The Chicago Bears re-signed tight end Marcedes Lewis to a one-year deal, the team announced Monday.The financial terms of the deal weren't announced.Lewis joined the Bears in 2023, appearing in all 17 games. The run-blocking specialist hauled in four receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown while playing 29% of the club's offensive snaps.The 40-year-old is entering his 19th professional season, the most by a tight end in NFL history.Lewis has totaled 5,113 yards and 40 touchdowns on 436 receptions across 268 career games.Lewis was selected No. 28 overall in the 2006 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The UCLA product spent 12 years with Jacksonville, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2010. He spent five seasons with the Green Bay Packers before joining the Bears.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Veteran tight end Darren Waller is officially saying goodbye to football.Waller spent the 2023-24 campaign with the New York Giants - his first with the team - but hasn't attended workouts this offseason and reportedly considered retirement for weeks. The 31-year-old hangs up his cleats with 350 career receptions for 4,124 yards and 20 touchdowns in 86 appearances.

Arik Armstead knows about playing with talented edge rushers, and the new Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman is excited about what he's seen from Travon Walker so far this offseason."He had a tremendous year last year, and I know he's gonna have a tremendous year this year," Armstead said, according to Juston Lewis of the Florida Times-Union."I think Travon can be the best edge in the league. He has that ability. ... I think he will be," Armstead added.Walker entered the NFL as the first overall pick in 2022. After a relatively quiet rookie season with 3.5 sacks, the pass-rusher finished last year with 10 sacks. He only had five sacks in the campaign's first 13 games but posted five in his final four appearances.Armstead is entering his first season with the Jaguars after playing nine years with the San Francisco 49ers, who released him this offseason. In San Francisco, the 30-year-old shared the field with Nick Bosa, a former No. 2 pick who was named 2022 Defensive Player of the Year and has recorded 44.5 sacks in his last 50 games.Armstead has battled several injuries since being drafted in the first round in 2015 but had a double-digit sack season in 2019. He was a cornerstone of the 49ers' defense for years."(I'm) just trying to help him in any way I can," Armstead said of Walker. "Give him some knowledge, showing him different things that I use and how I break down offensive linemen. Some techniques that I've used throughout the years that I think will be great for him, and even better because I don't have the skill set and athletic ability that he has."Walker won 9.7% of his pass-rush snaps against blocking last season, the 80th-best mark in the league among eligible edge rushers, according to PFF. He recorded 52 tackles (10 for loss), 19 QB hits, and two pass breakups.Armstead and Walker are members of a Jaguars defense led by two-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher Josh Allen, who set a team single-season record with 17.5 sacks in 2023.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice addressed his off-field issues for the first time Saturday, saying he's improving as a person after a tumultuous offseason.Rice was arrested in April on eight felony charges stemming from a multi-car crash in Dallas. The 24-year-old was also involved in an alleged assault at a Dallas nightclub in May. Police recently said he won't face charges for the latter incident."I've learned so much from that," Rice said, according to ESPN. "All I can do is mature and continue to grow from that. This is a step in a better direction for me."He added: "Accidents and stuff like that happen, but all you can do is move forward and walk around being the same person, try to be positive so that everybody can feel your love and your great energy."The Chiefs drafted Rice in the second round last year. The SMU product finished his rookie season with 79 receptions for 938 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns. He helped K.C. win its second straight Super Bowl, catching six passes and 39 yards in the Big Game.Rice has participated in the team's OTAs this year and is expected to be at Kansas City's three-day minicamp this week.The Chiefs added to their wide receiver position this offseason, signing Marquise Brown and using a first-round pick on Xavier Worthy.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The start of the Deshaun Watson era in Cleveland hasn't gone to plan, with the Browns quarterback struggling to return to Pro Bowl form before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury last season.But head coach Kevin Stefanski expressed confidence that Watson can bounce back in 2024."We always talk about (how) we want the best version of ourselves. I want the best version of Deshaun," Stefanski said on "The Rich Eisen Show" on Friday. "He is constantly getting better. I see so many of these veterans ... every single year, you challenge them to get better. Even the guys you feel like are at the height of their craft - look at Myles Garrett, coming off that Defensive Player of the Year (award). He will be challenged both by us, and I know he does this to himself. He needs to get better. There are things he can do better."I know Deshaun is in the same boat. He wants to be better, he wants to play better, every single game, every single year. ... I'm excited for where he is right this minute with plenty of work to do. I know he's going to continue to get better and get healthy, but I'm excited about Deshaun."Stefanski pointed to Watson's performance during a road comeback win against the Baltimore Ravens - the game he sustained the displaced fracture to the glenoid of his throwing arm - as proof the signal-caller is still a game-changing talent.The 28-year-old also missed time earlier in the year with a different shoulder injury sustained in Week 3 and ultimately played in just six games in 2023.It was the second straight year that Watson - who signed a fully guaranteed five-year, $230-million contract following a trade from the Houston Texans - made only six appearances after he served an 11-game ban for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy in 2022.Watson led the NFL in passing in 2020 with 4,823 yards while throwing for 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions. But his production has severely regressed in Cleveland, completing just 59.8% of his passes for 2,217 yards and 14 scores against nine picks in 12 games.Cleveland made the playoffs as a wild-card team despite losing Watson, with veteran Joe Flacco stepping in and earning the Comeback Player of the Year award for his efforts.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Miami Dolphins star cornerback Jalen Ramsey is among those excited about the team's defensive coordinator change.Ramsey recently said that new DC Anthony Weaver will put him in a position to succeed by allowing him to move around in the secondary and shadow opponents' top receivers again."Last year was the only time I didn't follow and only stayed on one side of the field. ... This is like back to what I do, back to where I thrive, and made impact and have a lot of fun playing the game," Ramsey said, according to Alain Poupart of AllDolphins.com.Weaver, 43, joined the Dolphins this offseason to replace Vic Fangio after spending the last three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. Fangio - one of the most respected defensive coordinators in the NFL - spent just one year in Miami.The Dolphins ranked 10th in total yards allowed but only 22nd in points. Miami defensive back Jevon Holland recently said that Weaver is a "complete 180" from Fangio."I'm not going to compare them. ... But I think (Weaver is) a great coach," Ramsey said. "I think he's a good hire. I think he'll put guys in position to do really good things and show their whole skill sets."Arguably the best cornerback of his generation, Ramsey lined up as the right corner on 83% of his snaps in 2023, easily the highest rate of his career at any position, notes Jared Dubin of CBS Sports. Only 8.4% of his snaps came as the left corner and 2.4% in the slot.The 29-year-old - who was with the Los Angeles Rams for three-plus campaigns before joining the Dolphins - played at least 20% of his season snaps each at the right corner, left corner, and slot in 2021 and 2022.The seven-time Pro Bowler finished 2023 with 22 tackles, five pass breakups, and three interceptions in 10 games. Ramsey missed seven appearances due to injury.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs explained his motivation for leaving the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency."You do everything that you were asked of, but you still don't get the result that you want. ... And every year you be close, but it's not winning," Jacobs said on the "Green Light with Chris Long" podcast Thursday. "That was a big thing for me, too, man. Y'all want me to come back on a discount and lose. I don't know how I feel about that."Over his five seasons with the Raiders, Jacobs quickly climbed the franchise's record books. The 26-year-old authored an incredible 2022 campaign in which he topped the league with 1,653 rushing yards while adding 53 catches for 400 receiving yards on his way to being named a first-team All-Pro. Jacobs' production dipped last season in a contract year as he dealt with a quad injury that kept him off the field for the final four games of the campaign.It was a whirlwind season for Las Vegas. Antonio Pierce was named the interim head coach after the Raiders dismissed Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler last November. Las Vegas posted a 5-4 mark under Pierce and removed the interim tag from his title in January.The two-time Pro Bowler admitted that he considered remaining with the franchise for the opportunity to continue playing for Pierce after the coach previously tabbed Jacobs as the "heart of the team." But he said the situation was out of the coach's hands, especially since he never had a conversation with new Raiders general manager Tom Telesco."Man, look, I got every Raider record since I've been here, basically. If y'all don't have enough respect for me to sit me down and have a conversation, then we ain't got nothing to talk about," Jacobs said.The former Alabama standout signed a four-year, $48-million contract with the Packers in March, which included a $12.5-million signing bonus.With his days in a Raiders uniform behind him, Jacobs said he's eager to run behind Green Bay's offensive line and share the huddle with a promising receiving corps that made it to the divisional round a season ago. Jacobs added that sharing a backfield with quarterback Jordan Love also played a role in his free-agent decision."This is a really good team," Jacobs said. "That was the main thing when I watch film. You know Jordan, he's very special. I think he's going to be the next guy in this league from a quarterback standpoint. So I was excited to play with him."Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has changed his workout routine as he continues to prepare for the NFL's new kickoff format.Tucker - the most accurate kicker in league history - said Thursday that he's bulking up ahead of the 2024 season."We are in the lab, and, more recently, my lab has actually been the weight room," Tucker said Thursday, according to Nick Shook of NFL.com. "This might be really surprising to a lot of you guys and a lot of my teammates because I don't (tend) to hang out in the weight room too frequently."But after watching a lot of these XFL plays over the last couple of years, the kicker seems to be involved in 20-25% of the tackles, so I've mixed it up a couple of times, I've gotten in there. But now I've got to get some more shrugs, get the traps going a little just to make sure I'm prepared for a little more contact."The NFL approved a drastic new kickoff format inspired by the XFL. It allows teams to have up to two returners in the landing zone, while the remaining players on the receiving team are in the setup zone. Players in the setup zone and the kick coverage unit can't move until the kicked ball hits the ground or a returner fields it in the landing zone. The new rule encourages more kickoff returns, as the ball will be placed at the 30-yard line in the case of a touchback rather than the 25.Kickers are expected to be more involved in stopping returns, and Kansas City Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub recently said that kickers will likely be part of 25-40% of the tackles in those situations. In order to prevent kicker Harrison Butker from making several tackles throughout the season, the Chiefs are considering using safety Justin Reid for some of the team's new kicking needs.Tucker and the Ravens have also been working on new ideas to make the transition to the kickoff format easier."Just like a pitcher tries to develop his stuff, I'm doing the same thing out here trying to figure out whichever way we can in our minds gain an advantage, gain an edge," Tucker said. "Whether that means putting the ball in different spots, making it challenging for a returner to scoop up the ball easily. All those things we're looking at right now."Tucker hasn't practiced tackling since high school, notes ESPN's Jamison Hensley. The 34-year-old has recorded eight tackles in 195 career games, with his most recent tackle coming in December 2022.Tucker - widely considered one of the greatest kickers of all time - has claimed seven Pro Bowl berths and eight All-Pro nods, including five first-team selections. Owner of the longest field goal in NFL history (66 yards), he's converted 90.2% of his career FG attempts.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Several Philadelphia Eagles players, including star quarterback Jalen Hurts, can already feel the impact new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is having this offseason.Hurts said Thursday that he's been learning an Eagles system that'll be almost entirely new for the team in 2024."You get to a point where you feel, I'm going to be comfortable with this, I like this, that time comes when you can rep it, rep it, rep it later on, but right now, it's been a lot of new inventory in - the majority of it, probably 95% of it being new," Hurts said, according to ESPN's Tim McManus. "It's just been that process, and it's been a fun process because you get to see what works for other people."He added: "The goal coming in was to learn Kellen's offense and to master it, and I think that's been a process. By the end of it, I want it to be mine and have it in my own way."The Eagles hired Moore as offensive coordinator to replace Brian Johnson after a disappointing 2023. Philadelphia started last season 10-1, but the team couldn't replicate that success in the campaign's second half and ultimately suffered a 32-9 wild-card loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Head coach Nick Sirianni also brought in veteran Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator in 2024.Philly's offense remains a work in progress after the team's three-day minicamp, according to 94WIP.com's Eliot Shorr-Parks, who adds that "the first-team defense is way ahead of the offense."Two-time 1,000-yard receiver DeVonta Smith is also excited to be part of Moore's new-look unit."It's going to be great to get a new style of offense," Smith said, per McManus. "Let guys - not have more freedom - but be able to do things that we weren't allowed to do (last year), move guys around, and things like that."Hurts finished second for MVP two years ago after accounting for 35 touchdowns (22 passing) against six interceptions. The 25-year-old recorded 38 TDs in 2023 (23 passing) but threw 15 INTs. Hurts also posted a 65.4% completion rate and 7.2 yards per pass attempt last season, down from 66.5% and eight in 2022.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has high expectations for the Chicago Bears' offense after concluding his first minicamp with the team this week."Right now, we're working with our head down and we're building," the No. 1 pick said, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin. "So just having that moment with myself, I do it every day. I sit there and I say, 'We're going to be pretty damn good.'"The jury is still out on the Bears' offensive line, but Williams will have an elite group of pass-catchers around him. Chicago traded for wide receiver Keenan Allen and drafted first-round wideout Rome Odunze this year, adding them to a depth chart that already featured DJ Moore.Widely considered the top prospect of the 2024 draft, Williams was far from perfect during Chicago's three-day mandatory minicamp. The 22-year-old threw two interceptions in the first two days of activities but finished with a strong showing on Day 3, notes Dave Richard of CBS Sports."I didn't come in necessarily with the expectation to be and seem like a 13-year vet," Williams said, per Cronin. "I came in to work, to work my tail off, show the guys that I'm here, I'm working my tail off, I'm progressing and trying not to make the same mistake again. That's the biggest thing, day in and day out, is trying not to make the same mistake over and over and learn from them."Bears head coach Matt Eberflus likes what he's seen from the first-year passer."Caleb is a talent," Eberflus said. "A very good talent. His game will go to where it needs to be."Williams put on a show in his final two college seasons at USC and joined a Bears team that hasn't had a winning campaign since 2018. Chicago's offensive unit has been below average in total points and yards in each of the last five years.The NFC North club is the only team in NFL history that's never had a quarterback throw for 4,000 yards in a season.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jalin Hyatt is confident that the New York Giants possess enough talent to be a playoff contender this season."For goals, I just want as a team goal, we have a playoff team," Hyatt said Thursday, per SNY Giants. "That's what we want to do. That's our focus. And we're going to get there."The Giants missed out on the playoffs last season with a 6-11 record. The 2023 campaign was a step back for the organization after the team posted a 9-7-1 mark and earned a playoff berth in its first season under head coach Brian Daboll.Hyatt, who is noted for his top-end speed, had a modest rookie campaign last year. The former Tennessee star tallied 23 receptions for 373 yards and zero touchdowns. He shared that his focus this offseason is working toward getting bigger and stronger with his catch point, as he anticipates seeing more snaps lined up outside the numbers.Daboll shared that Hyatt has made "tremendous improvement" and has been pleased with the young receiver's progression this offseason, according to team reporter Matt Citak."New year, new opportunities, new goals," Hyatt added. "For me, I always set high expectations. Just looking at our team, looking at what we've got, we have a good chance to do whatever we want to do."Hyatt is enthusiastic about the talent within the Giants' receiving corps. He considers the group stacked following the addition of Malik Nabers to a room that features Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton.While there's plenty of talent within the WR room, there's still the question of whether Daniel Jones can deliver after an injury-shortened season in 2023. He took part in seven-on-seven drills during Thursday's practice. New York signed Drew Lock to provide insurance behind Jones.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson dismissed any concern about his status after sitting out Thursday's practice due to soreness in his surgically repaired right shoulder."I'm good, just a little sore," Richardson said, according to Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan. "I've been dealing with soreness since I started throwing, just my shoulder. It's hard to listen to the trainers sometimes, 'No, you've got to sit out for a day.'"I don't want to sit out, but it's part of the health journey."Colts head coach Shane Steichen also said there was nothing to worry about."Rest assured, if we played on Sunday, (Richardson) would be starting," Steichen said after practice. "He just had some soreness in his arm. So, for precautionary reasons, we held him out."Richardson didn't throw with his right arm during the session but took part in some drills.

Welcome to theScore Fantasy Football Podcast, hosted by Justin Boone.Find the show on Spotify, Apple, and Google.In this episode, Deepak Chona of Sports Med Analytics joins Boone to discuss the latest injury updates heading into the 2024 fantasy season.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to terms with veteran receiver Sterling Shepard on a one-year deal, a source told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.The 31-year-old Shepard spent the first eight seasons of his pro career with the New York Giants. The former second-round draft pick hauled in at least 50 catches through his first five seasons with the team, but his production declined due to injury in recent years. He left the Giants with the fifth-most receptions in franchise history (372) while adding 4,095 yards, and 23 touchdowns.The Oklahoma product reunites with his college quarterback Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay.Shepard provides some veteran depth for a Bucs wideout corps headlined by Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Tampa Bay drafted Jalen McMillan and could lean more on second-year receiver Trey Palmer this season as well.Tampa Bay also signed receiver Cody Thompson on Thursday.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs are re-signing wide receiver Mecole Hardman, a source told NFL insider Jordan Schultz.It's a one-year deal for Hardman, a source told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.The New York Jets traded Hardman to the Chiefs during the 2023 campaign, and he caught the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers.The 26-year-old played sparingly for K.C. in the regular season, hauling in 14 catches for 118 yards in six appearances while playing 33% of the club's offensive snaps.Hardman continued to play a minor role through the Chiefs' first three playoff games but came down with 57 yards and the aforementioned touchdown on three receptions in the Super Bowl.Outside of last season's brief stint with the Jets, the Georgia product has spent his entire career with the Chiefs. The 2019 second-rounder has accumulated 2,212 yards and 16 touchdowns on 166 receptions in 68 career games.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kyler Murray said he expects the Arizona Cardinals to improve significantly in 2024 with him fully healthy and entering Year 2 in coordinator Drew Petzing's offense."Going into Year 6, am I excited? Hell yeah, I'm excited. I feel good. Just to be healthy again is a blessing. Yes, I believe in what we can do," Murray said Wednesday, according to team reporter Darren Urban.Murray began last season on the sideline while recovering from a torn ACL and didn't play until Week 10. The rebuilding Cardinals posted a 4-13 record for a second straight year, and their offense ranked outside the top 20 in total points again.Arizona didn't make many splashes in free agency but still added starters on both sides of the ball, including Marvin Harrison Jr. - the No. 1 receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft who joined the team as the fourth overall pick."He will be (a game-changer)," Murray said of Harrison, according to PHNX Cardinals. "That takes us to another level. When you got a guy out there that is capable of winning one-on-ones. ... As far as manipulating coverage and stuff like that, you have a guy who can do that. And even if he's not open, he's open. So I'm excited to build that with him. When he does what he does, I fully expect our offense to be top of the league."

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is impressed by what he's seen from veteran quarterback Dak Prescott."Dak is having his best offseason program that we've had," McCarthy said Wednesday, according to team reporter Nick Harris. "This atmosphere that we've practiced in with the quarterback and receivers has really hit the mark. I've been very impressed with the quality of work."Prescott - who led the NFL in touchdown passes and finished second for MVP in 2023 - agrees with McCarthy, who's entering his fifth season with Dallas and second as the team's offensive play-caller."The growth in my play and the jump I'm making is the second year in his offense as well, being more comfortable with the footwork," Prescott said. "The receivers around me, their second year in it; they're more comfortable; they're more confident. Things are just faster off the line from the huddle through the play to the scramble drill when it doesn't work, we are truly understanding. Everybody understands, I guess."That's despite the Cowboys not having All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb, who remains away from the team while negotiating a contract extension.Lamb and the Cowboys were reportedly waiting for Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings to sign a record deal before speeding up their negotiations. The Cowboys wideout received a call from Prescott as soon as Jefferson reset the wide receiver market by inking a four-year, $135-million contract on Monday."CeeDee's handling business," Prescott said, according to ESPN's Todd Archer. "Nobody's more in his corner than I am, understanding that that's his chess move, and he's got to do that. So I know him, I know he's been working. As I said, I've thrown with him. He's just fine."Prescott is entering the last year of his contract and is also negotiating a new deal with Dallas. The star quarterback formed one of football's top duos alongside Lamb, who had an NFL-high 135 catches last season and posted a 124.3 passer rating when targeted.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Minnesota Vikings received calls from at least three teams interested in trading for Justin Jefferson before signing the superstar receiver to a long-term contract.The San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, and Indianapolis Colts all reached out to the Vikings about Jefferson, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter."This was all before the draft," Schefter said on the latest episode of "The Adam Schefter Podcast." "And every team that called the Vikings before the draft was told, 'We're not trading him.' The conversations went nowhere with anybody."Jefferson - who became the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback Monday - negotiated a new deal with Minnesota for over a year, and his future was the subject of speculation before the two sides finally agreed to a four-year, $140-million deal this week.There were rumors that the Vikings tried to jump into the top five of the NFL draft in April to select LSU receiver Malik Nabers in a move that would've resulted in trading Jefferson. Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell, however, said Tuesday that the team "never" considered moving the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year. O'Connell's outfit drafted quarterback J.J. McCarthy in 2024 after moving up one spot to No. 10 overall.Jefferson has recorded 392 receptions, 5,899 yards, and 30 touchdowns since entering the NFL as a first-round pick in 2020. The former LSU star has averaged 98.3 yards per game, a league record among players with at least 200 catches.Despite the unsuccessful reported attempt to acquire the three-time Pro Bowler, the 49ers, Jets, and Colts added to their respective wide receiver rooms this year.San Francisco - which shopped star wideouts Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel in April - used a Round 1 pick on receiver Ricky Pearsall. With Aiyuk, Samuel, Pearsall, and dual-threat running back Christian McCaffrey, the Niners have one of the NFL's most dynamic skill-position player groups.New York had an aggressive 2024 offseason, as the team tried to improve the supporting cast around Aaron Rodgers. The Jets signed two-time 1,000-yard receiver Mike Williams and drafted wideout Malachi Corley in the third round. They joined a WR depth chart headlined by 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson.Indianapolis took second-round pass-catcher AD Mitchell to give second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson a new weapon. The Colts also signed their top wide receiver, Michael Pittman Jr., to a three-year, $70-million contract in March after originally placing the franchise tag on him.Jefferson tied a career single-game high with 12 catches against Indy in a Week 15 matchup in 2022. He had 123 yards and one TD versus the Colts that day.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Veteran defensive end Brandon Graham is confident that the Philadelphia Eagles have placed the right coaches in the best position to help repair a defense that collapsed toward the end of the 2023 season.Graham, who's entering his final NFL season, said the Eagles' young defensive line has a good coach in Clint Hurtt leading the group now. Philadelphia found itself in a tailspin, losing five of its final six contests before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended its season in the wild-card round."We didn't have all the right coaches in the right position, I would say," Graham said Wednesday, including ESPN's Tim McManus. "You could just see the guys just truly believing in what we've got going on (now), and I'm excited for the young guys that just came in, the new rookies coming in. They're really going to get a good shot and good taste of what it really is to be in the NFL."Graham said individuals "weren't on the same page" during the Eagles' late-season struggles.Philadelphia's handling of defensive coordinators proved disastrous last year. Sean Desai started the 2023 campaign as the unit's play-caller after Jonathan Gannon's departure. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni demoted Desai midway through the season, elevating defensive assistant Matt Patricia to the play-calling role. Despite Patricia's experience, the Eagles were unable to solve their issues, especially when it came to pass defense.The Eagles hired Vic Fangio to be the new defensive coordinator and help improve a defensive unit that surrendered the third-most points per game in 2023 (25.2). He's expected to help propel a defense that will rely more heavily on defensive tackles Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter this season. General manager Howie Roseman spent four of the club's first six selections on defensive players in the 2024 draft.Following a disappointing end to the season, Graham said the Eagles have made a concerted effort to improve communication both on the field and in the locker room. With an infusion of young pieces to the defensive core and a new-look staff, Graham is optimistic about the team's potential ahead of his 15th season."I'm more excited just because we do got Fangio, somebody experienced, real, real good. I'm not saying anything about the past, but you can just tell that everybody's on the same page about stuff," Graham said.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly strongly disagrees with the idea of the NFL adding an 18th regular-season game in the future."Eighteen games sounds great when Roger (Goodell is) saying it on Pat McAfee," Kelly said about a recent interview with the NFL commissioner on "The Pat McAfee Show," according to ESPN's Stephen Holder. "But until you're the one that's going out there and putting the helmet on for 18 of those games, then come talk to me."Kelly, the Colts' NFLPA representative, is a vice president on the union's executive committee.In April, Goodell said that the league is "good" with 17 games but that he would like to see a schedule featuring 18 regular-season games and two preseason contests at some point. The NFL set its current format in 2021 with three preseason games and 17 regular-season appearances for each team, up from 16 as part of the previous slate."I (wish) people understood how hard it was to play 16, then they (added) another one?" Kelly said. "And they get rid of preseason games, well, OK, who's that going to hurt? The guys that don't have a shot, the guys that are the undrafted guys or late-round (picks) that need to go out there and improve themselves. I think that the fans see it like they don't watch the preseason games, but they have no idea what goes on inside the building.""I just think it's too many games," the 31-year-old added.The current collective bargaining agreement between players and owners - which runs through the 2030 season - can be amended or renegotiated, notes Holder. Adding a 17th game to the schedule was a hot topic around the NFL during the league's most recent CBA negotiations. The deal ultimately passed with 51.5% of players voting in favor.A first-round pick in 2016, Kelly has started 111 games for the Colts since entering the NFL. However, the four-time Pro Bowler has played only three full seasons in the league and missed three games due to injury in 2023.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After the New York Jets traded quarterback Zach Wilson to the Denver Broncos, star cornerback Sauce Gardner still believes Wilson can be a successful NFL starter."When it comes to talent, as players and coaches ... if I see somebody do something one time, then I know it's in them. I know they can do it," Gardner said on the "Green Light" podcast. "I did practice against him for two straight years. I've even seen him do, like, some special things in games, so it's like I know he can do it."He added: "I feel like he has all the tools that it takes to be a top-tier NFL quarterback."Wilson played two seasons with Gardner, starting 20 games during that stretch. He was the team's primary signal-caller in 2022 and was forced into the starting job again in 2023 after Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles in the season opener.The 24-year-old Wilson went 9-11 in those 20 contests, throwing for 3,959 yards with 14 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Out of 25 quarterbacks who have taken at least 700 snaps since Week 1 of the 2022 season, Wilson ranks 25th in EPA/play and success rate, per Ben Baldwin's database.New York sent Wilson and a seventh-round pick to the Broncos for a sixth-round selection in April. His tenure with the Jets lasted three seasons after the club selected him second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft."I feel like a new chapter - like, obviously I'm not familiar with Denver and how they run things and who their coaches (are) - but a new chapter I feel like was good for him," Gardner said.Wilson joins a Denver quarterback room that includes rookie first-round pick Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Half PPR

Keenan Allen is entering the home stretch of his NFL career but, after receiving a fresh start with the Chicago Bears, the receiver is looking forward to many more years on the field and potentially a new contract."I'm going to play as long as I can," Allen said Tuesday, according to Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times. "As far as an extension, I'm going to let the play speak for itself, and if they offer me something that I like, we'll go from there."Allen will be part of a potentially lethal three-headed receiver threat for Chicago alongside D.J. Moore and rookie Rome Odunze.The 32-year-old is the elder statesman of the group. Acquired in a March trade, Allen, who spent 11 years with the Los Angeles Chargers, boasts 904 career catches, 10,530 yards, and six Pro Bowl nominations.Allen also knows how to work with a young quarterback, as he caught passes from Justin Herbert over his final four seasons with the Chargers. Bears coach Matt Eberflus believes the veteran wideout will be an invaluable safety net for No. 1 pick Caleb Williams in his rookie campaign."He understands his body and understands his way," Eberflus said. "He's really friendly to the quarterback because he's a really big target and he's very good at what he does."Last season, Allen produced his best campaign since a career year in 2017: He finished with 108 catches for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns despite missing four games due to injury.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel doesn't hold any animosity toward the team despite being the subject of trade speculation earlier this offseason."Yeah, I heard it. Had a conversation with my agent about it," Samuel told reporters Tuesday. "They were going back and forth with whoever it was. It was a thing at first, but we moved past it, so we're here and here to get better."Both Samuel and fellow 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk were named in trade rumors leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft. Aiyuk is set to enter the final year of his rookie deal and isn't in attendance at the Niners' mandatory minicamp as he seeks a new contract.Samuel expressed support for Aiyuk during the "stressful process" after seeking his own extension entering the last year of his deal in 2022.General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted that they entertained calls from teams interested in the receiving duo, but the franchise ultimately held on to both players."At the end of the day, you want to get what you deserve and you hope it happens, but it's not going to happen in the timely manner that you want it to happen," Samuel said.Samuel signed a three-year, $71.55-million contract extension with the Niners in 2022. He's set to account for a $28.6-million cap hit in 2024, per Over the Cap. The former South Carolina standout is well aware that the team can part with him after the 2024 season based on the structure of his deal."The contract was signed. I know what I signed up for and we're just focused on this year," said Samuel.The former All-Pro wideout racked up 1,117 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns last season with the 49ers.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Chargers released center Corey Linsley, the team announced Wednesday.Linsley is expected to retire after missing most of the 2023 season with a heart-related medical issue.The 32-year-old signed a five-year, $62.5-million contract with the Chargers in 2021. Los Angeles will save $1.2 million in cap space this season after the release, according to Spotrac.Linsley suited up in 33 games with the Chargers and was a team captain over the last three seasons. He earned second-team All-Pro honors and secured a Pro Bowl nomination in 2021."Corey is everything you hope for and more in an NFL player," Chargers President of Football Operations John Spanos said in a statement. "The consummate professional, his mentorship of younger players, work ethic, integrity, leadership, competitive drive and sense of humor all played a role in earning him the 'C' on his jersey throughout the entirety of his time with us."The Green Bay Packers selected Linsley in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He started 99 games during his tenure in Green Bay after earning the job out of training camp of his rookie season. The Ohio State product had a breakout campaign in 2020, earning First-Team All-Pro honors.Linsley will finish his career with 1,572 straight pass block snaps without allowing a sack, per PFF, the longest active streak in the NFL.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Travis Kelce wasn't kidding about getting a warning from the Secret Service during the Kansas City Chiefs' trip to the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl LVII victory.The Chiefs tight end was invited to join President Joe Biden at the podium during Friday's visit, but kept his remarks short, saying, "They told me if I came up here, I'd get tased."While it seemed like a joke at the time, Kelce clarified that it wasn't on the latest episode of his "New Heights" podcast."When I walked in, we had about four or five Secret Service members come up to me and tell me, 'You know, if you go up to that podium, we're authorized to tase you,'" Kelce recounted to brother Jason Kelce.Travis stole the microphone during the Chiefs' White House visit last year and was able to get a few words out before teammate Patrick Mahomes pulled him away.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing free-agent cornerback Cameron Sutton to a one-year deal, the team announced Wednesday.Originally drafted by the Steelers in 2017, Sutton played for the AFC North club for six seasons before spending the 2023 campaign with the Detroit Lions.A warrant was issued for Sutton's arrest for domestic battery by strangulation in early March, but police were unable to locate him for weeks. The Lions released Sutton on March 21 upon learning of the warrant. The 29-year-old turned himself in March 31 and was charged with misdemeanor battery, per ESPN.Sutton appeared in 84 games (39 starts) for the Steelers from 2017-22, producing 168 tackles, 38 pass defenses, and eight interceptions. He helped the Lions get to the NFC Championship Game last season, starting all 17 regular-season games and three playoff contests.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns signed head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry to contract extensions, the team announced Wednesday.The terms of the extensions weren't announced.Stefanski and Berry both joined the Browns in their current roles in 2020. Berry was previously the club's vice president of player personnel from 2016-18.The Browns own a 37-30 record during the pair's tenure in Cleveland. The team earned its first playoff victory in 26 seasons when it downed the Pittsburgh Steelers 48-37 in the 2020 playoffs. The game marked the franchise's first playoff appearance since 2002.Stefanski has won Coach of the Year twice in his four years with the team. The first time came after an 11-5 finish in 2020, and the second time came after this past season, when the franchise went 11-6 despite starting five different quarterbacks during the campaign.Berry, meanwhile, was responsible for drafting tackle Jedrick Willis and cornerback Greg Newsome in the first round.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin could hang up his cleats after the 2024 season."I'm not saying 100%, but I think it's definitely in the realm of possibilities," Martin said about potentially retiring, per Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News. "And that's one thing I don't want to do. For myself, I don't want to be thinking, 'Oh, this is it. This is it.'"I want to stay in the moment, and I want to play the best that I can play at this point and be the best right guard this team needs on a weekly basis. And then after the season, we'll figure out what's going on."With nine Pro Bowl nods, seven first-team All-Pro berths, and two second-team All-Pro selections, Martin is one of the most decorated offensive linemen in NFL history. His only campaign without an All-Pro nod came in 2020 when he appeared in just 10 games.Martin gave up four sacks and was flagged just three times in 2023, per PFF. The Cowboys' offense ranked fifth in yardage per game (371.6) and first in points per contest (29.9) last season.Despite earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in 2023, the member of the Hall of Fame's All-2010 Team believes he could have performed better."I don't think I played honestly up to my standard last year, really," Martin said. "That's another reason why I want to finish this year strong, is I think I can play at a high level still. ... I've got a little chip on my shoulder to get back to that consistent, kind of dominant player that I've been."Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After the Vikings made Justin Jefferson the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback, head coach Kevin O'Connell said Minnesota "never, ever" considered trading the superstar receiver despite a lengthy contract negotiation process, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert."Some people have sources far and wide, but among the leadership, among the decision-makers - the people that are directly involved in the situation - there really was not one time that was ever discussed, game-planned, (or) contingency planned," O'Connell said Tuesday.Jefferson signed a four-year extension worth $140 million with $110 million in guaranteed money. The 2022 Offensive Player of the Year had been linked to trade rumors, and reports said the Vikings tried to jump into the top five of the 2024 NFL Draft to select LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers in a move that would've resulted in trading Jefferson.Fresh off signing the new deal that keeps him under contract through the 2028 season, Jefferson returned to the practice field Tuesday as the Vikings kicked off their mandatory minicamp.

Dallas Cowboys star linebacker Micah Parsons explained Tuesday his absence from voluntary OTAs, saying he can do the same individual work with his personal trainer."It's hard to really teach someone without pads or true contact or hand points. It's just not realistic when you can't even touch (someone), or we're going to lose a draft pick," Parsons said, according to Todd Archer of ESPN."It's outrageous. Right now, it's more technique. It's a lot of walk-throughs. So from my position, where I'm at, it's a lot of individual and I can do individual by myself or with my trainer."Head coach Mike McCarthy labeled Parson's absence from OTAs a "missed opportunity" as the Cowboys aim to learn new coordinator Mike Zimmer's defense. However, he added that Parsons was "engaged" and that the unit would be ready when necessary.Parsons returned to the field Tuesday for the team's first mandatory minicamp session and said he's already up to speed on Zimmer's philosophy."Defense is defense. I'm pretty much caught up on everything," Parsons added. "I really wasn't missing anything, so I feel like I was just getting better, getting stronger, faster. Just doing my things and what Micah does in the offseason."While Parsons rejoined Dallas on the field, star receiver CeeDee Lamb didn't report as he seeks a new contract.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Welcome to theScore Fantasy Football Podcast, hosted by Justin Boone.Find the show on Spotify, Apple, and Google.In this episode, Derek Brown of FantasyPros joins Boone to unveil their must-have players in 2024 fantasy drafts.

C.J. Stroud doesn't think winning NFL MVP awards is nearly as important as collecting Super Bowl titles.In a recent interview on the "Million Dollaz Worth of Game" podcast, the Houston Texans quarterback said he'd rather have a career like Eli Manning's over Aaron Rodgers' because "you want the rings. ... Eli got two."Manning played his entire career for the New York Giants from 2004-19. The former passer never earned an All-Pro berth and led the league in interceptions three times over his NFL journey before retiring with a 117-117 regular-season record. However, Manning helped the Giants win two Super Bowls and was named Super Bowl MVP on both occasions.A four-time NFL MVP, Rodgers is considered one of the most gifted quarterbacks ever. The 40-year-old - entering his second season with the New York Jets in 2024 - guided the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl XLV victory and was named Super Bowl MVP but hasn't played in another Big Game since. Rodgers owns an 11-10 postseason record.RodgersManning148-75-1Career record117-11711-10Playoff record8-41Super Bowl title21SB MVP24NFL MVP010Pro Bowl4224Career starts234475TD passes366105INTs24459055Yards57023Stroud said he's talked to seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady about what it takes to win NFL titles, and the Texans passer speculated why Rodgers has won only one ring in his career."I've talked to Tom about this because he's a good mentor to me," Stroud said. "What he tells me is ... just his teammates and how he treats his teammates, so I think that's where it falls off. We don't know how Aaron Rodgers treats his teammates, but you can guarantee that Tom Brady treats his teammates right because of how he got those rings."As Rodgers tries to lift the Lombardi Trophy again, he and the Jets enter the 2024 season surrounded by high expectations. New York traded for the veteran signal-caller last year, but he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury four snaps into his Jets debut.Led by Stroud, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, the Texans are also one of the AFC's most interesting teams. The 2023 second overall pick put on a show in his first campaign and became only the third quarterback ever to lead the NFL in TD-INT ratio and passing yards per game in the same season (Brady and Joe Montana).Stroud also led Houston to a stunning postseason appearance. The club beat the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card matchup before losing to the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round.The Texans will visit the Jets in a prime-time Week 9 bout this year.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tua Tagovailoa wants to see progress when it comes to contract negotiations with the Miami Dolphins and admits he's aware of what other quarterbacks around the league are earning."Not frustrated. I'm another word," Tagovailoa told reporters when asked about the status of a possible extension, including the Sun Sentinel's Chris Perkins. "Just wanting to get something done. That's it."He clarified that he's not pissed off with the ongoing negotiations, describing the situation as "a nature of the beast."Tagovailoa is set to earn close to $23.2 million in the fifth year of his rookie contract. The 26-year-old will be eligible to be an unrestricted free agent at the start of the new league year in 2025. Miami could place the franchise tag on its star signal-caller after the 2024 season to prevent him from hitting the market.The Hawaii native isn't the only quarterback in line for an extension this offseason. Dak Prescott, Jordan Love, and Trevor Lawrence are also awaiting extensions. Kirk Cousins and Jared Goff landed new deals this spring with average annual salaries north of $45 million, and the evolving market for quarterbacks isn't lost on Tagovailoa."I'm not blind to people in my position that are getting paid," Tagovailoa said, per the Miami Herald's Omar Kelly. "Am I concerned about it? I'm not concerned about it. But there's a lot of discussion that we've had. We're just trying to move that thing in the right direction where we both can be happy."He added: "But then again it's not in my control. It's up to both sides meeting in the middle."Tagovailoa looks noticeably slimmer this offseason and told reporters that he lost weight to be more nimble and extend plays ahead of his fifth season in the league. The Alabama product passed for a career-high 4,624 yards last season along with 29 touchdowns and a 69.3% completion rate.Star receiver Tyreek Hill is among those who believe Tagovailoa the QB deserves a big payday."Tua should've been paid," Hill said, according to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe.Hill hinted that he could also could be in the market for a new deal, as his annual salary of $30 million, which once topped all wideouts, has been eclipsed by Amon-Ra St. Brown, A.J. Brown, and Justin Jefferson since the end of the 2023 season. The eight-time Pro Bowl receiver said that he will let his agent handle the contract situation.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers are signing running back Christian McCaffrey to a two-year extension, the team announced Tuesday.The extension has an average annual value of $19 million, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The new deal ties McCaffrey to the 49ers through the 2027 season.McCaffrey will receive an extra $8 million on top of what he was scheduled to make in the first two years of the extension as well as an additional $24 million in guarantees, per Schefter.The 27-year-old was already the league's highest-paid running back by AAV and guaranteed money before the extension, according to Over the Cap.McCaffrey excelled in his first full season in San Francisco, rushing for a league-high 1,459 yards and leading the NFL in scrimmage yards with 2,023. His 21 scrimmage touchdowns (14 rushing, seven receiving) also paced the league.The reigning Offensive Player of the Year has accumulated 3,233 yards and 31 touchdowns since being traded from the Carolina Panthers to the 49ers during the 2022 campaign.McCaffrey has made three Pro Bowls and a pair of first-team All-Pro teams since being selected eighth overall in the 2017 draft. The Stanford product has totaled 10,505 yards and 81 scores in 91 career games.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk didn't report for the start of the team's mandatory minicamp on Tuesday as he seeks a new contract, according to NBC Bay Area Sports' Matt Maiocco.The 26-year-old standout is subject to fines of up to $104, 259 over three missed days under the league's collective bargaining agreement, per Maiocco.The Niners and Aiyuk have been in contract negotiations for months but have been unable to reach an agreement. The wideout is entering the fifth and final year of his rookie deal, which is valued at $14.1 million in 2024. San Francisco has the option to franchise tag Aiyuk if the two sides are unable to strike a deal by March 2025.The framework for Aiyuk's new contract has changed significantly over the past month. The benchmark was believed to be close to the four-year extension worth around $120.01 million that the Detroit Lions struck with Amon-Ra St. Brown. Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson eclipsed that mark on Monday when he agreed to a four-year, $140-million contract that tops all wideouts with an annual average salary of $35 million, per Over the Cap.Aiyuk has established himself as an effective piece within the 49ers' offense since being selected in the 2020 draft. The former first-rounder recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns over the last two seasons and hauled in 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023.While Aiyuk awaits a new deal, star running back Christian McCaffrey was reportedly awarded a two-year extension after being named the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year.Aiyuk joins Dallas Cowboys wideout CeeDee Lamb among a group of star receivers who have opted to stay away from their respective team's minicamp.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb wasn't in attendance for the start of the team's mandatory minicamp Tuesday as he seeks a new contract, head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.McCarthy said it was a "business decision" for Lamb, who's "been engaged" with the team.Lamb wasn't present for OTAs in May, but unlike the voluntary sessions, staying away from the three-day minicamp incurs fines of up to $104,259, according to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.The star wideout is in line for a major payday after a career year in 2023. Lamb set new Cowboys single-season records with an NFL-high 135 catches and 1,749 yards.Several other receivers have received extensions this offseason, and the top of the market has been reset three times. The Detroit Lions gave Amon-Ra St. Brown a four-year deal reportedly worth just over $120 million, which was quickly beaten by Philadelphia Eagles veteran A.J. Brown's three-year deal reportedly worth $96 million.Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson set a new benchmark Monday, reportedly becoming the league's highest-paid non-quarterback with a four-year, $140-million extension that includes $110 million guaranteed.The Cowboys and Lamb are reportedly expected to "speed up" contract negotiations in the wake of Jefferson's deal.Dallas is facing an expensive offseason, with quarterback Dak Prescott and pass-rusher Micah Parsons also seeking new extensions.Lamb has become one of the NFL's premier weapons since being drafted in 2020, producing three straight 1,000-yard seasons and earning three Pro Bowl nods since 2021.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers agreed to terms with free-agent tight end Logan Thomas on a one-year deal, the team announced Tuesday.Thomas caught 55 passes for 496 yards and four touchdowns in 2023 but was released earlier this year by the Washington Commanders.The 32-year-old spent four seasons in Washington. Thomas produced his best campaign in 2020, recording a career-high 72 receptions for 670 yards and six touchdowns.Thomas will be expected to provide depth behind Pro Bowler George Kittle in San Francisco.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker isn't making any significant changes as he prepares to enter a contract year.The two-time first-team All-Pro is set to play out the final year of a four-year, $59-million extension that will see him earn $14.2 million in base salary this season, per Spotrac."A lot of people think about the money. Some players might think, 'Contract year, I gotta do extra.' I treat every single year like a contract year," Baker said Monday, according to Arizona Sports' Tyler Drake. "For me, I love this game. I play it at a high level each and every week because of the work I put in each and every week. For me, I'm an honest believer in controlling what I can control and do my job. At the end of the day, everything else will take care of itself."The six-time Pro Bowl defensive back requested a trade last offseason during a standoff while pursuing a new deal. He skipped the voluntary portion of the team's OTAs but reported on time for both the mandatory minicamp and training camp.Arizona reportedly rewarded Baker with a pay raise last July that included $2.4 million in bonuses and incentives in 2023. He also received an unspecified raise for the 2024 season.Despite missing five games, Baker finished second on the team with 87 tackles last year on his way to earning his sixth Pro Bowl nod.Entering his eighth year in the league, Baker understands that the NFL "is a business." So instead of focusing on his contract, the veteran safety is helping the Cardinals' young secondary and aiding the franchise's pursuit of more victories after back-to-back 4-13 finishes over the last two years."I really want to win, I really want these fans to be happy and excited and to come to the games and have those packed-out houses," Baker said.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Minnesota Vikings are signing wide receiver Justin Jefferson to a contract extension, the team announced Monday.It's a four-year, $140-million extension that includes $110 million guaranteed, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. The deal makes Jefferson the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback, according to Rapoport.The superstar wideout thanked the Vikings organization and his support network in a statement on X.

Atlanta Falcons rusher Bijan Robinson said he expects to be utilized more like San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey in 2024."I'm going to be more of a runner that does everything else. ... More so like how they use Christian down there in San Francisco. Something like that. So, that's kind of like what the plan is here," Robinson told reporters Monday, via The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov.Robinson put forth an electric rookie campaign last season, totaling 1,463 yards from scrimmage with 976 coming on the ground. His 58 receptions ranked second on the Falcons, while his 487 receiving yards were the fourth-most.McCaffrey, one of the NFL's most dynamic backs, was named Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 after leading the league in yards from scrimmage (2,023) and rushing yards (1,459).The 22-year-old Robinson returned to the field Monday after dealing with an ankle injury.He said he feels "close" to 100%, according to ESPN's Marc Raimondi.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In an effort to help you find trades that could improve your fantasy team, we present the Dynasty Trade Value Chart.You can use this chart to compare players and build realistic trade offers. Values are based on 12-team PPR leagues.Follow the links below to see the trade values for each position.Dynasty Rankings & Trade Values

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is keeping his focus on the field amid a potential contract extension."Obviously, I'm aware of what's going on, but I try to keep my focus on doing my job out here," Lawrence told reporters Monday at OTAs. "I have full belief that that'll take care of itself and that's not something I need to worry about."Lawrence is eligible for an extension this offseason, but the two sides are yet to reach an agreement. Jacksonville picked up the fifth-year option for its franchise quarterback, along with running back Travis Etienne, in April. The 24-year-old passer hopes a deal be struck sooner rather than later."That would be ideal just to put it behind us and keep moving and feel good about that going into training camp," Lawrence said. "But either way, like I said before, I have the same job. I can't always control all those factors, but I have the same job to do either way. Of course, that'd be ideal to get it done as soon as you can and kinda move forward."Head coach Doug Pederson said in May that the team and representatives for Lawrence have been working toward a contract extension and was optimistic that negotiations would progress quickly.The 2021 first overall selection is preparing for his fourth NFL campaign. After earning his first Pro Bowl nod in 2022, Lawrence regressed in 2023. He threw a career-high 14 interceptions and was sacked 35 times despite passing for 4,016 yards and 21 touchdowns.The Clemson product battled through multiple injuries throughout the season and missed a game for the first time after making 49 consecutive starts to begin his pro career.Lawrence is among a group of signal-callers poised to receive an extension. Dak Prescott, Jordan Love, and Tua Tagovailoa headline the contingent, while the Lions rewarded Jared Goff with a four-year, $212-million extension last month. Jacksonville's QB could be the next in line to surpass $50 million per year at the position.Jacksonville lost five of its final six games last season and missed the playoffs with a 9-8 mark. The collapse is what Lawrence is using as motivation ahead of next season."I would say that it does add a chip to your shoulder when you finish the season the way we did," Lawrence said.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Cowboys are expected to "speed up" contract negotiations with star wideout CeeDee Lamb after the Minnesota Vikings signed Justin Jefferson to a record-setting extension, sources told NFL reporter Josina Anderson.Jefferson agreed to terms on a four-year, $140-million extension with the Vikings on Monday that reset the market for receivers. The deal will provide a framework for Lamb and his representatives as they continue to negotiate an extension.The 25-year-old wideout has flourished since Dallas drafted him 17th overall in the 2020 draft. He has tallied three consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns dating back to the 2021 season, resulting in three straight Pro Bowl nods.Entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract, Lamb is projected to receive a sizeable payday.The first-team All-Pro receiver posted career-best marks in 2023, topping the league with 135 catches and setting a franchise record with 1,749 yards to go along with 12 touchdowns.Lamb isn't the only superstar in Dallas seeking an extension this offseason, as both quarterback Dak Prescott and pass-rusher Micah Parsons are eyeing new deals.Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said that he would like to see more action regarding long-term deals for the club's star players.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants are expecting tight end Darren Waller to make a decision on his playing future by next week's minicamp and people close to him in and around the team expect him to retire, sources told ESPN's Jordan Raanan.Waller announced on Instagram Live Friday that he'd be making a decision soon.The 31-year-old has struggled with injuries for much of his career. He appeared in just 12 games last season and has suited up for an entire campaign just twice in nine years.New York bolstered its tight-end room this offseason amidst Waller's uncertainty. The Giants selected Theo Johnson in the fourth round this past draft and signed free agents Jack Stoll and Chris Manhertz. Daniel Bellinger, who started 13 games in 2023, remains on the roster.Waller hauled in 52 receptions for 552 yards and one touchdown in his first season with the Giants last year. The one-time Pro Bowler has 4,124 yards and 20 touchdowns on 350 career catches.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Commanders released kicker Brandon McManus, the team announced Sunday.Two women are reportedly suing McManus and the Jacksonville Jaguars, alleging that McManus sexually assaulted them during a charter flight to London last year when he played for the team. The women said he grinded and rubbed himself against them.A Commanders spokesperson said last Monday that the team takes "allegations of this nature very seriously." The spokesperson added that the club spoke with McManus' agent and the NFL office about the lawsuit.McManus denied the allegations in a statement through his agent, calling the lawsuit an extortion attempt, according to Michael DiRocco of ESPN.Washington signed McManus to a one-year deal in March. He spent the first nine years of his career with the Denver Broncos before landing with the Jaguars in 2023.The Jaguars also released a statement last Monday to say they're aware of the lawsuit and the "significance of the claims.""As we continue to look into the matter, it bears emphasizing that we insist on an organization built by people who represent our community and game with the highest character and class," the Jaguars said.Washington doesn't have another kicker on its roster.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Quinnen Williams already has an All-Pro berth and a pair of Pro Bowl nods on his resume, but the New York Jets defensive lineman expects to take his game to an even higher level in 2024."My main area of focus has just been getting a bigger bag when it comes down to pass-rushing," Williams said, according to team reporter Caroline Hendershot. "I feel like I do some things good in pass rush but just getting a bigger bag and more tools that I can use on Sundays. That was really my main goal. I've been working on right-side pass-rushing and left-side pass-rushing so that I can be like a Swiss Army knife."The third overall pick in 2019, Williams has established himself as one of the NFL's best interior linemen and a premier pass-rusher at his position. His 12 sacks in 2022 marked the first time he topped the double-digit sack mark. However, Williams finished 2023 with 5.5 sacks, his lowest total since his rookie campaign.The 26-year-old - who signed a four-year, $96-million extension in 2023 - set a career high and ranked third among defensive tackles with 70 pressures last season. That put him behind only Aaron Donald and Chris Jones, according to PFF.Donald was football's best interior defensive lineman over the last decade, but the three-time Defensive Player of the Year announced his retirement this offseason. Williams is grateful for what Donald did to the defensive tackle position in the NFL."I was very happy for him, he did it his way," Williams said of Donald. "On the field and off the field he was a great person, a great leader and a phenomenal person to watch when it comes down to learning the tools. He just set the example for every single defensive tackle when it comes down to the blueprint of how to be a great player. Especially in that position, how to change games and how to affect games in that position."Williams is a cornerstone of a strong Jets defense that ranked third in yards allowed last year.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus explained why the team pounced on running back D'Andre Swift early in free agency."Just a weapon back," Eberflus said of Swift, according to Grant Gordon of NFL Network. "You know we really needed that guy that can really operate on third down and even on first or second down and be a weapon in the deep part of the field and the short part of the field and take it the distance. And he's got a lot of gas."Chicago made Swift the first player signed when the legal tampering period opened March 11, inking him to a three-year, $24-million deal.

Drew Brees has the itch to get back in the broadcast booth.The former New Orleans Saints quarterback, who spent one season working as an analyst for NBC, expressed a desire to cover more NFL games during a press conference Thursday."The thing that I wanted to do most that I felt I could bring the most value at was broadcasting NFL games, and it was the thing I had the least opportunity to do," Brees said. "I was able to do a little bit of college at Notre Dame, just two NFL games, broadcasting, they were eight weeks apart, and then the studio stuff."But, man, I love the game, and I would love to broadcast NFL games at some point again. I think I could be the best at it."Brees reiterated his interest in a tweet Saturday morning:

The Dallas Cowboys don't want to let quarterback Dak Prescott test free agency next offseason, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.The Cowboys view Prescott as their quarterback of the future despite having him signed only through 2024, reports Fowler, who adds extension negotiations have been "passive" between the sides.Prescott's contract also contains a no-tag clause that forbids Dallas from franchise-tagging the signal-caller next year if the club can't reach a new pact with him before then.Whether the Cowboys extend their franchise quarterback before the 2024 season kicks off has been one of the offseason's hottest topics. A report in March indicated that the NFC East franchise had yet to offer Prescott a contract.However, team owner Jerry Jones downplayed concerns in April, saying the Cowboys "want Prescott."The 30-year-old led the NFL in touchdown passes (36) last season while guiding Dallas to a 12-5 record. However, the Cowboys were one-and-done in the postseason with an upset loss to the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.