The Buffalo Bills will host former Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch for a workout on Tuesday, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Lynch cleared waivers after being released by the Broncos on Sunday. The 2016 first-round pick failed to impress during the preseason and was eventually supplanted on the depth chart by Chad Kelly.Buffalo announced second-year pro Nathan Peterman as its Week 1 starter on Monday. Peterman defeated 2018 first-round pick Josh Allen for the job.Lynch played sparingly during his first two seasons and would likely be vying for the team's No. 3 spot.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph announced Royce Freeman as the team's starting running back on Monday, via Andrew Mason of DenverBroncos.com.Freeman was competing against Devontae Booker for the role.The 22-year-old finished a prolific collegiate career at Oregon in 2017, where he became the Pac-12 career rushing touchdowns leader. Freeman was selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.Joseph told reporters that Freeman will likely be featured on first and second downs, with Booker serving as the third-down back.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL ruled that Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy is eligible to play in Week 1 despite an ongoing police investigation, according to Mark Maske of The Washington Post. McCoy won't be placed on the commissioner's exempt list at this point."There’s been no change to his status," league spokesman Brian McCarthy told Maske on Monday.Related: McCoy confident he'll be available Week 1 despite ongoing investigationA home invasion occurred in July at a Georgia property owned by McCoy where his former girlfriend, Delicia Cordon, was living. Cordon and her attorney reportedly filed a personal injury lawsuit against the star running back.The lawsuit states that McCoy "intentionally permitted a hazardous condition to exist on the premises." It also claims the six-time Pro Bowler and his former college teammate Tamarcus Porter "are liable for the assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress suffered" by Cordon after McCoy changed the home's security codes.No criminal charges have been filed yet.The Bills visit the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday afternoon to open their 2018 season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Oakland Raiders are signing free-agent wide receiver Brandon LaFell to a one-year deal, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.LaFell was released by the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.The Raiders released wideout Martavis Bryant on Saturday, creating a need at the position. Bryant is reportedly in the process of appealing a drug suspension levied by the NFL. LaFell will join Amari Cooper, Jordy Nelson, and Seth Roberts near the top of the depth chart.LaFell will turn 32 years old in early November. The eight-year vet spent the past two seasons with the Bengals after stints with the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers.He was originally a third-round pick of the Panthers in the 2010 NFL Draft and has career totals of 394 receptions, 5,263 yards, and 29 touchdowns.LaFell was a key part of the Super Bowl XLIX-winning Patriots. He caught four of seven targets for 29 yards and one touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles will ask Nick Foles to pick up where he left off in Super Bowl LII, with the team confirming Monday that Foles will start the team's 2018 opener Thursday vs. the Atlanta Falcons.Foles gets the nod because Carson Wentz has yet to be cleared for a full return to football activities."Nick Foles is the starter and we have complete confidence, obviously, in what he can do," Pederson told PhiladelphiaEagles.com's Dave Spadaro. "We're ready to go with Nick."Wentz is returning from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee that he suffered in December. He's reportedly impressed the team during his rehabilitation process, but Pederson has stated his starting quarterback would need to put in a full week of practice after being cleared for contact. He and Foles had been splitting first-team practice reps to date.Foles has looked shaky during preseason action this summer, but led Philadelphia to its first Super Bowl win in franchise history last season, winning the game's MVP award in the process.Wentz's status will now be evaluated on a week-to-week basis. He remains on the Eagles' active roster, indicating the team expects him to be ready within the first six weeks of the regular season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger tracked down a doctor-patient duo from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. who had been the victims of a fake autograph.Dr. John Stulak said he was given a football as a gift nine years ago that he believed to be signed by Roethlisberger, according to KAAL-TV Minnesota. Dr. Stulak re-gifted that football to patient Seth Bayles, who's fighting an autoimmune disease. The story caught the attention of Roethlisberger's social media and website manager who showed him the feature.Roethlisberger informed the two Steelers fans of the mistaken fake autograph and recently sent them a FaceTime video in order to correct the mixup.

Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert released a statement Monday addressing the absence of running back Le'Veon Bell, who has yet to sign his one-year franchise tag and rejoin the team."We are disappointed Le’Veon Bell has not signed his franchise tender and rejoined his teammates. Coach Tomlin and the coaching staff will continue to focus on preparing the players on our roster for our regular season opener on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns," Colbert said.The three-time Pro Bowler still hasn't signed the franchise tag that was applied to him in early March. The one-year tender would pay Bell $14.54 million for the 2018 season.Bell assured Steelers fans shortly after receiving the tag that he wouldn't sit out the season even without a long-term deal. The 26-year-old previously said he could retire if the team doesn't offer a contract to his liking.It's the second consecutive year the Steelers have used the tag on Bell. He didn't sign last year's tender until Sept. 4, six days ahead of Pittsburgh's Week 1 game. In that game he carried the ball just 10 times for 32 yards, adding three receptions for 15 yards.The star back seemed to refute a report last week that he had told some teammates he'd be reporting on Labor Day.The Steelers will visit the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon to begin the 2018 season, with or without Bell.Sophomore James Conner and rookie Jaylen Samuels are listed second and third, respectively, on the team's official depth chart.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

If you named Alex Smith as a potential MVP candidate prior to the 2017 season, you would have been laughed out the room.Ditto for Carson Wentz, who was coming off a rocky rookie season, and Todd Gurley, who looked like just a guy during Jeff Fisher's final year with the Los Angeles Rams.The likes of Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and Drew Brees, if healthy, are in contention for the award every season. But, as last year showed, each campaign can produce candidates straight out of left field.Here are 10 dark horse candidates for MVP during the 2018 NFL season:Rob GronkowskiBrady's consistent candidacy for MVP makes it hard for any other New England player to get noticed. But if there's one member of the Patriots capable of overshadowing the face of the franchise, it's Gronkowski.As is the case with many on this list, the star tight end would need a career year. He recorded 1,327 yards and 17 touchdowns on 90 catches in his second NFL season, so the bar is sky high. What helps Gronkowski, however, is New England's lack of other established receiving options. Aside from Chris Hogan, the Patriots' cupboard is bare until Julian Edelman returns from his four-game suspension - and even then, he's 32 years old and coming off a torn ACL.The lack of options in the Patriots' offense makes Brady vulnerable to a down season. If the 41-year-old's numbers are good but not great, at least by his high standards, it isn't reaching to think Gronkowski can become the first tight end to win the award after dominating with his increased workload.David JohnsonDavid Johnson has a mission for 2018: To remind the NFL that he's one of the league's most intimidating and productive running backs after a lost 2017 due to injury. With the Cardinals lacking receiving options outside of the immortal Larry Fitzgerald, and the brittle Sam Bradford under center, Johnson should receive more than enough opportunities to get his message across as Arizona rides its rushing offense.Johnson is equally talented as a runner and receiver, so putting up eye-popping stats shouldn't be an issue. He flirted with the 1,000/1,000 club in 2016 and could do that again this season. Of course, as a running back, that still might not be enough. After all, Chris Johnson ran for 2,000-plus yards in 2009 and still didn't get a single vote for MVP.Arizona also likely needs to make the playoffs for Johnson to stand a chance, a tough ask in the difficult NFC West. But there's little doubt Johnson has the talent to blow past those obstacles.Patrick MahomesThe hype surrounding Patrick Mahomes is reaching dangerous levels, but it's easy to get excited about the Kansas City Chiefs' strong-armed passer. Mahomes is brimming with potential during his first full season starting, especially with his talent and the weapons around him.Andy Reid is a masterful schemer. The head coach will undoubtedly find all kinds of nightmarish ways to unleash receivers Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins, running back Kareem Hunt, and tight end Travis Kelce. Expecting Mahomes to perform like an MVP immediately is optimistic, even with those weapons, but Deshaun Watson proved that it's possible.Moreover, while the Chiefs should be in contention to win the AFC West, their defense looks vulnerable after finishing 30th in DVOA in 2017, according to Football Outsiders. That should lead to plenty of shootouts, and opportunities for Mahomes to highlight his talents and compile MVP-worthy numbers.Andrew LuckThe question of if Andrew Luck will play again has been answered. Now, the question is how the Indianapolis Colts' star quarterback will perform after missing so much time with a lingering shoulder injury. Luck looked solid in the preseason, but he didn't push his game to a higher gear.If he's fully healthy, though, there's little doubt Luck can put up MVP-level production. He did that in both the 2014 (40 touchdowns) and 2016 (96.4 passer rating) seasons despite dealing with that shoulder issue throughout the latter campaign. Plus, new head coach Frank Reich is bringing over a system that made Carson Wentz an MVP frontrunner in 2018 prior to his injury, and it also positioned Nick Foles to become the Super Bowl MVP.Beyond wideout T.Y. Hilton and tight end Jack Doyle, Indy's offensive weapons leave a lot to be desired. But that means Luck should get serious consideration if he can drag the Colts to an unlikely 10-plus-win season.J.J. WattAfter spending most of the last two seasons on the sidelines due to back and leg injuries, J.J. Watt is likely just grateful to be stepping back onto an NFL field. It's unclear if the Houston Texans' pass-rusher will be the same unstoppable force he was while winning three Defensive Player of the Year awards from 2012 to 2015, but even at 80 percent Watt is still a top-tier defender.Of course, history is against Watt. Alan Page and Lawrence Taylor are the only defensive players ever named MVP. But Watt is the most dominant defensive talent since Taylor, and if he returns at close to his previous level and leads Houston to an AFC South title, voters may be tempted to give the future Hall of Famer the equivalent of a lifetime achievement award. That would also make up for not giving Watt enough consideration during his two 20-plus-sack seasons (2012, 2014).Watt's biggest issue is that a playoff appearance for Houston will likely require Deshaun Watson to pick up where he left off in 2017 prior to his injury, making it hard for voters to look past the sophomore quarterback.Saquon BarkleyTo find a rookie MVP winner, you have to go all the way back to 1957 - 10 years before the first Super Bowl. That player? Jim Brown, of course. The legendary Cleveland Browns running back took home the first-ever honor from the Associated Press. In the 60 seasons since there have been few legitimate runs at joining him.But as Watson showed last season, it just takes the right player and scenario, and Saquon Barkley will be thrown into a talented New York Giants offense set to run through Odell Beckham Jr. But after spending the No. 2 overall pick on Barkley, New York will need to get the rookie his work. A 400-plus-touch season isn't out of the question, and if Beckham gets hurt again, it's a near certainty.And unlike others on this list, Barkley shouldn't have to fight off an MVP push from his quarterback, as Eli Manning will be more of a game manager than a game winner in 2018.Antonio BrownNo wide receiver has been named MVP in NFL history. But last season, Antonio Brown arguably came closer than any pass-catcher before him until a late-season injury erased his candidacy. Between Weeks 11 and 15, the Pittsburgh Steelers wideout caught an absurd 39 passes for 627 yards and six touchdowns.Unfortunately, Brown suffered an injury in what was supposed to be his statement game against the Patriots and Brady, the leading MVP candidate at the time (and eventual winner). He caught just two passes during that game and then missed the last two weeks of the regular season. If Brown kept up his average of 156.8 yards per game during the sizzling four-game stretch prior to his injury, he would have been within touching distance of breaking Calvin Johnson's single-season receiving yards record (1,964 yards).The All-Pro receiver will continue to be a target monster in 2018, even in Pittsburgh's stacked offense. Last year's MVP race may have been Brown's best chance to make history, but he's made a career out of beating the odds.Marcus MariotaAfter three seasons in the NFL, the jury is still out on Marcus Mariota. Is the Tennessee Titans quarterback a special talent who was held back by an ill-fitting scheme and an old-school head coach? Or is he an athletically gifted but flawed passer whose ceiling is more limited than we thought due to health issues and struggles with the deep ball?We should find out in 2018. The Titans hired Matt LaFleur to be the team's offensive coordinator. LaFleur spent last season working under Sean McVay, and the year before he was alongside Kyle Shanahan. He should bring over a lot of the same concepts that have made the Los Angeles Rams and Atlanta Falcons so dynamic offensively, including an affinity for play-action that will ease the stress on Mariota.The young quarterback knows what it takes to win a major award. He took home the Heisman in 2014 after scoring a mind-boggling 57 total touchdowns. If LaFleur can restore Mariota as a running threat while also maximizing the Titans' strong supporting cast, the quarterback could have a Wentz-like jump in production.Khalil MackThe newest member of the Bears instantly becomes Chicago's best player, and it isn't even close. Mack's presence should boost an average defense - the Bears ranked 14th in defensive DVOA last year - and one that's consistently struggled to create takeaways under coordinator Vic Fangio.Mack is a playmaking machine. Only Chandler Jones has recorded more sacks since the start of the 2015 season, and Mack is a more dominant run defender. He's among the few edge rushers capable of breaking the single-season sack record of 22.5, a must for any defender dreaming of hoisting the MVP award.A Mitch Trubisky breakout campaign would probably derail any chances of Mack winning MVP, but considering all the new pieces on the Bears' offense, it's likely new head coach Matt Nagy eases in his quarterback. So, if Chicago does exceed expectations, the $141-million man could be first to receive plaudits.Alvin KamaraAlvin Kamara came out of nowhere to become one of the NFL's most versatile offensive threats. The New Orleans Saints running back led the league with an absurd 6.1 yards per carry in 2017, and only 12 players (10 receivers plus Le'Veon Bell and Travis Kelce) finished with more catches.The 2017 third-round pick changed the entire complexion of the Saints' offense, and he was the key to the team's resurgence. Doesn't that sound like the definition of an MVP? Entering 2018, Kamara could easily take his production to another level, especially with running mate Mark Ingram suspended for the first four games.Whether New Orleans is comfortable giving Kamara a bigger workload remains to be seen. The 23-year-old only received 120 carries in 2017, but he looked capable of taking on more work. Kamara's efficiency numbers will naturally take a hit if that happens, but the MVP award is rooted in both quality and quantity.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Despite signing free agent AJ McCarron this offseason and taking Josh Allen with the No. 7 pick in April's draft, the Buffalo Bills will open the 2018 season with returnee Nathan Peterman as their starter under center.The Bills announced on Monday that Peterman has been named the starting quarterback.

The Detroit Lions announced Monday that they've agreed to a three-year contract extension with defensive back Quandre Diggs that'll run through the 2021 season.The deal is reportedly worth $20.4-million, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Diggs was already under contract for the 2018 season with a cap hit of $1.94 million."Quandre has developed into one of our core defensive players and we are excited to come to this agreement that will have him as a Detroit Lion for the next four seasons," Lions executive vice president and general manager Bob Quinn said. "I also want to thank Quandre and his representatives for their work in making this extension a reality."Diggs was originally selected in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He started his career as a cornerback before switching to safety partway through last season. He recorded three interceptions while starting 11 games last year.The Lions are also signing linebacker Marquis Flowers, according to Rapoport. Flowers played all 16 regular-season games and three playoff matchups for the New England Patriots last year, making just two starts. He was released by the team on Saturday.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2018 Fantasy Football Draft Kit.theScore's Justin Boone delivers his bold predictions for the upcoming fantasy season.Coleman outscores FreemanDespite serving as the Falcons' secondary threat out of the backfield behind Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman closes the gap and finishes as the more valuable fantasy asset this season. This prediction doesn't require a potential injury, it's a straight-up finish with both players active for a similar number of games. Coleman posted top-20 fantasy stats the last two years and averaged just 1.5 fantasy points less than Freeman in 2017. In a contract year, Coleman will deliver his best season yet, edging his teammate who's going off the board five rounds earlier.Roethlisberger tops all QBsAfter flirting with retirement in the offseason, Ben Roethlisberger stays healthy for all 16 games and ends the year as the QB1 overall in fantasy. Big Ben had the second-most fantasy points among quarterbacks from Week 7 on last season, a feat made possible by one of the league's best supporting casts. The home-road splits that plagued him in recent years weren't nearly as much of an issue, allowing fantasy owners to start Roethlisberger every week. Be prepared to do the same this season.Miller wins back fantasy ownersLamar Miller finally becomes the fantasy player we all hoped, finishing as a borderline fantasy RB. If you don't think this prediction is bold enough, you definitely didn't own Miller over the last couple of seasons. The key to Miller's revival is improved quarterback play from Deshaun Watson, who lifts the entire offense and uses his mobility to open up defenses on the ground. Miller was a low-end RB1 during the first half of the campaign when Watson was under center and saw the majority of first-team snaps with his sophomore QB in the preseason.Ebron scores double-digit TDsUnderrated as a member of the Lions, Eric Ebron finds success with Andrew Luck by reaching the end zone 10 times in 2018. With the Colts' limited weapons on offense outside of T.Y. Hilton, Luck begins to rely heavily on his new tight end, allowing Ebron to blow away his previous career high of five touchdowns. Though Jack Doyle still outpaces him in receptions and receiving yards, the sheer volume of scores propels Ebron into the top-six fantasy tight ends by season's end.Gallup finishes as a top-20 WRThird-rounder Michael Gallup breaks out in a wide open Cowboys receiving corps to crack the top-20 among fantasy WRs as a rookie. Even with a slow start to the year, Gallup's chemistry with Dak Prescott is undeniable, as is the fact he's Dallas' best wideout. Gallup carves out a significant share of the team's 272 vacated targets, 132 of which belonged to Dez Bryant, the man Gallup will perpetually be compared to as the Cowboys' new star wideout.Peterson's stay in Washington briefA year after fizzling out after four games in New Orleans, Adrian Peterson fails to recapture his once-great form, leading the Redskins to alter their approach in the first month. Chris Thompson's dynamic skills give the offense a boost every time he's on the field, forcing Peterson into a short-yardage back role only. Plagued by a low yards-per-carry average, and unhappy with his limited usage, the future Hall of Famer will see his time in Washington end sooner than expected.Godwin outduels EvansAs Mike Evans sees his numbers decline for a third straight year, Chris Godwin steps into a bigger role in Tampa's passing attack and becomes the more consistent fantasy starter. Over the final four games of 2017, Godwin was the WR14 in standard formats, two spots higher than Evans. In PPR, Evans finished one slot above his young teammate, but it was a sign of what the future could hold for the Buccaneers' receiving duo. Entering his sophomore campaign, Godwin showcased an evolving skill set in the preseason, which should have fantasy owners excited given his late-round ADP.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden spoke to the media on Sunday night, a day after the franchise traded star defensive end Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears.Mack, who was entering the fifth-year option season of his contract, held out from training camp and the preseason in search of a new deal. Gruden said the negotiations between the Raiders and Mack were "tough, long, and drawn out" and, at the end, something had to give."We made an offer, I don't believe we were anywhere close to where the Bears were, and the Bears made us an offer that we thought was really unique," Gruden said.The Bears landed Mack, a 2020 second-round pick, and a 2020 fifth-round pick in exchange for two first-round picks, a 2020 third-rounder, and a 2019 sixth-round selection.Simply waiting to see if the team's standout defensive talent would report in time for the regular season was not an option for Gruden."We have waited. We waited and waited and the Rams game (season opener) was looming. Our feeling was he was not going to report anytime soon. ... You can wait it out, you can franchise him, you can force him to play, but we made a decision and we're going to stand by it."Gruden said he "had nothing to do" with the standoff and was not involved in the day-to-day negotiations."It wasn't my goal to trade Khalil when we got here. One of the reasons I'm here is because of him," Gruden said. "Unfortunately, we had a standoff with a contract and we could not come to terms. The Bears made us an offer of two first-round draft choices and here we are today."After getting Mack, the Bears handed the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year a record six-year extension reportedly worth $141 million with $90 million guaranteed."There was a standoff and he got a great contract from the Bears. A great contract," Gruden said. "Ninety-million guaranteed is an astronomical number. It's phenomenal for the players, great for him, obviously, but that was something we could not do."It's tough to trade him, but there's an economic part of this that's also tough."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints are signing running back Mike Gillislee to a one-year deal, a source informed NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on Sunday.Gillislee was one of the more notable casualties of roster cutdown day Saturday when he received his walking papers from the New England Patriots.He should act as depth for the Saints with Mark Ingram suspended for the first four games of the regular season.Gillislee is entering his sixth season and will suit up for his fourth team. He was signed by the Patriots last year after registering a career-best 577 rushing yards and nine total touchdowns for the Buffalo Bills in 2016. He appeared in nine games for the Pats, totaling 383 rushing yards and five touchdowns.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Players of Khalil Mack's caliber are always in high demand, but the newest member of the Chicago Bears said he's excited to be in an environment where he's cherished.Mack was traded from the Oakland Raiders in exchange for a package centered around two first-round picks. The superstar edge rusher then agreed to a six-year extension reportedly worth $141 million, which includes $90 million guaranteed and a $60 million signing bonus.Asked what he liked about his new team, Mack provided a concise answer."To be wanted, that's all it takes," Mack said, according to Albert Breer of The MMQB.

The day after the deadline for NFL roster cuts is never quite as exciting as the day of, but it can still deliver a healthy dose of buzz.Here's a roundup of the most interesting tidbits from the transaction wire a day after teams were required to reduce their rosters to 53 active players:Biggest names claimedDefensive end Mario Edwards, a former second-round pick, was awarded to the New York Giants via the Oakland Raiders. He could factor into the Giants' defensive line rotation immediately. Rookie Luke Falk, an enamoring quarterback prospect and the sixth-round pick of the Tennessee Titans, got scooped up by the Miami Dolphins.Biggest names unclaimedPredictably, nobody touched Martavis Bryant amid the reports of yet another looming drug-related suspension, making him the biggest name on the free-agent market. Former first-round picks Corey Coleman and Breshad Perriman, both receivers, also went unclaimed and are now free to sign with anyone, as is former Houston Texans wideout and Ohio State star Braxton Miller.Most impactful claimThe Denver Broncos added an extra quarterback in Kevin Hogan, which spelled the end of the line for 2016 first-round pick Paxton Lynch. After two-plus uninspiring years in the Mile High City, Lynch was waived by the Broncos. He can now officially be declared a draft bust.Most successful claims by 1 teamThe Giants took full advantage of their No. 2 waiver priority, plucking an NFL-high six players off the wire:

The Baltimore Ravens will have a Heisman winner backing up Joe Flacco to start the year, but apparently not the one they drafted in 2018.The Ravens are planning for Robert Griffin III to be the team's No. 2 quarterback to begin the regular season rather than rookie first-rounder Lamar Jackson, reports Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.Griffin was the subject of trade speculation prior to Saturday's deadline to trim rosters to 53 players, but it seems that Baltimore wants to keep the veteran so Jackson isn't forced onto the field before he's ready.The No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft was out of football last season. He completed 22 of 38 passes for 313 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in four preseason games while adding another 40 yards on five runs.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Denver Broncos waived quarterback Paxton Lynch, the team announced Sunday.Lynch was taken 26th overall by the Broncos in the 2016 NFL Draft. Although he avoided being released Saturday, the Broncos claimed quarterback Kevin Hogan on waivers Sunday, rendering Lynch expendable.Throughout the summer, Lynch failed to impress and was eventually surpassed on the depth chart by Chad Kelly. Case Keenum is expected to start for the Broncos with Kelly and Hogan serving as his backups."(Broncos head coach) Vance (Joseph) and I met with Paxton this morning and informed him that it's best for everyone to make this move. We appreciate all of Paxton's hard work as a Bronco, and we wish him well in the future," Broncos general manager John Elway said in a statement.Lynch played sparingly during his first two seasons, completing 61.7 percent of his passes for four touchdowns and four interceptions.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Chargers agreed to terms Sunday with free agent Antonio Gates, bringing the iconic tight end back for his 16th season, the team announced.The move comes a day after Los Angeles placed up-and-coming tight end Hunter Henry on the physically unable to perform list. Henry underwent surgery for a torn ACL in May and isn't expected to play this season.Gates, who celebrated his 38th birthday in June, posted 30 receptions for 316 yards and three touchdowns across 16 appearances last year. He's spent his entire career with the Chargers and is a lock for future enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers openly campaigned for Los Angeles to re-sign Gates following Henry's injury. Despite a decline in production over the last three years, Gates has continued to serve as a security blanket for Rivers on short routes.The Chargers are slated to open the regular season Sept. 9 versus the Kansas City Chiefs.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Doug Pederson refused to divulge who's starting at quarterback when the Philadelphia Eagles open their season, but the head coach did acknowledge Sunday that Carson Wentz still isn't cleared for contact, according to NJ.com's Zack Rosenblatt.A report Saturday suggested that the Eagles plan to start Nick Foles at quarterback when they begin their Super Bowl title defense Thursday against the Atlanta Falcons.Pederson didn't seem to particularly appreciate that report:

The inexperience of Chad Kelly led the Denver Broncos to keep former first-round pick Paxton Lynch on their roster instead of releasing him during the final round of roster cuts on Saturday.Lynch, who's shown little meaningful improvement since entering the NFL in 2016, was believed to be hanging onto his job by a thread as the deadline approached."That decision was made because looking at it and looking at the situation with Chad not having a lot of experience and not having played in a regular season game before, we thought that we had to go with three quarterbacks and Paxton was our third," general manager John Elway told the Denver Post's Kyle Fredrickson.Lynch entered training camp as the No. 2 quarterback behind Case Keenum, but struggled mightily for most of the preseason and lost the role to Kelly. He's seen action in five regular-season games throughout his career.Kelly spent his entire rookie campaign on injured reserve after being selected with the last pick in the 2017 draft.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Oakland Raiders and star pass-rusher Khalil Mack were at odds over a potential contract extension for the entire offseason, leading to a franchise-altering move that saw the three-time Pro Bowler head to the Chicago Bears on Saturday for a package including two first-round picks.But according to Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie, the team never intended to trade Mack, and it wasn't until late in the negotiations that it became clear they'd have to."My whole thought process was to get Khalil (signed)," McKenzie said, according to Scott Bair of NBC Sports Bay Area. "It was at the end, in the final hour, that it just hit. It hit hard and heavy. It was not a plan to trade him at all."The Bears had no such issues, reportedly handing over a six-year, $141-million deal to make Mack the highest-paid defender in NFL history.McKenzie refused to go into specifics about how comparable the Raiders' offer was, saying only that "there were some things that weren't meshing between the two proposals."Despite letting go of a Hall of Fame-caliber player, McKenzie insisted Oakland has no problem rewarding the right players."We will pay top dollar," McKenzie said. "We couldn't get around giving Khalil what he wanted. We will pay top dollar to top players. We just could not get it worked out with Khalil. When it seemed like it was going that way, we decided to make a move with the trade."We will be able to attract players. … We'll find a way to continue to play good football. We’re not worried about the outside perception of free agency. We will get free agents in here when its time to do that and we will keep our own. Sometimes you can't keep them all. That's just the way it goes."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore's Justin Boone is coming off his fifth top-10 finish in FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition.Scroll down to see his 2018 rankings for both standard and PPR leagues.Standard

The Los Angeles Chargers placed tight end Hunter Henry on the physically unable to perform list, rather than the injured reserve, when the team finalized its opening-day roster.Henry's injury designation is notable, as it leaves open the possibility of a late-season return. He'll miss the first six weeks of the season, then the Chargers will have a 21-day window to activate him.The tight end tore his ACL during a minicamp non-contact drill in May.Chargers general manager Tom Telesco previously said Henry will miss the entire 2018 season.The second-round pick in 2016 caught 45 passes for 579 yards and four touchdowns last season. Virgil Green currently sits atop the team's tight end depth chart.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers running back Jerick McKinnon suffered a torn ACL during a team workout Saturday, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The 49ers had feared a significant injury after their starting ball-carrier went down in a non-contact drill.McKinnon has been out of team drills since straining his right calf Aug. 9. San Francisco opted to hold him out of the preseason to avoid worsening the injury.The 27-year-old signed with the 49ers in March after spending the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings. The former third-round pick was poised to lead San Francisco's rushing attack in 2018, so Alfred Morris and Matt Breida will form a committee in his place.McKinnon amassed 991 yards from scrimmage last season with Minnesota, scoring five touchdowns.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Khalil Mack will finally get paid.The Chicago Bears and their newly-acquired pass-rusher have agreed on a six-year, $141-million extension that includes $90 million guaranteed and a $60 million signing bonus, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.With his new deal, Mack passes Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald to become the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history.The Oakland Raiders traded Mack to the Bears earlier on Saturday for a package of draft picks.The 2016 Defensive Player of the Year sat out the entire Raiders offseason program while searching for a new contract. He was entering the final year of his rookie deal after Oakland selected him No. 5 overall in 2014.Mack is a two-time first-team All-Pro selection. The 27-year-old recorded 78 tackles and 10.5 sacks in 2017, and he's registered 40.5 sacks in 64 career games.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Police Department announced that Baltimore Ravens kicker Kaare Vedvik suffered injuries in an incident on Saturday.The police were called to an area in east Baltimore by the local fire department and located Vedvik. He was then taken to the hospital."Kaare Vedvik has sustained head injuries and we are monitoring the situation," the Ravens said in a statement.Police said the injuries aren't life-threatening, though the department isn't able to confirm how they occurred.Saturday was the deadline for NFL teams to submit their final 53-man rosters. The Ravens placed Vedvik, a Norwegian rookie punter and kicker, on injured reserve.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Oakland Raiders released wide receiver Martavis Bryant, the team announced Saturday.Bryant is in the process of appealing a drug suspension issued by the NFL, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano.Oakland acquired Bryant in an April trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.The move to release Bryant is just the latest in what has been a frantic day for the Raiders, who traded superstar edge rusher Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears in a package highlighted by two first-round picks. The Raiders also reportedly acquired quarterback AJ McCarron from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a fifth-round pick.Bryant was suspended for the entire 2016 season due to a violation of the league's substance abuse policy.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Terence Newman announced his retirement from the NFL and will join the team's coaching staff.The 39-year-old Newman played 15 seasons in the league - nine for the Dallas Cowboys, three for the Cincinnati Bengals, and three for the Vikings. He was the oldest defensive player in the NFL.Newman was selected No. 5 overall in the 2003 NFL Draft by the Cowboys out of Kansas State. He's played for current Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer for 11 of his 15 seasons.The veteran defensive back played in 221 career games, accumulating 42 interceptions, eight forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries. He was a two-time Pro Bowler (2007 and 2009).Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Robert Griffin III made the Baltimore Ravens' preliminary 53-man roster Saturday, essentially completing the quarterback's comeback to the NFL after being out of professional football for all of 2017.NFL teams had until 4 p.m. E.T. to trim their rosters down to 53 players. The Ravens could still release or trade Griffin before their Sept. 9 season opener.

The Dallas Cowboys have released kicker Dan Bailey in a shock move, reports Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.Bailey is currently the second-most accurate kicker in the NFL history. Brett Maher is the probable candidate earn the Cowboys' starting job.

The Buffalo Bills traded quarterback AJ McCarron to the Oakland Raiders for a 2019 fifth-round pick, the team confirmed Saturday.McCarron was widely expected to compete for the Bills' starting job against 2018 first-round pick Josh Allen and second-year pro Nathan Peterman.The 27-year-old will now battle EJ Manuel for the Raiders' backup role, with Derek Carr firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback.McCarron, who was selected in the fifth round by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2014, played sparingly during his first four NFL seasons. He signed a two-year, $10-million contract with the Bills in March.As a result of the trade, the Bills will incur $2.1 million in dead money for the 2018 season, and $2 million in dead money for the 2019 campaign, while the Raiders will pay McCarron $900,000 for the upcoming year, Rodak reports.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It appears Carson Wentz will not be cleared in time for Week 1, as the Philadelphia Eagles plan to start Nick Foles at quarterback for the 2018 season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Returning from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee, Wentz has reportedly impressed during his rehabilitation process, but the Eagles are making a safer, long-term decision, Rapoport added.Foles has looked shaky this preseason but led Philadelphia to its first-ever Super Bowl in February.Related: Wentz's surgeon advises Eagles to take 'cautious approach' with QBWentz was given the green light to begin participating in 11-on-11 drills two weeks ago but has yet to be cleared for contact.The Eagles will reportedly also be missing No. 1 wide receiver Alshon Jeffery for the season opener Sept. 6, as he rehabs a shoulder injury.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers running back Jerick McKinnon suffered a non-contact knee injury during a team workout Saturday, head coach Kyle Shanahan announced, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner."Something with a knee, we'll find out later," said Shanahan. "We're nervous about it, that's for sure."The 26-year-old will undergo an MRI, added Shanahan. The fear is that he tore his ACL, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.McKinnon has been out of team drills since straining his right calf Aug. 9. The 49ers opted to hold him out of the preaseason to avoid worsening the injury.The prized free-agent signing was set to be the focal point of San Francisco's rushing attack. If McKinnon is sidelined for an extended period, Matt Breida and Alfred Morris should split the majority of the team's carriesThe former suffered a shoulder injury earlier in the preseason, but is now fully healthy, Shanahan said.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Seahawks still aren't planning to trade safety Earl Thomas, who continues to hold out with the regular season days away from kicking off, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Seattle has been listening to offers for their six-time Pro Bowler throughout the summer, but the Seahawks reportedly have no desire to move him unless a team ups its bid in trade talks.Thomas has openly told the Seahawks to either offer him a new contract or trade him. The 29-year-old is entering the final year of a four-year, $40-million extension.In 14 outings last year, Thomas racked up 88 tackles and two interceptions.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens have waived former first-round pick Breshad Perriman after failing to find a trade partner for the wide receiver, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.More to come.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New England Patriots released veteran running back Mike Gillislee on Saturday, a source told Kevin Duffy of The Boston Herald.The 27-year-old was originally a fifth-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in the 2013 NFL Draft.He spent two years with the Dolphins and two with the Buffalo Bills, before signing a two-year, $6.4-million contract with the Patriots last offseason.Gillislee has rushed for 1,248 yards and 16 touchdowns on 258 career carries. He's added a modest 94 receiving yards and one touchdown with 16 receptions.His Patriots tenure got off to a strong start last season when he rushed for three touchdowns against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch will reportedly remain on the team's 53-man roster after Saturday's cuts, according to Mike Klis of 9News.Lynch's status appeared to be in jeopardy as the 2016 first-round pick struggled to impress throughout the summer.The 24-year-old played sparingly in his first two seasons, completing 61.7 percent of his passes for four touchdowns and four interceptions.Lynch is expected to serve as the Broncos' No. 3 quarterback, sitting behind Chad Kelly and starter Case Keenum on the depth chart.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Warning: Story contains coarse languageOakland Raiders linebacker Bruce Irvin summed up the rest of the NFL world's reaction to the blockbuster trade that sent Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears in a three-word tweet Saturday morning.

Corey Coleman's run with the Buffalo Bills appears to be coming to an end less than a month after he was acquired via trade from the Cleveland Browns.The Bills will release the No. 15 pick from the 2016 NFL Draft by Saturday's 4 p.m. ET deadline to set 53-man rosters, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Coleman was acquired from the Browns in early August in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2020 draft. Cleveland gets to keep that pick, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.The 24-year-old appeared in 19 games over his two seasons with the Browns. He caught just 56 of 131 targets and totaled 718 yards with five touchdowns.Releasing Coleman will cost the Bills more than $2 million in cap space in 2018, according to Over The Cap.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders awoke their respective fan bases to completely different moods Saturday morning with the reported blockbuster trade of star edge rusher Khalil Mack.Reported - Irvin can't believe Mack trade: 'No f---ing way'Twitter users got online early to express either elation or frustration.

The Chicago Bears have an agreement in place to acquire star pass-rusher Khalil Mack from the Oakland Raiders, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Chicago will send two first-round picks to the Raiders in the deal, and it's possible the trade package involves even more assets, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Once the transaction is official, the Bears are expected to sign Mack to a new contract that eclipses the six-year, $135-million extension defensive tackle Aaron Donald signed with the Los Angeles Rams on Friday, Rapoport reports.Mack, the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2016, held out of all offseason and preseason team activities with the Raiders while seeking a new deal. The 27-year-old is in the final season of his rookie contract.Through his first four seasons, Mack has earned three Pro Bowl nods and two All-Pro selections. He racked up 78 tackles and 10.5 sacks last year, and registered 40.5 sacks in 64 career games with Oakland.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

David Johnson may have to wait to get paid.The Arizona Cardinals and their star running back remain far apart in contract talks and an extension is not expected before Week 1, according to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora.Earlier this month, Johnson said he was "encouraged" by recent negotiations with the team but admitted the wrist injury that cost him all but 17 touches in 2017 could be holding up the process.The 2016 first-team All-Pro rusher is scheduled to make $1.88 million in 2018. He rushed for 1,239 yards and 16 touchdowns in his last full season for the Cardinals, leading the league in touches (373), yards from scrimmage (2,118), and combined rushing and receiving touchdowns (20).Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson has tired of the questions about Carson Wentz's Week 1 availability, but someone else close to the situation is providing an answer of their own.The man who performed the surgery on Wentz's torn ACL, Dr. James Bradley, advises the Eagles to exercise patience when it comes to the recovery of their franchise quarterback."It should be a cautious approach," Bradley said to NBC Sports Philadelphia's John Clark. "What's a few games over 12 to 15 years?"Though Wentz has participated in full-team drills, he has yet to be cleared for contact. As a result, Pederson hasn't settled on a starter for Thursday's season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.Bradley believes Wentz is ahead of schedule in his rehab but added that the longer the wait before his return to action, the less likely he is to get hurt again.Pederson said he would consult with medical staff before making a determination on Wentz.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tony Romo punched his ticket to the First Stage of Web.com Tour qualifying, carding a 2-over 74 at Lantana Golf Club on Friday.However, Romo didn't survive solely on his own merit after finishing the pre-qualifier tied for 37th, with only the top 36 advancing. Luckily for the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Tomo Watanabe signed his scorecard with a score of four on the fifth hole when he had actually taken a five.Watanabe, who shot a 69, was disqualified because of the mistake, pushing Romo into the top 36 and giving him a spot in the First Stage of qualifying, according to ESPN's Bob Harig.Romo will now play in the qualifying rounds, which are set for late September and early October. Following that he'll need to advance through two more tournaments and then finish in the top 40 at the Final Stage to earn fully exempt status.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Nine days before the Seattle Seahawks open their 2018 season, star safety Earl Thomas remains away from the team.Thomas has held out of all team activities due to frustration over his current contract. He's publicly provided the team with an ultimatum to either extend or trade him, and it appears other teams are preparing for the second option.Multiple teams have recently reached out to the Seahawks about acquiring the disgruntled safety, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The Dallas Cowboys, who were the first team to express interest in Thomas, remain an option. However, teams have yet to meet Seattle's asking price, per Pelissero.Related: Wilson understands Thomas' holdout: NFL 'isn't just fun and games'The former All-Pro defensive back has been very vocal about his desire for a new deal as he enters the final season of a four-year, $40-million contract. He is currently the sixth-highest paid safety in the NFL in terms of average annual value.No progress has been made in extending or reworking the veteran's contract, and neither Seattle nor Thomas has shown any sense of urgency despite the regular season inching closer.The news is consistent with the team reportedly informing Thomas in July that it would not address his contract this offseason. Multiple NFL executives believe the Seahawks will eventually trade their star defender.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

All NFL teams must shave their rosters from 90 players to 53 by 4 p.m. ET on Saturday. Some clubs have already begun the process of whittling down their list.Keep up to date with all of the moves in the roster cut tracker below.*Move not yet officialArizona CardinalsLB Scooby Wright*, LB Matt Oplinger*, TE Alec Bloom*, CB Christian Campbell*Atlanta FalconsS Ron Parker, OL Austin Pasztor, CB Leon McFadden, DE J'Terius Jones*, OL Salesi Uhatafe*, OL Jamil Douglas*Baltimore RavensCB Robertson Daniel, OL Andrew Donnal, G Justin Evans, TE Nick Keizer, DE Christian LaCouture, DB Kai Nacua, CB Jackson Porter, WR DeVier Posey, LS Trent Sieg, LB Alvin JonesBuffalo BillsCuts still to comeCarolina PanthersRB Kenjon Barner, DT Tracy Sprinkle, DE Sterling Bailey, LB Richie Brown, LB Chris Frey, CB LaDarius Gunter, S Demetrious Cox, CB Alex Carter, OT Blaine Clausell, G Norman Price, TE Cam Serigne, WR Rasheed Bailey, WR Bug Howard, G Quinterrius Eatmon, OT Adam Bisnowaty, TE Evan Baylis, TE Jason ReeseChicago BearsCuts still to comeCincinnati BengalsRB Jarveon WilliamsCleveland BrownsQB Brogan Roback, WR Jeff Janis, TE Stephen Baggett, DB Christian Boutte, DB Elijah Campbell, OL Anthony Fabiano, DL Jeremy Faulk, OL Avery Gennesy, OL Fred Lauina, DB Derron Smith, DL Blaine WoodsonDallas CowboysDE Kony EalyDenver BroncosWR Jordan Leslie, WR Bryce Bobo*, WR John Diarse*, WR Mark Chapman*, DL DeShawn Williams*, DL Austin Simmons*, DL DeQuinton Osborne*, LB Marcus Rush*, CB Michael Hunter*, G Jeremiah Poutasi*, OT Austin Fleer*, OL J.J. Dielman*, CB Marcus Rios*Detroit LionsDE Cam Johnson, CB Dexter McDougle, CB Sterling Moore, WR Brian Brown

The Cleveland Browns are expected to speak with the Oakland Raiders about a trade for star defensive end Khalil Mack, Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot reports, citing a league source.Mack has been holding out from Raiders camp in pursuit of a new deal.His holdout is expected to extend into the regular season, and the Raiders are seriously considering trading the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year, NFL Media's Jim Trotter reports.The two-time All-Pro is currently scheduled to play on a $13-million fifth-year option in 2018 and hit free agency in 2019.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Not only will young players deemed not up to NFL standards be victims of the sweeping wave of roster cuts ahead of Saturday's 4 p.m. ET deadline, but experienced players will also see the chopping block due to inflated salaries, injuries, or poor performance.Here we look at 10 veterans at risk of missing out on a spot on a 53-man roster as we near Week 1 of the 2018 season.Randall Cobb, WR, PackersThe Packers are heading into the season with just under $11 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap, but releasing Cobb on the final year of his deal would save them an extra $9.47 million. Also, the Packers may favor a youth movement at receiver after selecting three wideouts in April's draft. The Ringer's Michael Lombardi insisted on his podcast that Cobb is available for trade, but said Cobb doesn't have the same value he once had due to his injured ankles.The recently-turned 28-year-old hasn't approached 1,000 yards receiving since the 2014 campaign, his only Pro Bowl season. The return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers would likely allow him to improve on a career-worst 9.9 yards per reception from last season, when he worked primarily with Brett Hundley. Cobb's still a reliable pass-catcher over the middle and could be an excellent compliment to a younger quarterback.Mike Gillislee, RB, PatriotsGillislee has fallen a long way since opening his Patriots tenure with a three-touchdown performance in the 2017 season opener. He scored again the following week but would add just one more touchdown, in Week 15, while totaling 383 yards rushing on the season.The Patriots brought in former Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill as a free agent, and Hill seemed to outperform Gillislee over their three preseason games; neither rusher played in Thursday's finale.The fifth-round pick from the 2013 draft could be signed to fill a standard goal-line role on a team with a thinner backfield.Ameer Abdullah, RB, LionsAbdullah has gradually faded away since he was the breakout star of his first preseason in 2015, when he rushed for 82 yards on just 12 attempts over three games. He started a career-high 11 games last year but averaged a personal-worst 3.3 yards per attempt and found the end zone just four times as a rusher.The second-round pick from the 2015 draft is now part of a crowded backfield in Detroit with the free-agent signing of LeGarrette Blount and drafting of Kerryon Johnson, both of whom outperformed Abdullah during the preseason. But he has youth on his side and can be a reliable pass-catcher on a thinner team. He graded in the top 10 of qualified backs as a pass-catcher last year, according to Pro Football Focus, and could be signed on a cheaper deal to fill that specific role.Robert Griffin III, QB, RavensGriffin completed 65.9 percent of 41 attempts with two touchdowns against one interception in four games this preseason before sitting out Thursday's finale. He even showed some of his old athleticism while rushing for 41 yards against the Miami Dolphins.Releasing him saves only $1 million against the cap, so there's the chance Baltimore could hang on to the veteran if they choose to be extra patient with rookie Lamar Jackson. If they opt to sever ties, Griffin proved enough to beat out several incumbent backups elsewhere while also proving to be a strong mentor.Brandon Marshall, WR, SeahawksMarshall is attempting to make his way back from an ankle injury that ended his 2017 season after just five games, but his only real action of the preseason came in the third game when he caught three passes for 34 yards. It may be enough to protect him until the Seahawks are sure of Doug Baldwin's health.He made the Pro Bowl as recently as 2015 and had 788 yards receiving in 2016. With the Seahawks seemingly set on trying to get younger, Marshall may not fit their vision. His name carries enough weight to earn him some phone calls as a free agent, but his diminished speed and a declining catch rate would limit his role.Breshad Perriman, WR, RavensThe top three receivers on the Ravens' projected depth chart, Willie Snead, Michael Crabtree, and John Brown, were all added this offseason, while rookie Jordan Lasley was chosen in the fifth round.Perriman's made just four starts since he was taken with the 26th pick of the 2015 draft, and he's caught just 43 of 101 targets. Speed was considered his major asset entering his rookie season, but three injuries to his right knee, according to sportsinjurypredictor.com, seem to have taken their toll.Kevin White, WR, BearsThe Bears would eat $5.27 million in dead money without saving anything against the 2018 cap if they release White. That's what could keep the receiver on the team's roster.The No. 7 overall pick from 2015 has appeared in just five games and is yet to find the end zone. The Bears paid up for wide receivers Taylor Gabriel and Allen Robinson, and tight end Trey Burton, in free agency, and drafted Anthony Miller in the second round to address a poor passing attack. White could still serve as depth with a reasonable amount of upside, but his injury risk may be too high to trust him with a valued spot on the 53-man roster.Paxton Lynch, QB, BroncosLynch may have saved his roster spot in his last possible opportunity to prove himself to the Broncos. The first-round pick from the 2016 draft completed 14 of 15 passes in Thursday's final preseason game, throwing for 128 yards and two touchdowns. It was the first game of the preseason in which Lynch appeared to outperform Chad Kelly, his rival to back up Case Keenum, and a seventh-round pick last year.Lynch should've been expected to perform this well against his competition, as only a handful of players from either team who appeared in the game will make the final rosters. He has the cap working in his favor, as the Broncos would actually need to pay him more this season to cut him with two years left on his rookie deal.Byron Maxwell, CB, SeahawksMaxwell earned himself another one-year deal this offseason after returning to the Seahawks for the final seven games of the 2017 season, recording an interception and a forced fumble while making six starts.The Super Bowl XLVIII champion failed in stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and Dolphins, and could again be the victim of a roster squeeze with the Seahawks moving toward youth. He missed the final preseason game due to a hip injury, missing out on one last chance to prove himself. However, he can provide veteran experience while playing a lesser role on a hopeful contender.Jason McCourty, CB, PatriotsThe 31-year-old McCourty made an unenviable veteran appearance in the Patriots' final preseason game. His stay with the Patriots could be short-lived after a trade in March reunited him with twin brother Devin.McCourty has 16 interceptions over nine seasons split between the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns. He'd be a standard cap casualty as the Patriots would be clear of his full $2.97-million salary, but he could still help another team on a smaller contract.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Oakland Raiders cornerback Daryl Worley is facing a four-game suspension without pay, subject to appeal, in connection with his arrest earlier this offseason, a source told ESPN's Josina Anderson.Worley pleaded guilty in June to driving under the influence, carrying firearms in public, and resisting arrest.In April, while a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, the cornerback was found passed out in a car outside the team's practice facility. He was cut by the Eagles shortly after his arrest and signed with the Raiders a week later.Worley won't count against Oakland's 53-man roster while suspended and will be eligible to return Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers.The 23-year-old was a third-round pick of the Carolina Panthers in 2016. He accumulated two interceptions and one sack last season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.