The Denver Broncos hired former Stanford coach David Shaw as a senior personnel executive, the team announced Thursday.Shaw, who interviewed for Denver's head coaching job in 2023, worked alongside Broncos coach Sean Payton with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1997.The 51-year-old has drawn strong interest around the NFL since stepping down as Stanford coach in November 2022, according to Mike Klis of 9News. He interviewed for head coaching positions with the Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Chargers this offseason.Shaw owns the record for most wins in Cardinal history after producing a 96-54 record across 12 seasons. He led Stanford to three Pac-12 titles and Rose Bowl appearances.Before joining Stanford, Shaw compiled an extensive resume as an assistant coach in the NFL.He left the Eagles to join the then-Oakland Raiders for three seasons, first acting as an offensive quality control coach before being promoted to quarterbacks coach. Shaw then spent four years with the Baltimore Ravens and one season with the then-San Diego Chargers in various roles.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen is impressed by what he's seen from second-year quarterback Bryce Young this year."It's been an awesome offseason," Thielen recently said on the "Rich Eisen Show." "Not only him, just a lot of the young guys, a lot of the staff. ... You can tell, Bryce's demeanor in the building, he's just more confident."Young entered the NFL surrounded by high expectations as the 2023 No. 1 overall pick but failed to live up to the hype. The former Heisman Trophy winner finished his rookie season with 11 passing touchdowns against 10 interceptions while completing just 59.8% of his pass attempts. He went 2-14 as a starter and suffered 11 fumbles.Thielen said that a full offseason with the Panthers in 2024 has really helped Young, who's been introduced to a new offensive system designed by first-year head coach Dave Canales."Now he's there," Thielen said. "Now we're getting routes on air, we're around each other, we're in the locker room together. ... It's been a really cool offseason to see how he's just come back with, 'OK, I've got urgency, I've got confidence.'"The 33-year-old Thielen joined Carolina last year and led the team with 103 catches and 1,014 yards. He also scored four touchdowns.The two-time Pro Bowler said in March 2023 that Carolina had a "real" chance of winning the Super Bowl last season."Things are always great this time of the year, right?" Thielen said. "There's no wins, no losses. There's no adversity. It's all good right now. Every single team thinks that they can go to the playoffs and have a chance to win the Super Bowl. ... But we're in a good place."The Panthers last reached the postseason during the 2017 campaign.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has no issue with the typo on the team's Super Bowl LVIII championship ring.The ring, which was unveiled Thursday night, lists the Chiefs' wild-card round opponent, the Miami Dolphins, as being the seventh playoff seed when they were actually the sixth."I don't give a shit," Kelce said on Wednesday's episode of his "New Heights" podcast when asked if the Chiefs plan to fix the typo. "No, I like that we didn't give a f--k about what seed Miami was in. F--k it. Yeah, they were the seventh. Who cares?"They could've done no seeds on the side of them, I would've been fine. I think it makes it more unique, like, 'Oh yeah, and we made it really detailed and oops, we screwed up.' It just makes it more exclusive, like we screwed up about something that means nothing."

Attending the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay may not come cheap for fans - especially those wanting to stay near Lambeau Field.Nearly every hotel in the Green Bay area is already booked for the three-day event, and prices are skyrocketing on short-term rental websites like Airbnb and VRBO, according to Jeff Bollier of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. There are currently fewer than 50 listings on Airbnb charging less than $1,000 per night during the draft.One three-bedroom house located across from Lambeau Field on Lombardi Avenue is listed on Airbnb for nearly $17,900 per night, which would work out to a total of $142,875 including service fees for a weeklong stay, plus taxes.Next year's draft will be held inside and around Lambeau Field and Titletown campus from April 24-26, 2025, marking the first time Green Bay has hosted the event. The NFL expects the draft to attract around 250,000 attendees and generate an economic impact of $94 million across Wisconsin.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle says it "sucks" to lose two Super Bowls in five years but that he's ready to "push the rock up the mountain again.""I had my time of being super sad and stuff like that. But let's start working out again. Hit it again. Hey, it's fun. I'm on a good team still. We have another opportunity," Kittle said on the "Bussin' with the Boys" podcast."My quarterback is pretty good. We still have Nick Bosa and Fred (Warner) on the other side. We're going to be a good team again. Let's just continue to play well and stay as healthy as we can and get back to the playoffs."The Niners lost Super Bowl LVIII in overtime to the Kansas City Chiefs after posting a 12-5 regular-season record and making it to their third straight NFC title game. San Francisco also played for the Lombardi Trophy during the 2019 campaign but fell to the Chiefs.Kittle wouldn't say which Super Bowl loss hurt more but added that "both suck in their own way."The All-Pro tight end also revealed he had to address issues with his ribs, shoulder, and toes during the offseason and underwent core muscle surgery. Despite a laundry list of ailments, Kittle said he's "almost back to 100%."Kittle continued to be among the top tight ends in 2023, recording 65 receptions for 1,020 yards and six touchdowns to earn his career's fifth Pro Bowl nod.Fans will be able to follow Kittle's productive season and see behind-the-scenes footage of him and teammate Deebo Samuel in the upcoming Netflix series "Receiver."Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Welcome to theScore Fantasy Football Podcast, hosted by Justin Boone.Find the show on Spotify, Apple, and Google.In this episode, Boone goes over the most important takeaways from recent minicamps around the league.

New Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler addressed his departure from the Chargers, saying he didn't expect to be a good fit with Los Angeles under the team's new offensive system."You can kind of see how they've been building the team so far this offseason," Ekeler recently said on "Up & Adams." "Went out and drafted a tackle first round, brought in some bigger backs over from Baltimore. It's like, hey, they want a guy they can hand the ball off to 300 times a year. And, look, I haven't had that capacity to do that. That's not my game. That's not how Austin Ekeler's gonna be the best on the field."There was the misalignment there, which no harm, no foul. I'm going to go find somewhere else where Austin can be the best version of myself out there," added Ekeler, who signed a two-year, $8.3-million deal with Washington in March.Ekeler played his first seven NFL seasons with the Chargers. Once one of the league's most efficient pass-catching running backs, the former undrafted free agent led the NFL in scrimmage touchdowns in 2021 and 2022, scoring 38 TDs in that span. But he's coming off a relatively down year after averaging only 3.5 yards per carry and posting six scores in 14 games in 2023.The 29-year-old topped 300 touches in a season only once in his career, posting 311 - 204 carries and 107 receptions - in 2022. Ekeler has never recorded more than 206 rushing attempts in a single campaign.Ekeler registered at least 1,000 scrimmage yards four times with Los Angeles and scored 69 total touchdowns in 103 appearances.The Chargers kicked off a new era in 2024 by hiring head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz. Harbaugh brought in several new assistants to his coaching staff, including former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman.Roman helped quarterback Lamar Jackson win an MVP award in Baltimore and is known for his run-heavy schemes. Los Angeles also signed former Ravens running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, who both played with Roman in the past. The club also bolstered its offensive line in the draft, selecting offensive tackle Joe Alt fifth overall.The Chargers roster one of football's most skilled quarterbacks in Justin Herbert, and Roman said in February that he expects to give the star passer a "great" running game. Los Angeles has ranked outside the league's top 10 for rushing yards in 16 straight seasons.In addition to Ekeler, the Commanders' running back depth chart features Brian Robinson and Chris Rodriguez Jr., among others.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Things are not looking good for the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.Aiyuk shared a video Monday on TikTok where he tells Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, "They said they don't want me back."

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay is in a much happier state after feeling "exposed" following the 2022 season.The 38-year-old guided the Rams to a win in Super Bowl LVI over the Cincinnati Bengals and appeared to be in top form. Yet he contemplated walking away from the game following an injury-plagued 2022 campaign where L.A. posted a 5-12 mark for the first losing season of McVay's tenure."In the midst of so many good things going on here, I lost my way a little bit, and 2022 really exposed me," McVay said on the "Green Light with Chris Long" podcast. "The results weren't what we wanted. But I was exposed in terms of my shortcomings, some of my insecurities, and I had to really address that. And by no means am I perfect. But I'm a lot better off from that 2022 season where I'm like, 'You're actually thinking about not coaching anymore, what the hell is wrong with you.'"He added, "Last year reminded me of why I love this shit so much."The Rams were able to bounce back in 2023 as McVay remained on the sideline for his seventh season with the organization. He credited the roster's youthful energy and exuberance for helping reinvigorate his passion for coaching.Young stars such as Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams alongside veterans Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp helped the Rams post a 10-7 mark, winning seven of their final eight games to earn a playoff berth.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

"Hard Knocks" will chronicle an entire division for the first time when it features all four teams from the AFC North, HBO and NFL Films announced Monday.The popular documentary franchise will follow the final six weeks of the regular season for the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers. "Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North" will go on to cover the division winner's playoff run and any wild-card teams."Last season the AFC North became the first division ever to have all four teams finish with a winning record, making it the perfect place to launch this new approach to 'Hard Knocks,'" NFL Films vice president Keith Cossrow said in statement. "We thank the Bengals, Browns, Ravens, and Steelers for the opportunity to showcase some of the greatest rivalries in football and present the intensity of a playoff chase from all four corners of this incredibly competitive division."The Ravens were the first team featured on the original "Hard Knocks" training camp series in 2001. The Bengals were featured in both the 2009 and 2013 editions, while the Browns took the spotlight in the 2018 edition. The 2024 in-season edition marks the Steelers' debut appearance in the series.The documentary franchise has expanded from following a single NFL team during training camp to highlighting clubs in the offseason and into the playoffs. HBO recently announced it would chronicle the New York Giants' offseason and will follow that up with its traditional training camp edition following the Chicago Bears.The first episode of "Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North" is set to debut Dec. 3.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cameron Heyward only wants to play for one NFL team: the Pittsburgh Steelers.The veteran defensive lineman posted Sunday on X that his goal is to finish his career with the Steelers.

The Seattle Seahawks plan to make wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba more of a focus in his second year."He's a guy that we can focus our offense around, along with other guys," head coach Mike Macdonald said earlier this week, according to ESPN's Brady Henderson. "Tyler Lockett is still a great player. DK Metcalf, phenomenal player. The runners, Noah Fant. But he's definitely going to be a massive piece of what we're trying to do offensively."Despite fracturing his left wrist in his second preseason game last year, Smith-Njigba suited up for the team's season opener after surgery. The former Ohio State star finished the season third on the team with 63 receptions for 628 yards and four touchdowns.Sharing the field with an impressive receiving corps that includes Metcalf and Lockett, Smith-Njigba appears to have won over the Seahawks' coaching staff."JSN's a great player, and (we're) expecting big things out of him," Macdonald said. "He's had a great offseason, works his tail off. His practice habits are awesome. Moving ability is pretty elite. I think we got a really cool plan for him."The 22-year-old Smith-Njigba was one of four receivers selected in the first round of the 2023 draft.The Texas native said he likes the challenge of lining up as an outside receiver and facing one-on-one coverage. It's unclear how new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb - who helped Washington reach the CFP Championship Game last season - will deploy Smith-Njigba.Smith-Njigba said there's plenty of room for growth ahead of his sophomore season."I felt like it was a good foundation," Smith-Njigba said. "I can grow from it. A lot of growing pains, a lot of ups and downs, but kind of similar from first years of college and in high school. Kind of the same thing."Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Welcome to theScore Fantasy Football Podcast, hosted by Justin Boone.Find the show on Spotify, Apple, and Google.In this episode, Boone goes over the most important takeaways from recent minicamps around the league.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is signing his franchise tender Saturday and is expected to report to training camp, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN.A long-term deal can still be reached but is considered a long shot, according to Schefter.The tag is a fully guaranteed one-year, $21.8-million contract. Higgins is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2025.Cincinnati placed the tag on Higgins in February. The 25-year-old requested a trade a few weeks later but said in April that he expects to remain with the Bengals for the 2024 season.Higgins was reportedly eyeing a similar deal to Indianapolis Colts wideout Michael Pittman's three-year, $70-million contract signed this offseason. However, the Bengals reportedly never reached the $20-million per year mark, and negotiations faltered.Many high-profile wideouts got paid this offseason. Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson inked a four-year, $140-million deal in early June, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. Other wide receivers who signed lucrative extensions include A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, and Amon-Ra St. Brown.The Bengals drafted Higgins in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He has 257 catches for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns in 58 career games.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The modern-day NFL is a year-round sport with a 24-hour news cycle. Teams and their star players are under the microscope after the Super Bowl ends and remain there right through to the next season's kickoff.Here, we'll buy () or call B.S. () on the most interesting offseason storylines.Aaron Rodgers isn't fully committed to JetsRodgers might be the NFL's most unpredictable player, but being a potential vice-presidential candidate was wild even for him and proves we're all living in a simulation. The quarterback drew further questions about his commitment when he was an unexcused no-show for the start of mandatory minicamp Tuesday, with head coach Robert Saleh saying the quarterback instead chose to attend "a very important" but unspecified event.Unsurprisingly, the New York media flamed Rodgers, with some calling the quarterback a hypocrite for saying in January that "the bullshit that has nothing to do with winning has to get out of the building." Rodgers hasn't been shy about his disdain for the media, so it was always going to get ugly in a market like New York, but it's concerning that it's begun before the team has even played.Of course, three days of workouts won't make or break New York's season. But Rodgers recently acknowledged that everyone could be gone if this year doesn't go well. The quarterback is 40 years old and coming off a serious Achilles injury; he can't be Superman for his team anymore. The Jets need every advantage possible if they're to challenge for a Super Bowl, and it seems Rodgers might not be willing to give them everything he's got.Verdict:Drew Lock has chance to usurp Daniel Jones Luke Hales / Getty Images Sport / GettyJones enters the Giants' offseason program with his position as QB1 intact, but it wasn't for a lack of trying on New York's part. The NFC East club was heavily rumored to be eyeing a quarterback in the draft and was most prominently linked to Drake Maye, who ultimately was never in play as the New England Patriots stood pat to take him at No. 3.Jones' main competition will instead be Lock, who joined New York after a year with the Seattle Seahawks backing up Geno Smith. And Lock, who looked solid in two starts while Smith was sidelined, has a "really good shot" at winning the starting job, per NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah. It would've been unthinkable for Jones to be vulnerable a year ago when he signed a four-year, $160-million contract. But Jones is coming off a torn ACL suffered in early November and played poorly before the injury. He believes he'll be ready for Week 1, but even if he is, he won't be functioning at full capacity.Jones' legs have always been his biggest strength, but we've seen quarterbacks need a full year to look like themselves again as a runner after serious knee and ankle injuries. So while Lock earning the starting job for Week 1 might be a stretch, it's easy to see a struggling Giants team turning to him in hopes of a spark, especially with the team having a potential out in Jones' contract after 2024.Verdict:Najee Harris will be more explosive thanks to weight dropStop me if you've heard this one before: A running back heading into a contract year is in the best shape of his life. Harris is that player this offseason, with his trainer saying in May that the Pittsburgh Steelers standout is down from 242 pounds to 235 and is "motivated, to say the least," according to Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.It's no surprise that Harris is attempting some positive PR after the Steelers surprisingly declined his fifth-year option several weeks earlier. As a result, he will hit free agency after the 2024 campaign, and running backs often only have one real shot at landing a life-changing contract. The problem is Harris won't suddenly stop being one of the NFL's least explosive runners just because he's a few pounds lighter.The 26-year-old has produced three straight 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career, but he's averaged only 3.9 yards per carry, which ranks 50th among 63 running backs with 200-plus carries since 2021. And it's not about his situation either, as backup Jaylen Warren averaged 5.3 yards per carry last season. Harris should continue to be a solid player in 2024, but anyone expecting a dramatic performance jump will likely be disappointed.Verdict:Dak Prescott could be in final season with Cowboys Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrescott is coming off a career season, so it should've been a simple decision to extend his contract ahead of its final year. But Prescott and Dallas are once again in a contract standoff. During the 2020 offseason, the Cowboys were forced to use the franchise tag when they failed to agree to a deal with the quarterback after the conclusion of his rookie contract. With all the leverage the following year, Prescott landed a four-year, $160-million deal, which made him the NFL's second-highest-paid quarterback and contained no-trade and no-tag clauses. Somehow, the NFC East club has learned zero lessons.The Cowboys have sat back and watched while Prescott's price got even higher thanks to Jared Goff's and Trevor Lawrence's new deals. It could continue to get worse for Dallas with Tua Tagovailoa and Jordan Love also in line for massive extensions. Prescott might not be a top-five quarterback, but he's more established and had a better individual campaign in 2023 than those four passers. Regardless of how you view Prescott's abilities, you can't deny that teams will line up if he hits free agency. A 35-year-old Kirk Cousins just got a four-year, $180-million deal with $100 million guaranteed despite coming off an Achilles injury.Moreover, because there's been no new deal, Prescott will carry a $54.46-million cap hit - the second highest in the league - in 2024. Even worse, if Prescott hits the open market and leaves next year, the Cowboys will still be on the hook for at least $40.46 million against the 2025 salary cap. Dallas has again backed itself into a corner, giving Prescott all the power. The Cowboys almost certainly want to keep the quarterback, but they likely won't want to reset the market, and Prescott has no reason to accept anything less. A divorce could be inevitable.Verdict:Patriots don't intend to start Maye in Week 1The Patriots have insisted they're in no rush to start Maye ahead of his rookie campaign. With a seasoned veteran in the building in Jacoby Brissett - who rejoined the club in free agency - New England can afford to give Maye the development time that some believed was necessary for him coming out of college. But the No. 3 pick received some unfair criticism during the pre-draft process and is a more polished prospect than he was given credit for.This has been evident in the offseason program, with Maye receiving praise for his work and progression across OTAs and minicamp. Brissett is running the first-team offense, but the rookie is trending toward at least making it a competition by the time training camp rolls around. If Maye and Brissett are relatively close in performance in August, a tie almost always goes to the rookie. Also working in Maye's favor is that owner Robert Kraft will likely want his new toy on display to entice fans after one of the worst seasons of his tenure.The Patriots don't have the kind of offensive infrastructure the Chicago Bears will provide Caleb Williams, but few rookie quarterbacks get that level of support. C.J. Stroud showed how quickly a first-year passer can help turn around a team's fortunes, and we'd bet on the Patriots ultimately deciding to take that risk.Verdict:Quentin Johnston primed for sophomore breakout Ric Tapia / Getty Images Sport / GettyNo player arguably had a more disappointing rookie season last year than Johnston, who was widely tipped to be an instant-impact weapon for the Los Angeles Chargers but instead finished 15th in receiving yards among first-year players with 431. With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams no longer in Los Angeles, Johnston has a clear path to redemption in 2024. But will he take it?The former first-round pick has received positive reviews during the offseason program from a new coaching staff led by Jim Harbaugh. While the Chargers should be better under Harbaugh, the coach's arrival isn't necessarily great news for Johnston. Harbaugh is a run-first coach and is expected to stick to that philosophy despite having Justin Herbert. Johnston doesn't have much competition for targets, but he'll now have little margin for error in the Chargers' new system.We've already seen Johnston without Allen and Williams, and the results weren't pretty. Williams was lost for the year in Week 3 but Johnston barely saw an increase in his workload. When Allen joined Williams on the sidelines for the final four games, Johnston put up a total of just nine catches for 98 yards and one touchdown. In today's NFL, great receivers explode into the league immediately. Johnston might not be as bad as his rookie year suggests, but reaching star status is a long shot.Verdict:Anthony Richardson set for another injury-riddled yearNo fan base deals with more quarterback injury PTSD than the Colts. Richardson going down with a season-ending shoulder injury early in his rookie season, when his impressive play was helping to heal the wounds left by Andrew Luck's sudden retirement, likely brought on Vietnam-style flashbacks for people in Indianapolis. Those fears were stoked once more when Richardson sat out the final minicamp session due to soreness in his surgically repaired throwing arm.But everyone needs to take a long, deep breath. It's June, not late August. Richardson said he expected to feel sore at some point, and in fact, he was surprised he'd gotten this far into the offseason program before needing to take a break. Head coach Shane Steichen reiterated that there's nothing to be concerned about regarding the quarterback's rehab process.If this were anyone other than Richardson, it'd barely be news. But alarm bells were inevitable given the Luck factor and Richardson already being labeled as injury-prone after also suffering a concussion and an ankle ailment in 2023. But Richardson took the smart option by undergoing surgery to give himself the best long-term outlook, and he'll begin reaping the benefits this season.Verdict:Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cameron Heyward has made peace with the idea of playing for a team that isn't the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025."I have talked to my wife, and we know the reality, and we have had those talks, and she said it could be fun to play somewhere else," Heyward told The Athletic's Mark Kaboly. "If that is what is needed to be done, then so be it."But I am still enjoying the ride here this year."Heyward, who missed a portion of OTAs in a contract standoff, is entering the final year of his deal with the Steelers. The 35-year-old said last week that he hoped to be a "one-helmet guy."He also mentioned that he does plan to continue playing in 2025.The veteran defensive lineman has been a member of the Steelers for his entire NFL career. The 2011 first-round pick has developed into a defensive leader and captain for Mike Tomlin's team.However, he's coming off a 2023 campaign which limited him to just 11 games due to a groin injury. He registered only two sacks last season, his lowest since 2012.Heyward signed a four-year, $65.6-million extension with Pittsburgh in 2020. His base salary in 2024 is slated to be $16 million, per Spotrac.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke is optimistic about the team's future after finalizing a long-term deal with quarterback Trevor Lawrence."With this five-year extension, the vision we had when we selected Trevor first overall in 2021 has become a reality," Baalke said in a statement Friday. "Our objectives have always been aligned. As an organization, we have consistently messaged the importance of extending our core players, and Trevor is a foundational talent that we will continue to build around in our quest for a championship."Lawrence's new five-year deal is reportedly worth $275 million. With a $55-million average annual salary, the Jaguars star ties Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow as the highest-paid player in NFL history.Lawrence will also apparently earn $200 million in guaranteed money."I am beyond grateful to be able to continue my career in Jacksonville," Lawrence said. "My family and I love this city - it has become home to us, and this solidifies that even more. We can't thank (team owner Shahid Khan) and everyone involved for their belief in me."He added: "I know that the best is yet to come, and this is only the beginning. The drive to bring a championship to Duval is bigger than ever. Let's get it done."Team owner Shad Khan credited Lawrence and Baalke for their determination to iron out an extension."To get it done comfortably and amicably ahead of training camp, as with the long-term agreement we reached in April with Josh Allen, is a further statement that the Jacksonville Jaguars are committed to winning now and for many seasons to come," Khan said in a statement.The No. 1 pick in 2021, Lawrence entered the NFL as one of the best prospects in recent memory. However, the Clemson product has lacked consistency since entering the league, posting a 20-30 record as a starter.The 24-year-old threw a league-high 17 interceptions and struggled as a rookie on an underachieving Jaguars team coached by Urban Meyer. Lawrence improved significantly in Year 2 to lead Jacksonville to a divisional-round appearance but couldn't replicate that success last season.Lawrence finished 2023 with 4,016 yards and 21 touchdowns against 14 interceptions, down from a 4,113-25-8 stat line in 2022. His pass completion percentage rate also dropped from 66.3% to 65.6%.The Jaguars - who have made the playoffs just once since the 2018 season - bolstered Lawrence's supporting cast this offseason, signing wide receiver Gabe Davis and using a first-round pick on wideout Brian Thomas Jr.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Jacksonville Jaguars signed quarterback Trevor Lawrence to a five-year extension, the team announced Friday.Lawrence will earn $275 million as part of the deal, which also includes $200 million guaranteed, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. His $55-million average annual value ties Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow for the most in NFL history, per Over the Cap.Lawrence played in 16 games last season, throwing for 4,016 yards and 21 touchdowns against 14 picks. He also ran for 339 yards and four more scores.The 24-year-old's best season came in 2022 when he started all 17 games and led the Jaguars to a playoff win over the Los Angeles Chargers. He made the Pro Bowl on the back of 4,113 yards, 25 touchdowns, and eight interceptions that year, all career bests.Jacksonville owns a 20-30 record with Lawrence as its starter, including an 8-8 mark in 2023. Both the team and the Clemson product struggled as a rookie under then-head coach Urban Meyer, but the club has since posted consecutive winning seasons.Lawrence joins Detroit Lions signal-caller Jared Goff in signing massive extensions this offseason. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Miami Dolphins passer Tua Tagovailoa, and Green Bay Packers starter Jordan Love are among the quarterbacks in line to sign new deals with their respective teams.Lawrence has thrown for 11,770 yards, 58 touchdowns, and 39 interceptions since he was selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Miami Dolphins are expected to sign free-agent defensive end Calais Campbell, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.Campbell, who'll be 38 when the season kicks off, enjoyed a 6.5-sack campaign with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023.The Dolphins will be Campbell's fifth NFL team - he also played for the Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Arizona Cardinals.He'll look to bolster a Dolphins defensive line that lost former first-round selection Christian Wilkins in free agency.The signing will also see Campbell return to the state where he played college football. The defensive lineman was a Miami product before entering the NFL as a second-round pick in 2008.Campbell has made six Pro Bowls and tallied 105.5 sacks.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Welcome to theScore Fantasy Football Podcast, hosted by Justin Boone.Find the show on Spotify, Apple, and Google.In this episode, Boone goes over the most important takeaways from recent minicamps around the league.

Quarterback Justin Herbert said it was an "honor" to participate in his first minicamp under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, according to ESPN's Kris Rhim."He's done such a great job taking this team and getting them to where he wants them to go," Herbert said. "He's won wherever he's at. He's a guy that everyone wants to follow and play for."Herbert praised Harbaugh's hands-on approach, saying it sets the standard for undrafted players and rookies. The 60-year-old coach has done pushups with linebackers, demonstrated dropbacks with a rookie QB, and lifted weights with the team."It's a cool experience to be able to share that with your head coach," Herbert said.Herbert's comments come after Harbaugh praised the former Pro Bowl passer's athleticism earlier this week. Harbaugh said that 6-foot-6, 236-pound quarterback could line up at tight end or pass-rusher after the team's conditioning test. Harbaugh admitted that Herbert was more impressive to watch in person than on film."I knew he was really good, but you're right up next to him watching where you can feel the way the ball comes out of his hand. When it comes out, it's going a lot faster than you think, than it looks on tape," Harbaugh said Tuesday, per NFL.com's Grant Gordon.After leading Michigan to a College Football Playoff Championship last season, Harbaugh is tasked with improving a Chargers team that posted a 5-12 mark last season. Seven of L.A.'s losses came by one score.The Chargers have worn game jerseys and helmets during their practice session this week as Harbaugh implements a new culture throughout the organization.Veteran pass-rusher Khalil Mack said Harbaugh's unique approach to practices will help the team be better prepared for games."He just shifted the mindset by putting us in those same situations that we're going to be in games," Mack said, per Rhim.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL docked the Atlanta Falcons a 2025 fifth-round pick for violating the league's anti-tampering policy with quarterback Kirk Cousins, receiver Darnell Mooney, and tight end Charlie Woerner, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.Atlanta also has to pay a $250,000 fine, and general manager Terry Fontenot received a $50,000 fine.The violations are considered logistical and administrative, such as making travel arrangements after players agreed to terms, sources told Pelissero. The league said Atlanta's violations took place during the two-day negotiating window just before free agency officially started in March, notes Pelissero."We're pleased this review is complete," the Falcons said in a statement Thursday. "We cooperated fully with the league and its review and appreciate the NFL's thoroughness. As we do with every process, we will review how we operate and look for ways to improve."The NFL also announced it won't discipline the Philadelphia Eagles following the league's investigation into the NFC East club's signing of former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley for potential tampering."The investigation did not discover sufficient evidence to support a finding that the anti-tampering policy was violated," the NFL said in a statement, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "In coming to this conclusion, the league reviewed phone logs, text messages, and other documents related to Philadelphia's free agency strategy and decision to sign Barkley."The league investigated the Eagles and Falcons for weeks.Cousins helped spark the NFL's review by revealing during his introductory presser in March that he spoke with the Falcons' trainer and head of public relations a day before the start of free agency.Barkley also joined Philadelphia in March. Penn State head coach James Franklin - the tailback's former coach on the Nittany Lions - suggested that Eagles general manager Howie Roseman spoke directly to Barkley during the league's legal tampering period. Philly denied any wrongdoing at the time, as NFL teams aren't allowed to contact players directly in that period unless the player doesn't have an agent and represents himself."The NFL also interviewed several members of the organization, including Howie Roseman and (head coach) Nick Sirianni, as well as Barkley and Penn State head coach James Franklin," the NFL statement read. "As with every review, should new evidence be uncovered, the league may reopen the investigation."Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner believes the team is buying into head coach Jonathan Gannon's vision ahead of Year 2."Our message has been maximizing yourself on the field and off the field, trying to put the best product on the field that we've got," Conner said on the "Rich Eisen Show" on Wednesday. "We've got a talented team, so if guys can put their best product on the field, we'll be in good shape."Conner said Arizona had moved on from players who'd been prioritizing their own goals over the team's success."We cleansed the roster," Conner said. "Guys who weren't serious about football, guys who were not in it for the right reasons, guys who didn't put the team first - we were slowly weeding that stuff out. That's what it takes. We cleansed, and now we're ready to attack."Arizona posted a 4-13 record in Gannon's first year at the helm. The Cardinals built a reputation as a team that played hard despite a relative lack of talent across the roster.General manager Monti Ossenfort injected some talented pieces in free agency, including Zay Jones, Justin Jones, and Jonah Williams. The Cardinals also pieced together an impressive draft haul headlined by first-rounders Marvin Harrison Jr. and Darius Robinson."We just want people who love football," said Conner.The two-time Pro Bowler posted a career-high 1,040 yards to go along with seven touchdowns in 2023. Conner will play out the final year of a three-year, $21-million contract signed in 2022.The Pitt product has rushed for 2,574 yards and 29 scores while averaging 4.3 yards per carry in three seasons with the Cardinals.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With the Kansas City Chiefs adding speedsters Marquise Brown and Xavier Worthy this offseason, head coach Andy Reid wants to make sure quarterback Patrick Mahomes pushes the ball down the field more often in 2024."If I don't, he throws little jabs at me like, 'Oh, you want to throw the check down here?'" Mahomes said Thursday, according to ESPN's Adam Teicher. "I'm like, 'I got you, coach, we're going to push it.' It has been fun."Mahomes boasts one of the NFL's strongest arms and orchestrated an explosive Chiefs offense when he took over as the starter in 2018. However, defenses have resorted to more two-high safety coverages in recent seasons to limit the deep passes.Mahomes finished 2023 with an average depth of target of 6.8 yards, the lowest mark of his career, according to PFF. He posted an average depth of target of 9.5 yards in 2018.The two-time NFL MVP also threw a career-high 14 interceptions last season. But the 28-year-old said he has improved his ability to get over mistakes."This is probably the most comfortable I think I've felt of just being able to not let something affect me," Mahomes said. "When you go up against (Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo in practice), you're not going to be right 100% of the time, and there's been times where I've lost on blitzes and Spags gets me with the new pressure that he's working on and I think it's just being able to get the ball out of my hand, get it to the check down, or wherever that is and then live to play another play."Despite the adjustments from opposing defenses, Mahomes and Co. have been able to adapt and create the NFL's newest dynasty.The Chiefs' offense suffered from drops in 2023, but Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice stepped up in the playoffs en route to a third Super Bowl in the last five seasons. Kansas City added to its wide receiver position in 2024 by signing Brown to a one-year contract and using its first-round pick on Worthy.Reid's outfit enters the 2024 season trying to become the first-ever NFL team to win three consecutive Super Bowls.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara left Thursday's final minicamp practice early due to contract issues, his agent Brad Cicala told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Kamara and the Saints have been in talks for an extension but haven't made progress, Nick Underhill of neworleans.football reports.The running back has two years left on his contract, but a $25-million salary in 2025 was structured to force a redo of his deal, according to Mike Triplett of ESPN.Saints head coach Dennis Allen said after practice that Kamara was present for the walkthrough part of the session before exiting. He added that he hadn't spoken to Kamara to find out why he was absent.Kamara is currently the NFL's second-highest paid running back with an average salary of $15 million. San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey pushed the top of the market even further with a recent two-year, $38-million extension.The 28-year-old produced a career-low 694 rushing yards and five touchdowns in 13 appearances last season. He added 75 catches for 466 receiving yards and one score.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton isn't listening to the naysayers as he prepares for his second season in the Mile High City.When asked Tuesday if he has a chip on his shoulder due to the discussions surrounding his coaching, Payton offered a blunt response to his critics."I think that I have two middle fingers," Payton said, according to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio. "I've gotten better with age not using them. I think it's more - and I would say this changed for me - it's more inward-focused relative to our own team and what we're doing. As you get older in this, you don't waste the calories on certain things that I might've back in 2006, '07, '08."The Broncos went 8-9 in their first season under Payton, failing to advance to the playoffs for the eighth straight year.Prior to joining Denver in 2023, Payton spent 15 seasons in New Orleans, where he posted a 152-89 regular-season record and led the Saints to their first Super Bowl championship.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New England Patriots officially retired the No. 12 jersey at Tom Brady's induction into the team's Hall of Fame on Wednesday.

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is dialing down the hype ahead of his debut season with the Washington Commanders."I ain't a star quarterback yet," Daniels said Wednesday. "I got a long way to go. I'm a rookie."Daniels added: "I just want to go out there and learn how to be a pro, and that's probably the biggest (learning) gap. ... Having a routine, the playbook, stuff like that, and I'm just trying to soak up as much knowledge as possible."Washington selected Daniels with the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The organization is optimistic that the 23-year-old can stabilize the quarterback position after several years of turmoil.Daniels' teammates have praised the quarterback's attitude ahead of his debut campaign."I don't think I've had a young quarterback that has come in and, within the first week, he's like, 'Hey, can we (practice) this route?' or 'Let me get this rep after practice,'" said receiver Terry McLaurin on Tuesday. "It's exciting for me because that opens the door (to communicate)."The Commanders haven't posted a winning record since 2016 and haven't won a playoff game since the 2005 season. New head coach Dan Quinn will be tasked with both turning the team's fortunes around following last season's 4-13 mark and helping Daniels evolve into the face of the franchise.Daniels said he doesn't feel any additional pressure despite the fan base's high expectations."I'm just out here doing my job. 'How can I help the team get better each and every day?' - that's what I'm focused on," Daniels said.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With the NFL draft behind us and most notable free agents signed, it's time to identify this season's fantasy breakout candidates.Anthony Richardson, Colts Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / GettyRichardson is one of the most obvious breakout candidates I've ever highlighted following a promising but injury-shortened rookie season.The 2023 fourth overall pick immediately put defenses on their heels thanks to his dual-threat prowess, posting rushing totals of 40, 35, and 56 yards in his first three games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5. Richardson also scored four touchdowns on the ground during that span.The sample size is dangerously small, but Richardson finished as a top-four fantasy quarterback in the only two games where he played the majority of the snaps. While we can't expect him to maintain that pace over an entire season, it's a sign of his ceiling.The Colts' front office has also done an excellent job surrounding its young quarterback with talent. Top wideout Michael Pittman Jr. is coming off a career year, second-rounder Adonai Mitchell will give Indy an explosive element downfield, and the trio of Jonathan Taylor, Josh Downs, and Jelani Woods enters the season healthy.Head coach and play-caller Shane Steichen has proven himself as an offensive mind who's willing to mold his system around his players. And the success he had with Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia bodes well for Richardson's development.Steichen's fondness for running a quick offense is another positive when considering Richardson's fantasy outlook. Indy led the league in neutral situation pace of play and no-huddle rate in 2023, according to FTN Fantasy. So if Richardson can stay off injured reserve, there'll be plenty of scoring opportunities in this attack.Though his ADP at the end of the fifth round is pricey, he has a legitimate path to being a top-five fantasy passer with an outside shot to challenge the likes of Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts for the top spot.2024 projection: 3,687 passing yards, 23 TDs, 10 INTs

Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones doesn't want to hear Travis Kelce talk about retirement.Kelce was asked about his career timeline Tuesday and responded that he plans to continue playing until the wheels come off. If it were up to Jones, the duo would spend at least four more years together."He's got like four or five more years and what is he talking about, right?" Jones said, according to ESPN's Adam Teicher. "We can't let (Kelce) go. It's like we retire, we've got to retire together. Give me at least six, four years, then we'll talk about it."Kelce, who will be 35 at the end of the 2024 season, added that he can't put a time frame on retiring. Jones believes thinking about hanging up the cleats is the wrong approach as he doesn't want to feed himself "those types of thoughts.""I don't even want my mind to even go that far to the R-word," Jones said.Jones, who will be 30 when the season begins, signed a five-year extension worth just over $158 million with the Chiefs this offseason.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell says that quarterback Sam Darnold has an edge over first-round pick J.J. McCarthy at this point of the offseason."We haven't had to put out a depth chart or anything like that, but I would say Sam would be the guy I would look to (to start)," O'Connell said Wednesday, according to NFL.com's Kevin Patra.The Vikings signed Darnold to a one-year deal in free agency after he spent the 2023 campaign with the San Francisco 49ers. He completed 60.9% of his passes for 287 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in limited playing time behind starter Brock Purdy."At the quarterback position, look, we're really excited about Sam," O'Connell said on Mad Dog Sports Radio. "I had a lot of the same feelings that you did about Sam coming out, really kept a close eye on him throughout his quarterback journey and not all quarterback journeys are the same."The New York Jets selected Darnold with the third overall pick in the 2018 draft. He's started 56 games across his career with the Jets, Carolina Panthers, and 49ers, throwing for 12,064 yards, 63 touchdowns, and 56 picks on 59.7% passing.McCarthy, meanwhile, was the 10th overall pick in April's draft after winning a College Football Playoff National Championship with Michigan.O'Connell said he knows it will be a "competitive environment" when McCarthy, Darnold, and Jaren Hall take the field for training camp reps in the coming months.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young wants to use his disappointing rookie season as motivation heading into the 2024 campaign."We all have a chip on our shoulder," Young said Wednesday.Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, finished Year 1 with only 11 touchdowns against 10 interceptions and a 59.8% completion rate across 16 games.With Young under center in 2023, the Panthers had the NFL's least productive offensive unit and missed the playoffs for a sixth straight year."We haven't really spent much time talking about last year," Young said. "We want to embody it and learn from it and grow from it, but for us - again - you've got new faces, new guys, new coaching staff. Really for us, it's not trying to see if we can be better than last year. It's about been the best version of who we are this year."Carolina hired first-year head coach Dave Canales this offseason in hopes that the former offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach will have the same success with Young as he had with Russell Wilson, Geno Smith, and Baker Mayfield."I'm super excited, super proud of how well, as an offense, we've adapted. It's been great working with the new staff," Young added.The Panthers also bolstered Young's supporting cast by trading for wide receiver Diontae Johnson and drafting first-round wideout Xavier Legette and second-round running back Jonathon Brooks, among other moves.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Derrick Henry has inflicted fear on NFL defenses over the last decade, but the new Baltimore Ravens star is looking forward to opponents worrying more about Lamar Jackson in 2024."It definitely brings a different aspect because he is a dual-threat quarterback, and he's dangerous with his legs just as he is with his arm," Henry said Tuesday, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. "It's going to be fun and a breath of fresh air not being the center of attention, knowing that eyes are going to be on him, as well. But I'm just excited to get to work and put the work in out here and let it all come together."The former Tennessee Titans standout, who joined Baltimore on a two-year deal in free agency, has twice led the NFL in rushing yards and is one of only eight running backs with a 2,000-yard campaign. Meanwhile, Jackson is coming off his second career MVP season and is the only quarterback ever to rush for 1,000-plus yards twice.While Henry is excited about receiving less attention from defenses, the Ravens will likely hope the addition of the four-time Pro Bowler can lessen Jackson's workload.The 27-year-old passer has led the Ravens in rushing yards in each of the past five seasons, an NFL record for a quarterback, with the club topping the league in run offense three times over the span. But Baltimore has only had one running back - Mark Ingram in 2019 - produce over 1,000 yards on the ground.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Christian McCaffrey isn't worried about the Madden curse.The San Francisco 49ers running back was announced as the Madden NFL 25 cover athlete Tuesday and, while some people are superstitious about the honor, McCaffrey isn't one of them."I'm not superstitious at all about it," McCaffrey told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. "I was so excited, man. This was such an honor ... When I first got the call, I was in shock. It's something that I just never thought would happen to me. I never thought that somebody would call and tell me I'm on the cover of Madden."So when I got the call, I wasn't thinking about any curse. I was just excited. I think that stuff is kinda myth and, you know, whatever happens, happens. But I'm excited to be on the cover."There's a belief that the player chosen for the Madden cover is destined to experience a decline in production or a serious injury, though recent history suggests that the so-called curse may be a thing of the past.McCaffrey led the NFL in rushing yards (1,459), yards from scrimmage (2,023), and total touchdowns (21) last season en route to winning Offensive Player of the Year.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Despite playing at football's highest level, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson believes it's easier to do his job in the NFL than in the NCAA."Playing in the NFL, I feel like, is easier than in college," Richardson said during an appearance on the "Club 520 podcast." "In college, you got players that are good, they know they're good, but they're not as confident. They've got to rely on other players to do this for them and to do that. But in the league, everybody is trying to work to stay in the league and try to keep their job."He added: "That just let me know, I ain't got to do too much. I'm going to do my job, and he's going to do his job, and it's going to work."Richardson admitted that he threw three interceptions in his first practice with his veteran teammates, but that he quickly made the transition to the pro level soon after.The 2023 fourth overall selection flashed superstar potential during his rookie campaign. He passed for 577 yards and three touchdowns, and ran for 136 yards and four scores, while leading Indianapolis to a 2-2 record as a starter. However, the Florida product missed 13 four games last year, including 12 with a Grade 3 AC joint injury.The Colts have been cautious with Richardson and his surgically repaired right shoulder this offseason. Head coach Shane Steichen said the team opted to rest the signal-caller, who was cleared to resume throwing in February, during the team's final practice session last week after he was a full participant in OTAs.Richardson will enter his sophomore season with a receiving corps featuring 2024 second-rounder Adonai Mitchell, Michael Pittman Jr., and Josh Downs. Jonathan Taylor will star out of the backfield.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters Tuesday that he expects quarterback Matthew Stafford to report for the start of training camp in late July, according to ESPN's Sarah Barshop.In April, McVay confirmed a report that the Pro Bowl quarterback requested more guaranteed money on his contract. However, the coach has since said he wants to keep those discussions "in-house."Stafford, 36, has three years remaining on a four-year, $160-million extension he signed in 2022. He has $31 million guaranteed for the 2024 season but no guaranteed money in the final two years, per Over the Cap.Despite Stafford's request, the star passer has joined the team for both voluntary OTAs and minicamp."I couldn't be more impressed with the way he's handled it, the way that he's led," McVay said. "(He's) been here every single day doing his thing, and that sure means a lot to me."After playing just nine games in 2022 due to a spinal cord contusion and a stint in the league's concussion protocol, Stafford threw for 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions with a 92.5 passer rating in 15 contests last season.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Quarterback Russell Wilson said he feels revitalized ahead of his 13th NFL season and first year with the Pittsburgh Steelers."I feel the fountain of youth," Wilson said Tuesday, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "I feel revived in every way: mentally, emotionally, spiritually. I feel confident. I think at some point, you have to know who you are as a player, as a man, as a competitor."He added: "I felt really good last year playing. I felt really confident in the midst of everything. And so I think right now I have all that confidence times 10."Wilson signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh following two uneven campaigns with the Denver Broncos. The quarterback signed a five-year, $242.5-million contract extension in 2022 but was benched down the stretch of the 2023 season and ultimately released in March.Wilson passed for a career-low 16 touchdowns compared to 11 interceptions in 2022. He bounced back last year to pass for 3,070 yards, 26 TDs, and eight interceptions, with a 66.4% completion rate.Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said Wilson is in "pole position" to be the Steelers' starting quarterback ahead of former first-round passer Justin Fields."It's a competition. Obviously, we get to (training camp), I'm sure things will heat up, but both those guys knew that," Smith said.Fields is also a new addition to the Steelers' new-look QB room. The team traded Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles, released Mitch Trubisky, and didn't re-sign Mason Rudolph this offseason.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Star cornerback Marshon Lattimore remains committed to the New Orleans Saints following months of speculation about a potential trade."I've got to be here, I've got to be present," Lattimore said at the team's mandatory minicamp Tuesday, according to ESPN's Katherine Terrell. "I'm not thinking about whether I'm going to get traded or nothing like that. I don't really care, to be honest."Lattimore and star running back Alvin Kamara made their first appearances at the Saints' facility this offseason Tuesday."Lattimore has never missed a mandatory (minicamp). ... So I kind of expected he would be here," head coach Dennis Allen said.Lattimore said he didn't request a trade after last season, adding that the two sides had to deal with "a personal situation." The Saints restructured the four-time Pro Bowler's contract two weeks prior to the offseason.Speculation regarding his status with the team intensified after the Saints selected cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry in the second round of the draft. General manager Mickey Loomis also said during a predraft conference that everyone is tradable.The Saints selected Lattimore 11th overall in the 2017 draft. He tallied 52 tackles, 18 passes defended, and fives interceptions en route to being named Defensive Rookie of the Year.Lattimore has missed 17 games over the past two seasons; he sustained a lacerated kidney in 2022 and suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 10 last year.Despite being linked to trade rumors throughout the offseason, Lattimore doesn't hold any ill will toward the organization and said he wants to prove he's the No. 1 cornerback in the league."I've been hurt for two years, so I understand that people probably don't think I'm the same type of player, or whatever the case may be," Lattimore said. All I've got to do is prove to people that I am. So that really falls on me."Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton says he and the team are at an impasse amid ongoing contract negotiations."We are at a stalemate in a sense. But I have confidence and faith that the right thing will be done," Sutton said Tuesday, according to the Denver Post's Ryan McFadden.He also emphasized his desire to remain with the Broncos.Sutton has two years remaining on the four-year, $60.8-million contract extension he signed in 2021. He's set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. The 28-year-old has only $2 million in guaranteed salary remaining and will account for a $17.3-million cap hit this season, per Over the Cap.Sutton led the team with 59 receptions for 772 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. The SMU product said he didn't attend the team's voluntary OTAs because he was in Florida rehabbing following offseason ankle surgery."Coach (Sean Payton) and I were on the same page of me staying down there and (continuing) to get my ankle where I need it to (be) so I can ultimately get ready for the season," Sutton said.Sutton was elusive when asked if he'd be in attendance when the Broncos commence training camp in July."We'll see what happens. We have a month to be able to get things situated," Sutton said.The 6-foot-4, 216-pound wideout reportedly drew trade interest from multiple teams this past spring, but the Broncos opted to hold onto Sutton. Denver traded Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns in April after trade speculation over the past couple of seasons.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce isn't ready to take a step back as he prepares for his 12th NFL campaign."I love coming to work every single day and doing this, so I am going to do it until the wheels fall off, and hopefully, that doesn't happen anytime soon," Kelce said, according to ESPN's Adam Teicher.Kelce, who turns 35 in October, signed a two-year, $34.25-million restructured contract extension with Kansas City in April to become the NFL's highest-paid tight end, per Over The Cap.There was speculation surrounding Kelce's future before he helped the Chiefs capture their second consecutive Super Bowl title this past season. The star tight end also battled through a knee injury last year."I can't put a time frame on it. Obviously, I know that there's opportunities outside of football for me, and I think you've got to keep in perspective that I'm still a little kid when I come into this building," Kelce said.Kelce landed his first major acting role this offseason in the FX series "Grotesquerie," which is slated to premiere in the fall. However, the Chiefs star is adamant that playing football remains his "main focus."Kansas City has been proactive in adding more depth behind Kelce ahead of next season. The Chiefs signed veteran Irv Smith Jr. and drafted Jared Wiley to lighten the load on No. 87. Yet Kelce is expecting his normal workload next season as he attempts to help the Chiefs pursue a three-peat."Wear and tear, baby. I'm ready for it, man. Put the load on me," Kelce said.The nine-time Pro Bowler has hauled in 907 receptions for 11,328 yards and 74 touchdowns since the Chiefs drafted him in 2013.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Welcome to theScore Fantasy Football Podcast, hosted by Justin Boone.Find the show on Spotify, Apple, and Google.In this episode, Boone goes over the best backup running backs for fantasy - broken down into tiers.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper wasn't in attendance for the start of mandatory minicamp Tuesday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Cooper - who'll be subject to over $100,000 in fines if he skips all three days - is entering the final season on his current contract. The 29-year-old is set to earn $20 million in 2024 as part of a five-year, $100-million deal signed while a member of the Dallas Cowboys.The wideout market has exploded this offseason, with Amon-Ra St. Brown, A.J. Brown, and Justin Jefferson all resetting the top of the position.Cleveland also gave Jerry Jeudy a three-year, $58-million extension after acquiring him from the Denver Broncos in March.Cooper set a career high with 1,250 yards last season to lead the Browns in receiving for the second straight campaign since arriving via trade in the 2022 offseason.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey will grace the cover of Madden NFL 25, EA Sports announced Tuesday.McCaffrey is the first 49ers player to appear on the cover of the long-running video game franchise.

The New York Jets kicked off their mandatory minicamp without two of their biggest stars.Head coach Robert Saleh announced that quarterback Aaron Rodgers and pass-rusher Haason Reddick weren't present at the team's facility Tuesday, according to SNY.Saleh said both absences are unexcused and subject to fines. Rodgers has been present for OTAs and attended most of the team's offseason activities but had an "important" event scheduled this week.The 45-year-old coach added that he's not disappointed by Rodgers' absence and that the star passer let the club know about the situation "a while ago.""He's been very good in communication, he's been here the entire time," Saleh said of Rodgers. " ... He had an event that was very important to him, which he communicated.""If it's important to him, it's important to us," added Saleh, who confirmed that Rodgers was at the Jets' facility Monday to do his physical and media day.Meanwhile, Reddick is in the last year of his contract and eyeing a new deal ahead of the 2024 season. The Jets acquired the star pass-rusher in March in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a conditional 2026 third-round pick.The 29-year-old will be fined over $50,000 if he doesn't join New York during the team's two-day minicamp, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini. Reddick - who also skipped the team's OTAs - is set to make $14.25 million in base salary in 2024.Saleh said he's not concerned about Reddick potentially not being with the club for training camp in July."I understand everything that's happening but, at the same time, I know when it comes time to play football - like I said before - he's gonna be ready to play football," Saleh said about Reddick.A two-time Pro Bowler, Reddick recorded double-digit sacks in each of the last four seasons, including 11 in 2023. He previously set a career high with 16 sacks in 2022 while also leading the NFL with five forced fumbles that year.Rodgers and Reddick were the Jets' two biggest trade acquisitions over the last two seasons. Rodgers, the four-time NFL MVP, missed almost the entire 2023 season after sustaining an Achilles injury four snaps into his New York debut.With Rodgers absent, veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor - whom N.Y. signed this offseason - will get extra reps with the first-team offense."This is a great opportunity, too, for Tyrod to get reps with the ones over the next couple of days," Saleh said. " ... It'll be more beneficial for Tyrod than a loss for Aaron."Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Quarterback Jacoby Brissett is impressed with rookie teammate Drake Maye's progress as the New England Patriots continue their offseason program."Oh, definitely. Tremendously. Every day he's getting better," Brissett said Monday, according to Mark Daniels of MassLive. "The good thing about it is it's not like, 'Oh, I got it right now.' He's just constantly trying to find ways to get better. Making some nice throws out there, and you're seeing his progression come alive."Leading the second team during Monday's opening mandatory minicamp practice, the No. 3 pick wowed onlookers.

Brock Purdy was an MVP candidate last season, but the San Francisco 49ers quarterback feels even better this year after his first full offseason of preparation as the team's starter.Purdy - who's entering Year 3 - was buried on the 49ers' quarterback depth chart as a seventh-round rookie in 2022. He finished that season as the team's QB1 but suffered an elbow injury in the NFC title game that kept him sidelined during the 2023 offseason."Here, in OTAs, getting with (head coach) Kyle (Shanahan) and going over all the games that we played in (last year), every play, and going over situational football and stuff, and taking that and actually going out on the field and running things and repping things, and throwing to receivers," Purdy said Monday at the 49ers 2024 State of the Franchise event."Last year, I didn't have that. So now that I'm able to attack those kinds of things, I feel like I've gotten better."Purdy was football's most efficient quarterback in 2023: He led the league in yards per pass attempt and passer rating, among other categories. The 24-year-old also threw for 4,280 yards and 31 touchdowns (the fourth-most in the NFL) en route to helping San Francisco reach Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs. He finished fourth in the MVP race.The 49ers fell short against the Chiefs in February, and Purdy said the loss affected how he attacked this offseason."We got all the way to the end. We're right there and weren't able to finish it. So for me, I had that taste in my mouth," he added.San Francisco has played in three consecutive NFC title games, including two with Purdy under center.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman BJ Thompson was released from the hospital Monday night, his agent, Chris Turnage, told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.Thompson suffered a seizure during a special teams meeting Thursday and went into cardiac arrest."The family thanks everyone for their prayers and wants to especially thank the Chiefs' medical and training staff for their rapid response and professionalism throughout this situation," Turnage said in a statement.Kansas City's medical staff performed CPR on Thompson before he was transported to the hospital.Team trainer Rick Burkholder said the defensive lineman was placed on a ventilator and heavily sedated Thursday night at the University of Kansas Health System. He was brought out of sedation Friday, where he was awake and alert.Kansas City drafted Thompson from Stephen F. Austin in the fifth round in 2023. He played in only one game last campaign, recording two tackles in the regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Miami Dolphins are signing free-agent safety Marcus Maye, a source told NFL Insider Jordan Schultz.Maye spent the past two seasons with the New Orleans Saints after inking a three-year, $22.5-million contract prior to the 2022 season.Multiple teams were interested in Maye, but the 31-year-old chose the Dolphins because he likes the roster and believes they're a Super Bowl contender, Schultz reports.Maye's lack of availability marred his tenure with the Saints, as he played just 17 contests across two seasons. The 2023 campaign proved especially problematic, with Maye receiving a three-game suspension in September for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy before missing New Orleans' final six games. The Saints released him in February.The Florida product began his career with the New York Jets after being drafted in the second round in 2017. Maye started all 60 contests he played while with the Jets.Signing Maye adds another veteran presence to Miami's secondary this offseason after inking Jordan Poyer in March. Alongside Jevon Holland, Maye and Poyer project to feature in a revamped safety group that saw Brandon Jones and DeShon Elliott leave in free agency.Maye has 409 tackles, 28 passes defended, and eight interceptions in 77 career games.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Running back Rhamondre Stevenson believes he's nearing an extension with the New England Patriots."Right now, I'm trying to get the deal done and get it locked in. We'll see where that goes. It's pretty close," Stevenson said Monday, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.Stevenson has established himself as the Patriots' top tailback over the past two seasons. The former fourth-round selection has ran for 2,265 yards and 14 touchdowns over three campaigns while recording 121 receptions for 782 yards. That production hasn't gone unnoticed among his teammates and coaches."I think he's one of the better backs in the league, no doubt about it," head coach Jerod Mayo said. "I'm excited to see what he does this season. And look, he's earned everything that he gets. He is our starting running back, and hopefully we do get something done."The Oklahoma product is set to make $3.1 million in base salary entering the final year of his rookie deal, per Over the Cap. Stevenson maintains that he's not upset about the ongoing negotiations and will "respect the process.""It's hard not to think about it. This is our career, our life and our future," he said. "But just staying disciplined and coming out here and working every day; as long as you do that, everything else should come with it."The 6-foot, 227-pound halfback is seeking a new agreement in an offseason where both Christian McCaffrey and Joe Mixon have received extensions.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed head coach Mike Tomlin to a three-year contract extension through the 2027 season, the team announced Monday.The 52-year-old is entering his 18th season with the team."Mike Tomlin's leadership and commitment to the Steelers have been pivotal to our success during his first 17 years as head coach," Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a statement. "Extending his contract for three more years reflects our confidence in his ability to guide the team back to winning playoff games and championships while continuing our tradition of success."One of the most respected coaches in the NFL, Tomlin fueled speculation after leaving a press conference when asked about his coaching future following a wild-card loss to the Buffalo Bills. However, the longtime coach - who had one year left on his contract - said he remained committed to the team in January."I am appreciative for this contract extension and thankful for Art Rooney II for his support during my first 17 years in Pittsburgh," Tomlin said Monday. "We are continuing to work diligently to get back to where we belong: sustained playoff success with the ultimate goal of winning the franchise's seventh Lombardi Trophy."I am very excited to get the 2024 season underway and provide our fans with a memorable year."The Steelers have never had a losing season under Tomlin, who's helped Pittsburgh post a .500 record or better in a record 17 straight campaigns. He also won a Super Bowl with the team during the 2008 season. The Steelers, however, haven't won a playoff game since the 2016 campaign, having gone one-and-done four times in that span.Tomlin has posted a 173-100-2 regular-season record in the NFL to go along with an 8-10 postseason mark. With Bill Belichick's departure from the New England Patriots this year, Tomlin is now the league's longest-tenured active head coach.Tomlin's outfit was active this offseason, signing veteran quarterback Russell Wilson and second-team All-Pro linebacker Patrick Queen, among other players. Pittsburgh also traded for quarterback Justin Fields and dealt Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.