Find positional rankings, additional analysis, and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.With all the excitement that comes with free agency, it's easy to forget that most players signing deals will ultimately let their new teams down.After outlining players we expect to gain fantasy value in free agency, it's time to identify players who are primed to disappoint.Austin HooperTodd Kirkland / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Falcons made it clear they plan to let Hooper test the free-agent market, even though he's a 25-year-old tight end coming off a career-best season (75 catches, 787 yards, and six touchdowns).He hit those marks despite missing three games and playing the final month hurt. Prior to spraining his MCL in Week 10, Hooper was the top scoring fantasy tight end in all formats, on pace for 104 catches, 1,182 yards, and 10 end-zone trips.So why are the Falcons not locking him up to a long-term deal?Perhaps it's because their front office knows Hooper was a product of his environment. With receivers like Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley drawing all the defensive attention, Hooper became a safety valve on an offense almost always in comeback mode. By the end of the regular season, Atlanta led the NFL in pass attempts, facilitating Hooper's heavy usage.Unlike George Kittle, Travis Kelce, or even someone like Darren Waller, Hooper doesn't have the athleticism to make him stand out at the position. As Sam Monson explains for ESPN, Hooper graded well below most quality receiving tight ends when he was targeted in single coverage.He's closer to average than elite. More role player than star.However, as one of the best tight ends available, Hooper's almost certain to command a big-money contract, one that comes with high expectations.Rumored interest from the Packers and Bears doesn't inspire much confidence, since they've struggled to get tight ends going in their offenses in recent years. Both teams finished with over 100 fewer passing attempts than the Falcons in 2019.Unless Hooper finds a situation similar to Atlanta's - which is rare - he's likely going to let down fans of his new club and fantasy owners.Tom BradyAdam Glanzman / Getty Images Sport / GettyWhenever Brady's ranked outside of my top-10 fantasy quarterbacks, there's more than a few readers who voice their displeasure.The love for TB12 is real, but fantasy managers need to look beyond the name on the back of the jersey and consider what they're investing in when they select him - especially when Rob Gronkowski isn't part of the package.As outlined last offseason: Over the previous nine years, Brady played 126 games with Gronk and 36 without him, including playoffs. Below, you can see the difference in Brady's numbers when averaged out over a 16-game pace.StatWith GronkWithout GronkComp %64.160.3Pass. Yards48714502TDs3727INTs912In a full 16-game 2019 campaign, Brady completed 60.8% of his passes and threw for 4,057 yards and only 24 touchdowns, finishing as QB12 - his second straight year outside the top 10.Brady's passer rating was below league average and his 6.6 yards per attempt was the second-lowest mark of his career.You can argue the Patriots did him a disservice by not stacking the pass-catching corps, but are we sure his next destination will have better weapons?While the odds still favor a return to the Pats, Vegas has the Titans and Raiders near the top of the list of potential landing spots - two teams with limited receiving threats and strong rushing attacks.Clubs with stronger supporting casts like the Chargers and Buccaneers also make the list, but putting your faith behind a 43-year-old quarterback (Brady will celebrate his birthday in the summer) with declining numbers is a dangerous game to play at the deepest position in fantasy.Even if Brady stays in New England, you should set your sights on a quarterback who offers more upside. Don't settle for fringe QB1 numbers when you can replicate them by streaming throughout the year.Emmanuel SandersIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyJimmy Garoppolo overthrowing Sanders late in Super Bowl LIV will be one of those plays 49ers fans will never forget. Had the duo connected, we might be talking about San Francisco as champions and Sanders as the big-game hero. Just a little Quentin Tarantino-style revisionist history.Sadly for the 49ers, that's not how it all went down, and Sanders enters free agency with no guarantee he'll return to the team that traded for him in October.While Sanders has expressed an interest in remaining with the club, San Francisco is near the bottom of the league in available cap space. With a slew of young receiver talent on the roster and a deep crop of incoming rookie wideouts, the 49ers should be able to move forward without him.There's also the fact Sanders was outplayed by rookie Deebo Samuel in the second half of the year and throughout the postseason. A rib injury may have been a factor, but the soon-to-be 33-year-old has now dealt with ailments in each of the past two campaigns, including an Achilles tear in 2018.Three years removed from his last 1,000-yard effort, Sanders is still a solid contributor, but not someone you want to rely on for consistent fantasy numbers. His best days are likely behind him, and you shouldn't pay a premium for past production.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Russell Okung filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board on Monday alleging the NFL Players Association negotiated a new collective bargaining agreement in bad faith, according to Ken Belson of The New York Times.In the filing, he accuses NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith of overriding the executive committee to push forward the owners' proposed CBA, an apparent violation of the union's constitution. Six members of the 11-person committee voted not to recommend the CBA, but it received enough support from team representatives to send it to the rest of the players.Players can pass the CBA, which would allow owners to expand the regular season to 17 games, with a simple majority when they vote. They can cast their ballots until the end of Sunday.Okung adamantly opposes the potential new CBA, arguing that a longer regular season goes against the union's stated priority of serving the health and safety of its members.The 31-year-old has played for the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Chargers over his 10-year career. He's set to join the Carolina Panthers after a trade from the Chargers once the NFL begins processing transactions on March 18.Okung is one four players reportedly running for NFLPA president, a position Eric Winston will vacate after six years of service. Winston is ineligible for another term since he didn't play in the NFL during the 2019 season.Sam Acho of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Michael Thomas of the New York Giants, and JC Tretter of the Cleveland Browns are also candidates to succeed Winston.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL Players Association is giving its members more time to ponder their decision on a new collective bargaining agreement.It announced Monday that the deadline for votes on the CBA will be moved to from March 12 to March 14:

Tom Brady continues to forge his post-football career path as the sports world awaits the New England Patriots quarterback's free-agency decision.Brady is launching his own content company, 199 Productions, which will develop original projects including documentaries, feature films, and television shows, according to Variety's Mike Fleming Jr.The company's name is a nod to the pick the Patriots used to select Brady in the 2000 NFL Draft.Brady's first project is "Unseen Football," which he'll produce alongside "Avengers: Endgame" directors Joe and Anthony Russo.The film is "a fast-paced, incandescent big-screen 3D adventure documentary designed to take viewers into the invisible realms of football, guided by the most successful quarterback in NFL history," according to Fleming.Gotham Chopra, the executive producer of Brady's Emmy-winning 2018 documentary web series, "Tom vs. Time," will direct the film."I'm excited to be working with Joe and Anthony Russo and their team at AGBO Films, whose creative vision and unrivaled storytelling has revolutionized the industry," Brady said. "I'm humbled to have the opportunity to partner with them to bring 'Unseen Football' to the big screen and tell this story in a way that has never been done before. I believe in the essence of teamwork, and I have no doubt, our team will create the most magical experience for people to enjoy."The 42-year-old Brady is slated to hit the open market for the first time in his career, and talk of his decision has dominated the buildup to this season's free-agent period.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Jets have informed cornerback Trumaine Johnson he'll be cut before the start of free agency, sources told Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.Free agency opens March 18, and Johnson's $11-million salary for 2020 becomes fully guaranteed two days later.There are three seasons remaining on the veteran's five-year, $75-million contract. He'll carry a $12-million dead-money hit in 2020.Johnson hasn't lived up to his enormous deal after a promising start to his career with the Los Angeles Rams. The 30-year-old has played in just 17 of 32 possible games for New York due to injuries, and he was benched in last year's season opener for poor play.With Johnson heading for the open market, the Jets will need to find a new starting corner through either free agency or the draft.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants and impending free-agent defensive tackle Leonard Williams aren't close to a contract extension, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.New York using the franchise tag on Williams is a "possibility," reports Rapoport, who adds that a strong market waits for the veteran if he hits free agency.The Giants traded a third-round pick and either a fourth- or fifth-rounder in 2021 to the New York Jets for Williams prior to last season's trade deadline.With Williams only under contract for 2019 and the Giants in rebuild mode, some criticized general manager Dave Gettleman's costly move, calling it shortsighted.Williams, the No. 6 pick in 2015 who made the Pro Bowl in 2016, struggled to make an impact for both New York teams last campaign. He didn't record a sack while notching only 20 tackles in seven contests for the Jets before posting half a sack and 26 tackles in eight games with the Giants.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Free-agent cornerback Josh Norman and the Buffalo Bills have agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth $6 million that could rise to $8 million with incentives, sources told Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.Norman will reunite with Bills head coach Sean McDermott, who was the veteran's defensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers. Additionally, Bills general manager Brandon Beane was part of Carolina's front office when Norman was taken in the fifth round of the 2012 draft.The 32-year-old Norman spent the last four campaigns with the Washington Redskins after becoming the league's highest-paid cornerback during free agency in 2016.This offseason, the Redskins released Norman with one year and $12.5 million remaining on his contract. Norman ranked 191st out of 199 cornerbacks in 2019, according to PFF, and he was benched near the end of the campaign.In Buffalo, Norman will pair with Tre'Davious White, who was named a first-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler last season while tying for the league lead in interceptions.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, and Buffalo Bills are among the teams interested in impending free-agent defensive lineman D.J. Reader, a source told Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.Barring a sudden change, Reader isn't expected to return to the Houston Texans, Wilson reports. The 25-year-old will likely command at least $11 million annually on the open market. The Texans offered Reader a new deal last offseason worth $6 million annually, Wilson adds.Reader, a fifth-round selection in 2016, has played his entire career in Houston. He's one of the NFL's most versatile defensive linemen, and the veteran took a step forward as a pass-rusher last season, establishing career highs in tackles (52) and sacks (2.5).The Broncos, Titans, and Bills all finished in the bottom half of the league in QB pressure percentage per dropback in 2019, according to Pro Football Reference.Denver defensive linemen Derek Wolfe and Shelby Harris are both impending free agents this offseason. Buffalo, meanwhile, might lose breakout defensive tackle Jordan Phillips during free agency.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Remember when the Jacksonville Jaguars had a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter of the AFC Championship Game on the road against the freakin' Patriots? Was that seriously just 26 months ago? Hell, did it even actually happen?It seems so hard to believe now, but even after they squandered that lead against New England (largely because their offensive play-calling became conservative and predictable), the Jags appeared to be a team on the rise.Instead, this week's trade of cornerback A.J. Bouye to the Broncos drove home the reality that the Jags spent the last two years frittering away gobs of promise. In turn, they've been left to dig their way out of a well of bad contracts, poor luck, and mismanaged relationships with players. And they've still got a long way to go.As recently as the 2017 season, Jacksonville's defense, keyed by a mix of youth and veteran talent, ranked first in DVOA and passing DVOA, according to Football Outsiders. True story: The Jags even entered 2018 as a trendy pick to win the AFC South and to maybe even make it to the Super Bowl. Yeah, it was easy to doubt Blake Bortles, but he did just enough in 2017, and the new contract he received heading into 2018 was a prudent long-term gamble that risked being costly in the short term - which is what happened. The Jags then used more money in an effort to chase the problem, only to have some rotten luck compound the situation.After a 3-1 start in 2018 that included a home victory against the Patriots, the Jags went to pot. Within three weeks, Bortles was benched, and by Week 13, Cody Kessler replaced him as the starter. Jacksonville finished 5-11 and decided to move on from Bortles, which resulted in a $16.5-million dead-cap charge for 2019. In need of a QB, the Jags threw $45 million in full guarantees at Nick Foles, a capable but flawed veteran option. Foles broke his clavicle in his first game, returned in Week 11 to make three more starts, and got yanked for Gardner Minshew II, who won six games but finished the season as one of the league's most inefficient quarterbacks.Julio Aguilar / Getty ImagesFoles' contract is now something of a problem. He's got a 2020 cap charge of $21.8 million, and not only is his entire $15.125-million 2020 salary fully guaranteed, but $5 million of his 2021 salary will become fully guaranteed March 20. The Jags could try to trade him before that, but they'd be stuck with $18.75 million in dead money for 2020. All for a dude who may or may not be the team's starter next season.That kind of volatility would be enough to doom most teams, but the Jags have lots more ineptitude to go around. By the start of the 2018 season, the Jags had invested more than 30% of their cap resources in their defensive line; this became a problem once things began to go sideways. At the trade deadline, they dealt Dante Fowler; the following spring, they were forced to release Malik Jackson and safety Tashaun Gipson. Then, without warning, inside linebacker Telvin Smith chose to retire after five seasons.And yet the Jags still weren't done. Executive vice president Tom Coughlin, who never refrained from reminding anyone he was the boss, called out a couple of players for skipping voluntary offseason workouts, as though the word "voluntary" had some sort of elastic meaning. This upset star cornerback Jalen Ramsey, one of the targets of Coughlin's ire. Coughlin reportedly later abruptly cut off contract talks with edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue, setting the stage for Ngakoue's recent declaration that he no longer wants to play in Jacksonville.Ramsey was traded last October for three draft picks, including first-rounders in 2020 and 2021. And Coughlin was fired in December, two days after the NFL Players Association warned players not to sign in Jacksonville because of the organization's propensity for excessively fining players and generating grievances. By dealing Bouye this week, the Jaguars officially have no one left from the five-man defensive backfield that was so dominant in 2017.Running back Leonard Fournette weighed in on Twitter:

The Dallas Cowboys have offered Dak Prescott a new contract worth $33 million annually with $105 million guaranteed, according to Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News.Team officials have met with the agents for both the quarterback and wide receiver Amari Cooper twice since the combine, Watkins reports. The two players are pending free agents this offseason.The signal-caller is expected to be franchise tagged if a long-term deal isn't signed before free agency opens on March 18. Both the 26-year-old and Dallas reportedly want to work out a multi-year pact, but the two sides disagree about the quarterback's value.Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks and the Rams' Jared Goff are currently the highest-paid quarterbacks in average salary and guaranteed money while earning $35 million and $110 million, respectively.Earlier in February, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said his club hadn't met or negotiated with Prescott since September.The two-time Pro Bowler established career highs in yards (4,902) and touchdowns (30) last season.Cooper, meanwhile, has amassed 132 receptions for 1,914 yards and 14 touchdowns in 25 regular-season games as a Cowboy. Dallas traded a first-round pick for the wideout midway through the 2018 campaign.The 25-year-old has said multiple times he wants to re-sign with the Cowboys.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As expected, Trent Williams trade rumors are heating up.The New York Jets are among the teams pursuing a deal for the Washington Redskins left tackle, sources told Connor Hughes of The Athletic.Additionally, the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans are interested in Williams, according to The Athletic's Ben Standig.The Redskins reportedly granted the disgruntled veteran permission to seek a trade after he missed the 2019 campaign due to a medical-related dispute with the team.Williams made seven straight Pro Bowls before last season.Washington shopped the 31-year-old prior to last season's trade deadline and was reportedly seeking a first-round pick. The tackle is entering the final year of his contract, so his new team would likely ink him to a big-money extension.Kelvin Beachum was New York's left tackle in 2019. He gave up four sacks and 27 pressures in 13 starts, according to PFF.The Cardinals kept LT D.J. Humphries from hitting free agency after reportedly giving him a three-year, $44.25-million contract earlier in February. The 26-year-old started the entire regular season for the first time in his career last year.Houston, meanwhile, acquired Laremy Tunsil in a blockbuster trade prior to the beginning of the 2019 campaign. The Pro Bowler is set to play the fifth year of his rookie deal in 2020. Both sides have discussed a new contract as Tunsil reportedly aims for around $19 million annually.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints intend to place a first-round tender on restricted free-agent quarterback Taysom Hill, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.A first-round tender affords New Orleans the right to match any offer sheet from another team for Hill. Should it opt not to, the NFC South team will receive a first-round pick.The tender will be worth around $5 million for 2020, but the Saints believe they'll sign Hill to a contract extension prior to the start of free agency, added Schefter.With Drew Brees returning for his 20th season and Teddy Bridgewater set to hit the open market, Hill is in line to be New Orleans' primary backup next season.After Brees' announcement, Hill said he was "in no hurry to leave" the Saints despite his desire to be a starter at some point.Hill has primarily filled a gadget role in New Orleans while also playing special teams. The 29-year-old has 13 career passing attempts and has yet to throw a touchdown pass, though he did catch six scores and rush for another last season.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft didn't react well to UFC president Dana White suggesting Las Vegas as a possible destination for Tom Brady.White spoke with Brady on Instagram Live on Wednesday, during which he pleaded for the pending free-agent quarterback to either stay with the Patriots or sign with the Las Vegas Raiders. The conversation made its way back to Kraft, who reached out to White."You know who called me this morning? Bob Kraft," White said Thursday on ESPN's "Always Late with Katie Nolan." "Was not happy with me ... I said, 'Mr. Kraft, now I said I want him to stay in Boston, but if Boston doesn't work out, I want him to come (to) Vegas.' And yeah, he was not happy with me. This thing is being blown out of proportion. I am being falsely accused here."White, who once lived in Boston, reiterated that he wants Brady to return to the city and retire as a Patriot, but if that doesn't happen, Las Vegas is the next best option.Brady is set to hit free agency on March 18.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Las Vegas Raiders are interested in signing quarterback Marcus Mariota in free agency this offseason, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports.The Raiders are more likely to target a "veteran 1B backup" quarterback than pursue a big name like Tom Brady, according to Garafolo, who added that both Mariota and the Raiders will have other options this offseason.The Raiders still have starter Derek Carr under contract for three more seasons. Mike Glennon, DeShone Kizer, and Nathan Peterman were Carr's backups in 2019, and Glennon is scheduled to become a free agent.Mariota was the Tennessee Titans' starting quarterback from 2015 until Week 6 of the 2019 season when he was benched during a shutout loss that dropped the team to 2-4. Ryan Tannehill took over and led the Titans to a 7-3 record down the stretch and then playoff upsets over the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens.After the season, the 26-year-old Mariota said he has "no doubts" that he can be an NFL starter again.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Chargers agreed to a multi-year extension with running back Austin Ekeler on Friday that's reported to be a four-year, $24.5-million contract with $15 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The 24-year-old was scheduled to become a restricted free agent, but now he's under contract with the Chargers until 2024.With starting running back Melvin Gordon holding out to begin the 2019 season, Ekeler started eight games, finishing the year with 557 rushing yards, 993 receiving yards, and 11 total touchdowns.The Chargers elected to bring Ekeler back with Gordon scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent March 18."The Chargers were the first team to believe in me as an undrafted free agent out of Western (State Colorado). To be able to ensure my long-term future with this team is a dream come true and my ultimate goal is to bring a championship here to this franchise," Ekeler said in a release that NFL Network's Tom Pelissero obtained.Ekeler now ranks ninth among running backs in average annual salary.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.With just over a week until NFL free agency starts, this offseason is already teasing some era-defining quarterback movement.That goes beyond Tom Brady, whose potential next move has been dominating airwaves since his final pass during the Patriots' brief playoff appearance in January. Longtime Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is also among the biggest QBs on the market, and Los Angeles is already planning to field a new starter in 2020.But just who might that be? Oddsmakers have hung a few notable names to take the first snap in New England and Los Angeles next season.Who will be the Patriots' next QB?PLAYERODDSTeddy Bridgewater+300Ryan Tannehill+350Marcus Mariota+500Andy Dalton+600Jarrett Stidham+700Derek Carr+800Jimmy Garoppolo+1000Nick Foles+1400Philip Rivers+1400Dak Prescott+2000Jameis Winston+2000Joe Flacco+2500Cody Kessler+3300Two of the three leading names on this list - Ryan Tannehill (+350) and Marcus Mariota (+500) - were teammates last year in Tennessee, which has emerged as the 5-1 favorite to sign Brady away if he leaves New England. Mariota's odds are worth watching, as his short-passing numbers were among the NFL's best in 2019, and he could finally be cast in a system that fits him under head coach Bill Belichick.Jarrett Stidham (+700) is another interesting choice at long odds, notably because he's the only quarterback listed who's already on the Patriots' roster. After impressing during the 2019 preseason, he could be a compelling consolation prize if the quarterback market dries up.The wild card is Jimmy Garoppolo (+1000), who started his career in New England and was a favorite of Belichick before eventually being traded to San Francisco. With his current team potentially interested in Brady, Garoppolo could become the future Hall of Famer's successor after all.Who will be the Chargers' next QB?PLAYERODDSTyrod Taylor+150Justin Herbert+400Teddy Bridgewater+600Tom Brady+700Tua Tagovailoa+700Andy Dalton+900Jameis Winston+1200Marcus Mariota+1200Jordan Love+1600Jake Fromm+1800Ryan Tannehill+2500Colin Kaepernick+10000Eli Manning+50000When we first broke down the Chargers' QB odds three weeks ago, Tyrod Taylor (+150) was the recommendation as a rare favorite worth playing in a typically volatile market. He's still the runaway top choice for a reason: Taylor is familiar with the system and has proven himself as a competent or even underrated starting quarterback.Justin Herbert (+400), Tua Tagovailoa (+700), and Jordan Love (+1600) all seem like interesting bets at long odds, but good luck picking one. They'd also need to usurp Taylor to become the Week 1 starter, which isn't guaranteed with the red flags attached to each prospect prior to the draft.The only other bets worth making are Brady (+700) - who's long been linked to L.A. and comes with a surprisingly nice price here - and Mariota (+1200), who some are already predicting as the Chargers' next starting passer. His skill set would fit nicely with Los Angeles' possession receivers, and he could sell tickets in a region featuring strong support for the Hawaiian-born star.C Jackson Cowart is a betting writer for theScore. He's an award-winning journalist with stops at The Charlotte Observer, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The Times Herald-Record, and BetChicago. He's also a proud graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, and his love of sweet tea is rivaled only by that of a juicy prop bet. Find him on Twitter @CJacksonCowart.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Aaron Rodgers doesn't believe a young quarterback will unseat him in the near future.The star passer was asked Friday what he would think if the Green Bay Packers drafted a quarterback early in the 2020 NFL Draft. Rodgers expressed confidence in his abilities moving forward but understood bringing in young talent is part of the game."I'm a realist, I know where we're at as an (organization) and I know where I'm at my career," Rogers said, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "I'm confident (a young quarterback is) not going to beat me out anytime soon."The 36-year-old added he would like the Packers to bring in players who could "come in and help us right away."If Green Bay drafts a quarterback, that pivot will find himself in a similar position to the one Rodgers was in 15 years ago. The Packers selected the now two-time MVP 24th overall in 2005 while Brett Favre was still on the roster. Rodgers didn't take over as the team's full-time starter until 2008.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Warning: Video contains coarse languagePatrick Mahomes has won an MVP Award and Super Bowl title after just two seasons as a starter, and the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback didn't fully grasp the details of his job until recently.In an upcoming episode of HBO's "The Shop," Mahomes revealed he didn't completely learn how to read defenses until midway through the 2018 season."I didn't I understand how to read defenses until like halfway through last year," Mahomes said in a teaser for the show's March 7 episode. "I understood coverages but, how to be able to pick up little tendencies that defenses do, stuff that (Tom) Brady and them have done, they know and they just do it, I was just playing."There you have it, NFL. The MVP of Super Bowl LIV was "just playing" up until the midpoint of his league MVP season. Opposing defenses have been warned.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tennessee Titans believe they have a "pretty good chance" to sign Tom Brady in a head-to-head matchup with the New England Patriots once free agency begins, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.A third "mystery team" is reportedly also in contention to sign the future Hall of Fame quarterback, Fowler added.Tennessee still values Ryan Tannehill, also a pending free agent, but he apparently wants a lucrative contract, according to Fowler. The Titans are reportedly weighing targeting Tannehill and Brady when the new league year begins March 18.Brady will hit the open market for the first time in his NFL career. In addition to Tennessee, the 42-year-old's suitors reportedly include the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers.Rumors surfaced Tuesday that Brady and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick recently spoke and the phone call "didn't go well."Titans head coach Mike Vrabel played eight seasons in New England with Brady and the two have a close relationship.It was previously reported that the Patriots would be willing to pay the six-time Super Bowl champion over $30 million per season, which could make him one of the league's top five or six highest-paid quarterbacks.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's looking more and more like Tom Brady will test the free-agent market and then play the 2020 season in a new uniform.Just over one week before the legal tampering period begins, there's been little indication that the six-time Super Bowl champion will return to the New England Patriots.If Brady does in fact hit the open market, here's how every potential suitor should line up their pitch.Las Vegas RaidersTwitter/AEG Hey Tom, come play for the Raiders and you'll get to star in a state-of-the-art stadium right on the Las Vegas strip. You'd be our crown jewel - your face would be on all the billboards, the stadium signs, and maybe even the Las Vegas sign! You also wouldn't have to play any more AFC Championship Games in the Foxborough snow.You need a good O-line, and we've got one of the best in the league. Trent Brown didn't allow a single postseason sack while protecting you all the way to a Super Bowl in 2018. Around him we have Gabe Jackson, Rodney Hudson, and Richie Incognito. Those guys will help ensure no one lays a finger on you.You need weapons, and we've got the cap space to add you and some receiving help. Plus, when it comes to your contract, we've got a blank check here waiting with your name on it.The Raiders are ready to contend and Jon Gruden can't wait to get you in his offensive system.Sign with us, and we'll never complain about the "Tuck Rule" again.Tennessee TitansIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyWe're sorry about ending your 2019 season prematurely, but it's time to accept that your best shot at returning to the top of the mountain is in Nashville.The Titans are on the rise. We have a top offensive line to keep you upright, a beast of a running back who can handle 30 carries a game in Derrick Henry, and an old friend of yours in head coach Mike Vrabel. You won't have to start from scratch here.We also have dynamic young outside receiving threats in A.J. Brown and Corey Davis, an emerging star in tight end Jonnu Smith, and a trusty slot receiver the Patriots tried to sign a year ago in Adam Humphries. Meanwhile, New England has a broken-down Julian Edelman and no one else to throw to.We were one win away from the Super Bowl in 2019, and you'd be the final piece of our puzzle. In New England, you're one of the only pieces left from a decaying former dynasty.Los Angeles ChargersHey, Tom. It's the Chargers - the team you've owned throughout your career. We're still bitter about 2006.Anyway, we've heard you want to break into the world of acting after football, and there's no better place to start networking than right here in Los Angeles.We know you're probably thinking, "But Chargers, I care about winning on the field. Isn't your franchise notoriously cheap and not committed to doing that?" The answer is yes but also no. We were cheap in the past, but we're prepared to do whatever it takes to field a winning team as we move into SoFi Stadium - if for no other reason than because we need to sell tickets. We already have pretty good skill players, so we're not that far away.Your next thought must be, "But Chargers, I'm turning 43 in August and don't want to play in front of the same offensive line that nearly got Philip Rivers killed last year." Well, that's why we traded for Trai Turner, a five-time Pro Bowler at right guard. We can make additional upgrades, and we may even use the sixth overall draft pick on a lineman.Don't forget - we made the playoffs two years ago and appeared destined for the Super Bowl until we ran into your Patriots. With your help, we can get back there and then win our first Lombardi Trophy. By the way, we're hosting the Patriots in 2020, meaning you could join Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to beat every team. We know you love making history.San Francisco 49ersDiamond Images / Diamond Images / GettyYou grew up rooting for us, and now we're rooting for you to join us.Your hometown of San Mateo is just 25 miles from our Santa Clara stadium, so you could truly work from home.Aside from the logistics (we're confident we can find a way to trade Jimmy Garoppolo), we've got everything you could want in a franchise: an offensive genius at head coach, an active general manager, and one of the best running games and defenses in the league. Not to mention, George Kittle is the best tight end since Rob Gronkowski.This past season, we were a clutch quarterback drive away from winning the Super Bowl. We know just the guy to pull that off.Your childhood idol, Joe Montana, changed teams late in his career and it didn't ruin his legacy. It's really not that crazy of an idea.And in case you haven't seen our schedule, we play at New England in 2020.Tampa Bay BuccaneersIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyNot since Randy Moss and Wes Welker have you teamed up with a collection of star wideouts like the ones we have in Tampa.No longer would you have to tear a strip off guys like Jakobi Meyers, N'Keal Harry, and Gunner Olszewski in frustration. We've got a pair of 1,000-yard wide receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and a tight end the Patriots tried to trade for in O.J. Howard. No other free-agent destination boasts the offensive weapons we do.And speaking of destinations, just wait until you see what it's like to live in Florida year-round. Playing in Tampa will be like getting a head start on retirement.Plus, whatever contract you agree to, keep in mind there's no state income tax. That money's all yours.Now, sure, we haven't been to the playoffs in 12 years, and we're playing in one of the league's toughest divisions, but all that changes with you.New England PatriotsBoston Globe / Getty ImagesTom, let's be real here - why would anyone move on from the most stable and accomplished franchise in pro sports?You've achieved so much in New England: six Super Bowl championships, four Super Bowl MVPs, three regular-season MVPs, three first-team All-Pro selections, and 11 straight division titles (16 of the last 17, too). Change is difficult, and there's no need to exit such a comfortable situation.We know what you're thinking: "I need more weapons, I miss Gronk," etc. But there's plenty of cap space available to pay both you and a top-tier pass-catcher or two. We're already targeting a handful of options who would work well in our offense.We advise you to truly analyze your other free-agent suitors. Do you really want to play for Anthony Lynn and Shane Steichen? Mike Vrabel and Arthur Smith? An overpowering Jon Gruden? Those names don't exactly compare to Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels.Other legendary quarterbacks joined new teams toward the end of their careers, so we get it. But what did Joe Montana accomplish with the Chiefs? How about Brett Favre with the Vikings? Those teams didn't field the type of defense that Peyton Manning benefited from in Denver.Don't tarnish your legacy, Tom. You're a Patriot for life.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was arrested Thursday night while attempting to board a flight at New York's LaGuardia Airport and charged with criminal possession of a weapon, Port Authority Police told Rich Cimini of ESPN.Authorities later said the weapon wasn't loaded, according to Cimini. Williams is set to appear in court March 25 and will be formally charged at that point. He has a permit for the gun in Alabama.The incident occurred around 9:15 p.m. ET. The defensive lineman was processed by the Port Authority Police Department and the matter was to be handled by the Queens district attorney upon his release."We have been in contact with Quinnen Williams and are fully aware of the situation, a Jets spokesperson said in a statement, per Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. "We will have no additional comment as this is a pending legal matter."Williams' arrest was similar to that of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Da'Quan Bowers in 2013. Bowers was arrested at LaGuardia for carrying a loaded gun and was charged with criminal possession of a weapon. He later pled guilty to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct that carried no jail time.The 22-year-old Williams was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft after a standout career at Alabama. He finished his rookie season with 28 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery in 13 games with the Jets.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With free agency and the draft still ahead, NFL rosters will undergo seismic changes over the next few months.Before the shuffling begins, let's take an early look at the players positioned to let us down when the 2020 season kicks off.More from this series

Amari Cooper has no plans to leave the Dallas Cowboys in free agency."I love being a Dallas Cowboy," the wide receiver said Thursday on 105.3 The Fan. "I love everything about it. I think about it every day. Just the aura of being a Dallas Cowboy, you can't beat it. I want to be a Cowboy for life."Cooper and the Cowboys have yet to come to terms on a new contract as free agency approaches. The 25-year-old can begin talking to other teams on March 16 when the legal tampering period starts. The market officially opens two days later.Cooper has thrived with the Cowboys since they acquired him in a trade with the then-Oakland Raiders in October 2018. He had 1,189 yards and eight touchdowns in 2019, building on the chemistry he established with quarterback Dak Prescott the year prior.The Alabama product said it's imperative that Prescott, who's also an impending free agent, returns to Dallas in 2020."We've built a good relationship so far," said Cooper. "From the time I got here, we were able to hit the ground running, and just from my experience in being in the NFL, I wouldn't say that's a common thing. Sometimes you can line up with a quarterback after getting traded or going to a new team, whether it's the draft or whatever, and it not go smooth."And so, I wouldn't try to trade that for anything because I know what can be on the other side of that. I would say it's very important."Dallas originally gave up a first-round pick to pry Cooper loose from the Raiders.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants are one of the teams on Jadeveon Clowney's wish list ahead of free agency, a source told SNY's Ralph Vacchiano.New York figures to be in the market for a pass-rusher this offseason, but another source told Vacchiano that Clowney could be looking for more than $22 million per year, a price the Giants are reportedly unlikely to meet.Clowney is coming off a three-sack campaign with the Seattle Seahawks, but he was still proficient in pressuring quarterbacks and defending the run. He'll be one of the most accomplished players on the market when free agency officially opens March 18.The 27-year-old has been adamant over the past year that he wants to play for a winning team - it was the reason he nixed a trade to the Miami Dolphins before the 2019 season. The Giants are 12-36 dating back to 2017.A three-time Pro Bowler with the Houston Texans, Clowney posted 18.5 sacks from 2017-18.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Redskins have granted disgruntled left tackle Trent Williams permission to seek a trade, sources told ESPN's Dianna Russini.Washington was hoping to reconcile with Williams, who requested a trade this past year following a medical incident. First-year head coach Ron Rivera communicated with Williams after being hired, and said at the NFL Scouting Combine that the effort to mend fences was a "work in progress.""I'm just happy this situation seems to be heading toward an end," Williams told ESPN's John Keim via text message.Asked if he's done with the Redskins, Williams told The Washington Post's Les Carpenter, "Yeah pretty much."Williams has been one of the game's premier left tackles since entering the league. He made seven straight Pro Bowls from 2012-18 and was a second-team All-Pro in 2015.The 31-year-old didn't play a single snap in 2019, but he has been working out this offseason in anticipation of a return to the NFL.

ESPN is apparently eyeing a major move that would shake up Monday Night Football.The network will attempt to acquire Al Michaels from NBC Sports for its Monday broadcast, Andrew Marchand of The New York Post reports.ESPN also reportedly reached out to Peyton Manning's representatives to see if he'd be interested in becoming an analyst for Monday Night Football following its failed pursuit last year. The goal would be to pair Manning with Michaels in a "dream booth."The network is preparing to offer Manning between $18 million and $20 million annually, eclipsing the record deal Tony Romo just signed with CBS, sources told Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports.Before CBS inked Romo for $180 million over 10 years, ESPN had been targeting the ex-Dallas Cowboys passer for its booth.ESPN is also showing interest in pending free agent Philip Rivers, sources told Marchand, though the quarterback has stated that he intends to continue his playing career.Disney, which owns ESPN, would like to head into the upcoming NFL rights negotiation process with the top broadcast team in the business. It hopes to add more NFL games and a Super Bowl on ABC/ESPN in the coming years.Michaels has two years remaining on his contract with NBC, which could simply turn down any offer from ESPN.Currently, Joe Tessitore and Booger McFarland are ESPN's Monday Night Football broadcast team.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Warning: Story contains graphic contentA well-known sports gambler is facing multiple charges after allegedly threatening violence against multiple professional athletes in both Major League Baseball and the National Football League, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida.Benjamin Tucker Patz - known as "Parlay Patz" in the betting community - is the subject of the criminal complaint and has been charged with transmitting threats in interstate or foreign commerce. He faces up to five years in prison if convicted.Patz, 23, allegedly used anonymous Instagram accounts to send threatening messages to athletes targeting both the players and their family members, according to the complaint. Some of the messages are also alleged to have contained racial slurs.Over 300 individual Instagram accounts belonging to either professional athletes or their family members allegedly received threatening messages, according to Dan Sullivan of the Tampa Bay Times.The complaint specifically cites multiple messages sent after a game between the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays on July 20, 2019. After the game, which the White Sox won, Patz allegedly sent four Rays players and one White Sox player threatening direct messages on Instagram.Three players involved were later identified as Chaz Roe, Adam Kolarek, and Emilio Pagan, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Roe is still with the Rays, while Kolarek is now with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Pagan is on the San Diego Padres."Unfortunately, 0-5 against the Chicago White Sox isn't going to cut it. Because of your sins, I will have to behead you and your family," one message to a Rays player allegedly read.Players from multiple other MLB teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Kansas City Royals, and Atlanta Braves, are said to have received similar threats during the 2019 season, according to David Purdum of ESPN and Darren Rovell of Action Network. In one case, the girlfriend of an unidentified Braves player was also allegedly threatened."His substantial and persistent online sports wagering suggests that Patz may have threatened athletes who played in games on which he had unsuccessfully wagered and lost money, or that he may have tried to influence the outcome of upcoming sports events on which he had wagered," FBI special agent Daniel Nowak said in an affidavit, according to Purdum.The complaint also alleges that Patz sent messages to at least two members of the New England Patriots after they won Super Bowl LIII, threatening to rape and murder members of their families, according to Rovell. Patz reportedly bet $10,000 on the Los Angeles Rams, who lost to New England.College basketball players are also listed in the complaint as allegedly receiving threats, Rovell reports. The complaint refers to all players who allegedly received messages by their initials only.Patz, who lives in New York, became publicly known after winning over $1 million through sports gambling in the past year.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon is expected to test the market when he hits free agency next week, a source told ESPN's Josina Anderson.The report comes more than a month after Gordon insisted there was no bad blood between him and the Chargers and said he hoped to re-sign with the team.The tailback sat out the first three weeks of the 2019 campaign amid a contract dispute. He reportedly intended to leave Los Angeles as a free agent before deciding to rejoin his teammates in late September.If he does hit the open market, Gordon would join a deep group of free-agent running backs. Others with expiring contracts include Derrick Henry (if he doesn't receive the franchise tag from the Tennessee Titans), Kenyan Drake, Jordan Howard, Lamar Miller, and LeSean McCoy.The 26-year-old Gordon is coming off a disappointing season in which he ran for 612 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 3.8 yards per carry and losing two fumbles. The two-time Pro Bowler averaged 5.1 yards per carry in 2018.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

One of the NFL's most experienced and accomplished players is set to hit the open market.The Philadelphia Eagles announced Thursday that let left tackle Jason Peters will become a free agent after 11 seasons with the club."We are appreciative of everything Jason has contributed to the organization over the last 11 seasons in Philadelphia, including building a first-ballot Hall of Fame career and helping us win our first Super Bowl championship," the Eagles said in a statement. "Jason has been an incredible leader and person both on and off the field. We will remain in communication as each side continues to evaluate its options in free agency."Peters is a nine-time Pro Bowler and a two-time first-team All-Pro selection. He won Super Bowl LII with the Eagles and has been one of the league's premier offensive linemen during his time in Philadelphia.Despite recently turning 38, Peters previously stated that he intends to play at least one more season.The Eagles are likely to move forward with 2019 first-rounder Andre Dillard at left tackle.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL's proposed new collective bargaining agreement's language was finalized Wednesday night and ballots will be distributed to players Thursday to vote on the potential deal, the NFL Players Association announced.Players have until 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 12, to submit their ballots.Team owners approved the "principal elements" of a new deal in February and the NFLPA later chose to send the proposal to its full membership.Players can vote at any point throughout the seven-day window but plan to wait the full week before formalizing the results, a source told ESPN's Jeff Darlington.A 17-game regular season and two extra wild-card playoff contests are included in the proposed CBA. A number of players, including Aaron Rodgers and Richard Sherman, spoke out against the deal.Despite the timing of the vote, the league doesn't plan to push back the franchise tag deadline or the start of free agency on March 18, a source told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.The full player membership needs to approve the deal by a simple majority. It will take effect immediately if approved.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore goes division by division to identify the biggest need for every NFC team entering free agency, which opens March 18 at 4 p.m. ET. The legal tampering period begins two days prior.AFC I NFCNFC EastDallas CowboysDylan Buell / Getty Images Sport / GettyBiggest need: SecondaryThe Cowboys are prioritizing in-house free agents Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper. Whether Dallas resolves those contract negotiations by using its tags or signing both to multi-year deals, star corner Byron Jones appears to be the man on the outside looking in. The Cowboys will need to replace their top cover man and may have to do so on the cheap.Top potential FA targets: Chris Harris, Bradley Roby, Tony JeffersonNew York GiantsBiggest need: Pass-rusherFinding someone who can consistently get to the quarterback is of the utmost importance to the Giants. New York ranked in the bottom third of the league in sacks in 2019 and its team leader in that statistic, Markus Golden, is set to hit free agency.Top potential FA targets: Jadeveon Clowney, Everson Griffen, Ezekiel AnsahPhiladelphia EaglesBiggest need: Wide receiverFor a team thought to be among the deepest in the league, Philly has substantial holes at multiple positions. Cornerback and linebacker are areas of need, but the Eagles' most glaring hole comes at wide receiver. While they're expected to address the position at the draft, Carson Wentz needs experienced targets if the club is to make a deep postseason run.Top potential FA targets: Robby Anderson, Emmanuel Sanders, Demarcus RobinsonWashington RedskinsBiggest need: CornerbackWashington needs an influx of talent across the board. The Redskins can focus on taking the best player available in the draft. Assuming they franchise tag Brandon Scherff and find a way to coerce Trent Williams back, they can focus on cornerback and tight end in free agency. James Bradberry would be a suitable replacement for recently released veteran Josh Norman.Top potential FA targets: James Bradberry, Byron Jones, Prince AmukamaraNFC NorthChicago BearsBrett Carlsen / Getty Images Sport / GettyBiggest need: Tight endFinding a stud, all-around tight end would check several boxes for the Bears offensively. Chicago tight ends amassed 416 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2019, which ranked 31st and 32nd in the league, respectively. No team called pass plays using 12 personnel (one running back and two tight ends) fewer times than the Bears last season (28).Top potential FA targets: Austin Hooper, Eric Ebron, Tyler EifertDetroit LionsBiggest need: Defensive tackleThe Lions were solid at stopping the run game in recent years, but a largely weak defense in 2019 negatively affected their strong group of defensive tackles, and now Detroit might lose its three biggest names at the position. Damon Harrison was released, while Mike Daniels and A'Shawn Robinson are both impending unrestricted free agents. Cornerback could also become a major need for the Lions, depending on Darius Slay's future - which will likely be away from Detroit - but the team can address that issue with the third overall pick in the draft.Top potential FA targets: Javon Hargrave, D.J. Reader, Jarran ReedGreen Bay PackersBiggest need: LinebackerThe Packers enter free agency with major question marks at two positions: receiver and inside linebacker. However, wideout Equanimeous St. Brown didn't play at all last year due to injury, third-round rookie tight end Jace Sternberger lined up on only 6% of the team's offensive snaps, and Davante Adams is still a stud when healthy. On the other hand, Green Bay has no young talent or superstar at inside linebacker. B.J. Goodson, who had a subpar 2019 campaign, and Blake Martinez, who led the team in tackles, are impending unrestricted free agents.Top potential FA targets: Cory Littleton, Kyle Van Noy, Joe SchobertMinnesota VikingsBiggest need: SecondaryIt would be ideal for the Vikings to land some big free agents this offseason in order to improve their secondary, but their lack of salary cap space will likely force them to look for cheaper options. Cornerbacks Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander, standout safety Anthony Harris, and rotational defensive backs Jayron Kearse and Andrew Sendejo are all unrestricted free agents. Minnesota needs to open up cap space, which could even lead to Xavier Rhodes' departure.Top potential FA targets: Jimmy Smith, Kendall Fuller, Ha Ha Clinton-DixNFC SouthAtlanta FalconsBrett Davis-USA TODAY Sports / Action ImagesBiggest need: Defensive endRanked second-last in sacks in 2019, the Falcons need help at one of football's most important positions. The team parted ways with Vic Beasley due to his inconsistencies, and Takkarist McKinley has failed to live up to his first-round status. The quickest fix is through free agency.Top potential FA targets: Ezekiel Ansah, Jason Pierre-Paul, Dante Fowler Jr.Carolina PanthersBiggest need: LinebackerMore will be asked of Brian Burns and Shaq Thompson after Luke Kuechly's retirement. However, their responsibility would be eased by the addition of a veteran linebacker such as Joe Schobert or Cory Littleton.Top potential FA targets: Joe Schobert, Cory Littleton, Blake MartinezNew Orleans SaintsBiggest need: Wide receiverDrew Brees is coming back to "make another run at it," and in order to take advantage of the future Hall of Famer's last chase of a second championship, the Saints need to supply him with additional offensive weapons. Michael Thomas has carried the offensive load on the receiving end for the past four seasons. A secondary option is imperative for the Saints' Super Bowl hopes.Top potential FA targets: Robby Anderson, Emmanuel Sanders, Travis BenjaminTampa Bay BuccaneersBiggest need: QuarterbackBefore the Buccaneers decide whether to bring back Jameis Winston for a sixth season, they'd like a look at what's behind Door No. 2. If Tampa Bay can improve at quarterback by adding a proven veteran, the team's head coach and general manager have made it clear they'll do so. Expect the Bucs to be involved in any bidding wars for either Tom Brady or Philip Rivers.Top potential FA targets: Philip Rivers, Tom Brady, Teddy BridgewaterNFC WestArizona CardinalsIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyBiggest need: Defensive lineThe defensive line is just one of the Cardinals' many needs, but it might be their biggest one considering it posted just seven sacks in 2019. Overall, despite having Chandler Jones, Arizona's defense ranked in the bottom 10 in quarterback pressure percentage per dropback (20.2%). In terms of depth, Rodney Gunter is an unrestricted free agent, 32-year-old Corey Peters is entering the last year of his current contract, and Zach Allen played in only four games as a rookie last year before suffering a season-ending neck injury.Top potential FA targets: Jadeveon Clowney, Javon Hargrave, D.J. ReaderLos Angeles RamsBiggest need: Front sevenAlthough the Rams' offensive line may be the obvious answer here, the solutions to their instability at the position may already be on their roster, as they acquired several young linemen last season. L.A.'s front seven, meanwhile, could lose multiple key players to free agency, including outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr., defensive lineman Michael Brockers, and inside linebacker Cory Littleton. Losing Littleton, in particular, would cost the Rams a standout defender and depth at an already thin position.Top potential FA targets: Jamie Collins, Kyle Van Noy, Joe SchobertSan Francisco 49ersBiggest need: Wide receiverSan Francisco would love to have another reliable starting cornerback. But the team is still in need of improved weapons around Jimmy Garoppolo despite drafting two wideouts in the first three rounds in 2019 and acquiring veteran Emmanuel Sanders midseason. Additionally, Sanders, 33, is set to hit the open market. But even if he re-signs with the club, finding another possession target for Garoppolo should be a priority.Top potential FA targets: Amari Cooper, Robby Anderson, Breshad PerrimanSeattle SeahawksBiggest need: Pass-rusherThe Seahawks typically possess a dangerous front seven, but they suffered from subpar production last season after trading away Frank Clark. Seattle wants to re-sign Jadeveon Clowney, but he may look to reset the market for pass-rushers. Even with Clowney, the Seahawks recorded the second-fewest sacks (28) in the NFL last year.Top potential FA targets: Jadeveon Clowney, Dante Fowler Jr., Jason Pierre-PaulCopyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tight end Jimmy Graham isn't expected to return to the Green Bay Packers for the 2020 season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Graham has one year left on his current contract. He became the highest-paid tight end in football after signing a three-year, $30-million contract with the Packers in 2018.Green Bay will save $8 million against the salary cap by releasing or trading the five-time Pro Bowler, according to Over The Cap. The Packers have $20.4 million in cap space for 2020, ninth-lowest in the NFL.The 33-year-old has registered 93 receptions for 1,083 yards and five touchdowns in two seasons with the Packers. Graham's 38 catches and 447 receiving yards in 2019 were his lowest marks since his rookie campaign in 2010.The tight end position continues to be a concern for the Packers ahead of the 2020 season, as second-year pro Jace Sternberger is the only one locked on the roster once free agency opens on March 18.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Panthers agreed to trade right guard Trai Turner to the Los Angeles Chargers for left tackle Russell Okung, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.However, the deal cannot be processed until March 18, the first day of the new league year.Turner was rumored to be on the trade block. He follows released tight end Greg Olsen and retired linebacker Luke Kuechly in the growing line of established veterans departing Carolina, which appears headed for a rebuild under first-year head coach Matt Rhule.A third-round pick in 2014, Turner earned a Pro Bowl selection for five straight campaigns from 2015-19. The 26-year-old has two seasons remaining on his four-year, $45-million contract. He'll join a Chargers offensive line that struggled with Michael Schofield III at right guard in 2019.Okung, meanwhile, was limited to six games last season because of injuries and health issues. He suffered a pulmonary embolism last offseason due to blood clots in his lungs, delaying his start to the campaign.The 31-year-old spent three seasons with the Chargers and was a Pro Bowler for the second time in his career in 2017. He's signed through 2020 and carries a base salary of $13 million.If healthy, Okung could take over the left tackle spot in Carolina previously occupied by Greg Little and Dennis Daley.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers have exercised the option on Kyle Juszczyk's contract, keeping the fullback with the team for the 2020 campaign for $5.45 million, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.Hailed for his impact as a lead blocker and receiver, Juszczyk was infamously labeled San Francisco's most important offensive player this past season by Monday Night Football analyst Booger McFarland.Juszczyk inked a 4-year, $21-million deal with the 49ers in 2017, making him the highest-paid fullback in the NFL.The 28-year-old helped San Francisco finish with the league's second-ranked rushing attack in 2019 and had three catches for 39 yards and a touchdown in Super Bowl LIV.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former NFL defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson was arrested earlier this week and charged with driving while intoxicated, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia, a New Jersey State Police spokesman said, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.Wilkerson's attorney, Joshua F. McMahon, released a statement regarding the charges and said the 30-year-old plans to continue playing football."None of the allegations against my client are criminal in nature - instead, all of the allegations are for traffic and disorderly offenses only," McMahon said. "Muhammad, like any other citizen, is innocent until proven guilty, appreciates people from the community withholding their judgment until all the facts are revealed, and looks forward to his day in court."Until then, Mo' is going to continue working incredibly hard to get back out on the playing field doing what he loves and is grateful for the support of the NFL everywhere."Wilkerson was also arrested for drunk driving in June 2019.The one-time Pro Bowler last played in the NFL in 2018 for the Green Bay Packers. Wilkerson was selected by the New York Jets in the 2011 draft and played seven seasons for the club. He amassed 44.5 career sacks.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Multiple teams have contacted the Jacksonville Jaguars about a potential trade for Nick Foles, but the franchise is looking for the right price, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.The club is not actively shopping the quarterback, but if interested teams offer suitable compensation, Garafolo believes there's a "strong possibility" Foles will be traded.Despite signing a four-year, $88-million contract with the Jaguars in March 2019, the 31-year-old finished last year as the team's backup behind sixth-round rookie Gardner Minshew.Foles suffered a shoulder injury in Jacksonville's season opener last year and was sidelined for eight weeks. Filling in for the veteran, Minshew amassed 11 touchdowns against three interceptions in his first eight career starts.Foles was given the starting role again in Week 11, but his disappointing performances put Minshew back under center for the last five games of the year.Jacksonville has traded away several veterans on the roster this past season, the latest being cornerback A.J. Bouye on Tuesday.With the fourth-round pick acquired for Bouye, the Jaguars own 11 total selections in the 2020 NFL Draft, including two first-rounders.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

UFC president Dana White only wants to see Tom Brady on one of two NFL teams in 2020.Speaking on an Instagram live video on Wednesday, White and Brady briefly discussed the quarterback's pending free agency. The promotion's president first pleaded him to return to the New England Patriots before pitching the Las Vegas Raiders as a potential destination.

Rumors of Tom Brady moving on from the New England Patriots continue to grow louder.After weeks of failing to make contact, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick spoke on the phone with Brady on Tuesday and the conversation regarding the quarterback's pending free agency "didn't go well," a source told Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald.The impression drawn from the conversation was that Belichick spoke as if Brady was "still under contract," according to NBC's Tom E. Curran.However, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter that while the two spoke recently, it wasn't on Tuesday. The tone of their discussion was "business as usual," added Schefter.Brady is scheduled to hit the open market for the first time in his NFL career and reportedly has a number of suitors for his services, including the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers.Reports surfaced in February that the 42-year-old informed individuals close to him that he's operating under the belief that he'll play for another team next season.However, the six-time Super Bowl champion isn't expected to make a decision until the new league year begins March 18. New England's reluctance to engage in contract talks could also center around the uncertainty regarding a new collective bargaining agreement.It was previously reported that the Patriots would be willing to pay Brady over $30 million per season, which could make him one of the league's top five or six highest-paid quarterbacks.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After questioning Dwayne Haskins' ability to play in his rookie year, Washington Redskins legend Joe Theismann now stands firmly in support of the quarterback.Speaking on the "Grant and Danny" show on 106.7 The Fan on Wednesday, Theismann said the Redskins shouldn't use the second overall pick in April's draft on another quarterback."Chase Young will be the choice at No. 2. Anybody other than him would be a mistake for our football team," Theismann said, according to show host Grant Paulsen.The Ohio State pass-rusher has long been projected as the second player off the board after LSU quarterback Joe Burrow. But new Redskins head coach Ron Rivera opened the door to speculation when he said at last week's combine that "everything is an option" for the team, including Burrow and Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.The 22-year-old Haskins played in nine contests and started seven in 2019, winning two games."You have to give him a chance. There's not enough tape for someone to evaluate (if) he can or can not play," Theismann said. "I believe in the kid. I really do."Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Let the madness begin. Ah, but this particular brand of madness has nothing to do with college basketball: NFL free agency is about to kick into gear, and it promises to be as wild and as unpredictable as ever, thanks to a most unusual set of circumstances. This is March.NFL free agency is always a frenzied game of musical chairs. But this year, an unprecedented number of starting quarterbacks could be available - a truly rare development for a league in which quality QB play is always in short supply. And the name with the potential to have the biggest effect on the market is Tom Brady, who only happens to be the greatest quarterback in the game's history.After that? Philip Rivers, Ryan Tannehill, Dak Prescott, Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota, Teddy Bridgewater, Taysom Hill, and Case Keenum are also potential free agents. Nick Foles, Derek Carr, Andy Dalton could also be in play. Not all of them will hit the market, however, for reasons I'll discuss below.Meanwhile, the uncertainty of a new collective bargaining agreement hovers in the background. Because the exact contours of the CBA dictate how teams can spend on players and what sort of accounting they can use, any decisions - including, you know, what to do about the game's most important position - will thus be influenced by how the CBA saga plays out. And there are only two weeks to go until the 2020 league year begins. So let's dive into what's at stake.Tom BradyI ran down the potential scenarios for Brady and the Patriots a few weeks ago. Brady's looming status was apparently a hot topic along the gossipy back trails of last week's combine, and for good reason: He has the potential to clog the entire QB market. As a "well-connected NFL exec" told NBC's Peter King, "Tom Brady is the one domino paralyzing the entire NFL right now." Which makes sense. Whether Brady stays in New England or decides to sign elsewhere - Titans? Chargers? Raiders? Bucs? 49ers? Who The Hell Really Knows? - will have ripple effects for a lot of other teams and quarterbacks.It's tricky to separate fact from fiction at this point, but most reports suggest there's still a chance Brady and the Pats can work something out. ESPN's Dan Graziano even noted that the CBA situation is a "non-factor," at least with regard to Brady. However ...TitansTennessee is one of the franchises most frequently mentioned as a possible landing spot for Brady, thanks in large part to Brady's friendship with Mike Vrabel, the Titans head coach and a former Pats teammate.But the Titans have decisions to make on Tannehill and running back Derrick Henry, and one factor influencing those decisions will be the franchise and transition tags. The current CBA rules allow teams to use both tags this year only, but the timing is knotty: The deadline for applying the tags is March 12, the legal tampering period begins March 16, and the new league year (i.e., when a contract for a free agent from another team can become official) is March 18. The Titans will have to choose what to do within those parameters.Peter Aiken / Getty ImagesTagging Tannehill would remove them from contention for Brady. But not tagging Tannehill would allow Tannehill to get to the market, with no guarantee the Titans would get Brady, either. And to further complicate matters, if a team used both tags by March 12 and a new CBA got ratified, it's possible the club would have to vacate one of them. This could happen to …CowboysDallas is in a tough spot, with decisions to make on both Prescott and wideout Amari Cooper. The use of both tags would solve that problem (at least for this year), but the timing scenario outlined above makes everything much thornier. As a fourth-round pick whose rookie deal is about to expire, Prescott has earned $4 million total across four seasons as the quarterback of the damn Dallas Cowboys. He has the leverage to shoot for the moon in his contract talks, which is why you should look for the Cowboys to hit him with the franchise tag sometime in the next week.BuccaneersToward the end of last season, it looked like the Bucs' best option for 2020 might have been placing the franchise tag on Winston. But based on what head coach Bruce Arians and general manager Jason Licht said at the combine, the tag - and its $27-million, fully guaranteed price (in cash and salary-cap charges) - sounds like an increasingly unlikely proposition. That would set Winston free. But to go where? And who else is out there?Chargers? Raiders? Jaguars? Colts? Washington?Now for the best of the rest:• The Chargers could shop the market, but they also have the No. 6 pick in the draft, which doesn't take place until the end of April.• Might the Raiders and head coach Jon Gruden want to part with Carr to take a run at Brady, or someone else? Gruden recently gave Carr a solid endorsement, but what's to say it wasn't a smokescreen?• The Jaguars might trade Foles, one year after giving him $50 million guaranteed.Clive Rose / Getty Images• Rivers is out there, and the Colts could be a good fit.• Drew Brees' return to the Saints means Bridgewater will get to test the waters. And New Orleans can still maybe keep Hill, because he's a restricted free agent. Depending on what tender they offer him, the Saints would stand to get draft compensation if Hill were to sign elsewhere.• What will the Patriots do if Brady leaves? Sign Mariota to compete with Jarrett Stidham? Trade for Dalton? Wait for the draft? Etc., etc.• Does Washington want another veteran to complement Dwayne Haskins? And then there's Keenum, who will also be a free agent. It's at least worth mentioning him, just because.A fantasy-football-like guessing game is about to hit the NFL, and it's wholly uncharted territory. What happens when the music stops? It likely depends on where Tom Brady winds up sitting. Let the madness begin.Dom Cosentino is a senior features writer at theScore.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

When the new league year opens March 18, A.J. Bouye will have a new address.The veteran cornerback is the centerpiece of an agreed-upon trade between the Jaguars and Broncos that will send Bouye from Jacksonville to Denver.Bouye, who learned he was a candidate to be released by the Jags, is looking forward to joining a Broncos defense led by head coach and defensive maven Vic Fangio."I watched Vic when he was (defensive coordinator) with the (Chicago) Bears. So, I'm excited, man," he told Mike Klis of 9News on Tuesday."The first thing that came to mind, I was definitely paying attention to Drew (Lock) and his quarterback play," Bouye continued. "I saw how they played certain teams out of the division, like Houston. And I just like this scheme. I think it's a good opportunity for (defensive backs) to make plays. And how they finished the season strong, I was paying attention to all that."The eight-year pro spent the past three seasons with the Jaguars, helping the team reach the AFC title game in 2017. However, Jacksonville has gone 11-21 and finished last in the AFC South in the two seasons since.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore goes division by division to identify the biggest need for every AFC team entering free agency, which opens March 18 at 4 p.m. ET. The legal tampering period begins two days prior.AFC I NFC (Thursday)AFC NorthBaltimore RavensWill Newton / Getty Images Sport / GettyBiggest need: Pass-rusherThe Ravens were among the NFL's most complete teams last season, but their pass rush was one of their few obvious weaknesses. Baltimore blitzed far more than any team in the league (54.9% of defensive snaps) but ranked just 21st in sacks. Free-agent linebacker Matthew Judon, who easily led the team with 9.5 sacks, is reportedly set for the franchise tag. Still, the Ravens can't rest on their laurels. With Lamar Jackson on a bargain contract for the next few years, the AFC North kings can afford to be aggressive.Top potential FA targets: Jadeveon Clowney, Robert Quinn, Dante Fowler Jr.Cincinnati BengalsBiggest need: Offensive lineWorking under the safe assumption that Cincinnati will make Joe Burrow its next franchise quarterback atop the draft in April, one could make a case for nearly any other position to be the most pressing need. The Bengals, to put it mildly, are a work in progress. But if Burrow is to be the latest instant success as a rookie under center, he'll need far better protection. With only offensive tackle Jonah Williams and center Billy Price assured of starting spots, Cincinnati could target any of the top guards or tackles on the market.Top potential FA targets: Jack Conklin, Joe Thuney, Bryan BulagaCleveland BrownsBiggest need: Offensive tackleThe Browns weren't good enough up front all season, as evidenced by their red-zone issues and the frequency with which Baker Mayfield had to run for his life. Their biggest problems were at tackle, where Greg Robinson was temporarily benched and Chris Hubbard conceded a team-high 38 pressures. They'll be in the market for upgrades and could pursue veterans capable of bringing leadership to the locker room.Top potential FA targets: Jason Peters, Bryan Bulaga, Jack ConklinPittsburgh SteelersBiggest need: Wide receiverDonte Moncrief didn't pan out and Diontae Johnson was inconsistent in his rookie year, meaning the Steelers still need a viable complement for JuJu-Smith Schuster. Pittsburgh rarely splurges in free agency, but it could kick the tires on some bounce-back candidates or pursue a steady veteran to add to its stable of pass-catchers.Top potential FA targets: Devin Funchess, Paul Richardson, Randall CobbAFC EastBuffalo BillsIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyBiggest need: Wide receiverThe Bills saw banner seasons from John Brown and Cole Beasley but need another weapon to help quarterback Josh Allen. Buffalo showed a willingness to swing big last offseason, nearly acquiring Antonio Brown before the former Steelers star nixed the proposal. After averaging only 19.6 points per game in 2019, general manager Brandon Beane and Co. could try once more to make a splash.Top potential FA targets: Amari Cooper, Robby Anderson, Emmanuel SandersMiami DolphinsBiggest need: Pass-rusherIt would be a major shock if Miami came out of the draft without one of Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert to join Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback. Getting someone who can hunt the opposing QB should be the Dolphins' priority. The team's 23 sacks were the fewest in the league, so signing a top-tier player and adding depth is a must.Top potential FA targets: Jadeveon Clowney, Markus Golden, Vic BeasleyNew England PatriotsBiggest need: Tight endIf it wasn't already clear just how vital Rob Gronkowski was to New England's success, it became blindingly obvious while watching Tom Brady and Co. struggle in key moments all season. Finding a true replacement for perhaps the greatest tight end ever is impossible. However, there are several big-name options who could give the Patriots' passing game a significant boost, though some would require Bill Belichick to open up his checkbook.Top potential FA targets: Austin Hooper, Eric Ebron, Jordan ReedNew York JetsBiggest need: Pass-rusherThe Jets need better protection and more weapons for Sam Darnold. The secondary also requires a serious infusion of talent. But New York should prioritize fixing its pass rush, which ranked 22nd in 2019. The fact that safety Jamal Adams was second to Jordan Jenkins in team sacks speaks volumes about how weak the position is. To make matters worse, Jenkins is a free agent and will likely garner solid interest. The Jets should target some of the top veterans before further bolstering the unit through the draft.Top potential FA targets: Dante Fowler Jr., Jason Pierre-Paul, Robert QuinnAFC SouthHouston TexansTim Warner / Getty Images Sport / GettyBiggest need: CornerbackThe Texans desperately need to overhaul one of the NFL's most vulnerable secondaries and have plenty of cap space to do it. Houston bought low last year on the likes of Bradley Roby, Gareon Conley, and Vernon Hargreaves, but none paid off. Time continues to tick on Deshaun Watson's affordable contract, DeAndre Hopkins' prime, and J.J. Watt's career, so another aggressive offseason could be in store for the AFC South champs.Top potential FA targets: Byron Jones, James Bradberry, Chris Harris Jr.Indianapolis ColtsBiggest need: QuarterbackIt's possible that the top four quarterbacks in the draft are off the board by the time the Colts pick at No. 13. Even if Indy is able to land Jordan Love or Justin Herbert, signing a veteran is a must. Jacoby Brissett's second half of the season proved he isn't even a viable stopgap option. The Colts have the second-most cap space in the league, so overspending at the position shouldn't be a concern.Top potential FA targets: Philip Rivers, Teddy Bridgewater, Marcus MariotaJacksonville JaguarsBiggest need: CornerbackThe Jaguars turned the cornerback position from a strength into a weakness after trading Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye over the last five months. Even with Bouye's bloated salary off the books, Jacksonville is short on cap space. The Jags will need to spend wisely in free agency and could target relatively inexpensive veterans or young players with untapped upside.Top potential FA targets: Logan Ryan, Vernon Hargreaves, Eli AppleTennessee TitansBiggest need: Pass-rusherHarold Landry led the Titans with nine sacks in 2019, while nobody else had more than five. Tennessee tried to improve its pass rush last offseason by signing veteran Cameron Wake, but the former Dolphins standout failed to make an impact before going on injured reserve. If the Titans can get Landry a better running mate off the edge, they'd have a scary defensive front that also features Jurrell Casey and Jeffery Simmons at tackle.Top potential FA targets: Dante Fowler Jr., Vic Beasley, Jordan JenkinsAFC WestDenver BroncosTim Warner / Getty Images Sport / GettyBiggest need: Wide receiverCourtland Sutton looks like a burgeoning star after catching 72 passes for 1,112 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore. His performance was even more impressive considering Emmanuel Sanders was Denver's second-leading wideout despite being traded halfway through the season. The Broncos can't expect quarterback Drew Lock to take a significant step forward in Year 2 with DaeSean Hamilton as his No. 2 receiver.Top potential FA targets: Robby Anderson, Breshad Perriman, Randall CobbKansas City ChiefsBiggest need: LinebackerThe Chiefs finally solved their defensive woes last year en route to a Super Bowl title, but if there was one weak spot on the unit, it was at linebacker. Kansas City has a pair of inside linebackers set to hit the market in Reggie Ragland and Darron Lee, and the club could look to either retain them on short-term deals or replace them with older players looking to join a contender. The Chiefs don't have much money to spend, reportedly looking to slash salary more than add it.Top potential FA targets: Reggie Ragland, Wesley Woodyard, Danny TrevathanLas Vegas RaidersBiggest need: LinebackerThe Raiders need to concentrate on defense in free agency. While longstanding issues in the secondary have to be addressed, the cupboard is worryingly bare at linebacker. Tahir Whitehead is the only viable starter on the roster with Vontaze Burfict and Will Compton out of contract, and the veteran was routinely abused in coverage last season. The Raiders need depth and a modern-day do-it-all linebacker to help fix their pass defense issues.Top potential FA targets: Cory Littleton, Joe Schobert, Blake MartinezLos Angeles ChargersBiggest need: Offensive lineIt won't really matter who's playing quarterback for Los Angeles in 2020 unless the offensive line can keep Philip Rivers' replacement upright. The Chargers could legitimately use five new starters on the line, though they'll probably stick with Mike Pouncey at center and Russell Okung, who struggled with health issues last season, at left tackle. The Bolts will have plenty of money to spend on a revamped line if they draft a quarterback.Top potential FA targets: Graham Glasgow, Jack Conklin, Anthony CastonzoCopyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

While it's now less likely, the Denver Broncos haven't slammed the door shut on a Chris Harris Jr. return following their acquisition of fellow cornerback A.J. Bouye, a source told Mike Klis of 9News.Harris, an impending free agent, will be one of the most coveted cornerbacks on the market when it opens in two weeks. He revealed at the end of the season that he rejected a 3-year, $36-million extension before the trade deadline.Denver landed Bouye on Tuesday for a fourth-round pick in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The trade cannot be processed until March 18, the first day of the new league year.Though the Broncos could still try to negotiate a deal with Harris, the 30-year-old seemed to indicate following the Bouye move that his time in the Mile High City is over.

Find positional rankings, additional analysis, and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.In an effort to get ahead of the curve before free agency, let's examine three players who will see their fantasy value expand once they sign with new teams.Robby AndersonJim McIsaac / Getty Images Sport / GettyAnderson has been a frustrating fantasy asset over the last two campaigns, albeit one whose late-season play has helped many owners win titles.After finishing 2017 as a top-20 fantasy wideout with 63 receptions, 941 yards, and seven touchdowns, Anderson struggled during the early portions of the last two seasons while Sam Darnold missed time due to injury. He recaptured his fantasy mojo in both years once Darnold returned down the stretch, though, posting top-20 numbers from Weeks 11-16.It now seems Anderson will be looking for work on the open market after being vocal about denying the Jets any sort of hometown discount. With Amari Cooper and A.J. Green both expected to return to their current squads, the 26-year-old could be the top free-agent option for receiver-needy teams.That could put Anderson on the radar for the Cardinals and Raiders, two squads that lack proven No. 1 pass-catchers on the outside and thus offer high upside in terms of targets. Though that would be great news from a volume standpoint, a team like the Packers could also make a push for his services in an effort to give Aaron Rodgers a more dangerous deep threat to pair with Davante Adams. And what Green Bay lacks in opportunity, it would make up for in efficiency, offering Anderson a chance to play in a quality offense led by one of the game's best quarterbacks.Until we know his next destination, Anderson will remain an intriguing buy-low candidate, one who's flashed week-winning upside but whose talent has yet to be truly unlocked in the pros.Ideal fantasy landing spots: Cardinals, Packers, RaidersJameis WinstonJulio Aguilar / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe general perception of Winston is low after he failed to get the Buccaneers into the playoffs for a fifth straight season while tossing a career-high 30 interceptions in 2019.He also underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in February, and several reporters have suggested the Bucs are now ready to move on from the former first overall pick.But the 26-year-old quarterback has been wildly underappreciated to this point in his career; he's coming off a year in which he threw for 5,109 yards - the eighth-highest single-season total in league history.That leaves him with 19,737 passing yards over his first five NFL seasons, second only to Peyton Manning, who enjoyed 10 more starts in his opening five campaigns. In fact, Winston's early-career numbers compare quite favorably to Manning's, including a lower interception total:Stat over first five NFL seasonsManningWinstonCmp%62.0961.34Pass Yds2061819737TD138121INT10088Pick-61011TD%4.94.7INT%3.553.45Rush Yds-371044No one's arguing that Winston should be viewed in the same light as a future Hall of Famer, but perhaps we shouldn't be so quick to write off a passer who's still in his mid-twenties.Has Winston been aided by an outstanding receiving corps featuring two of the top 10 wideouts in the league? Absolutely. But it's possible a fresh start with a new organization could help him mature into a more stabilizing offensive commander. A few teams, such as the Chargers and Dolphins, are loaded with strong passing weapons but are in desperate need of a franchise arm.Winston also had offseason eye surgery, and while it may sound silly, that procedure could impact on his on-field performance. His constant squinting to watch replays on in-stadium video boards last season seemed odd, and it may have been evidence of a larger issue with his downfield vision. Improved eyesight could help him react quicker to defensive backs closing in on targets, potentially preventing some of the costly interceptions that plagued his stat lines on a weekly basis last year.At worst, you're betting on a player who led the NFL in passing yards and finished second in passing touchdowns in 2019, just three scores behind fantasy darling Lamar Jackson.In the right situation, Winston could author a more successful second chapter in his NFL story, repeating last season's top-five fantasy finish for many years to come.Ideal fantasy landing spots: Chargers, Dolphins, ColtsJordan HowardRob Carr / Getty Images Sport / GettyFantasy managers have soured on Howard's value. His overall numbers have declined in four straight years following an outstanding debut season that saw him amass 1,313 rushing yards, 298 receiving yards, and seven total touchdowns. But that doesn't mean he hasn't been a useful starter.Howard eclipsed 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his first three seasons prior to an injury-shortened 2019, and he's scored at least seven touchdowns in all four of his NFL campaigns.

The Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos agreed to a trade that would send Jags cornerback A.J. Bouye to the Mile High City for a 2020 fourth-round draft pick, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.Trades won't be processed until March 18, the start of the new league year.Bouye spent the past three seasons in Jacksonville, where he produced a Pro Bowl campaign in 2017. He has two years remaining on a contract that would pay him $13 million in base salary annually.The Broncos are set to lose veteran corner Chris Harris in free agency. Harris has spent his entire nine-year career in Denver and reached the Pro Bowl each year from 2014-16 and again in 2018."I'm definitely excited because Chris Harris always had good things to say about Denver," Bouye told ESPN's Josina Anderson over the phone. "I'm about to watch film and look at their scheme some more and really study it. It's cornerback-friendly. The three times I played there, the atmosphere and fan base was amazing."With Bouye gone, no members of the Jacksonville secondary that helped the team reach the 2018 AFC Championship Game remain on the roster.Meanwhile, the newly acquired fourth-round pick gives the Jaguars 11 total selections in April's draft.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tornadoes tore through parts of Tennessee on Monday evening, resulting in at least 22 deaths as of Tuesday afternoon.In a statement released Tuesday, the Tennessee Titans offered support to the community."We extend our deepest sympathies to those families who lost loved ones in the tornadoes last night and are heartbroken to see the damage across Nashville and Tennessee," said Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk."We know the strength of our community and the volunteer spirit that lives in us all. We will join the efforts to rebuild in these areas and know our neighbors will join us."Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill relayed a similar message.

The Arizona Cardinals are considering taking advantage of the loaded wide receiver class with the eighth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft."I'm an offensive coach who was a quarterback, I'm always looking for a fast, outside guy," second-year head coach Kliff Kingsbury said, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN. "We're going to do what's best for our organization, but those three guys are definitely in play."Kingsbury's "three guys" are Alabama's Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III, and Oklahoma's CeeDee Lamb, who all met with the Cardinals last week during the combine.A dynamic all-around receiver would fit well in Arizona's current offensive unit, according to general manager Steve Keim."We can certainly use an outside receiver, especially one that can take the top off or could be physical in coverage and go get the ball in the air," Keim said.Earlier in February, quarterback Kyler Murray said if the Cardinals selected Lamb, his former teammate with the Sooners, he'd be "very fond of that pick."The Cardinals posted a 5-10-1 record in their first year under Murray and Kingsbury in 2019. Veteran wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald led the club in receptions (75) and receiving yards (804), and he tied for the team lead in touchdowns (four).Arizona landed Lamb with the eighth overall pick on theScore's post-combine mock draft.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Houston Texans held preliminary discussions about a new deal with offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil's agent during this week's NFL Scouting Combine, according to the Houston Chronicle's Aaron Wilson.Tunsil is expected to aim for a contract averaging at least $19 million-$20 million per year, Wilson reports. That would make him the NFL's highest-paid offensive lineman.The Philadelphia Eagles' Lane Johnson, who signed a four-year, $72-million pact in November, is currently the highest-paid offensive lineman with his deal that averages $18 million per season. There's one year left on Tunsil's current contract, and he's slated to be paid $10.35 million in 2020.The 25-year-old started 14 games and made his first Pro Bowl in 2019.The Texans landed the 2016 first-round pick in a blockbuster trade with the Miami Dolphins last August. Houston received Tunsil, wide receiver Kenny Stills, a fourth-round pick (2020), and a sixth-rounder (2021), while Miami was given two first-round selections (2020 and 2021) and a second-rounder (2021), along with offensive tackle Julien Davenport and cornerback Johnson Bademosi.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Chargers and wide receiver Travis Benjamin are mutually parting ways, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.The agreement means Benjamin will be a free agent when the new league year begins.The nine-year pro spent the past four seasons with the Chargers but started only 16 games during that span.Benjamin has been unable to top the career highs of 966 yards and five touchdowns he reached in 2015 while with the Cleveland Browns.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With the scouting combine complete and the 2020 NFL Draft quickly approaching, theScore's Dane Belbeck, Daniel Wilkins, and Mike Alessandrini project the first round of selections.1. Cincinnati Bengals - Joe Burrow, QB, LSUBurrow came to the combine with the No. 1 label on his head, and nothing changed in Indianapolis. The LSU product didn't participate in any drills or workouts, a smart move considering there was only one way for him to move in the draft standings. It would be one of the most stunning moves in recent history if the Bengals passed on Burrow at No. 1. - Belbeck2. Washington Redskins - Chase Young, Edge, Ohio StateTalk of the Redskins considering Tua Tagovailoa at No. 2 made headlines last week. We wouldn't rule that out, nor would we rule out that rumor being floated as a way to drum up trade interest, but there's also nothing wrong with staying put and taking the second-best player in the draft. Young would be the cornerstone for a new-look defense under Ron Rivera. - Wilkins3. Detroit Lions - Isaiah Simmons, LB, ClemsonIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyJeff Okudah has been the assumed pick here for months, but it's hard not to pencil in Simmons after his incredible combine. The Clemson product is a true defensive chess piece and profiles as a perfect fit in the center of Matt Patricia's defense. Detroit may have a greater need at cornerback, especially if Darius Slay departs this offseason, but Simmons is simply too good to pass up here. - Alessandrini4. New York Giants - Mekhi Becton, OT, LouisvilleBecton did things at the combine that 6-foot-7, 364-pound men have no business doing. The Louisville star ran the 40-yard dash in an astonishing 5.1 seconds, sending an instant buzz throughout the building. Nate Solder will likely move to right tackle, clearing the way for Becton to guard Daniel Jones' blindside for years to come. - Belbeck5. Miami Dolphins - Tua Tagovailoa, QB, AlabamaThe Dolphins may well have to move up to land their quarterback of the future, but in this scenario, they're able to sit tight and get him anyway. Tua instantly changes this organization's long-term outlook, with his upside being that of the best signal-caller Miami has had since Dan Marino. - Wilkins6. Los Angeles Chargers - Justin Herbert, QB, OregonIt's no secret the Chargers will look to select their future franchise quarterback early in the 2020 draft. With Burrow and Tua off the board, Herbert is the man for Anthony Lynn. The former Ducks standout looks the part of an NFL passer and would likely start immediately in L.A. with long-time quarterback Philip Rivers out the door. - Alessandrini7. Carolina Panthers - Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio StateIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyThe Panthers will run to the podium to draft Okudah after the Ohio State star somehow slips to No. 7. Okudah possesses the size, speed, and toughness to be a lockdown corner for years to come. With Carolina expected to move on from James Bradberry, Okudah is a natural replacement. - Belbeck8. Arizona Cardinals - CeeDee Lamb, WR, OklahomaA significant step toward improving Kyler Murray's supporting cast, Arizona reunites its star quarterback with his former Oklahoma teammate. Lamb has always had a strong case as the No. 1 receiver in this class, and the combine did nothing to change that. - Wilkins9. Jacksonville Jaguars - Jedrick Wills Jr., AlabamaThe Jaguars could choose a receiver or a defensive tackle here, but they instead opt for the top prospect available in Wills. The powerful lineman offers elite upside as a pass-protector and run blocker and would represent an instant upgrade over both current Jacksonville starters. Protecting whoever the team starts at quarterback is imperative for the 2020 campaign. - Alessandrini10. Cleveland Browns - Tristan Wirfs, OT, IowaWirfs probably made the biggest physical impression at the combine. The 6-foot-5, 320-pounder soared to a monster 36.5-inch vertical leap, higher than highly ranked receivers Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb. Wirfs also posted an absurd 121-inch broad jump, establishing records for offensive linemen in both categories. That type of athlete could be a massive help in keeping Baker Mayfield clean in Cleveland. - Belbeck11. New York Jets - Henry Ruggs III, WR, AlabamaJoe Robbins / Getty Images Sport / GettyRuggs going ahead of Alabama teammate Jerry Jeudy would have come as a surprise to some before the combine, but it no longer seems out of the question. Ruggs' big-play upside and rare speed, demonstrated with a 4.27 40-yard dash in Indianapolis, will be tough for the Jets to pass up as they look to build around Sam Darnold. - Wilkins12. Las Vegas Raiders - Derrick Brown, DT, AuburnYou can bet Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden would have difficulty containing themselves if Brown fell to Vegas. He's the type of foundational piece the Raiders attempted to acquire over the last two offseasons and he instantly alters the look of any defensive line. Once thought of as a top-10 lock, the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year will see his stock slide after a disappointing combine. - Alessandrini13. Indianapolis Colts - Jerry Jeudy, WR, AlabamaWho the Colts' starting quarterback will be in 2020 remains to be seen, but they will be getting an explosive weapon with Jeudy at wideout. The Alabama star is one of the best route-runners to enter the draft in years and should have no difficulty bringing that skill to the next level. - Belbeck14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jordan Love, QB, Utah StateTampa Bay will be linked to a number of different free-agent quarterbacks, but there just aren't many who fit Bruce Arians' downfield style of attack. Love does, though, and his rare arm talent could make him an intriguing option, even if Arians would prefer to have a veteran under center. - Wilkins15. Denver Broncos - CJ Henderson, CB, FloridaIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyFew players had a more productive combine than Henderson. The cornerback saw his stock rise after displaying explosive athleticism and smooth movement during drills. With Chris Harris Jr. hitting free agency, the Broncos are in need of a difference-maker in their secondary. Henderson fits the bill. - Alessandrini16. Atlanta Falcons - K'Lavon Chaisson, DE, LSUChaisson didn't work out at the combine, but the versatile defender showed his elite athleticism throughout LSU's championship run. Chaisson is as equally adept in coverage as he is at stopping the run and rushing the passer. That well-rounded game is exactly what Dan Quinn is looking for in Atlanta. - Belbeck17. Dallas Cowboys - Kristian Fulton, CB, LSUByron Jones seems likely to be the odd man out in Dallas, as the Cowboys won't have the cap flexibility to keep him with Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper needing lucrative deals of their own. Fulton, a key piece on a stellar national championship defense, is a logical first-round target to address a position group Dallas can't allow to drop off. - Wilkins18. Miami Dolphins (from PIT) - Andrew Thomas, OT, GeorgiaAfter nabbing Tua earlier in the first round, Miami opts to protect its prized possession. Thomas didn't shine as much as his peers in Indianapolis, but he still represents an incredible value in the middle of Round 1. The Dolphins currently field one of the league's worst blocking units, so an upgrade early in the draft must be prioritized. - Alessandrini19. Las Vegas Raiders (from CHI) - Patrick Queen, LB, LSUJamie Schwaberow / Getty Images Sport / GettyLast year's draft for the Raiders showed just how much Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock value winning collegiate players, and that holds true again in 2020 with the selection of Queen. The linebacker was arguably the best defensive player on the field in LSU's national championship win, and he'll instantly bolster the Raiders' defense with his sideline-to-sideline speed. - Belbeck20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR) - Javon Kinlaw, DT, South CarolinaKinlaw would be an incredibly appealing interior option to pair with 2019 first-rounder Josh Allen, solidifying the foundation of the Jaguars' pass rush for years to come. A receiver is also a realistic option here, but the depth of this class affords Jacksonville the ability to wait until Day 2. - Wilkins21. Philadelphia Eagles - Xavier McKinney, S, AlabamaHowie Roseman and Co. appear set to spend big in free agency at cornerback, meaning their first-round pick could come down to a receiver or safety. In such a deep wideout class, Philadelphia could opt to select the top player at his position in McKinney. The Alabama product offers the versatility, tackling skills, and coverage instincts the Eagles' defense desperately needs. - Alessandrini22. Buffalo Bills - Justin Jefferson, WR, LSUJefferson made a statement with a 4.43 time in the 40-yard dash at the combine, solidifying his spot as a first-round selection. The fastest way for the Bills to see improvement from Josh Allen is to get more weapons for their quarterback. Jefferson's big-play ability gives Buffalo a game-breaking talent they sorely lacked last season. - Belbeck23. New England Patriots - Denzel Mims, WR, BaylorIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyWhether Tom Brady returns or not, the Patriots need to make major upgrades to their receiving corps. Mims has the upside of a true No. 1 target, and he should be a slam-dunk first-rounder after complementing his outstanding tape with an elite athletic profile at the combine. - Wilkins24. New Orleans Saints - Ross Blacklock, DT, TCUNew Orleans appears set on the offensive side of the ball, so adding a Round 1 option in the middle of its defense could be the team's best bet this April. Blacklock offers upside as a pass-rusher and run defender and profiles as an instant upgrade on the Saints' defensive line. - Alessandrini25. Minnesota Vikings - Neville Gallimore, DT, OklahomaFor a team that made the playoffs last season, the Vikings surprisingly have a long list of needs to address in the draft. The first one Minnesota takes care of is defensive tackle with Gallimore. The 6-foot-2, 304-pounder may not put up massive numbers, but he disrupts the offensive line enough to make things easier for the rest of the defense. That type of player will be a major asset in Minnesota. - Belbeck26. Miami Dolphins (from HOU) - Jonathan Taylor, RB, WisconsinTaylor's stellar combine performance effectively secured his spot as the top running back in this class. While there's always an argument to be made against first-round rushers, the Dolphins would have to be thrilled coming out of the first round with a pair of star playmakers and a Day 1 starter at tackle to establish the foundation of their offense. - Wilkins27. Seattle Seahawks - Jabari Zuniga, Edge, FloridaIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyZuniga hasn't featured in many first-round mock drafts thus far, but he's exactly the type of pass-rusher Seattle desires. Long, explosive, and athletic, the former Gator saw his stock rise after a successful combine. He previously flew under the radar after battling injuries in 2019. The Seahawks usually take chances on high-upside prospects and could do the same with Zuniga, especially if Jadeveon Clowney departs in free agency. - Alessandrini28. Baltimore Ravens - Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, ColoradoShenault is one of the most versatile offensive players in the draft and will immediately lessen the load for Lamar Jackson. The Colorado product can be used in a variety of roles, and his explosive burst makes him one of the draft's most dangerous big-play threats. - Belbeck29. Tennessee Titans - Jeff Gladney, CB, TCUTennessee went far deeper in the playoffs than expected due in large part to some phenomenal defensive performances, but cornerback should still be an area of focus this offseason. Gladney is a productive cover man who could step in alongside Malcolm Butler and Adoree' Jackson should Logan Ryan leave as a free agent. - Wilkins30. Green Bay Packers - Kenneth Murray, LB, OklahomaWith Blake Martinez set to hit free agency, the Packers are in desperate need of a linebacker. While Green Bay has been connected with a handful of free agents at the position, the team could opt for a younger building-block piece in the draft. Murray cemented his first-round status with an impressive combine and is a high-value pick here. - Alessandrini31. San Francisco 49ers - Grant Delpit, S, LSUIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyDelpit has largely been viewed as a mid-first rounder but he finds himself slipping to the 49ers at No. 31. While safety may not be the most important need for San Francisco, the team will simply opt to take the best available talent with Delpit. The LSU standout is an incredible playmaker on the defensive end, and he'll immediately become a key part of Robert Saleh's unit. - Belbeck32. Kansas City Chiefs - Jalen Reagor, WR, TCUKansas City further bolsters its potent scoring attack with Reagor, who brings plenty more speed but also the quickness and route-running savvy to win at the short and intermediate areas of the field. With so few needs on an outstanding roster, why not make an already unstoppable offense that much more daunting for opponents? - WilkinsCopyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.