When Tom Brady steps onto an NFL field, he still appears to be the same ultra-competitive former sixth-round draft pick who willed himself into becoming possibly the greatest quarterback of all time.But Brady's favorite target, Rob Gronkowski, says he's softened his approach with his teammates during training camp as the 40-year-old nears the end of his Hall of Fame career."I would say, probably back in the day, he was probably a little more on you if you didn't get it right, a little bit more in your face. But he's going on 41 now, I feel like he backed off on that a little bit, which is nice. He used to be mean to me," Gronkowski said lightheartedly after Wednesday's practice, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. "Now he's not to these young guys anymore."According to Gronk, though, Brady isn't showing his age."At age 41, there are coaches younger than him on the roster. And he looks younger than the coaches. Just the way he's moving, just (how) reliable he is at times, is just unbelievable and something to look up to."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Under Armour is honoring retired Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis with a special apparel collection ahead of his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.The collection includes a pair of gold-accented cleats, along with several T-shirts and a hoodie.

The New England Patriots have released wide receiver Jordan Matthews, the team announced Wednesday.The official announcement comes after it was initially reported earlier in the day that Matthews was to be released, before NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the pass-catcher would instead be placed on injured reserve with the possibility that the two parties would later come to an injury settlement.Patriots signed Matthews to a one-year, $1-million contract in April, but his brief time was ended after he reportedly suffered a significant hamstring injury during Sunday's practice.Matthews caught 25 passes for 282 yards and one touchdown for the Buffalo Bills in 2017. He spent the three previous seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, who drafted him in the second round in 2014.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin could miss the entire preseason, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and Field Yates.Doctors are reportedly confident that Baldwin will be able to return for the start of the regular season.Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll told reporters Tuesday that Baldwin's injury is "a little bit of a problem."Baldwin serves as the focal point of the Seahawks' passing game, establishing himself as Russell Wilson's most reliable and productive target.The 29-year-old posted 75 receptions for 991 yards and eight touchdowns during the 2017 campaign, earning his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection.Baldwin led the NFL in receiving touchdowns in 2015, earning second-team All-Pro honors.If Baldwin misses time during the regular season, Brandon Marshall and Tyler Lockett will be competing for increased targets.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Jack Mewhort has announced his retirement from the NFL after just four seasons.

The Dallas Cowboys moved recently reinstated defensive end Randy Gregory to the active roster Wednesday, according to Brandon George of The Dallas Morning News.Gregory, who was reinstated by the NFL on a conditional basis last month, had been on the non-football injury list. He participated in his first walk-through practice Wednesday morning.The 25-year-old had been suspended since January 2017 for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Miami Dolphins vice chairman Matt Higgins will appear as a guest judge in upcoming episodes of ABC's "Shark Tank.""How do you pass that up?" Higgins, a longtime fan of the reality show, said Wednesday at Dolphins training camp, according to Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post. "It was an amazing experience. It was competitive. It was aggressive. There were some great deals and I'm excited to see what comes of it."Higgins is the co-founder and CEO of RSE Ventures, a private investment firm, and a business partner of Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. He said his experiences in his youth allow him to relate to the struggles of many of the show's contestants."I literally came from nothing. I was 16 years old, living in a shoebox apartment in Queens, taking care of my sick mother," Higgins said. "I had government cheese in the refrigerator. As poor as you can get. So I think this country is about endless possibilities. You have no excuses not to try to make the most of your life. And there is no room to be a victim."And I think the show shows that every week. If you're sitting with an idea at home and you can't sleep at 1:30 in the morning, then, yes, you can give that idea a shot. You may just make it. And there are a group of very successful professional people who are willing to help you get the rest of the way there. So I've probably watched every single episode."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After trading Alex Smith to the Washington Redskins, the Kansas City Chiefs will turn to Patrick Mahomes as their starting quarterback in 2018 and beyond.Mahomes - who the Chiefs selected No. 10 overall in the 2017 draft - was seen as a boom or bust prospect, but he'll have a number of high-profile weapons to help him succeed in his first year as a starter, including Kareem Hunt, Travis Kelce, Sammy Watkins, and Tyreek Hill.The strong-armed passer has high expectations for his team and its offense."We're going to be really special," Mahomes told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero Wednesday. "It makes my job a lot easier. I just gotta get the ball in their hands and they make plays."I can throw a two-yard little hitch route, and they can score an 80-yard touchdown anytime."With the plethora of weapons at Mahomes' disposal, it may be difficult for all of his skill position players to stuff the stat sheet week in and week out. According to the quarterback, though, there are no signs of selfishness."Yeah (there's a lot of guys to keep happy), but at the same time we have a lot of guys that really just want to win," Mahomes said. "And I feel like that's the biggest thing. When you have a lot of talented guys like that, that want to work hard, that's when you have a special group of people."Mahomes made one start as a rookie in 2017, completing 22 of 35 passes for 284 yards and an interception in the Chiefs' Week 17 victory over the Denver Broncos.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers extended the contract of general manager Jason Licht for the 2019 season Wednesday, according to multiple reports.Licht, 47, heads into his fifth season with the team after joining for the 2014 season. He previously held executive roles with the Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles.The Buccaneers have gone 22-42 under Licht's reign.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jordan Matthews' stint with the New England Patriots has essentially ended before it started, as the team released the veteran wide receiver Wednesday, a league source Jim McBride of the Boston Globe.Matthews reportedly suffered a significant hamstring injury during Sunday's practice.The Patriots signed Matthews to a one-year, $1-million contract in April, two days after trading Brandin Cooks to the Los Angeles Rams.The former second-round pick was a productive receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, but a recent slew of injuries has derailed his NFL career.As a member of the Buffalo Bills in 2017, Matthews caught 25 passes for 282 yards and one touchdown.With Matthews' release and Julian Edelman's four-game suspension, New England will rely on Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Kenny Britt, Malcolm Mitchell, and, of course, Rob Gronkowski to catch passes from Tom Brady in the early part of 2018. The team could also bring in help via free agency during camp.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Not all Steelers fans appreciate Pittsburgh's national attention, according to team president Art Rooney II, who attributed recent attendance woes to prime-time games.The Steelers ranked 27th in 2017 with an average home attendance of 62,471, and were 26th in terms of capacity percentage at 91.3."The thing that concerns me about our attendance is more related to our schedule. I would rather not have as many night games," Rooney told Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Last year, we had three home night games almost in a row. I just don't think our fans want to do that anymore."Only the Dallas Cowboys have played more night games than the Steelers' 139 since the debut of Monday Night Football in 1970. Rooney appreciates the attention of the larger audience and a national fan base, but he's worried about local fans watching games in Pittsburgh on frigid winter nights."It's definitely a catch-22," Rooney said. "Obviously, we want to be in prime time, we want to be the kind of team they put in prime time. I just think it's a question of them spreading them out, which this year is a little better from that standpoint. When you have those sort of bunched at the end of the season when it gets cold, I think that can be a problem."Work and school schedules on Monday and Tuesday mornings may also prevent fans from being able to attend games with later start times. The team says 18 percent of its season-ticket holders live outside Pennsylvania.The team will have five prime-time games in 2018, with two of those taking place at Heinz Field.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Green Bay Packers have made noticeable progress toward a contract extension with star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.There is increasing optimism that the two sides will agree on a deal before the start of the regular season, Rapoport added.The 35-year-old is expected to receive a sizable amount of up-front money, as opposed to a high guaranteed contract.Rodgers has two years and roughly a combined $40 million remaining on his current contract, far below the market value for one of the league's truly elite passers.The two-time MVP recently said he'd "love" to play until he was 40, following in the footsteps of Tom Brady and fellow Packers legend Brett Favre.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

One of the New England Patriots' top options to replace wide receiver Julian Edelman during his four-game suspension may also be at risk of missing time.Jordan Matthews suffered a hamstring injury that's believed to be significant, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Matthews was signed to a one-year, $1-million contract by the Patriots this offseason, according to Over The Cap.The 26-year-old spent the 2017 season with the Buffalo Bills, catching 25 of 36 targets for 282 yards and one touchdown in 10 games. He was selected 42nd overall in the 2014 draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, and has totaled 2,955 yards and 20 touchdowns in 56 career games.Edelman was handed the four-game ban for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy. His appeal was denied early last month.The Patriots reportedly brought in free-agent receiver Eric Decker for a workout Monday.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman is turning to combat sports after retiring from football in 2013.The San Diego Chargers' 12th overall pick in 2005 signed with the World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation, the promotion confirmed Wednesday.

Green Bay Packers linebacker Jake Ryan has reportedly been diagnosed with a torn ACL, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter, and will miss the 2018 season as a result.Ryan suffered the injury at practice Monday and was carted off the field.The linebacker was heading into the final year of his rookie contract and was set to start in the heart of the Packers' defense next to Blake Martinez.Green Bay selected Ryan in the fourth round of the 2015 draft, and he's seen significant snaps as a starter since his rookie campaign.Ryan had a solid 2017 for the Packers, particularly in run defense. He accumulated 81 total tackles and one sack.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

When the surefire young talent in the 2018 NFL Draft started to thin out in the seventh round, the Philadelphia Eagles took a chance on 6-foot-8, 346-pound Australian rugby star Jordan Mailata with the 233rd overall pick.The Super Bowl LII champions are hoping Mailata can adapt to the NFL game and fit the role of offensive tackle for which he seems to be a natural fit. For his part, Mailata says he's beginning to pick things up in his first week of training camp but admits there's a long way to go."I’m making progress. I’m getting better," Mailata said after Tuesday's practice, according to team insider Dave Spadaro. "There is still so much to take in. It’s only been a week here after the spring practices. At some point I do think it will become second nature, but I know I’m a long ways away from that now."I’m going to keep working hard and learn something new every day. It’s now a matter of piecing it all together. It really is a puzzle and it comes down to execution. You can have all the tools, but the challenge is to put it all in place on a consistent basis," Mailata said.Mailata is expected to get his first taste of NFL game action when the Eagles open their preseason at home on August 9 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.- With h/t to Pro Football TalkCopyright © 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.A fantasy sleeper can be defined in many ways, but we're aiming to find players flying under the radar who could emerge as significant fantasy assets.Average draft position (ADP) data courtesy of Fantasy Football Calculator and is based on 12-team leagues with standard scoring.More from this series

The New Orleans Saints have signed veteran wide receiver Michael Floyd, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Floyd played sparingly for the Minnesota Vikings last season, catching 10 passes for 78 yards in 11 games after being suspended to start the year for a DUI in December 2016.The 28-year-old was originally selected 13th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 2012 and emerged as a reliable secondary threat in the passing game. Floyd's best season came in 2013, when he recorded 65 receptions for 1,041 yards and five touchdowns.He also played for the New England Patriots in 2016 after being released from Arizona following his DUI, but was inactive for the team's Super Bowl victory over the Atlanta Falcons.New Orleans also signed fellow wide receiver Brandon Tate on Tuesday, according to Nick Underhill of The New Orleans Advocate.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The 2018 NFL season will begin with a matchup between two of the league's brightest young stars.The Jacksonville Jaguars will open their campaign on the road against the New York Giants, marking the first head-to-head between Jaguars All-Pro corner Jalen Ramsey and Giants superstar receiver Odell Beckham Jr."Let's get this out of the way right now ... it's going to be a show," Ramsey said Tuesday, according to Ashlyn Sullivan of Jaguars.com. "He's the best wide receiver, I'm the best corner."Ramsey has put together two stellar seasons in the pros and is already considered one of, if not the, best at his position. Beckham has set multiple receiving records in his first four years in the NFL.The Pro Bowlers are known almost as much for their brash style as they are for their athleticism. Their Week 1 meeting should be appointment viewing, particularly if their battle is anything like Ramsey's matchup with A.J. Green last season.

The New England Patriots have been dealing with training camp injuries at wide receiver and have reportedly considered bringing in one of the biggest names left in free agency.The Pats had veteran receiver Eric Decker in for a free-agent workout on Monday, ESPN's Field Yates reports, citing a source.New England wideouts Kenny Britt, Malcolm Mitchell, and Jordan Matthews are currently banged up, Yates adds.Decker, an eight-year vet, spent the 2017 season with the Tennessee Titans. He saw the field in all 16 games and totaled 54 catches for 563 yards and one touchdown. His best years came in 2012 and 2013 with the Denver Broncos, but he enjoyed a resurgence with the New York Jets in 2015 when he recorded 12 touchdowns.In June, Decker name-dropped the Patriots as a team he'd like to play for."I think the Patriots would be a good fit and being drafted by (Patriots offensive coordinator) Josh McDaniels in Denver," he said. "I talked with New England last year during the free-agency process in June. That is always an option that I would definitely love to entertain."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL training camps can have a dramatic impact on fantasy drafts.As certain players are praised by coaches and/or reporters, their average draft position can rise, while their teammates can face a corresponding drop-off.Here are six players shaking leagues up due to their variable draft positions:(All ADPs based on standard scoring formats as of July 31 and courtesy Fantasy Football Calculator.)Trending too highDerrick Henry, RB, TitansADP: 3.01There's no doubt about Henry's talent or potential ceiling if he were to be handed a full workload. The issue with his early-third-round draft position - in the same territory as Christian McCaffrey, LeSean McCoy, Derrius Guice, and Alex Collins - is veteran Dion Lewis, who was signed to the Titans on a four-year, $19.8-million contract this offseason.Lewis, who will turn 28 in September, is coming off a career year with the New England Patriots in which he totaled 235 touches and 1,110 yards from scrimmage. He's being selected on average at pick 6.01, offering much better value in what's expected to be a nearly even timeshare.Marquise Goodwin, WR, 49ersADP: 8.03Goodwin's end-of-year totals of 65 receptions and 962 yards in his first season with the 49ers and first partial season with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo seem promising as he heads into his sixth NFL campaign at age 27.But 36 of those receptions and 613 yards came in his eight games operating as the No. 1 (and essentially lone) option following Pierre Garcon's season-ending neck injury. His 59 targets in those final eight games were 13 more than he received in the first half of the season.There's plenty to be said for the improvement of Garoppolo over Brian Hoyer and C.J. Beathard to open the season, but Goodwin's target share in a more competent offense will still need to be split among a returning Garcon, up-and-comers George Kittle and Trent Taylor, and pass-catching running back Jerick McKinnon.Goodwin shared the 49ers' team lead in red-zone targets (16) with Kittle last season, but he converted just one of four catches for a touchdown. His two touchdowns on the season came in games of one and two total receptions.Patrick Mahomes, QB, ChiefsADP: 10.03Much is expected of Mahomes as he enters what's essentially his rookie season after starting just a Week 17 game in 2017. The Chiefs spent big this offseason to bring free-agent wide receiver Sammy Watkins into the mix alongside Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce.The hype surrounding the Chiefs' offense has the QB being selected over Jared Goff, Ben Roethlisberger, Alex Smith, and Derek Carr, who all boast game-breaking pass-catchers of their own, as well as past fantasy success.The Chiefs open the 2018 season with difficult road tests against the star defenses of the Chargers, Steelers, and Broncos in three of their first four games. They'll return home to face the shutdown Jaguars in Week 5 and visit the Patriots in Week 6. Mahomes could quickly be popping up on waiver wires.Looking like bargainsCorey Clement, RB, EaglesADP: 10.02The Eagles showed in 2017 they don't need to rely on a top rusher, as they had three running backs amass at least 70 carries, with veteran LeGarrette Blount leading the group with 173.Clement led the backfield with 123 receiving yards while catching 10 of 15 targets. He became a name to know while catching four Nick Foles passes for 100 yards and a touchdown in the Super Bowl victory over the Patriots.Despite being a candidate to take over red-zone work from the departed Blount, he's being selected nearly seven rounds behind fellow Eagles rusher Jay Ajayi. He ranked second on the team with 13 carries inside opponents' 20-yard line last season, and his four touchdowns in that territory led the team.He'll lose some work in the passing game to a healthy Darren Sproles, but if he can retain the goal-line role, he'll be one of fantasy's biggest steals.Rishard Matthews, WR, TitansADP: 13.05Titans wide receiver Corey Davis' egregiously low ADP was mentioned in June's ADP Report. It has risen nearly a full round since then, but that seems to have come at the expense of Matthews.Though Matthews landed on the physically unable to perform list Monday with an undisclosed injury, he was the team's leading receiver with 87 targets, 795 yards, and four touchdowns last season. It was his third straight year with at least four TD receptions, and his second consecutive campaign topping 50 receptions and 790 yards.Until more is known about what was initially considered a minor injury, he represents a bargain as the incumbent No. 1 downfield option for quarterback Marcus Mariota.Chris Ivory, RB, BillsADP: 14.02Young running backs with a chance at earning significant roles are common late-round targets, but the 30-year-old Ivory shouldn't be overlooked as a prime handcuff option despite his advanced age.Ivory projects as the No. 2 back for a Bills team that has an inexperienced quarterback, one of the worst wide receiving corps in the league, and which suffered multiple offseason losses among what was a strong offensive line in 2017.He won't hold much value when LeSean McCoy is healthy and active, but until the investigation into a home invasion involving McCoy's ex-girlfriend gets wrapped up, the journeyman Ivory needs to be stashed with the potential for early-season starts.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said Tuesday that wide receiver Doug Baldwin will miss a few weeks due to a sore knee, according to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic."It's a little bit of a problem," Carroll said.Baldwin missed his third consecutive practice Tuesday.The soon-to-be 30-year-old played all 16 games in 2017, catching 75 of 116 targets for 991 yards and eight touchdowns.Wide receivers Tyler Lockett, Brandon Marshall, Jaron Brown, Marcus Johnson, and David Moore are lined up behind Baldwin on the Seahawks' depth chart.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Free-agent guard Richie Incognito hopes to enter politics once his playing days are over.Incognito spoke about his plans for the future in an interview with TMZ Sports."I'm all about the land of opportunity. I'm about enriching everybody in America. And, you know, hopefully one day run for public office," he said. "I see myself as a public servant now, now that I'm done playing. I love it. I want to be a politician."Incognito, who was named an ambassador of the anti-bullying nonprofit group Boo2Bullying earlier this month, went on to describe politics as his "passion."The 35-year-old announced his retirement in April, but then backtracked on the decision and asked for his release from the Buffalo Bills.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Lamar Jackson will be among the first from the 2018 rookie class to put his talents on display when the NFL preseason opens Thursday with the Hall of Fame Game between the Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears.Jackson was asked Monday what he wants to show in his preseason debut."I'm a quarterback. That's the first thing I want to show off. Just show the growth, from college to my new chapter of life," Jackson said, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN.Related: Harbaugh impressed with Jackson, pondering '2 QBs on the field at once'Jackson's athleticism allowed him to rush for more than 1,500 yards in each of his final two seasons at Louisville. The 2016 Heisman winner also scored 50 touchdowns over three campaigns with the Cardinals.The 21-year-old opted out of running the 40-yard dash at both the NFL combine and his Louisville pro day amid reports that teams wanted to work him out as a wide receiver.The Ravens traded back into the first round to select Jackson with the No. 32 pick. Presumed to be the eventual heir to Joe Flacco under center for the Ravens, Jackson will compete with Robert Griffin III for snaps.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Calvin Ridley seems to have learned more about the talent of star teammate Julio Jones in approximately three months than most fans who've been watching the two-time All-Pro over the past seven seasons."(Everyone) knows Julio is really good. But people don't really know how good he is," Ridley said Monday, according to Kelsey Conway of AtlantaFalcons.com. "He's so detailed. He knows everything ... he's like a coach. He coaches me on everything. Even if I do it right, he's still going to coach me. It's like having another coach on the field. He's watching everything."Jones' tutelage seems to have already paid dividends for the 26th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Four days into practices, Ridley has already noticed big improvements in his own game."Timing's getting better," he said. "I'm getting better in my details and my routes, and I'm getting to the right spots. I'm getting a lot more confident in myself."Jones had skipped the Falcons' organized team activities and mandatory minicamp this offseason, but Ridley later shared a picture to social media of the two at quarterback Matt Ryan's player workouts. The five-time Pro Bowler agreed to a revised contract with the Falcons in time for training camp.The seven-year veteran has totaled 585 receptions for 9,054 yards and 43 touchdowns in 95 games since being selected sixth overall in the 2011 draft.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.In an effort to save you from the frustration that comes with a disappointing fantasy pick, here are this year's top bust candidates.Average draft position (ADP) data courtesy of Fantasy Football Calculator and is based on 12-team leagues with standard scoring.More from this series

Minnesota Vikings fans can now shed any concern they may have had about Stefon Diggs entering into a contract year in 2018.The Vikings announced the signing of the star wide receiver to an extension Tuesday afternoon. The deal is for five years, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Diggs' extension has a total value of $81 million, with $40 million guaranteed, per Schefter.The extended deal keeps Diggs with the Vikings for the next six seasons and through the 2023 campaign.Diggs rose to league-wide fame while hauling in the "Minneapolis Miracle" - the 61-yard touchdown catch that propelled the Vikings over the New Orleans Saints in the divisional round of last year's playoffs.A fifth-round pick of the Vikings in the 2015 NFL Draft, Diggs has recorded 200 receptions for 2,472 yards and 15 touchdowns in his career. He set a career high with eight touchdowns in 2017, adding another 207 yards and a score in the Vikings' two postseason games.Diggs is set to play the 2018 season on a $1.96-million cap hit in the final year of his rookie contract.He joins a top-end core consisting of quarterback Kirk Cousins, defensive ends Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter, cornerback Xavier Rhodes, defensive tackle Linval Joseph, offensive tackle Riley Reiff, safety Harrison Smith, linebacker Eric Kendricks, running back Dalvin Cook, and wide receiver Adam Thielen to be signed through at least the 2020 season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's the biggest mystery at Cleveland Browns training camp: What's in the RV?The RV in question was spotted parked at Browns practice last week, and it was later learned that it's meant for Cleveland's quarterbacks.

New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold took the training camp field Monday for the first time after signing his rookie contract earlier in the day, and head coach Todd Bowles told the No. 3 overall pick - who arrived about 10 minutes into practice - that he was behind schedule in more ways than one."I told him he was late," Bowles told reporters, via NJ.com's Darryl Slater. "The (quarterback) competition has been underway. It just didn't start today. It started Thursday when we reported for camp. He's got some work to catch up and do."Darnold's negotiations were reportedly held up by a dispute over an offset clause that would have absolved the Jets from paying his full salary if the quarterback was cut and then signed elsewhere. In the end, the offset clause was included, but the Jets made concessions as well, including their stance on guaranteed money.After missing three training camp practices, Darnold wasn't at his best during team drills Monday, according to Bowles, who added that he's confident in the former USC signal-caller's ability to learn the offense."First day of camp for him," Bowles said. "It looked like the first day of camp. He'll get some studying in and he'll catch up. You understand the ramifications of missing three practices, but he can catch up and he's got time to catch up. But he's got to put his head down, because everybody has a head start."Darnold is expected to play in the Jets' first preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons next Friday. He'll compete with veteran quarterbacks Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater for the starting role.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Brian Dawkins was one of the most intimidating figures in the NFL.Despite his 6-foot frame, the longtime Philadelphia Eagles safety - and a 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee - was known for his physicality.In an interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia's Derrick Gunn ahead of his enshrinement this coming weekend, Dawkins revealed that he struggled with his temper and depression during his 16-year NFL career, and specifically with the pressures of juggling his growing family and football during his rookie season."I also had issues growing up period with my anger issues," Dawkins said. "Not being able to deal with some of the things like the extra energy I had. I had troubles channeling that anger in the right direction."They would come out in outbursts, and because I'm a quiet individual, and as men, we don't talk ... anyway, I talked even less (during his rookie year), and so all that stuff was bounding up."As the responsibilities mounted, Dawkins sought the comforts of alcohol."Overall, I didn't have any outlets, and so I began to drink a little more than I needed to, and that quickly spiraled down into depression," he said."I went through a real dark, deep depression. Alcohol was a tremendous crutch."Through the suggestion of his wife and Eagles defensive coordinator Emmitt Thomas, Dawkins began seeing a psychiatrist and taking medication for depression. Now, while the battle is always ongoing, the soon-to-be Hall of Famer says he's found ways to control his demons."That feeling is always there to this day," Dawkins said. "It's just waiting for you to feel so sorry for yourself that you can come back down and start having those same feelings again. My faith is strong enough now that I can tell that part of me to shut up and that's now who I am."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Hall of Fame cornerback and NFL Network analyst Deion Sanders broke the news Monday that he's getting the "30 for 30" treatment.

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert passed his physical Monday and is expected to return to practice, the team announced.Eifert opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) due to a back injury, but he had the designation removed.The soon-to-be 28-year-old has started 30 of 39 games played over his first five years in the league. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2015, setting career bests with 52 receptions, 615 yards, and 13 touchdowns.The No. 21 pick of the 2013 NFL Draft was re-signed to a one-year, $5.5-million contract this offseason, according to Over The Cap.The Bengals also announced that running back Ryan Hewitt passed his physical on Monday.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ella Whistler, who was shot seven times in the May 25 shooting at Noblesville West Middle School in Indiana, was a special guest at Indianapolis Colts training camp Sunday.

The Carolina Panthers confirmed Monday that cornerback Ross Cockrell suffered a broken leg in practice.The four-year veteran will undergo surgery for a fractured left tibia and fibula.Cockrell reportedly yelled to his teammates that his left leg was broken immediately after the injury, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Teammates huddled around him and he was later carted off the field.The Panthers signed the 26-year-old to a two-year, $6.6-million contract as a free agent this offseason.Originally a fourth-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in the 2014 NFL Draft, Cockrell appeared in 54 games over his first four years in the league, splitting time between the Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Giants. He started all 16 games for the Steelers in 2016.Panthers offensive tackle Daryl Williams suffered a torn MCL in Saturday's practice.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Four months after giving him a three-year, $24-million contract in free agency, the Miami Dolphins sound unsure of how receiver Albert Wilson fits into their offense."We've been working on developing the right plan for Albert because he has a lot of skill sets other receivers don't have," Dolphins head coach Adam Gase said Monday, according to Omar Kelly of the Miami Sun-Sentinel.Wilson signed with the Dolphins after spending four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he did most of his damage out of the slot. Gase, though, made it clear that's not where he plans to line up the 26-year-old, who had a 42-catch, 554-yard campaign in 2017."He's not a slot," the third-year coach said. "Nobody understands. He's not an inside guy. You got to have a knack for (playing inside)."Veteran wideout Danny Amendola has seemingly passed Wilson in the pecking order, and rookie tight end Mike Gesicki also figures to get snaps in the slot.It seems, then, that Wilson could be moving to the perimeter, where DeVante Parker and Kenny Stills have already established themselves as starters.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Jets signed rookie quarterback Sam Darnold on Monday.

The Cleveland Browns continue to communicate their interest in recruiting free agent Dez Bryant, but a meeting has yet to be scheduled between the two parties, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.Browns general manager John Dorsey told reporters last week that his team had discussed acquiring the wide receiver. A report Friday stated Cleveland and the former Dallas Cowboys wideout were discussing a one-year contract and had a meeting lined up for Monday.Bryant's recent Twitter rant will not affect the Browns' interest in him, per Garafolo.All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown recently lobbied for Bryant to join the Pittsburgh Steelers, but an agreement between the two is apparently not in the cards.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.With all 32 NFL teams back on the field, it's time to identify this year's fantasy breakout candidates.Average draft position (ADP) data courtesy of Fantasy Football Calculator and is based on 12-team leagues with standard scoring.Patrick Mahomes, QB, ChiefsThe quarterback position is incredibly deep once again, giving fantasy owners an opportunity to sit back and wait before selecting a starter. If you're exercising that type of patience, Mahomes could be this year's Carson Wentz - a sophomore QB capable of emerging as a fantasy star. After sitting behind Alex Smith for a year, Mahomes is taking over a Kansas City offense loaded with talent at every skill position, with Sammy Watkins being added to a group that already featured Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Kareem Hunt. The Chiefs could also end up in more shootouts in 2018, since their defense lost several key members. Pairing Mahomes with a more steady late-round option like Matt Ryan is a potential league-winning strategy.Star Potential: ★★★★☆

Stefon Diggs is entering the final year of his rookie contract with the Minnesota Vikings, but the wide receiver has grown enamored with the club and wants to stick around beyond 2018."I want to be here. I love being here," Diggs said, according to Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune. "I love being a part of this organization. They took a chance on me early. I love it here, as far as where we’re at. You’ve got to take it up with the right people. I haven’t spent too much time with it."Diggs, selected 146th overall in the 2015 draft, has previously said he's focused only on the season ahead and is letting his contract "handle itself."The 24-year-old carries a $1.96-million cap hit for the 2018 campaign, a figure that ranks 81st among receivers.Diggs enjoyed a career year in 2017, hauling in 64 of 95 targets - including eight touchdowns - for 849 yards in 14 games.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was reportedly told by the NFL to stop discussing national anthem policies after he incited another round of controversy with his comments last week, according to Clarence E. Hill of the Dallas Star-Telegram.Jones was scheduled to do interviews with several local media outlets Sunday evening. Hill reports that Jones told those outlets he wouldn't take questions about the anthem because he'd been instructed by the league not to comment on the issue any further.

It doesn't appear three-time All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh will be jealous when his new teammate, Aaron Donald, finally breaks the bank - presumably at the Los Angeles Rams' expense."He deserves more than what I got," Suh told Jarrett Bell of USA TODAY. "It's only right that he continues to play at a high level and prove that."Donald, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and a three-time All-Pro tackle himself, is mired in a contract holdout for the second straight year. The 27-year-old is scheduled to earn less than $7 million in 2018, the final season of his rookie deal.Suh, meanwhile, is no stranger to the business side of things. In 2015, he inked a six-year deal with the Miami Dolphins worth $114 million, including $60 million guaranteed, making it the richest deal for a defensive player in NFL history. He was surpassed the next year by Denver Broncos pass-rusher Von Miller, who signed a six-year, $114.5-million contract with $70 million guaranteed.Donald and the Rams have been tangled in extension talks throughout the offseason, but it doesn't seem they've made a ton of progress. Donald and Suh, who joined Los Angeles on a one-year deal in March following his release from Miami, could form one of the most prolific defensive tackle tandems in league history once they finally get on the field together.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Minnesota Vikings sophomore Dalvin Cook is ready to test the knee injury that ended his rookie campaign in Week 4; and not just against the sort of contact that running backs are most familiar with.Cook was asked in an interview with Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune if he's looking to "get that first hit out of the way" when pads go on at training camp Monday."I’m ready to deliver it. That’s what I’m ready to do. That’s my mind-set, man," Cook said. "I’m going to go out there and play and be me. I know my knee is fixed. I know I’m healed up. Put the time in, go out there, and play."Cook, who recently ditched his knee brace for involvement in 11-on-11 drills at practice, hopes to play in the Vikings' first preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Aug. 11, one day after his 23rd birthday."It’s always a good birthday present to go run around and have fun, do what I love to do," Cook said. "That’s always a great birthday present."- With h/t to Pro Football TalkCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Terrell Owens continued his feud with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, calling him a "bully" for forcing players to stand during the national anthem.Although the NFL and NFLPA are working on a resolution regarding the anthem, Jones told reporters it's team policy to stand.During an appearance on FOX Sports Radio's "The Odd Couple with Rob Parker and Chris Broussard", Owens fired more shots at the Cowboys owner regarding his team's anthem policy."(Jerry Jones) is being a bully. You’re basically stripping someone of their right to do what they want to in a peaceful protest... To put guys in a situation where they have to do something, that’s not right. That’s totally wrong," Owens said.Jones told reporters on July 25 that Owens is making a mistake by skipping the upcoming Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony where he's scheduled to be enshrined. The five-time All-Pro receiver fired back immediately, calling Jones out for releasing him in March 2009.Owens will be giving his Hall of Fame speech at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The weight of being the first overall pick is often overwhelming, but Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield is passing his first training camp tests with flying colors.Mayfield is expected to serve as Tyrod Taylor's backup to begin the 2018 season. However, he may force his way onto the field quickly if the former Sooners standout keeps impressing during training camp."Baker Mayfield has been everything I thought a quarterback should be for our organization thus far," Browns head coach Hue Jackson said, according to ESPN's Pat McManamon. "He's doing the things that we want him to do the way we want him to do it, and he's exceeding those things. Because he's putting in the time. He doesn't have a pride or (arrogance) any kind of way."His thing is, 'You guys tell me what you want me to do, and I'm going to do it.' That's what he's done since he's walked in the building. To me that's exciting. That's a player that's eager to learn, and grow."Jackson lauded Mayfield for entering camp without a sense of entitlement after coming off a season when he won the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma, while also praising him for his deep ball accuracy."When you're the first pick in the draft and you walk in, normally like you (see) some guys walk in with their chest out and it's me, me, me," he said."(Mayfield's) not about that."For now, Mayfield is facing an uphill battle to win the Browns' starting quarterback job. But if he continues to shine, Cleveland's preseason schedule may be among the most compelling to monitor.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Although he has just one year left on his existing contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, defensive end Carlos Dunlap says he's not planning to leave the only NFL team he's ever known.Dunlap and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, spoke to Bengals owner Mike Brown during practice Saturday, and it was reported that the parties are working toward a contract extension."I would love to get it done. I would love to finish my career here as a Bengal. We've done some great things," Dunlap said, via ESPN's Katherine Terrell."Right now I'm the (Bengals') career leader (in official sacks) as a defensive end. I would like to extend that gap between me and the next. We just want to focus on that and worry about the rest later. Right now we're in camp and back to football so I'm just enjoying that moment and letting my agent handle that with the owners."The 29-year-old Dunlap has racked up 64.5 sacks with the Bengals since being selected by the team in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He recorded 46 tackles, 7.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception while playing in all 16 games during the 2017 season.Dunlap is owed $7 million in base salary for the upcoming season and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next spring if he doesn't sign a new contract beforehand.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Several members of the Philadelphia Eagles said they were frustrated and confused after meeting with referees about a new rule that penalizes players 15 yards for lowering their head to contact an opponent with their helmet.For the meeting, the NFL put together a presentation that included videos with examples of illegal hits under the new rule. However, some of the players believed a number of the violations appeared to be regular tackles, and added that they didn't receive much clarity during a question-and-answer session that followed."We were trying to ask questions to get a better understanding, and yet they couldn't really give us an answer," linebacker Nigel Bradham said to ESPN's Tim McManus. "They couldn't give us what we were looking for."In their search for answers, the players showed the referees video of Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins delivering a devastating hit to New England Patriots receiver Brandin Cooks in Super Bowl LII, which knocked the latter out of the game, but avoided penalty or further sanction. However, the refs were apparently split on whether the play would be considered illegal under the new rule."I'm going to make that play 10 times out of 10. If it's a flag, it's a flag," Jenkins said. "You can't slow yourself down thinking about rules in a split second. The game happens really, really fast, faster than the rules, I think, take account for, but I won't let it affect the way I play."Eagles head coach Doug Pederson apparently disagreed with his players' contentions."It's been well-communicated to us, and it's our job to communicate to our players these rules," he said.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Oakland Raiders and star pass-rusher Khalil Mack have made no progress in contract talks, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Mack, a training camp holdout, is looking for a long-term extension that will, presumably, make him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL. The former Defensive Player of the Year is in the final year of his rookie contract.Raiders head coach Jon Gruden publicly expressed optimism before training camp that the two sides would hammer out a deal. However, there's no evidence that the two sides are even communicating at this point, according to Rapoport.Related: Gruden reportedly hasn't spoken to Mack since taking Raiders jobMack piled up 78 tackles and 10.5 sacks for Oakland last year, making it the third straight season the former No. 5 overall pick posted a double-digit sack total.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck made his return to the practice field this week for the first time this offseason.Luck was cleared last week after missing the entire 2017 season due to a setback suffered following his 2016 shoulder surgery. The star pivot was setback-free during his first training camp in two years, but it didn't come without nerves."Jitters like before a game for that first practice, haven't felt that way in a long time," Luck said Sunday, according to ESPN's Mike Wells. "(My shoulder is) responding well. Name of the game for me is to improve every day, feeling-wise, technique-wise."The 28-year-old admitted to some soreness and tiredness in his shoulder, according to the Indianapolis Star's Zak Keefer, but he said he didn't feel any pain.Related: How good can the Colts be with healthy Luck in 2018?Luck unsurprisingly looked rusty during Thursday's practice, according to Keefer, but the quarterback noted "things seemed to calm down and slow down a bit" Friday."There is a lot to think about as a quarterback," Luck said. "All those things, trying to sort of keep a calm mind and translate the technique I want to use in team situations."Luck will take a scheduled day off Monday. He'll resume practicing without limitations on Tuesday and Wednesday before being limited on Thursday.Earlier this week, Colts head coach Frank Reich confirmed that Luck will play in the team's first preseason game Aug. 9 against the Seattle Seahawks. It will be the signal-caller's first NFL game action since the end of the 2016 campaign.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Despite a traumatic and distraction-filled offseason, cornerback Janoris Jenkins is keeping his mind glued to football - and only football - at New York Giants training camp.In June, Jenkins' older brother, William, was arrested in connection with the death of Roosevelt Rene, a close friend of the NFL standout whose dead body was found in the basement of his New Jersey home. Jenkins was in Florida when Rene's body was recovered. His brother was charged with aggravated manslaughter in relation to the death."I haven't talked to him, to be honest," Jenkins said Saturday of his brother, according to Ryan Dunleavy of NJ.com. "But I will, to see where his head is at. As far as that, I'm going to leave that off the field."With the investigation into the incident ongoing, Jenkins has been forced to keep tight-lipped about the characters involved in the case."It's shocking," he said of the affair and his brother's supposed involvement in it. "But I've still got to come out and play football. Right now, my main focus is to get better every day with my teammates and stay focused."Jenkins, a former Pro Bowler, is looking to rebound from a substandard 2017 campaign that was hampered, in part, by an ankle injury.He acknowledged the difficulty of keeping his personal life and professional lives separate, but plans to do his best as he embarks on his third season with the Giants."My main focus has always been football," he said. "Anything that happened I can't control because I wasn't there. I'm just coming back, getting back, getting with my team and excited to be here."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Oakland Raiders made a number of offseason changes after Jon Gruden was hired as the team's head coach. A number of these additions came on the offensive side of the ball, including the signing of former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson.The Packers released Nelson in May, reportedly due to his cap hit and declined play in 2017, after 10 seasons with the club. Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, however, has already meshed well with his new target during training camp."I can't say enough good things," Carr told the East Bay Times' Matt Schneidman. "I can't believe Green Bay let him go, but I'm glad he's here."The 27-year-old doesn't agree with those who say Nelson is "washed up.""The thing that you hear about that he can't run anymore - that's false," Carr said. "I can tell you, he's one of the fastest skill guys that we have still. He can run. You see that by his route running. If he can win on underneath routes, that means DBs are scared about what he can do over the top. He's still Jordy Nelson, that's for sure."The veteran wideout caught 53 passes for 482 yards and six touchdowns last year, his worst statistical season since 2010.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.