The Detroit Lions aren't done adding.After agreeing to deals with Danny Amendola, Justin Coleman, and Trey Flowers, the Lions also reached a deal with former Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports, citing a source.The Lions were set to lose Luke Willson and Levine Toilolo via free agency, leaving a hole in the offensive depth chart.James spent his first four seasons in Pittsburgh. He played in all 16 games in 2018, hauling in 30 passes for 423 yards and two touchdowns.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers will reportedly sign former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Kwon Alexander to a four-year, $54-million contract when free agency opens Wednesday, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.The deal includes $27 million in guaranteed money, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Alexander, a Pro Bowler in 2017, is recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in the seventh week of the 2018 campaign. He posted 97 tackles and three interceptions in his Pro Bowl season.The Niners had a glaring need at linebacker after cutting former first-round pick Reuben Foster in November.Alexander was known for his speed before the knee injury, though missed tackles have occasionally been an issue across the 24-year-old's career.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions will sign former New England Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers in free agency, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Flowers will receive a five-year contract, Schefter added, which is expected to be worth between $16 million and $17 million per season.The 25-year-old Flowers had been a key cog in New England's defense since being a fourth-round draft pick in 2015, winning two Super Bowls with the franchise.He accumulated 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles last year while also thriving in run defense.Meanwhile, Detroit had a glaring need at defensive end, as veteran Ezekiel Ansah is unlikely to return for 2019.The Lions' reported signing of Flowers continues general manager Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia's recent trend of bringing in former New England players from their days on the team's staff. Detroit signed wide receiver Danny Amendola on Monday and is reportedly close to a deal with slot cornerback Justin Coleman.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Redskins are set to make a massive free-agent splash, agreeing Monday to a six-year, $84-million deal with former New York Giants safety Landon Collins, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Collins' contract reportedly includes $45 million guaranteed, paid out over the first three years. It would make the three-time Pro Bowler the highest-paid safety in the NFL.The 25-year-old was a surprising addition to the free agent pool after the Giants elected not to franchise-tag him. New York also never offered him a long-term deal.Collins established himself as one of the hardest-hitting safeties in the league and was a tackling machine during his four years in the Big Apple.Collins' career stats:YearGamesTacklesINTs201516112120161612562017151042201812960He finished the 2018 season on injured reserve after undergoing shoulder surgery to repair a partially torn labrum.Washington struggled with its tackling in the secondary last year, despite the acquisition of safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix at the trade deadline. Clinton-Dix, a free agent, is unlikely to return given the impending signing of Collins.The addition of Collins can't be made official until Wednesday, the first day of the new league year.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions are reportedly closing in on a contract with free agent Justin Coleman, a source told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.It'll be a four-year deal worth $36 million, making Coleman the NFL's highest-paid nickel cornerback, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, citing a source.The 25-year-old defender spent the last two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, thriving in slot coverage. He previously played under Matt Patricia with the New England Patriots.Detroit's secondary struggled in 2018, fielding the NFL's 23rd-ranked pass defense. The team recently released Nevin Lawson, who started opposite star cornerback Darius Slay.Coleman notched three interceptions and two fumble recoveries during his two years with Seattle.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Free-agent offensive tackle Trent Brown is expected to sign with the Oakland Raiders on a four-year, $66-million deal that includes $36.75 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The contract will make Brown the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history.The 25-year-old will slide in as Oakland's starting left tackle, while 2018 first-round pick Kolton Miller will move to the right side, Schefter added.Brown was a fifth-round selection of the San Francisco 49ers in 2015. He was traded to the New England Patriots prior to last season and helped the team capture Super Bowl LIII while starting every game at left tackle.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

DeSean Jackson wants his tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to end immediately, and is apparently trying to speak a move into existence.On Monday, Jackson took to Instagram and bid farewell to the franchise, writing, "Tampa it was a great experience, but things didn’t work out!! Looking forward to my next destination."However, Jackson has yet to be officially released, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Tampa Bay is also reportedly fielding offers for the receiver but is struggling to find a trade partner.The 32-year-old Jackson has been clamoring for a departure from South Florida since last season. He previously identified the Los Angeles Rams as an ideal landing spot and more recently voiced a desire to rejoin the Philadelphia Eagles, according to reports.The veteran has one year left on his contract with Tampa Bay. He totaled 774 yards and four touchdowns last season, struggling once again to develop chemistry with quarterback Jameis Winston.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With NFL free agency on the horizon, theScore's football editors make seven bold predictions about what will transpire:Le'Veon gets NFL's 2nd guaranteed dealThe Pittsburgh Steelers' unwillingness to change their philosophy about using rolling guarantees when extending players was the spark that kicked off their two-year long saga with Le'Veon Bell. But the star runner will get the last laugh, as a bidding war between the New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, and Houston Texans allows him to leverage a three-year contract that will pay him every single cent. - Jack BrownePatriots land Josh RosenOtto Greule Jr / Getty Images Sport / GettyBill Belichick continues to be one step ahead of his peers. With Rosen reportedly on the block, the Arizona Cardinals will ditch their young quarterback in favor of Kyler Murray. With others unwilling to part with a first-rounder, New England will offer the No. 32 overall pick in exchange for Tom Brady's heir apparent. Expect a Rosen-Josh McDaniels pairing to send the rest of the league into a severe panic. - Mike AlessandriniColts reel in at least 3 big fishThrough a combination of frugal spending and a lack of drafted talent worth retaining, the Indianapolis Colts have amassed over $100 million in salary cap space. General manager Chris Ballard says he plans to be disciplined in free agency, but it would be borderline negligent not to open the wallet and make a strong push for a Super Bowl in Andrew Luck's prime. The Colts' needs align neatly with the top talents available in free agency, and they'll add at least three of the following marquee names: Bell, Trey Flowers, Landon Collins, Ndamukong Suh, Tyrann Mathieu, Preston Smith, Golden Tate, and Tyrell Williams. - David P. WoodsJaguars end Fournette eraScott Halleran / Getty Images Sport / GettyTom Coughlin and Co. could be ready to dump Leonard Fournette after a tumultuous sophomore season on and off the field. Coughlin called out the powerful tailback's "selfish" behavior in Week 17, while Fournette has admitted he was out of shape. If the Jacksonville Jaguars are serious about resetting their culture, they'll make a statement by trading the former No. 4 overall pick and signing his replacement. - Alex ChippinJets flop on the big namesThe Jets possess the second-most cap space in the league and are expected to make a splash during free agency - they're even the favorites to land Bell. However, when the dust settles, GM Mike Maccagnan and head coach Adam Gase won't be able to bring in any of the top-tier free agents to New York. After failing to grab any significant signatures, the Jets will hope to generate some much-needed buzz with their No. 3 overall pick in the draft. - Karan GillTexans spend the mostMaddie Meyer / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe defending AFC South champions enter free agency with an abundance of cap space ($73 million, fourth-most in the league), a laundry list of needs, and the motivation to strike while the iron is hot. Intent on keeping their place in the division and holding off the equally flush-with-cash Colts, the Texans splash money on free-agent offensive linemen, defensive backs, and receivers in an effort to compete for the AFC crown next season. - Michael McClymontPackers go for itAfter years of shying away from free agency with Ted Thompson at the helm, Green Bay was slightly more aggressive with the signings of Muhammad Wilkerson and Jimmy Graham in Brian Gutekunst's first offseason. That gets taken a major step further this year. With a decent amount of cap space, the ability to create more, and the championship window closing as Aaron Rodgers gets older, now is the time for the Packers to really go all-in. Green Bay comes away from free agency with a young edge rusher to replace Clay Matthews (Preston Smith), an elite cover safety to play between their talented young corners (Earl Thomas), and a slot receiver to step in for Randall Cobb (Jamison Crowder), before using their two first-round picks on another edge rusher and a tight end. - Dan WilkinsCopyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Houston Texans offered safety Tyrann Mathieu a long-term deal worth more than $9.5 million annually, sources told Albert Breer of The MMQB.Mathieu played the 2018 season on a one-year deal with Houston following his release from the Arizona Cardinals. The Texans have made keeping him a priority this offseason. He'd like to stay but will test free agency before making a commitment, according to Breer.The 26-year-old racked up 89 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions over 16 games in 2018.The NFL's legal tampering period opened Monday, allowing other teams to begin contacting Mathieu ahead of free agency.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven't found a taker on the trade market for wide receiver DeSean Jackson and plan to keep him on the roster for now, ESPN's Dianna Russini reports.Jackson has been clamoring for a departure from South Florida since last season. He previously identified the Los Angeles Rams as an ideal landing spot and more recently voiced a desire to rejoin the Philadelphia Eagles, according to reports.The 32-year-old has one year left on his contract. He totaled 774 yards and four touchdowns last season, struggling once again to develop chemistry with quarterback Jameis Winston.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Unrestricted free-agent defensive tackle Malik Jackson is expected to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles, a source told ESPN's Josina Anderson.Jackson will receive a three-year contract worth $30 million, ESPN's Adam Schefter clarified, citing a source. Initial reports indicated the lineman would earn $10 million total.The veteran defender signed a six-year, $85.5-million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars in March 2016. His playing time was reduced in the second half of last season, but he's still an effective interior pass-rusher. He accumulated 3.5 sacks in 2018 and eight sacks the year prior.Jackson will slide in next to Fletcher Cox on Philadelphia's strong front four. The team recently declined Timmy Jernigan's $11-million option for 2019.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions announced the signing of free-agent wide receiver Danny Amendola on Monday.Terms of the contract were not disclosed, but a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport it's a one-year deal worth $4.5 million in guaranteed money with incentives that could push Amendola's salary to $5.75 million.The veteran wideout was released by the Miami Dolphins on Friday after one season. He caught 59 passes for 575 yards and a touchdown in 2018.The 33-year-old spent just one season in Miami after playing the previous five with the New England Patriots. He'll reunite with former Patriots staffers Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn - now the Lions' head coach and general manager, respectively.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It appears the Oakland Raiders are interested in adding more star power to their roster.The Raiders could be interested in Le'Veon Bell and are willing to spend big in free agency even after acquiring Antonio Brown, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Bell is expected to have a number of suitors on the open market, and Rapoport calls Oakland a "sleeper team" to obtain the versatile rusher's services.The offseason is off to a flying start for Oakland head coach Jon Gruden and new general manager Mike Mayock. The Raiders traded for Brown on Saturday after the star receiver requested to be dealt from the Pittsburgh Steelers.Bell and Brown have been teammates since 2013, forming one of the NFL's top offensive duos in Pittsburgh. The running back sat out the 2018 season after being slapped with the franchise tag for the second straight year.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are shopping wide receiver DeSean Jackson on the trade market, with the Philadelphia Eagles believed to be his preferred landing spot, sources told Jenna Laine and Tim McManus of ESPN.Jackson reportedly requested a trade before the deadline in October, though the Buccaneers ultimately did not deal him. While the team would prefer to move him via trade, other teams believe it's likely Jackson will be released, Laine and McManus report.The three-time Pro Bowler has one year remaining on the three-year, $33.5-million contract he signed in 2017, though the $10 million he is due in 2019 is not guaranteed.Jackson started off hot last season, topping the 100-yard mark in three of his first four games, but failed to hit triple digits for the rest of the campaign as he battled injuries. The 32-year-old wideout finished 2018 with 774 yards and four touchdowns.The Eagles are expected to have interest in Jackson, according to Laine and McManus, though they may prefer to wait to see if he is released. Philadelphia originally drafted Jackson in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft and he had six productive seasons there before he was released in 2014 by then-head coach Chip Kelly. He subsequently signed with the Washington Redskins.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

This is new territory for the Pittsburgh Steelers.A model NFL franchise for the better part of the past half century, the Steelers have drawn nothing but bad press since the end of the 2018 regular season.The airing of dirty laundry began with the benching of Antonio Brown, continued with Brown and general manager Kevin Colbert's back-and-forth through the media, and finally culminated Sunday with the agreed upon trade that will send Brown to the Oakland Raiders.Even the trade doesn't put the team in a good light, as Pittsburgh shipped the best receiver in football to an old in-conference rival for a pair of mid-round picks, all while taking on $21 million in dead money. These aren't the Steelers we've come to know.While the melodrama may be over with the trading of Brown - and the impending free-agent departure of Le'Veon Bell - where does Pittsburgh go from here?Boston Globe / Boston Globe / GettyForced to pick sides between Brown and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger when their relationship dissolved at the close of the regular season, the Steelers chose the elder statesman and let it be known Big Ben's the unquestioned leader of the team.Though he's flirted with retirement in seasons past, the Steelers intend to sign the 37-year-old signal-caller to a contract extension that will keep him in Pittsburgh past next season.However, for the first time since 2012, Roethlisberger will go it without his fellow Killer Bs. The offense will now feature James Conner and JuJu Smith-Schuster, youngsters entering their third seasons in the NFL. While both have impressed early in their careers, there's reason to believe they could falter as the offensive focal points.Conner, 23, was a revelation early in 2018, but his production slipped as the season wore on, as evidenced by his per game averages before and after Week 10:CarriesYardsAvgTDsFirst 8 games18.888.254.21.1Last 5 games12.853.44.10.6Though Conner maintained his average yards per carry, his usage took a considerable dip in the second half of the season.Injuries played a large part - he picked up a concussion in Week 10 and missed three games battling leg ailments later in the year - but too much may have been expected of him in his first campaign as the unquestioned starter.Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettySmith-Schuster had a monster season, leading Pittsburgh receivers with 111 catches and 1,426 yards and winning the team MVP award. However, even he admitted much of his work came with an All-Pro teammate drawing double- and triple-teams.Smith-Schuster won't have that luxury going forward. He'll now be expected to take over the No. 1 receiver role, one that might force him from his spot in the slot.As the second option in the passing game, Smith-Schuster saw the majority of his targets (92 of 166) from the slot. Though he won't have to share looks with Brown, there currently isn't a reliable second option to share the attention from opposing defenses. Ryan Switzer had but 36 grabs for 253 yards in 2018, and James Washington had 16 catches in 14 games.Aside from these in-house options, the Steelers will have to get creative to replace the losses of Brown and Bell.Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyThe team will enter free agency with roughly $16 million in cap space, according to Overthecap.com, a figure that will make it difficult for Pittsburgh to add a difference-making receiver.It's far more likely the Steelers will keep to tradition and add to the position through the draft. Despite their glaring defensive needs, they'll need to expend a premium pick on a receiver once again.The Steelers' history in developing wideouts is well-documented. Since 2000, they've drafted and developed Plaxico Burress, Antwaan Randle El, Santonio Holmes, Mike Wallace, Brown, Emmanuel Sanders, Martavis Bryant, and Smith-Schuster to varying degrees of stardom.With 10 total picks in the draft - including the 20th overall pick, the third- and fifth-round picks from the Brown trade, and the sixth-round pick acquired by sending Marcus Gilbert to Arizona - Pittsburgh could find the next Brown, a former sixth-round selection, or Bell, a former second-round pick.John Grieshop / Getty Images Sport / GettyRegardless of what transpires this offseason, the Steelers are set to enter the 2019 season with lower expectations than they've seen in years. Formerly an AFC title contender, Pittsburgh will be hard-pressed to fend off the Baltimore Ravens and ascending Cleveland Browns in their own division.But muted expectations may not be such a bad thing. The Steelers can look to the Seattle Seahawks as a template for how to handle such a scenario.After the losses of Jimmy Graham, Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril, and Legion of Boom members Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor, not much was expected of the Seahawks in 2018. Yet, under the leadership of a veteran quarterback in Russell Wilson, Seattle surprised with a 10-6 season and a trip to the playoffs.There should be a lot less drama in Pittsburgh next season. They'll feel the sting of losing their two fantasy and reality stars, but they should no longer be able to keep up with the Kardashians.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Another pass-rusher was kept off the free-agent market late Sunday night as the Los Angeles Rams reached an agreement with linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. on a new contract, the team announced.The new pact is a one-year deal, reports Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.Fowler was originally acquired by the Rams from the Jacksonville Jaguars at the trade deadline in October. He picked up two sacks, a forced fumble, and 21 tackles in his eight regular-season games in L.A., but his greatest contribution to the team was the quarterback pressure on Drew Brees that resulted in an interception in overtime of the NFC Championship Game.The Rams are expected to lose defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and safety Lamarcus Joyner to free agency, but have retained Fowler and added Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Antonio Brown got his wish this weekend when the Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to trade him to the Oakland Raiders.Many had tabbed the Raiders as a likely landing spot for the All-Pro receiver, and those in Brown's camp believe things worked out nicely."This is just a great fit for Antonio," Brown's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said on ESPN's "SportsCenter" on Sunday."He wanted a fresh start and certainly got an opportunity to go to a renowned franchise, one of the marquee franchises in the NFL, a historical team. I'm sure (late owner) Al Davis would be very proud of this transaction."When the trade is made official at the start of the new league year on Wednesday, Brown will move from a perennial conference contender to a rebuilding Raiders squad that's still finalizing a home stadium for the 2019 season.But while Oakland isn't expected to contend this year, those on Brown's end are saying all the right things about his new team."Jon Gruden, I believe, is a future Hall of Fame coach and one of the great offensive minds in football, and the Raiders have a fantastic franchise quarterback in Derek Carr, they have a great tradition, great fan base, moving to Las Vegas," Rosenhaus added.Brown spent his first nine seasons in Pittsburgh before their public divorce this winter. Regardless, Rosenhaus said there are "no hard feelings" between the player and the franchise."Obviously, things fell apart at the end of the season," the agent continued."Antonio wanted to play in the last game against the Bengals; it didn't work out that way, there were a lot of things said that, really, it was a divorce. Antonio had nine great years. Sometimes in life, whether it's sport or business, you have a great relationship, but things happen, and you have to move on."Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs said goodbye to one of their longest-tenured players Sunday when they released veteran linebacker Justin Houston.The Chiefs were reportedly seeking to trade the eight-year pro but failed to do so, prompting the release.Houston was due $15.25 million in 2019. His release saves the Chiefs roughly $14 million in cap space, which is significant for a team that was set to enter free agency with just $9 million to play with and reportedly hopes to extend offensive star Tyreek Hill.Houston racked up 78.5 sacks, 14 forced fumbles, and 377 total tackles during his tenure with the Chiefs, who drafted him in the third round in 2011. He broke the franchise's single-season sack record - previously held by Derrick Thomas - in 2014 with 22 and ranks fourth in franchise history in career sacks."Over the last eight seasons we've had the ability to watch Justin grow into a leader on and off the playing field," Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt said in a statement. "His passion helped him become one of the most successful pass-rushers in franchise history."The 30-year-old Houston figures to be one of the top targets in free agency among available pass-rushers.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Oakland Raiders have agreed in principle to trade guard Kelechi Osemele to the New York Jets, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Along with Osemele, the Raiders will send a sixth-round pick in the 2019 draft to the Jets and receive a fifth-round selection in return, according to Jerry McDonald of Bay Area News.The 29-year-old Osemele spent the last three seasons as Oakland's starting left guard.He has two years remaining on his contract, so the move will save the Raiders $10.2 million in 2019 and $11.7 million in 2020 against the cap, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano. Additionally, Graziano reported that no dead cap money will remain with the Raiders once the deal goes through.The deal can't be made official until Wednesday, the first day of the new league year.Meanwhile, the Jets' starting left guard during the 2018 season, James Carpenter, is slated to hit free agency.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A year from now, maybe sooner, we’re going to look back at the Raiders' acquisition of Antonio Brown and wonder how more teams weren’t willing to offer the draft picks and new contract that it took to get this deal done.The Steelers’ options were limited, which was evidenced by the reported agreement with the Bills that Brown may or may not have nixed himself. That might explain why all Pittsburgh got back was a third- and a fifth-round pick. However, it doesn’t excuse the tepid trade market for a receiver who's been viewed as one of the best to ever play the game.Brown’s a much-needed addition to an Oakland pass-catcher depth chart that’s been lacking an impact talent since Amari Cooper was jettisoned midway through last season.My apologies to a declining and soon-to-be 34-year-old Jordy Nelson, seventh-rounder Marcell Ateman, limited slot receiver Seth Roberts, or anyone from the roster bubble trio of Keon Hatcher, Rashard Davis, and Saeed Blacknall.The Raiders are also allowing tight end Jared Cook, the team’s leading receiver in 2018, to reach free agency, leaving behind an underwhelming crop that includes Lee Smith, Derek Carrier, and Darren Waller.New general manager Mike Mayock certainly isn’t done reshaping his offensive roster, but at the moment Brown will face little competition for targets, which is good since he’ll need all the volume he can get to maintain his elite production.Brown has had at least 101 catches, 1,284 yards, and eight touchdowns in each of the last six seasons. He’s also coming off a campaign in which he led the league with 15 receiving scores.YEARRECYDSTD2018104129715201710115339201610612841220151361834102014129169813201311014998The perception of Brown may have taken a hit with his trade demands, blonde mustache, and bizarre pay-to-record personalized videos, but poring over advanced metrics reveals very little drop-off occurred in his game.Brown got what he wanted in a new team and a renegotiated contract, so presumably he should be content in Silver and Black. His social media accounts certainly indicate he’s pleased with his new home and new quarterback.Carr represents a downgrade from Ben Roethlisberger, who Brown’s spent his entire career catching passes from. Though Big Ben may have contributed to Brown’s unhappiness in Pittsburgh, the veteran signal-caller led the league in passing yards in 2018 and nearly doubled Carr’s touchdown total, while attempting 122 more passes than his Raiders counterpart.The efficiency of Brown’s targets in Oakland is likely to recede, but as mentioned earlier, a slight increase in passes thrown his way could offset that. Brown’s target share dipped to 26 percent this year, his lowest mark since 2012. You can expect the Raiders to take full advantage of their new star, pushing that number closer to the 30 percent range where it hovered for several seasons prior to 2018.Perhaps the bigger challenge will be playing in an offense that projects to be in scoring position far less than the Steelers, threatening Brown’s incredible touchdown consistency.Oakland was a bottom-five team in points per game last season, while the Steelers were tied for sixth in that same category. Those numbers should change for both clubs with Brown changing jerseys, though it’s hard to picture the Raiders becoming a prolific attack unless Brown’s presence helps draw several big-name free agents to the Black Hole. We know former teammate Le’Veon Bell is looking for a home.Seeing Brown line up for the Raiders will take fans back to Jon Gruden’s previous stint as the team’s head coach when he had Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Tim Brown in his offense. Passing stats weren’t as abundant back then, but Gruden always managed to get solid numbers from his top receiver whether it was Rice, Brown, Keyshawn Johnson, Joey Galloway, Keenan McCardell, Michael Clayton, or Antonio Bryant. From 1998 to 2008, Gruden’s No. 1 wideout averaged 78 receptions, 1,155 yards, and eight touchdowns.We’ll give him a pass for the 2018 season, since the Raiders dealt Cooper, but over the final five games, even a past-his-prime Nelson was playing at a shocking 122-catch, 1,235-yard pace. That was thanks to just under 10 targets per game over that stretch, which Brown should eclipse.Despite the optimism, Brown will fall a few spots in the next rankings update, from WR3 to WR7 - or more specifically at the bottom of the elite tier that features DeAndre Hopkins, Davante Adams, Michael Thomas, Julio Jones, Tyreek Hill, and Odell Beckham.And for the first time in a while, Brown will be available for a second-round pick in fantasy drafts, an area where you should be excited to select him.Instant ImpactJuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Steelers - The initial reaction for many will be to project a boost for Smith-Schuster, who takes over as the Steelers new No. 1 option. However, he'll receive more attention than ever with Brown no longer drawing coverage to his side of the field. An uptick in targets will balance out the added defensive pressure, keeping Smith-Schuster as a low-end WR1.James Washington, WR, Steelers - Washington has a chance to be the biggest winner of anyone in this situation as he steps into a starting role. The Steelers will likely bring in competition, but the sophomore wideout will be the favorite entering camp after ending the season with over 60 yards in two of his final three outings. Washington will be someone to monitor throughout the offseason as top-30 production is well within reach.Vance McDonald, TE, Steelers - When calculating where Brown's 168 targets will be redirected, don't forget about McDonald, who was a low-end TE1 in 2018 and hasn't come close to his ceiling yet. This trade gives him an excellent opportunity to remain a fantasy starter.Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers - There’s no way losing a Hall of Fame receiver still in his prime can be seen as anything other than a massive loss for Roethlisberger’s fantasy value. After finishing with the second-most fantasy points among quarterbacks behind only Patrick Mahomes, Big Ben becomes more of a QB2, unless the Steelers make a splash at receiver in free agency or the draft.Derek Carr, QB, Raiders - Roethlisberger's loss is Carr's gain. But don't get too excited about the Raiders quarterback just yet. There's a possibility that Carr gets traded, as Oakland's been rumored to be one of the teams interested in drafting Kyler Murray. If Carr remains the starter, he'll still be near the bottom of the QB2 ranks, but this helps his chances of being a streaming option.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Weeks of Antonio Brown trade speculation came to an end early Sunday morning when the Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly agreed to send him to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for third- and fifth-round picks.The star receiver also lands a lucrative contract upon joining his new team, reportedly becoming the NFL's highest-paid receiver with a three-year deal that will pay him up to $54.1 million and includes $30.1 million in guarantees.Here are five key takeaways from the blockbuster trade.Business is boomin'Name a better businessman in today's NFL. How about in league history? The sports world will spend the coming days wondering how a talent like Brown could possibly net the Steelers no more than a couple of mid-round picks, and understandably so. There are several reasons the compensation ended up being what it was but, like everything else in this situation, the star receiver was at the controls.The biggest winner from this deal, without question, is Brown himself. He wanted out of Pittsburgh, and he got out. He wanted nothing to do with Buffalo, so the reported trade that would have sent him to the Bills quickly fell apart. He wanted a new contract from whichever team traded for him, and the Raiders obliged. The fact that his new team is moving to Las Vegas in 2020 is a nice little bonus for the bank account, as the absence of state income taxes in Nevada only adds to his take-home. You can bet his contract is structured in a way that allows him to best capitalize on that next year.Brown got all this done despite being only two seasons into the five-year extension he signed with the Steelers in 2017, and just one year after a contract restructure paid him another massive signing bonus last offseason. That pair of deals meant Pittsburgh would incur a crippling $21.1 million in dead money on the 2019 salary cap for trading him, an obstacle many considered a complete nonstarter when trade talk first surfaced. Yet he got out and got paid again, anyway. That just doesn't happen in the NFL. Much like we've seen from some star players in the NBA, this was a masterclass in finessing. And it's fair to wonder whether others who may find themselves in a similar situation in the future now have a blueprint to follow. Mr. Big Checks, indeed.Big problems in PittsburghLong having leaned on an explosive crop of offensive playmakers to maintain a place among the NFL's elite, the Steelers suddenly find themselves in a spot nobody could have seen coming this time last year. Gone is Brown, who's posted six consecutive seasons of 100-plus catches and at least 1,200 receiving yards, and Le'Veon Bell will soon follow him out the door as a free agent. Plenty of blame for this mess will be thrown at the players, presumably from the team and fans alike, but in reality the Steelers brought a lot of this on themselves. This isn't simply a matter of bad luck with big personalities.Geoff Burke / USA TODAY SportsLet's start with Bell, who is headed for free agency after opting to sit out the entire 2018 season rather than playing on the franchise tag. One could reasonably argue that the Steelers were right to avoid the long-term deal he was seeking, but assuming he'd continue to go year-to-year, and potentially risk his long-term security, certainly blew up in their faces. Now a two-time All-Pro running back walks away for nothing, and the Steelers don't exactly come out of it looking great from a player relations standpoint. It's a business, they say, but that matters.For Brown, the underwhelming trade compensation was, for the most part, taken out of the Steelers' hands. Pittsburgh's front office likely did everything it could to maximize the return, initially aiming for a 1st-round pick and more, but things on that front became more difficult when he went public with the team's drama and made it clear that he'd need a new contract. Brown has and will continue to be criticized for the way he went about it, but what's it to him? He got what he wanted and called the Steelers out in the process. Doesn't the team bear some responsibility? Brown's issues with the Steelers organization, tearing apart what once appeared to be a strong relationship, seem to run pretty deep. General manager Kevin Colbert supporting Ben Roethlisberger's regular and public criticism of teammates, while suggesting the veteran signal-caller has "52 kids" on the team, speaks to the exact issues Brown was raising. One player being treated so much differently, quarterback or not, isn't going to sit well with others. The issue with that dynamic doesn't just go away because the most vocal opposition is no longer there. For a team that prides itself on culture, the Steelers have a ton of work to do.Mayock off to a flying startHow's that for your first big move as a general manager? The ultimate wild card joining the Raiders after years as the lead draft analyst at NFL Network, few in the football community really knew what to expect from Mike Mayock. It's unclear what his role alongside Jon Gruden is for moves like this, as the head coach still has final say on all personnel decisions, but the early returns on the new organization structure are promising either way.During a wild first offseason with Gruden back at the helm, the Raiders flipped a 2018 third-round pick to the Steelers for Martavis Bryant. The young receiver ended up not making the roster, rejoining the team for eight games, getting hurt, and then being suspended indefinitely for violating the terms of his previous reinstatement. Again dealing with the Steelers a year later, and this time faced with a first-round-pick asking price, the Raiders come away with a future Hall of Famer for a third and a fifth. Brown will be 31 in July, and the move doesn't come without risk, but getting it done at that price is a no-brainer.The resume speaks for itself - Brown is a massive addition for Derek Carr and the Raiders' offense. He's one of the few receivers in football capable of single-handedly taking over games, and a profile as an elite route-runner should give him the opportunity to continue his dominance for several years to come. Even more promising for Oakland, however, is the apparent approach taken in these talks. The Raiders being linked to Brown from the beginning had many wondering if Gruden would jump at the chance to get a superstar receiver he admires, not thinking twice about offering up the premium pick the Steelers sought. But at the risk of losing him to another team willing to go higher, the Raiders evidently stuck to their valuation, not moving any of their three first-rounders or, as it turns out, even their second-round pick (No. 35 overall). The Khalil Mack trade, seen by many as a panic move when contract talks weren't going anywhere, put a dark cloud over the team last season. Whether it's Mayock's incoming presence, Gruden finding his groove, or the two forming the strong tandem the Raiders envisioned, this savvy trade is a far more promising sign for the rebuild.For Oakland and VegasWhen the Raiders announced their move to Las Vegas, everyone within the organization spoke of a desire to win another Super Bowl for Oakland before leaving town. It was a nice thought, to be sure, but that whole idea went down the drain early on in Gruden's return season. Trading Mack just one week before the opener put a damper on any optimism, and the talent deficiencies throughout the rest of the roster were made abundantly clear thereafter. With the Raiders' plans for 2019 still up in the air throughout the year, a 4-12 campaign made for a disastrous potential sendoff.Dan Istitene / Getty Images Sport / GettyNow, as the team seemingly closes in on a lease agreement to play one last season in the East Bay before the move, so too comes another chance for a proper goodbye. A Super Bowl would be a wildly unrealistic expectation, but Brown's arrival, in addition to a number of premium draft picks and perhaps a few free-agent signings, will make the Raiders a whole lot more interesting in 2019.All of a sudden, this could become a team worth watching. Fans in Oakland have a reason to be excited, as do those waiting for the team's 2020 arrival in Vegas, and both are important considerations for the organization in this period of transition.Must-see TVThe general fan just may want to follow along, too. Nobody knows exactly how good the Raiders will be in 2019. The Brown trade alone certainly doesn't make Oakland a playoff contender, and it's just one of many moves to come as Gruden and Mayock look to reshape the roster this offseason.Good, bad, or somewhere in between, though, one thing is for certain: this team will be one of the NFL's most interesting stories. A rock-star head coach known for his wild sound bites, the rare GM who is a household name among football fans, an All-Pro receiver big on both talent and personality, a highly paid quarterback entering a pivotal year, and, with a return to Oakland on the table, perhaps one more season of Marshawn Lynch.The Raiders have "Hard Knocks" written all over them, and it just so happens they are one of the few clubs which, based on certain criteria, can be selected for the HBO training camp series without volunteering. Has there ever been a more obvious pick?Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Before free-agency cash begins to flow, let's examine where all 32 NFL teams stand in terms of cap space.The official cap for 2019 will be set at $188.2 million, an increase of more than $11 million from last year.Cap numbers are courtesy of Over the Cap and rounded to the nearest $10,000.Indianapolis ColtsCap SpaceActive Cap SpendingDead Money$101.34M$134.90M$1.23MHighest cap hit: QB Andrew Luck ($27.53M)

Antonio Brown's peers had colorful reactions to the reported blockbuster trade that will send the seven-time Pro Bowler from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Oakland Raiders.Not only did the wide receiver get his wish to leave the Steel City granted, but he also secured another $30 million guaranteed with a new contract from the Raiders.Here are the Twitter takes:

The Pittsburgh Steelers are trading star wide receiver Antonio Brown to the Oakland Raiders for a third-round pick and fifth-round pick, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Brown confirmed he would be heading to Oakland on Twitter.

The Kansas City Chiefs announced the signing of free-agent running back Carlos Hyde on Saturday.Hyde and the Chiefs agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.8 million, including $1.6 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The 28-year-old rusher will join a backfield in Kansas City headed by Damien Williams. Hyde was released Friday by the Jacksonville Jaguars, with whom he finished last year following a midseason trade from the Cleveland Browns.In 14 games split between the Browns and Jaguars in 2018, Hyde rushed for 571 yards and five touchdowns.He entered the league in 2014 with the San Francisco 49ers, where he spent the first four years of his career.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Cowboys agreed to a restructured contract with Sean Lee that will keep the veteran linebacker on the team for his 10th season, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Lee will reportedly receive $3.5 million in base salary in 2019 with the opportunity to earn another $3.5 million in bonuses.The 32-year-old was thought to be a potential salary cap casualty after losing his starting job to rookie Leighton Vander Esch last season.Lee, who's spent his entire career in Dallas, had 30 tackles and 0.5 sacks in seven appearances a year ago. Injuries have been problematic for Lee throughout his career, as he's yet to play a full 16-game season.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Free-agent tight end Dwayne Allen will sign with the Miami Dolphins, he informed ESPN's Josina Anderson.The deal will be worth $7 million over two years, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Allen is coming off a two-year stint with the New England Patriots where he served primarily as a blocker. He was released after the season for salary cap reasons.Allen had his most productive season as a receiver in 2012 with the Colts, posting 521 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie. He notched a career-high eight touchdown receptions with Indianapolis in 2014.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Michael Bennett is headed to his third team in as many seasons, leaving the veteran defensive end suddenly feeling like a journeyman following years of stability."I'm still trying to get everything together," the three-time Pro Bowler told Maddie Covino of The Change-Up after learning of his impending trade to the New England Patriots. "It's a little bit overwhelming because there are so many different moving parts. The family, everything is just, I've been so stationary and all of a sudden it's just like, I feel nomadic. I feel like the Berber tribe in Morocco: I'm pitching tent anywhere."Bennett is expected to be dealt to the Patriots from the Philadelphia Eagles when the NFL begins processing trades Wednesday, the first day of the new league year.He was traded to the Eagles from the Seattle Seahawks last offseason, where he had been for five seasons.In New England, he'll join a team looking to make a fourth consecutive Super Bowl run. Bennett posted 34 tackles and nine sacks in his lone campaign with the Eagles."I feel it's an iconic person I get to play with, (quarterback) Tom Brady, and the rest of the organization," Bennett said. "So I guess I can look forward to that, it's just a little bit different. I wasn't, I don't really know if I was really ready for all of that."The trade of Bennett to New England instantly sparked reports that his younger brother, Martellus, could come out of retirement to rejoin the Patriots.Martellus Bennett played tight end on the Patriots team that captured Super Bowl LI. He returned to New England for a brief stint in 2017 after starting that season with the Green Bay Packers.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With the free-agency window opening March 13, teams will be on the hunt for impact players, though some will lead to more headaches than additional wins.Here are five free agents who should be avoided this offseason.Nick Foles, QBThe former Super Bowl MVP is reportedly all but set to join the Jacksonville Jaguars once the free-agency window opens. Foles comes with an impressive resume and has proven himself a capable starter, but there are still reasons to be wary if you're a Jaguars fan.Foles excelled in Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson's offense, which leans heavily on run-pass options and shallow-route concepts. According to Pro Football Focus, he targeted receiving options between 0-to-9 yards 10 percent more than the NFL average and his passer rating when releasing the ball after fewer than two seconds was a stellar 117.8 in 2018. However, when tasked with moving to his second read, Foles' passes were 10 percent less accurate than the NFL average. Also, when targeting players between 10-to-19 yards downfield, Foles struggled and had a passer rating of 83.9, well below the NFL average of 96.7.It's possible the quarterback finds success in Jacksonville. Maybe new offensive coordinator John DeFilippo - who worked with Foles in Philadelphia - can install the right system, but question marks still accompany the 30-year-old and his potentially hefty price tag.Le'Veon Bell, RBIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyBell is looking for a long-term deal and a lot of guaranteed money in his quest to become the NFL's highest-paid running back.As talented as the 27-year-old may be, James Conner proved last season that Bell's production can be matched.Conner played in only 13 contests in 2018, but here's a look at his numbers extrapolated over the 15-game campaign Bell logged in 2017.Player Carries Rushing yards Rushing TDs Receptions Receiving yards Receiving TDsConner269121615696211.25Bell32112919856552The three-time Pro Bowler is definitely an asset to any team willing to sign him, but his asking price could really limit his market.Golden Tate, WRTate was never the same last year after a move to Philadelphia.In seven games for the Detroit Lions, he caught 44 balls for 517 yards. With the Eagles, he was on the field for only 47 percent of offensive snaps and recorded just 278 receiving yards in eight contests.Philadelphia was looking for a speedy receiver to stretch the defense and open up the shallow portion of the field for Nelson Agholor and Zach Ertz. Tate, who had an average of 6.3 targeted air yards (the ninth lowest last year, according to NFL Next Gen Stats), wasn't the right man for the job.If a team knows how to better use the 30-year-old, he's capable of making a positive impact. However, there are cheaper and younger slot receivers available in the free-agent class, such as Adam Humphries or Jamison Crowder.Trent Brown, LTBrown is coming off a stellar playoff run with the New England Patriots during which he and his fellow offensive linemen didn't allow Tom Brady to be sacked. However, the left tackle played inconsistently throughout the 2018 regular season. He allowed the 19th-most pressures out of 61 tackles who played at least 50 percent of offensive snaps, according to PFF.The 25-year-old also had the luxury of playing in the Patriots' spread offense, in which Brady released the ball at an average of 2.51 seconds - much quicker than the 2.70 NFL mean.Whichever team signs Brown to a long-term deal will be hoping its the version of him it witnessed in the playoffs rather than the one who struggled for two years with the San Francisco 49ers and also at times last season.Dante Fowler Jr., DEAfter two seasons on the Jaguars, Fowler joined a Los Angeles Rams unit featuring a star-studded defensive line that included Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh. With both teams, Fowler played only a supporting role and was never required to be the lead pass-rusher.Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyBut with the pass-rushing market tied up with franchise tags, a team may overpay for Fowler's unproven skill set.The 24-year-old had 16 quarterback hurries in eight regular-season games and was on the field for 256 snaps, equating to a hurry on one of every 16 dropbacks. Comparatively, fellow Rams edge rushers John Franklin-Myers and Samson Ebukam averaged a quarterback hurry for every 11 and 12 dropbacks, respectively.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Despite his desire to leave Tampa, Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston hopes the team holds on to wide receiver DeSean Jackson this offseason."He's still one of the best deep-threat targets in the NFL, and I hope he comes back," Winston told NFL Network on Friday, according to Grant Gordon of NFL.com.Winston and Jackson have struggled to develop chemistry through their first two years together. Jackson requested a trade last season, but it wasn't granted. He also complained about his role in the offense, though the Buccaneers changed coaches after the campaign.Jackson is still believed to be eyeing a new home, and identified the Los Angeles Rams as a preferred landing spot in January. Winston has spoken to the veteran wideout since the end of the season in an attempt to clear the air."We talked briefly," Winston said. "And the thing about having a guy like DeSean Jackson; he's passionate, he wants to win. When you have a guy like that, really winning and losing really separates how he's going to react. He wants to be an important part in winning football games and he knows that he is a very important piece to winning football games. So if we were winning, he's a selfless individual and he's fine. But when you're losing and the guy feels like he's not getting taking advantage of, of course he's going to have something to say. That's just his makeup."Jackson finished his second campaign in Tampa with 41 receptions for 774 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games. He added another touchdown as a rusher.The 32-year-old is entering the final season of a three-year deal he signed in 2017.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers have expressed interest in trading for Kansas City Chiefs sack artist Dee Ford, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Ford received the franchise tag last week. Kansas City is reportedly open to moving the 27-year-old after switching to a 4-3 defensive scheme under new coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.Ford suited up in all 16 games last season, posting 13 sacks and seven forced fumbles. His most memorable play, however, came in the AFC title game when he lined up offside, drawing a penalty and wiping out what would've been a game-sealing interception from Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.In Green Bay, he would bolster a defensive front that finished tied for the eighth-most sacks in the NFL a year ago and one that already boasts ascending pass-rusher Kyler Fackrell.The Packers came close to acquiring Khalil Mack from the Oakland Raiders last year but lost the trade war to the Chicago Bears.The 49ers finished the 2018 season tied for 22nd in sacks. Nearly a third of them were accounted for by DeForest Buckner.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are close to finalizing a deal to trade Antonio Brown, a source told Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.Dulac says that three teams are still in the running for the disgruntled wide receiver, but adds the deal could be completed soon.Reports surfaced late Thursday suggesting a trade to send Brown to the Buffalo Bills was imminent, but on Friday, Buffalo's general manager, Brandon Beane, said that no such deal will occur. The star wideout reportedly nixed the potential trade by indicating he wouldn't report to the Bills.The final batch of teams in the mix has yet to surface, though the Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans, and Washington Redskins were previously identified as interested parties. The New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals are no longer pursuing Brown.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Rams signed free-agent safety Eric Weddle to a two-year contract Friday.Weddle will receive $10.5 million in base salary with $2 million in incentives, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. $5.25 million of his new deal will be fully guaranteed.The six-time Pro Bowler was scheduled to visit the Rams on Friday after being released from the Baltimore Ravens.The Rams are likely to lose Lamarcus Joyner in free agency, meaning Weddle will slide in opposite John Johnson in Wade Phillips' defense.In 16 outings with Baltimore last season, Weddle posted 68 tackles, one sack, and three pass breakups.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With Michael Bennett reportedly on his way to the New England Patriots, his brother Martellus Bennett is interested in coming out of retirement to join him, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Michael, 33, and Martellus, 31, have always wanted to play together, Schefter adds.The Patriots appear to be finalizing a deal to acquire Michael from the Philadelphia Eagles. The veteran defensive end notched nine sacks and two forced fumbles in 2018.Martellus retired prior to the 2018 season after New England released him.The tight end began the 2017 campaign with the Green Bay Packers before being waived. A day later, he was claimed by the Patriots, the team with which he won Super Bowl LI during the 2016 season.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Miami Dolphins have released veteran receiver Danny Amendola after one season, the team announced Friday.Amendola signed a two-year contract with Miami last March. His release saves the team $6 million in cap space.The 33-year-old caught 59 passes for 575 yards and a touchdown in 2018. He could latch on as a veteran slot option for another club this upcoming campaign.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles are finalizing a trade to send defensive end Michael Bennett to the New England Patriots, sources told Jeff McLane of Philly.com.Bennett will be packaged with a 2020 seventh-round pick, while the Eagles will get back a 2020 fifth-round pick, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The move comes hours after Bennett stated he wouldn't take a pay cut to stay with the Eagles and was actually looking for a raise. The Eagles were ready to move on from Bennett for salary-cap reasons.

Veteran safety Eric Weddle will make a free-agent visit with the Los Angeles Rams on the heels of his release from the Baltimore Ravens, sources told NFL Network's Peter Schrager and Ian Rapoport.The Rams are likely to lose Lamarcus Joyner in free agency, making Weddle a logical target for the reigning NFC champions.Weddle was cut by the Ravens after his third year with the team. He made the Pro Bowl in all three seasons but was deemed too expensive to bring back for a fourth campaign.In 16 outings with Baltimore last season, Weddle posted 68 tackles, one sack, and three pass breakups.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson appears to have a good sense of humor about his underwhelming stint with the New England Patriots.Johnson tweeted a photo Friday showing a $276 tip he left on a $91.36 restaurant bill."I only had 276 yards with the Patriots which was really horrible," he wrote on the bill.

The Arizona Cardinals have acquired offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a sixth-round draft pick, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The Steelers were reportedly shopping Gilbert leading up to the deal.Gilbert will bolster an offensive line that struggled mightily last season, though he also comes with concerns about his ability to stay on the field. Injuries and a suspension for failing a performance-enhancing drug test in 2017 have limited him to 12 games over the past two years.Gilbert, 31, spent the first eight years of his career with the Steelers.The NFL cannot officially process the trade until March 13, the first day of the new league year.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Jacksonville Jaguars released defensive tackle Malik Jackson, running back Carlos Hyde, safety Tashaun Gipson, and offensive tackle Jermey Parnell, the team announced Friday.The four moves open roughly $26 million in cap space for Jacksonville entering free agency.Jackson signed a six-year, $85.5-million contract with the Jaguars in March 2016. His playing time was reduced in the second half of last season, as he started only one of the final seven games.He contributed 32 tackles and 3.5 sacks for the Jaguars in 2018, a drop-off from the 39 tackles and eight sacks he accrued the year prior. The 29-year-old spent four seasons with the Denver Broncos before joining the Jaguars as one of the top free agents in the 2016 class.Hyde came to Jacksonville in a midseason trade with the Cleveland Browns. He rushed for 189 yards in eight appearances for the Jaguars.Gipson never missed a game in all three campaigns with the Jaguars. He registered 54 tackles and one interception last season.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles have running back Tevin Coleman on their radar heading into free agency, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.Coleman, who spent the last four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, will be one of the top running backs available when the market opens March 13.The Eagles' ground game struggled last season, particularly after losing Jay Ajayi to a knee injury in Week 5. Josh Adams led the club in rushing with 511 yards and three touchdowns.Coleman's role in Atlanta expanded last year in the absence of injured starter Devonta Freeman. The 25-year-old averaged 4.8 yards per carry and finished the campaign with 800 yards and five scores on the ground.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants have agreed to trade edge defender Olivier Vernon to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for guard Kevin Zeitler, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport.The Giants will also send a fourth-round pick (No. 132 overall) in the 2019 NFL Draft to the Browns for a fifth-round selection (No. 155 overall), Garafolo reports.Vernon and Zeitler were both rumored to be on the trade block during the NFL combine due to their bloated salaries.Vernon gives the Browns a marquee pass-rusher to pair with Myles Garrett. The 28-year-old posted seven sacks in 11 games last season and registered 22.5 sacks over three campaigns in New York.Zeitler, meanwhile, bolsters the Giants' notoriously weak offensive line. New York spent big money on Nate Solder and used a second-round pick on Will Hernandez to shore up the left side last year.The trade cannot be made official until March 13, the first day of the new league year.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles plan to trade or release veteran defensive lineman Michael Bennett in an effort to create more salary cap space, sources told Jeff McLane of Philly.com.Bennett, 33, acknowledged Friday that his days in Philadelphia could be numbered, as he isn't open to accepting a salary reduction."I'm not willing to take a pay cut, I actually want a pay raise," he said on NFL Network.Bennett racked up nine sacks in his lone campaign with Philadelphia last year, continuing to serve as one of the league's most versatile defensive linemen.He is scheduled to earn $6.2 million in base salary next season with an additional $1 million available in per-game roster bonuses."Whatever team I go to, I want to get paid more than what I'm getting paid right now," he added.The three-time Pro Bowler captured Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seattle Seahawks at the end of the 2013 season.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are shopping right tackle Marcus Gilbert, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Despite reports late Thursday suggesting a trade to send disgruntled Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Antonio Brown to the Buffalo Bills was imminent, the Bills say no such deal will occur."We inquired about Antonio Brown on Tuesday and kept talks open with the Steelers. We had positive discussions, but ultimately it didn’t make sense for either side. As great a player as Antonio Brown is, we have moved on and our focus is on free agency," Bills general manager Brandon Beane said in a statement.Talks between Buffalo and Pittsburgh appeared promising before Brown nixed the potential deal by indicating he wouldn't report to the Bills, a source told Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.Brown recently stated he doesn't "need" football anymore and is secure enough financially to retire. The seven-time Pro Bowler also wants a new deal from any team acquiring him, so he could theoretically use fluctuating contract demands to gain leverage as the Steelers explore his trade market.With the Bills out of the running, a source told The MMQB's Albert Breer that there are "very few options left" for a trade.Numerous other teams have been linked to a trade for Brown, but nearly all have since dropped out, according to the latest reports.Brown, who turns 31 in July, posted over 1,200 receiving yards in each of the last six seasons. He led the NFL with 15 touchdown receptions last year, but a falling-out with the organization led to him requesting a trade out of the Steel City.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Guessing the landing spots and contract terms for the NFL's top free agents in 2019.Offense | DefenseEarl Thomas, SAge: 29

Guessing the landing spots and contract terms for the NFL's top free agents in 2019.Offense | DefenseLe'Veon Bell, RBAge: 27

The Buffalo Bills are closing in on a trade for Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Antonio Brown, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.However, multiple outlets are denying a trade is imminent. Shortly after the initial report, one league source informed Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News that no deal is imminent and another called it "unlikely." John Wawrow of the AP is "firmly reporting" nothing is imminent.Brown also took to social media to shoot down the report.The Steelers were reportedly seeking top offers from clubs with an intent to reach a deal by Friday.Buffalo owned one of the weakest receiving corps in the NFL in 2018. The Bills finished second-last in passing, averaging 174.6 yards through the air per game, and no receiver topped 700 receiving yards for the year.Zay Jones led the Bills with 56 receptions for 652 yards and seven touchdowns.Brown, meanwhile, has eclipsed 1,200 receiving yards and 100 catches in every season since 2013. He led all wideouts in receiving touchdowns in 2018 with 15.In the event of a trade to Buffalo, Brown would leave an offense run by two-time Super Bowl champion Ben Roethlisberger to join one led by a sophomore passer in Josh Allen. Allen completed 52 percent of his passes in his rookie season, throwing 10 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions in his 12 games at the helm.Brown wouldn't have to wait long to see his former Steelers teammates. The Bills travel to Pittsburgh in 2019.He may even have foreshadowed this potential move in 2012:

As it is wont to do, Twitter was abuzz after news broke of a reported trade that would send Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Antonio Brown to the Buffalo Bills.Many of the digital laughs were at the expense of Brown, who goes from a perennial conference contender to 2018's second-worst passing offense.

Pump the brakes on those wagons, Buffalo fans.Antonio Brown isn't so sure he'll be traded to the Bills.The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver responded to a post on the NFL's Instagram account about his reported trade to Buffalo with two words: "Fake news."NFL trades can't be made official until the new league year opens on March 13.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.