The Indianapolis Colts have agreed to a contract extension with left tackle Anthony Castonzo, who'd been set to become a free agent, the team announced Sunday.Terms of the deal were not officially disclosed, but the veteran lineman will receive $33 million over two years, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. That would make Castonzo the NFL's highest-paid left tackle in terms of annual average salary.The 31-year-old said he was considering retirement after the 2019 season but opted to continue his career after the Colts publicly stated their desire to re-sign him.Castonzo has started 132 games for Indianapolis since being selected in the first round of the 2011 draft.The veteran has been a key piece of an offensive line that's been one of the league's elite units since the arrival of All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL players' union voted Saturday to ratify the owner-approved proposal for a new collective bargaining agreement, securing labor peace through the 2030 season.It was a narrow decision on the players' end, with 1,019 in favor and 959 opposed (51.5% to 48.5%). The deal will see an increase in player compensation along with a 17-game regular-season schedule and an expanded playoff field, among other changes.Some players took to social media on Sunday morning to express their disappointment about the CBA's approval:

Following the ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement, the NFL informed teams that the salary cap for the 2020 season will be $198.2 million, sources told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.It was previously reported that the cap could rise to $200 million or more.

Hours before NFL players voted to ratify the owner-approved collective bargaining agreement, NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith broke his silence to defend the deal.In an open letter to players, Smith offered a detailed explanation of what he believes are the merits of the new CBA.Some high-profile stars such as Aaron Rodgers had criticized the decision to sign off on a 17th regular-season game and an expanded playoff field without more compensation, like a 50-50 revenue split.However, Smith backed the compromises made by the labor organization, saying "there will always be issues that are more or less important to some members than others.""It is our job and duty to produce the best options for our members," he wrote. "It is also my personal choice to be brutally honest with you about the decisions we have to make and the profound difficulty inherent in making them."Here is the truth: we will have an annual player payroll in salaries and benefits of about $8 billion next year. To put that amount into perspective, that is double the entire revenue of the NHL and nearly the entire NBA. Our benefits package each year for this proposed deal is projected to start at nearly $45 million per team."Smith also lauded the increased "democratic involvement of our members" and the NFLPA's previous fights against the league on issues such as player discipline and the "Bountygate" scandal.Additionally, the executive director pushed back against the argument that players aren't properly utilizing the leverage they have in agreeing to more games."Owners who possess and control billions of assets are undeniably overall richer than we are, will be in the business longer than every player will be and can absorb economic downturns better than our collective body," Smith wrote. "Owners have historically utilized every economic downturn as an opportunity to leverage their position against us, except for this past CBA."That is why I believe that the structure of this deal and the gains of this deal at this time best insulates us from those disproportionate impacts that might occur in five years, or those that manifested in the past 48 hours, which included the suspension of active sports leagues across the country, a travel ban, and a declaration of a national emergency."One player who opposes the proposed CBA, soon-to-be Carolina Panthers left tackle Russell Okung, filed a complaint against Smith on Monday to the National Labor Relations Board.In his complaint, the veteran accused the NFLPA of negotiating in bad faith and said Smith overrode the executive committee - of which Okung is a member - to push the owners' proposed CBA forward.The new CBA will go into effect immediately and run through the end of the 2030 season.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As free agency approaches, breakout safety Anthony Harris knows he wants to keep wearing Vikings colors next season."Yeah, if all things were equal - looking at the organization from a standpoint top to bottom, from the owners down to the coaches down to the locker room and the culture they have. It's somewhere I'd definitely like to stay," Harris said on SiriusXM NFL Radio."I love Minneapolis, love the organization, it's a good city," he added. "The people there are really nice. It's very competitive, so I mean it has everything I want and I'd definitely like to stay if possible."An undrafted player in 2015, Harris recently emerged for Minnesota. He's coming off a career-best season in 2019 featuring highs in interceptions (a league-leading six), passes defended (11), and tackles (60).The 28-year-old is the second-best free-agent safety this offseason on theScore's top 25 behind Justin Simmons, who the Denver Broncos recently franchise tagged.Haris has allowed only one touchdown and a passer rating of 50.1 while in coverage since 2018, according to Pro Football Reference.However, it remains to be seen whether the Vikings will be able to bring him back for the 2020 campaign.Minnesota holds roughly $20 million in cap space after releasing Pro Bowl cornerback Xavier Rhodes and defensive tackle Linval Joseph on Friday.Starting Vikings cornerbacks Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander are also set to become free agents this offseason.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Miami Dolphins owned the NFL's worst running game last season, and the franchise apparently wants to address the issue by adding a former Pro Bowler to its backfield.The Dolphins are expected to check in on running back Melvin Gordon, and Gordon would have some interest in joining Miami at the right price, Cameron Wolfe of ESPN reports, citing sources.Miami could also pursue cheaper free-agent runners such as Carlos Hyde, Lamar Miller, or Jordan Howard, according to Wolfe.After cutting multiple veterans earlier this week, including longtime safety Reshad Jones, the Dolphins have approximately $95 million in cap space, per Spotrac.Gordon missed training camp last year in hopes of securing a long-term deal with the Los Angeles Chargers. He debuted in Week 5 of the 2019 regular season and received $5.6 million in base salary playing under his rookie contract fifth-year option.The 26-year-old, who has made two Pro Bowl appearances (2016, 2018), amassed 612 rushing yards (3.8 yards per carry) and eight touchdowns in 12 games last season.The Dolphins, meanwhile, posted an average of 72.2 rushing yards per game, which ranked last in the NFL. Veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was the club's leading rusher with 243 yards.Miami also leads the 2020 NFL Draft with 14 selections, including a league-high three first-rounders.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL has said it intends to begin its new league year and free agency Wednesday as scheduled, but some around the league aren't convinced.Multiple team officials have expressed skepticism that the NFL schedule can proceed normally amid the coronavirus pandemic, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.Others believe the league will reverse course Sunday, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

The Washington Redskins placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff, the team announced Saturday.The Redskins initially said they used the exclusive version of the franchise tag - which prevents a player from signing an offer sheet with another team and is almost always used on quarterbacks - before correcting their announcement, per ESPN's Dan Graziano.The tagging of Scherff takes the top offensive lineman off the board for free agency.Scherff is projected to make $16.1 million on the one-year tender.The 28-year-old is widely recognized as one of the best guards in the NFL. He made the Pro Bowl in 2016, 2017, and 2019.However, Scherff has struggled with injuries. The veteran missed five games last season due to ankle, elbow, and shoulder ailments, and he was limited to eight appearances in the 2018 campaign because of a torn pectoral.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A former first-round pick is looking to get back in the NFL in 2020.Guard Chance Warmack, who was the 10th overall pick of the 2013 draft by the Tennessee Titans, is aiming to make a comeback after sitting out all of last season, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports.The 28-year-old reportedly lined up visits with unknown teams, though they will have to wait until facilities reopen.Warmack started 46 games in his first three seasons in Tennessee before missing most of 2016 with a hand injury.The ex-Alabama standout landed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017. He appeared in 20 games (starting three) in two seasons.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Redskins' asking price for left tackle Trent Williams starts at a second-round pick, though that's negotiable, a source told ESPN's Josina Anderson.Washington feels "now is the time" to move the disgruntled veteran, Anderson added.The Redskins reportedly granted Williams permission to seek a trade after their relationship soured over a medical-related dispute. The 31-year-old sat out the entire 2019 campaign.Washington apparently tried to move Williams prior to the trade deadline during the season but was unable to find a partner willing to give up the desired first-round pick.The Houston Texans, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals are reportedly among the teams interested in acquiring the seven-time Pro Bowler.Williams is only under contract for the 2020 season, so the team that trades for him will likely also have to hand over a big-money extension.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Chris Harris' stint with the Denver Broncos is likely coming to an end."Nah, I think it's pretty much that door has been closed, so it's just trying to move on to the next situation that's best for me and trying to figure out who's excited to have me in the building and have me a part of the team," the cornerback said Friday on NFL Network when asked about returning to the Broncos in 2020, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic.Harris is an impending free agent. Despite adding a solid piece to their secondary in A.J. Bouye through a trade earlier in March, the Broncos reportedly aren't ruling out bringing the veteran back for another season.Though he doesn't know which colors he'll wear in 2020, the four-time Pro Bowler wants to add another ring to his resume."It's time to win again," Harris said during his "NFL Total Access" interview. "I want to get back to a great situation where I have the chance to win another Super Bowl and being able to finish my career on a high note. That's what I want to do."The 30-year-old has been linked to trades multiple times in recent years. The Detroit Lions reportedly made an offer for Harris last October, but it didn't match the Broncos' asking price.Harris revealed at the end of the 2019 season that he rejected a three-year, $36-million extension before that year's trade deadline.He's become one of the NFL's best cornerbacks during his nine seasons with the Broncos, amassing 20 interceptions and 86 passes defended in 139 regular-season games. He's been named a First-Team All-Pro once and helped Denver win Super Bowl 50.The undrafted rookie received $12.05 million in 2019.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former tight end Rob Gronkowski is officially joining WWE and will make his debut on March 20 during the "Friday Night SmackDown" in New Orleans, wrestler Mojo Rawley announced.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, the team announced Friday.Ngakoue can still negotiate and sign with another team, but the Jaguars have the right to match the offer. If Jacksonville doesn't match it, the club would receive two first-round picks from the team that signs the pass-rusher.Though the Jaguars were expected to tag Ngakoue ahead of free agency, the 24-year-old suggested earlier in March that he doesn't want to sign a long-term deal with the team.

The NFL sent teams a memo Friday prohibiting in-person pre-draft visits involving prospects due to coronavirus concerns.Teams can still interview players but must do so via phone or video conferences, per the memo.

The Minnesota Vikings released three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Xavier Rhodes, the team announced Friday.The Vikings also moved on from longtime defensive tackle Linval Joseph.Head coach Mike Zimmer hinted that the NFC North club is interested in bringing back both veteran players."I know (general manager) Rick (Spielman) and the personnel staff will stay in communication with them during free agency," said Zimmer.Rhodes was Minnesota's first-round pick (25th overall) in the 2013 NFL Draft. The 29-year-old made the Pro Bowl in 2016, 2017, and 2019. He was also named a first-team All-Pro in 2017.However, the cornerback struggled last season and was carrying a $12.9-million cap hit for 2020. The Vikings will save $8.1 million by releasing him, per Spotrac.Meanwhile, Joseph was a key free-agent addition in 2014. The defensive tackle started 88 out of 96 games over six seasons in Minnesota, racking up 350 total tackles and 15 sacks.The Vikings also released tight end David Morgan.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tennessee Titans released tight end Delanie Walker on Friday after seven seasons with the club.The 35-year-old played in just seven games this past season and was placed on injured reserve in November due to an ankle injury."In my time here with Delanie, he has been an absolute pro on the field, in the locker room, and his production speaks for itself," general manager Jon Robinson said in a statement. "He was a leader, a captain, and a highly respected member of this team. His toughness, competitiveness, attitude, and professionalism are what we expect from our players. I want to wish him all of the best moving forward and he will forever be a Titan great."Walker's release comes one day after Tennessee parted with pass-rusher Cameron Wake and running back Dion Lewis in order to clear cap space. The Titans also cut veteran kicker Ryan Succop on Friday.The tight end joined Tennessee in 2013 after seven seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. Since signing with the club, Walker developed into one of the premier all-around players at his position. He made three straight Pro Bowls from 2015-17.The Titans save $6.42 million against the cap with Walker's release, according to Over the Cap.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cincinnati Bengals released offensive tackle Cordy Glenn on Friday.The club made the move after being unable to find a trade partner, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.2019 first-round pick Jonah Williams will likely take over at left tackle after missing his entire rookie season with a shoulder injury.Glenn was moved back to left tackle from left guard after Williams was hurt, but his season was limited to just six appearances (five starts).The 30-year-old was sidelined until November due to a concussion. His lengthy absence caused an issue with the Bengals, who suspended him for one game due to an argument with a coach.Glenn was originally acquired in a trade with the Buffalo Bills in 2018.Cincinnati saves $9.5 million in cap space with no dead money by releasing the veteran, per Spotrac.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos each used the franchise tag to lock down a key player Friday.The Chargers used their tag on tight end Hunter Henry, while the Broncos placed theirs on safety Justin Simmons."We remain focused on reaching a long-term contract agreement with Justin, and he's a big priority for us," Broncos general manager John Elway said. "This is a placeholder in that process and our goal is the same - to make sure that Justin is a Bronco for a long time."Henry was hit with the one-year tender after producing the best statistical season of his career. In 12 games, the tight end caught 55 passes for 652 yards and five touchdowns.The former second-round pick missed the entire 2018 campaign after tearing his ACL in training camp and missed four games in 2019 due to a tibia plateau fracture in his left knee.Simmons was named a second-team All-Pro last season after racking up career highs in interceptions (four) and passes defensed (15).Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens have designated outside linebacker Matthew Judon as their franchise player, the team announced Friday.It was reported earlier in March that Baltimore would place the tag on Judon. The team has now made it official after the defender's breakout 9.5-sack campaign in 2019.Baltimore's classification of the 28-year-old is significant. The Ravens designated him as a linebacker rather than as a defensive end, meaning he'll earn $16.27 million under the tag in 2020 instead of $19.32 million, according to Over the Cap.Judon was Baltimore's fifth-round pick in 2016 and has proved to be a value defensive piece in recent years. He forced four fumbles and added 54 total tackles last season in addition to his career-high sack total.Previous reports indicated the Ravens' key pass-rusher could be a tag-and-trade candidate this offseason.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

While a handful of NFL teams are temporarily closing their facilities and suspending travel for all personnel amid concerns over the coronavirus, some clubs are still cautiously conducting business with the draft six weeks away.The Miami Dolphins are hosting Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins for a pre-draft visit Friday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.While the pandemic has impacted most major sporting leagues around the world, the NFL has no current plans to delay the start of free agency and the new league year, which begins March 18.As a number of teams prepare for April's draft, attendance at pro days for prospects is being cut down to essential personnel. A number of pre-draft workouts are being canceled as well.On the field, Dobbins projects as a late Round 1 or early Round 2 prospect who would fill a major need for Miami's offense.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find positional rankings, additional analysis, and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.Free agency is always an exciting time for fantasy owners.A new home can generate hope that a star player will take their game to even greater heights, that a backup will finally get the volume they deserve, or that a third-stringer will find a coaching staff capable of maximizing their talents. At the same time, a player staying in the perfect situation for another season can sometimes be the best path to production.While we know that not every free-agent journey will end in triumph, anything is possible a week before the new league year kicks off.With that in mind, this article isn't setting out to predict where free agents will sign, but instead where they would ideally end up if fantasy value was the most important factor in their decision.Ideal landing spots

Find positional rankings, additional analysis, and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.Free agency is always an exciting time for fantasy owners.A new home can generate hope that a star player will take their game to even greater heights, that a backup will finally get the volume they deserve, or that a third-stringer will find a coaching staff capable of maximizing their talents. At the same time, a player staying in the perfect situation for another season can sometimes be the best path to production.While we know that not every free-agent journey will end in triumph, anything is possible a week before the new league year kicks off.With that in mind, this article isn't setting out to predict where free agents will sign, but instead where they would ideally end up if fantasy value was the most important factor in their decision.Ideal landing spots

The Chicago Bears and linebacker Danny Trevathan have agreed to a three-year contract extension, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.The deal could be worth up to $24 million, a source told Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.Trevathan was on track to become a free agent March 18. The 29-year-old is coming off a four-year, $28-million contract with Chicago, which followed a four-year stint with the Denver Broncos.Trevathan was limited to nine games in 2019 because of an elbow injury. He posted 70 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and one pass breakup before landing on injured reserve.In 2018, Trevathan totaled 102 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, and six pass breakups over 16 games.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The XFL has informed its players they can sign with NFL teams upon completion of their exit physicals, sources told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.The league suspended its season Thursday in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The XFL didn't explicitly say it won't attempt to finish the season later, but the league noted its commitment to playing a full campaign in 2021 and beyond.XFL standouts such as P.J. Walker, Cam Phillips, and Jordan Ta'amu figure to receive at least some interest from NFL teams. The quarterback-receiver tandem of Walker and Phillips had led the Houston Roughnecks to a 5-0 record.All XFL players will be given their base pay and benefits for the 2020 regular season, the league said.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL said Thursday that it has "no plans to move the start of the league year" despite the coronavirus pandemic, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Free agency is scheduled to begin March 18. The legal tampering period for teams and free agents to begin communicating opens March 16.The coronavirus has derailed sporting events throughout the world in recent days. Several NFL teams began shutting down facilities, grounding draft scouts, and directing employees to work from home Thursday because of the contagious virus.

The Buffalo Bills and left guard Quinton Spain agreed to a three-year contract worth $15 million on Thursday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Spain was due to become a free agent on March 18, and he would have been able to start speaking to other teams two days earlier when the legal-tampering period opens.The 28-year-old had said he hoped to get a deal done with the Bills before free agency begins.

The Tennessee Titans have released running back Dion Lewis and defensive end Cameron Wake, the team announced Thursday.The Titans will save $4.9 million by cutting Lewis and another $5.58 million by jettisoning Wake.Wake made the Pro Bowl five times from 2009-18 during his 10-season tenure with the Miami Dolphins. The 38-year-old posted 2.5 sacks in nine games during his only campaign with the Titans last year.He's one of three active players with at least 100 career sacks (100.5).Lewis, a fifth-round selection of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011 following a solid career at Pittsburgh, spent two seasons with the Eagles before joining the Cleveland Browns in 2013 and the Indianapolis Colts in 2014. He never played a regular-season snap for the Browns or Colts.He went on to win Super Bowl LI in one of his three campaigns with the New England Patriots following his departure from Indianapolis.The 29-year-old amassed 726 rushing yards (3.5 yards per carry) and one touchdown in two seasons with Tennessee after signing a four-year, $19.8-million deal with the Titans in 2018. He also caught 84 passes for 564 yards and two scores over that span. Lewis played 37% of Tennessee's offensive snaps in 2019 behind league-leading runner Derrick Henry.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The latest news as the coronavirus outbreak disrupts the sports world. Pull down the page to refresh. (All times ET.)For more details on European soccer-related coronavirus updates, tap here.What you need to know

When John Urschel got to the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2014, he was listed on the depth chart behind Marshal Yanda, the team's mainstay at right guard. Urschel immediately understood he needed to pay attention to Yanda's approach to his craft - but only to a point."I would see the things he would do," Urschel once told me, "and people were telling me, 'Don't try to imitate Marshal Yanda. This is not something you can do.'"Yanda announced his retirement this week after 13 seasons, all with the Ravens. He had the distinction of being one of the best players at his position throughout his career. He has a Super Bowl ring. His toughness is the stuff of legend. Yet a fan outside Baltimore can be forgiven for never having heard of him. As Robert Mays of The Ringer put it a few years back: "In an age of unceasing information, (Yanda is) a walking contradiction: a future Hall of Famer hiding in plain sight."Interior offensive linemen tend to toil in obscurity, the great ones paving the way so others can be featured in a viral highlight clip. That about sums up Yanda's career. Only 15 guards are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with Steve Hutchinson set to join that group this summer. Yanda is a lock to get there someday, too.This did not seem to be his career trajectory back when he was at North Iowa Area Community College. Yanda grew up on a family farm baling hay and clearing calf stalls in Anamosa, Iowa, where he dreamed of playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Here's Mays' description of how Yanda finally got the Hawkeyes to offer him a scholarship:

The NFL is mulling plans for multiple upcoming league events, including the draft in Las Vegas at the end of April, as the coronavirus continues to spread."The league office, the (NFL) Players Association, and the city and the state are working together," Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis told the Dallas Morning News' Michael Gehlken. "They're making a measured decision. Health and safety will always be No. 1."The league was expected to take over the Las Vegas strip in celebration of the draft, one of the signature events on the NFL calendar. The draft, which attracts thousands of fans and dozens of league and team personnel, is scheduled to take place April 23-25.A new plan hasn't been formally developed, but league officials are monitoring developments in the coronavirus, which has become more prevalent in the United States by the day."They'll make the correct decision," said Davis. "They won't put anyone in jeopardy over it."Before the draft is the annual owners' meetings, scheduled to take place in Palm Beach, Florida, from March 29-April 1.The sports world has already felt the impact of the coronavirus, with the NBA recently suspending its season following a positive test for a player on the Utah Jazz.The contagious virus, which produces the COVID-19 disease, emanated in China.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find positional rankings, additional analysis, 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, Graham Barfield of NFL.com joins Boone to discuss the biggest fantasy questions heading into free agency.

The Green Bay Packers will release tight end Jimmy Graham on Thursday, ending his tenure with the team after two seasons, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Green Bay will save $8 million in cap space with the move, which could help the club pursue tight end Austin Hooper or linebacker Cory Littleton in free agency, Rob Demovsky of ESPN reports.Graham inked a three-year contract worth $30 million in 2018 but didn't produce the type of numbers the Packers anticipated. He had 636 yards and two touchdowns in his debut campaign then posted 447 yards and three scores in 2019.The five-time Pro Bowler will join a class of free-agent tight ends that could also include Hooper, Hunter Henry, Eric Ebron, and Tyler Eifert. Henry is reportedly likely to receive the franchise tag from the Los Angeles Chargers, which would restrict his movement on the open market.Unlike his aforementioned peers, Graham's release means he won't have to wait until Monday when the legal tampering period for free agency opens to speak to teams.The 33-year-old has played for the New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, and Packers over his 10-year career. He eclipsed 1,000 yards in receiving with the Saints in 2011 and 2013 and was once regarded with Rob Gronkowski as the gold standard at his position.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't expected to limit their efforts to land the biggest free agent of the offseason: Tom Brady."(The Buccaneers) would love to have Tom Brady," ESPN's Dianna Russini said on "Get Up!" on Tuesday, citing a conversation with team representatives. "They are willing to give Tom Brady the things he needs, he wants. And some of those things that Brady wants: Control over the roster; he wants to be part of the playbook, or at least making decisions on the play-calling."Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times also believes the Buccaneers will go all-in on the New England Patriots signal-caller.Jameis Winston has led Tampa Bay's offense since the franchise selected him first overall in 2015. But Winston, who's thrown for an average of 4,386 yards and 27 touchdowns against 20 interceptions per 16 games over the course of his career, is also set to hit free agency this offseason.Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians said in February the team would bring Winston back for the 2020 season unless a superior free-agent quarterback emerged.Tampa Bay checks what might be one of the most important boxes for Brady in free agency: The club boasts one of the NFL's best wide receiver duos. Mike Evans topped 1,000 receiving yards for the sixth straight season in 2019, while Chris Godwin led the team in receptions (86), yards (1,333), and touchdowns (nine).The Buccaneers averaged 28.6 points per game in 2019, the third-best mark in the league.Brady, 42, threw for 4,057 yards and 24 touchdowns while tossing eight interceptions last season.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Some NFL teams are adjusting their pre-draft travel plans due to increasing worry about the coronavirus, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.Those clubs include the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are "limiting commercial flights for coaches and scouts until further notice," Pelissero reports.Along with the Steelers, coaches from the Philadelphia Eagles reportedly won't travel the pro-day circuit, according to Charles Robinson and Eric Edholm of Yahoo Sports.Most of the bigger colleges have their pro days scheduled in the following days and weeks. Clemson and Oregon will host events on Thursday, March 11, while Michigan's pro day is scheduled two days later.Alabama's and LSU's pro days are set to take place March 24 and April 3, respectively.The Steelers and New Orleans Saints were the only teams that didn't attend Oklahoma's pro day Wednesday morning, according to NFL Network's James Palmer.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Miami Dolphins are releasing safety Reshad Jones after 10 seasons with the team.

Pursuing six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady may be tempting, but Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden reiterated this past weekend the team is happy with its current starting quarterback."You're killing me, man," Gruden said when asked about his team's interest in Brady, according to John Katsilometes of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "We love our quarterback. Our quarterback's a really good player, Derek Carr. I want to reiterate that to everybody here in Vegas. We've got a good, young quarterback, and the film, the statistics, and analytics prove it."Gruden did note the Raiders will "be in the market to try to improve at every position" while discussing other players on the roster.Carr established career highs in completion percentage (70.4), passing yards (4,054), and yards per attempt (7.9) in 2019. The 28-year-old also tossed 21 touchdowns against eight interceptions.The three-time Pro Bowler is signed through the 2022 season, earning around $19 million in annual base salary. The Raiders could release him for a dead cap hit of $7.9 million this offseason, according to OverTheCap.Gruden said in February he's "anxious to continue to build around" Carr ahead of the 2020 campaign, Gruden's third since returning to the sidelines.The Raiders were reported in early February to be potential suitors for Brady should he become a free agent on March 18. Las Vegas is also reportedly interested in adding a veteran backup signal-caller in free agency and it's believed the team will prioritize that search over pursuing Brady.Brady, 42, threw for 4,057 yards and 24 touchdowns while tossing eight interceptions in 2019.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Byron Jones is apparently set to break the bank in 2020.Teams expect the pending free agent to get a contract worth $16 million-$18 million annually, which would make him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports.Jones has spent his entire five-year career with the Dallas Cowboys, but he's expected to be priced out of their range as the team prioritizes new deals for Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper this offseason.The 27-year-old Jones has just two career interceptions but offers elite athleticism, strong coverage skills, and the versatility a number of defensive coordinators value.The New York Giants and New York Jets are reportedly among the teams targeting Jones this offseason. The cornerback has also been linked to the Philadelphia Eagles and Las Vegas Raiders.Xavien Howard of the Miami Dolphins is currently the league's highest-paid defensive back, earning an average of $15.05 million a year on his current deal.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Representatives from six sportswriter organizations released a joint statement in response to multiple professional and amateur sports entities adjusting their approach to media access due to concerns surrounding the spread of the coronavirus.The statement is signed by presidents and directors of the Associated Press Sports Editors, Pro Football Writers of America, North American Soccer Reporters, United States Basketball Writers, Professional Basketball Writers Association, Professional Hockey Writers Association, and the Baseball Writers Association of America."We the entities covering pro and college sports in North America are concerned with the developing international outbreak of coronavirus and the need to contain it," the statement reads. "We understand precautions may be necessary in the name of public health. We are intent on working with the leagues, teams, and schools we cover to maintain safe work environments."We also must ensure the locker room access - which we have negotiated over decades - to players, coaches, and staff is not unnecessarily limited in either the short or long term. We look forward to open communication with the leagues as, together, we deal with this serious health matter."Michael Zagaris / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe North American sports landscape has undergone rapid change regarding media access as the coronavirus spreads throughout the continent.The National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, Major League Baseball, and Major League Soccer released a joint statement of their own on Monday, announcing that "all team locker rooms and clubhouses will be open only to players and essential employees of teams and team facilities until further notice.""Media access will be maintained in designated locations outside of the locker room and clubhouse setting," the statement added. "These temporary changes will be effective beginning with tomorrow’s games and practices."The NHL has already begun to implement the changes to dressing room media access.

Former tight end Rob Gronkowski is close to finalizing a deal with WWE, according to Ryan Satin of FOX Sports.Gronkowski's role is still unclear, but he could make a WWE appearance as early as March 20 at Friday Night Smackdown in New Orleans, Satin reports.Last August, the three-time Super Bowl champion told reporters he would be interested in doing WWE at some point over the next few years."With wrestling, I don't feel like I would be a full-time wrestler, but there is one thing I'm down for," Gronkowski said, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. "And that's to do one crazy match."The 30-year-old Gronkowski, who is currently a football analyst for Fox Sports, previously made an appearance at WrestleMania 33 in April 2017. On that occasion, he helped Mojo Rawley win the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.The former tight end has also been rumored to be considering an NFL comeback since retiring in March 2019 after nine seasons with the New England Patriots..Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL handed out 32 compensatory picks for the 2020 NFL Draft on Tuesday, assigning a league-high four selections to the New England Patriots.Compensatory picks are awarded based on the caliber of free agents each team lost versus gained the year before. The formula takes salary, playing time, and postseason honors into account. NFL Communications released the data used to determine the 2020 spread of selections, which always begin at the end of the third round.Here are the tables for each round that compensatory picks were given:Round 3Overall PickTeam97Texans98Patriots99Giants100Patriots101Seahawks102Steelers103Eagles104Rams105Vikings106RavensRound 4Overall PickTeam139Buccaneers140Bears141Dolphins142Redskins143Ravens144Seahawks145Eagles146EaglesRound 5Overall PickTeam178Broncos179CowboysRound 6Overall PickTeam212Patriots213Patriots214SeahawksRound 7Overall PickTeam247Giants248Texans249Vikings250Texans251Dolphins252Broncos253Vikings254Broncos255GiantsSince 1994, the Baltimore Ravens have received 52 compensatory selections, the most of any team.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Robby Anderson is interested in re-signing with the New York Jets in free agency and believes the feeling is mutual."I think they definitely want me back," Anderson said Tuesday, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini. "I truly do want to be back with the Jets. I love Sam (Darnold). I love my teammates, Jamal (Adams) and all those guys. I feel like there's unfinished business there that I've been trying to get done since I got there. I would hope to finish out the mission, all in all, but it's a business."One of the top wide receivers available, Anderson is expected to command plenty of interest - and a lucrative long-term deal - on the open market.The 26-year-old broke out in 2017 with 63 catches for 941 yards and seven touchdowns. He finished the 2019 campaign with 52 receptions for 779 yards and five scores. Anderson signed with the Jets as a rookie free agent out of Temple in 2016.New York has plenty of uncertainty at wide receiver in 2020. Anderson and Demaryius Thomas are both free agents, while Quincy Enunwa has been plagued by neck injuries throughout his career.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL announced Tuesday the proposed rule changes submitted by teams ahead of the 2020 campaign - four of which came from the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Cleveland Browns released linebacker Christian Kirksey after six seasons, the team announced Tuesday.Kirksey played in just two games in 2019 after suffering a torn pectoral in September."Christian Kirksey has been a vital member of our organization for the last six seasons because of his contributions on and off the field," Browns general manager Andrew Berry said in a statement. "He has been a strong leader both in our locker room and in the Cleveland community. These are difficult decisions and, in Christian's case, more challenging because of how well he has represented our team. We thank him for his dedication and wish him nothing but the best in the next phase of his career."A third-round pick of the Browns in 2014, Kirksey accumulated 484 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and two interceptions across 73 games in the middle of the team's defense.Cleveland now has a major hole at linebacker, as Joe Schobert is set to hit free agency and demand a lucrative contract.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It appears ESPN has to move on from its Monday Night Football dream team.NBC Sports declined ESPN's initial request to attempt to acquire Al Michaels, sources told Andrew Marchand of the New York Post.ESPN reportedly hoped to pair Michaels - who has two years remaining on his contract with NBC - with Peyton Manning for its Monday broadcast.Manning and ESPN are still engaged in discussions, as the company hopes to sign him regardless of whether it can add Michaels, too. For his part, though, Manning hasn't indicated if he's interested in a broadcasting job, Marchand reports.NBC and ESPN could still revisit talks, as Mike Tirico is set to take over for Michaels on Sunday Night Football when the latter's contract expires. Tirico could call more games during the next two seasons as the new face of NBC, according to Marchand.ESPN was previously targeting Tony Romo for its booth before he signed a 10-year, $180-million deal with CBS.Joe Tessitore and Booger McFarland comprise the Monday Night Football broadcast team, and the duo hasn't been informed of any changes for the 2020 season.ESPN could target CBS' Ian Eagle or FOX's Kevin Burkhardt as other options, though both are also under contract, according to Marchand.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers will kick off the NFL preseason in the 2020 Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6, it was announced Tuesday.Both franchises already boast a number of representatives in Canton, Ohio, and will add more in 2020. Former head coaches Bill Cowher and Jimmy Johnson will be enshrined this summer, while ex-Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu headlines the modern-era inductees.The ceremony to enshrine the NFL's centennial class is set for Aug. 8.Dallas and Pittsburgh last faced each other in a regular-season game in 2016, with the Cowboys emerging victorious.The game will take place at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL reached an agreement with 2K Games that will allow the company to develop video games with the league license for the first time since 2004, according to ESPN's Arda Ocal.It's a "multi-year partnership encompassing multiple future video games," Ocal reports.The deal allows 2K to create non-simulation game experiences, which means they could feature a more unrealistic, arcade-type style."As more people play more games than ever before, we have been increasing our efforts and looking to expand our footprint in the space," NFL vice president and head of gaming and esports Rachel Hoagland said, according to Ocal. "It just seemed to make sense as a natural step in that direction to revive our partnership with 2K."The sides have discussed several platforms, including both consoles and mobile devices, but nothing has been confirmed. The release schedule and number of titles are also yet to be determined.Electronic Arts (EA) owns the exclusive rights to creating NFL-based simulation games, which it's used to create the Madden NFL franchise since 1988. However, those rights expire at the end of the 2021 campaign, a source told Ocal."EA Sports is the exclusive publisher of NFL simulation games, and our partnership with the NFL and NFLPA remains unchanged," EA wrote in a statement shortly after the announced partnership between 2K and the NFL. "Our agreements have always allowed for non-exclusive development of non-simulation games on various platforms. Our commitment to NFL fans, which spans almost 30 years, has never been stronger, and we're having our biggest year yet. ... We'll be building on that momentum with more new and different experiences, on more platforms and with new ways to play, in the years to come."The NFL 2K franchise spanned from 1999 to 2004. The final 2K offering prior to EA's exclusive agreement was ESPN NFL 2K5.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants and New York Jets have expressed interest in free-agent cornerbacks Byron Jones and James Bradberry, sources told SNY's Ralph Vacchiano.Jones and Bradberry are considered the top two corners set to hit the open market when the new league begins March 18. Both are expected to land lucrative contracts.Both New York squads require significant upgrades to their respective secondaries ahead of the 2020 campaign. The Jets ranked 17th in pass defense last season, while the Giants were 28th.Gang Green reportedly informed Trumaine Johnson of his release Monday, a move that will save the team $3 million in cap space but result in $12 million in dead money.The Giants selected DeAndre Baker in the first round of last year's draft but need a starter opposite him.Jones has spent his entire five-year career with the Dallas Cowboys, but the 27-year-old is expected to command a contract exceeding the team's price range; the Cowboys are prioritizing new deals for Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper this offseason.Bradberry, 26, has reportedly drawn interest from the Washington Redskins in addition to his current squad, the Carolina Panthers.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL and the NFL Players Association announced Tuesday that the window for teams to place franchise and transition tags on players is being further extended to March 16.The deadline was originally scheduled for March 10. It was then pushed back to March 12 and now March 16 so that players can first vote on the proposed new collective bargaining agreement.Under the new timeline, the league's free-agent negotiation window is set to open immediately after the tag deadline.

Baltimore Ravens guard Marshal Yanda is retiring from the NFL, the team announced Tuesday.The 35-year-old spent all 13 seasons of his NFL career with the Ravens and is considered one of the premier offensive linemen in team history. He earned eight Pro Bowl nods and two first-team All-Pro selections, and helped the team capture Super Bowl XLVII.Baltimore selected Yanda in the third round of the 2007 draft and inserted him into the starting lineup during his rookie season He primarily played right guard but his versatility led to key snaps at both right tackle and left guard.Yanda contemplated retirement prior to the 2019 campaign but returned to help Baltimore set an NFL single-season record for rushing yards and a franchise mark for most points scored.The native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was known for his physicality, consistency, and high level of play during nearly every year of his career.Yanda is a lock for the Ravens' Ring of Honor and could eventually be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Representatives from the 32 teams have denied players' requests to change their vote on the proposed collective bargaining agreement, sources told ESPN's Dan Graziano.A number of players reportedly informed the NFL Players Association that they've changed their minds since submitting their ballots. The union sent the issue to the representatives to vote on.Players have until the end of March 18 to cast their ballots. The vote to approve or reject the owners' CBA proposal is expected to be close. The pitch was sent to membership after passing through the reps with a 17-14 (one abstained) vote, despite the executive committee voting 6-5 against recommending it.The CBA will be ratified if a simple majority of the players who vote - meaning 50% plus one - support it.If approved, the CBA will give the NFL an option to expand the regular season to 17 games as early as 2021. Other changes will include the playoff field growing from 12 teams to 14.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.