As if the Pittsburgh Steelers don't have enough offensive weapons already, All-Pro wideout Antonio Brown offered an interesting thought to free-agent receiver Dez Bryant on Saturday.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2018 Fantasy Football Draft Kit.There's significant turnover at running back across the league every year, and fantasy owners who correctly forecast those changes can gain a notable advantage.The following backfields are heading toward the 2018 season with some level of uncertainty around their depth chart, and each will likely require a lengthy training camp battle before a true starter is named.Denver BroncosProjected Starter: Royce Freeman

Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Daryl Williams tore his MCL and dislocated his right patella during Saturday's practice, the team confirmed."We are beginning the early stages of rehabilitation, and there is currently no timetable for his return," the Panthers said in a statement.The injury reportedly isn't believed to be season-ending, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Williams was named a second-team All-Pro in 2017 and graded out as the third-best offensive tackle in the NFL by Pro Football Focus.Taylor Moton is expected to replace Williams in the starting lineup.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman accepts full responsibility for his four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs."Obviously you're disappointed with it, but I got to follow the protocols a little better and make sure this never happens again," Edelman said Saturday after practice, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. "I'm accountable for my actions."Edelman tested positive for an unrecognizable substance in June, and his suspension was upheld upon appeal earlier this month. The 32-year-old missed the entire 2017 season due to a torn ACL but was expected to make a full recovery for the beginning of the 2018 campaign."Ultimately my focus now is getting my knee right, and going out and trying to play football at a high level," Edelman said. "It was a helluva year to just sit and watch your team go to a Super Bowl and play without you and you're on the couch. It was tough. But I'm excited to be out here and I'm excited to work my game."Earlier Saturday, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady refuted a suspected connection between his controversial trainer, Alex Guerrero, and Edelman's suspension, calling it "ridiculous."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cincinnati Bengals are negotiating a contract extension with defensive end Carlos Dunlap, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Dunlap and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, were seen speaking to Bengals owner Mike Brown during practice Saturday, Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.The veteran defensive end is owed $7 million in base salary for the upcoming season and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next spring.Dunlap recorded 46 tackles, 7.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception in 16 games during the 2017 season.The 29-year-old was named to the Pro Bowl in 2015 and 2016.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell recently stated his plans to skip training camp and report to the team in time for the regular season after being franchise tagged for the second year in a row.Although this marks the second consecutive season Bell has missed training camp, Steelers owner Art Rooney is not concerned."We went through this last year," Rooney told NFL Network's Judy Battista Saturday. "And when Le'Veon got here, his commitment to the team is as good as ever so expect the same thing when he gets here this year. Of course, I hope he gets here a little earlier; we'll see."Rooney did express disappointment in Bell's contract situation, but empathized with the All-Pro running back."Le'Veon is a professional," Rooney said. "We're disappointed we weren't able to come to an agreement but that's the business side of football. Respect his position, no hard feelings. We just like to get him here as quickly as we can and get him started."Related: 5 teams that should be lining up bids for Le'Veon Bell in 2019When asked if he thinks 2018 will be Bell's last season in Pittsbugh, Rooney claimed the team will focus on a new contract after the upcoming season."I'm not going to say that (Bell is entering is final season as a Steeler)," the owner said. "We'll revisit his contract after the season. Who knows? There's a lot of miles to travel between now and then and hopefully a lot of good miles on the football field for Le'Veon."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Chicago Bears have yet to sign rookie linebacker Roquan Smith, and head coach Matt Nagy said Saturday the dispute is linked to the NFL's new rules on lowering the helmet during a tackle."(The helmet rule) is part of the issue with it," Nagy said of the contract impasse, according to the Chicago Tribune's Colleen Kane and Rich Campbell. "As far as the details, I'm not going to get into all of that right now. That wouldn't be fair to either party, but there's some of that to it."It's unclear what the other problems preventing a deal could be. Smith was selected eighth overall by the Bears in April's draft, making him the first linebacker to come off the board.The 21-year-old is concerned about the financial impact the helmet rules and their subsequent penalties could have on him, prompting him to ask for certain clauses in his deal."For both sides, it's more of a language deal, a language-type deal," Nagy added, per Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times. "Again, for me, as a first-year head coach going through this, my thing is just collaborating with (general manager) Ryan (Pace) and what they have going on with the agent. And making sure that we understand, together, (that) I need to, as a head coach just continue to keep plugging away with what we have and who we have."Smith and New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold, the third overall pick, are the only two rookies still unsigned.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Seahawks announced the signing of Duane Brown to a multi-year contract extension Saturday.The left tackle received a three-year extension worth $36.5 million, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. It's the second lucrative extension of his career, with the first one coming in 2012.Brown was entering the final year of his contract, and the 32-year-old could now be in a position to finish his career with the Seahawks.The four-time Pro-Bowler was acquired by Seattle via a trade with the Texans in October that was sparked by his holdout with Houston in 2017, which resulted in the offensive lineman missing seven games. The former first-round pick solidified a struggling Seahawks offensive line last season.Brown's deal continues a recent trend of fruitful contracts for offensive linemen. The Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons extended left tackles Taylor Lewan and Jake Matthews, respectively, Thursday.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Hue Jackson's record as the Cleveland Browns head coach is well documented. With just a single victory since taking over prior to the 2016 season, he may not inspire much confidence for most fans.Browns CEO Jimmy Haslam, however, sees an opportunity for his coach heading into his third training camp."I think we'll see the real Hue Jackson,'' Haslam told reporters Saturday, via Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot. "He's got good quarterbacks, he's got some skill players, he's got a veteran offensive line - now we gotta figure out left tackle, three really good backs and good defense."Under a new regime, beginning with general manager John Dorsey, Jackson appears to have a fresh start with Cleveland."Our commitment to him has been unwavering and still is,'' Haslam said. "In some ways you could say because of the talent he's had, particularly at quarterback, particularly last year, it could view it as his first year but we don't look at that."I know everybody's saying Hue has to win this many games or he has to win that many games. We don't look at it (like that). We're really excited about the relationship that Hue and John (Dorsey) have and not just that they have but their staffs have, how the building is working together."The Browns made a number of offseason additions in an attempt to right the ship in 2018. These changes are particularly apparent on offense, where the team added Jarvis Landry, Carlos Hyde, and Tyrod Taylor in free agency while drafting Baker Mayfield and Nick Chubb. Haslam's club also hired Todd Haley as offensive coordinator.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Carolina Panthers starting right tackle Daryl Williams was carted off the field during practice Saturday with an apparent knee injury.Williams' right knee buckled as he fell back during a team drill. He was screaming in pain and immediately had a brace placed on his knee.Head coach Ron Rivera said Williams will be taken to Charlotte for further evaluation, per Steve Reed of The Associated Press.The Panthers selected the powerful lineman in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Williams' injury could be a massive blow to the team's offensive line. The former Oklahoma Sooner earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2017 and is one of the top right tackles in the league.In the event of a long-term injury, Taylor Moton - Carolina's second-round selection in 2017 - and Jeremiah Sirles would battle for the starting spot if the team does not acquire outside help.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tom Brady refuted a suspected connection between his controversial trainer, Alex Guerrero, and the suspension to close friend and teammate Julian Edelman for a failed performance-enhancing drugs test."That's just ridiculous," an agitated Brady said Saturday at training camp before ending his session with reporters, per Mike Petraglia of CLNS Media Network.Guerrero, known for his unconventional training methods that have helped extend Brady's career into his 40s, worked with Edelman during the receiver's rehab from a torn ACL suffered last August.The relationship between Brady and Guerrero has drawn scrutiny in the past. New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has reportedly tried to limit Guerrero's involvement with other players.Related - Guerrero: 'Disappointing' to hear of Edelman's suspensionFor his part, Edelman told reporters he hasn't lost any faith in Guerrero and holds himself responsible for the failed drug test."I love Alex," Edelman said, according to James Palmer of NFL Network. "Ultimately, I'm worried about just going out here and playing football."He continued: "It's disappointing with the penalty and the findings. I'm definitely accountable for that. But ultimately, my focus is going out and trying to work my knee, get better each day."Edelman will miss the first four games of the regular season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Michael Bennett stood out immediately to Jim Schwartz, his new defensive coordinator.The 6-foot-4, 274-pound former Seahawk appears more physically imposing in person than the coach had previously observed when Bennett would “wreck the offenses” of his teams.“Because he wears those little tiny shoulder pads you don't realize how big he is,” Schwartz explained Friday following the Eagles' second practice. “Watch him stand next to (Fletcher Cox). That's when it comes to me. It's like, wow, this is a big man.”Bennett has already helped many of his younger linemates acclimate to the coordinator’s scheme. It's a unique playbook, to say the least, especially for defensive ends who aren’t accustomed to taking their stance outside the offensive tackle in Schwartz’s trademark wide-nine formation.“Watch him during an individual period and watch him provide instructions to the back-of-the-roster guys, to the undrafted free agents,” Schwartz said. “He's not a selfish player. He's a team-first guy.”There’s no denying that Bennett, a three-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, can collapse pockets. But, whether the defensive lineman can transition into a potentially limited role with the Eagles remains to be seen.Bennett joined a deep and accomplished defensive line unit this offseason when the rebuilding Seahawks shipped him to the Super Bowl champs in exchange for a fourth-round pick - a small price to pay for one of the league’s most consistent pass-rushers.Bennett collected 8.5 sacks, 14 tackles for a loss, and 24 quarterback hits last year, according to NFL statistics compilations, making him one of football's most disruptive overall linemen. He also played 934 total defensive snaps - eighth-most in the NFL - according to Football Outsiders, which amounted to about 85 percent of Seattle’s total defense.Schwartz, entering his 11th season as a defensive coordinator, has long believed the whole is greater than the sum of its parts when it comes to his defensive line, which is why none of his best pass-rushers played more than 65 percent of snaps last year. Defensive end Brandon Graham played 663 snaps, which was most among Philadelphia's linemen but nearly 300 fewer than Bennett. Three other Eagles linemen played in the neighborhood of 45 to 55 percent of the snaps.It’s safe to assume Bennett, who turns 33 in November, won’t see the field for anywhere near 943 snaps next season. He will also have to beat out Graham and last year’s first-round pick, Derek Barnett, for a starting position when the season opens Sept. 6 against the Atlanta Falcons.But, does Bennett care about his role when Week 1 arrives?“Oh yeah, obviously I care,” he told theScore on Friday. “I mean, at the same time, I’m not going to make that the most important thing for me. We’ve got so many great players really."Bennett started all 59 games he played for the Seahawks from 2014-17, and all three of his Pro Bowl nods have come in the past three seasons.Graham, whose fourth-quarter strip-sack of Tom Brady sealed the Eagles’ first Super Bowl title in team history, is entering the final year of his deal, while Barnett placed third on the team last season in sacks and quarterback hits despite playing the fewest number of snaps among the defensive end rotation."I’m not coming in to like just be a guy," Bennett said. "I’m coming here to be one of the guys."Schwartz hasn’t tailored his scheme to just one player. Everyone plays, everyone rotates. That’s the coach’s formula for fresh and productive legs in the fourth quarter. The Eagles may have surrendered more than 500 passing yards to Brady in the Super Bowl, but were able to turn the ball over in the final two minutes when Barnett recovered a fumble caused by Graham's aforementioned strip-sack.“I think that one of our themes last year was the fact that we were able to withstand quite a bit of injuries to key players, and depth is a big part of that,” Schwartz said. “So, you're never going to find a coach that's going to complain about trying to find ways to get more talent on the field. I think that's the way we feel about it.”One of the catalysts to the Eagles’ championship was the countless number of veterans who checked their egos at the entrance of the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia for the greater good.Running back LeGarrette Blount, already a Super Bowl champion upon his arrival, didn’t gripe in Week 2 when he didn’t take a single carry against the Kansas City Chiefs, nor did he complain when his workload took a hit at the trade deadline when the Eagles acquired Jay Ajayi.Several cornerbacks rotated at the spot left vacant for 10 weeks after Ronald Darby dislocated his ankle; Vinny Curry, a prideful pass-rusher, didn’t sound off about his role as a run-stopping defender, and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery didn't demand more targets despite averaging the fewest per game since his rookie year.The Eagles won 13 games and their first championship without a 1,000-yard rusher, 1,000-yard receiver, and without any defender eclipsing 10 sacks.Now they’re banking on Bennett to also buy in, much the same way those who came before him did.“I don’t know,” Bennett said when asked about accepting a different role. “That’s not how I’m going into it.“I was told I would be competing for a starting job and if it doesn’t happen then it doesn’t happen. But at the same time, I am going into it with the mindset the way I always go into it - to be a top defensive end, one of the top defensive ends in the league. It’s just my DNA.”Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A dispute over offset language is holding up a contract agreement between the New York Jets and Sam Darnold, who they drafted third overall in the 2018 draft, sources told ESPN's Rich Cimini.The Jets are reportedly intent on including an offset clause in the contract, which would absolve them from paying the quarterback's full salary if he gets cut and subsequently signs elsewhere before his rookie deal expires. Darnold's agent, Jimmy Sexton, is reportedly resisting those efforts.An offset means the next team to sign a player would foot the bill on any or all of the guaranteed money owed a player who has been released.It would be abnormal for an NFL team to sign a rookie contract that doesn't contain offsets, and unprecedented for the Jets. They could lose leverage with future draftees if they cave in to the demands from Darnold and his agent.New York opened training camp Friday without its young pivot, who was expected to compete with veterans Teddy Bridgewater and Josh McCown for the starting job."Any time you're not here, you lose something," Jets head coach Todd Bowles said after Friday's practice, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com. "It's been a day, obviously when he comes in, we'll get him caught up. But right now, I've got 79 other guys to worry about."Bowles added that he wasn't frustrated by Darnold's absence.Darnold's agent works for Creative Artists Agency, the same firm that negotiated Baker Mayfield's rookie deal with the Cleveland Browns. Mayfield, who was drafted first overall, has offset language built into his contract.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Malcolm Butler may never be able to completely remove the sour taste of his benching in Super Bowl LII, but the former New England Patriots cornerback insists he's not holding any grudges against his ex-coach."No bad blood between me and Bill Belichick," Butler told Cameron Wolfe of ESPN. "One of the greatest coaches ever and I care about him, I know he care about me. And this a hurtful game sometimes and it can look different than what it is. But that's my guy. ... I got a lot of respect for him."After starting throughout the regular season and the playoffs, Butler was limited to just one snap - a play on special teams - in the Patriots' Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. What prompted the benching has never been explained to anyone other than, possibly, Butler.The 28-year-old left New England in the offseason, signing a five-year, $61-million deal with the Tennessee Titans in free agency.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It didn't take long to get the Dallas Cowboys' response to Dez Bryant's tweetstorm on Friday night.The saga began when team executive vice president Stephen Jones spoke on SiriusXM NFL Radio on Friday and commented that Bryant was in quarterback Dak Prescott's ear last season. That quote - originally posted without the part about Jason Witten - put the former Cowboys receiver on the defensive, and he ripped the team's playcalling and leadership, as well as some of his former teammates.Jones said his comment wasn't intended to be negative.

Warning: Tweets contain coarse languageDez Bryant is reportedly on the verge of joining a new team, but he's got something to say about his former club.Related: Cowboys respond to Bryant's criticismThe Dallas Cowboys record-holder for receiving touchdowns took to Twitter to reply to some criticism he's seen online, and responded in kind to owner Jerry Jones, linebacker Sean Lee, and his former coaches.

New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman announced Friday that his cancer is in remission.Gettleman began treatment for an aggressive form of lymphoma five weeks ago."I had this crazy idea that I should do what the doctors told me. So I did, and I'm in a hell of a place, physically. I feel good," Gettleman said."I still have to continue treatment. The type of chemo I have, I'm basically getting 99 percent of it on an in-hospital basis, so when I go into the hospital I'm in there for five days. I've got three more rounds of it. I've had four so far, so I'm over the hump."While Gettleman was told that he's in complete remission, his doctors also advised him that he's not out of the woods.Nonetheless, Gettleman expressed confidence that he'll return to his duties as GM of the team on a full-time basis at some point this season."It'll happen. It'll happen," he said.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tyrod Taylor and Baker Mayfield have quickly become BFFs. The two Cleveland Browns quarterbacks have become so close, in fact, that they've purchased an RV and parked it at the team's training camp so they can have quarterback-only "top-secret meetings."Until the cameras of HBO's "Hard Knocks" potentially take us inside the vehicle, we can only speculate about what could be going on inside - and speculate we will!Option 1: Planning their escape Cleveland is where quarterbacks go to die.While Taylor and Mayfield have said all the right things about wanting to be the ones to finally end the Browns' curse under center, it could be a cover to buy them time while they make a "Shawshank Redemption"-esque escape to freedom.Of course, such a daring move would require some serious planning, so it makes sense that they would need their own private space (and why Drew Stanton hilariously hasn't been invited).A suspicious Hue Jackson knocks on the RV's door, a red-faced Gregg Williams standing by his side: "Tyrod? Baker? Can the QB guru be part of the club...?"A terrified Mayfield stifles a scream. Taylor grabs the rookie by the shoulders. "Be. Cool. You hear me, kid? Do you want to end up in the CFL?" whispers Taylor.They scurry around, quickly hiding the maps, schematics, and pictures connected with red string that cover the RV's walls. Before opening the door, Taylor slaps his mentee to stop his whimpers: "Don't make eye contact with him, Bake. He's a sorcerer."How else does he still have a damn job?!"Option 2: Working on their 'chemistry'If you don't think the idea of Mayfield dressed up as Jesse Pinkman screaming "Science, b----!" at a bald Taylor wearing Heisenberg's pork pie hat is funny, you might not have a soul.

Dak Prescott has no problem with Jerry Jones' anthem policy.On the same day the NFL and NFLPA held a "constructive meeting" concerning player protests during the national anthem, the Dallas Cowboys quarterback answered questions about his team owner's stance that players should "stand for the anthem, toe on the line.""It has no effect to me because I do exactly what I'm doing and what I've said and what I stand by, whether I'm wearing the star or not, playing for Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, or any other owner," Prescott said Friday, according to Nick Eatman of DallasCowboys.com. "I believe in what I believe in and that's that."Asked to elaborate, Prescott made it known where he stands on the anthem debate."I never protest during the anthem and I don't think that's the time or venue to do so," he said. "The game of football has always brought me such peace and I think it does the same for a lot of people playing the game, watching the game, and a lot of people that have any impact of the game. So when you bring such a controversy to the stadium, to the field ... It takes away from the joy and the love that football brings a lot of people."Player protests have proven a divisive subject among NFL fans, players, and executives.Prescott believes the protests other players have made have served their intended purposes and it's time for another approach."For me, I'm all about making a change and making a difference. I think this whole kneeling and all that was all about raising awareness. And the fact that we're still talking about social injustice years later, I think we've got to that point. I think we’ve improved and we know there is social injustice," he said."I'm up for taking a next step and whatever the step may be for action and not just kneeling."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Browns are in talks with former Pro Bowl wide receiver Dez Bryant about signing a one-year contract to join Cleveland, sources told Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.If the talks progress, Bryant will visit the team to "get a feel for the organization, and if all goes well, he could become a Brown," Cabot added.The Browns are working on scheduling a meeting with Bryant as soon as Monday, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.General manager John Dorsey said Wednesday that the team had internally discussed the possibility of bringing in the former Dallas Cowboys star.The Browns are currently without starting wideout Josh Gordon for an undetermined period of time as he reportedly undergoes further counseling, so they are in need of an established veteran to go along with Jarvis Landry and Corey Coleman.Bryant reportedly rejected a multi-year offer from the Baltimore Ravens in April. He's believed to be seeking a one-year deal so he can re-enter the open market and secure a long-term contract next offseason.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Houston Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins has surpassed 800 yards through the air in all five of his NFL seasons. He accumulated 13 receiving touchdowns last year, which led the league. He makes even the most difficult catches look easy.But he still feels his name is not mentioned enough among the best players at his position."I definitely feel like I'm underrated," Hopkins said Friday, via ESPN's Sarah Barshop. "I think I'm the best receiver in the NFL. Having guys ranked in front of me that I know that I'm better than, that's always going to drive me."Hopkins' 91.9 receiving yards per game ranked second to only Antonio Brown in 2017. Perhaps playing with a healthy Deshaun Watson at quarterback this season could lead to an even bigger explosion.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tennessee Titans wrapped up their second extension of the day on Friday afternoon, announcing a new deal for tight end Delanie Walker that will take him through the 2020 campaign.Walker inked a two-year extension worth $17 million with $12.6 million in guarantees and an $8-million signing bonus, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, citing the tight end's agent.The 33-year-old is now set to enter the final year of his previous deal before the extension kicks in. He's caught at least 60 passes in all five of his seasons with the Titans, and accumulated 74 receptions, 807 receiving yards, and three touchdowns in 2017.Walker's extension came after the Titans made left tackle Taylor Lewan the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history earlier Friday.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tests have confirmed that Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Jason Verrett tore his Achilles at camp on Friday, an injury that will keep him out for the 2018 season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.It's more terrible news for the defensive back, who's played in just five games over the last two seasons due to multiple ACL injuries.Verrett suffered the injury during a conditioning test in camp, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The news is also another blow for the hard-luck Chargers. Tight end Hunter Henry suffered a torn ACL during OTAs in May, and the team had 13 players end their seasons on injured reserve in 2017.During his last full season (2015), the former first-round pick accumulated 42 tackles and three interceptions.Verrett's injury will affect Los Angeles' secondary, but the team does have one of the NFL's top cornerback groups. Casey Hayward, Trevor Williams, and Desmond King were all solid in coverage in 2017, helping their team rank third in pass defense.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tyrod Taylor and Baker Mayfield should be fierce rivals.The Browns' veteran needs to keep the rookie from taking his starting job long enough to show the rest of the NFL he deserves a shot elsewhere - likely next season - while Mayfield is out to prove Cleveland was right to make him one of the most shocking No. 1 overall picks in recent memory.Instead, the two have developed such a bond that they've parked an RV at Browns training camp "so they can have a top-secret clubhouse," according to ESPN's Dianna Russini. Only quarterbacks are allowed, and the two wouldn't say what goes on inside the vehicle.

Julio Jones' contract dispute has been well documented this offseason, but the Atlanta Falcons star receiver stated he was never going to hold out of training camp."I was already gonna come here," Jones told reporters Friday, via Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. "(The Falcons) took care of it. We knew all along we were gonna get it handled."Jones reported to camp after agreeing to a revised deal with the Falcons where he will reportedly earn a $2.9-million raise in 2018 and a $4.4-million signing bonus.The two-time All-Pro wideout reiterated his desire to be a "Falcon forever," and claimed reports regarding his displeasure were not accurate."It was just me handling my business, doing what I need to do to be the best that I can be for the ball club," Jones said. "I'm just here to play football. At the end of the day, it's a brotherhood. I gotta hold up my end. I gotta be prepared to come out here and be 100 percent, and go out there so these guys can count on me each and every play."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys is widely seen as one of, if not the most powerful owner in the NFL, and therefore his words carry more weight than most around the league.So, when Jones said Wednesday that members of his team must "stand for the (national) anthem, toe on the line," despite the NFL's new policy allowing players to remain in the locker room, it was a viewed as a strong message to everyone across the league to fall in line.Malcolm Jenkins, one of the founding members of the Players Coalition, called for all owners, including the Philadelphia Eagles' Jeffrey Lurie, who disagreed with Jones to make their feelings public."Silence is compliance," the Eagles safety said Friday, according to Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Inquirer.Related: Trump applauds Jerry Jones for Cowboys' anthem policyJenkins went on to call Jones a "bully" and said he was lucky to not have to work for an owner who would try and "intimidate" his players.

Julio Jones will earn a nice bump in pay under his revised contract.The Atlanta Falcons' star pass-catcher will receive an additional $2.9 million in 2018 a source told ESPN's Chris Mortensen. Under the new deal, Jones will receive a $4.4 million signing bonus while his base salary will drop, adding up to total compensation this season of $13.4 million instead of $10.5 million.Atlanta's assurance to hold good-faith negotiations on a new contract in 2019 was also a catalyst to end Jones' holdout, Mortensen added.The Falcons announced Jones' revised deal Thursday, and the receiver will now report to training camp.The 29-year-old has amassed over 1,400 yards in each of the past four seasons. He scored three touchdowns for the 10-win Falcons in 2017 and finished second in the league with 1,444 receiving yards.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As a number of NFL teams sign their young stars to lengthy contract extensions on the eve of the 2018 campaign, it appears Houston Texans edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney will not be one of these players.Clowney is expected to play out the final year of his rookie deal, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The pass-rushers' health may be as important as his production this upcoming season, Rapoport added.The Texans have stated an extension for Clowney is forthcoming on multiple occasions this offseason, but the team may have switched gears and will have a tough decision to make in 2019.Houston selected Clowney No.1 overall in 2014 out of South Carolina. He's accumulated 20 sacks in four seasons with the team, including 9.5 in 2017.The young defender underwent knee surgery in December, but has been given a clean bill of health heading into 2018.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Rob Gronkowski raised a few eyebrows with his farewell message to former teammate Danny Amendola in March, as some interpreted his emphasis on "Be FREE, Be HAPPY" to be a dig at New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.But in an interview with Ben Baskin of The MMQB, Gronkowski said that was far from the case."That's for the whole world," the tight end said. "That would be amazing if the whole world was free and happy. I love life. Free and happy."

The Atlanta Falcons announced they have signed offensive tackle Jake Matthews to a five-year contract extension.The deal is worth $75 million, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.By reportedly making $15 million per year under the new contract, the former first-round pick becomes the league's third-highest-paid offensive tackle behind Taylor Lewan, who also signed an extension on Friday, and New York Giants left tackle Nate Solder.The Falcons selected Matthews at No. 6 overall in the 2014 draft out of Texas A&M. After struggling as a rookie, he's developed into an elite pass-protector for quarterback Matt Ryan.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Seahawks have reportedly informed safety Earl Thomas that the team will not be addressing his contract demands this offseason, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Seattles' demands were specific and clear, added Rapoport, and whether or not Thomas reported to the team would not affect its stance.Thomas has skipped the Seahawks' entire offseason program, including the start of training camp, and is reportedly prepared to hold out until he receives a new deal or trade.The former All-Pro safety has been very vocal about his desire for a new deal as he enters the final season of a four-year, $40-million contract. He is currently the sixth-highest paid safety in the NFL.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tennessee Titans announced Friday they have signed offensive tackle Taylor Lewan to a contract extension.Lewan will reportedly receive a five-year extension worth $80 million, including $50 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The $16 million average annual value would make him the NFL's highest-paid offensive tackle and the highest-paid offensive lineman in league history.One of the top left tackles in football, Lewan held out of Tennessee's minicamp earlier this offseason amid his contract dispute, but reported to training camp with the hopes that the two sides could soon agree on a deal.The Titans selected the former Michigan standout No. 11 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. The 27-year-old has made two Pro Bowls in four seasons with the team.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

United States President Donald Trump took to Twitter Friday to commend Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for his comments regarding the NFL's national anthem issue.Jones stated Wednesday that Dallas' policy is 'you stand for the anthem' and he would not support player protesters. Trump believes other team owners should do the same.

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has received more hype than most rookies.Entering his 62nd training camp with the Giants, co-owner John Mara hasn't seen this level of buildup for a first-year player in 37 years."Possibly 1981, Lawrence Taylor when he came to camp, but maybe not quite this much (hype)," Mara said, via NFL.com's Kevin Patra. "I mean, (Barkley's) jersey is already the No.1-selling jersey, he's gotten a lot of attention. But again, I think in speaking to him and watching how he conducts himself, I think he is able to handle that, so I feel good about that.""But still, you know I've used this line a million times before - let's not get him ready for Canton just yet, let's let him play some games first."In a league that has seemingly devalued the running back position in favor of dynamic passing attacks, Barkley is just the fourth ball carrier to be selected in the top five this decade. His prolific career at Penn State, explosive athleticism, and eye-popping measurables lead to potentially unrealistic expectations for his NFL career."He obviously has unlimited physical skills, he's a real fine young man, as well," Mara said. "I think he adds a completely different dimension that maybe we haven't had in our offense in quite some time. I do get a little nervous about all the hype since he hasn't played a down yet, but I think he's capable of living up to it and just is very mature beyond his years, I think. So, we are obviously very excited about him."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.The fantasy strength of schedule is used to determine the overall difficulty of players' matchups from Week 1 to Week 16.The No. 1 ranked team is forecasted to see the easiest slate, while the No. 32 club will face defenses that are projected to allow the least fantasy points to that position in 2018.Our model takes into account several variables, including historical defensive data, offseason roster changes, new coaching staffs, home/road splits, and individual player matchups.Quarterbacks

So much for Ben Roethlisberger's impending retirement.After flirting with hanging it up for years, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback is now working to prolong his career. The 14-year veteran has cut sugar and carbs out of his diet."Do everything you can to really say, 'OK, I'm going to be the best I can be physically, mentally for this season,'" Roethlisberger said Thursday at training camp, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "But if you can continue looking after your body and keeping yourself healthy, it can lead to more years."Roethlisberger has taken a physical beating throughout his career. He's been sacked 477 times, an average of 34 takedowns per season, and that doesn't even include the tackles he sheds to constantly extend plays with his 6-foot-5 frame.Still, Big Ben has played in no fewer than 12 games each season."Knees, ankles, being lighter - those are all positives when it comes to this age and playing football, where you're pounding on your knees and you've had a couple of knee surgeries," he said. "Anything you can do to lighten the load on your knees is important."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Carson Wentz was a full participant during Philadelphia Eagles training camp practice on Thursday, a positive sign in his recovery from a season-ending injury he suffered late last year."I like where I'm at right now," Wentz said after participating in his first 11-on-11 practice since tearing his ACL and LCL in December, according to Zach Berman of Philly.com.Wentz managed to avoid the physically unable to perform list before Eagles camp, another sign that he's nearing full health."We've got a good plan," Wentz said. "It's not just me making a decision. It's not just coach. It's not just the docs. It's a (combination) of everybody."Wentz worked primarily with the second-team offense during Thursday's practice, but he has six weeks to get ready for the Eagles' regular-season opener.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Redskins have agreed to terms on a one-year extension reportedly worth up to $7 million with quarterback Colt McCoy, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.McCoy has spent the last four seasons with the Redskins, primarily operating in a backup role behind Kirk Cousins. Cousins signed a three-year contract worth $84 million with the Minnesota Vikings in March, while Alex Smith is expected to become the starter after being acquired by Washington in January.The contract appears to include unique provisions that could allow McCoy to void the deal if he hits certain criteria:

Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley is hoping he can pay it forward after receiving a four-year, $60-million contract extension Tuesday.The 24-year-old wants his contract to serve as a model for other running backs who are looking for their grand payday."I'm just happy to even be in a position to take the next step for us running backs,” Gurley said to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer. “And to be able to get closer to what a receiver or a D-end makes, it’s pretty good for us. There are a lot of great running backs in the league, and their time will definitely come. And when it’s time for them to get paid, hopefully my part has played a role in it."Related: Gurley heaps praise on Barkley: 'He's way above his years'Pittsburgh Steelers star Le'Veon Bell, who's looking to receive a new, massive contract of his own, was among the running backs to congratulate the star rusher on his deal. Now that Gurley's contract is done, Rams general manager Les Snead believes that agreement could become the new benchmark for Bell and other tailbacks across the league.Related: Gurley resetting RB market paves way for other stars to do the same"Because we’re not the Steelers, and we're not Le'Veon [Bell], you truly don't know [what was offered there]," Snead said. "But that situation did have an affect, because if [Bell] had gotten something done, that'd be the standard. Since he didn’t, it was up to us to blaze the new standard."Although Gurley is looking out for the rest of his friends across the league, he's now dialed into a season where the Rams are considered among the leading Super Bowl contenders."Every year is the year," Gurley said. “The Rams did a great job of adding great pieces this offseason. We want to be able to take the next step. Last year we were able to make the playoffs. And whether you’re the Rams or the Patriots or Eagles, if you’re not playing in the Super Bowl, it’s definitely a failed season at the end of the day. Coming off last season, we’ve got a lot to learn from, a lot to build off of."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Chance Warmack will collect a maximum payout of $3 million from a loss-of-value insurance policy. He's the first-ever NFL player to receive money from this type of policy, according to Darren Rovell of ESPN.Warmack, the 10th pick of the Tennessee Titans in the 2013 draft, took out a policy that would be triggered if his second NFL contract was less than $20 million, sources told Rovell.He signed a one-year, $1.5-million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles last season.At least eight college football players have collected on loss-of-value policies in the past 10 years.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

LeSean McCoy is present at Buffalo Bills training camp despite an open investigation into a home invasion involving his ex-girlfriend and his possible role in it.The attorney for McCoy's ex-girlfriend, Delicia Cordon, says she was attacked on July 9 at a "residence she shares with the running back." Her attorney has said that Cordon suspects McCoy had something to do with the attack, in which she was brutally beaten and robbed of specific items of jewelry that had been gifted by the running back.McCoy spoke to the media Thursday and expressed confidence that he'll be available to the Bills when the regular season starts."I'm here right now so I feel very confident," McCoy said.He declined to go into detail about the matter in question, however.

The Seattle Seahawks put disgruntled safety Earl Thomas on its reserve/did not report list Thursday after he began his holdout from training camp.ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thursday morning that the All-Pro is prepared to sit out, even into the regular season, until he's traded or he gets a new deal from the team.Thomas' absence from the first days of camp was noticeable."We always expect him to be here. It's kind of how it is," Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said, according to Sports Radio KJR's Curtis Crabtree."He should be here and he's not."Thomas has one year remaining on his contract. He's set to earn $8.5 million in base salary for the 2018 season.Despite Thomas' discontent, the Seahawks aren't shutting the door on a possible return."We're expecting him back. He's under contract," Carroll said.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Although Baker Mayfield has shown a willingness to learn from veteran Tyrod Taylor, he wants to make one thing clear: he's not preparing to be a backup ahead of his rookie season.Mayfield was selected first overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2018 NFL Draft and has praised Taylor several times throughout the summer. However, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner is preparing to battle Taylor until the very end."I would never get my mind right to be a backup,'' Mayfield said via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. "That's the second that I would be complacent. That's the second that I'd stop working. You've always got to keep working like you're going to be the best and that's the same thing Tyrod (Taylor) has done his whole life. It doesn't matter the position you're in. If you're not going to work hard then you're not doing it right."Taylor is taking the vast majority of first-team reps in practice but Mayfield isn't deterred."They're doing everything they think is right and I believe in that and I believe in them, so when it comes down to the stuff that they're saying, that's not going to change my work ethic and if it does, then something's wrong."Taylor was acquired by the Browns in March from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a third-round pick after leading his former club to their first playoff appearance this century. Browns head coach Hue Jackson reiterated that Taylor will be the starter this fall, but Mayfield is determined to make this one of the NFL's most interesting training camp storylines.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Despite multiple reports stating that New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski wants a revised contract, the star player is insisting that he never considered holding out of training camp."No, haven't come close to considering (a holdout)," Gronkowski said Thursday after the Patriots' first practice of training camp, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "Not even one bit. What I can do is keep preparing, keep showing up every day, keep doing what I got to do."The star tight end skipped New England's voluntary offseason program but attended its mandatory minicamp.Gronkowski led the Patriots last year with 1,084 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns. He's currently the NFL's fourth-highest paid tight end in terms of average annual value, according to Over the Cap.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Unlike several other superstars around the league, Odell Beckham is present at his team's training camp despite his well-known issues with his contract.With the potential for a holdout now over, New York Giants co-owner John Mara said Thursday that negotiations with the star receiver will start "pretty soon," according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.Mara added that he believes Beckham is "moving in the right direction" from a personal standpoint, according to Ralph Vacchiano of SNY.Beckham is entering the final year of his rookie contract in which he's set to earn around $8 million - $12 million less than he reportedly wants to receive annually with a long-term extension.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Wide receiver Jarvis Landry has lofty expectations for the Cleveland Browns' 2018 campaign.With the team's high-profile offseason additions - including Tyrod Taylor, Carlos Hyde, and Landry himself - the pass-catcher believes that the Browns' offense will be difficult to slow down this upcoming season."You'll be lucky if we don't score 40 on you," Landry told Sports Illustrated's Ben Baskin. "If we get everyone playing to their potential, we can win the Super Bowl this year."Related: Landry: Browns QBs 'a lot better than what I had in Miami'Cleveland, of course, finished 0-16 in 2017, and are 1-31 over the last two seasons. The team, however, does field an improved roster on paper.Landry was traded to the Browns from the Miami Dolphins in March one week after signing his franchise tag tender. He caught 400 passes and 22 touchdowns in his four years with the Dolphins.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms dropped a surprising fact on his podcast in May, revealing that his good friend, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, named his son Carter after Lil Wayne.The rapper, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., was apparently quite flattered, and recently sent Shanahan and his son signed copies of his albums along with a personal message, according to TMZ Sports.(Photo courtesy: TMZ Sports)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Adam "Pacman" Jones could be staying in the AFC North.The free-agent cornerback is set to work out for the Cleveland Browns on Friday, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The volatile defensive back spent the last eight seasons with the division rival Cincinnati Bengals. He started nine games in 2017, racking up four passes defensed, one interception, and 23 total tackles.Meanwhile, the 34-year-old Jones has a connection to Browns head coach Hue Jackson, who was the offensive coordinator in Cincinnati before joining Cleveland.The Browns currently have one of the younger secondaries in the league, and Jones would likely act as veteran depth behind the likes of first-round rookie Denzel Ward and E.J. Gaines.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There doesn't appear to be any movement with the Earl Thomas holdout.The Seattle Seahawks star is prepared to sit out through training camp and into the regular season without a trade or a new deal, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.Thomas has been very vocal about his desire for a contract extension or a trade as he enters the final season of a four-year, $40-million deal.According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, the team is aware that Thomas is prepared to sit but has said there is "zero chance" of a new deal if he does not report. The 29-year-old skipped the team's mandatory minicamp last month in protest.When Thomas signed his deal in 2014, he ranked as the highest-paid safety in the league; however, his annual salary is now sixth at the position.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Los Angeles Rams star defensive tackle Aaron Donald did not report to training camp Wednesday, and it appears he won't be doing so until he gets a raise.There is a belief around the NFL that Donald will not play another down on his existing contract, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported. This could result in a lengthy holdout until he and the Rams agree on a new deal.Donald has previously stated he intends to hold out for a second consecutive season.General manager Les Snead has said he is simultaneously working on a new contract for the star defender after recently extending Todd Gurley and Brandin Cooks.The interior pass-rusher is under contract for 2018 thanks to the fifth-year option of his rookie deal, which will pay him $6.8 million this seasonCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.