The Oakland Raiders aren't ruling out re-signing Marshawn Lynch, but a reunion with the veteran running back isn't in their immediate plans."I think both parties are going to wait for the draft and go from there," general manager Mike Mayock said on Monday, according to Vic Tafur of The Athletic.Lynch, 32, has been a free agent for two weeks. It's unclear if the Oakland native is willing to entertain offers from other teams.Lynch came out of retirement in 2017 to suit up for his hometown club ahead of the franchise's relocation to Las Vegas. With the Raiders returning to the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in 2019 for one more season, Lynch could be interested in coming back for another campaign.The five-time Pro Bowler rushed for 376 yards and three touchdowns in six contests last year before suffering a groin injury that cut his season short.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After weeks of speculation, we've finally received the unwelcome news that Rob Gronkowski is retiring, though his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, left the door open slightly for a Brett-Favre-esque change of heart.While injuries hampered Gronk's production in 2018, he was dominant force at the peak of his powers. The 6-foot-6, 268-pounder finished as a top-two fantasy tight end in five of his first six seasons while scoring double-digit touchdowns in each of those years.So, with fantasy owners saying goodbye to one of the game's best, it's time to figure out who's next. Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz, and 2018 breakout star George Kittle have already established themselves as elite tight ends, and there are several young players at the position with a shot to join them.Of course, nobody can replace Gronk, but let's break down the rising stars who could follow in his fantasy footsteps this year:O.J. Howard, BuccaneersIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyIf we're searching for a player who can replicate much of Gronk's skill set, Howard is by far the leading candidate.The Bucs' 2017 first-round pick flashed big-time upside as a rookie with five games of 50-plus yards to go with six touchdowns. That season, Howard also averaged more than 8 yards per target, which only 15 first-year tight ends have done since 2000:

Cleveland Browns general manager John Dorsey acknowledged on Monday that he's been in contact with representatives for free-agent safety Eric Berry, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.Cleveland is the second team expressing interest in Berry. The five-time Pro Bowler previously visited the Dallas Cowboys.The Kansas City Chiefs released Berry on March 13 after nine seasons. The 30-year-old has appeared in just three regular-season games over the last two years due to heel injuries.The Browns have also been in touch with safety Tre Boston's agents, Dorsey said. Boston spent last season with the Arizona Cardinals playing under then-head coach Steve Wilks, who's now the Browns' defensive coordinator.Cleveland has been exploring the safety market since trading away Jabrill Peppers in the Odell Beckham Jr. deal.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, two teams that share the NFL's oldest rivalry, will open the NFL's 100th season in Chicago on Sept. 5 during Thursday Night Football.Meanwhile, the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots will host Sunday Night Football in Week 1, although their opponent is yet to be announced. The Pats will also raise their championship banner.

As expected, NFL owners unanimously approved the Raiders' new lease at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, keeping the team in Oakland, Calif., until it's ready to relocate to Las Vegas, according to Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.The Raiders received approval from the county and city council last week. An official vote by league owners at this week's annual meeting was the only remaining hurdle.The Raiders' new stadium in Las Vegas is expected to be completed in August 2020.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston intends to play the 2019 season at 250 pounds, which will make him the heaviest quarterback in the NFL, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times."I’m going to play bigger this year,'' Winston said on Saturday at the Bruce Arians Celebrity Golf Tournament. "I’m about 250. Yeah. A solid 250. It’s just about hydration and being at the peak body, too.''Winston is listed at 6-foot-4 and 231 pounds on the Bucs' website, meaning he'll play the 2019 season nearly 20 pounds heavier.Cam Newton (6-foot-5) and Joe Flacco (6-foot-6) were the heaviest quarterbacks in the league last season at 245 pounds, according to Stroud.Arians, who was hired as Tampa Bay's new head coach earlier this offseason, has no issues with Winston bulking up, as long as it doesn't affect the quarterback's mobility."I mean whatever he feels comfortable at without bad weight, stuff that will hurt your scrambling or hurts your mobility," Arians said. "It sure helps when they try to sack you."Winston is entering the final year of his contract after posting a 3-6 record in nine starts last season. He threw for 2,992 yards with 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 2018.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

When the San Francisco 49ers signed running back Tevin Coleman to a two-year, $8.5-million contract on the first day of free agency, it put the future of another runner the team added last offseason in jeopardy.Jerick McKinnon, who signed a four-year, $30-million deal with San Francisco last year, won't have his 2019 salary fully guaranteed until April 1. However, Niners general manager John Lynch said Monday the team has no intention of letting the running back go to save money."Jerick is going to be a part of us. We're excited to see that through," Lynch said at the annual league meeting, according to Matt Maiocco of NBCSports Bay Area.McKinnon has yet to play for the 49ers, as he missed the entire 2018 campaign after tearing his ACL a week before the regular-season opener."Jerick's working incredibly hard. He's always had a chip on his shoulder because that was his first opportunity to be the guy," Lynch added. "I'm sure he'll have a bigger chip on his shoulder. But he's very much a part of our plans."Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys center Travis Frederick will likely be ready for offseason workouts, according to The Athletic's Calvin Watkins.The two-time All-Pro missed the 2018 season after being diagnosed in August with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, an autoimmune disease that weakens muscles and attacks the body's nervous system.Frederick said he was near full health a month ago, adding that he's optimistic about attending the Cowboys' first offseason workouts in mid-April.Joe Looney replaced the four-time Pro Bowler after Dallas put Frederick on the injured reserve in early October.The Cowboys posted a 10-6 record in 2018, and their season ended with a loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There were two sides to Rob Gronkowski.On the field, he was a colossus who was virtually unstoppable at full strength. Away from it, he was an ever-quotable life of the party.Both versions of the man gave us a lifetime's worth of memories in the nine years since he entered the NFL. Below are the top 10 plays of Gronk's career, along with his 10 most viral moments:Top 10 playsFinal catch of career

At least one person close to Rob Gronkowski isn't fully closing the door on his playing career, even after the all-time great tight end announced in an Instagram post on Sunday that he's retiring from the NFL and will "move forward with a big smile."Gronkowski's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said he wouldn't be surprised if the tight end returns to the New England Patriots at some point in 2019."If the team was struggling or they needed him at some point next year, and let’s just say hypothetically Tom Brady gave him a call and said 'Rob, I need you.' I wouldn’t be shocked if he came back to play a few games," Rosenhaus told the hosts of "Get Up!" on ESPN, according to Adam Schefter.If Gronkowski does decide to unhang up his cleats, he wouldn't be the first player to do it. Heck, he wouldn't even be the first future Hall of Fame tight end to do so this year. Jason Witten, who retired in May 2018 before spending last season as a Monday Night Football commentator, declared his intention to rejoin the Dallas Cowboys in late February.Time away from the locker room apparently reignited Witten's passion, so could it do the same for Gronkowski?Perhaps the better question is whether time to heal might change Gronkowski's mind. Nine seasons of big catches, tough blocks, and significant injuries seemed to weigh heavily on the 29-year-old in 2018. He also made just three touchdown catches in the regular season, a career-low number.Still, Gronkowski was at his best when the stakes were highest in the postseason. His final catch, made late in Super Bowl LIII, helped set up the Patriots' winning score.As Gronkowski told Rosenhaus, according to King, he's "going out on top." For now, at least.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Trading Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns does not appear to be a decision that was made lightly by the upper levels of Giants management.As co-owner John Mara told ESPN's Jordan Raanan, there was at least some hesitance before giving the OK to the Giants' front office."I will tell you it was a reluctant approval on my part because I happen to like Odell (Beckham Jr.) very much, and I recognize the unique talent that he has," Mara said. "It's not easy to trade that player to another team."The Giants stunned the sports world on the eve of free agency when they agreed to trade their superstar receiver to Cleveland for safety Jabrill Peppers and first- and third-round picks.The deal, coming just one season after New York rewarded Beckham with a five-year contract that made him the NFL's highest-paid receiver, drew its fair share of criticism from the public."It's not going to be easy. I won't lie to you: It's not going to be easy," Mara said. "I mean, he is a great player, and I hope he has a great career with the Browns. It makes it a little easier that he's not in our conference."Beckham appeared in 59 games after landing with the Giants as a first-round pick in 2014, racking up 5,476 yards and 44 touchdowns while earning three Pro Bowl appearances. He now joins Baker Mayfield and Jarvis Landry on an up-and-coming Browns team, while the Giants head into a clouded future centered around the difficult decision they now face at the quarterback position.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Rob Gronkowski put an end to the months of speculation when he announced his retirement from the NFL on Sunday.The New England Patriots star is not only perhaps the best tight end of all time, but he also earned a reputation as one of the most lovable personalities in professional sports.As the masses celebrated Gronkowski's career, the three biggest names associated with his only professional team also took the time to bask in the greatness that was his time in New England."What an honor and privilege to play with you these past nine years @gronk! You accomplished so much and our team was almost unbeatable when you were on the field!" Patriots quarterback Tom Brady wrote on Instagram."Your fun-loving, inspiring, and positive energy made an impact on everybody you came into contact with! Not just that, but for as great as a player you are, you are a better teammate and person. The NFL was a better place with you in it! But I have no doubt you will be a success in anything you do!!! Love you pal!"Head coach Bill Belichick commented on Gronkowski's retirement through an official team statement.

Gronk is officially calling it a career.Fresh off his third Super Bowl title in his nine years with the New England Patriots, Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement in an Instagram post on Sunday."It all started at 20 years old on stage at the NFL draft when my dream came true, and now here I am about to turn 30 in a few months with a decision I feel is the biggest of my life so far," Gronkowski wrote. "I will be retiring from the game of football today. I am so grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Kraft and coach Belichick gave to me when drafting my silliness in 2010."... To all my current and past teammates, thank you for making each team every year special to be a part of. I will truly miss you guys. Cheers to all who have been part of this journey, cheers to the past for the incredible memories, and a HUGE cheers to the uncertain of what's next."A sure-fire Hall of Famer, Gronkowski walks away from football as one of the most dominant tight ends the game has ever seen.The 2010 second-round pick earned five Pro Bowl appearances and four All-Pro nods over an incredibly successful run in New England, where his rare combination of pass-catching prowess and in-line blocking made him one of the more critical pieces to the Patriots' dynasty."Rob's impact on our team and organization was felt in many ways," head coach Bill Belichick said in a statement. "In the ultimate team sport, Rob was a great, great teammate. His production spoke for itself, but his daily attitude, unmistakably positive energy wherever he went and toward whoever he touched will never be forgotten. Rob will leave an indelible mark on the Patriots organization and the game as among the best, most complete players at his position to ever play."Despite his career not lasting as long as some expected, likely impacted by a slew of injuries in the latter stages, Gronkowski's 79 career touchdowns put him in a tie for third behind only Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates all time among tight ends.That total, along with his 521 receptions and 7,861 yards, gives him a clean sweep for tops among Patriots' receiving categories since he was drafted.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

For the second time during the 2019 free-agency period, the New England Patriots took a big swing and missed.The Patriots "aggressively courted" Jared Cook prior to the tight end signing with the New Orleans Saints. Uncertainty regarding Rob Gronkowski's future was largely the motivation for New England's pursuit, a source told ESPN's Mike Reiss.Gronkowski retired from the NFL on Sunday.The team previously missed out on signing receiver Adam Humphries, who opted to stick with his agreed-on deal with the Tennessee Titans instead of defecting to the reigning Super Bowl champions, despite the Pats increasing their offer.Aside from running back, the Patriots face a lot of questions at skill positions and are now especially thin at tight end.Meanwhile, Julian Edelman is the lone established receiver on the roster - but he turns 33 in May - and Phillip Dorsett, Bruce Ellington, and Maurice Harris are set for supporting roles.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Veteran wide receiver Jeremy Maclin called it a career Sunday, announcing his retirement from the NFL after nine seasons.A first-round pick in the 2009 draft, Maclin was quick to emerge as a top playmaker for a high-flying Philadelphia Eagles offense. He spent six seasons with the Eagles, racking up 4,771 receiving yards and 36 touchdowns before landing a lucrative free-agent deal with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015.Maclin continued to produce at a high level in his first year with the Chiefs, but he'd last just one more season in Kansas City. He then caught on with the Baltimore Ravens for one season before sitting out the 2018 campaign.The 30-year-old wraps up his NFL career having appeared in 114 games, recording 514 catches for 6,835 yards and 49 touchdowns.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The onside kick looked to be on its last legs during the 2018 season, and the NFL could put the final nail in its coffin at the annual league meeting.The NFL competition committee voted 7-1 in favor of the Denver Broncos' proposal to give teams a fourth-and-15 alternative, according to The Washington Post's Mark Maske.The only member to vote against it was New York Giants owner John Mara."What are we, the Arena Football League?" Mara said Sunday.The proposal would give teams one fourth-quarter chance at retaining possession by converting what amounts to a fourth-and-15 play from their own 35-yard line.The change still needs the approval of 24 of the NFL's 32 team owners at the league meeting - which takes place Sunday to Wednesday - but they often follow the competition committee's lead. Maske said there's an "outside chance" it can get the necessary votes."There's support for it," a source told Maske. " ... People liked it."The league altered kickoff rules before last season, which included not allowing players on the kicking team to be in motion before the kick. This effectively killed the onside kick, with the percentage of successful attempts dropping from 21 in 2017 to 7.5 in 2018.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to terms with free-agent safety George Iloka on a one-year contract, the team announced Friday.The Cowboys were rumored to be targeting other free-agent safeties this offseason, including Earl Thomas, who signed with the Baltimore Ravens. Former Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry also visited the team last week.Iloka spent the 2018 season with the Minnesota Vikings after six years with the Cincinnati Bengals. He didn't see significant snaps behind Harrison Smith, Anthony Harris, and Andrew Sendejo, but was a key starter in Cincinnati.Dallas could still add a safety in free agency or the draft, but Iloka will likely receive an opportunity to start next to Xavier Woods.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Rumors continue to swirl that the Arizona Cardinals will select quarterback Kyler Murray with the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, but head coach Kliff Kingsbury says a decision hasn't yet been made.Kingsbury said the Cardinals are weighing all options with the draft just over one month away."I think everything's on the table," Kingsbury said when asked if the Cardinals will select a quarterback with the first pick, according to NFL.com's Grant Gordon. "When you have that first pick, you've gotta turn over every stone and look at every scenario that's out there, and so we're definitely doing that.""We haven't (decided what to do with the No. 1 overall pick)," he continued. "We haven't. We're a long ways from that. You know, coaches on the road, scouts from the road, private workouts, pro days. And we won't even discuss until next week and try to fill our board and go from there."Arizona drafted Josh Rosen 10th overall in 2018, but speculation of its interest in Murray arose when Kingsbury was hired as the team's new head coach. While still at Texas Tech, the coach said he'd take Murray with the first pick in the draft "if I could."Despite the increased speculation that the team could move on from Rosen after just one season, Kingsbury stood behind his young pivot."I think you focus on what you can control and Josh knows our feelings on him and that hasn't changed," he said. "He's a tremendous talent. So, excited about his future."I've talked to Josh and he understands it's a business and what all goes with the first pick and what's going on."Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell has decided to retire from the NFL due to ongoing injuries to his right knee.The 25-year-old announced his retirement Friday at a Georgia TED event. He played for the Bulldogs from 2011-2015.New England released the wideout prior to training camp in 2018. Mitchell missed the entire 2017 season and hasn't played since his rookie campaign, with his most recent knee procedure coming last summer.The Patriots selected Mitchell in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He had a strong rookie season during which he caught 32 passes for 401 yards and a touchdown, and helped the Patriots win Super Bowl LI.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Robert Kraft has broken his silence on the solicitation charges leveled against him.In a statement Saturday, the New England Patriots owner apologized to those "who rightfully hold me to a higher standard" and stressed that he has "extraordinary respect for women" after he was charged for exchanging money for sexual acts within a Florida day spa that's been allegedly tied to a human trafficking ring."In deference to the judicial process, I have remained silent these past several weeks," Kraft said, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. "To correct some of the misinformation surrounding this matter, my attorney made his first public comments on Friday night. I would like to use this opportunity to say something that I have wanted to say for four weeks."I am truly sorry. I know I have hurt and disappointed my family, my close friends, my co-workers, our fans, and many others who rightfully hold me to a higher standard."Throughout my life, I have always tried to do the right thing," he continued. "The last thing I would ever want to do is disrespect another human being. I have extraordinary respect for women; my morals and my soul were shaped by the most wonderful woman, the love of my life, who I was blessed to have as my partner for 50 years."As I move forward, I hope to continue to use the platform with which I have been blessed to help others and to try to make a difference. I expect to be judged not by my words, but by my actions. And through those actions, I hope to regain your confidence and respect."Kraft's lawyer slammed the accusations Friday, saying police know "there was no human trafficking" and accused authorities of using illegal surveillance to obtain evidence.The 77-year-old, who's scheduled to be arraigned March 28, pleaded not guilty in February, and his legal team reportedly rejected a plea deal that would've kept him out of jail but would've required him to admit a trial would result in him being proven guilty.Kraft also filed a protective order Wednesday in an attempt to stop evidence becoming public, but the sheriff leading the case believes surveillance footage will be released eventually.The NFL owner will attend the league's annual meeting, which will take place from Sunday to Wednesday in Arizona.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Two months after the infamous no-call that took place during the NFC Championship Game, team owners will convene at the NFL's annual league meeting beginning Sunday to settle rule change proposals, including a potential revision to the replay system.Each proposal needs 24 yes votes in order to be approved.Here's what's on the agenda for debate:Expanded replay systemEver since Los Angeles Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman ran into New Orleans Saints receiver Tommylee Lewis before the ball arrived late in the conference title game, the league's competition committee has contemplated measures to ensure such an event won't happen again.In his first public statement since the controversial decision, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said a penalty should have been called and that the league would "look again at instant replay."Beginning Sunday, the competition committee will consider a one-year trial during which pass interference and limited personal fouls would be reviewable, but only on plays where a flag is thrown.There remains little appetite among committee members to allow replays for plays that aren't penalized or to make judgment calls reviewable. Therefore, the missed call in the NFC title game would not have been reversed under these proposed changes.Other proposals for expanding replay have included adding a video official - or skycam - to officiating crews. The Washington Redskins have also proposed making all plays subject to coaches' challenge or officials' review.There are seven team-submitted proposals on the table, yet making pass interference and some personal fouls reviewable seems to be gaining the most steam.OvertimeJamie Squire / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe NFL's other conference championship game also ended in controversy.The New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs went to overtime with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line and only Tom Brady and the Pats' offense possessed the ball.As a result, the Chiefs are proposing a rule change that, in the future, would allow both teams at least one offensive possession in overtime, whether or not the first team scores a touchdown. It would lessen the importance of the overtime coin toss.It's unlikely the NFL would make such a drastic change to its overtime setup as a result of the Chiefs' inability to get a stop in crunch time.Onside kickThe Washington Post / The Washington Post / GettyIt's become nearly impossible for teams to execute a successful onside kick thanks to the NFL's efforts to make the play safer.The percentage of successful attempts dropped from 21 in 2017 to 7.5 in 2018.An alternative to the onside kick proposed by the Denver Broncos would allow the losing team a chance to keep possession after scoring.The AAF incorporated such a rule where teams can attempt to convert a fourth-and-12 play to remain on offense.

Robert Kraft's attorney lashed out on Friday when speaking about video evidence against the New England Patriots owner in a solicitation case.Kraft is one of 25 men charged in connection to a day spa in Florida allegedly tied to a human trafficking ring. Prosecutors say they collected surveillance footage from inside the spa showing Kraft exchanging money for sexual acts."There was no human trafficking and law enforcement knows it," Kraft's lawyer, William Burck, told ESPN's Adam Schefter. "The video and the traffic stop were illegal and law enforcement just doesn't want to admit it. The state attorney needs to step up and do the right thing and investigate how the evidence in this case was obtained."In February, Kraft pleaded not guilty to soliciting prostitution. He reportedly rejected a plea deal that would've kept him out of jail, but required him to admit a trial would result in being proven guilty.His legal team filed a protective order last week attempting to prevent the release of investigation evidence, including the video.The sheriff in the case, William Snyder, expects the surveillance footage to be released eventually."Once a case is over, it's not an ongoing investigation," he said. "There has to be a specific reason not to release a public record. And the fact that there is sexual activity is not an exemption.""I watched and just left the room," he added. "There is nothing to see. It's pretty ugly."Kraft, a 77-year-old businessman who also owns Major League Soccer's New England Revolution, is scheduled to be arraigned on March 28.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Houston Texans have signed former Carolina Panthers left tackle Matt Kalil to a one-year contract, the Houston Chronicle's John McClain reports.Kalil was cut by the Panthers on March 14 just two seasons into a five-year, $55-million deal he inked in March 2017. He didn't play in 2018 after undergoing knee surgery before the season.Houston's offensive line surrendered 62 sacks of quarterback Deshaun Watson last year. No quarterback was sacked more than Watson.Kalil entered the league as the fourth overall pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2012. He made the Pro Bowl as a rookie but his play has slipped in subsequent seasons.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jared Cook is coming off the most productive season of his career, and the soon-to-be New Orleans Saints tight end sees more big numbers in his future.A deal hasn't been finalized, but Cook acknowledged Friday he intends to sign with the defending NFC South champions and play alongside future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees in the Saints' explosive offense."I've been a big fan of Drew for a long time and the way he approaches the game," he said, according to ESPN's Mike Triplett. "He's on point. He's on top of his game right now. He's just a baller. I look forward to seeing him do great things in the future."Cook is coming off two solid campaigns with the Oakland Raiders, including last year when he registered a career-high 896 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He's expected to finalize a contract with the Saints in the near future."It could be a big production year," Cook said. "Just as long as I take care of what I can take care of, we should be all right."The Saints have struggled to get consistent production out of their tight ends in recent seasons after featuring a dominant Jimmy Graham in the role from 2010 to 2014.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill has voiced his support for his friend Robert Kraft after the New England Patriots owner was charged with soliciting prostitution at a Florida spa tied to an international human trafficking ring.In an interview with Katherine Rosman and Ken Belson of the New York Times, Mill said he's spoken to Kraft "probably 30 times" since the scandal broke in late February."They aligned his name with a different set of charges that weren't tied to him at all," Mill said.Kraft lobbied publicly for Mill in 2018 after he was sentenced to two-to-four years in prison for violating his probation, and recently partnered with him to launch the criminal justice reform organization Reform Alliance."I am from the ghettos of America, and he is one of the most powerful billionaires," Mill said of Kraft. "He is more down-to-earth and relatable than I expected him to be."Kraft has pleaded not guilty to all charges and will reportedly reject a plea deal offered by Florida prosecutors. His arraignment is scheduled for March 28.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Martin County Sheriff William Snyder expects surveillance videos of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to eventually be released to the public, according to Darren Hartwell of NBC Sports Boston.Authorities say they have footage of Kraft and others visiting the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Palm Beach County, Fla., which is involved in a human trafficking investigation that resulted in Kraft being charged with soliciting prostitution.Even if the courts honor Kraft's request to not make evidence in his case public, Snyder said the videos would still likely be released after a verdict is reached."Once a case is over, it's not an ongoing investigation," Snyder said. "There has to be a specific reason not to release a public record. And the fact that there is sexual activity is not an exemption.""I watched and just left the room," he added. "There is nothing to see. It's pretty ugly."However, prosecutors are offering to drop the soliciting prostitution charges against Kraft and 24 others in exchange for admitting they would have been proven guilty during a trial. That type of agreement would also result in the evidence - including the videos - being sealed, according to ESPN investigative reporter T.J. Quinn.Despite the offer, Kraft will reportedly reject the deal. He's denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to the charges, which were revealed in late February.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Buffalo Bills have signed numerous offensive linemen this offseason, inking center Mitch Morse, tackle Ty Nsekhe, and guard Jon Feliciano early in free agency. On Friday, they added former Cincinnati Bengals tackle Jake Fisher, but not to join the other three on the O-line.Instead, Buffalo signed the 6-foot-6, 305-pounder to play tight end on a "prove-it deal," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported after speaking with Fisher's agency.During his first four seasons in the league, Fisher caught one pass for 31 yards in 2015 and another for 12 yards in 2016.

Justin Houston insists he's not done yet.Houston signed with the Indianapolis Colts on a two-year deal Thursday after spending eight years as a pass-rusher for the Kansas City Chiefs.Though he just turned 30 and has battled injuries in recent years, he's eager to prove he has more to give, telling team writer Andrew Walker that he has "plenty in the tank.""I think some people don't believe that," he said. "So it's more so what I'm about to show the world than myself because I know what I'm capable of."Houston posted nine sacks in 12 contests this past season and came within a game of reaching the Super Bowl with Kansas City.The Chiefs defeated the Colts on their way to the conference championship, but Houston liked what he saw from the divisional-round contestants."I think it's a great fit for me," he said. "And just seeing what they have from the previous year, and then playing against them last year, I know they've got a great team and they're heading in the right direction. So I would love to be a part of it."Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Replay expansion figures to be the biggest topic of discussion at the upcoming annual league meeting, but Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II has already decided his position on the issue."I'm not really excited to have replay expanded, and we'll approach it with that in mind," he said, according to Bob Labriola of Steelers.com."The length of the game, I would not want to see the length of the game be expanded. We need to continually go in the other direction," he continued, according to Mark Kaboly of The Athletic.Changes to replay procedures are expected to be considered after the no-call in the NFC Championship Game made national headlines.Rooney said he'd be willing to listen to a proposal to add an eighth official to monitor things from a booth but doesn't want another one on the field, reports Labriola.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The biggest dominoes in free agency have fallen, which means fans around the league have already moved on to next year's offseason and the prospect of their favorite team snagging 2020's top players.Here, we'll go position by position, breaking down the best of the best of those players set to hit the open market.This list does not include first-round picks from the 2016 draft whose fifth-round options are likely to be picked up (e.g. Jared Goff, Carson Wentz, Ezekiel Elliott)Franchise-tagged playersIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyDE DeMarcus Lawrence (Cowboys), DE Jadeveon Clowney (Texans), DE Frank Clark (Seahawks), DT Grady Jarrett (Falcons)As we've seen in recent years, the franchise tag has the power to shape free agency like nothing else.Having been tagged in 2018 and 2019, Lawrence is inching toward his gigantic payday, whether it's from the Dallas Cowboys or a team on the open market. Realistically, he won't be tagged a third time, so it's now or never for Dallas to extend him. The other three defenders are new to the franchise tag, but with teams reluctant to allow elite pass-rushers to walk, Clowney and Clark could find themselves in Lawrence's position.Although there has been little discussion regarding new contracts for any of the four, the deadline to extend tagged players is still months away (July 15). Next year's free agency could be shaped by how these four negotiations play out.QuarterbacksRussell Wilson, Philip Rivers, Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees, Marcus Mariota, Jameis Winston, Dak Prescott, Jacoby BrissettEvery so often in the NFL, the stars align to create a mirage in the free-agent quarterback market. Next season is one of those years, with several elite pivots dealing with expiring contracts.Sooner or later though, Wilson will re-sign on a deal that'll likely exceed Aaron Rodgers' $33.5 million a year pact. Brady and Brees will either return to their respective franchises or hang up their cleats, while 2004 draft compatriots Rivers and Roethlisberger will receive potentially their final extensions before retirement comes calling for them, too. Finally, Jerry Jones has already vowed to give Prescott a truckload of cash, so the chances of him leaving are minuscule.This means the market could be dominated by the 2015 draft's top two picks, Winston and Mariota. Neither quarterback has done enough to warrant a big-money extension, with the former especially vulnerable following a suspension to start last season. Still, either team moving on completely would be a major shock. That leaves Brissett, Andrew Luck's backup who played in 15 games in 2017, as the top option. While he'll still be young (27) and has starter potential, he'll likely need to see the field again to convince teams to hand over a substantial contract.Running backsThearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / GettyMelvin Gordon, Jordan Howard, Kenyan Drake, LeSean McCoy, Derrick Henry, Lamar Miller, Carlos Hyde, Chris Thompson, Frank GoreThe running back market is stocked full of capable starters who could be looking for new homes. Gordon will command a large payday from the Los Angeles Chargers, but the AFC West team shouldn't need to break the bank entirely after Le'Veon Bell and Todd Gurley failed to cause a seismic shift for running back contracts.In the next tier are Howard, Drake, and Henry, who have all flashed as starters but have been too limited or inconsistent to secure a long-term lead back role. Teams will be enticed by their youth, as they'll be either 25 or 26 years old and can be locked down in their prime. Elsewhere, McCoy will be 32 when he hits free agency. He has a long injury history and over 10,000 career yards of wear on his tires, but could still be effective in a less demanding role. Lastly, there's Gore. Sure, he'll turn 37 in the 2020 offseason, but would you bet against him?Wide receivers Michael Thomas, Tyreek Hill, A.J. Green, Emmanuel Sanders, Amari Cooper, Julian Edelman, Nelson Agholor, Sterling Shepard, Tyler Boyd, Devin Funchess, Josh Gordon, Robby AndersonThomas isn't leaving the New Orleans Saints, though negotiations could be complicated if Odell Beckham Jr. demands a raise from the Cleveland Browns. The same goes for extension talks between Hill and the Kansas City Chiefs (which is already muddied after the wideout was linked to a domestic battery case involving a juvenile). Cooper's also been promised a chunk of Jones' seemingly endless pile of cash, leaving the door open for Green to be the market's top pass-catcher. With the Cincinnati Bengals likely rebuilding, he has the best chance of walking as he hits 31 years old.It's hard to see Edelman in anything other than New England Patriots colors, but it's even more difficult to believe he'll be immune to Bill Belichick's ruthless approach to aging veterans. He and Sanders could also be overshadowed by a trio of talented young slot receivers in Agholor, Shepard, and Boyd, though the Bengals can't let both starting wideouts out the door. Predicting what Gordon's future entails at this point is almost impossible.Tight endsMaddie Meyer / Getty Images Sport / GettyRob Gronkowski, Eric Ebron, Jack Doyle, Vance McDonald, Hunter Henry, Vernon Davis, Austin Hooper, Kyle Rudolph, Charles ClayGronkowski isn't certain to return for 2019, let alone 2020. He'll only be 31 when his contract is up, but the future Hall of Famer has already experienced several careers worth of injuries. Some team would still likely shell out a big contract for even a lesser version of Gronkowski, which could entice him to at least test the waters in 2020.The Colts' duo of Ebron and Doyle should be sought-after veteran options, especially the former if he can continue his breakout from 2018. McDonald, who had a career-high 50 catches last season, has a shot at emerging as a top option if his role with the Steelers grows larger following Antonio Brown's departure. Henry and Hooper are probably too young and talented for their teams to allow them to leave, especially as two former high draft picks.Offensive tacklesJason Peters, Bryan Bulaga, George Fant, Anthony Castonzo, Andrew Whitworth, Joe Staley, Daryl WilliamsIf you like geriatric tackles, 2020 could be the year for you. Peters (who will be 38), Whitworth (38), Staley (36) should be considered long shots to make it to the market.Fant and Williams, the latter of whom re-signed on a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers, will likely be the most coveted tackles when it comes to long-term deals. Both will be 28 years old and will likely be salivating after Nate Solder and Trent Brown reset the top of the tackle market in successive offseasons. While Castonzo and Bulaga are also on the wrong side of 30, teams are so desperate for solid offensive tackles that multi-year deals should be easy for both to obtain.Interior offensive linemenJim McIsaac / Getty Images Sport / Getty(Guards) Brandon Scherff, Kyle Long, Marshal Yanda, Joe Thuney, Austin Blythe, Clint Boling, Andrus Peat

Veteran guard T.J. Lang is expected to retire from the NFL as early as Friday, the Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett reports.Lang was released by the Lions on March 8 following his second season with the team. His tenure in Detroit was preceded by an eight-year stint with the Green Bay Packers.The 31-year-old reportedly told people close to him he "definitely" played his last NFL game.Lang was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2016 as a member of the Packers and in 2017 with the Lions. Injuries limited him to six games last season.A standout at Eastern Michigan during his college days, Lang won a Super Bowl with the Packers in 2010.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Rams will take on the Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 17 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii for a preseason game, the team announced Thursday.Los Angeles announced in November the decision to play in Hawaii but did not reveal an opponent or game details. The contest is slated to be played during the second week of the preseason."We are pleased to join with the Hawaii Tourism Authority to develop opportunities for Rams fans to express their support both in Los Angeles and in Hawaii all year round," Rams executive vice president Jamie Reigle said in November. "We look forward to bringing NFL football back to Hawaii and hosting the first preseason game there in more than four decades. The game will be the centerpiece of a partnership aimed at strengthening the ties between the two regions and showcasing Hawaii's virtues as a premier tourist destination."Aloha Stadium hosted the Pro Bowl for many years, but the NFL opted to move the event in 2015.The Rams beat the Cowboys 30-22 in the NFC divisional round during the 2018 playoffs.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Indianapolis Colts reached an agreement Thursday with pass-rusher Justin Houston, the team announced.Indianapolis will give the veteran a two-year, $24-million deal, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Houston heads to Indy after an eight-year tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs that included a quartet of Pro Bowl selections. He was released March 10 due to schematic changes on the Chiefs' defense and his hefty salary.The 30-year-old edge defender racked up 78.5 sacks over his Chiefs career, nine of which he recorded last season despite missing four games.Houston will bolster an Indianapolis pass rush that tied for the 19th-most sacks in the NFL last year. Since 2016, he has the fourth-highest pressure percentage among edge rushers, according to Pro Football Focus.The Colts entered free agency with more cap space than any other team in the NFL but were relatively quiet early on, with their lone splash being the addition of wide receiver Devin Funchess on a one-year contract.Indianapolis inquired about trading for the Chiefs' other marquee pass-rusher, Dee Ford, before he was dealt to the San Francisco 49ers, according to Schefter.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens re-signed quarterback Robert Griffin III to a two-year deal, pending a physical, the team announced Thursday.Baltimore traded former starter Joe Flacco at the beginning of the new league year, leaving Griffin as the primary backup to youngster Lamar Jackson.Griffin signed with the Ravens in 2018 and appeared in three games, throwing just six passes. The 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year was out of the league in 2017.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former teammates Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid, who resolved their collusion cases with the NFL in February, received less than $10 million in the settlements, sources told Andrew Beaton of the Wall Street Journal.Terms weren't shared when the settlements were announced due to a confidentiality agreement.Legal experts believe Kaepernick faced "a difficult path" to winning his grievance but also say the former quarterback would have received a lot more money if he'd won in court, Beaton reported."If Mr. Kaepernick had won his grievance, the league's collective bargaining agreement with its players would have entitled him to damages worth up to three times what an arbitrator determined he lost as a result of the collusion," Beaton wrote, while adding that meant Kaepernick could have been awarded $90 million in a ruling.Kaepernick and Reid began protesting racial inequality and police brutality in 2016 by kneeling during the playing of the United States national anthem. They alleged they were blackballed by teams as a result.Kaepernick opted out of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers at the end of that season and has yet to play again in the NFL. Reid signed with the Carolina Panthers in late September after an entire offseason on the open market. He was re-signed to a three-year deal in February.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Mike Trout got paid.The Los Angeles Angels signed the superstar outfielder to a 10-year contract extension that kicks in after the 2020 season. Folded into the remaining two years of his present deal, Trout is set to earn $426.5 million overall.But how does it compare to the biggest contracts in sports? Here, we take a look at the biggest deals to ever be signed across various leagues and promotions.Note: The financial figures below are all reported deals. The ranking is determined by total value of contract and not by annual average.Association Football: Neymar, Paris Saint-Germain ($600+ million)FRANCK FIFE / AFP / GettyIn 2017, Neymar left Barcelona for Paris and became €500 million richer in the process. That incredible deal includes bonuses over a five-year period with the club. Not only that, but Paris Saint-Germain paid a record €222-million transfer fee to his former team.Soccer has a slew of oversized contracts that rival, and exceed, the exorbitant deals signed throughout Major League Baseball. Lionel Messi is earning approximately $35.8 million per season with Barcelona, according to USA TODAY Sports, while Cristiano Ronaldo is banking $35.2 million every year with Juventus over his four-year contract.MLB: Trout, Angels ($426.5 million)MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images / MediaNews Group / GettyNo North American contract compares in terms of sheer volume. Few star athletes eclipse even the $300-million plateau, and Trout is getting more than $100 million on top of that. The deal he signed on Tuesday has him making $36 million annually starting in 2021 and is the most lucrative in baseball history. The pact will keep him in California through the 2030 season, which could be the rest of his career.Harper is a distant second in MLB at $330 million with Giancarlo Stanton ($325 million) and Manny Machado ($300 million) close behind.Boxing: Canelo Alvarez ($365 million)Tom Hogan / Getty Images Sport / GettyBefore Trout's contract shook the sports world, the largest contract belonged to Alvarez. He inked a five-year, 11-fight contract with DAZN worth $365 million in 2018. On an annual scale, his deal still dwarfs everyone else as Alvarez is paid $73 million per year through 2023.NBA: James Harden, Rockets ($228 million)Streeter Lecka / Getty Images Sport / GettyIn July 2017, Harden became basketball's most affluent player when he inked a four-year extension with the Houston Rockets. His $160-million deal folded into the remaining two years of his previous contract made the entire agreement worth a whopping $228 million.Harden's contract came about a week after Stephen Curry signed a five-year, $201-million extension with the Golden State Warriors. Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook has Curry beat, earning $205 million over a five-year period through 2023. They may not match Trout's total, but their annual salaries are at another level.NFL: Matt Ryan, Falcons ($150 million)Harry How / Getty Images Sport / GettyRyan became the NFL's highest-paid player last year when he signed a five-year, $150-million extension. Unlike other leagues, that total isn't fully guaranteed over the life of the deal, but it's still the largest number put to paper for a gridiron athlete. Despite this, the contract reportedly includes $100 million guaranteed, which is also a league record.Continuing the trend of usurping the previous money king in short succession, Ryan took the mantle from Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins less than two months after his record-setting contract.NHL: Alex Ovechkin, Capitals ($124 million)Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyOvechkin's 13-year contract is a bit unique as eight-year deals now represent the longest available to a player under the current CBA. With a salary cap in place, it may be a while before someone comes close to challenging Ovie's title.In terms of yearly earnings, however, several players have inked more lucrative deals. Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid ($12.5 million), Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews ($11.6 million), and Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty ($11 million) are among the players who earn more annually, according to Spotrac.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Star wide receivers being shipped out has been the defining storyline of the NFL's offseason, and another big name apparently surfaced in trade discussions prior to the start of free agency.In his mailbag Thursday, in response to a question about the reported investigation into Tyreek Hill's involvement in an alleged domestic battery, The Athletic's Jay Glazer revealed he heard "rumblings" that the Kansas City Chiefs wideout was the subject of trade talk."On a separate note, even if none of this happened, there were questions in Kansas City about whether they could re-sign Tyreek Hill," Glazer said. "I heard some rumblings at the start of free agency that his name was being thrown about in trade talks, but at the time thought it had to do with his contract more than anything else. I think this one will take a little while to play out."It was reported in early March that Kansas City and Hill were discussing a record-setting contract extension. It's unclear how the incident that reportedly left Hill's 3-year-old with a broken arm will affect his future with the Chiefs.In February, Glazer received significant backlash for saying the New York Giants could trade Odell Beckham Jr. this offseason. His prediction ultimately came to pass, however, as the Giants dealt Beckham to the Cleveland Browns on March 13.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints are set to give Drew Brees another big-time weapon, as they're expected to sign top free-agent tight end Jared Cook, sources told Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Cook produced a career year as the top pass-catcher for the Oakland Raiders last season, racking up 896 yards and six touchdowns.The 31-year-old veteran should give Drew Brees his first top-tier target at tight end since Jimmy Graham, who was traded in 2014. New Orleans has struggled to get consistent production from the position since then, with Benjamin Watson's 35 catches tops among the team's tight ends in 2018.Cook could also ease the workload of Michael Thomas. The Saints lacked a second option behind their No. 1 receiver last year, who had almost double the receiving yards of the Saints' next leading player, running back Alvin Kamara.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Redskins' marquee free-agent signing, Landon Collins, has spent his entire career trying to emulate the late Sean Taylor, admiring the Redskins legend so much that he admitted to crying when he received a game-worn, autographed jersey from owner Dan Snyder after inking his $84-million deal.Collins has said he's open to the idea of wearing Taylor's No. 21 in Washington if his family agrees, but no one has worn that number for the Redskins since Taylor died in 2007. Clinton Portis, Taylor's former teammate, thinks it should stay that way."F--- no," Portis told Rhiannon Walker of The Athletic. "F--- no. I don't ever want to see nobody else in it. When the situation came up for me with 26 (Portis' number with the Redskins), I don't care. But 21, that's sacred. Why even play with people? Why even spark people's memories? Retire that jersey. For an organization that don't retire jerseys or don't officially retire jerseys, you put that motherf---er in the rafters, you retire it, and you make sure everybody knows, this is irreplaceable."That was huge in my career because the moment they moved Sean's locker, and you can go back and find all the interviews, I never got over that. It was Sean, myself, and Santana (Moss), and those three lockers were together. And the moment they moved Sean's locker, I never recovered."Collins wore No. 21 with the New York Giants, his former team. He grew up a Redskins fans idolizing Taylor, who was killed during a home invasion in November 2007.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hired Lori Locust and Maral Javadifar on Wednesday, becoming the first NFL team to employ two full-time female coaches.Locust will be joining the team as an assistant defensive line coach while Javadifar will be the assistant strength and conditioning coach."I know how hard it can be to get that first opportunity to coach at the highest level of professional football," said Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians in a statement. "Sometimes, all you need is the right organization to offer up the opportunity. The Glazer family and our general manager, Jason Licht, were extremely supportive of my decision, and I know Maral and Lori will be great additions to my coaching staff."I have known Lori going back to my days at Temple University and I’ve seen firsthand just how knowledgeable and passionate she is about this game. I was equally impressed with Maral’s background in performance training and physical therapy and I know she will be a valuable asset to our strength and conditioning program."Locust most recently served as the defensive line coach for the Birmingham Iron of the Alliance of American Football. Last year, she spent time with the Baltimore Ravens as a defensive coaching intern. She began her coaching career after playing for four years in a women's semi-professional league.Javadifar last worked as a physical therapist. She also played basketball at Pace University in New York.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The presence of Ben Roethlisberger on the Pittsburgh Steelers contributed to Le'Veon Bell's desire to leave when the opportunity presented itself.In an interview with Sports Illustrated's Jenny Vrentas, the New York Jets' new running back admitted "it was a factor." He added he wished he shared a "more open, more genuine, more real" partnership with his former quarterback."The organization wants to win. (Coach Mike) Tomlin wants to win," he said. "Ben wants to win - but Ben wants to win his way, and that's tough to play with. Ben won a Super Bowl, but he won when he was younger. Now he's at this stage where he tries to control everything, and (the team) let him get there. So if I'm mad at a player and I'm not throwing him the ball - if I'm not throwing (Antonio Brown) the ball and I'm giving JuJu (Smith-Schuster) all the shine or Jesse (James) or Vance (McDonald) or whoever it is, and you know consciously you're making your other receiver mad but you don't care - it's hard to win that way."Bell sat out the entire 2018 season amid an extended contract dispute. The 27-year-old watched from home as the relationship between Roethlisberger and Brown, one of the top quarterback-receiver tandems in the league, deteriorated.Brown threw a football at Roethlisberger during practice in Week 17 as their simmering feud reached a boil. The star wideout later accused Roethlisberger of carrying himself with an "owner's mentality" and lacking accountability."When I was there, there were no major problems like that, maybe little things like being on Facebook (in the locker room), being uncomfortable," Bell said. "I know Ben and AB personally. I know how personalities can get. I can see where things went wrong. A lot of things AB said, it had a lot of truth to it. I've had some of those interactions. I don't react like AB does. AB isn't the only bad guy in the situation. Ben isn't the only bad guy, either. It's not just one person. It ain't just me. It's everybody."The trio of Bell, Brown, and Ben were known as the "Killer B's" in Pittsburgh. Despite each player's individual success with the Steelers, the group never got to a Super Bowl together.Bell signed a four-year, $52.5-million deal with the Jets in free agency after five seasons with the Steelers.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints are reportedly close to a deal with Jared Cook, the top tight end on the free-agent market, a source told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.It's been a surprisingly slow free agency for Cook, who is coming off a career year with the Oakland Raiders in which he hauled in 68 passes for a team-high 896 yards and six touchdowns.The 31-year-old spent the last two seasons in Oakland. He previously suited up for the Tennessee Titans, St. Louis Rams, and Green Bay Packers.New Orleans is looking for a tight end to replace the retired Benjamin Watson.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur says he supported the trade that shocked the NFL world last week and sent Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns."My reaction is always the case with trades, it’s good for both parties," Shurmur told Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. "We feel good about what we got. We got a starting safety (Jabrill Peppers), we got a first-round pick, and we got our third-round pick. We felt it was good for us and, because we were able to come to an agreement, Cleveland thought it was good for them."Shurmur insisted he and general manager Dave Gettleman were in complete agreement regarding the move."Everything we do behind the scenes, coaching and roster building, is collaborative," he said.The Giants have kept busy this offseason. Along with trading Beckham, they also acquired guard Kevin Zeitler from the Browns in exchange for defensive end Olivier Vernon, and they signed receiver Golden Tate and safety Antoine Bethea in free agency."With regard to Odell and even O.V., it was business," Shurmur said. "I know from my standpoint on a personal level, anybody I’ve ever worked with I wish the best for when they leave. I’m hopeful O.V. and Odell can go to Cleveland, have an impact and help their team win games. That’s where it’s at."The Giants now own the No. 6 and No. 17 picks in the draft to help improve on their 5-11 regular-season record. Although it's likely Eli Manning will remain at quarterback to start the 2019 campaign, the draft can still shape the future of the franchise."We’ve gone into this offseason knowing we have to build," Shurmur said. "I don’t like the word 'rebuild.' We’re building. Dave has a plan, we have a plan, and we’re just moving forward."Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Minnesota Vikings inked former Tennessee Titans guard Josh Kline to a three-year, $15.75-million contract Wednesday, a source told Courtney Cronin of ESPN.Minnesota confirmed the signing but not the contract terms.Kline became available five days ago when the Titans released him one season into his four-year deal. He was a three-year starter for Tennessee.The Vikings' offensive line struggled to protect quarterback Kirk Cousins last year and failed to open up holes in the running game for Dalvin Cook and Latavius Murray, ranking third-last in rushing.Kline, 29, entered the league undrafted in 2013 out of Kent State. He spent the first three seasons of his career with the New England Patriots.The Vikings had just $1.85 million in cap space before signing Kline, according to Over The Cap.Copyright © 2019 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 iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, and Anchor.In this episode, Boone breaks down the players who were impacted the most by free agency.Topics include:

With the main wave of NFL free agency in the books, theScore's Dane Belbeck, Daniel Wilkins, and Mike Alessandrini project the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.1. Arizona Cardinals - Kyler Murray, QB, OklahomaJust over a month from draft night, Murray remains the most intriguing and talked-about prospect in this year's class. Arizona selected Josh Rosen in the first round last year but new head coach Kliff Kingsbury is reportedly smitten with the former Sooners quarterback. The No. 1 overall pick will once again be up for grabs but expect the Cardinals to take Murray if they stay put. - Alessandrini2. San Francisco 49ers - Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio StateSan Francisco has to be thrilled with Murray's emergence as the popular projected first overall pick; sitting tight at No. 2 and still grabbing the best player in the draft is a home run. After the 49ers landed Dee Ford in a trade with the Chiefs, Bosa's arrival gives them an elite edge tandem to combine with an already dominant interior. - Wilkins3. New York Jets - Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama Jamie Schwaberow / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Jets need a rusher off the edge, but Williams is too good a talent to pass up at No. 3. Many pundits have the Alabama star as the top overall prospect in the entire draft, and new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will leap at the chance to add a player with this much versatility. - Belbeck4. Oakland Raiders - Rashan Gary, DL, Michigan The Raiders have a few options at No. 4, including a trade into the top three, but we expect a defense-heavy first round for Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock. Although fellow pass-rusher Josh Allen seems like a logical fit here, the team has expressed more interest in Gary, meeting with him twice already. The defensive lineman's tape is inconsistent, but Oakland has likely fallen in love with his elite athleticism and tantalizing upside. - Alessandrini5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Josh Allen, OLB, KentuckyTampa Bay has needs to address all over the defensive side of the ball, and capitalizing on the high-end talent in this year's pass-rusher class would make for a great start. Allen's combination of rushing ability and coverage skills makes him an ideal fit as a stand-up edge defender in Todd Bowles' system. - Wilkins6. New York Giants - Montez Sweat, OLB, Mississippi StateDecisions to keep Eli Manning and ship Odell Beckham Jr. to Cleveland might cause many to wonder about the direction the Giants' front office is taking. Dwayne Haskins looked to be the pick for New York throughout the draft season, but ESPN's Diana Russini reported last week that the club isn't interested in the former Ohio State pivot. That paves the way for Sweat, the combine superstar out of Mississippi State, to join the G-Men as Olivier Vernon's replacement. - Belbeck7. Jacksonville Jaguars - Jawaan Taylor, OT, FloridaFrederick Breedon / Getty Images Sport / GettyA quarterback selection here is less likely now that Nick Foles is in town, so Jacksonville can continue to strengthen its offense to match a talented defense. The Jaguars will look to get back to their physical brand of football, pounding the ball with Leonard Fournette and allowing Foles to make quick decisions from the pocket. An excellent pass-protector and mauling run-blocker, Taylor fits this style extremely well. - Alessandrini8. Detroit Lions - Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson Detroit made a big-money splash by signing Trey Flowers in free agency, but that alone won't fix the pass rush. Why not double down on marquee additions on the edge? Ferrell should be a force both getting after the quarterback and defending the run. - Wilkins9. Buffalo Bills - Ed Oliver, DT, Houston With Kyle Williams retiring, the Bills opt to grab some interior defensive line help. One of the most explosive players in college football, Oliver could be a steal for Buffalo at No. 9; most draft boards had the Houston product as a potential No. 1 pick entering last season. Oliver battled injuries in his final collegiate campaign but could be a star in Sean McDermott's defense with his big-play potential. - Belbeck10. Denver Broncos - Devin White, LB, LSUFor better or worse, the Broncos appear set at quarterback after acquiring Joe Flacco. Denver could still draft a pivot in April, but a Day 2 selection seems more likely at this point. Fear not, Broncos fans - White is likely the top player available in this scenario and fills a need on Vic Fangio's defense. With playmakers on the edge and in the secondary, the former LSU linebacker rounds out a solid core. - Alessandrini11. Cincinnati Bengals - Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio StateAndy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / GettyIt's tough to imagine the Bengals making a big move up for a quarterback, but the value may be too good to ignore if one of the draft's top two signal-callers falls right into their laps. An advanced pocket passer, Haskins could provide a significant, and perhaps even immediate, upgrade on Andy Dalton. Cincinnati can move on from the 31-year-old Dalton at any point over the next two years without taking on any dead money against the cap. - Wilkins12. Green Bay Packers - D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole MissIn a move that will certainly excite both Aaron Rodgers and the Packers fan base, Green Bay grabs the electric Metcalf out of Ole Miss. After setting the football world abuzz with his incredible combine numbers, the hulking wideout will pair with Davante Adams to give Rodgers an excellent receiving tandem in his first season with new head coach Matt LaFleur. - Belbeck13. Miami Dolphins - Brian Burns, DE, Florida StateIn the midst of a full-on rebuild, Miami will look to take the best prospect available at No. 13 regardless of position. Luckily, Burns also fills a primary need in new head coach Brian Flores' stop unit. Much like he did with the Patriots, Flores will employ a hybrid 4-3/3-4 defense, and Burns fits both schemes well. The Dolphins desperately need pass-rush help with Cameron Wake in Tennessee and Robert Quinn on the trade block. - Alessandrini14. Atlanta Falcons - Christian Wilkins, DT, ClemsonThe Falcons already have one of the league's premier interior linemen in Grady Jarrett, but they could certainly use an upgrade next to him. Wilkins and Jarrett would make for an impressive, interchangeable tandem capable of making plays in the passing game and against the run. - Wilkins15. Washington Redskins - Drew Lock, QB, MissouriJonathan Bachman / Getty Images Sport / GettyWith Alex Smith's status unclear going forward, Washington added Case Keenum from Denver in the offseason. That may work as a short-term fix, but Daniel Snyder won't be able to pass on Lock's long-term potential at No. 15. The Missouri star's stats were certainly impressive at the collegiate level, though they didn't always translate to wins for the Tigers. - Belbeck16. Carolina Panthers - Andre Dillard, OT, Washington StateDillard could easily find himself selected in the top 15, so the Panthers would be thrilled with the value of this pick. Carolina recently re-signed Daryl Williams and released Matt Kalil, so the Washington State product profiles as an ideal replacement on the left side. Taylor Moton filled in admirably in 2018 but he's a better fit at right tackle. Protecting Cam Newton must be a top priority moving forward. - Alessandrini17. New York Giants (from CLE) - Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi StateThe Giants will say they intend to compete despite the Odell Beckham Jr. trade, but it's pretty clear the rebuild is in full effect. Dave Gettleman will likely build from the inside out, just as he did in Carolina, and he can afford to wait on a talent like Simmons with the long-term future in mind. The Mississippi State standout could have been a top-10 pick before tearing his ACL in a pre-draft workout. - Wilkins18. Minnesota Vikings - Jonah Williams, OT, AlabamaThe high-priced addition of Kirk Cousins prior to last season didn't pan out as the Vikings hoped, and some of the blame can be put on his protection. Minnesota address that need by adding the Alabama standout who can play both tackle and guard. With many pundits figuring Williams to be gone by No. 18, Minnesota will leap at the chance to bring him to the NFC North. - Belbeck19. Tennessee Titans - T.J. Hockenson, TE, IowaIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyThough Delanie Walker is 34 and coming off a major ankle injury, Tennessee doesn't have a glaring need at tight end. But Hockenson is just too good to pass up. The former Hawkeye is an elite run-blocker for a prospect, something head coach Mike Vrabel will appreciate. Hockenson can also help in the passing game, creating favorable matchups for a team that lacks an elite receiving threat. - Alessandrini20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Noah Fant, TE, IowaReceiver will be a popular pick for the Steelers after they sent Antonio Brown to Oakland, and perhaps they do address that position at some point early on. But tight end is a more pressing need, and Fant is the best pass-catcher on the board anyway. An ideal tight end for today's game, the athletic Iowa product brings a new element to Pittsburgh's offense in this time of transition. - Wilkins21. Seattle Seahawks - Dexter Lawrence, DT, ClemsonDefensive tackle may not be Seattle's biggest area of need, but Pete Carroll will jump at the chance to add a player with Lawrence's versatility. At 6-foot-4, 342 lbs, the former Clemson star somehow ran a 5.05 40-yard dash at the combine and possesses some of the draft's best hands along the defensive line. - Belbeck22. Baltimore Ravens - Marquise Brown, WR, OklahomaSimply naming three receivers currently on Baltimore's roster is a daunting task. John Harbaugh will implement a run-first offense in 2019 led by Mark Ingram, Gus Edwards, and quarterback Lamar Jackson, but a deep-threat wideout must be added as well. "Hollywood" is the perfect prospect to take the top off opposing defenses. Playmakers galore. - Alessandrini23. Houston Texans - Cody Ford, OT, OklahomaIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyThis one's pretty simple. Houston desperately needs offensive line help, so taking the top available tackle feels like a no-brainer. Ford, a likely Day 1 starter at right tackle, would be a major upgrade for a group that needs to better protect franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson. - Wilkins24. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) - Greedy Williams, CB, LSUWith the Raiders' second first-round pick, Jon Gruden will target the talented cornerback out of LSU. Williams allowed a paltry 43 passer rating when targeted throughout his collegiate career, according to Pro Football Focus. He also possesses ideal size for a shutdown corner in today's NFL. Pairing him with Gareon Conley should give Oakland the secondary it needs to face quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes and Philip Rivers on a yearly basis. - Belbeck25. Philadelphia Eagles - Devin Bush, LB, MichiganCornerbacks and running backs often join Philadelphia in the first rounds of mock drafts, but linebacker is a major area of need as well. After losing Jordan Hicks, the Eagles have little to offer besides Nigel Bradham. Bush provides an instant upgrade as a sideline-to-sideline linebacker with elite athleticism. Howie Roseman continues his mastery by simultaneously filling a need and selecting the best player available. - Alessandrini26. Indianapolis Colts - Jachai Polite, DE, FloridaPolite didn't do himself any favors at the combine, as some seemingly poor interviews appear to have impacted his draft stock. Still in need of pass-rush help after declining to use their cap space in free agency, the Colts should be thrilled to see him available at No 26. Everything Polite showed at Florida screams first-round talent. - Wilkins27. Oakland Raiders (from DAL) - N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona StateJennifer Stewart / Getty Images Sport / GettyAfter bolstering the defense with Oakland's first two picks in the opening round, Jon Gruden adds an explosive offensive weapon with Harry. At 6-foot-3, 216 pounds, the Arizona State star will give the Raiders a big target to pair with the electric Antonio Brown. Adding those receiving options in the offseason eliminates any excuse for Derek Carr not to produce at the highest level next season. - Belbeck28. Los Angeles Chargers - Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre DameDon't be surprised if Tillery makes his way into the back end of the first round. The Notre Dame product offers an intriguing combination of size, athleticism, and pass-rush prowess. Though the Chargers retained Brandon Mebane during free agency, they still have a need for a one-gap defensive tackle who can disrupt opponents at the line of scrimmage. - Alessandrini29. Kansas City Chiefs - Deandre Baker, CB, GeorgiaUnbelievable as the offense may be, the Chiefs won't go anywhere until they can get some stops on defense. Adding a cornerback like Baker to play alongside free-agent safety addition Tyrann Mathieu would go a long way toward making that happen. - Wilkins30. Green Bay Packers (from NO) - Garrett Bradbury, OL, NC StateThe Packers desperately need help for the interior of the offensive line and opt for best available talent here with Bradbury. Honored as the nation's top center last year, he has experience playing guard as well. That versatility will make him a Day 1 starter for the Packers and should immediately help keep Rodgers clean. - Belbeck31. Los Angeles Rams - Erik McCoy, C, Texas A&MIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyIf the Rams hope to remain contenders in the competitive NFC, their success along the offensive line must continue. The team declined John Sullivan's 2019 option and McCoy profiles as an ideal replacement in the middle of Sean McVay's blocking unit. The center's stock has risen in recent weeks after a strong Senior Bowl and combine. - Alessandrini32. New England Patriots - L.J. Collier, DE, TCUNew England's defensive front took a major hit when Trey Flowers landed a megadeal from the Lions in free agency. Michael Bennett was a nice trade addition, but that shouldn't be all the Patriots do to address the pass rush. Much like Bennett, Collier brings the kind of power and position versatility Bill Belichick covets in his defensive linemen. - WilkinsCopyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft won't accept a plea deal being offered by Florida prosecutors, a source told CNN's Kevin Conlon and Jason Carroll, as relayed by Jake Tapper.The deal would require Kraft to admit he'd be proven guilty in court for soliciting prostitution at a day spa that's tied to an international human trafficking ring.The proposal would also require Kraft to do 100 hours of community service and complete a course about prostitution, among other things.Kraft's attorneys filed a joint protective order Wednesday along with the other 24 men being charged in an attempt to prevent the release of investigation evidence including video surveillance footage from inside the day spa.The Patriots owner has denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to the charges, which were revealed in late February.The 77-year-old Kraft's arraignment is currently set for March 28.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former Denver Broncos quarterback Chad Kelly pleaded guilty Wednesday to misdemeanor second-degree criminal trespassing, Saja Hindi of the Denver Post reports.The 24-year-old received one year of probation and 50 hours of community service.Kelly was arrested Oct. 23 after police received a call about a man who'd entered into an Englewood, Colo., property while dressed in costume. Kelly had been attending a Halloween party thrown by then-teammate Von Miller. The Broncos released the quarterback the following day.The last pick of the 2017 draft, Kelly is the nephew of Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants are reportedly indifferent about Dwayne Haskins, but it appears that hasn't stopped the NFC East team from doing its homework on the Ohio State quarterback.A contingent from the Giants organization that included head coach Pat Shurmur and offensive coordinator Mike Shula had dinner with Haskins on Tuesday night, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.‏Haskins is widely regarded as one of the two top pivots in the draft alongside Kyler Murray.New York, which holds the sixth overall pick in this year's draft, is expected to be "out in force" for the Buckeyes' Pro Day on Wednesday, adds Garafolo.Giants general manager Dave Gettleman continued to throw his weight behind Eli Manning this week, saying that keeping the 38-year-old for 2019 "really wasn't a hard decision to make."After passing on signal-callers like Sam Darnold at No. 2 overall last year in favor of running back Saquon Barkley, the Giants are facing pressure to land a franchise quarterback.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.