Warning: Video contains coarse language, graphic contentMarshawn Lynch is taking care of his chicken and expanding his acting chops.The NFL running back, who recently came out of retirement to suit up for the Seattle Seahawks, appears in the trailer for the third season of HBO's sci-fi series, "Westworld." Lynch appears at about the 0:52 mark.HBO executives for the hit series told ESPN's Paul Gutierrez that Lynch has a "fun and pretty substantial role."Season 3 premieres March 15.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL prospect Tua Tagovailoa won't have much choice on where he lands in the 2020 NFL Draft, but he has a team in mind if he were given a chance to pick his destination."If you're saying to me if I can choose what team I want to play on, as far as my favorite team growing up, then I'd probably tell you the Cowboys," Tagovailoa said to NFL Network's Steve Wyche in a one-on-one interview."But, I mean, they're so far down."Dallas owns the 17th overall pick in April's draft. Tagovailoa, a former national title-winning quarterback at Alabama, is projected to be one of the first passers off the board.Taking draft position out of the equation, the Cowboys have an entrenched starting quarterback in Dak Prescott, though he's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March."Nah, I'm not trying to bump him. I'll learn under him," Tagovailoa said with a laugh. "I'd handle it the way that the coaches there want to handle it. Honestly, I just want to be able to play again. I wouldn't mind learning under whatever guy that's the starter. Give me a whole year to rest up and then go back out and compete."Tagovailoa's 2019 season ended in November when he suffered a fractured hip. Doctors told the young passer the fracture has healed completely."I feel really good but at the same time still want to be cautious with what the doctors have said," Tagovailoa said. "So I have been sitting down and throwing, working my rotator cuff."Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has pulled his name from contention for the vacant head coaching job at Colorado, reports Mike Klis of 9News.com.Bieniemy is coming off a Super Bowl triumph on Feb. 2. He's led the Chiefs' offense since 2018 and previously served as the team's running backs coach from 2013-2018.The offensive mind was thought to be the Buffaloes' top choice after Mel Tucker departed for the Michigan State job. Colorado contacted Bieniemy last Wednesday, but he never formally interviewed for the job, according to Klis.Bieniemy played his entire college career at Colorado, finishing third in Heisman voting after a 1990 season in which he tallied 1,628 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. He was selected in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft and enjoyed a nine-year career.Bieniemy interviewed for a number of NFL head coaching positions at the close of the 2019 season but couldn't land one. He'll likely be a top candidate for any vacancies during the 2020 season, Klis adds.Colorado interviewed its interim head coach, Darrin Chiaverini, on Monday, Giants OLB coach Bret Bielema on Tuesday, and Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian on Wednesday, according to Klis. Sarkisian dropped out of the running Thursday.Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun was expected to interview for the job Thursday.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The window for NFL teams to assign the franchise and transition tags begins Feb. 25 and ends at 3:59 p.m. ET on March 10.In most years, clubs can use one tag or the other. This offseason, though, organizations may utilize both, as it's the final season of the collective bargaining agreement.The franchise tag restricts a player's rights in free agency while offering them a one-year contract worth no less than the average of the top five salaries at their respective position. The player can sign the tender at any time and has until July 15 to negotiate a multi-year extension. The player has no obligation to fulfill any team duties until inking the tender.The transition tag allows a player to test free agency while giving his incumbent team the right to match any offer. It's presented as a one-year contract worth the average of the top 10 salaries at the player's respective position. Historically, the transition tender hasn't been used nearly as frequently as the franchise one.Stars such as Tom Brady and Jadeveon Clowney have clauses that forbid their teams from tagging them, but several other impending free agents are candidates for a tender, barring extensions.No-brainersRichard Rodriguez / Getty Images Sport / GettyDak Prescott, QB, Cowboys

NFL owners approved a proposed new collective bargaining agreement on Thursday that includes a number of potential changes to the league's landscape.The NFL Players' Association sent all players a fact sheet highlighting the current proposal, which features an eventual 17th regular-season game and an expanded playoff format.One of the most significant alterations pertains to the league's drug policy. Players would no longer be given game suspensions for smoking marijuana, as the new agreement reduces penalties against those testing positive for THC.In addition, fifth-year options would be tied to performance rather than draft position, with salaries being fully guaranteed before the fourth season when the option is exercised, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.The proposal also includes the following changes:

NFL owners approved the proposed new collective bargaining agreement in a vote Thursday, the league announced.The CBA proposal reportedly includes an expanded playoff field, in which seven teams from each conference would qualify, and would eventually add a 17th game to the regular season, among other changes.The NFLPA needs to approve the same terms in order for a new CBA to be adopted. Union representatives have a conference call scheduled for Friday afternoon to continue negotiations and potentially vote. Two-thirds of player representatives need to approve the terms of the CBA in order to move to the next stage of the process, in which all NFL players vote and an agreement requires a majority."Following more than 10 months of intensive and thorough negotiations, the NFL players and clubs have jointly developed a comprehensive set of new and revised terms that will transform the future of the game, provide for players - past, present, and future - both on and off the field, and ensure that the NFL's second century is even better and more exciting for the fans," the league said in a statement."The membership voted today to accept the negotiated terms on the principal elements of a new collective bargaining agreement. ... Since the clubs and players need to have a system in place and know the rules that they will operate under by next week, the membership also approved moving forward under the final year of the 2011 CBA if the players decide not to approve the negotiated terms."The owners' vote reportedly wasn't unanimous, according to Garafolo.Several players shared their criticisms of the proposed CBA via social media on Wednesday and Thursday.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions are releasing defensive tackle Damon Harrison after two seasons with the club, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Despite recently contemplating retirement, "Snacks" intends to continue his NFL career, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports.Harrison, a first-team All-Pro selection in 2016, is one of the NFL's top run defenders. He recorded 29 tackles and two sacks last season.Detroit acquired the 31-year-old defender from the New York Giants in October 2018. He spent the first four years of his career with the New York Jets.The Lions will save $9 million against the salary cap by releasing Harrison, according to Over the Cap.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A.J. Green's contract will expire once the 2020 season officially kicks off, but the Cincinnati Bengals aren't expected to let the wide receiver hit free agency.The Bengals reportedly plan to use their franchise tag on Green if necessary, and second-year head coach Zac Taylor reiterated his desire to keep the seven-time Pro Bowler on the roster."He's a guy that we're excited about to have part of this team, first and foremost. That’s what matters right now," Taylor said Thursday in his interview on the 'Bengals Beat Podcast.' "As we go through the offseason, we'll figure out how it best fits. But right now, we expect him to be a part of the team. We want him to be a part of the team."He's certainly been a valuable member for the last couple years and done some great things. I'm excited to coach him, really for the first time this next season."Green signed a four-year, $60-million contract with the Bengals in 2015.Cincinnati hired Taylor as its head coach in 2019, but the star wideout ended up missing the entire season after suffering an ankle injury during training camp.When healthy, Green has been one of the NFL's best pass-catchers. The fourth overall pick in 2011 made the Pro Bowl in each of his first seven years in the league.But the 31-year-old has played in only nine games over the past two campaigns, and the Bengals slumped to a record of 2-14 last season.Cincinnati holds the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Redskins announced the release of tight end Jordan Reed on Thursday after seven seasons with the club.Washington was expected to part ways with Reed after he reportedly cleared the concussion protocol Wednesday.The 29-year-old has an extensive concussion history, which includes seven documented head injuries in the NFL and two more in college. It took him over six months to clear the protocol following his most recent concussion.A talented offensive weapon and high-level athlete when healthy, Reed has missed 29 games over the last three years due to various injuries.The Redskins will save $8.5 million against the salary cap by releasing their longtime tight end, according to Over the Cap.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have entertained the idea of signing quarterback Jameis Winston to a two-year deal, sources told ESPN's Jenna Laine.The first year of the deal would be worth $27 million guaranteed, roughly the same amount Winston would receive on a franchise tag, and the second year would be a team option, according to Laine.Winston is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March after five turbulent seasons as the Buccaneers' franchise quarterback.ESPN's Jeremy Fowler also reports people around the league expect the Bucs to use their franchise or transition tag on Winston or sign him to a modest, short-term deal.Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians said in mid-February the team will not make a determination on what it will do at quarterback without seeing how the other free-agent dominoes fall."You're just sitting there waiting to see is there someone available? And is he a better option," Arians said. "That's the problem. You get about three days to decide - the legal tampering (period). Is somebody else gonna get let go? What's the trade values? It's really monotonous right now because you don't really have any answers."Winston has yet to lead Tampa Bay to a playoff berth since being selected first overall in the 2015 draft.The Buccaneers had the No. 1 aerial attack in 2019 and Winston led the league in passing with 5,109 yards. He finished second in passing touchdowns with 33, but also led the league in interceptions by a substantial margin with 30, recording the league's first 30-30 season by a quarterback.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Minnesota Vikings pass-rusher Everson Griffen has opted out of the final three years of his contract, ESPN's Courtney Cronin reports.Griffen earned the right to void his remaining years by meeting performance-related incentives in his deal: securing more than six sacks and playing more than 57% of defensive snaps during the 2019 season.Though Griffen - who was set to count for $12.9 million against the cap in 2020 - could now enter the free-agent market, there's a belief that he will re-sign with the Vikings at a reduced price, according to Cronin.Minnesota is currently $11 million over the salary cap, according to Over the Cap. Before reportedly opting out, Griffen's high cap figure made him a candidate to be cut.The 10-year vet has spent his entire career with the Vikings. He's been named to the Pro Bowl four times, including in 2019.Griffen missed five games during the 2018 campaign as he underwent treatment at a mental health facility after a number of incidents involving police and medical personnel.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL invited 17 collegiate quarterbacks to participate in next week's scouting combine. Among them is Oklahoma passer Jalen Hurts, who stresses he'll only participate in passing drills at the event."He wants to show people that he's a quarterback," trainer Chip Smith said to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution."That's the big thing. There is talk about other positions and that kind of stuff. ... He's a great athlete. He played in two national championships. He's got more film than any of the other quarterbacks out there."Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson said that a Los Angeles Chargers scout asked him to participate in receiver drills at the 2018 combine. Jackson decided to drop out of running the 40-yard dash as a result.He went on to be named the 2019 NFL MVP.Hurts enjoyed a decorated college career in which he threw for 9,477 yards and 80 touchdowns across four seasons while also rushing for 3,274 yards and 43 scores.He ran for 20 touchdowns in his senior season with the Sooners, but Hurts doesn't want his athleticism to cloud his future as a quarterback."He's a great athlete and I think that people are more interested in seeing him throw," Smith said. "They know he's a great athlete. He's probably a 4.5, 4.6 guy in the 40. He runs (fast). He can change directions. He's strong. He's not going to lift, but he could."Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.The NFL Scouting Combine will begin this weekend, which means scores of college kids will run as fast as they can and perform other drills in a setting that definitely doesn't resemble actual football conditions.Nonetheless, it's a great opportunity to find betting value on inflated totals. Here are some notable odds for this year's combine along with a few specific bets to target:40-yard dashCan Ruggs make history?Three props are directly or indirectly related to receiver Henry Ruggs III, the blazing speedster from Alabama who's expected to best 4.3 seconds on his 40-yard dash. The first one is easy: Will Ruggs outrun TCU wideout Jalen Reagor, who's been clocked at 4.29 seconds?PlayerFaster 40?Henry Ruggs-400Jalen Reagor+250Ruggs is the rightful heavy favorite. He ran a 4.25 as a junior at Alabama and knows his draft buzz is tied more closely to his speed than arguably any other prospect since Washington's John Ross III, who broke the combine record in 2017 with a 4.22-second 40 and subsequently went ninth overall to the Bengals.Speaking of which ...WagerYesNoFastest time below 4.29 seconds?-160+120Ross' record broken?+425-800These aren't explicitly about Ruggs, but come on - he's the fastest player in the country. If anyone's going to set these marks, it's Ruggs.The first one feels like stealing. Ruggs beat that time by a full 0.04 seconds last year, and he claims that he got off to a poor start on that run. Sheesh. As for Ross' record? There's already been action on the "yes," which is down to +425 from +500 earlier this week.Ruggs' college teammates think he can do it, and it's been speculated for almost a year that he might even finish in less than 4.2 seconds. While it seems like a crazy bet to make, +425 is actually fairly generous for the fastest player we've seen since Ross and Chris Johnson before him. Grabbing 5-1 odds would have been more enticing, but it's worth a small shot at this price.Individual 40 timesPLAYERTimeOverUnderJerry Jeudy4.44-120-120D'Andre Swift4.47-175+135JK Dobbins4.49-150+110Justin Jefferson4.51-400+250Jonathan Taylor4.51+300-500CeeDee Lamb4.54-120-120Tee Higgins4.57-120-120Jalen Hurts4.58-200+150Chase Young4.65-200+150Justin Herbert4.71-400+250Joe Burrow4.81-120-120Betting unders on 40 times is a lot like betting overs on win totals - you can see it happening, and it's infinitely more fun, but injuries or a bad start can derail everything. That's why there's usually more value on the overs for this prop, hence the heavy juice in that direction.That said, a few of these unders jump off the page. Jonathan Taylor ran a 4.42 out of high school and is listed within 10 pounds of his weight at that time, so why is he getting almost a full extra tenth of a second? Chase Young has posted a 4.57 and is touted as a legit 4.5 guy, so you're getting plus-money value with 0.08 seconds to spare.As for the overs? Joe Burrow knows he's going No. 1 overall regardless of what he runs, so there's no incentive to risk injury in this drill. LSU teammate Justin Jefferson's over price is intriguing, too, especially since he ran a brutal 4.88 out of high school and isn't a clear sub-4.5 candidate.Other eventsEvent (best score)OverUnderVertical jump (43.5 in)-125-115Broad jump (11 ft 5 in)-120-120Bench press (38.5 reps)-150+11020-yard shuttle (3.88 sec)-300+200Three-cone drill (6.47 sec)-400+25060-yard shuttle (10.81 sec)-300+200The only standout in this group is the bench press. In 2019, one player managed 39 reps, and the year before saw two guys exceed 40. Outside of those three performers, though, nobody has benched more than 37 reps in the last five years. Especially at plus-money, the under is a worthwhile bet to make this time around while the bench press is still alive.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.

Details of the collective bargaining agreement proposed by NFL owners emerged Wednesday when ESPN's Adam Schefter reported players would receive a 48.5% share in revenue if the season expanded to 17 games.Not long after, NFL players took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the proposal. It's believed owners and players could vote on the new CBA by the end of the week.Jacksonville Jaguars star Leonard Fournette was blunt in his assessment.

The Arizona Cardinals' offense took a big leap forward in 2019 under the new partnership of head coach Kliff Kingsbury and rookie quarterback Kyler Murray.And with Arizona holding the No. 8 overall pick in the upcoming draft, the Offensive Rookie of the Year winner is hoping to reunite with ex-Oklahoma teammate and top wide receiver prospect CeeDee Lamb."Me and CeeDee have a great relationship," Murray told The Arizona Republic's Bob McManaman, via Jeremy Cluff. "That’s one of my boys. I would obviously be very fond of that pick. Obviously, I don't make the choices. I'm here for whatever, but I'm looking forward to free agency and us adding some great players and adding more of them in the draft so we can continue to grow this thing."But yeah, if we pick CeeDee, that would be great. We have a very comfortable relationship. I've played with him, I've been with him for years, so yeah, I don't think that would be a bad pick at all."Lamb is in contention to be the first wideout selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, along with the Alabama duo of Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III.During Murray's Heisman-winning campaign in 2018, Lamb was one of his favorite targets, catching 65 passes for 1,158 yards and 11 touchdowns.The star receiver was even better in his 2019 junior season, snagging 62 passes for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns with Jalen Hurts at quarterback.Though the rebuilding Cardinals need help in many different areas, they're reportedly interested in selecting a wideout early in the 2020 draft, Cluff noted. Meanwhile, Murray is looking to become just the latest sophomore quarterback to take the NFL by storm.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cleveland Browns left tackle Greg Robinson could spend up to 20 years in federal prison after police found 157 pounds of marijuana in his rental car, according to the United States Department of Justice.Robinson faces charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and possession with intent to distribute marijuana after being arrested Monday at a checkpoint near the U.S.-Mexico border. He was traveling with former Auburn teammate Jaquan Bray, who plays wide receiver for the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL and was also arrested.Robinson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2014 draft, remained in custody Wednesday, according to jail records obtained by TMZ.The 27-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March, and the Browns reportedly had no intention of re-signing him before the arrest, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.After failing to live up to expectations with the then-St.Louis Rams, Robinson was traded to the Detroit Lions for a sixth-round pick in 2017.Cleveland signed Robinson as a free agent in 2018 and he started 22 games over the past two seasons.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The proposed new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) includes an expanded playoff field, effective for the 2020 season, in which seven teams from each conference would qualify, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Under the revised format, only the top seed in each conference will receive a first-round bye. Players will be paid while on the postseason bye, which hasn't been the case under the current CBA.The NFL and NFLPA are reportedly getting closer to voting on the CBA proposal. Owners are scheduled to meet Thursday in New York City, while player representatives have a conference call set for Friday, and it's conceivable that votes will take place at those times.Both sides are hoping to strike a new agreement before the 2020 league year, which begins in mid-March. The existing CBA is scheduled to expire after the 2020 season.The greatest obstacle to a new deal continues to be the owners' desire to add a 17th regular-season contest. If they get their way, the preseason will reportedly be shortened to three games. Expansion of the regular-season schedule wouldn't be implemented until 2021 at the earliest.In 2019, a larger playoff field would've seen the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Rams qualify as wild cards.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL owners and NFL Players Association representatives could vote on the proposed new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) by the end of the week, reports Dan Graziano of ESPN.All 32 owners are scheduled to attend a meeting Thursday in New York City, while the NFLPA reps have a conference call arranged for Friday. Approval on a new CBA requires three-fourths of the owners and two-thirds of the player reps to vote yes.The NFL and NFLPA have met several times in an effort to hammer out a new agreement before the 2020 league year begins in mid-March. The existing CBA will expire after the upcoming campaign.The greatest sticking point between the NFL and NFLPA has been the owners' insistence on adding a 17th regular-season contest. The proposed CBA would give the NFL an option to expand the regular season by one game at some point between 2021 and 2023.In exchange for the 17th game, owners have offered players a greater revenue share, changes to the league's drug policy, and revisions to its disciplinary procedures.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed has cleared the NFL's concussion protocol six months after suffering a head injury, a source told Ben Standig of The Athletic.The news comes just two days after Redskins head coach Ron Rivera said the veteran has yet to be cleared.Washington is still expected to release Reed after he missed the 2019 season, Standig adds.The 29-year-old has an extensive concussion history, which includes seven documented head injuries in the NFL and two more in college.A talented offensive weapon when healthy, Reed has missed 29 games over the last three years due to various ailments.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Redskins announced Wednesday that they exercised the 2020 club option on running back Adrian Peterson's contract.Peterson, who will turn 35 in March, was Washington's leading rusher in each of the last two seasons."Adrian Peterson is the epitome of what it means to be a pro in this league," head coach Ron Rivera said in a statement. "Adrian's leadership and passion toward the game of football will set an example of what is expected of the players in this program moving forward."The future Hall of Fame runner signed with the Redskins prior to the 2018 campaign after being released by the Arizona Cardinals. He quickly proved to be a useful commodity in the wake of Derrius Guice's knee injury.Peterson is a seven-time Pro Bowler and a four-time first-team All-Pro selection who ranks fifth in league history with 14,216 career rushing yards.He'll likely split carries with Guice in 2020, his 14th NFL season.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Seahawks and free-agent tight end Greg Olsen have agreed to terms on a contract, the team announced Tuesday.The deal is worth $7 million over one year and includes $5.5 million in guaranteed money, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Olsen was released by the Carolina Panthers at the end of January following his ninth season with the club. He visited the Washington Redskins, Buffalo Bills, and Seattle before choosing to join Russell Wilson and the Seahawks.Olsen made 14 appearances for Carolina in 2019, posting 52 receptions for 597 yards and two touchdowns. He was derailed by foot injuries the previous two seasons, ending his run of three straight 1,000-yard campaigns from 2014-16.The addition of Olsen gives the Seahawks a viable starter in the event Will Dissly, who's recovering from a torn Achilles, isn't ready for the beginning of the 2020 season.Olsen, who began his career with the Chicago Bears in 2007, will turn 35 in March. He contemplated retiring to commence a career in broadcasting before solidifying his NFL return with Seattle.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Taysom Hill isn't crafting an exit strategy from the New Orleans Saints following news Drew Brees will return in 2020.Hill, an impending restricted free agent, previously declared his desire to become a starting quarterback and said earlier in February he might need to leave the Big Easy to make it happen. He would've been a candidate to replace Brees as the Saints' starter, but the latter announced Tuesday he's postponing retirement in favor of another championship push. It appears Hill isn't rushing anything in the wake of that decision."At the end of the day, I look at Drew coming back and maybe I'm not playing quarterback, which is ultimately where I want to have an opportunity to play in the NFL, but there are still going to be opportunities for me to make plays," Hill said Tuesday on "The Adam Schefter Podcast.""I can tell you a unique experience for me that most backup quarterbacks don't get is I'm in the huddle with Drew on game day. ... That to me is invaluable."A quarterback by trade, Hill has spent three seasons playing a gadget role in the Saints' offense while also contributing on special teams. The 29-year-old has rushed for three touchdowns and caught six more, but he's still looking for his first career six-point pass."I think there's a process of being a restricted free agent," said Hill. "My agent and I are going through the process, and we'll see what happens. But I'm in no hurry to leave New Orleans. ... I have goals, and I have a vision for myself as to what I can do in the NFL ... I've never been treated in any way that would lead me to believe that the vision I have for myself is not the same vision that coach (Sean) Payton has for me, as well as the other guys on the staff."So I'm in no hurry, but I also think that there's an important element of being a free agent. You finally have the opportunity to sit down and say, 'What are my goals, what are my visions for myself?' And then see who shares those same thoughts as you do. ... It's super early, so I have no idea what is going to happen. But we'll go through that process and see what happens."- With h/t to ProFootballTalkCopyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Joe Burrow should follow in Eli Manning's footsteps and refuse to play for the Cincinnati Bengals if taken with the top pick in the draft, according to former No. 1 selection Steve Bartkowski.The ex-quarterback personally gave the advice to Burrow's family Sunday night during a Davey O'Brien Award event honoring the LSU star."They're Ohio guys," Bartkowski, the Atlanta Falcons' top pick in 1975, said, according to Drew Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "I might've offended them by telling them that, if it's the Bengals, I think I'd pull an Eli Manning on that one. I said, you've got a chance to do that. That's happened. (John) Elway kind of set the tone, then the Mannings delved into it after Eli was picked by San Diego."Manning famously refused to play for the then-San Diego Chargers, forcing them to trade his rights to the New York Giants during the 2004 draft.Elway, meanwhile, threatened to pursue a baseball career after being taken No. 1 in 1983 by the then-Baltimore Colts, who eventually traded the Hall of Famer to the Denver Broncos.Burrow is the favorite to be the first player taken after a historic senior season, in which he led the Tigers to the national championship and won the Heisman Trophy.However, Burrow's comment Sunday that he has "leverage" as the presumptive top overall pick helped further fuel the speculation that he would prefer to play elsewhere."(The Bengals) have their process and I have my process," said Burrow. "We haven't even gotten to the (NFL) combine yet. There's a lot of things that happen leading up to the draft and a lot of information gathered."Burrow's family has pushed back against the idea that the quarterback wouldn't be happy if selected by Cincinnati.The Bengals have never won a Super Bowl and their last playoff win was in 1991.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nigel Bradham was informed of his release Tuesday after four seasons with the NFC East club, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Bradham won't be free to sign with another team until free agency opens March 18 as Philadelphia declined his option for 2020, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.When Bradham is off the books, the Eagles will save $4.47 million toward the cap, per Spotrac.The veteran joined Philadelphia during free agency in 2016 after starting his career with the Buffalo Bills, who took him in the fourth round of the 2012 draft.Bradham inked a five-year, $40-million extension after helping lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl in 2018.The 30-year-old led Philadelphia in total tackles in three of his four years with the team.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday granting a pardon to Edward DeBartolo Jr., the former San Francisco 49ers owner who was convicted in a gambling fraud scandal, according to The Associated Press.DeBartolo was the architect of the 49ers dynasty in the 1980s and 1990s.In 1998, DeBartolo pleaded guilty to failing to report a felony when he paid $400,000 to former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards in exchange for a riverboat gambling license.The 73-year-old DeBartolo stepped down from his role the year prior after multiple newspapers reported that he would be indicted for gambling fraud. He ceded control of the 49ers to his sister, Denise DeBartolo York, whose family still runs the team.DeBartolo avoided prison but was fined $1 million and suspended for a year by the NFL.On Tuesday, the White House announced the decision to reporters alongside NFL legends Jim Brown and Jerry Rice.

Drew Brees ended speculation about his playing future Tuesday, announcing his intention to return for the 2020 season and his 20th campaign.The longtime New Orleans Saints starter is set to be an unrestricted free agent but is widely expected to re-sign with the NFC South club, and again reaffirmed his commitment to New Orleans in his Instagram post."I look forward to the grind and the journey, for the reward at the end will be worth it!!!!. Love you #WhoDatNation. Let's make another run at it!" wrote Brees.

Cardale Jones is balling for the DC Defenders, and he's not the only XFL standout beginning to generate NFL buzz.Here are five players in the rebooted league, including Jones, who are pushing to get back onto the NFL radar:Cardale Jones, QB, DefendersDid you know Jones is 13-0 as a starter between college and the pros? The former Ohio State signal-caller has been on point in two outings for the Defenders and has looked significantly more comfortable than most other quarterbacks in the league. Jones has been accurate to all levels of the field, utilizing strong footwork on timing routes while showing an ability to improvise when a play breaks down. He's thrown for 511 yards and four touchdowns through two contests while completing 62% of his passes.DeMarquis Gates, LB, RoughnecksBob Levey / Getty Images Sport / GettyGates was too big, too strong, and too fast for the BattleHawks in Week 2, and he now sits atop the XFL with 11 tackles to go with a sack. The 23-year-old was a superstar in the AAF for the Memphis Express and had a brief stint with the Washington Redskins after the league disbanded. It's clear that Gates is too good for this level of competition.Nelson Spruce, WR, WildcatsFormerly a training camp star with the Los Angeles Rams, Spruce now leads the XFL in receiving with 192 yards. The 27-year-old caught two touchdowns in Week 2 with former Rams teammate Todd Gurley in attendance, and Gurley revealed in a TV interview that Spruce actually taught him how to catch out of the backfield. Spruce led the San Diego Fleet in receiving last year before the AAF folded, and he had an illustrious career at Colorado before going undrafted in 2016. He had a chance to make the Rams as a rookie but suffered a knee injury while making a game-winning play in the preseason.P.J. Walker, QB, RoughnecksXFL / Getty Images Sport / GettyReferred to the league by former Indianapolis Colts teammate Andrew Luck, Walker has taken the XFL by storm. He boasts a good arm and electric athleticism, and there's reason to believe the 24-year-old isn't a finished product. Walker's been billed as the Patrick Mahomes of the XFL, in part because of a filthy side-arm touchdown pass he made against the BattleHawks. However, the way he scrambles when the pocket breaks down is more reminiscent of Russell Wilson.Marquette King, P, BattleHawksKing is averaging 47.2 yards per punt through two games, a number that would have ranked fourth in the NFL in 2019. His best ball was mishandled by his teammates, who knocked the punt into the end zone while it sat inside the 1-yard line against the Renegades in the opening week. It's no secret that King has a big leg - he's a former NFL second-team All-Pro, after all. He's doing everything he can with the BattleHawks to earn a second kick at the can.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions have spoken to multiple teams about a potential trade for cornerback Darius Slay amid no significant development in their extension talks, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Teams interested in making the trade would have to compensate the Lions with a valuable return and give Slay a new deal, Schefter adds.Detroit has reportedly been trying to sign Slay to a long-term contract since the conclusion of the 2019 regular season.Slay displayed his desire for an extension in 2019 by skipping the team's offseason work. He has one year remaining on the four-year, $48.1-million deal he signed in 2016.The 29-year-old leads the Lions in both interceptions (19) and passes defended (99) since 2014.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Cardinals have signed D.J. Humphries to a three-year, $45-million contract, keeping the left tackle from hitting free agency, sources told Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.The agreement reportedly contains $29 million in guaranteed money. Humphries' annual average salary of $15 million is about $1 million less than the projected fee for offensive linemen eligible for the franchise tag.Humphries, 26, is coming off one of his best NFL seasons. His improved play was significant for a Cardinals squad that was looking to develop rookie quarterback Kyler Murray in 2019.Arizona drafted Humphries out of Florida with the 24th selection in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Panthers believe Cam Newton is likely to pass his physical and will be cleared for some football activity in March, a source told Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic.Newton is continuing to recover from a Lisfranc injury to his left foot. Due to the nature of the injury, the Panthers will reportedly be cautious about his return to full-team activities, according to Rodrigue, and have discussed limiting him in early April and May workouts.After battling a shoulder injury during the 2018 season, Newton was limited to two games in 2019 due to the Lisfranc injury. He underwent surgery in December after a failed rehabilitation that spanned months.Panthers owner David Tepper said last week that Newton's rehab would determine Carolina's status at quarterback in 2020."The overwhelming No. 1 thing is to see how healthy he is, and how we can figure out when he is healthy or not," Tepper said. "Everything comes from that."In the past two campaigns, the former MVP started 16 games (6-10), amassing 3,967 yards and 24 touchdowns against 14 interceptions. He also posted 486 yards and four scores on the ground.Newton, 30, has one season left on his contract. The Panthers could save $19 million against the salary cap by trading or releasing him.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Free-agent wide receiver Antonio Brown is working to rebuild bridges in his attempt to get back into the NFL, but a reunion with the Pittsburgh Steelers is apparently off the table right now.Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Monday on ESPN's 'First Take" that while the organization would help the troubled wideout, it isn't interested in signing him to a contract."Once a Steeler, always a Steeler," Tomlin said of Brown, according to Chris Adamski of TribLIVE. "We had great success over the course of nine-plus years …"We will always be interested in his development as a man, and we will be open to assisting him in that. But we have no current business interest at this time."Brown recently apologized to the Steelers for his messy departure from the team after the 2018 campaign. He also extended an olive branch to Ben Roethlisberger, saying he didn't know how good he had it in Pittsburgh with the veteran quarterback.While the 31-year-old Brown wants to play in 2020, he could find it difficult to land with a new team until the NFL completes its investigation of him over allegations of sexual assault and sexual misconduct.Brown claimed to TMZ Sports on Saturday, however, that he will meet with clubs at the scouting combine at the end of February.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin vehemently defended Mason Rudolph on Monday after Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett again said that the quarterback directed a racial slur at him just before the teams' brawl in November."I took offense to it," Tomlin told ESPN's "First Take" when asked for his response to Garrett's allegation. Tomlin added, "I thought it was appropriate that Mason was properly defended. These accusations are serious. Not only in terms of Mason Rudolph's character but his professional pursuits."Garrett was suspended indefinitely after ripping off Rudolph's helmet and hitting the quarterback in the head with it near the end of the Week 11 contest. He was also fined. After appealing the suspension, Garrett confirmed a report that he'd told the NFL that Rudolph directed a racial slur at him. The league looked into the allegation and found "no such evidence," as Tomlin noted during Monday's interview."It was presented as a he said-he said situation, even to this day," Tomlin said, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "I think the National Football League office was very clear that they launched a thorough investigation among all parties involved, including interviewing the people and the analysis of technology that was on that field, and found no evidence of Myles' allegation, and I think that should be stated."In Garrett's first interview since being reinstated from his suspension, he maintained that Rudolph used a racial slur. "He called me the N-word," Garrett said. "He called me a 'stupid N-word.'"Rudolph disputed the claim minutes after Garrett's full interview aired Saturday.The quarterback was fined for his role in the scuffle, which Tomlin said wasn't fair."He got fined $50,000 for essentially getting beaten up," the coach said Monday. "His reputation has been tarnished because of the allegations, none of which was founded."Tomlin also said Monday that he has no doubt that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be available for the start of the Steelers' 2020 campaign. Roethlisberger appeared in only two games in 2019 before he required season-ending elbow surgery.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philip Rivers will soon hit free agency for the first time in his NFL career, and his soon-to-be former Los Angeles Chargers teammate Melvin Gordon has a prediction for the quarterback's next destination."I think he goes to the (Indianapolis) Colts," the running back told CBS Sports' John Breech last Thursday. "I don't know, that's just my thought."Gordon believes Indy will be Rivers' next landing spot due to the links between the team and the veteran signal-caller.Colts head coach Frank Reich was the Chargers' offensive coordinator from 2014-15, while offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni was an offensive assistant for five years with the AFC West club."They run the same playbook, so it'd be easy, he could come right in and he could be telling guys what to do, he knows what's going on already," Gordon said.After the announcement that he'd leave the Chargers, Rivers said he wants to play for a "maximum" of two more years.It remains to be seen whether the Colts are interested in a short-term fix under center or if they'll look to the draft for Andrew Luck's successor. Indy owns the 13th overall pick and is expected to do its due diligence on the top group of quarterbacks.Jacoby Brissett had an up-and-down 2019 campaign after being thrown into the starting role following Luck's shock retirement. The former backup signal-caller is contracted for the 2020 season.However, Rivers also struggled last year. The 38-year-old had 20 interceptions - tied for the second-highest mark of his career - and his 23 touchdown passes were his fewest since 2007.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Miami Dolphins have long been believed to be one of the most likely landing spots for Tua Tagovailoa, but the former Alabama quarterback has competition for the AFC East team's interest and No. 5 overall pick.Miami doesn't view Tagovailoa as a "slam dunk" near the top of the draft, and its opinion of ex-Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert is "increasingly positive," sources told the Miami Herald's Armando Salguero.The Dolphins are concerned about Tagovailoa's injury history and long-term durability, according to Salguero.Tagovailoa is reportedly expected to make a full recovery from a fractured and dislocated hip he suffered in November. However, he also dealt with various other injuries during his college career, including multiple ankle ailments.Herbert, meanwhile, impressed scouts with both his performances during Senior Bowl week and commital to attending the game in January, sources told Salguero. The signal-caller also possesses prototypical size at 6-foot-6 and 237 pounds.The 6-foot Tagovailoa won't throw for teams at the NFL Scouting Combine, which is set to take place from Feb. 27 to March 1. Instead, the quarterback will perform in front of scouts at his pro day in April.Heisman-winning passer Joe Burrow is widely expected to be taken first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals.In theScore's latest mock draft, the Dolphins snagged Herbert despite the availability of Tagovailoa, who was projected to be drafted immediately after to the Los Angeles Chargers.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL's desire to add a 17th regular-season game is one of the major obstacles in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, and the Players Association is eyeing a compromise.While the league wants to implement the plan as soon as possible, players are pushing to delay the first 17-game season until 2022 or 2023, a source told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.The NFLPA arrived at that stance because many players are under contract well beyond 2021, and time is needed to devise a system that compensates them for the extra game, according to Florio.The NFL and the NFLPA meet Thursday for the latest round of CBA talks, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. The current agreement expires after the 2020 campaign.The players will enter the meeting with a final list of their demands, and a vote is likely if owners agree to meet those wishes.Players have expressed health and safety concerns regarding the league's push to expand the regular season, with many saying the current 16-game slate already takes a significant physical toll.San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman, who serves on the NFLPA executive committee, has been among the most vocal critics of a 17-game season.Prior to Super Bowl LIV, Sherman blasted the league for what he sees as a hypocritical stance on player health."It's always odd when you hear player safety is (the NFL's) biggest concern," Sherman said on Jan. 29, according to Wells Dusenbury of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. "They're really standing up for player safety, player safety, player safety, but it seems like player safety has a price tag. Player safety up to the point of 'Hey, 17 games makes us this much money, so we really don't care how safe they are if you're going to pay us this much money to play another game."That's the point that’s really concerning for us as a union and us as players. They think players have a price tag on their health and I don't think we're in the same ballpark in that regard. Players have been more aware of player safety and longevity and just life after football."On Wednesday, Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said the data proves adding a 17th game wouldn't impact the health of players.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt and professional soccer player Kealia Ohai have tied the knot.The couple was wed Saturday during a ceremony in the Bahamas, where Watt first proposed to Ohai in May 2019, according to Houston's KHOU 11. The guest list included U.S. women's national soccer team star Crystal Dunn and Ohai's former Houston Dash teammate Amber Brooks.

The proposed new collective bargaining agreement reportedly contains a clause that would allow first-round picks to spike the value of their fifth-year option based on Pro Bowl selections.If approved, the fifth-year option salaries will match the franchise tag for players who make two Pro Bowls in their first three seasons, sources told Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk. Teams must exercise the fifth-year option on rookie deals before the fourth season.First-round picks are the only players who have a fifth-year option attached to their rookie contract. The existing CBA will expire after the 2020 season.Under current rules, top-10 picks have a fifth-year option valued at the price of the transition tag applicable to their position from the previous season. The other first-round picks have the value of their fifth-year option produced through a specific formula as well.The owners' desire to add a 17th game to the regular season is the greatest sticking point between the NFL and NFL Players' Association as they negotiate a new CBA.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In his first interview since being reinstated from an indefinite suspension, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett continued to insist his actions during a Thursday night brawl in November were prompted by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph using a racial slur toward him."He called me the N-word. He called me a 'stupid N-word,'" Garrett said to ESPN's Mina Kimes.Minutes after the full interview aired Saturday morning, Rudolph took to Twitter to dispute the claim.

There's something appropriate about the Chargers' decision to move on from Philip Rivers within weeks of Eli Manning's retirement from the Giants.Rivers and Manning are forever linked because of a 2004 draft-day trade that changed a lot of fortunes by positioning them with their respective teams. They both proved to be uncommonly durable - neither missed a start because of injury over the years - in addition to thriving and disappointing, albeit in decidedly different ways: Manning stuffed a pair of charmed Super Bowl-winning runs inside a resume of sustained mediocrity, while Rivers maintained high-volume productivity without getting to savor the ultimate prize.Rivers will become a free agent next month. He'll likely get an opportunity to be a late-career bridge quarterback somewhere else. Which means he still has a chance to craft a perfect ending, though his time to do so is obviously running out. But his years with the Chargers will always be marked by what might have been.Icon Sportswire / Getty ImagesRivers took over for Drew Brees as the starter in 2006, and promptly led the Chargers to four straight AFC West titles. Though he would stick around for another 10 years, all four playoff runs perfectly encapsulated the highs and lows of the Rivers-Chargers era:2006: A 14-2 finish and the AFC's No. 1 seed, with Rivers posting a QBR of 67.6, fourth-best in the league. Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 1,815 yards and caught 56 passes. The Chargers drew the Patriots at home in their first postseason game in the divisional round. They led 14-3 and were ahead 21-13 with six minutes to go when Marlon McCree picked off Tom Brady. But McCree fumbled it right back after Troy Brown stripped the ball from him. The Chargers would go on to lose 24-21.2007: A wild-card win against the Titans followed by a huge upset at the Colts, who were primed to repeat as Super Bowl champions. But Rivers tore his ACL. He somehow played in the AFC Championship Game the following week against the undefeated Patriots, but the Chargers lost again.2008: Another playoff win against Peyton Manning and the Colts, this time at home. But it was followed by a divisional-round loss to the eventual-champion Steelers.2009: A 13-3 regular season in which Rivers posted a career-best QBR of 76.9 and led the league in yards per attempt (8.8), adjusted yards per attempt (9.1), yards per catch (13.4), and net yards per attempt (8.0). But it all quickly went up in smoke thanks to a divisional-round loss to the Jets at home, with Rivers throwing two brutal second-half interceptions.In the decade that followed, the Chargers made just two more postseason appearances with Rivers. The NFL became a passing league during that time, and Rivers continued to put up big numbers - both good and bad. Among QBs to make 100 starts between 2010 and 2019, Rivers ranked sixth in AY/A (7.62). He had nine seasons during that span in which his AY/A was at least 7.0, tying him with Brees and Ben Roethlisberger, and trailing only Aaron Rodgers. At the same time, his 153 interceptions during the 2010s ranked second only to Eli Manning's 156.As Robert Mays of The Ringer pointed out, the Chargers finished in the top three in Football Outsiders' passing DVOA seven times in Rivers' 14 seasons as a starter, and they made the top 10 a total of 11 times - including 2019. He leaves as the Chargers' all-time leader in completions (4,908), attempts (7,591), passing yards (59,271), passing TDs (397), passer rating (95.1), game-winning drives (32), 4,000-yard seasons (11), and wins (123)."In nearly every way," Mays wrote, "Rivers's numbers rival the best quarterbacks not only of the 2004 draft class, but of all time."

The Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams will be shorthanded at the 2020 NFL scouting combine.The Broncos will not send their assistant coaches to the event because they believe they will make better use of their time by watching film in Denver, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.Denver's assistant coaches will have access to the combine private interviews led by head coach Vic Fangio and his personal staff.Meanwhile, the Rams are not sending offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell and defensive coordinator Brandon Staley to the event because the team prefers to have them in Los Angeles to work on the team's new offensive and defensive schemes, Schefter adds.O'Connell and Staley, who were both hired this offseason, will be joined by Sean McVay in their system preparation after the bench boss fulfills his obligation to attend the opening days of the combine.The rest of the Rams' coaching staff will attend.The NFL combine will take place from Feb. 23 to March 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Houston Texans released former first-round pick Vernon Hargreaves on Friday, the team announced.The Texans will save $9.59 million by not picking up the cornerback's fifth-year option for the upcoming season.Hargreaves, 24, was drafted 11th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2016. He was released by the Bucs midway through the 2019 campaign and claimed by Houston off of waivers in November.The Florida product started 16 games as a rookie but has played in just 25 contests since.In six games with the Texans last season, Hargreaves recorded 21 tackles and two passes defended.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens released safety Tony Jefferson, the team announced Friday.Jefferson, who spent three seasons with the club, was scheduled to count for $11.66 million against the salary cap in 2020. Baltimore will be stuck with $4.66 million in dead money due to the move.The 28-year-old Jefferson made five appearances for the Ravens in 2019 before a torn ACL ended his campaign. He started 30 games over the previous two seasons for Baltimore, racking up 153 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.His exit comes as no surprise given his high cap number, especially since the Ravens inked his replacement, Chuck Clark, to a three-year extension at the beginning of the week.Jefferson spent the first four seasons of his career with the Arizona Cardinals before joining Baltimore in free agency.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. got some new ink in honor of the late Kobe Bryant.Beckham used his Instagram story to show off the tattoo, which depicts Bryant famously chewing on his Los Angeles Lakers jersey.Beckham also paid tribute to Bryant in an Instagram post following the NBA legend's death in January. Beckham wrote:

The Washington Redskins released cornerback Josh Norman on Friday after four seasons, the team announced.Norman had one year remaining on his contract and the Redskins will save $12.44 million toward the cap by cutting him, according to Spotrac.The 32-year-old was Washington's big free-agent signing in 2016, inking a five-year, $75-million deal that made him the NFL's highest-paid cornerback.Norman spent the first four years of his career with the Carolina Panthers before his dramatic departure to the Redskins.After producing a career year for Carolina in which he was named a first-team All-Pro, the cornerback was hit with the franchise tag. However, after the two sides failed to come to terms on an extension, the Panthers surprisingly rescinded the tag and allowed Norman to hit the open market.Ron Rivera, Norman's former head coach with the Panthers, is now operating in that role with Washington, which led some to believe the Redskins might try to keep the cornerback.With Norman suffering a decline in play in 2019 - he was ranked 191st out of 199 cornerbacks by PFF - and his guaranteed money all but paid, the cornerback will be looking to find his third NFL team.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Redskins released wide receiver Paul Richardson two seasons into the five-year, $40-million contract he signed in 2018, the team announced Friday.Richardson posted 507 receiving yards and four touchdowns over 17 games in Washington. He battled injuries throughout his tenure with the Redskins.Washington will absorb a $6-million cap hit for the transaction. Richardson marks the second notable veteran to be released by the Redskins on Friday, as they also reportedly let go of high-priced cornerback Josh Norman.Richardson, 27, served as a deep-ball threat for the Seattle Seahawks from 2014-17 before coming to the Redskins via free agency.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ahead of free agency and in the spirit of Valentine's Day, here's one ideal open-market signing for every NFL franchise. Teams' own pending free agents were eliminated from consideration.Arizona Cardinals - Byron JonesPatrick Smith / Getty Images Sport / GettyPatrick Peterson's six-game suspension and Robert Alford's season-ending injury in the preseason were among the contributing factors to the Cardinals finishing second last in pass defense in 2019. Simply getting healthy should help turn the unit around, but while building toward a bright future with Kyler Murray leading the offense, Arizona should spare no expense to nab the top corner on the market, and Peterson's potential successor.Atlanta Falcons - Shaq BarrettThe 2019 sack leader is easily the best match for the team that just finished tied for last in the NFC in sacks. The Falcons cut ties with Vic Beasley after five inconsistent years. Barrett is a suitable replacement due to his production, and because he'll likely come cheaper than Jadeveon Clowney and Yannick Ngakoue.Baltimore Ravens - Jadeveon ClowneyLamar Jackson is a bargain for a few more years, so now is the time for Baltimore to be aggressive in its Super Bowl chase. The Ravens ranked 22nd in sacks per game (2.2) in 2019, and losing Matt Judon in free agency could further weaken their pass rush. While Clowney won't come cheap, the 2014 No. 1 pick is capable of being the defense's top pass-rushing threat, and his elite run defending will also help to support Jackson and Co.Buffalo Bills - A.J. GreenGreen is the antithesis to the stereotypical diva wide receiver, and he's a quiet and humble monster who would fit perfectly in blue-collar Buffalo. The longtime Bengals star would also fill the Bills' biggest offensive need: a big-bodied downfield option alongside John Brown and Cole Beasley. Josh Allen is struggling to throw deep, and Green would make the young quarterback's margin for error substantially larger.Carolina Panthers - Joe SchobertLuke Kuechly's retirement leaves a gaping hole in the middle of Carolina's defense that one player alone won't fill, but acquiring Schobert would be a good place to start. He's one of the league's best cover linebackers, and his game ascended to new heights in 2019 when he put up career bests in interceptions (four) and passes defensed (nine). At just 26 years old, there's a lot of tread left on his tires, too.Chicago Bears - Marcus MariotaMike Ehrmann / Getty Images Sport / GettyBy declaring Mitch Trubisky their 2020 starter so early, the Bears put themselves in a bind. While Chicago can't chase any of the big names set to hit the open market, it still has to add someone capable of challenging Trubisky. Signing Mariota walks that line. The former Titans signal-caller should be motivated to prove he can still start, and the veteran can also be a decent Plan B behind Trubisky.Cincinnati Bengals - Joe ThuneyThe Bengals usually shy away from big splashes in free agency, and top free agents rarely see Cincinnati as a prime landing spot. Which is fine, because the Bengals will be getting their star power after likely drafting Joe Burrow with the first overall pick. However, the rookie quarterback will need far better protection. Signing Thuney to start at left guard is the kind of under-the-radar move that can pay off far more than most of the headline-grabbing additions.Cleveland Browns - Anthony CastonzoBaker Mayfield should shoulder most of the blame for his hugely disappointing sophomore season. But in fairness, the young quarterback was too often running for his life because of poor play at both ends of his offensive line. At 31, the underrated Castonzo isn't a long-term answer. But that's fine for Cleveland, which needs to help Mayfield right now.Dallas Cowboys - Anthony HarrisThe Cowboys pined after Earl Thomas for so long that he was out of his prime when the chance to sign him came. But in Harris, Dallas can finally get the big-play safety its defense has been missing. The 28-year-old enjoyed a breakout year with the Vikings in 2019, tying for the league lead with six interceptions. He'll be expensive, but the fit is ideal, and Dallas just hired George Edwards - the only NFL defensive coordinator Harris has known - as a senior assistant.Denver Broncos - Brandon Scherff The Broncos' offensive line has been a mess since Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset. Drew Lock is trying to convince management he's the answer under center, and the young signal-caller can't be expected to overcome shoddy protection. Scherff is somewhat risky due to his health issues, but it's a swing worth taking considering Denver's other interior O-line options.Detroit Lions - Devin McCourtyBoston Globe / Boston Globe / GettyIs there a better fit for the Lions than a former Patriot joining Matt Patricia's team? The Lions should continue the New England-to-Detroit pipeline by throwing some cash at one of the top safeties available, helping to shore up the NFL's worst pass defense.Green Bay Packers - Hunter HenryThe Packers are all but certain to cut Jimmy Graham in the final year of the veteran's position-leading contract, so Aaron Rodgers will need a new go-to target over the middle. With his top-tier receiving and blocking skills, Henry could be Matt LaFleur's version of George Kittle, who's the key cog of the same scheme run by Kyle Shanahan.Houston Texans - Chris Harris Jr.The Texans could lose Bradley Roby, Johnathan Joseph, and Phillip Gaines during free agency, and releasing Vernon Hargreaves would free up another $9.95 million in cap space. After coughing up a 21-point lead to the Chiefs in the divisional round, this team can't afford to keep fielding a thin secondary. Harris could be the shutdown corner Houston sorely lacks.Indianapolis Colts - Chris JonesColts general manager Chris Ballard was part of the decision to draft Jones in the second round during his final season with the Chiefs in 2016. Signing one of the Super Bowl LIV heroes would fill Indy's biggest defensive need, and it would also signal Ballard is ready to go big in free agency to accelerate the Colts' return to contender status.Jacksonville Jaguars - Philip RiversThere are questions at quarterback for all three teams in Florida, the state Rivers now calls home. But it could be argued the Jaguars need to win immediately more than the others. While there are currently two starter-level QBs on Jacksonville's roster, the perfect signing for the Jaguars is one that gets them out of Nick Foles' exorbitant contract. Trading Foles for a draft pick and signing Rivers for two years is more digestible than the team's current scenario.Kansas City Chiefs - Robby AndersonJim McIsaac / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Chiefs need depth at cornerback and linebacker. But where is the fun in that? Why not instead give Patrick Mahomes another lightning-quick downfield weapon in Anderson, and let the quarterback wreck the league even further. The reigning champions wouldn't need to break the bank, and Anderson could be a like-for-like replacement for Sammy Watkins, who should be a cap casualty.Las Vegas Raiders - Cory LittletonThe free-agent linebacker group is relatively shallow, which is bad news for the Raiders, who desperately need help at the position. Jon Gruden and Co. could make significant moves to get tongues wagging ahead of their first season in Las Vegas. However, fixing the pass defense should be a priority, and signing one of the top coverage linebackers in Littleton could be the Raiders' most impactful move.Los Angeles Chargers - Tom BradyAfter failing to grab the attention of fickle Los Angeles sports fans over the last three seasons, the Chargers desperately need to fill seats during their first year in a new shared stadium. Regardless of whether you believe Brady is still capable of playing at an elite level, he remains one of the most marketable players in the league, if not the most.Los Angeles Rams - Jack ConklinWhile one Los Angeles franchise opts for glitz and glamour, the other should focus on the trenches. The Rams learned how much a strong offensive line correlates to success while taking a step back in 2019. Adding Conklin will help the team's rushing offense return to its 2018 form.Miami Dolphins - Derrick HenryIf the Titans don't reset the running back market and pay Henry, his options might be limited. The Dolphins and their league-leading $93.7 million in cap space stand out as an obvious destination. They can pay Henry without severely limiting the rest of their plans in an offseason when Miami will likely draft a quarterback with the No. 5 pick. Signing the NFL's most intimidating backfield force to boost a rushing attack that ranked dead last in 2019 is a great way to help Tua Tagaovailoa or Justin Herbert.Minnesota Vikings - Logan RyanKathryn Riley / Getty Images Sport / GettyAn overhaul of the Vikings' defensive backfield appears to be on the horizon. Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander could be jettisoned as Minnesota attempts to clear cap space. The Vikings likely won't consider expensive options, but they should try to get Ryan under contract.New England Patriots - Amari CooperRegardless of whether Brady is under center for the Patriots next season, an upgrade at wide receiver is essential. Paying top-tier money for a wideout isn't a typical Bill Belichick move, but a 25-year-old with four 1,000-plus-yard seasons on his resume doesn't hit the open market often. Cooper would quickly become New England's best wide receiver since Randy Moss.New Orleans Saints - Emmanuel SandersAside from re-signing their quarterbacks, the Saints could use another receiving target, as we saw during their playoff loss to the Vikings. With Michael Thomas limited to 70 receiving yards and Jared Cook injured in that game, no other threat emerged. Enter Sanders, a deep-ball specialist and a reliable pass-catcher.New York Giants - James BradberryThe Giants need to defend against Amari Cooper (if he re-signs in Dallas), Terry McLaurin, Alshon Jeffery, and DeSean Jackson a combined six times. While general manager Dave Gettleman is obsessed with finding as many "hog mollies" as possible, he'd should focus on addressing New York's secondary. Bradberry isn't a big name, but Gettleman drafted the cornerback in Carolina, and the second-round pick is just heading into his prime at 26 years old.New York Jets - Jason PetersAlmost every 2019 starter on the Jets' offensive line is free-agency eligible. The unit was a disaster on an offense that ranked second-last in rushing this past season, and it also finished the campaign allowing one of the league's highest sack rates. The Jets could do worse than adding a proven veteran at left tackle such as Jason Peters or Andrew Whitworth.Philadelphia Eagles - Justin SimmonsDustin Bradford / Getty Images Sport / GettyAnyone who observed the 2019 Eagles knows the team lacks depth at receiver and in the secondary. After Injuries drained both units, Philly overhauled its medical staff. Now a healthy DeSean Jackson will boost the Eagles' receiving corps in 2020, and adding a breakout star like Simmons would help at safety.Pittsburgh Steelers - Kyle Van NoyThe Steelers could address a couple of positions in free agency, but finding a bookend opposite star pass-rusher T.J. Watt would be a prudent move. Bud Dupree could leave the team as a free agent, and a veteran like Van Noy - who recorded nine sacks in 2019 - would be a solid replacement.San Francisco 49ers - Ha Ha Clinton-DixGeneral manager John Lynch said the Niners won't be going on a shopping spree this offseason, and he may instead target one or two difference-makers. Many of the club's best options are its own free agents. But if San Francisco fails to re-sign safety Jimmie Ward, a younger, cheaper option exists in Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.Seattle Seahawks - Bryan BulagaAny offensive line help is necessary. Russell Wilson needs protection and time to throw. Bulaga is one of the best right tackles available, and the 10-year veteran remains among the most reliable players at his position.Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Teddy BridgewaterAfter five roller-coaster seasons of Jameis Winston, the Bucs could use Bridgewater's steady hand. He's not necessarily a perfect match for Bruce Arians' "No risk it, no biscuit" offense, but Bridgewater is a proven winner and less turnover prone. Over five starts as Drew Brees' injury replacement in 2019, Bridgewater led the Saints to a 5-0 record while throwing nine touchdown passes against two interceptions, and not losing a fumble. Those numbers would be a welcomed sight in Tampa.Tennessee Titans - Yannick NgakoueIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyStealing a division rival's best player while also improving a glaring weakness is the biggest slam-dunk move a team can hope for during free agency. The Titans trotted out a solid defense in 2019, even with only one legitimate edge rusher in Harold Landry, whose nine sacks were four more than the next Tennessee player. Adding Ngakoue would push the unit to another level.Washington Redskins - Austin HooperTight end is Washington's most talent-poor position on offense following the retirement of Vernon Davis. Luckily, one of the league's best young tight ends is set to be available. Hooper caught 75 passes for 787 yards and six touchdowns (all career highs) in 2019 with the Falcons, and he would become a much-needed security blanket for Dwayne Haskins right away.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Cardinals won't release running back David Johnson after a disappointing 2019 campaign that saw him rush for 345 yards and two touchdowns."Cutting him is not an option," general manager Steve Keim said Friday in an appearance on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.Johnson has two seasons remaining on the three-year, $39-million extension he inked in September 2018. Releasing him would cost the Cardinals $16.2 million in dead cap, though a trade would result in a more manageable cap fee of $6 million.Johnson rushed for 1,239 yards with 16 touchdowns and caught 80 passes for 879 yards and four touchdowns during his breakout 2016 season, but he hasn't come close to replicating that production since. He played only one game in 2017 due to injury and averaged 3.6 and 3.7 yards per carry in 2018 and 2019, respectively.The 28-year-old lost his featured role once Arizona acquired Kenyan Drake from the Miami Dolphins last season. Drake averaged 5.2 yards per carry in eight outings with the Cardinals but is a free agent.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With a head start on free agency, Greg Olsen isn't short on teams interested in his services.The former Carolina Panthers tight end is in contract negotiations with the Buffalo Bills, Washington Redskins, and Seattle Seahawks after completing visits with all three clubs, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Olsen struggled with injuries during his final three campaigns in Carolina, missing a combined 18 contests. Prior to that, however, he didn't miss a single regular-season game for nine years.When healthy, the 34-year-old has been one of the NFL's most productive tight ends. He racked up three straight 1,000-yard seasons from 2014 to 2016, earning a Pro Bowl nod in each campaign.Olsen's former head coach with the Panthers, Ron Rivera, is now in charge of the Redskins, who have an opening at tight end following Vernon Davis' recent retirement. The oft-injured Jordan Reed could also be a cap casualty for Washington.The Bills, too, could use an additional tight end, as their depth chart is made up of journeyman Tyler Kroft and second-year players Dawson Knox and Tommy Sweeney.Meanwhile, the Seahawks lost their two top tight ends, Will Dissly and Ed Dickson, to season-ending injuries last year. Dissly is facing a long recovery from a torn Achilles.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Myles Garrett continues to insist Mason Rudolph used a racial slur toward him prior to November's infamous Thursday Night Football brawl between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns."He called me the N-word," Garrett said during his first public interview since the incident with ESPN's Mina Kimes. "He called me a 'stupid N-word.'"

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians knows what his team's priority will be when free agency comes."To me, it's the whole defense," he said Thursday, according to ESPN's Jenna Laine. "You can't get 'em all, but ... those young guys grew. We can't let that go. I don't care who's my quarterback. We've gotta have a defense."One of the Buccaneers' main tasks is to re-sign outside linebacker Shaq Barrett. Playing under a one-year, $4-million contract in his first season in Tampa Bay, Barrett led the NFL with 19.5 sacks.Further, Jason Pierre-Paul, Ndamukong Suh, Carl Nassib, and Beau Allen are all set to become free agents on defense.Pierre-Paul, Suh, and Nassib combined for 17 sacks in 2019.The NFC South club has also yet to decide who its starting quarterback will be in 2020, as Jameis Winston is scheduled to hit the open market, too.Winston, who became the first quarterback ever to throw 30 touchdowns with 30 interceptions during the regular season, has been Tampa Bay's starter in its past five campaigns.Arians has said his team can "definitely" win without the former first overall pick, who's posted a 28-42 record since 2015.Teams have until March 10 to place the franchise or transition tag on a player. They then have a three-day legal free-agent tampering period from March 16-18 before free agency kicks off."You're just sitting there waiting to see is there someone available? ... Is he a better option?" Arians said."And then, that's the problem, you get about three days to decide. The legal tampering period. Is somebody going to get let go? What's the trade values? It's really monotonous right now because you don’t have any answers."Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.