Los Angeles Rams star defensive tackle Aaron Donald is not expected to attend the start of mandatory minicamp Tuesday, reports the L.A. Times' Gary Klein.Donald skipped organized team activities in May as he seeks a contract extension from the Rams. He joins Julio Jones, Earl Thomas, and Khalil Mack as high-profile players across the NFL set to miss their minicamps.Related - Marcus Peters to Rams about Aaron Donald: 'Pay the man'A first-round pick in 2014, the All-Pro is set to earn $6.89 million in 2018 on the last year of his rookie deal, but could become one of - if not the - highest-paid defenders in the league if an extension is finalized.Donald also skipped mandatory minicamp last year, holding out during the preseason before rejoining the Rams prior to the 2017 regular season. He didn't play in Week 1 due to his lengthy absence, but still won Defensive Player of the Year.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Atlanta Falcons star receiver Julio Jones will not report to the team's mandatory minicamp, the team announced on Monday."We have been in contact with Julio and his representation. We will not discuss those conversations publicly except to say we feel they have been productive and constructive," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said in a statement. "We understand the concerns and thoughts from their perspective. Although not ideal, Julio informed us today he would not be attending mini-camp.""We have much respect for him and what he means to our team, our city and our fans."The 29-year-old has three years remaining on his current contract, which has him as the eighth highest-paid receiver in the league in terms of annual average value. Jones, a Pro Bowler for the past four seasons, was reportedly looking for a reworked deal in May.Jones was also absent from voluntary workouts in May and claimed that the absence was not due to a contract hold out, though his head coach Dan Quinn said he was expecting the receiver to report to June's minicamp.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Zack Martin's new deal with the Dallas Cowboys is expected to be record-breaking.The Cowboys are expected to sign the All-Pro guard to a six-year extension that will make him the highest-paid player at his position with the most guaranteed money, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.Andrew Norwell preivously signed the richest deal of any guard in free agency when the Jacksonville Jaguars inked him to a five-year, $66.5-million deal, 45.11 percent of which was guaranteed, according to Spotrac.Martin, a four-year pro, is generally regarded as one of the best - if not the best - players at his position.He has just one year left on his rookie deal, which would pay him $9.3 million for the 2018 season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Cowboys are expected to sign perennial All-Pro guard Zack Martin to a contract extension imminently, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Rapoport believes the deal will put Martin among the highest-paid players at his position, or even exceed Jacksonville Jaguars guard Andrew Norwell's league-leading $13.3 million per season.Martin hasn't missed a start since being taken 16th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft and is a key member of the Cowboys' lauded offensive line.Left tackle Tyron Smith and center Travis Frederick are already contracted through the 2023 season, so Dallas is close to locking down the main cogs of its dominant unit for the foreseeable future.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Rob Gronkowski's wait for a new payday is apparently set to continue.A new contract for the New England Patriots' star tight end is "likely," but "nothing is imminent," a source told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.Gronkowski has made it publicly clear that he wants a reworked contract for the second straight season. The Patriots sweetened his deal last offseason, allowing him to earn an additional $5.5 million in incentives.Related: What would it take to trade for Rob Gronkowski?The 29-year-old, who flirted with retirement this offseason, has two years and $17 million in base salary remaining on his current contract and is the fourth-highest-paid tight end in terms of average annual salary.Related - Gronkowski: Who wouldn't want a new deal?Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack is not expected to attend his team's mandatory minicamp this week as he seeks a new contract extension, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Mack's rookie contract is set to expire after the 2018 season and will pay the former Defensive Player of the Year around $13.8 for the campaign. The 27-year-old has been the unquestioned leader of the Raiders' defense over the past three seasons, tallying 36.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles in that time.Along with Mack, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald and Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney are also waiting for new contracts that could make any one of the three elite talents the NFL's highest-paid defender. Whoever is first to sign will likely soon watch his peers get better salaries, so the negotiations between the players and their teams could take some time. Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller is currently the league's highest-paid defender with an average annual salary of just over $19 million.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Seahawks have undergone significant changes.Gone are mainstays Richard Sherman and Michael Bennett, who moved on in the offseason, while the playing careers of Cliff Avril and Kam Chancellor are uncertain after they suffered serious injuries in 2017. The Legion of Boom could be down another one of its three most important members, too, as Earl Thomas is holding out for a new contract.In many respects, the Seahawks are starting over, and, according to their head coach, the team feels like it did in 2012 - the year it made the leap to contender after consecutive 7-9 seasons."It does feel like that," Pete Carroll told Albert Breer of The MMQB. "There was a time when our star players weren't star players yet - they were just coming up, and it was exciting to see that emergence. That's what we're counting on in the next year, seeing these guys start to come to prominence and make a spot for themselves."Among those expected to emerge on defense this year are defenders Jarran Reed, Frank Clark, Shaquill Griffin, and Nazair Jones. Throw into that mix rookies Shaquem Griffin, Rasheem Green, and Emmanuel Beal."It feels like four or five years ago. It feels fresh and wide open, it's more of an open competition for some of the spots," Carroll said. "And that's a really good thing for us, because it does feed into the whole approach."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore's Mike Alessandrini, Dane Belbeck, Jack Browne, and Mitch Sanderson assess who are the elite, the average, and the downright awful at football's most important position.Ignoring past accomplishments, team situation, and the value of youth, this exercise aims to rank the best 32 non-rookie quarterbacks, regardless of team, right now. Injured passers - Andrew Luck, Carson Wentz, Sam Bradford, etc. - were ranked under the assumption they'll return to reasonable health, though editors were free to dock them for their lack of availability.Just missed the cut: Josh McCown, Teddy Bridgewater32. Jacoby BrissettTD-INTYPA PPG (starts)13-76.616.9Forced to start in relief of Luck with little time to acclimate to his new offense, Brissett showed flashes of real starting potential. His slow internal clock and spotty decision-making became more of an issue as the season went on, but the young passer's toughness, smarts, and premier deep ball earned him the 32nd spot. - BrowneVotes received: 25th, 31st, 33rd, 34th31. Blake BortlesTD-INT YPA PPG (starts)21-137.026.1Bortles led Jacksonville to the AFC Championship Game last season, but there's still plenty of room for improvement. His 13 interceptions and 60.2 completion percentage were career bests, but neither jump off the page. Lost in Bortles' improved efficiency was his lack of big plays. He has the tools, but time is running out for him to piece them together. - AlessandriniVotes received: 25th, 30th, 32nd, 34th30. Joe FlaccoTD-INTYPA PPG (starts)18-135.724.7Flacco earned a reputation as a deep-field dynamo early in his career, but that version of the veteran hasn't been seen in years. His mechanics have fallen apart, perhaps due to his recent injury issues, and his poor decision-making and passiveness have pushed him to the cusp of no longer being a starting-caliber player. - BrowneVotes received: 28th, 29th (2), 32nd29. Nick FolesTD-INTYPA PPG (starts)5-25.317.7Foles shocked the world in the Super Bowl, but two great playoff performances can't erase years of mediocrity - especially when he plays on one of the best rosters in the league. - SandersonVotes received: 26th, 27th, 30th, 33th28. Ryan TannehillTD-INTYPA PPG (starts)19-12*7.7*21.6**2016 season statisticsTannehill is a jack of all trades, master of none-type quarterback. His athleticism, ability to throw on the run, and accuracy make him dangerous, but he's failed to develop as a passer and lacks the aggression needed to scare defenses deep. - BrowneVotes received: 22nd, 27th, 28th, 34th27. Sam BradfordTD-INTYPA PPG (starts)3-08.924.5Assuming "reasonable health" when ranking quarterbacks is more difficult for some than others. Bradford is a perfect example, as his lengthy injury history caused him to place slightly lower on our list than what he's capable of. When healthy, the former No. 1 overall pick is as consistently accurate as they come. - AlessandriniVotes received: 24th, 26th (2), 27th26. Patrick MahomesTD-INTYPA PPG (starts)0-1*8.1*27**started just 1 game in 2017Mahomes has the prototypical physical tools to be a top-five passer in the next few seasons. However, after essentially redshirting his rookie year, he's arguably the hardest player to rank, as evidenced by our editors' varied votes. He flashed his elite talent in his one 2017 start, but the second-year pro will have to prove he can be consistent and accurate at the NFL level to make his expected leap up this list. - BrowneVotes received: 20th, 21st, 28th, 32nd25. Mitch TrubiskyTD-INTYPA PPG (starts)7-76.616.4Trubisky's sample size in a run-first offense devoid of weapons as a rookie didn't really give a fair picture of what to expect from the 2017 No. 2 overall pick. The 23-year-old showed accuracy, mobility, and toughness when he did get to put the ball in the air, and he should get more opportunities in a revamped offense. - SandersonVotes received: 23rd (2), 25th, 29th24. Andy DaltonTD-INT YPA PPG (starts)25-126.718.1Dalton can look downright amazing one game, and barely NFL quality in another. He's painted as a game manager due to his lack of arm strength and lack of numbers, but he's really a gunslinger in the wrong body. At 30 years old, it's unlikely he can fix his game-to-game consistency issues. - BrowneVotes received: 23rd (2) 24th, 30th23. Tyrod TaylorTD-INT YPA PPG (starts)14-46.718.9Taylor will never blow anyone away with precision accuracy or deep passes, but he possesses traits coaches love, such as taking care of the football. Only one percent of his 2017 passes were intercepted - the most efficient rate in the league. Taylor may never ascend into the top quarterback tiers, but he's good at what he does. - AlessandriniVotes received: 21st (2), 27th, 30th22. Eli ManningTD-INT YPA PPG (starts)19-136.115.3Manning has been divisive throughout his entire career, and it's no different here, as our editors vary greatly on how much the two-time Super Bowl winner has left. The 37-year-old's physical skills have diminished of late, and while his accuracy and pocket presence remain good, his poor decision-making is becoming harder to overcome. - BrowneVotes received: 17th, 24th (2), 31st21. Case KeenumTD-INTYPA PPG (starts)22-77.423.8While his underdog story was one of 2017's bright spots, Keenum needs to prove his most recent campaign is a sign of development instead of just catching lightning in a bottle. He exhibits everything you would want in a quarterback from a mental standpoint, but lacks the physical gifts to be considered one of the more desirable NFL passers. - SandersonVotes received: 20th, 21st, 25th, 26th20. Derek CarrTD-INTYPA PPG (starts)22-136.818.9Carr played like an MVP in 2016 but came back down to Earth last season. Jon Gruden has a difficult task to get the young pivot back on track. Carr's inability to play consistently under pressure needs to be fixed, as does his struggle to push the ball downfield. He's never averaged more than 7 yards per attempt in his career. - BrowneVotes received: 20th (1), 22nd (3)19. Jared GoffTD-INTYPA PPG (starts)28-78.031While Goff's breakout sophomore campaign can be partially attributed to head coach Sean McVay, the young quarterback should get his fair share of credit as well. After a tumultuous rookie year, the former No. 1 overall pick proved he's a dangerous passer in multiple facets of the game. Goff shined on downfield, play-action, and tight-window throws in 2017. - AlessandriniVotes received: 18th (2), 19th (2)18. Jameis WinstonTD-INTYPA PPG (starts)19-117.920.7Winston has failed to take the next leap in his development and is still frustratingly inconsistent from game to game. He has all the physical tools to be an elite quarterback but too often throws before he thinks, leading to an alarmingly high turnover rate. The time has come for him to deliver on the hype. - BrowneVotes received: 13th, 17th, 18th, 20th17. Jimmy GaroppoloTD-INTYPA PPG (starts)7-58.824What we've seen so far out of Jimmy GQ with the 49ers has been nothing short of mind-blowing. He scored a TD on his first drive and led a 1-10 team to five straight wins. However, that's just five starts in a low-expectation environment. While he's on the right path, the sample size is too small to give him more than a middle-of-the-pack ranking. - SandersonVotes received: 16th (2), 17th (2)16. Deshaun WatsonTD-INTYPA PPG (starts)19-88.334.6Watson lit up the league in just six starts before an ACL injury ended the dream start to his NFL career. Few quarterbacks are as capable of consistently creating big plays as Watson, who dominates through the air and on the ground. His aggressiveness might become an issue as defenses catch up to him, but Watson's advanced pocket presence and football IQ should keep him ahead of the game. - BrowneVotes received: 14th (2), 16th, 19th15. Dak PrescottTD-INTYPA PPG (starts)22-136.822.1Prescott shouldn't shoulder the majority of the blame for taking a step back in his second NFL season. The quarterback's production was hindered by injuries along the offensive line and the suspension of Ezekiel Elliott. Prescott is still a strong deep passer and delivers accurate, well-timed throws in a way that's beyond his years. - AlessandriniVotes received: 12th, 15th, 16th, 18th14. Kirk CousinsTD-INTYPA PPG (starts)27-137.621.4Cousins is paid like the best quarterback in the league, but his actual level of play puts him in the middle of the pack. The Vikings quarterback's gunslinging ways can get him into trouble, and he lacks elite physical traits. However, his intelligence and high-level accuracy mean he could still push his way into the top 10. - BrowneVotes received: 14th (1), 15th (3)13. Alex Smith TD-INTYPA PPG (starts)26-58.025.9Leading into 2017, everyone thought they knew the book on Smith. Then, he went on to be the season's best deep passer. While he's still sometimes the butt of jokes, the new Washington passer exceeds expectations every time he's counted out, so keep the barbs coming. - SandersonVotes received: 11th, 13th (2), 18th12. Marcus MariotaTD-INTYPAPPG (starts)13-157.121.6Mariota's talent is unfairly represented in his 2017 statistics due to the Titans' misguided and ill-fitting scheme and nagging injuries. The former No. 2 overall pick has top-tier accuracy, amazing athleticism, and a penchant for creating big plays. Last season was a disappointment, but Mariota is still one of the NFL's premier young talents and should be able to prove it in 2018. - BrowneVotes received: 11th, 12th (2), 14th11. Philip RiversTD-INTYPA PPG (starts)28-107.922.2There aren't many quarterbacks who possess Rivers' football IQ. Despite a mountain of injuries, the veteran signal-caller led the Chargers from 0-4 to the AFC playoff picture due in large part to his in-game adjustments and well-timed aggression. The unbreakable Rivers ranked second in the NFL with 4,515 passing yards, tossing 28 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions in 2018.

We've all been there before.Hands full, you place something on the roof of your vehicle, only to drive away, forgetting said item. Well, in the latest episode of "pro athletes are just like us," New York Giants long snapper Zak DeOssie did just that, with his two Super Bowl rings.The 11-year veteran and member of the Giants' 2007 and 2011 championship teams left a charity event on May 2 and believes he left his two rings on the roof of his car. The rings are valued at more than $30,000.DeOssie didn't realize his rings were missing until he got home. After filing a police report and retracing his steps, he recalled having a number of items in his hands when he reached his car and placing some items down temporarily, according to the police report."The next morning I got an email from a neighbor saying he found one of my rings underneath the remnants of what my Super Bowl box was," DeOssie told Ryan Dunleavy of NJ.com."It looked like it got wrecked or run over at some point, or just flat-out fell on the ground. I went over to his house, gave him a hug and thanked him. The ring was in perfect condition.His Super Bowl XLII ring for the Giants' first victory over the New England Patriots is back in his possession, but he hasn't been able to recover the Super Bowl XLVI ring.He's conducted extensive searches with the help of detectives and his hometown but has yet to find the second ring."I'm hoping to get another email from a neighbor, but it's been (a month) at this point," DeOssie said. "Some people leave coffee on top of their cars, I unfortunately left my ring."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Julian Edelman's positive test for performance-enhancing drugs was triggered by an unrecognizable substance that scientists are still analyzing, Albert Breer of the MMQB reported.The New England Patriots receiver is facing a four-game suspension, which he's currently appealing. Edelman said "I don't know what happened" in regards to his positive test Friday on Instagram.Related - TB12 trainer Alex Guerrero: 'Disappointing' to hear of Edelman's suspensionEdelman was tested a couple of months ago, meaning the substance wasn't a stimulant like Adderall, noted Breer, as offseason rules have changed so that they're instead classed under the substance-abuse policy.The 32-year-old is coming off a lost season due to a torn ACL suffered in the preseason, but he was expected to slot back into his role as Brady's go-to receiver following the trade of Brandin Cooks.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is laser focused on restoring his status as arguably the NFL's best running back.After winning the rushing title during his rookie year in 2016, Elliott's sophomore campaign was marred by a six-game suspension as he narrowly missed the 1,000-yard rushing plateau.Elliott is hell-bent on leading the Cowboys back to the playoffs and is already taking on a much larger leadership role, running backs coach Gary Brown revealed."(He's) been much more vocal," Brown said to Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News. "It's good for him. He's in his third year. Coming out here being a more vocal leader, not just a leader by what he does on the football field, I think that's really good for him and really good for our football team."Brown also believes Elliott is motivated by an intrinsic sense of needing a comeback season, believing that the star running back put an immense amount of pressure on himself following a tumultuous 2017 season."With what happened last year with the whole suspension and everything, I think he felt as though he didn't accomplish anything," Brown said. "But he did accomplish some things. Hopefully, he doesn't put too much pressure on himself. If he doesn't, I think well have a great Zeke."An electrifying talent with the ball in his hands, Elliott is tasked with leading the Cowboys back to the playoffs, while trying to unseat the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles within their own division.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Free-agent running back Chris Johnson entered a plea of not guilty on Thursday to charges of misdemeanor battery from an incident at a nightclub in April, according to WFTS Tampa Bay.A Tampa Police Department report against Johnson claims he assaulted a valet at The Lodge nightclub in Tampa, Fla.The altercation started over some keys and resulted in the victim, Matthew McNeel, suffering a bloody nose and a cut lip just before 1 am on April 9.Security cameras captured footage of the incident, while Johnson was also identified by the owner of the club, a friend of his, and picked out of a photo lineup by the victim.Johnson rushed for 114 yards on 45 carries and added another 43 yards as receiver in four games for the Arizona Cardinals last season.- With h/t to Pro Football TalkCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dez Bryant sweepstakes may quickly evolve into an AFC South arms race.Bryant remains one of the last marquee free agents available after being released by the Dallas Cowboys in April, and is still mulling over his options as the summer marches on.Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker recently said he'd welcome Bryant with open arms, but his opponents have other ideas. Jacksonville Jaguars star cornerback Jalen Ramsey is clearly paying attention and tried to recruit the three-time Pro Bowler on Sunday afternoon.

The Philadelphia Eagles gained a somewhat unlikely ally in their fight for social justice, amid a controversy spurred by Donald Trump's decision to disinvite the Super Bowl champion from the White House.Former Pittsburgh Steelers legend and FOX NFL Sunday analyst/co-host Terry Bradshaw offered his wholehearted support for the Eagles in their protest."I agree with the Eagles. Totally. One hundred percent. Trump just needs to ... go somewhere and enjoy the money he's got," Bradshaw told TMZ Sports."You know what's so bad about that whole event? Was how they were portrayed as protesting, kneeling, during the national anthem when they were praying. That is just wrong."Bradshaw has been a consistent supporter of the Republican Party and hasn't been shy in making his conservative views public.After the NFL instituted a policy requiring players to stand for the national anthem if they are on the sidelines prior to a game, sociopolitical tensions between players, owners, and the Trump administration don't appear to be subsiding anytime soon. The Eagles now have a powerful ally in their corner, while Malcolm Jenkins and Chris Long continue to be among the most vocal advocates of social justice in the NFL.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New England Patriots, of late, haven't been the impenetrable fortress of silence we've come to know since Bill Belichick turned the franchise into the NFL's premier powerhouse.The latest example of this are the rumors surrounding Rob Gronkowski's future with the team. A recent report said Belichick pushed to trade him but was ultimately overruled by owner Robert Kraft after a Tom Brady intervention.Gronkowski called the speculation "fake news;" however, while such a scenario sounds unthinkable for such a famously well-run organization, the Jimmy Garoppolo trade - the apparent spark that divided the Patriots - proves New England isn't immune to power struggles and player discontent.So, let's explore the reasons why Gronkowski's name is even being thrown around in trade talks, and if there are any realistic offers that could end his time in New England:Why would the Pats consider trading Gronk?Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez are widely regarded as the best two tight ends of their generation. In their combined 33 NFL seasons, they had six 1,000-yard seasons, seven campaigns with 10-plus touchdowns, and averaged over 13 yards per catch 13 times. Gronkowski alone has four 1,000-yard seasons, five years with 10 or more scores, and has never averaged less than 13 yards per catch in a single season (in fact, his career average is a mind-boggling 15.1).Travis Kelce was the only other tight end to break the 1,000-yard mark in 2017, and did so on 14 more catches. Gronkowski didn't just dominate other tight ends, either; he made all pass-catchers look ineffective in comparison due to his otherworldly first-down catch percentage of 82.6 percent (fourth-best among players with 10-plus catches).Gronkowski, simply, is a man among boys. From a purely on-field perspective, there's clearly no logical reason for the Patriots to part ways with their most important non-Brady player. Things in the NFL, however, are never so simple.First and foremost, are the injury concerns. Gronkowski has only suited up for a full 16-game regular season twice in his career, and they were his first two years in the league. His long list of injuries - which includes everything from lung bruises to back fractures - is a painful read, and as his 30th birthday approaches, it's fair to question how much longer his body can hold together.The Patriots, of course, are almost entirely devoid of sentiment when it comes to players who are nearing the end of their primes, just ask Richard Seymour or Mike Vrabel. They follow the mantra that it's better to get rid of a player a year too early than a year too late, and Gronkowski is close to, or perhaps even at, that crossroads.Related: Gronkowski should know there's no beating Belichick in a game of chickenWorsening matters further is Gronkowski's seemingly deteriorating relationship with Belichick. The head coach reportedly questioned whether Gronkowski was "all-in" amid frictions stemming from his flirtation with retirement and the tight end's concerns about continuing to carry such a heavy workload. Gronkowski committed to returning for the 2018 season following a meeting with Belichick, but that didn't stick for long, as he followed Brady's lead and stayed away from the team's voluntary sessions. He's made it clear he wants a new deal, with only two years and a total of $17 million in base salary remaining on his current contract.Lastly, is the apparent Brady-Belichick divide. Belichick reportedly chastised Gronkowski in front of teammates last season for training at TB12 with Brady's personal trainer, Alex Guerrero, who had his access to Patriots players restricted by Belichick. Aside from his contract issues, Gronkowski's absence from OTAs is seemingly rooted in his desire to train on his own terms, which likely doesn't sit well with Belichick and the Patriot way. Gronkowski is also reportedly part of a group, which also includes Brady, still upset at Belichick benching Malcolm Butler in the Super Bowl and the subsequent lack of explanation.Maybe Belichick could be motivated to regain full control of his locker room?What would a Gronk trade look like?When a player of Gronkowski's caliber is mentioned in trade talks, it's assumed any realistic move would need to involve a first-round pick. However, while he is one of the true game-changers in the NFL, the factors explored above - especially the injury history and need for a huge new contract - makes it unlikely any team would give up such a premium asset.Deals involving first-rounders for non-quarterbacks do happen - Brandin Cooks was moved for one in each of the last two offseasons, in fact - but while the Patriots could demand such a deal for Gronkowski and hope a win-now team goes all-in, it's much more likely they'd have to settle for a lower pick.A second-round pick for Gronkowski might be too rich for some, but a bidding war likely ensures New England would be able to get it, and perhaps further lower-round picks. For comparison, the far more durable Gonzalez, at age 33, was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2013 for a second-rounder, so there's precedent for a move of roughly this value.The San Francisco 49ers and Tennessee Titans were apparently the two teams who had offers on the table for Gronkowski and both have connections to the Patriots - New England has already traded Garoppolo to John Lynch and the 49ers and Titans general manager Jon Robinson used to work for the Patriots and was part of the staff that drafted the tight end in 2010. Here are two possible trade scenarios for each team:Patriots receive49ers receiveConditional 2019 3rd-round pickGronkowskiPatriots receive49ers receive2019 4th-round pickGronkowskiDL Arik ArmsteadPatriots receiveTitans receive2019 2nd-round pickGronkowski2019 6th-round pickPatriots receiveTitans receiveTE Delanie WalkerGronkowski2019 3rd-round pick2019 7th-round pickBy virtue of playing in the NFC, the 49ers would likely be able to get more favorable deals than the Titans. None of these trades would make the Patriots better right now, however, and that's the major sticking point for any Gronkowski-based trade: His value to New England won't be matched in any possible returns.However, if Belichick intends to stay on past Brady's eventual retirement, he could be tempted by offers that could help retool the Patriots for another run of dominance. In all likelihood, though, Gronkowski will be on the Patriots' sideline come Week 1. But, with trades all the rage in the NFL at the moment, it's going to be an uncomfortably long wait until the season-opener for Patriots Nation.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Free-agent wide receiver Dez Bryant doesn't seem to be drawing much interest from NFL clubs, but at least one fellow player wouldn't mind teaming up.Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker was recently asked whether he'd be open to his club signing Bryant."Most definitely. Even though I know we’ve got some good premier receivers on our team - Corey Davis, Rishard Matthews - it's another element if they was to bring him to the team," Walker said, according to Selby Lopez of SportsDay DFW. "If he can help us out, gladly I would welcome him with open arms."Walker and Matthews led the 2017 Titans with 807 and 795 receiving yards, respectively, combining for seven touchdowns. Davis, the No. 5 pick of the 2017 draft, was limited to 11 games due to injury and finished his rookie campaign with 375 yards but no touchdowns on 34 receptions.Bryant hasn't been strongly linked to any team since reportedly turning down a multi-year offer from the Baltimore Ravens near the end of April.The 29-year-old posted 838 yards and six touchdowns with the Dallas Cowboys in 2017, numbers that would have easily led the Titans' pass-catching group.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former NFL tight end Kellen Winslow Jr.'s representatives said Sunday that their client was house-hunting for his mother-in-law when he was arrested on burglary charges following a 911 call from a neighbor.Authorities responded to a call at 2:40 p.m. Thursday reporting a man had entered a residence in a mobile home park and then left in a black SUV. Winslow left after being confronted by the neighbor, police say, but was later stopped and arrested.Winslow's agent, Denise White, told Dennis Romero of NBC News that Winslow never entered the residence, which belonged to friends of his wife."An overreactive neighbor called police after she saw Kellen walking around a mobile home," White said in a statement. "... The owner said he never went inside the home or took anything, or nor was anything taken, touched or moved."Winslow's attorney, Harvey A. Steinberg, added that the former Cleveland Browns pass-catcher "emphatically denies committing any burglary. He would have no need to burglarize or steal anything from anyone at a trailer park."Winslow was released on bail after five hours in jail.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seahawks star safety Earl Thomas announced Sunday on Twitter that he intends to skip all team activities until Seattle grants his request for a reworked contract, while reiterating that he wants "to remain a Seahawk for the rest of my career."

Monitoring average draft positions in the months or weeks leading up to fantasy football drafts can help managers gain an idea of where they'll be able to get a player based on the public's general perception.Players trending high in mid-June could be far too expensive by the heart of draft season, while those beginning to drop now without particularly negative news surrounding them could represent tremendous bargains.Here's a look at some players to start avoiding or targeting:(All ADPs as of June 9 and courtesy Fantasy Football Calculator)Trending too highDeshaun Watson, QB, TexansADP: 3.02The major issue with Watson's current draft position isn't just his overall ranking but the fact that a recent surge now has him going three picks ahead of Aaron Rodgers as the No. 1 quarterback off the board and nearly two full rounds ahead of Tom Brady.Watson had finishes of QB1 (2), QB2 (2), QB7, and QB15 in his six starts last season. While his best performances consisted of three or more passing touchdowns, his overall value was boosted by his two rushing touchdowns on the season.It's unknown if he'll possess the same mobility coming back from a torn ACL, potentially detracting from the elite ceiling required of a third-round quarterback. Watson was a much safer selection as the QB3 near the end of the fourth round just a month and a half ago.Jerick McKinnon, RB, 49ersADP: 2.09McKinnon's current draft spot at the end of the second round isn't too alarming, but it's the rise from pick 4.03 just two weeks ago that's cause for concern.The former Minnesota Vikings back used 201 total touches to finish as the RB24 last season. He finished as RB3 and 6 when he received season highs of 22 and 20 touches in Weeks 5 and 6, respectively.The early hype is warranted as the 26-year-old will come out from behind veteran Latavius Murray to lead a backfield with sophomore Matt Breida representing his main competition. And a dramatic increase in passing-game work is widely projected under head coach Kyle Shanahan.But McKinnon has never received more than 202 touches in a single regular season, and he's currently being picked as RB15. Of last season's top 15 backs, just two had fewer than 202 total touches and none did it with fewer than 228 touches in 2016.Derrius Guice, RB, RedskinsADP: 4.05Guice's price has been soaring over the last couple of weeks when he was initially being picked at the end of the sixth round.His current fourth-round ADP is nearly five full rounds ahead of more experienced teammate and passing-game star Chris Thompson. Thompson had set career bests of 510 receiving yards and six total touchdowns in just 10 games prior to a season-ending injury in 2017.Thompson should retain the majority of work on passing downs, as Guice caught a total of just 29 passes in three seasons at LSU. The rookie will cede at least some ground work to the combination of Thompson, Rob Kelley, and Samaje Perine.Looking like bargainsCorey Davis, WR, TitansADP: 7.07The fantasy values of Davis and QB Marcus Mariota are inherently linked, and both have been falling of late, with Davis slipping by nearly a full round over the past week.The No. 5 pick of the 2017 draft was limited to 11 games in his rookie season, posting single-game highs of six receptions (twice) and 91 yards while going without a touchdown until he scored two on just five catches against the New England Patriots in the divisional-round loss.Titans offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur comes over from a Los Angeles Rams team that spread the ball around the receiving corps last season, but Davis can star in a thinner Titans group that hasn't shown any sign of bringing back veteran Eric Decker.Emmanuel Sanders, WR, BroncosADP: 8.08As teammate Demaryius Thomas continues to go near the end of the fourth round, Sanders has fallen from the sixth round to the latter half of the eighth in the past two months.When the pair were last both healthy in 2016, Thomas and Sanders finished as wide receivers 19 and 21, respectively. They finished at WR13 and 18, respectively, in 2015.With quarterback play expected to be greatly improved with the free-agent signing of Case Keenum, the pair should return to their elite form. Longer drives will allow for more targets and receptions, as well as more plentiful visits to the red zone - an area of the field where the two have routinely posted similar touchdown totals. Thomas' edge shouldn't be nearly as large.Kirk Cousins, QB, VikingsADP: 7.06The once highest-paid QB in the league has slipped roughly three rounds since first signing with the Vikings early in free agency, though not much has changed for the rest of the offense.Cousins was last year's QB6 while with the Washington Redskins. He now has two receivers at his disposal in Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs who finished as WR12 and 17, respectively, and higher than any pass catcher from Washington in 2017. Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph also finished eight spots ahead of Washington's Vernon Davis.Cousins may lose some of his rushing yards - he gained 179 yards on the ground in 2017 - but more red-zone visits could allow him to build on his 13 rushing touchdowns over the past three seasons.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Chase Edmonds has a plan for how to spend a good chunk of his $452,359 signing bonus after agreeing to a $3.6-million deal on May 12.Edmonds wrote in a school assignment as a child that he wants to make it to the NFL and then pay off his sister's student loans, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN. He remained committed to his goal after being chosen with the 134th pick of the 2018 NFL Draft."My sister has some student debt so I really want to pay that off for her," Edmonds said roughly two weeks after the draft.His sister, Morgan, fulfilled an undergrad at NC State and earned a master's in counseling at Arizona State. Edmonds' mother, Alison, told him his sister's loans total $80,000, for which she makes monthly payments of $360 to $380.The numbers came as a surprise to Edmonds, who attended Fordham on a scholarship."When you're on full scholarship you don't realize these bills," he said. "These things add up. When my mom told me Morgan's debt at the time, I said, 'Wow. If I ever can make it to the NFL that's something that I would love to do, just to surprise her and pay that off for her so she can really live free and do whatever she wants with her money.'"Morgan received texts from friends after Chase's comments, though he's yet to tell her himself. The two are both hoping to avoid a teary interaction when he does."I don't need a reaction from Morgan," Chase said. "It's a token of me telling her how much I love her, how much I appreciate everything that she's done in my 22 years of life."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Aaron Rodgers is set to make opposing teams pay for a 2017 season in which he was limited to just seven games due to a broken collarbone, according to defensive tackle Mike Daniels.Rodgers had already been on a "revenge tour" prior to the injury, but Daniels said in an interview with NFL Network's Stacey Dales that he expects the 34-year-old to take his play to another level in 2018."This year, it’s (last year’s 'revenge tour') taken up to 11, past 10," Daniels said. "It's going to get pretty ugly for some defenses out there."The Packers finished last season at 7-9 for their worst record since 2008 - the last time the team missed the playoffs.With h/t to PackersWireCopyright © 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.Upgrades to an offensive line can drastically alter a player's fantasy outlook. Just ask Todd Gurley, who owes a big part of his 2017 bounce-back season to the improvements made to the Rams' blockers.Let's take a look at a few players who will have an advantage this season thanks to the enhancements on their offensive lines.Offensive Line Rankings

Rob Gronkowski quashed rumors of a potential trade away from the New England Patriots on Saturday."Just shows how much fake news is out there," the star tight end told WBZ-TV's Lisa Gresci. "Hashtag fake news. That's all I know. It's true, it exists. (I) see it all the time about me."

NFL defenses had no answer for rookie sensation Deshaun Watson's aggressive passing style and dynamic running ability last season. The Houston Texans' offense thrived off Watson's versatility and athleticism, incorporating elements of a college-style attack to create a high-scoring unit that looked capable of staying with the league's elite.Watson's first NFL season was ended by an ACL tear in practice, but the Texans don't plan on limiting their franchise player - who rushed for 269 yards and two scores - despite his major knee injury."That's always something that we talk about, moving when you have to, extend plays when you have to," quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan said, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. "Being smart though with that, that's been something we've talked to him with about since Day 1, really. Understand when the journey is over. When it's over, it's time to get down and protect yourself, protect your team."I think in the pocket, we talk a lot about him having his quiet mechanics back there and going through progressions. He certainly knows when it's time to do that as well. That's one of those things we're just going to continue to harp on and improve on and that's the route that we're going."The Texans averaged an eye-popping 34.6 points in Watson's six starts, and head coach Bill O'Brien said this offseason his team will design a brand-new offense to better suit the 2017 first-rounder's skill set.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Rams were ruled by a St. Louis judge on Friday to be the only defendant in the civil trial over former running back Reggie Bush's knee injury suffered at the Edward Jones Dome in 2015, according to Joel Currier of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.Related: Trial begins over Reggie Bush's 2015 injury in St. LouisThe judge dismissed both the St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority and the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission upon their argument that state law says public entities can be liable only if they have exclusive control of the facility."There was no evidence that showed the RSA or the CVC had exclusive control of the premises," said Debbie Champion, lawyer for the RSA and the CVC. "Even the evidence the Rams put on, was that there was joint control of the dome on game days by the CVC and the Rams. Well, the law requires that there be exclusive control of the city in order to make a claim."Bush suffered a season-ending knee injury in a game against the Rams on Nov. 1, 2015, while a member of the San Francisco 49ers. He slipped on what the lawsuit calls a "concrete ring of death" while being pushed out of bounds.The Rams moved to Los Angeles the season after his injury.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sean "Diddy" Combs was one of the high-profile names who threw their hat in the ring for the sale of the Carolina Panthers before ultimately losing out to David Tepper's $2.2-billion bid for the franchise.Despite just missing out on becoming the first African-American NFL owner, Diddy said he's no longer interested in becoming involved with the league after the new national anthem policy was announced for the 2018 season."I was one of the two last bids for the Panthers," Diddy said on BigBoyTV on Thursday, according to the New York Post's Hannah Withiam. "Man, I really wanted to go in there and be a part of the NFL and try to be a positive change. This last move, though, I don't even want to own an NFL team no more."I don't want to be associated with oppressing black men. I don't want to be associated with telling grown-ass men what they can do and cannot do."Thirty of the NFL's 32 team owners voted to force players and team personnel to stand for the anthem if they come to the sidelines, with the option to stay in the locker room.Related: Eagles' Jenkins responds to White House, critics with signs on social injusticePlayers such as Malcolm Jenkins and Torrey Smith have spoken out strongly against the new policy, and some players are reportedly considering a different kind of on-field demonstration during the anthem.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Fresh off signing a three-year contract extension Thursday, Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson believes his team is ready to turn the page on a disastrous decade.The Browns are perennial offseason winners, but their "success" in the spring and summer has translated to just one win over the last two seasons. Johnson, however, believes this trend has finally run its course."I truly believe if we can stay healthy and commit and follow our quarterback Tyrod (Taylor), and going into game one, I really believe this is a different look and different team (than years past)," Johnson said on Sirius XM NFL Radio Friday, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "This is the time of year when everyone likes to say 'we look better, we're different,' but I can honestly say that it should be different."The 2015 third-round pick also praised general manager John Dorsey and the additions he made this offseason."We're excited because we see the potential," Johnson said. "We see the talent that we have and things we can do come this season if we just stick to it, everyone stays healthy."We see the things that Tyrod was able to do in Buffalo and we see what Jarvis (Landry) has done since he's been in the league so we're just excited for bringing guys on this offense that can help us make plays and score more points and win more games."Cleveland has not qualified for the playoffs since 2002, and has just two winning seasons this century.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New Orleans Saints tight end Benjamin Watson is urging the NFLPA to continue to project the narrative that players are indeed patriotic and respect the military amid the ongoing national debate.After receiving approval from league owners, the NFL implemented a policy in May, which states that players will be expected to stand for the national anthem prior to a game if they are on the sidelines.Watson, who serves on the NFLPA's executive committee, believes the union should step up its efforts to defend its players and keep the issue in perspective."Well, a lot has happened, and I’m not just talking about (Monday) or the day before," Watson told Jason Reid of The Undefeated. "It’s imperative that we, the union, are able to weed out all of the back-and-forth, the name-calling, and bickering that we see when it comes to the public discourse, and have a strong stance to continue defending our players and supporting our players."And we also have to continue to push the narrative, the true narrative, that our players love their country and they love the military. We have to keep pushing the truth. We shouldn’t have to say that, but it seems we’re backed into a place where we do have to keep saying that. And we will keep saying that."Watson is also demanding more player input when the collective bargaining agreement is renegotiated after its expiration in 2021."Well, moving forward, we want to be partners with the league, especially when it comes to CBA talks as well as things that are going on now," Watson said. "We want to be at the table together. We want to make decisions, especially big decisions, collectively instead of having it be a unilateral approach where the league makes decisions without player input. It’s better for everyone if we do it together."On the one hand, it is concerning that this hasn’t happened here. On the other hand, it doesn’t mean it has to continue this way. And the good thing is, the decision that was made in Atlanta ... all the owners weren’t totally behind it."President Donald Trump has repeatedly taken issue with players kneeling during the anthem and offered support for the league's new policy while disinviting the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles from the White House on Monday. Trump argued the Eagles disagreed with the anthem, causing him to rescind the invite and later state that he would not invite the winner of the 2018 NBA Finals either.

It's never too early to talk about the quarterbacks of tomorrow.With the 2018 NFL Draft in the rear-view mirror, it's time to look ahead to the 2019 QB class.Five signal-callers were drafted in the first round this year, and the same could be true next year. A number of franchises are still in search of future options at the position, including the Dolphins, Patriots, Broncos, Chargers, Giants, and Saints.Here are five college quarterbacks worth your attention this season who could find themselves in first-round contention in 2019.Justin Herbert, OregonHerbert missed six games in 2017, and the Ducks clearly missed him. Oregon went 6-2 with Herbert under center and 1-4 without him.There are plenty of things to love about this Pac-12 quarterback. He possesses prototypical size (6-foot-6, 230 pounds) and athleticism, but his ability to deliver quality throws on multiple levels of the field makes him stand out from his peers. Herbert is a tough, accurate passer who makes plays on the move with both his legs and arm.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has yet to gel with his new teammates, but it doesn't seem to be much of a concern to anyone involved.Pierre-Paul, who spent his first eight seasons with the New York Giants, was acquired by the Bucs in a March 22 trade.The two-time Pro Bowler has yet to attend organized team activities (OTAs) but the Bucs aren't worried about one of their key acquisitions."We'd love to have everybody here. That's a perfect world, and we don't live in a perfect world, unfortunately," head coach Dirk Koetter said to ESPN's Jenna Laine.Vinny Curry, who signed a three-year, $23-million deal with Tampa Bay in March after helping the Philadelphia Eagles win Super Bowl LII, doesn't have a problem with Pierre-Paul missing OTAs either."Naw, especially a guy like him. You've gotta think about it - respect isn't given, it's earned, and his resume speaks for itself," Curry said. "So you know a guy that's been in the league at the top of the mountain for 95 percent of his career - 5 percent due to injury - so you already know what he's bringing, how he's coming."Pierre-Paul was once considered one of the NFL's premier edge talents before a horrific hand injury stunted his career. With a change of scenery, however, the Bucs hope Pierre-Paul blossoms and puts his talent on full display when the regular season inches closer.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson was held out of drills during voluntary organized team activities this week, but there doesn't appear to be any reason for fans to panic.Johnson's injury, while currently not disclosed, is not serious, according to AZCentral's Kent Somers.The Cardinals running back, of course, missed most of the 2017 season due to a wrist injury, but it is not yet known if the new injury is related.Johnson was one of the most productive backs in the league two seasons ago, rushing for 1,239 yards and 16 touchdowns while adding 879 yards and four touchdowns receiving.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Houston Texans safety Andre Hal has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, a form of cancer that affects part of the immune system, the team announced Friday."The news of Andre Hal's diagnosis weighs heavy on the hearts of everyone in the Houston Texans family," head coach Bill O'Brien said in a statement. "Andre epitomizes what it means to be a Houston Texan through his leadership, community involvement, and team-first attitude. We are confident that Andre's resiliency and infectious positivity, along with treatment and care from the best medical community in the world, will guide him through his recovery. The entire Texans organization is behind Andre and his family during this difficult time and we look forward to his eventual return to the team."Hal, who was heading into his fifth NFL season, posted 71 tackles and three interceptions across 16 contests last year. The 26-year-old inked a three-year, $15-million contract with the Texans ahead of the 2017 season."My faith in God and the support from my family, friends, teammates, and coaches will see me through this difficult time," he said in a statement of his own. "I will not let this diagnosis stop me from fulfilling my dreams and I do not want anyone to feel sorry for me. I know how to beat this and I will beat it."Hal is still undergoing medical testing and is in the process of discussing his treatment options, according to the team's release.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Make no mistake, the NFL made the right move in May by announcing its new legislation on the helmet-hit rule, which penalizes players who lead with the crown of their helmet to initiate contact.As we learn more about concussions, their long-term effects, and the brain disease Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) which has been linked to head trauma, the league must take all the necessary steps to avoid its deceitful past and seriously address player safety to ensure the growth and stability of the game and its players.The punishment for offenders is a 15-yard penalty with the potential of ejection, which is as close to the college game's targeting rule the NFL has come.But much like past NFL rule changes or reinforcements, this latest one promises to challenge players' instincts and could threaten pace and cleanliness of play, especially in the first few months, until the players and referees settle into an understanding of how the rule will be applied and enforced.Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier, now walking with a cane after a violent collision left him wheelchair-bound for months, would seemingly be the loudest voice among players supporting the new enforcement.But even Shazier predicted some murky waters ahead, as players come to an understanding of what they're permitted, and not permitted, to do in real-time, instinctive tackling situations.

Video has surfaced showing the February arrest of former Pro Bowl offensive tackle Branden Albert in Atlanta.According to police, Albert got into an altercation with arresting officers after he punched a hole in the wall of a jewelry store and threatened the owner. TMZ Sports obtained police body cam footage of the arrest, during which Albert was tasered twice.Police say he pulled the prongs out of his back, got up, and was tackled by an officer after a short chase, but the clip doesn't include those events.Albert was arrested on charges of criminal damage to property and willful obstruction of law enforcement officers, and is due back in court later in June. He hasn't played in the NFL since the 2016 season.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.Fantasy football might be powered by skill-position stars, but offensive lines are the driving force that set most week-winning performances in motion.As you prepare for your fantasy drafts, it's crucial to consider how lines have changed heading into the new season and how those changes impact the players they're blocking for.Below, with the help of theScore's Dan Wilkins and Mike Alessandrini, we've ranked all 32 offensive lines, taking into account past performance, offseason upgrades, overall depth, and the very underrated element of continuity.Once you've gone through the rankings, check back Saturday for an in-depth look at the specific players who will benefit the most from improved offensive line play in 2018.Offensive Line Rankings

President Donald Trump says he intends to meet with NFL players who protest during the national anthem and ask them to recommend people unfairly treated by the justice system who should be considered for criminal pardons."What I'm thinking to do, you have a lot of people, in the NFL in particular, but in sports leagues, they're not proud enough to stand for our national anthem. I don't like that," Trump said Friday."What I'm going to do is, I'm going to say to them, instead of talk ... it's all talk, talk, talk. We have a great country, you should stand for our national anthem. You shouldn't go into a locker room when our national anthem is played. I'm going to ask all of those people to recommend to me - because that's what they're protesting - people they think were unfairly treated by the justice system. And I'm going to ask them to recommend to me, people that were unfairly treated ... and I'm going to take a look at those applications. And if I find and my committee finds that they're unfairly treated, then we will pardon them or at least let them out."Trump has been a staunch critic of the NFL's handling of players who do not stand during the national anthem. He's equally critical of the league's new anthem policy, which will require anyone on the field to stand for the anthem but also allows players to stay in the locker room instead.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson has been held out of certain drills during voluntary organized team activities this week due to an undisclosed injury, reports Kent Somers of azcentral.Head coach Steve Wilks was vague Thursday when asked about the status of Johnson, who missed nearly all of last season after dislocating his wrist in Week 1."It's the offseason, and I'm not going to really indulge in injuries or things like that," he said. "We're going to talk about the guys that are out there."Johnson was one of the most productive backs in the league two seasons ago, rushing for 1,239 yards and 16 touchdowns while adding 879 yards and four touchdowns receiving.The Cardinals hold their mandatory minicamp from June 12-14.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former NFL tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. was arrested Thursday in Encinitas, Calif., on the suspicion of burglary, a sheriff's official confirmed to Karen Kucher of the San Diego Union-Tribune.Authorities responded to a call from a neighbor at 2:40 p.m. reporting a man had entered a residence in a mobile home park and then left in a black SUV. The vehicle was located later, and sheriff's deputies identified Winslow as the man in question.He was held on $50,000 bail and charged with one count of first-degree burglary and has since been released. TMZ Sports has footage of Winslow leaving the police station.Winslow, the son of Hall of Fame tight end Kellen Winslow Sr., played in the NFL for 10 seasons from 2004-13, spending time with the Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, and New York Jets.He was arrested in 2014 for possession of synthetic marijuana and was also suspended by the NFL for four games for a performance-enhancing drug violation.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Alex Guerrero, who trains Tom Brady and several other New England Patriots, is denying any involvement in Thursday's news of Julian Edelman's pending four-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs."I've known Julian since his rookie year and he is a phenomenal athlete who takes his training seriously - it’s disappointing to hear today's news," Guerrero said, according to Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports Boston. "Elite athletes sometimes work with multiple coaches and health professionals as part of their training."Edelman had reportedly been spending less time at the Brady-branded TB12 sports therapy center this offseason, a source told Curran. The 31-year-old has been working his way back from the torn ACL that cost him the entirety of the 2017 campaign.Guerrero was assertive in explaining the methods that are practiced at TB12, disassociating himself - and the clinic - from the suspension."Here at our facility, we take a natural, holistic, appropriate and, above all, legal approach to training and recovery for all of our clients. And anyone who would suggest otherwise is irresponsible, and just plain wrong," Guerrero said.Edelman is appealing the suspension, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFLPA created a thread of tweets Wednesday to highlight the community efforts and acts of patriotism made by players.The reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles were disinvited from their White House visit on Monday by President Donald Trump, who said the Eagles disagreed with standing for the anthem.While Malcolm Jenkins, Chris Long, and a host of other teammates have been among the most politically active players in the league, no Eagles player knelt during the anthem this past regular season. Jenkins did raise a fist ahead of numerous games, though.

Jarvis Landry took some not-so-veiled shots at his former club while praising the Cleveland Browns quarterbacks he's now catching passes from.The wide receiver has yet to record an official reception with the Browns, but he already rates the quarterback situation above that of the Miami Dolphins."It's a lot better than what I had in Miami. I'm excited about that," Landry said, according to Marc Sessler of NFL.com.Landry has only participated in OTAs and minicamp, where he's been working with new Cleveland quarterbacks Tyrod Taylor and Baker Mayfield, the first-overall pick in this year's draft."The quarterback play is so important, which has got me that much more excited about Tyrod and (Mayfield) and the way that they're throwing the ball out here," Landry said.For the first four years of his career, Landry was on the other end of passes from Ryan Tannehill, Jay Cutler, and Matt Moore. Last year, he reeled in a league-high 112 passes, the majority of which came from Cutler.In Cleveland, Landry is already planning post-minicamp workouts with his QBs."I didn't do that in Miami with the quarterbacks because they didn't want to do it," he said. "I would say the chemistry and the type of guys that I'm around here makes me that much more excited because I know I'm going to be pushed at all levels at all times."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns agreed to a three-year contract extension Thursday with running back Duke Johnson.Financial terms weren't confirmed by the Browns, but a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport that Johnson inked a deal worth $15.6 million.The contract includes $7.7 million in guaranteed money, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network."I'm excited. It's fun to see how this team is shaping out and I want to be a part of it," Johnson told the team's official website. "You can see it with the guys they brought in on offense like Tyrod (Taylor) and (Jarvis) Landry plus the guys we already had. I think bringing in coach (Todd) Haley adds another dimension to our offense and it gives coach (Hue) Jackson the chance to be the head coach. (Browns general manager) John Dorsey has been bringing in guys that can play, that can ball, and that gives us a chance. Now it's about going out and doing it now."Johnson, who had one year left on his rookie deal, has served as a reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield for the Browns over his first three seasons in the league. He rushed for 348 yards and four touchdowns last year while adding 693 yards and three touchdowns in the passing game."Duke Johnson is a good football player," Dorsey said. "His hard work and commitment to the Browns organization is appreciated and we are excited to extend his contract and keep him in a Browns uniform for years to come. Duke is an excellent representative of our organization. He leads by example and we look forward to him playing an important role with the Cleveland Browns moving forward."The 24-year-old is expected to share the backfield in 2018 with veteran Carlos Hyde and rookie Nick Chubb.Johnson was a third-round pick of the Browns in 2015 out of Miami.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich thinks he'll finally be able to work with Andrew Luck on the field soon."I think we're real close (to throwing an actual NFL football)," Reich said on Thursday, according to Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star.When exactly Luck's preparations for 2018 begin without limitations is up to him, Reich added.Luck missed the 2017 season due to setbacks in his recovery from shoulder surgery. The rehabilitation process remains gradual, and the Colts are being cautious. Reich was hopeful Luck would be able to throw during organized team activities in late April, but that didn't happen."Again, I've never been through what he's been through," he told Keefer. "I could sit here and say what I think but it's gotta come from down in here (points to his heart)."There's an instinct as a player, that you know when you're ready to go, and you keep testing it and testing it, and you work with the people you're working (with), and you trust your instinct when you're ready to go."Reich said in late March that Luck had resumed throwing footballs. Then the quarterback clarified a couple weeks later that he was throwing, but not with regulation-sized footballs.General manager Chris Ballard has maintained the team is comfortable with Luck's recovery.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drugs policy, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN.Edelman will appeal the suspension, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The veteran wide receiver is slated to lose approximately $1 million in salary as a result of the suspension.Edelman, who turned 32 in May, missed all of the 2017 season due to a torn ACL. He's been a participant in team drills throughout the offseason and is progressing toward being medically cleared for Week 1.A favorite target of quarterback Tom Brady, Edelman recorded 1,106 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2016, and he made a key late-game catch during the Patriots' Super Bowl LI win over the Atlanta Falcons.The Patriots face the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions, and Miami Dolphins to open the 2018 regular season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tom Brady spoke to the media on Day 3 of the New England Patriots' mandatory minicamp. This, after the quarterback did not attend OTAs last month.Brady has previously extolled the virtues of that time with his team and was asked pointedly why he chose not to attend this year."Just some personal reasons for me, but I'm here now and am focused on what I need to do, as I always am," Brady said.Multiple reports surfaced last season of a chilled relationship between Brady and his head coach Bill Belichick, but he said the absence was unrelated."It's great and we've always had a great relationship," he said. "I've been here for a long time and I love this team, I love this organization and I love playing quarterback for him. I loved it last year and I'm having a lot of fun now. That's obviously what's most important to me."Brady has been spotted traveling the globe on various promotional tours this offseason, but said his time off hasn't been any different than any previous offseason.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Chicago Bears chairman George H. McCaskey spoke on behalf of the team Thursday when asked about his personal beliefs on the league's new national anthem policy."We think players should stand. We encourage our players to stand," McCaskey said, according to Larry Mayer of ChicagoBears.com.The policy will allow players to remain in the locker room for the playing of the anthem, but teams can face league fines should any player or personnel take a knee on the field.McCaskey also acknowledged that the first players to take a knee during the anthem did so to protest police misconduct and social inequality."We are proud of our players for their social activism and the effort to make the greatest city in the world better," said McCaskey, according to the team.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Terrell Owens waited two years to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but he won't attend the ceremony.The retired NFL receiver was snubbed by Hall of Fame voters in the two previous years before finally receiving the call this February, and his induction has apparently done little to cool the sting of not making the cut earlier.Owens posted a statement on his website Thursday, declining the invitation to his induction ceremony.

Ben Roethlisberger's backups were grateful to him for going on vacation during organized team activities earlier in the offseason because it allowed them to get more practice reps, the Pittsburgh Steelers veteran said Wednesday."I know those guys really enjoyed it, and they were thanking me for it," Roethlisberger told Sean Gentille of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.Roethlisberger suited up for practice Wednesday, marking the first time he took the field with the rest of his team this offseason. The 36-year-old missed most of the Steelers' voluntary workouts in May and June while on vacation with his family.His earlier absences resulted in more snaps for third-round rookie Mason Rudolph, second-year pivot Joshua Dobbs, and veteran backup Landry Jones."If (head coach Mike Tomlin) asked me to be here every day, I would be here every day, but they haven't asked me to do that," Roethlisberger said of his previous whereabouts.It's been a bumpy offseason for Big Ben, who made headlines after the NFL draft for criticizing the Steelers' selection of Rudolph in the third round, and later saying he'd "point to the playbook" if the rookie asked him for help. Roethlisberger eventually clarified that he'll help Rudolph, just as he's helped his other backups in the past.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

How difficult have the NBA Finals been for LeBron James? The basketball icon likened battling the Golden State Warriors to facing another sports dynasty."The margin of error is very low. It's almost like playing the Patriots," James said following Game 3 of The Finals.James and his Cleveland Cavaliers trail the Warriors 3-0 in their best-of-seven series following a 110-102 loss Wednesday night.The Cavaliers have had chances to make the series a competitive one, most notably in Game 1, when late errors cost them a shot at victory."You just can't have mistakes. They're not going to beat themselves," James said while comparing the Warriors to the Patriots."If you're able to force a miscue, you have to be able to capitalize and then you have to be so in tuned and razor sharp and focused every single possession, you can't have miscommunications, you can't have lulls, you can't have my faults or my bads because they're going to make you pay."The entire AFC knows what you're talking about, LeBron.

The lawyers for Colin Kaepernick are expected to seek an arbitrator's permission to subpoena President Donald Trump, potentially forcing him to testify in the unsigned quarterback's collusion case against the NFL, sources told Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports.Kaepernick's legal team also reportedly wants to subpoena Vice President Mike Pence and other federal officials aware of Trump's agenda against NFL players who protest during the national anthem.Kaepernick's suit against the NFL alleges that the league's owners formed an unofficial pact to keep him off a roster. Kaepernick has been a free agent since March 2017, and has already deposed multiple NFL owners in the case.Trump has openly chastised Kaepernick for kneeling during the national anthem. He's also personally spoken to certain NFL owners about his disdain for anthem demonstrators, according to recent reports.Related - Trump to NFL players not standing for anthem: 'Maybe you shouldn't be in the country'Because Trump isn't part of the agreement between the NFL and the players' union, Kaepernick's legal team would first have to persuade a system arbitrator overseeing the grievance that the testimony of the president (or other political figures) would be relevant and impactful before they could seek the subpoenas.If Trump does testify, Kaepernick's lawyers will attempt to prove the president has influenced owners to not sign the former San Francisco 49ers star. However, it's not clear whether a subpoena would be effective. Trump could ignore the order, leaving it up to the justice system to decide whether to enforce it, and as part of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into obstruction, his lawyers have reportedly already argued that the president can't be subpoenaed.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.