Running back Le'Veon Bell has been spending a lot of time in the boxing gym this offseason as he tries to sort out his contract situation with the Pittsburgh Steelers.Bell told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that he plans to resume running and cutting on the field, but has found that boxing is a great way to get in a cardio workout without the bodily stress. He's been training at Title Boxing Club in Hallandale, Fla."I try to find ways to be healthier," Bell said. "I want my body to be in great shape, so as the season comes closer you'll start seeing that form to take shape. (Boxing) is just to help with my cardio and my stamina. It's a little different than football, and I try to stay off my joints in the offseason as much as possible, still get cardio. Instead of cutting and doing a lot of drills, I've been doing a lot of boxing training."Bell has dabbled in boxing before, as evidenced by this video he tweeted out last season after his punching bag celebration against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6.

The Edmonton Eskimos have added Terrell Owens to their negotiation list, TSN's David Naylor reports.Owens hasn't played a down since the 2010 NFL season, when he featured for the Cincinnati Bengals.The six-time Pro Bowler is scheduled to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer. Owens recently made headlines for stating that he won't attend the ceremony. On Monday, he posted an Instagram video that appears to show him running a 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tom Brady has said time and time again that he intends to play well into his 40s, and the New England Patriots' star quarterback seemingly hinted at the specific retirement age he's targeting in an Instagram comment Tuesday.Brady told Oprah Winfrey that retirement is "coming sooner, rather than later" in a recent interview. ESPN's official Instagram account shared the quote with a caption that read, "Tom Brady says he's still motivated to keep playing, but he knows he can't play forever."Brady's official account commented on the post by simply writing, "Cuarenta y cinco," which means 45 in Spanish.

ESPN The Magazine announced the 16 athletes - eight men and eight women - who will be participating in this year's Body Issue, and the roster doesn't disappoint. This year's edition features participants from the NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, WNBA, WWE, the world of golf, the U.S. Olympic team, and more.This year's talent includes:

Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri, 45, has no plans to hang up his cleats."I love it as much today as I had when I started 23 years ago," Vinatieri, the oldest player in the NFL, told Andrew Walker of Colts.com. "I'm not looking to hang them up anytime soon, unless something happens that needs to be that way."The veteran is entering his 13th year with Indianapolis. It's the final year of his contract, but he's content with taking things year by year and is excited with the direction the Colts are headed."We have a lot of things that can make this team successful and I look at this as a team that can make the playoffs moving forward," Vinatieri said. "And that was a big decision for me. ..."I wanted to play for a team that can win and I feel like Chris Ballard and hiring Frank (Reich), I talked to Frank a little bit as well, I think these two gentlemen can definitely turn this organization around."Vinatieri could become the NFL's all-time leader in career field goals and points scored in 2018, and he needs just five regular-season wins to pass George Blanda (209) for the most in league history, but the future Hall of Famer is more focused on competing for a fifth Super Bowl."Obviously this all-time leading scorer thing I knew was out there and I thought, 'Man, if I stay healthy, I would like to reach that goal,'" Vinatieri said. "But for me, like I said before, more importantly, if our team is a team that is a contender to continue to make playoffs and have a chance to play in another Super Bowl and stuff, that is a huge, huge driving factor for me."Vinatieri converted 29-of-34 field-goal attempts (85.3 percent) last season, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors for a record 17th time in a Week 5 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL has been invited to testify at a hearing held by the House Judiciary Committee in regards to sports betting, sources told ESPN's David Purdum.The hearing is tentatively scheduled for June 26.In May, the Supreme Court ruled that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 was unconstitutional, removing federal restrictions on state-sponsored sports betting. Since the ruling, Delaware and New Jersey have passed measures allowing full-scale sports betting.The NFL was previously among five plaintiffs in a suit against New Jersey's attempt to legalize sports betting at state casinos and racetracks. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled in New Jersey's favor following a battle that lasted nearly six years.The NFL has reportedly been working in conjunction with Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, who is trying to develop a framework for sports betting legislation that protects the integrity of sports. Sources said he intends to strengthen the Sports Bribery Act, which wasn't affected by May's ruling.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Michael Bennett isn't a fan of the NFL's new anthem policy, but believes players should prioritize raising awareness off the field.Appearing at a book signing in Seattle Monday night, Bennett reiterated that his decision to sit during the national anthem "was never about the flag," according to Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times, but rather about "every issue you could think about that people were going through.""It isn't so much about the gesture anymore," Bennett told Condotta. "We don't have to take a knee. We just have to work in our communities."Related- NFLPA highlights community efforts by players amid anthem debateBennett, entering his first season with the Eagles, plans on continuing his charitable work long after his NFL career. He believes the focus should now be on what the players can do to combat social issues in their everyday lives, rather than protest during the national anthem.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin are among the finalists for the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award, ESPN announced Tuesday.Watt raised over $37 million to help rebuild homes and child-care centers, while providing food and supplies to residents in areas affected by Hurricane Harvey. His initial goal was $200,000.Baldwin has been among the most vocal advocates against police brutality and racial inequality. The two-time Pro Bowler met with lawmakers and policy advocates throughout the past year to address ways to improve dialogue and interactions between the police and African-American communities.WWE Superstar John Cena and Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant round out the finalists.The award will be presented as part of the fourth annual Sports Humanitarian Awards on July 17 in Los Angeles. It's given to an athlete who demonstrates leadership and has made a positive impact on their community through sports.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A No. 2 overall pick turned draft bust is getting another chance, this time with the Cleveland Browns.The Browns signed offensive tackle Greg Robinson to an undisclosed contract, the team announced.Robinson was selected second overall in the 2014 NFL Draft by the then St. Louis Rams. He spent three inconsistent seasons with the franchise, before being traded to the Detroit Lions in 2017. The lineman started six games at left tackle with the Lions before an ankle injury ended his season.Robinson is widely regarded as one of the largest busts in NFL draft history, but will get a chance to earn a roster spot with Cleveland in training camp.In a corresponding move, the Browns waived offensive tackle Roderick Johnson, a fifth-round pick in 2017.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Rob Gronkowski attended the New England Patriots' mandatory minicamp earlier this month and seemingly brought an end to an offseason filled with rumors of retirement or a possible trade.The MMQB's Albert Breer appeared on Monday's edition of "The Herd With Colin Cowherd" and addressed just how far those rumored trade talks may have gone."I don't think they were shopping Gronk to the entire league, but there were some teams they trust that I know they talked to. Detroit, Tennessee, Houston, San Francisco - you guys can make the connections there," Breer said.The connections include Lions general manager Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia, who previously worked for the Patriots. New Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is a former Patriots linebacker, Texans head coach Bill O'Brien is a former Patriots offensive coordinator, and 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was acquired from New England during last season.The Patriots had grown weary of Gronkowski's level of commitment to the team, according to Breer, but a sit-down conversation with head coach Bill Belichick apparently resolved any potential issues."Bill has Gronk in, and at that point, Bill had some discussions about trading him and Gronk sat down with Bill and all indications I got was that Gronk basically affirmed to Bill he wants to be a Patriot. That's when they decided 'OK, we're gonna try to work out contract terms and go forward with this thing,' but there was a come-to-Jesus moment," Breer added.The two sides have reportedly been working on a new contract that could see Gronkowski receive a raise from his current contract that's set to pay him up to $9 million in 2018 and up to $10 million in 2019, according to Spotrac.Related - Report: Gronkowski extension likely, but not imminent

The Cleveland Browns have been standing by head coach Hue Jackson's insistence that Tyrod Taylor will be the starting quarterback for at least the beginning of the 2018 season.Rookie Baker Mayfield seems to be starting to understand why.Related - Mayfield: Competition with Taylor won't separate Browns' locker room"(The fact) they traded a third-round pick for Tyrod just doesn't make any sense. We got a lot more out of that than anybody else could. The guy that he is for this franchise, for all of our teammates is unbelievable," Mayfield said on "The Thomahawk Show." "For me to be able to watch him and learn from him it's been great. He sets the bar high, he shows up, his work ethic. It's a great situation for me to come into to have somebody like that. It's good for me, overall."The Browns acquired Taylor from the Buffalo Bills in early March in exchange for a third-round pick, then proceeded to select Mayfield with the No. 1 selection of April's draft.Taylor completed 774 of 1,236 pass attempts for 8,857 yards and 51 touchdowns to just 16 interceptions over three seasons with the Bills. He added 1,575 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground, and earned a Pro Bowl honors in 2015.Mayfield is prepared to learn all he can from the veteran until the time comes for him to take control of the offense he's expected to lead for many years."Right now, 'how can I make myself the best player?' And that's learning from Tyrod, and also Drew Stanton. People forget that we brought a guy in that's had a lot of experience, been around a lot of different offensive coordinators, and also seen just a lot of the game. So for me, being able to sit here, I need to take advantage of that. I'm not in control of when I'm going to play, whenever that's going to be, I just need to be ready for it."- With h/t to Pro Football TalkCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore's NFL Top 10 is a two-week series in which editors take a look at football's best, worst, and most interesting players, highlighting everything from the overpaid to the most versatile and marketable.Top 10 NFL SeriesJourneymenUnder 6-feet tallVersatile (Jun. 20)Never scored TD (Jun. 21)Overpaid (Jun. 22)Ringless vets (Jun. 25)Born outside U.S. (Jun. 26)Small-school (Jun. 27)Undrafted (Jun. 28)Marketable (Jun. 29)They say it ain't the size of the dog in the fight, but rather the size of the fight in the dog that determines one's success at the highest level.None of these 10 dogs are the most physically imposing, but they have as much fight as anybody in their profession. Check out the top 10 NFL players under 6-feet tall:10. Tre'Davious White, CB, Buffalo BillsHeight: 5-foot-11White may only have one season of NFL experience under his belt, but his dominance as a rookie certainly earned him a spot on this list. A perfect fit for Bills head coach Sean McDermott's zone defense, the 2017 first-round pick makes every catch for opposing wide receivers a nightmare to complete.9. Chris Harris Jr., CB, Denver BroncosHeight: 5-foot-10Harris doesn't let his small stature get in the way of dominating in coverage. Denver's veteran defender has been the NFL's premier slot cornerback of this decade, combining lightning-quick feet, aggressiveness, and high football IQ to consistently remain one step ahead of opposing offenses.8. T.Y. Hilton., WR, Indianapolis ColtsHeight: 5-foot-10Hilton doesn't always get mentioned among the brightest stars in the game but he's a legitimate No. 1 receiver and owns four 1,000-yard campaigns over six years to prove it. He's been productive, consistent, and durable throughout his career.7. LeSean McCoy, RB, Buffalo BillsHeight: 5-foot-11McCoy hits plenty of home runs as a rusher, but he's also extremely reliable in the passing game as either a receiver or blocker. There aren't many three-down tailbacks still in the league, but McCoy - a former rushing champion - is one of them.6. Tyreek Hill, WR, Kansas City ChiefsHeight: 5-foot-10Thanks to his lightning-fast speed, Hill is one of the most difficult players in the league to defend. The man known as "Cheetah" only has two seasons under his belt, but he's already established himself as one of the game's most dynamic playmakers.5. Earl Thomas, FS, Seattle SeahawksHeight: 5-foot-10When envisioning an ideal ball-hawking free safety, it's hard for anyone other than Thomas to come to mind. Even at 29 years old, Thomas remains one of the league's top defensive backs.4. Casey Hayward, CB, Los Angeles ChargersHeight: 5-foot-11Hayward is a rare do-it-all cornerback that doesn't get enough credit. Adept in man and zone coverage, the former second-round pick sticks to his receiver and makes plays on the ball. Hayward notched a league-leading seven interceptions in 2017, adding four more last season.3. Odell Beckham Jr., WR, New York GiantsHeight: 5-foot-11Who has made more sensational plays than Beckham over the last four seasons? The 25-year-old posted 200 career receptions and 4,000 career receiving yards more quickly than anyone in NFL history, putting him on a Hall of Fame pace.2. Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle SeahawksHeight: 5-foot-11In a league where size matters, Wilson is the ultimate underdog. The Seahawks signal-caller has overcome his 5-foot-11 frame - which resulted in him being removed from a number of teams' draft boards in 2012 - en route to a Super Bowl championship.1. Antonio Brown, WR, Pittsburgh SteelersHeight: 5-foot-10The precision with which he runs his routes is unparalleled in the game today, and allows Brown to separate from defenders consistently despite his modest frame. With an average of 1,570 yards per season over the last five years, Brown is widely considered the best receiver in football.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Top 10 NFL SeriesJourneymenUnder 6-feet tallVersatile (Jun. 20)Never scored TD (Jun. 21)Overpaid (Jun. 22)Ringless vets (Jun. 25)Born outside U.S. (Jun. 26)Small-school (Jun. 27)Undrafted (Jun. 28)Marketable (Jun. 29)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ezekiel Elliott's first two seasons in the NFL have been a roller-coaster ride. The Dallas Cowboys' star running back burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2016, but domestic violence allegations and a subsequent fight with the NFL over a six-game suspension dominated his sophomore campaign.Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Saturday he believes Elliott's troubles have given the player a new sense of awareness, according to Clarence E. Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.Jones added that he trusts Elliott as much as "he trusts himself," though he noted the 22-year-old still needs to be encouraged to stay on the right path - sometimes daily.With Dak Prescott and the passing game in a state of transition following the release of Dez Bryant, Elliott will likely be asked to carry the Cowboys offensively.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

(Warning: Video contains coarse language)

Ty Montgomery, Jamaal Williams, and Aaron Jones will apparently have to get familiar with sharing in 2018.The three running backs will be splitting both rushing and receiving duties in the Green Bay Packers' offense to begin the season, according to head coach Mike McCarthy."The fact of the matter is we're going to go running back by committee," McCarthy said during an interview at the conclusion of the offseason program, per ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "But if one of them would emerge as that full-time guy then you have to have that ability to ... adjust to that. As far as planning and going into the season, that's why we're going about it that way."We feel like we've got three guys that have all done it, but they haven't done it over a long period of time, so I think it's just practical thinking from that position and realizing that it's a very demanding position," McCarthy said.Montgomery, who was drafted as a receiver in 2015, was given the starting running back job to begin his third season. He battled injuries for much of the year and finished the campaign with 71 carries for 273 yards and three touchdowns, adding 23 receptions for 173 yards and another touchdown.Rookie running backs Williams and Jones split work during Montgomery's absences and at the end of the year. Williams finished with 818 total yards and six touchdowns on 153 carries and 25 receptions. Jones totaled 470 yards and four touchdowns on just 81 rushes and nine receptions, while missing time of his own due to injury.McCarthy's confident in the three as individuals, but he wants to help lessen the load for each of them until one proves worthy of leading the group."You've got to be honest about that position; there's not too many guys that can play 19 games," McCarthy said. "To be the workhorse and do it week in and week out for 19 games, you're a unique player. Your availability is at the top of the line because that's such a demanding position."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

According to EA Sports, Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Donald, and Antonio Brown are the best players in the NFL.The latest edition of Madden NFL video games will drop on Aug. 10, but details about the game and its player ratings have already begun to leak with Rodgers, Donald, and Brown receiving the only 99 ratings among players, according to Steve Noah of Operations Sports and Miguel Lozada of Elgato Gaming.

The Atlanta Falcons are expected to work out any contractual differences with Julio Jones, but the team remains uneasy about his absence from minicamp, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.The team announced last week that Jones won't appear at minicamp even though he has three years remaining on his contract. Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said negotiations have been "productive and constructive," but the team remains wary."The fact that he's running around with Terrell Owens has the front office uneasy. The fact that he's held out and is kind of bucking the whole brotherhood thing has them a little bit uneasy, too. They'll have to mend some fences, no question about it, once he returns," Ledbetter said Monday on ESPN730AM.He added he expects a deal to be reached in enough time for Jones to make it to training camp on time and characterizes the current situation as "nothing major." Nonetheless, some damage control is required."It's in a bad place right now," Ledbetter said of the relationship between player and team. "The coach was expecting him in here."Jones signed a five-year, $71.2-million extension in 2015, however, he's currently the eighth-highest paid receiver in terms of annual average salary. He makes $14.2 per season, a figure eclipsed recently by Jarvis Landry and Sammy Watkins.- With h/t to Bleacher ReportCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Minnesota Vikings will induct the late Dennis Green into their Ring of Honor Sept. 23 at halftime versus the Buffalo Bills, the club announced.Green served as head coach of the Vikings from 1992-01, guiding the team to four division titles and eight playoff appearances."Dennis Green’s impact on the Minnesota Vikings, and really the entire NFL, is still felt to this day," Vikings president Mark Wilf said in a statement. "In addition to being widely regarded as one of the NFL's top coaches, Denny was also known as a great mentor and leader by all who had the fortune of being in his presence. We're extremely honored to forever memorialize Denny and his family in the Vikings Ring of Honor and we're looking forward to the induction in September."Green died July 21, 2016 at the age of 67 due to complications from cardiac arrest. Many of his former players have since spoken about the impact Green had on their lives, including Randy Moss.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore's NFL Top 10 is a two-week series in which editors take a look at football's best, worst, and most interesting, highlighting everything from the overpaid to the most versatile and marketable.Top 10 NFL SeriesJourneymenUnder 6-feet tallVersatile (Jun. 20)Never scored TD (Jun. 21)Overpaid (Jun. 22)Ringless vets (Jun. 25)Born outside U.S. (Jun. 26)Small-school (Jun. 27)Undrafted (Jun. 28)Marketable (Jun. 29)The NFL is often defined by its transience, and the nature of the league - with its constantly shifting rosters - rarely allows players to stay with one team for the duration of their careers. For some players, a change of scenery is all they need before truly fulfilling their potential. For others, they can need longer to settle into a groove.With that in mind, here are the top 10 NFL journeymen. For the purpose of this list, a journeyman must be on at least his fourth team as of June 18.10. Josh McCown, QB, JetsPrevious teams: Cardinals, Lions, Raiders, Panthers, Bears, Buccaneers, BrownsA truly great season has eluded McCown, which is why he's not ranked higher. The Jets are the eighth team the soon-to-be 39-year-old has suited up for over 15 seasons. His 13 starts in 2017 tied a single-season career best, though he's failed to finish with a better record than the 6-7 McCown led the Arizona Cardinals to in 2004. He's spent his career as either a stop-gap starter for a rebuilding team or a high-end backup for a team without a solidified first stringer. He served as a player-coach to end the 2017 season, opening the door to a potential quick post-career transition into a sideline role.9. Case Keenum, QB, BroncosPrevious teams: Texans, Rams, VikingsIf it weren't for Keenum's career-best season in 2017, there's a strong chance he wouldn't be in consideration for this list. After bouncing around the league primarily in a backup role, Keenum exploded with the Vikings, completing 67.6 percent of his passes for 3,547 yards, 22 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions, all while steering the team to the NFC Championship Game. Keenum signed a two-year contract worth $36 million with the Broncos in March, and it's now on him to prove 2017 wasn't an anomaly.8. Benjamin Watson, TE, SaintsPrevious teams: Patriots, Browns, RavensWatson, a two-time finalist for the Walter Payton NFL Man Of The Year Award, has been valuable for several teams because of not only his on-field play, but also the leadership and quality locker-room presence he provides. The former first-round pick of the Patriots returns to the Saints for his 14th season. He's been extremely reliable and durable, logging at least 12 games every season since his rookie year.7. Torrey Smith, WR, PanthersPrevious teams: Ravens, 49ers, EaglesSmith has never been a genuine No. 1 receiver, but he's elite at one skill: drawing pass interference penalties downfield. With an ability to beat defenders off the line and skillfully draw contact on 50-50 balls, Smith has carved out a lane for himself as a dependable second receiver, doing it while playing major roles on two championship-winning teams. Although his production has tailed off in recent years (his last 1,000-plus-yard season was back in 2013), Smith has a chance to reignite his career after being traded to the Panthers in March.6. Mike Wallace, WR, EaglesPrevious teams: Steelers, Dolphins, Vikings, RavensWallace has had an inconsistent career. The 31-year-old has posted three 1,000-plus-yard campaigns, but he was released by the Minnesota Vikings after a 2015 season with just 473 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He rebounded the next season with the Ravens by recording 1,017 yards on 72 receptions, then his 748 yards on 52 grabs in 2017 was still solid enough to earn a one-year free-agent deal with the Super Bowl champion Eagles.5. Dion Lewis, RB, TitansPrevious teams: Eagles, Browns, Colts, PatriotsIt's hard to imagine Lewis' career before he took off with the Patriots. The shifty running back became a valuable part of Bill Belichick's offense before signing with the Titans. Lewis is the embodiment of the modern back. The fifth-round pick in 2011 is adept at finding room between the tackles, and he can also serve as a reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield. After signing a four-year contract worth $20 million with Tennessee this summer, Lewis will be expected to play a major role in the offense and star with a larger opportunity.4. LeGarrette Blount, RB, LionsPrevious teams: Buccaneers, Patriots, Steelers, EaglesBlount will turn 32 years old late in the 2018 season, and he'll hope to continue a late-career resurgence. An undrafted free-agent signee of the Buccaneers out of Oregon, Blount is a reigning back-to-back Super Bowl champion - first with the Patriots, and then with the Eagles - and has three total rings in his career. The brutal nature of the running back position has prevented him from cashing in on solid performances at a later age. His last three contracts have each been for just one season, with neither topping $2 million per year, according to Over The Cap.3. Sam Bradford, QB, CardinalsPrevious teams: Rams, Eagles, VikingsBradford was selected first overall in 2010, and he's had a non-linear career trajectory. After being named the Offensive Rookie of the Year, Bradford's stint with the Rams was marred by injuries. He joined the Eagles in 2015, logging a strong season before being traded to the Vikings. During the 2016 season, Bradford was efficient, but he suffered a knee injury that limited his 2017 appearances to two games. Then he signed with the Cardinals in the offseason, and although the veteran will be pushed by rookie Josh Rosen, Bradford has every opportunity to revive his career.2. Brandon Marshall, WR, SeahawksPrevious teams: Broncos, Dolphins, Bears, Jets, GiantsMarshall has as many Pro Bowl honors as he has teams on his resume. The 34-year-old has recorded 1,000-plus receiving yards with four teams, but he's been released by both the Giants and Jets in consecutive offseasons. After having to wait for his new contract deep into free agency, Marshall found an ideal fit with the Seahawks. He'll likely serve as the No. 2 option behind Doug Baldwin and receive plenty of red-zone looks.1. Aqib Talib, CB, RamsPrevious teams: Buccaneers, Patriots, BroncosIt feels somewhat unnatural to give Talib the journeyman label, as Pro Football Focus' advanced metrics show he's still one of the NFL's premier cornerbacks. But he's bounced around the league a bit, partly due to off-field issues. Talib has established himself as arguably the most physical defensive back at the line of scrimmage, and he has a penchant for ripping balls out of the air with the same fluency as snatching chains (sorry, Michael Crabtree). After being traded to the Rams, Talib will line up alongside Marcus Peters to likely form one of the most dangerous cornerback pairings in the NFL.Top 10 NFL SeriesJourneymenUnder 6-feet tallVersatile (Jun. 20)Never scored TD (Jun. 21)Overpaid (Jun. 22)Ringless vets (Jun. 25)Born outside U.S. (Jun. 26)Small-school (Jun. 27)Undrafted (Jun. 28)Marketable (Jun. 29)(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston remains under investigation from the NFL regarding a November 2017 incident involving a 26-year-old female Uber driver.The woman told police that Winston had groped her in the car she was driving, but the quarterback denied the allegations and told reporters in April that he wouldn't speculate about the league's process while under investigation.Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Ronald Darby, who said he was in the car with Winston, also released a statement in November claiming that Winston didn't have any contact with the driver. Darby and Winston were teammates at Florida State."This remains under review," NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.Winston was not charged in conjunction with the incident.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Count Ben Roethlisberger as disinterested in the league-wide quarterback competition to become the game's highest-paid player."I care about record-breaking Super Bowl wins and things like that - that's more important to me," Roethlisberger told ESPN from his football pro camp Sunday in Pittsburgh.The 36-year-old Pittsburgh Steelers signal-caller enters a 15th season in 2018 with just two years remaining on a contract that will have him carry cap hits of $23.2 million in each year, according to Over the Cap. The deal was originally signed in 2015.Roethlisberger, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Steelers, ranks 11th among quarterbacks with an average annual value of $21.85 million. Matt Ryan's recently-signed extension with the Atlanta Falcons leads all QBs at $30 million in average value on a five-year pact.Though Roethlisberger had previously hinted at retirement, he recently reversed course and said he plans to play "three-to-five more years."He's confident his contract will be able to get worked out at that time."I have two years on my contract. I'm not going to be one to sit here and worry about my contract," said Roethlisberger. "That's not my job. My job is to play football. I'll let my representation, the Steelers worry about all that stuff. To me, it's all about going out and playing now. I think there are a lot more, maybe a lot more important people who need to get their deals done now. For me to do it two years out, if it doesn't make sense for the team, I'm not going to sit here and worry about it."The Steelers rank 29th in available cap space for 2018 at nearly $5.5 million.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Robert Griffin III may be uniquely qualified to advise Lamar Jackson during his rookie year, a role that he's cherishing this summer.Griffin entered the league with lofty expectations, which he struggled to meet after his rookie year. Both players won the Heisman Trophy during their decorated collegiate careers, and Griffin is trying to ensure that the former Louisville standout will be prepared for the unique challenge of being the face of a franchise."I'm trying to help nurture him as much as I possibly can, so that when he flies away, he is ready to fly away. Because when you watch it fly away, at that point it’s up to that bird," Griffin said to Sports Illustrated's Ben Baskin.The Ravens traded up to select Jackson with the final pick of the first round, and he's now expected to carry the weight of being the future of the franchise, after Joe Flacco's career nears the latter stages.Griffin believes he can also advise Jackson on the pressure of starring as a black quarterback, noting that he would've benefited from a similar presence when he began his career with the Washington Redskins."I try to take that and look at it in a positive way to try to help Lamar navigate a lot of the things that I had to navigate on my own," Griffin said. "I feel like he really trusts me and believes what I'm telling him and I think that's made him a better player already in a short amount of time."Is it different being an African-American quarterback in the NFL? Yes, it's different. But you can't look at it as a burden. You can't look at it as something that is going to hold you back. It's a challenge. You have to accept the challenge and move forward with it. Anytime you are athletic enough at the quarterback position and have similar traits to a wide receiver or running back, it's going to be talked about. You have to eliminate that noise and understand that, because I have that ability, I am going to be even greater."Many expected Jackson to remain on the sidelines during his rookie year with Flacco established as the incumbent starter. It won't be long before Jackson takes the field, however, and having a mentor like Griffin who shares the commonalities of being a Heisman winner with grand expectations could only stand to put him in the best position possible.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Buffalo Bills don't have a lot of clarity at the wide receiver position entering the 2018 season beyond incumbent No. 1 Kelvin Benjamin.Zay Jones, a second-round pick out of the 2017 draft, is believed to have the best chance of landing the No. 2 role, but general manager Brandon Beane isn't ready to hand him the opportunity as he comes off a disappointing rookie campaign and offseason knee surgery."He's not just going to necessarily go right to the top of the line. He'll have to earn his way," Beane said in an appearance on "One Bills Live" on Friday. "Part of that will just be just getting his feel. He's only played with Nathan Peterman. He has not got to play with Josh Allen or AJ (McCarron) yet. So that bond there will just have to form."Jones caught just 27 of 74 targets for 316 yards and two touchdowns over 15 games in his rookie season. He added two receptions for 20 yards in the team's one playoff contest.He battled a torn labrum throughout 2017 and missed offseason workouts after undergoing knee surgery, but Beane expects him to be ready near the start of training camp.As Peterman, Allen, and McCarron compete for the starting quarterback job, it seems as though Jones will be fighting with veterans Andre Holmes, Jeremy Kerley, and Kaelin Clay for the right to catch passes from the victor.With h/t to NewYorkUpstate.comCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Although he's been named to seven consecutive Pro Bowls, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson may have a new learning curve to adjust to this fall.Peterson is renowned for his ability to single out his opponent's best receiver and neutralize them completely. But under the direction of new head coach Steve Wilks, the veteran cornerback will be moving around a lot more than usual."Over the last seven years, everyone who played against me knew exactly what I was going to be in," Peterson said recently, according to the team's official website. "When they come here and play in Arizona, nine times out of 10 we didn’t see what they ran in the previous game plan. It was always a lot of motions and a lot of stacks to get my hands off (the No. 1 wideout). Now they have to play a little bit more honest to where I’m still going to be in a little bit of press, but now my game has evolved into playing off the ball as well."Wilks impressed upon Peterson that despite reigning as one of the NFL's premier cornerbacks, there's still room for growth."The one thing I try to challenge Patrick with each and every day … is that sometimes guys are so gifted that even at 85-to-90 percent, they’re better than the guys around them,” Wilks said. "I used to tell Josh Norman the same thing: You’ve got to learn how to compete against yourself. It’s not about the guys around you. You try to get better each and every day."Patrick is trying to position himself long term to one day be in Canton (as a Hall of Famer). To be able to do that, you’ve got to start separating yourself even more. So that’s the challenge I try to give him."Peterson described himself as an artist at taking away the team's top receiver, but says he's looking forward to the challenge."It should be fun," Peterson said. "I'm looking to make a ton of plays this year. I’m looking to start jumping routes now. I’m looking to be a little bit more aggressive off the ball, and be the same as I am when I’m in the receiver’s face."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette immediately entered the league as one of the NFL's most productive running backs during his rookie year. Now, he's predicting a similar future for his former collegiate teammate.Derrius Guice, who played with Fournette at LSU, is projected to get plenty of carries with the Washington Redskins this fall after they selected him with their second-round pick. Guice rushed for over 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns during each of his final two seasons at LSU, and Fournette envisions a massive rookie season for the 20-year-old."Big things are going to come for Derrius this year," Fournette told Christopher Dabe of The Times-Picayune on Friday. He also said Guice "always had the talent when I was there at LSU. He's a hard worker. He's a great kid."Although they're no longer teammates and play in opposite conferences, Fournette is going to keep his eyes glued to Guice's rookie campaign."Derrius is always going to be Derrius and one of my little brothers," Fournette said. "I'm looking forward to what he can do in the NFL."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sam Darnold is billed as the future of the New York Jets and his mere presence is sending fans into hysterics.Darnold attended the U.S. Open with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who was selected four picks after him during the 2018 NFL Draft. An enthusiastic Jets fan spotted the duo together and couldn't contain himself while Peter Uihlein was mid-swing."One dude was trying to play an iron ... and someone yelled out, 'J-E-T-S! Jets, Jets, Jets!' right on his backswing ... It was a funny fan moment," Darnold said to Alex Myers of Golf Digest. "(Uihlein) turned around and then just kept walking. He was laser focused and still hit a good shot."Allen admitted he may have played a starring role in the incident."I was right there and pumping up the crowd just trying to get Sam recognized a little more," Allen smirked. "So I had something, maybe, to do with that, but I can't confirm or deny any of those allegations."Uihlein didn't appear to be perturbed but finished Saturday sitting at +12, tied for 43rd in the tournament.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

If Carson Wentz's town needs his help to bring in another star athlete, he's ready for the call.The Philadelphia 76ers are considered one of the top potential landing spots for LeBron James in free agency this offseason. Eagles teammates Wentz and Zach Ertz elected themselves as recruiters for the 76ers during a trip to Game 4 of the NBA Finals, and the star quarterback is prepared to continue that role if it means Philly gets the King."Absolutely," Wentz told reporters Wednesday, according to NFL.com's Jason B. Hirschhorn. "I hope (James) is coming. Ertz and I were there the other night and unfortunately, he lost and everything. I didn't really care who won that game. But seeing him live, we decided to make it a recruiting trip."

At nearly 41 years old, Tom Brady can see the end of his NFL journey looming.In an excerpt from an interview with Oprah Winfrey, set to air Sunday, the New England Patriots star quarterback admitted he's pondering retirement more often as he wants to spend more time with his children."I think about it more now than I used to," Brady said, according to Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald. "I think I'm seeing there's definitely an end coming sooner, rather than later."Brady has made it clear on numerous occasions that he believes he can play into his mid-40s. However, when pressed on what age he's aiming to play until by Oprah, the five-time Super Bowl champion refused to get specific."As long as I’m still loving it," Brady said. "As long as I'm loving the training and the preparation and willing to make the commitment. But it's also, I think what I alluded to a lot in the docu-series ("Tom vs. Time"), there's other things happening in my life, too."I do have kids that I love, and I don’t want to be a dad that’s not there, driving my kids to their games . . . my kids have brought a great perspective in my life. Kids just want the attention. You better be there. And be available to them."Related: Brady cites 'personal reasons' for OTA absenceBrady's offseason has been dominated by his absence from the Patriots voluntary workouts, a departure from his usual preparations. The NFL's reigning MVP did report for mandatory minicamp at the start of June, along with Rob Gronkowski, who has also appeared more disconnected from the Patriots since the end of the season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Mike Mularkey's "exotic smashmouth" brand of football might be dead in Tennessee, but the Titans are still set to rely heavily on their two-headed backfield for the 2018 campaign.Free-agent signing Dion Lewis has replaced DeMarco Murray as Derrick Henry's running mate, and the former New England Patriot believes he and Henry have the potential to become the NFL's best running back tandem."I see him every day, so he's not as big as he was the first day," Lewis joked about Henry, according to ESPN's Cameron Wolfe. "I don't know if I'm growing or he's shrinking.""We both know we're two good backs. We're pushing each other every day. We feel like we can be two of the best running backs in the league. We feel like we can be the best duo in the league," Lewis added.Lewis excelled in his first extended stint as an every-down back in 2017, rushing for nearly 900 yards on 180 carries and adding 214 yards through the air. The bruising, 247-pound Henry, meanwhile, is widely expected to take a leap in his development after sitting behind Murray for the first two years of his career.The Titans' duo has significant competition for the title of the NFL's best running back duo from New Orleans Saints pairing Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram and the Atlanta Falcons' Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, among others. But with the super-athletic Marcus Mariota under center and a new offensive scheme being implemented, the sky is the limit for the talented Tennessee backfield.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. said Saturday he won't hold out of training camp even though he's yet to receive the rich contract extension he desires."Yes you will," Beckham told SNY's Ralph Vacchiano when asked if he'll be seen at training camp in July. "No holdout," he added.Reports earlier in the offseason suggested Beckham was prepared to not set foot on the field until his contract was addressed, but his attendance throughout the Giants' offseason program indicated otherwise.The 25-year-old is heading into the final year of his rookie contract. He's made it known he wishes to be the highest-paid receiver in football - if not the highest-paid player in the entire NFL.However, Vacchiano reports - citing sources - that there's been no sign of progress in contract talks between Beckham and the Giants.Beckham has been a limited participant in team workouts during the offseason while continuing rehabilitation on the ankle he fractured early last season. He registered at least 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns in each of his first three campaigns, becoming the fastest player in league history to record 200 career catches and 4,000 career receiving yards along the way.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former NFL tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. plead not guilty to multiple counts of rape, kidnapping, and other sex crimes Friday at Vista Superior Court in California.Winslow was arraigned on two charges of kidnapping with intent to commit rape, two counts of forcible rape, single counts of forcible sodomy, forcible oral copulation, indecent exposure, and two counts of residential burglary. He was arrested Thursday afternoon in San Diego.Prosecutors claim the 34-year-old kidnapped and raped a 59-year-old woman in March, and a 54-year-old woman in May. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.Winslow's attorney, Brian Watkins, was in court Friday but could not be reached for comment. Winslow will return to court on June 25 for a preliminary hearing.The former tight end spent 10 seasons in the NFL between the Browns, Buccaneers, Patriots, and Jets. He was selected No. 6 overall in the 2004 NFL Draft by Cleveland.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens made a number of offseason roster moves on the offensive side of the ball, most notably signing free agent Robert Griffin III and selecting Lamar Jackson 32nd overall in the 2018 draft.But following those additions at quarterback, longtime Baltimore starter Joe Flacco has impressed his teammates with his desire to prove himself as the top signal-caller in town."With drafting Lamar and bringing Griffin in, it's lit a fire under him (Flacco)," Ravens safety Eric Weddle told reporters Friday, according to NFL.com's Herbie Teope. "You can tell and he's shown. He's worked extremely hard. As older players, every year is a prove-it year, and if you don't believe that, you're fooling yourself."Like it or not, Flacco will spend the 2018 season with Jackson hot on his tail, especially if the offense sputters out of the gate. Baltimore ranked 27th in total offense in 2017, but added Michael Crabtree, John Brown, and Willie Snead at wide receiver, and drafted Hayden Hurst and Mark Andrews at tight end.Flacco, entering his 11th season, has embraced Jackson's arrival, but has also acknowledged that the Ravens selecting a quarterback in the first round "means something."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A longtime Philadelphia Eagles secretary who was eventually fired by former head coach Chip Kelly received a Super Bowl LII ring from the team as a token of appreciation for her years of service.

Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman David Irving will be suspended four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Irving recorded 22 tackles, seven sacks, and a forced fumble in 12 games during the 2017 season.This is the second suspension of Irving's career after he served a four-game ban for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drugs policy in 2017.A versatile lineman capable of playing both end and tackle, Irving's absence is a major setback for the Cowboys' defense.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett downplayed the notion of having a beef with Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant following controversial remarks made Thursday.Garrett said during an interview on 92.3 The Fan that he believes Durant took "the easy way out" by joining the Warriors as a free agent in 2016 when the team was coming off a record 73-9 season. Durant has won consecutive Finals MVP awards since joining the Warriors and plans to re-sign with the team this summer.Durant received surprise support from Smash Mouth, a band best known for its 1999 hit "All Star" and an appearance on the "Shrek" soundtrack.

The NFL suffered a major blow 2017 with the number of stars who missed much or all of the season due to major injuries. You could find a superstar (or two) at almost every position whose injury directly impacted his team’s place in the standings.Too many prime-time games lost their luster when backups were thrown into prominent positions, which is probably one reason for the 2018 ratings dip.Wednesday, we examined the impact Andrew Luck could have on the Colts after he missed the 2017 season to recover from shoulder surgery. The Colts can reclaim their status as an AFC South powerhouse if Luck comes back and is truly himself again.Here’s a look at five other stars whose comebacks will be worth watching:QB Aaron Rodgers, PackersA healthy Rodgers is the difference between Green Bay re-emerging as NFC North champs and legit Super Bowl contenders, or falling into last place in the division, even behind the improved Chicago Bears. The Packers were 4-2 in 2018 and looking formidable until a broken collarbone sidelined the 2014 MVP for seven weeks, a span when Rodgers' team won just three games.The 34-year-old came back early and labored through a loss to the Carolina Panthers that knocked the Packers out of playoff contention. Then he went on injured reserve as Green Bay dropped its last two games.Since the start of 2010, the Packers are 77-33 when Rodgers starts and just 6-11-1 when he doesn’t. The Packers, behind a new GM, finally took an aggressive approach to free agency, bringing in Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham and defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson to help Rodgers lead Green Bay back to the Super Bowl.Rodgers took the Packers to the postseason every year from 2009 to 2016, winning the Super Bowl in 2010. But he’s 0-2 since then in conference championship games. The Packers have enough around him to get back to the Super Bowl if he can stay protected and healthy.WR Odell Beckham Jr., GiantsBeckham wants to be the league’s highest-paid player. He won’t have that chance without converting to quarterback and playing at an All-Pro level. But he does have the chance to reset the wide-receiver market with a bounce-back season after undergoing surgery to repair a broken ankle five games into 2017.Beckham put up insane numbers his first three seasons, making the Pro Bowl every year while recording 288 receptions for 4,122 yards and 35 touchdowns. He had more receiving yards and just five fewer touchdowns in his first three seasons than Jerry Rice did after three years.When healthy, there’s no question Beckham is the most dominant receiver in the league. But his behavior also causes fits for Giants coaches and ownership, which is why he hasn’t received an extension yet despite that astronomical production.The Giants are banking on Beckham to stay levelheaded and put up great numbers in a contract year, all while being part of an outstanding supporting cast for 36-year-old Eli Manning that also includes No. 2 overall pick Saquon Barkley, flashy slot receiver Sterling Shepard, and speedy tight end Evan Engram. The Giants have weapons, and they could be scary good offensively if Beckham is motivated by the payday looming ahead.DE J.J. Watt, TexansHe once seemed destined to join Reggie White, Lawrence Taylor, and Deacon Jones on the league’s Mount Rushmore of pass-rushers. Now, Watt is fighting to keep his career alive before he turns 30.Major injuries have sidelined Watt for all but eight games over the past two seasons, and he's recorded just 1.5 sacks during that period as a result. That's a dramatic decline from the force who racked up 69 sacks from 2012 to 2015, leading the NFL twice and producing two 20-plus sack seasons.Watt broke his leg early in 2017 during what was supposed to be a comeback year after a back injury that required surgery. The Texans have enough firepower to win the AFC South, especially if quarterback Deshaun Watson returns from the ACL injury that prematurely ended his dazzling rookie season.Watt can combine with defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus to give the Texans a potent front seven. If Watt is anywhere near the 20-sack force we saw earlier in his career, the Texans could easily make a deep postseason run.QB Carson Wentz, EaglesIt’s been a long time since the NFL has seen a quarterback challenge for MVP in just his second season. Carson Wentz was battling Tom Brady neck-and-neck for the award in 2017 until tearing knee ligaments in Week 14.Wentz suffered the injury before he threw his 33rd touchdown of the year, setting a new franchise record. Nick Foles then took over and led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl title. Remarkably, Wentz should be ready for the 2018 season opener despite suffering the injury so late in 2017, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.Wentz is already participating in 7-on-7 drills during OTAs and is expected to take first-team reps when training camp begins in July. The Eagles won the Super Bowl without him, but there’s no question they’re more equipped to become the first team since the Patriots in 2004 to repeat as champs if Wentz is leading the huddle.S Eric Berry, ChiefsThe Chiefs lost Berry during their 2017 season opener when the five-time Pro Bowl safety ruptured his Achilles. Berry went on injured reserve and the Chiefs defense ranked outside the top seven for the first time since 2013, finishing 15th overall and 28th in scoring. That’s how valuable Berry is to Kansas City.Earl Thomas might be the league’s only safety who can make an argument that he’s better than Berry, a freak of nature who’s already overcome an ACL injury and cancer earlier in this career. It’s not shocking Berry has been practicing with the team during OTAs.The Chiefs are skilled up front, but they need Berry to return at full strength and play at a Pro Bowl level to help support an offense that could be prolific if second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes takes a huge step forward.Geoff Mosher is an award-winning sports reporter, radio host, and TV personality with more than 20 years of experience covering all major sports and leagues. He also hosts regularly on 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia and co-hosts "The Sports Shop" on Facebook.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst had major shoes to fill after taking his new role, and initially, he wasn't aware of one important detail.Gutekunst, who was promoted from director of player personnel to general manager while replacing Ted Thompson, didn't realize he lacked the authority to fire the team's head coach. Packers president Mark Murphy retained that power during the team's restructuring, unbeknownst to Gutekunst, who recently spoke about his transition."It was certainly different than what I've been exposed to here in Green Bay," Gutekunst said to PackersNews.com. "I needed some time to kind of process it. I think the thing to me that made it OK with me was the people. The relationships I already had with Mark [Murphy] and Mike McCarthy and Russ Ball. I think that's what made it OK and made it easier for me. But it was certainly something I hadn't seen or been a part of in my professional career.""It was something I wasn't expecting but I'm pretty happy with where we're at with it now," he added.It appears Gutekunst has moved on and is looking to get the Packers back to the playoffs after missing the postseason for the first time since 2008.- with h/t to NFL.comCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Running back Ezekiel Elliott is ready to carry the Dallas Cowboys' offense in 2018 as he comes off a suspension-shortened 2017 campaign."I'm all for it, you know what I mean?" Elliott said as the Cowboys wrapped up minicamp Thursday, according to Drew Davison of the Star-Telegram. "A lot is asked from the running back for the Dallas Cowboys, a lot has been asked for me the past two seasons, and I think I've had some great strides this offseason getting ready to carry that workload this season."Elliott led the NFL in rushing attempts (322) and yards (1,631) and finished third in rushing touchdowns (15) in his 2016 rookie season. He was on pace to shatter that per-game workload in 2017 before serving a six-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy that appeals and legal challenges ultimately delayed until Weeks 10-15. The suspension followed an NFL investigation into his former girlfriend's reports he'd committed domestic violence against her in 2016.Running backs coach Gary Brown has told Elliott to be prepared for a lot of work as he enters his third season."Come in and be in the best shape of your life. Be ready to get a lot of carries early," Brown said, recounting what he'd told the running back. "It is going to be a situation where defenses are going to try to stop us. They are going to try their best, but they are not going to be able to."- With h/t to NFL.comCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The slowest parts of the offseason generally tend to consist of team personnel talking excessively positively about the players in attendance at voluntary workouts or minicamp.The players most prone to this exaggerated praise are typically the newcomers, or younger players in positions for their best seasons to date.Here, we attempt to decipher some of the loftier commendations as teams conclude early practices, and get set to break until the start of training camps in roughly a month's time.FactTarik Cohen's "a player you get giddy about" - Bears HC Matt NagyNew Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy appears to have big plans for sophomore running back Tarik Cohen."He's actually the one kid on this team that I knew had a lot of talent, but he comes out here and runs every route the right way, catches most balls and he doesn't make a lot of mistakes … He's a player you get giddy about," Nagy said, according to Adam Hoge of WGN.Cohen caught 53 of 71 targets for 353 yards and one touchdown while playing just 36.4 percent of offensive snaps in his rookie season. It was the same amount of receptions Kansas City Chiefs lead back Kareem Hunt finished with in 2017 (in 64.9 percent of the snaps) while working under Nagy, then offensive coordinator of the Chiefs.While Jordan Howard is expected to remain as the Bears' No. 1 option in the backfield, Cohen's diverse skill set and expertise in the passing game will keep him on the field in a big role.Jay Ajayi will be the workhorse this season - Eagles RBs coach Duce StaleyRunning back Jay Ajayi was able to help the Eagles win Super Bowl LII after being acquired at the 2017 trade deadline, but the 25-year-old could be asked to fill a larger role in his first full season with the team."Just him being focused, coming in, knowing he's the guy, knowing he's the guy that's going to step up there and just put everything on his back and ride with him," running backs coach Duce Staley said, according to Dave Spadaro and Chris McPherson of PhiladelphiaEagles.com.The former Miami Dolphins lead back formed a committee with LeGarrette Blount and Corey Clement upon his arrival in Philadelphia last season, but with the former now gone, Ajayi seems likely to pick up extra work.He received at least 14 combined touches in each of his final five games before the Super Bowl and he could be set to absorb the majority of Blount's average of nearly seven carries per game in those same outings.Veteran Darren Sproles will return from injury to help in the passing game, and Clement earned a significant role with his 100-yard receiving game in the Super Bowl, but Ajayi will lead the way.49ers could use Jimmie Ward as a backup at every secondary position - HC Kyle ShanahanThe 49ers' quickly rebuilt secondary could be pushing 2014 first-round pick Jimmie Ward back to a bench role after he started 16 of 18 games played over the past two years."If Jimmie doesn't earn a starting role, there's also a good chance he's the first backup at every single position: strong safety, free safety, nickel (corner), (outside) corner, because he's capable of being a starter at all of those positions," head coach Kyle Shanahan said, according to Eric Branch of SF Gate.Ward is currently in competition with Adrian Colbert for the free safety job Colbert assumed following Ward's 2017 injury. Jaquiski Tartt is locked in as the strong safety, with Richard Sherman, Ahkello Witherspoon, and K'Waun Williams likely to take the three corner back jobs.FictionTavon Austin will get 12-24 touches per game - Cowboys VP Stephen JonesNo offseason is complete without the annual Tavon Austin hype and predicted breakout.The Cowboys acquired the former eighth overall pick of the St. Louis Rams in exchange for a sixth-round pick in late April.Cowboys Executive Vice President Stephen Jones got right to work in setting expectations for the 28-year-old.

Few linebackers can do it all quite like perennial All-Pro Luke Kuechly, who is the key cog of the Carolina Panthers' defense.But as he's limited in practice after undergoing shoulder surgery this spring, Kuechly has found a new way to help: playing wide receiver for the scout team offense during OTAs and minicamp, a role normally filled by depth players."I can't do anything in practice right now, so I've got to do that. That's one thing I can do," said Kuechly, according to the Panthers' official site. "Plus, I never played wide receiver, and that's the closest I'm ever going to get to playing wide receiver."Kuechly also tried his hand at center during Wednesday's sessions. In grade school, the former Defensive Player of the Year played at linebacker, guard, fullback, and running back, but he apparently wasn't much of a rusher."But I never got the ball (as a running back)," Kuechly said. "I guess I wasn't very good at it. I don't even play running back on scout team because I'm not good at it."The five-time Pro Bowler said he intends to keep helping out on offense even when he's medically cleared.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL is altering the kick return for the 2018 season, hoping to decrease the high number of injuries that happen on the play.But Mike Pereira, the league's former head of officiating, said Friday on 'PFT Live' that if the changes don't reduce concussions, the league will have to eliminate kickoffs altogether."If at the end of this year there are more concussions on kickoffs, forget it. It's gone," Pereira said, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk.Related: NFL threatens to 'do away with' kickoffs if the play doesn't become saferConcussion rates are five times higher on kickoffs than on any other play, according to Green Bay Packers president Mark MurphyHowever, Pereira gave hope to fans of the kick return, saying that "if we have more returns and less concussions then the kickoff is here to stay, maybe forever."For a refresher of the league's new kickoff rules, check out the video below:

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2018 Fantasy Football Draft Kit.Kareem Hunt and Alvin Kamara were each drafted well outside the early rounds in fantasy leagues last summer, but each electrifying young runner will hear his name called in the first round this year.Identifying the next breakout star running back isn't the only way to capture a fantasy title, but there's nothing that will propel a fantasy team further toward glory than finding a first-round talent in the later rounds.We know there will be significant turnover at the position again this year (only half of the previous year's top 10 running backs typically repeat), and we can predict with confidence that at least one tailback drafted as an RB3 or later will finish as one of the season's top scorers.So, which young tailback will emerge from the middle rounds this year to carry his owner to title contention and cement his status as a first-round pick in 2019 fantasy drafts? Let's examine the candidates:Sony MichelThe Patriots liked Michel enough to use a first-round pick on him in this spring's draft, the earliest Bill Belichick has selected a running back in more than a decade. So, even though Michel joins a crowded backfield (Rex Burkhead and James White remain, though Dion Lewis is out of the picture), we can be confident that Michel will inherit a sizeable workload from Day 1.He's a perfect prospect for today's NFL. Really, Michel is an Alvin Kamara clone - down to the fact he was part of a committee in college and didn't get the chance to show everything he's capable of as a runner and, more importantly, a receiver. Michel is a premier talent joining a premier offense who won't cost you a premier fantasy draft pick. What's not to love?Ronald JonesThe 38th overall pick in the draft, Jones has the cleanest path to a featured workload of any player on this list simply by virtue of how bad the rest of the Buccaneers' running back depth chart is. There's much more to like about Jones than his situation, though. Possessing big-play ability somewhere between Tevin Coleman and Chris Johnson, Jones is a home-run hitter who could see wide running lanes with defenses worried about slowing down Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, and the Buccaneers' tight ends.If Jones can improve his passing game abilities enough for the Buccaneers to treat him as an every-down back, he has a strong chance of vaulting into the first round of 2019 fantasy drafts.Royce FreemanJohn Elway wanted a steady workhorse and he believes he found one in Freeman, who set records at Oregon as a four-year starter. Freeman carried the ball almost 950 times in college, which is far more than most of the NFL's best running backs handled. Fantasy owners will have to decide if that's a positive thing (it proves Freeman is durable) or a negative (too much wear on his tires).With C.J. Anderson no longer in the Mile High City, Freeman only has to beat out Devontae Booker and De'Angelo Henderson to start in the Broncos' revamped offense. If Freeman can remain efficient while seeing a large volume of carries against pro defenses, he could put up big numbers.Marlon MackThe Colts let Frank Gore walk in free agency and invested only fourth- and fifth-round picks to add Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins in the draft, suggesting they want to give second-year runner Mack the chance to lead this backfield. Mack is as explosive as any player on this list, but is too prone to negative runs and managed a paltry 358 yards on 93 carries as a rookie (3.8 yards per carry).How much of that was due to poor quarterback play and even poorer blocking, and how much was on Mack himself? That's a tough question to answer, but what we can say with certainty is life will be much easier for Mack with Andrew Luck back under center and first-round mauler Quenton Nelson in front of him. Mack's floor is lower than others on this list, but he's still worth a shot at his inexpensive ADP.Aaron JonesFantasy owners saw that Jones was the Packers' most electric runner before his injury last season, so surely the team's coaches saw it, right? It doesn't always work like that in real-life football, but betting on Jones rising above a fellow sophomore Jamaal Williams is the right move for fantasy owners this summer. (Ty Montgomery will likely return to a niche role and won't compete to start.)The numbers don't lie: Jones averaged almost 2 yards per carry more than Williams last season. In the two games Jones topped 13 carries, he rushed for 125 and 131 yards, respectively. Williams had seven games with 13-plus carries and surpassed 82 yards only once. We know this, so the Packers must know this.Kerryon JohnsonNot viewed as a premier running back prospect entering the NFL draft, the Lions traded up and passed on the far bigger name in Derrius Guice to add Johnson to their roster. That tells us a lot about how they see him. Though Johnson doesn't necessarily possess the physical tools of elite running backs, his patience and vision are a cut above. Those aren't traits that can be measured in the pre-draft process.Though the Lions' backfield might appear crowded with LeGarrette Blount and Theo Riddick in the fold, those players are best used as specialists and Johnson could potentially seize the biggest piece of the pie behind an ascending offensive line.Nick ChubbThe Browns committed starter money to Carlos Hyde in free agency, then followed that up by giving Duke Johnson a raise. Like Hunt and Kamara, who benefitted from Spencer Ware getting hurt and Adrian Peterson getting traded, Chubb needs to move up the depth chart for his fantasy value to skyrocket.Fantasy owners can't count on Hyde or Johnson getting hurt, but they might not have to. Chubb is an elite physical specimen who might have challenged Leonard Fournette for top billing in last year's NFL draft had he not shredded his PCL, MCL, and LCL early in the 2015 college season. Chubb stuck around at Georgia for two more seasons, got fully healthy, and now has the challenge of beating out Hyde and Johnson in training camp. Don't put it past him.D'Onta ForemanForeman will be only 10 months removed from an Achilles injury when the season begins, which is cause for concern, but the Texans indicated they expect him healthy for Week 1 when they passed on drafting a running back. Foreman is a workhorse type whose path to a major role is blocked only by the inconsistent Lamar Miller.Even if Foreman surpasses Miller on the depth chart, as many expect him to, expectations must be tempered. Though the Texans' offense is one of the best in the NFL when Deshaun Watson is healthy, that's due almost entirely to the passing attack. The Texans have one of the worst offensive lines in football.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Oakland Raiders may have to wait to see the debut of Martavis Bryant.The talented but troubled wideout who was acquired in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers in April may be facing another suspension related to the league's substance abuse policy, according to a report by Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.Team officials would not comment but did confirm they are waiting to hear from the league on the matter.Bryant was previously suspended for the first four games of the 2015 season and all of 2016 because of substance abuse violations. The Raiders gave up a third-round pick (79th overall) during the draft to acquire the receiver out of Clemson.Bryant registered 50 catches for 603 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games last season. His best year came in 2015 when he hauled in 50 passes for 765 yards with six touchdowns over 11 games.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles received their championship rings Thursday night after winning their first Super Bowl in franchise history.

The Houston Texans have signed linebacker Benardrick McKinney to a contract extension, the team announced.The deal is reportedly a five-year extension worth $50 million, including $21 million guaranteed, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.McKinney, the 43rd overall pick of the 2015 draft, was entering the final year of his rookie deal. The $10 million average annual value of the new contract will make McKinney the fourth-highest (in a tie) paid linebacker in the NFL.An excellent run-defender, the Mississippi State alum has missed just two games in his first three seasons with Houston. McKinney accumulated 95 tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble in 2017.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former NFL tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. was arrested Thursday afternoon in San Diego on nine criminal charges, according to TMZ Sports."A warrant was issued this morning for Kellen Winslow Jr.’s arrest and he was taken into custody by San Diego Sheriff’s Deputies Thursday afternoon," the San Diego district attorney told TMZ.Winslow faces two charges of kidnapping with intent to commit rape, two counts of forcible rape, single counts of forcible sodomy, forcible oral copulation, indecent exposure, and two counts of residential burglary.If convicted on all charges, Winslow faces life in prison.The 34-year-old is being booked into custody at a county jail in San Diego and a search warrant has been executed for his home.He is due to be arraigned in court Friday, according to Teri Figueroa of The San Diego Union-Tribune.The Cleveland Browns selected Winslow sixth overall in 2004. He played nine NFL seasons and last featured in 12 games for the New York Jets in 2013.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's not Jon Gruden's fault Christian Hackenberg couldn't develop into an NFL quarterback.Just three weeks after acquiring him from the New York Jets, Gruden and the Oakland Raiders decided to release Hackenberg, the 2016 second-round pick who has yet to play an NFL down. Hackenberg has developed a reputation of being a wasted pick based on what the media has portrayed from his work at practice. Now, entering his third season in the league, the quarterback's problems are near-impossible to fix due to the collective bargaining agreement, according to Gruden."Everybody is an expert out there on Hackenberg and thinks he can't play," Gruden, who is supposed to be a quarterback specialist, told ESPN's Mike Sando. "It's unfortunate, this whole collective (bargaining agreement). How do you develop a quarterback? I don't know how you do it."The Raiders bench boss is frustrated with the fact the 2011 CBA, which was agreed to three years after Gruden's previous coaching stint, limits the frequency and intensity of offseason practices. Gruden believes Hackenberg was improving in his short time with Oakland, but ultimately cut the project short once he felt there was not going to be enough reps to properly develop the 23-year-old."(Hackenberg) has been working on changing his stroke, his passing motion, and I think he did that," Gruden said. "We just didn't have enough reps to take a good look at him. Since we were further along the road with some of our other guys, we didn't have the space."It is hard enough to get (third-string quarterback) Connor Cook enough reps, let alone a fourth guy."Related - Report: Recently traded, released Hackenberg visiting PatriotsFrom the NFLPA's standpoint, the 2011 CBA is far too beneficial toward teams and owners than it is to players. On the other hand, Gruden has had several complaints that the rules are too easy on the players.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It appears the NFLPA is preparing for a legal battle with the NFL over its new anthem policy.The NFLPA has hired multiple law firms to begin researching potential avenues to fight the league's policy, a source told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.Florio suggests the players' association could challenge in the form of a non-injury grievance under the collective bargaining agreement. In this case, the argument would center around the league's failure to engage in good-faith bargaining with the union before altering the policy and removing a right it had previously given to players. The deadline for filing such a grievance would be in late July.Related: NFLPA director rips anthem policy for trying to 'exert control' over playersThe NFL's new policy, altered last month, requires any objecting player to remain in the locker room. Teams would be subject to fines if their players protest on the sidelines during the anthem.A number of players have spoken out against the new rules, with some considering different on-field gestures prior to games.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Football fans may not have seen the last of Christian Hackenberg.The failed 2016 second-round pick of the New York Jets is visiting with the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Thursday, a source told ESPN's Field Yates.Hackenberg was traded from the Jets to the Oakland Raiders in late May in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick. When Hackenberg was released by the Raiders earlier this week the pick was returned. He is yet to play a single regular-season snap in the NFL entering his third season.The Patriots may need some added quarterback depth entering training camp next month. Veteran Brian Hoyer and seventh-round rookie Danny Etling are set to compete for the backup job behind Tom Brady.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden will undergo elbow surgery on Friday, he told reporters at the end of minicamp."I'm kicking off my summer with a real, real bang," he joked, according to Matt Schneidman of the Bay Area News Group.Gruden gave no indication that the procedure will affect his ability to coach the team during training camp in July.The 54-year-old signed a 10-year contract with the Raiders in January, returning him to the sidelines following a nine-year stint in the broadcast booth.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.