise recently said they were sexually harassed and/or verbally abused while working for the 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, Boone discusses the latest news before breaking down his positional tiers and rankings updates.

The Minnesota Vikings are finalizing a multi-year contract extension with head coach Mike Zimmer, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.Zimmer has led the Vikings since 2014 and was entering the final season of his current deal. Only Bud Grant and Dennis Green have more wins in franchise history.Minnesota extended Zimmer's contract through the 2020 campaign last offseason, and he responded by leading the Vikings to a 10-6 record and playoff berth.Rumors circulated in recent years that Zimmer planned to retire, but the 64-year-old denied such claims multiple times.A respected defensive guru, Zimmer led Minnesota to the postseason in three of his six campaigns in charge, which included two NFC North titles. His stop unit ranked inside the top eight in total yards allowed in each of the last five seasons.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Jets safety Jamal Adams responded to Wednesday's report that the U.S. State Department inspector general investigated team co-owner Woody Johnson over allegations of racist and sexist remarks as well using his government post to benefit President Donald Trump's business interests in the United Kingdom.

All fans attending NFL games during the 2020 season must wear face coverings, the league announced Wednesday.The NFL is allowing each team to determine its own policy regarding attendance in accordance with local COVID-19 guidelines.A handful of individual clubs have already barred fans from attending home contests, including the New York Jets and New York Giants. Los Angeles Rams fans could also be excluded from the debut season of SoFi Stadium.Other franchises, such as the Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens, have set various capacity limits for their stadiums should fans be permitted to attend.The NFL previously stated it is planning to play in front of fans and start the season on time despite the pandemic, though it's in the process of creating multiple contingency plans.It's been estimated that the league could lose $3 billion if the entire regular season and playoffs are played without fans in attendance.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf and members of his family have emerged as serious candidates to purchase the Minnesota Timberwolves from Glen Taylor, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Taylor has been in discussions with Timberwolves legend Kevin Garnett about a potential sale, as well as other groups.Wilf has been the Vikings' principal owner since 2005. A real estate developer by trade, he purchased the NFL team alongside five investors for about $600 million.Taylor is looking for at least $1.2 billion in a sale, but also wants to ensure the Timberwolves remain in Minnesota under the next owner. Wilf is no stranger to such a scenario, as he purchased the Vikings when their future in the Twin Cities appeared in doubt. He kept the club in Minnesota, though relocation rumors did resurface before he secured government financing for a new football stadium.Wilf's brother, Mark, and cousin, Leonard, both of own stakes in the Vikings. They serve as the team's president and vice chairman, respectively.Taylor may not pick a buyer until September, according to Schefter.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Rams cautioned season-ticket members Tuesday that fans could be excluded from the debut season of SoFi Stadium due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to ESPN's Lindsey Thiry.At most, the Rams would allow 15,000 fans to attend home games, provided they wear masks. The venue contains a capacity of 70,000.SoFi Stadium, which was financed for $5.5 billion by Rams owner Stan Kroenke, was expected to open with great fanfare. The Las Vegas Raiders are in a similar predicament, though Allegiant Stadium cost $1.8 billion, paling in comparison to the venue in Inglewood, California.With the preseason expected to be slashed, the first NFL game in SoFi Stadium history figures to take place in Week 1 of the regular season, when the Rams host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football.The Los Angeles Chargers are co-tenants with the Rams after spending the last three years at Dignity Health Sports Park, a small stadium built for the MLS' Los Angeles Galaxy.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Free-agent running back Devonta Freeman has hired Drew Rosenhaus to represent him and lead his search for a job before the season."We want to work out a deal in the immediate future, and we are open to any team," the famed agent told ESPN's Adam Schefter. "He's healthy, he's in shape, and I'm on a mission to have him give a team a lift in late July."The Atlanta Falcons cut Freeman in March after he averaged a career-low 3.6 yards per carry in 2019. The Seattle Seahawks showed interest in the 28-year-old in May, but he reportedly rejected their offer. The Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets were linked to Freeman around the same time.In 77 career games with the Falcons, Freeman rushed for 32 touchdowns and produced 4.2 yards per carry. He posted back-to-back 1,000-plus-yard campaigns on the ground (2015 and 2016), peaking at 1,079 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2016 when Atlanta went to the Super Bowl.Rosenhaus is the NFL's most prominent agent. Since 2004, he's negotiated over 1,000 contracts for a combined total north of $7 billion. His stable of clients includes Rob Gronkowski, T.Y. Hilton, Trent Brown, Darius Slay, Frank Gore, and Kwon Alexander. In the past, he's represented the likes of Terrell Owens, Antonio Brown, Chad Johnson, and Warren Sapp.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As of Tuesday, 59 NFL players have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the NFL Players Association. The NFLPA initially published that there were 95 positive tests before changing the number.The total was 72 on July 10.Meanwhile, eight teams received approval to move forward with their coronavirus response plans, while the other 24 clubs' plans remain under review.Los Angeles Rams center Brian Allen became the first known NFL player to test positive for the illness in April. Denver Broncos star Von Miller became the second and the most high-profile player to date known to test positive. Miller called his encounter with the virus "frightening."The NFL agreed Monday to test players daily for COVID-19 over the first two weeks of training camp, with an option to decrease testing to every other day if the initial results yield a positive rate below 5%. The league also laid out protocols for the beginning of camp that are designed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading throughout team facilities.NFL training camps are scheduled to open by the end of the month, with most clubs requiring veterans to report by July 28.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL is applying an 80-man limit to training camp rosters due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.In the past, teams have been able to retain up to 90 players throughout training camp. A smaller roster cap means most - if not all - teams will have to cut players before camp.The reduced roster limit was one of several topics the NFL Players Association discussed Tuesday during a call with union members. Players were also told there will be no preseason games in 2020, a sign the union accepted the NFL's offer to wipe the exhibition slate completely.Training camp and preseason games are typically when undrafted rookies and fringe players have a chance to showcase themselves as they bid for regular-season roster spots.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2020 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.Gambling with your fantasy picks can be stressful, but it can also be exhilarating. If you're willing to take some chances, here are the players who could deliver league-winning performances in 2020 - as long as they don't sink your team first.Average draft position data courtesy of Fanball, since best-ball ADP tends to be ahead of the curve at this point in the year. It's based on 12-team leagues with PPR scoring.More in this series

Veteran defensive end Michael Bennett announced his retirement Tuesday after 11 NFL seasons.Bennett, 34, expressed his desire to spend more time with his family and plans to help athletes speak out against racial injustice. Near the top of his agenda is increasing the number of Black coaches at every level of football."Coaches mean a lot in African-American culture," he told Louisa Thomas of The New Yorker. "In the community, a lot of coaches are father figures."Bennett enjoyed a successful NFL career after going undrafted out of Texas A&M in 2009. Following a brief spell with the Seattle Seahawks out of college, he spent four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before re-signing with the Seahawks - with whom he played his best football - in 2013.The versatile defender joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018 and played for both the New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys in his final pro campaign last year.Bennett notched 69.5 sacks and 10 forced fumbles across 156 games, earning three Pro Bowl nods and capturing Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seahawks. He played a major role in Seattle's Legion of Boom defense as a consistent pass-rush presence and top-tier run defender.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski heading to Tampa Bay this offseason, the Buccaneers' offense could be as talented as any unit in the NFL.Brady will also have at his disposal Pro Bowl receiver duo Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, running back Ronald Jones, and tight ends Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard.For Howard, few teams can challenge the quality of the Bucs' weaponry."You look at us and line us up versus any offense in the league, we're right up there with the top of them," Howard said Tuesday on "Good Morning Football," according to NFL.com's Kevin Patra. "So only time will tell how good we are. But I think when you put us on paper, we're one of the best in the league, if not the best."With Jameis Winston under center in 2019, the Bucs ranked fourth in scoring at 28.8 points per game. However, in large part due to Winston's record-breaking turnover issues, the NFC South club was often unable to win close games and finished outside the playoffs with a 7-9 record.Fortunately for Tampa Bay, Winston was replaced with arguably the most clutch quarterback in NFL history."One thing about Tom, I watched him for years in New England, he's always in the game," Howard said. "I think that's something he can bring to our team. No matter what the score is or how it starts in the first half, I think you always have a chance to win when it comes down to the final minutes of the game."Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL will likely allow its players to wear helmet decals bearing the names or initials of victims of systemic racism and police violence, sources told Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports.The league is reportedly working with the NFL Players Association to compile a list of approved names - which players will provide - before the start of the regular season.Tributes will likely be limited to helmet decals and will not appear on team jerseys, McCarthy reports.Decals will not be mandatory, NFL Network's Steve Wyche told McCarthy. Players from a single team could hypothetically sport different names or initials during games. The decals could reportedly include tributes to police officers killed in the line of duty."They're still in discussions. But this sounds like it's going to happen," Wyche said, according to McCarthy.If approved, the reported plan would follow a trend set by other pro sports leagues. The NBA will allow players to replace names on the backs of jerseys with messages about racial and social injustice when it resumes its season in Orlando; MLB could also incorporate social justice elements into its 2020 campaign.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL has offered the players' union an elimination of the entire 2020 preseason due to COVID-19 concerns, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The preseason was previously reduced from four to two games, but players voiced concerns about playing unnecessary games during the pandemic.More to come.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL will administer COVID-19 tests to players daily throughout the first two weeks of training camp and adjust as necessary after that, chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills said Monday, according to NFL Network's Judy Battista.Tests will be reduced to every other day if they come back positive less than 5% of the time. Coaches and staff in close contact with players will be included in the results. Players will be tested on the first and fourth days of camp and receive two days of remote education in between before everyday testing goes into effect, reports NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Players won't be allowed into team facilities until they produce multiple negative tests.The NFL Players Association secured high-frequency testing from the NFL after several players voiced concerns about safety protocols ahead of training camp."Our union has been pushing for the strongest testing, tracing, and treatment protocols to keep our players safe," the NFLPA said in a statement. "The testing protocols we agreed to are one critical factor that will help us return to work safely and gives us the best chance to play and finish the season."The league and union were also negotiating injured reserve rules for infected players and other issues, all while a potentially unprecedented season awaits. The NFL had an owners meeting Monday afternoon to go over the material."Getting closer on most if not all issues," a league source told Adam Schefter of ESPN.NFL training camps are scheduled to get underway in approximately one week, with most teams opening their doors to veterans July 28.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After inking the biggest contract in sports history, quarterback Patrick Mahomes made sure he wasn't the only star the Kansas City Chiefs extended this offseason."Pat texted me and said, 'Let's get this thing done. I left some (money) on the table for you,'" star defensive tackle Chris Jones said Monday, according to Adam Teicher of ESPN. "That's when I had that security that me and the Chiefs were going to work something out."The Chiefs franchise tagged Jones this offseason, and contract extension talks were initially unsuccessful, leading to the lineman threatening to hold out.However, one day before the deadline to extend tagged players - and nine days after Mahomes signed his megadeal - Jones agreed to a four-year, $80-million contract that makes him the third highest-paid interior defensive lineman in terms of average annual salary, according to Spotrac.Jones says the new long-term deal won't change what he loves to do on the field."If somebody told me, 'You could take $20 million or 20 sacks,' I'd take the 20 sacks any day," he said. "That's where my mind is, where my heart is: getting sacks, winning championship rings, having fun, enjoying the process. That's where I'm at right now."I love sacks with a passion. I love pass rushing. I could wake up every day and I could pass rush every day. It's my passion, it's my dream, it's my goal. It's the love of my life."Following a career-high 15.5 sacks in 2018, Jones made his first career Pro Bowl last campaign after amassing 36 tackles, nine sacks, and one forced fumble over 13 games. The 26-year-old has been the Chiefs' sack leader in each of the last two seasons.Meanwhile, Mahomes signed a 10-year contract extension this offseason. He can earn north of $500 million over the next 12 seasons, including the two years remaining on his rookie deal.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.