The NFL is winding down for the summer. Free-agent cash has been spent, draft classes selected, and while rosters around the league are far from set, we now have a firm grasp of how each team is set up for the upcoming season.No team is perfect, though. Every franchise in the league still has major issues to address before the gridiron violence resumes. From uncertainty surrounding the performance of aging quarterbacks to the impact of new ownership, here are the biggest questions for all 16 NFC teams:NFC I AFC (May 17)Arizona CardinalsCan the offensive line protect whoever wins the starting job? - The Cardinals tied for third in sacks allowed last season; they also have two quarterbacks atop their depth chart - Sam Bradford and rookie Josh Rosen - who both have injury histories, with the former having one of the lengthiest in NFL history. Justin Pugh and Andre Smith were added to the line in free agency, but the unit is still one of the weakest in the league. Whether it's Bradford or Rosen under center in Week 1, the Cardinals' top priority is stabilizing their protection.Atlanta FalconsCan Steve Sarkisian fix the offense's woes in the red zone? - In 2016, under offensive wizard Kyle Shanahan, the Falcons' offense turned red-zone chances into touchdowns roughly 64.5 percent of the time (eighth-best in the league), according to teamrankings.com. A year later, however, the Sarkisian-led unit plummeted to around 45 percent (23rd-best), a disaster considering the team's plethora of weapons. The under-fire Sarkisian needs to get the Falcons back on track with essentially the same skill group. Maybe that Julio Jones guy could be useful?Carolina PanthersWhat does new ownership mean for the Panthers? - It seems like a Diddy-Curry-Kaepernick ownership faction was too good to be true, as billionaire David Tepper has bought the franchise for a reported $2.2 billion. After the sale, major questions will need to be answered, from the team's future in Carolina to the new owner's day-to-day involvement.Chicago BearsCan Matt Nagy build a top offense with his new weapons? - The Bears aggressively upgraded their offense this offseason, giving incoming offensive-minded head coach Nagy some exciting toys to play with. How quickly and effectively Nagy can integrate the likes of Allen Robinson, Trey Burton, and rookie Anthony Miller into a unit that already boasts Jordan Howard, Tarik Cohen, and of course Mitch Trubisky, will likely determine how far Chicago can go in 2018.Dallas CowboysWho will step up to replace Dez Bryant and Jason Witten? - One-hundred and thirty-two - that's the number of catches the Cowboys need to redistribute following the release of Bryant and the retirement of Witten. Dallas has a lot of bodies, but few quality pass-catchers. Maybe Allen Hurns bounces back, or perhaps Michael Gallup turns into an instant star? Whoever it is, the Cowboys need to quickly determine who will be Dak Prescott's go-to guy.Detroit LionsWill the running game finally produce? - The last time the Lions had a 100-yard rusher in a game, the "Harlem Shake" dance was taking over the Internet. Fast-forward nearly five years, and the Lions are still pouring resources into fixing the ground game, which ranked dead last in 2017. Detroit signed LeGarrette Blount in free agency and drafted fellow runner Kerryon Johnson and mauler Frank Ragnow. The Lions don't need a dominant ground game with Matthew Stafford under center, but it's past time the team gave its quarterback some backfield support.Green Bay PackersCan the young secondary grow up fast enough to help Aaron Rodgers pursue his second ring? - The Packers' pass defense - or lack thereof - has held back the team's pursuit of a second title in the Rodgers era. Outside of veterans Tramon Williams and Davon House, Green Bay is banking on a youth movement to reinvigorate the unit. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (25), Kevin King (23), Jaire Alexander (21), and Josh Jackson (21) should all play critical roles and will be under immense pressure to come together quickly in order to give Rodgers the support he needs.Los Angeles RamsHow will the star additions jell with the young core? - With Jared Goff and Todd Gurley on controlled rookie contracts for the foreseeable future, the Rams loaded up on star veterans to push them over the edge. Aqib Talib, Marcus Peters, and Ndamukong Suh undoubtedly make L.A. better, but it's no easy task to integrate outspoken - and sometimes volatile - vets into a young team that's still growing, especially for a coach as inexperienced as Sean McVay.Minnesota VikingsCan Kirk Cousins take the offense to the next level? - Despite paying Cousins an NFL record $28 million per season, the Vikings don't need, nor expect him to play, like an elite quarterback. But, Minnesota does need to get its monies worth. The Vikings' offense was 10th in scoring and 11th in passing in 2017, so while there's room for improvement, a significant jump is a tall task - but one that Cousins will need to be equal to in order to prove the Vikings' historic investment was worth it.New Orleans SaintsIs Marcus Davenport the final piece to the championship puzzle? - Believing they were another top pass-rusher away from the second title of the Drew Brees-Sean Payton era, the Saints made a blockbuster move to jump up for Davenport. New Orleans gave up its 2019 first-rounder to snag the defensive end, so he'll be under enormous pressure to produce from Day 1. Brees turns 40 before next year's Super Bowl; he simply doesn't have the time to wait for Davenport to find his feet at the pro level.New York GiantsDoes Eli Manning have enough left in the tank? - The Giants have gone all-in on the 38-year-old Manning. If he has a Pro Bowl-worthy season left in him, New York could be contenders. But, if the regression he has shown of late is more about his age and less about his previously-weak supporting cast, it won't matter how many highlight-reel plays Saquon Barkley and Odell Beckham Jr. produce.Philadelphia EaglesWill Carson Wentz be ready for Week 1? - The reigning champs have few concerns, and even the uncertain status of Wentz is softened by the presence of Nick Foles. Still, while Wentz is "very confident" he'll be healthy for the season opener, it's likely he won't be the force of nature he was in 2017. Wentz should eventually get up to speed, but how the Eagles manage his return will be vital to their chances of repeating.San Francisco 49ersDoes Jimmy Garoppolo have the weapons to live up to his mammoth contract? - Armed with the second-most cap space in the league entering free agency, the 49ers eschewed most of the big-name offensive players available, inking only running back Jerick McKinnon to a surprisingly large contract. Head coach Kyle Shanahan's system is a star-maker, but opting not to surround Garoppolo with as much top talent as possible is a choice the 49ers will have to answer for if the $137-million man struggles early on.Seattle SeahawksWas enough done to fix the offensive line? - A different year but the same question for the Seahawks' faithful. Due to his woeful protection, Russell Wilson was battered and bruised to such a degree that it's a miracle he made it through 2017 in one piece. Seattle did little this offseason to address the issue - though the team's limited resources was likely a factor in the lack of moves - outside of bringing in two blocking tight ends, and are apparently banking on their current unit making a significant leap under a new position coach. For a retooling team that looks set to rely on Wilson more than ever, opting to essentially stand pat is a risky strategy.Tampa Bay BuccaneersCan Jameis Winston fix consistency issues and reach his star potential? - For three seasons, we've waited for that moment, that breakout performance from Winston - the one where everything clicks and his enviable skill set is maximized. Adding DeSean Jackson last year was meant to be the final piece to the puzzle, but the same accuracy and game-to-game consistency issues plagued Winston. An improved running game could be the real final piece, but the clock is ticking for Winston to prove he's the guy instead of just a guy.Washington RedskinsWho will be Josh Norman's running mate? - Beyond star cornerback Norman, the Redskins face great uncertainty at the position. After sending Kendall Fuller to Kansas City as part of the Alex Smith trade, seasoned veteran Orlando Scandrick is the favorite to earn the starting job next to Norman, while Fabian Moreau and Josh Holsey will fight it out to be the primary slot corner. The pass defense was a strength for Washington last season; they can't afford for it to be a weakness next year.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sold.The Carolina Panthers announced Wednesday morning that an agreement has been signed to sell the team to David Tepper, a billionaire hedge fund manager and a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.The deal is for a reported $2.2 billion to $2.3 billion, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, who added that Tepper is expected to be approved by NFL owners at their meetings in May. The 60-year-old will also have to sell his 5 percent share of the Steelers before completing his deal with the Panthers, which is expected to close in July."I am thrilled to have been selected to be the next owner of the Carolina Panthers," Tepper said in a team-issued release. "I have learned a great deal about the community and the team over the past several months and look forward to becoming part of the Carolinas."Panthers founder and current owner Jerry Richardson agreed to sell the team after reports of workplace misconduct against him became public in December."Bringing the Panthers and the NFL to the Carolinas in 1993 was enormously fulfilling for Rosalind and me and all of our partners. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support over the last 25 years," Richardson said in a statement."I look forward to turning the stewardship of the Panthers over to David Tepper. I have enjoyed getting to know him in this process and am confident that he will provide the organization with great leadership in both its football and community initiatives."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Denver Broncos general manager and vice president of football operations John Elway has become the most recent NFL executive to be deposed in Colin Kaepernick's collusion case against the NFL, according to Mike Klis of 9NEWS.Kaepernick was present for the hour-long session, which took place at the Broncos team headquarters on Tuesday.Elway was the last executive to offer Kaepernick a roster spot, according to Klis. The Broncos tried to trade for Kaepernick before the 2016 season when he was a member of the San Francisco 49ers.The list of individuals who have been deposed by Kaepernicks' lawyers continues to grow, and already includes Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome and head coach John Harbaugh, Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll, as well as NFL owners Jerry Jones, Stephen Ross, and Bob McNair.Kaepernick is attempting to prove NFL teams are colluding to prevent him from playing in the league, after he knelt during the national anthem to protest social injustice in the United States.The quarterback has remained unsigned since opting out of his contract with the 49ers in March 2017.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham may miss spring workouts after recently undergoing surgery on his right ankle, according to ESPN's Tim McManus.Graham suffered a high ankle sprain on Christmas against the Oakland Raiders but played through the injury during the playoffs. The surgery was done in order to help accelerate the healing process.The 30-year-old is coming off an excellent season, during which he recorded 47 tackles, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pass deflections in 15 games. Graham effectively sealed Philadelphia's victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII, stripping Tom Brady of the ball with 2:21 left in the fourth quarter before teammate Derek Barnett recovered.Graham is expected to report to the Eagles' facility on Monday with organized team activities (OTAs) scheduled to begin.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As many are aware by now, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross' rookie year did not go as planned.After being selected ninth overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, Ross battled shoulder injuries en route to a lost season, and was held catchless in the three games he did suit up for.Entering his second campaign, Ross is finally healthy for the first time in a while."I couldn't ask to feel any better than I do now," he said, via Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. "It's the best I've felt since I went into my last year of college."The speedy wideout is determined to put his injuries behind him while adding a spark to Cincinnati's offense in 2018. His teammates, including quarterback Andy Dalton, are taking note."(Ross) looks good, completely different than he did last year," Dalton said. "You can tell he worked hard. It looks like he's getting back to where he was.""Last year he was trying to learn and rehab his shoulder at the same time. But seeing it on paper and actually going out and doing it are two completely different things. Now that he’s had an offseason to get healthy, you can tell. He’s catching the ball really well. He’s going up and getting it the little we’ve done so far."The Bengals are certainly in need of an upgrade at receiver across from star A.J. Green. The team ranked last in yards per game and 26th in points per game in 2017.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Josh Rosen was billed as the quarterback of the future when the Arizona Cardinals traded up to select him 10th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. It may be worth pushing his start date up.With current starter Sam Bradford getting the day off Tuesday and backup Mike Glennon leaving practice early with an illness, Rosen got his chance with the first team and impressed both his new teammates and head coach Steve Wilks."Josh looked great today," Wilks said to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss. "Some of his timing and his throws with the quarterback and tight ends I thought were right on point.""He stepped in the huddle and had a lot of pizzazz," Cardinals left tackle D.J. Humphries added. "He didn't seem like he was choked up at all. Voice didn't crack none. He wasn't talking low. He was excited. He was asserting himself into the huddle, and I was pretty excited to see that."Wilks also expressed confidence that Rosen will be able to learn the Cardinals' playbook swiftly as the summer marches forward."I really don't think it's going to take him long just for a mere fact that he's extremely smart, very intelligent," he said. "And, most importantly, he puts the time and effort in. I think with him working with (quarterbacks coach Byron Leftwich) - with the rookies, we can keep those guys a little longer, as far as time frame as far as meetings - I think he's going to be able to pick it up quickly."It certainly seems like Rosen could challenge for the starting role under center during the regular season, even with Bradford in the mix.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill will meet with team doctors and coaches this week with the expectation that he'll be cleared for the beginning of organized team activities (OTAs) next Tuesday with little or no limitations, team sources told Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.Miami may ultimately choose to hold him back as he continues to recover from the torn ACL that cost him the final month of the 2016 season and, after further tearing the same ligament prior to the preseason a year later, all of the 2017 campaign.Giving Tannehill more time would not only help protect the Dolphins' tabbed starter for the 2018 season, but it could also allow backups Brock Osweiler and David Fales to get more snaps with the first-team offense.New offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains expects Tannehill to pick up where he left off in 2016, when he completed 67.1 percent of 389 pass attempts for 2,995 yards and 19 touchdowns through 13 games in his first season with head coach Adam Gase."The 2016 season, he had such a good year. For me, the first thing I did was turn on the (2017) OTAs and the training camp right before he got hurt and got to watch how much improvement and how much jump he had taken in Year 2, and it was unfortunate that he got hurt because obviously the offense was affected by it," Loggains said.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan believes Dez Bryant can land back on his feet following his release.Ryan advocated for the veteran wide receiver during a recent appearance on FS1's "Undisputed," sharing a story about the time Bryant embarrassed a rookie cornerback in practice."He's all football. This guy loves football. He's so passionate about it," Ryan said. "I say he's a genuine article. He's a wild horse. It's what he is."Believe me, I made the mistake of putting a first-year corner on him first day of practice and Dez Bryant punked him, knocked him down so bad he had a terrible career. He's still playing, but he's not any good and it's because Dez punked him ... That was the beginning of the end, dumbest thing I ever did. But I'll tell you what, I love Dez Bryant and I believe in him. History has shown, great receivers can come back."Ryan didn't name the cornerback, but Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News speculates that he was talking about Morris Claiborne, the Cowboys' first-round pick in the 2012 draft. Claiborne missed 33 games due to injuries over his five seasons in Dallas.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson is still no fan of the New England Patriots.Johnson - who helped the Eagles defeat the Patriots in Super Bowl LII in February - criticized the AFC juggernaut before and after that game, calling Tom Brady a "pretty boy" and New England a "fear-based organization," among other comments.After taking a few months to reflect this offseason, Johnson doubled down on his critiques.Related: Eagles' Johnson: Patriots are 'fear-based organization' "Here's what pissed me off," Johnson said during an appearance on "The Steve Austin Show." "The Patriots, obviously, I respect their coach, I respect Bill (Belichick), I respect Tom Brady, but just because the way that they won the Super Bowls, the Patriot Way, is that how everybody else is supposed to do the same thing? No, it's not. And that's what I got mad at, the arrogance by them."There was obviously some stuff behind closed doors. Their owner talking s--- to our owner. Bill talking s--- to our head coach (Doug Pederson) before the game. I'm not going to say it, but a lot of s--- kind built up to that, and I just got tired of hearing about it, man, to be honest."Johnson also dismissed the Patriots' defense, which struggled in the Super Bowl and drew scrutiny after Belichick unexpectedly benched starting cornerback Malcolm Butler throughout the game."I saw a defense that wasn't overly talented. It was all really about containing Tom Brady," the All-Pro tackle said. "We had a hard time doing that - he had 505 yards. But that was really it, man. Going into the game, I'm not going to be shell-shocked by it. That was kind of our thing going in. I think we had the upper hand on that."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera sees a bit of Josh Norman in rookie cornerback Donte Jackson, but former NFL wide receiver Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson wants to be the judge of that.After the NFL's Twitter account shared a story Monday of Rivera comparing Jackson's swagger to that of Norman, Johnson, who last played in an NFL game in 2011, challenged the rookie to go one-on-one.

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The ex-girlfriend of San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster is planning to testify Thursday that she lied about Foster hitting her in an incident on Feb. 11, her attorney confirmed Tuesday to Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee.Related: Reuben Foster's ex-girlfriend recants domestic violence claimElissa Ennis plans to admit to falsely claiming to police that Foster hit her 10 times with a closed fist, dragged her down the stairs by her hair, and threw her out of his home three times. She previously said, through her attorney, that her injuries, including a swollen lip and ruptured eardrum, occurred in a fight with a woman. A video of that fight was given to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office for review.Foster pleaded not guilty last week to three felony charges of domestic violence.Deputy district attorneys will have to decide whether they want to move forward with the case after Ennis denies her initial claims.Related - 49ers' Lynch: If Foster did hit a woman, he won't be part of teamCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Panthers are expected to be sold to billionaire David Tepper for a whopping $2.2 billion on Tuesday, marking the richest deal in NFL history.It's a landmark agreement for a number of reasons, and it says plenty about the league and the value of its franchises.Cash is still king - and so is the NFLFor all the talk about declining ratings, registrations, and interest in the sport, football remains king. Tepper is believed to be the world's fifth-richest hedge fund manager, with an estimated net worth of $11 billion. He dipped his toe into NFL ownership by buying a five percent stake in the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2009, and, after making a significant return on that investment, he's chosen to go all-in on his own franchise.Tepper reportedly shelled out $2.2 billion in cash to own the Panthers outright, proving some of the richest men in the world still want a piece of the NFL.Last fall, the NBA's Houston Rockets sold for a record $2.2 billion to Tilman Fertitta, who trumpeted the deal by extolling the virtues of professional basketball over football."I would have been scared to pay $2.2 billion for an NFL franchise at this point. The NBA is where it's at," Fertitta said at the time.Tepper had no such qualms.Though they sold for the same price, the Rockets were estimated as the NBA's eighth-most valuable franchise in 2016, while the Panthers were estimated by Forbes in 2017 to be the NFL's 21st-most valuable team.The last deal before the potential legalization of gamblingTepper may already be an even richer man hours after buying the Panthers.(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)A day before the sale, the U.S. Supreme Court paved the way for states to legalize sports betting. Once these new gambling avenues are in place, the value of franchises across professional sports is expected to rise.Five-to-10 states are expected to allow bets before kickoff of the next NFL season, betting analyst Jon Campbell told theScore on Monday.The impact won't only be felt in the access and availability for bettors across the country, but in increased revenue from marketing and advertisements. Leagues may also look to profit by creating their own sportsbooks. And that's just in the immediate future.The next owner looking to sell may scoff at any offers below Tepper's pre-Supreme Court ruling $2.2 billion.More money, more money.Hot market, soaring pricesDespite the exorbitant sum Tepper reportedly paid, the price tag was expected to be even higher.Forbes estimated the Panthers to be worth $2.3 billion as recently as eight months ago, and other projections valued the team at $2.6 billion, according to The MMQB's Albert Breer.Seller Jerry Richardson could've made more, as it's believed Tepper wasn't the highest bidder for the club. But he was the most qualified, having already been vetted by the NFL for his ownership stake in the Steelers, and may have promised not to move the team, according to Jourdan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer.Other qualified candidates included Ben Navarro, the founder of a local financial group; Alan Kestenbaum, a steel company CEO; and e-commerce entrepreneur Michael Rubin. The franchise also drew interest from entertainers, music moguls, and current and retired athletes such as Stephen Curry and Peyton Manning.The market was hot, and the numbers are trending in the right direction. The Miami Dolphins sold for $1.1 billion in 2008, and the Buffalo Bills commanded a $1.4-billion fee in 2014. It's only up from here, and that's good news for any franchise.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Now that Jason Witten is being paid to have an opinion, he offered his thoughts on the Dez Bryant free-agency speculation.The new lead analyst for ESPN's Monday Night Football telecasts spoke on Adam Schefter's podcast about Bryant's potential landing spot."I think Dez is certainly going to have some great opportunities," Witten said. "He's motivated, and I think he's going to end up going to the Green Bay Packers."I think that's a great spot for him. Aaron Rodgers, he throws that back-shoulder throw so well and Dez has great chemistry with a good quarterback that can put the ball wherever he wants. I still believe Dez can high-point the football as good as any other wide receiver in the National Football League."Witten prefaced the point by admitting he doesn't have any insider knowledge of the situation. He merely believes Green Bay is the best spot for his former teammate.Bryant was released by the Cowboys in April after spending the first eight years of his career in Dallas. He vowed revenge and hoped to sign with a rival NFC East team, but has drawn only modest interest.Bryant averaged a career single-season low of 12.1 yards per reception in 2017. He hasn't recorded a 1,000-plus-yard season since 2014.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Panthers are expected to be sold to hedge fund manager David Tepper on Tuesday for a record $2.2 billion - in cash, the Charlotte Observer's Katherine Peralta, Rick Rothacker, Jourdan Rodrigue, and Joseph Person report.Tepper, a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, emerged as the leading candidate last week. He would have to sell his minority stake in the Steelers and the deal would still require approval from the league's owners at the next NFL meeting from May 21 to 23.The Buffalo Bills were the last NFL franchise to be sold, netting $1.4 billion in 2014. The NBA's Houston Rockets fetched $2.2 billion in 2017.Tepper is already envisioning the Panthers in the image of the Steelers. As an owner, he'd like his new franchise to incorporate the continuity, stability, and approach to contract extensions that the Steelers have, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.The Steelers are a model of consistency: They've reached the playoffs 30 times in the last 46 years and have had just three coaches in the past half-century.As for player contracts, the three offensive stars of the team - Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and Le'Veon Bell - were inked to below-market deals.Roethlisberger signed an extension in 2015 and is currently the 11th-best-paid quarterback in the league based on contract values. Brown is considered one of the best receivers in the game and ranks sixth at his position in contracts. Bell has been fighting for an extension for two offseasons and is currently tabbed to play a second consecutive campaign on the team's franchise tag.Tepper's estimated net worth is $11 billion. He emerged as the favorite to be the next owner of the franchise over a group of bidders that included financial group founder Ben Navarro, steel company CEO Alan Kestenbaum, and entrepreneur Michael Rubin.The Panthers were put up for sale by founder and owner Jerry Richardson after he faced reports of workplace misconduct in December.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After slamming the door shut on his footballing future Monday, DeAngelo Hall cracked it back slightly open later in the day.The free-agent cornerback told ESPN that he was "for damn sure" done playing in the NFL, but his former team, the Washington Redskins, tweeted hours later that the move wasn't official.

The New England Patriots continue to push the envelop in the pursuit of victory.New England will reportedly hire martial arts expert Joe Kim as a pass-rushing consultant, a league source told Ben Volin of The Boston Globe.Kim has reportedly worked with 10 NFL teams in the past, dating back to 1992.This isn't Kim's first consultation with Bill Belichick. The Patriots head coach initially hired the taekwondo specialist in 1992, while serving in the same capacity for the Cleveland Browns.Kim has previously served as a member of the U.S. national taekwondo team.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL offseason is a time for optimism, as fans around the league talk about their teams' chances in the wake of free agency and the draft.Unfortunately, the inevitable sucker-punch of reality awaits a handful of teams destined to end the 2018 campaign in the NFL's proverbial basement.Here's a look at five teams that should be in the running for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft:5. Arizona CardinalsA team betting its season on the health of the oft-injured Sam Bradford is courting disaster. The Cardinals do have a strong backup plan (Josh Rosen, not Mike Glennon), but Rosen is a gunslinger who'll need time to adjust to the speed of the NFL. If he's forced into action too early, Arizona will have to win in spite of the rookie's likely high turnover rate - a highly difficult task for such a top-heavy roster.There's a chance Bradford stays on the field and maximizes the Cardinals' offensive talent, but this team is clearly rebuilding, has a rookie head coach, and has been trending downward for the past few years. Barring David Johnson exploding for an MVP-type season, Arizona seems destined for double-digit losses.4. Cincinnati BengalsThe Bengals haven't won fewer than six games since the 2010 season, including a four-year streak of double-digit-winning seasons from 2012-15, but the franchise has stagnated under Marvin Lewis of late. The head coach was expected to retire this offseason, and it was a shock when he opted to return. Extending an era that already looked dead in the water isn't exactly a recipe for success.Cincinnati's core peaked in 2015, and young guns like Joe Mixon and John Ross don't yet look ready to reinvigorate the team. And, as always, there's the Andy Dalton factor. He's arguably the most inconsistent quarterback in the league, and it's not hard to imagine a scenario in which he plays the Bengals into contention for the top overall pick.3. Miami DolphinsThe Dolphins are truly Adam Gase's team after the head coach purged the likes of Jay Ajayi, Jarvis Landry, and Ndamukong Suh from the roster over the past seven months. It remains to be seen whether these moves fix the Dolphins' culture issues, but it's hard to argue Miami is a more talented squad because of Gase's vision.To make matters worse, the Dolphins exited the draft without adding one of its top quarterback prospects. If Ryan Tannehill cannot rebound from his major knee injury, what's Miami's Plan B? (Do not say Jay Cutler). And it's not like the aging defense, which gave up the fourth-most points in 2017, will be improved enough to carry the team should the offense falter. It could be a long season in Miami.2. Cleveland BrownsWhile the owners of the last two No. 1 overall pick missed out on the top spot on this list, the Browns will always be contenders for it until they can prove otherwise - or at the very least, win a freaking game. The main reason Cleveland could make it three straight top picks is head coach Hue Jackson, whose poor in-game management, predictable playcalling, and mishandling of the quarterback position at every single step has cost the Browns time and time again.Cleveland does have more than enough talent to fight its way up toward .500 in 2018, and regardless of who is under center between Tyrod Taylor and Baker Mayfield, both will be substantial upgrades over their 2017 counterparts. However, the defense is still a work-in-progress - especially the young secondary - and coordinator Gregg Williams was outsmarted week in, week out last season. This season could finally be the year the Browns put it all together, but we've all been fooled before.1. Buffalo BillsBuffalo finally made the playoffs after 18 years of watching from the outside. So, it's painfully poetic that the Bills could follow up that ecstasy with their worst season in recent memory. Now, the Bills are far from a lock for the No. 1 overall pick. The defense has talent at every level, LeSean McCoy is still a stud, and Sean McDermott proved himself a shrewd head coach outside of the Nathan Peterman disaster.However, it's hard to get past the glaring lack of talent on offense beyond the increasingly fragile McCoy, who will turn 30 before Week 1. Either AJ McCarron or raw rookie Josh Allen will have to throw to arguably the worst receiving corps in the league, while behind an offensive line that lost two Pro Bowl-caliber players in Eric Wood and Richie Incognito. McCarron is far from a quality starter, but Allen is even further from being ready for prime time. If the big-armed pivot is thrown into the fire, the Bills are sure to get burned.(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

K.J. Malone, the son of two-time NBA MVP Karl Malone, retired from football on Monday.The younger Malone signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent, previously featuring as a left tackle for LSU. Malone missed six games with the Tigers due to injury in 2017 but previously told reporters that he wasn't concerned about his knee. The 23-year-old never played a game for the Texans.Karl Malone starred for the Utah Jazz from 1985-2003, ending his career with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2004, earning 14 All-Star selections. Malone ranks second on the NBA's all-time scoring list, second only to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A memorabilia fraud lawsuit levied against the New York Giants and quarterback Eli Manning has been settled, the team announced Monday.The Giants released the following statement, as obtained by Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio who was first to report the story:"Eric Inselberg, Michael Jakab, and Sean Godown have resolved all claims in their pending litigation against the New York Giants, Eli Manning, John Mara, William Heller, Joseph Skiba, Edward Skiba and Steiner Sports, in accordance with a confidential settlement agreement reached today. The compromise agreement, entered into by all parties, should not be viewed as supporting any allegations, claims or defenses. All parties are grateful to have the matter, which began in 2014, concluded and are now focused on football, the fans and the future."Manning's case was scheduled to go to trial, with jury selection expected to begin next week. The quarterback vehemently refuted the allegations against him on multiple occasions.Lead plaintiff Eric Inselberg alleged that Manning, in conjunction with the Giants, presented helmets as "game-worn" for sale when they had never been used. Inselberg said he consulted with photographic experts, who could not find evidence that the helmets Manning sold were worn in-game.Inselberg and his team based their case around a series of emails in which Manning consulted with equipment manager Joe Skiba."2 helmets that can pass as game used. That is it. Eli," Manning wrote to Skiba in April 2010, according to the documents collected in the lawsuit. Manning and the Giants' attorneys claimed the aforementioned email was taken out of context to present the quarterback in a defamatory fashion."Manning never instructed Joe Skiba to create any fraudulent memorabilia," Manning's attorney Robert Lawrence wrote to The Associated Press. "Rather, Manning believed that if he asked Joe Skiba for his helmets, he received his game-used helmets and that the helmets he received from Skiba were his game-used helmets."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Eagles running back Jay Ajayi is facing a lawsuit over damages to a Los Angeles mansion he rented for five days in February following Philadelphia's Super Bowl LII win, according to TMZ Sports.The owner of the 6,000-square-foot pad alleges that Ajayi and a friend held three separate parties despite being specifically told not to. Damage to the house included a broken table and a scratched floor, and the owner is seeking $25,000 in penalty fees.The owner also alleges that Ajayi "pushed (him) on (his) chest in a menacing and threatening manner" when confronted on Feb. 18 and needed to call local security to remove the veteran back.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Christian Kirk was charged and arrested for disorderly conduct on Feb. 3 after becoming intoxicated and throwing rocks while leaving the Waste Management Phoenix Open.The Cardinals released the following statement, as obtained by Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic:"We spoke with Christian about it at length and also looked into it independently. Our understanding is that the process will be resolved in the near future but while it remains an active legal matter, we won’t comment further."Kirk is expected to augment the Cardinals' passing game and ought to develop a rapport with quarterback Josh Rosen, whom the Cardinals traded up to select 10th overall.Kirk was selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. During his final two seasons at Texas A&M, he was named to the All-SEC team.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Washington Redskins running back Derrius Guice was one of the most controversial selections of the 2018 NFL Draft, but he's reduced all previous criticism to white noise.Guice, taken 59th overall by Washington, dropped out of the first round reportedly due to concerns about his immaturity and attitude. The former LSU standout was relieved after the Redskins selected him, and he's made a strong initial impression upon his new club."He's just a ball of energy,” Redskins coach Jay Gruden said to ESPN's John Keim. "He's really excited to be here. He's willing to learn. He's first in the meeting, got his playbook open, and just soaking in all the knowledge."Although some expect Guice to immediately contribute as the starter, he'll compete against Chris Thompson, Samaje Perine, and Rob Kelley. For the time being, though, Guice isn't altogether concerned."I'm not worried about the other running backs," Guice said. "They'll do great things there. I'm just worried about me and my organization ... it really don’t matter. It's one of those things you can’t control. All I can do is control what I do for this organization."Guice's descent through the draft was a difficult experience, but it's now become old news around the U.S. capital.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Denver Broncos running back De'Angelo Henderson is expected to be OK after a car collided with his jeep Saturday night, according to the team's executive VP of public relations, Patrick Smyth.Henderson suffered only minor injuries and was one of several people involved in the accident. He was taken to hospital as a precaution, then returned to the team's facility Monday and is expected to be ready for the start of organized team activities (OTAs) next week.

It doesn't appear as though there are any hard feelings between running back Adrian Peterson and the New Orleans Saints, roughly seven months after the veteran was traded to the Arizona Cardinals for a single conditional draft pick.Saints head coach Sean Payton said last week he'd be open to bringing Peterson back for the 2018 season, and it's a potential reunion in which the 11-year veteran seems interested."Of course I would. I'm not tripping over the past, plus it would be a different look," Peterson said, according to ESPN's Josina Anderson.Peterson signed a two-year, $7-million contract with the Saints last offseason, but lasted merely four games on the roster, rushing for 81 yards on 27 attempts, catching just two passes for four yards, and failing to score a single touchdown.He went on to rush for 448 yards and two touchdowns on 129 carries and added another 66 yards on nine receptions in six games with the Cardinals, but finished the year on injured reserve.Discussion of Peterson being brought back into the fold comes in the wake of Pro Bowler Mark Ingram's four-game suspension to begin the season. That news leaves reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Alvin Kamara to lead the rushing attack for the opening quarter of his sophomore campaign, with Daniel Lasco, Boston Scott, Jonathan Williams, and Trey Edmunds offering support.Peterson could have a larger role than he was asked to fill last season as the primary ball carrier in Ingram's absence.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dean Blandino, former president of officiating with the NFL, has been named College Football Officiating director of instant replay, the NCAA announced."Dean emerged as the best candidate from a talented group of people interested in helping shape the future of instant replay in college football," Mid-American Conference commissioner and chair of the CFO Board of Managers Jon Steinbrecher said in a statement. "His expertise and skills will help guide this important aspect of officiating."Blandino will continue his current role as an on-air rules analyst for NCAA and NFL broadcasts for FOX Sports, a position he obtained last year."I’m extremely excited to join the CFO and NCAA in this role," Blandino said. "I've spent much of my career in the replay space and look forward to continuing to improve our processes and programming with the ultimate goal of efficient - and correct - outcomes."Blandino joined the NFL in 1994 and served in a variety of roles, ultimately being named the senior vice president of officiating in 2013. His new position with the NCAA will focus on off-season development and educational duties.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With the NFL draft behind us and almost all of the notable free agents signed, it's time to identify this year's fantasy breakout candidates.Average draft position (ADP) data courtesy of Fantasy Football Calculator and is based on 12-team leagues with standard scoring.Patrick Mahomes, QB, ChiefsThe quarterback position is incredibly deep once again, giving fantasy owners an opportunity to sit back and wait before selecting a starter. If you're exercising that type of patience, Mahomes could be this year's Carson Wentz - a sophomore QB capable of emerging as a fantasy star. After sitting behind Alex Smith for a year, Mahomes is taking over a Kansas City offense loaded with talent at every skill position, with Sammy Watkins being added to a group that already featured Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Kareem Hunt. The Chiefs could also end up in more shootouts in 2018, since their defense lost several key members. Pairing Mahomes with a more steady late-round option like Matt Ryan is a potential league-winning strategy.Star Potential: ★★★★☆

One of the NFL's biggest defensive personalities is calling it a career, as free-agent cornerback DeAngelo Hall is retiring after 14 seasons in the league, he said Monday, per ESPN.Hall, 34, played five games for the Washington Redskins last season. Originally the eighth overall pick by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2004 draft, he spent four seasons in Atlanta, eight games with the Oakland Raiders in 2008, and the last 9.5 seasons in Washington.He'd suited up for just eight games over the past two years and hadn't played a full 16-game schedule since the 2013 season.The outspoken corner appeared in three Pro Bowls and won the Fastest Man competition at the 2005 event. He finishes his career with 43 interceptions, 11 forced fumbles, two sacks, and 811 combined tackles across 171 games. He played in a total of four playoff contests with Washington and Atlanta.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday to lift the federal ban on sports betting, causing a social media frenzy.Related: U.S. Supreme Court votes to end ban on state-sanctioned sports bettingHere are some of the best reactions from across the Twitterverse:

In a historic decision Monday morning, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 7-2 in favor of overturning the federal ban on state-sanctioned sports betting, paving the way for legalized wagering across the country.The official decision contends, "Congress can regulate sports gambling directly, but if it elects not to do so, each State is free to act on its own."Related - theScore CEO John Levy: "Ruling is a huge victory for sports fans across the United States"The case was contested in New Jersey, which is now eligible to make the change immediately under the ruling. According to gaming and sports attorney Daniel Wallach, it's expected Monmouth Park Racetrack will be one of the first to offer sports betting in as little as two weeks' time.The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act came into law in 1992, and while it didn't officially ban sports betting nationwide, it ruled states were not allowed to regulate and tax sports betting.Nevada was the lone exception to the rule, creating a sports betting haven in the desert, most notably in Las Vegas.According to Pete Williams of NBC Sports, the American Gaming Association estimates the men's NCAA basketball tournament alone brings in $10 billion per year, with only three percent wagered legally in Nevada.New Jersey may be the state to benefit immediately from the decision, but it certainly won't be the only one. Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia recently passed laws that would allow sports wagering contingent upon Monday's decision.Wallach also reports 15 other states, including New York, have introduced legislation that would regulate sports betting related to the Supreme Court's ruling. With the ruling now complete, many expect those states to move forward with legislation to allow betting later this summer.The move to legalize sports betting has picked up a great deal of traction in recent months, with MLB, the NBA, and the PGA Tour leading efforts to ensure safeguards are in place to protect the integrity of their sports. The NBA and MLB are also seeking to be paid a percentage of all legal wagering on their events. NBA vice president Dan Spillane in January told the New York state legislature leagues want a 1 percent cut for "integrity" services, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reports.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With millions watching around the world, most people would find the Super Bowl as pressure-packed an atmosphere as there is, but Josh Norman has found a comparable event: Competing on "Dancing With The Stars."The Washington Redskins cornerback is on this year's all-athletes version of the hit show and admitted the pressure he feels heading into the semifinals is the same as playing in Super Bowl 50 as a member of the Carolina Panthers."It is the Super Bowl," Norman said, as per David Newton of ESPN. "It's just a different type of pressure because your heart will be racing, man, with anxiety. You get out there and put it all out there on the dance floor in front of millions of people watching. Then you've got a couple of hundred people in the audience that is extremely looking at every moment."Norman and his partner Sharna Burgess were tied for the lead after the premiere episode with a very impressive rendition of the cha-cha. They dropped back a bit in the paso doble last week, but have shown enough talent to keep them among the favorites for the title, which is to be handed out next week.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

You can expect to hear a lot of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman this year, as FOX's lead broadcast duo will add Thursday Night Football to their regular Sunday commitments for the 2018 season.FOX Sports president Eric Shanks told John Ourand of Sports Business Daily that the duo will call their usual Sunday doubleheader games while also working the extra games for the first year that Thursday Night Football appears on the network.CBS used its lead broadcast team of Jim Nantz and Tony Romo for Thursday Night Football on its network last season, and Monday's announcement shows FOX will follow suit.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After tearing his ACL during practice in early November, Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson appears to be on track in his recovery ahead of the 2018 season.Appearing on "Good Morning Football" on Monday, Texans head coach Bill O'Brien said Watson is "on schedule to participate in training camp and we're excited about that," via NFL Network's Will Selva.O'Brien added that the second-year pivot is a "fun guy to coach" while praising "his intelligence, his poise, (and) his hunger to learn."Watson - who was selected 12th overall in the 2017 draft - took the league by storm during his rookie year. In seven games (six starts) before his injury, he completed 62 percent of his passes, accumulating 21 total touchdowns and eight interceptions.O'Brien also quieted concerns over defensive lineman J.J. Watt, who is also recovering from a season-ending knee injury in 2017."I would never bet against J.J Watt," he said Monday. "He's going to be back, he's going to be at full strength, and he's going to help us win a lot of games."Texans fans will surely be hoping Watson can maintain his brilliant form and stay healthy in his second campaign. Houston opens its season on the road against the New England Patriots on Sept. 9.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With the draft and free agency in the rearview, things are beginning to take shape across the NFL as the countdown to the season begins.One division that promises to be wide open this year is the AFC West, with each club facing a number of questions that must be answered for them to be considered contenders.The Denver Broncos certainly improved at their most vulnerable position by signing quarterback Case Keenum in the offseason, but despite that signing, general manager John Elway pointed toward another team in the division as the favorites."I thought the Chargers did a really nice job with the draft," Elway said last week, via Peter King of The MMQB. "They've got a settled quarterback, even though the Raiders do too. Looking at it, (the Chargers) may be the ones to beat."After starting the season with four straight losses, Los Angeles rebounded by posting a 9-3 mark to close the schedule, narrowly missing the playoffs on the last day of the season.With star pivot Philip Rivers back for his 15th season, the offense will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with yet again. Adding former Florida State star Derwin James in the first round of the draft was a savvy move by the club, as it now has a talented player in the secondary to pair with the ferocious pass-rush of Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram.Oddsmakers appear to agree with Elway's assessment, as the Westgate Superbook has the Chargers listed as 3-2 favorites to claim the division crown.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The move from the college ranks to the NFL is a leap most rookies aren't remotely prepared for.The game is too fast, the playbooks too dense, and the veterans too experienced and athletically superior to their amateur counterparts for the vast majority of first-year players to make a significant impact.However, each season a select few rookies quickly prove themselves worthy of being mentioned alongside the league's best.Here are five rookies who could follow in the footsteps of 2017 standouts Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore and make the Pro Bowl in their debut seasons.RB Saquon Barkley, Giants(Photo courtesy: Action Images)Let's get the most obvious candidate out of the way. Not only is Barkley by far the most talented running back entering the NFL in September, he landed in New York, an ideal spot for gaining national recognition.Big Apple media coverage can be brutal - Barkley just has to ask Giants teammate Odell Beckham Jr. to learn how quickly the tide can turn - but it will build the former Penn State standout up to a towering height before deciding whether to bring him back down.Throw in an assured featured role on Day 1, the notoriety of going second overall, and his penchant for mind-boggling, highlight-worthy plays, and Barkley is the biggest rookie lock to make the all-star showcase in recent memory.G Quenton Nelson, ColtsNelson was hyped as a potential rookie All-Pro throughout the draft process, so it shouldn't be a surprise that the mauling guard is the next-best bet after Barkley.The 6-foot-5, 325-pounder has the inhuman strength and advanced technique to embarrass opponents as soon as he steps onto an NFL field, and already has some name recognition.Being selected by Indianapolis has benefits and drawbacks. The rest of the Colts' offensive line lacks top talent and Indy might not be the flashiest destination for any rookie, especially a guard. But if Andrew Luck is healthy and firing on all cylinders, Nelson will be lauded for his part in finally protecting the star quarterback. Plus, the Colts have already begun selling Nelson to their fans:

Former Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, and Buffalo Bills head coach Chuck Knox has died at 86 after a lengthy battle with dementia, the Seahawks confirmed.Knox began his career as an offensive line coach for the New York Jets and Detroit Lions in the late 1960s and early 1970s, later becoming the Rams head coach from 1973-1977, and 1992-1994. He coached the Bills from 1978-1982, and Seattle from 1983-1991.Known around the NFL as "Ground Chuck," Knox's offenses emphasized running the ball. He was a three-time Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year (1973, 1980, 1984).Knox currently ranks 10th on the NFL's all-time head coaching wins list with 193 career victories.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former defensive end Greg Hardy will make his professional MMA debut against another ex-NFL player.Hardy will battle former Jacksonville Jaguars fifth-round pick Austen Lane on June 12 in a heavyweight bout on Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series, as announced during the UFC 224 broadcast, via ESPN.Hardy is 3-0 as an amateur fighter, including a 14-second knockout of Ryan Chester in February. All three of his amateur MMA victories have come via first-round knockout.Lane, also a former defensive end who played for the Jaguars and Detroit Lions during his NFL career, is 4-0 as a professional MMA fighter.However, he said the pair's pro football careers will have little impact on their upcoming bout."At the end of the day, when we go in the cage, we're just going to be two fighers," Lane said, via FloCombat.com. "I don't consider him former NFL player Greg Hardy, I consider him MMA fighter Greg Hardy and that's how I'm going to approach what he's bringing to the table."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

When the Denver Broncos selected Paxton Lynch No. 26 overall in the 2016 draft, they envisioned the former Memphis quarterback as their leader for years to come.General manager John Elway surely didn't picture Lynch competing for a backup role entering his third season. But here we are.The Broncos signed Case Keenum to a two-year contract in March, entrenching the former Minnesota Viking as the team's 2018 starting signal-caller.But Denver has not given up on the 2016 first-rounder. Elway did not select a quarterback in the 2017 draft, and head coach Vance Joseph believes Lynch will benefit from a defined role."I think for Paxton and our football team it’s been a weight off all of our backs to have a starting quarterback and have everyone's role defined from Day 1," Joseph told reporters Saturday, via Gina Mizell of the Denver Post. "So for Paxton, he can relax and get better each day and not worry about a competition."Joseph also sees Keenum as the perfect mentor for Lynch, who is entering a make-or-break season."I think for Paxton being around Case also - I mean, Case has been through some ups and downs in his career, so he can learn from Case on how to handle those things," he said. "With Case being here, (Lynch) can sit back and relax and get better as a quarterback and not worry about being the guy right now and just compete to be our backup."Lynch has battled injuries and inconsistencies during the early part of his NFL career. In four starts, the 6-foot-7 passer has thrown four touchdowns against four interceptions, while completing 61.7 percent of his passes.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Contrary to popular belief, the New Orleans Saints don't plan to expand Alvin Kamara's workload in the absence of Mark Ingram for the first four games of the 2018 season."The mistake would be that Alvin gets 15 more carries and that's not the direction we would expect to go," head coach Sean Payton told reporters Saturday, via Herbie Teope of NFL.com. "I don't think that is wise."Kamara was dynamite for New Orleans last season, posting 1,554 yards and 13 combined touchdowns en route to Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. He and Ingram gave the Saints a formidable backfield tandem, but the latter received a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.The Saints have also indicated they don't intend to bring in a veteran tailback to pair with Kamara early in the season, though Payton admitted that could change. As it stands now, he'll let a group of less established rushers battle for Ingram's snaps while he's away."There will be a handful of other guys competing for those touches," Payton said. "Certainly, you miss something with a guy like Mark Ingram in those early weeks. But I think for us it's going to be evaluating that whole position and determining who can handle some of that role."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Federal and state laws prevented the Detroit Lions from discovering the sexual assault case Matt Patricia was involved in 22 years ago before they hired him as their head coach in February, team president Rod Wood said Saturday.Patricia and a friend were both indicted on one count of aggravated sexual assault in 1996, but the case never made it to trial. Instead, it was dismissed after the accuser refused to testify."We always err on the side of hiring a firm who understands all the laws, follows them, state and federal, so that we don't happen upon something that we're not entitled to have nor would we be able to use," Wood told ESPN's Michael Rothstein.Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, felony arrests that don't result in convictions cannot be considered in potential employment. Therefore, search firms - such as the one the Lions hired to screen Patricia - typically exclude such information in the background checks they submit to employers.The Lions have publicly backed Patricia, who maintained at a press conference Thursday that he was falsely accused of the crime, since the case was brought back to light by a report in The Detroit News."There's been a lot of criticism of people interviewing and questions that were asked that are inappropriate, at the (NFL Scouting Combine) and et cetera," Wood said. "And we're not one of those teams that are going to do those kind of things, whether it's a player, a coach or an employee. We're following the rules, and I'd rather follow the rules and maybe end up where I'm at, although we're not happy to be dealing with this, there's no doubt about that."But I'd rather be doing that than have broken the rules and had an issue that we were in an unlawful position by having some information. So there's no doubt it's a tough spot to be, but I'll take the tough spot by following the rules versus not following the rules and being in an unlawful position."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur doesn't want his star safety, Landon Collins, speaking on behalf of embattled offensive tackle Ereck Flowers anymore.Collins made waves recently when he asserted that Flowers was skipping voluntary team workouts over resentment for the club signing Nate Solder to play left tackle instead of him."That's not for Landon to talk about," Shurmur told reporters Saturday at the Giants' rookie minicamp, according to Matt Sugam of the Associated Press. "I think the important thing is, let's let Ereck talk for Ereck when he gets here, and we'll worry about that later. But really, I don't think our players should be talking about another player's situation."Flowers, the ninth overall pick in the 2015 draft, has been a disappointment through his first three seasons in the league. Collins previously said he and Flowers have a close relationship because they were draft picks of New York in 2015."It's our understanding that he's in good shape," Shurmur said of Flowers, who's been working out on his own in Florida. "I can't wait for him to be here. I've mentioned it in the past, there were some things that he did last year that were really good, and I look forward to him getting here at some point and working with him."Shurmur said earlier in the offseason it was important for Flowers to attend the Giants' voluntary workouts, but his words didn't appear to resonate with the tackle.New York reportedly attempted to trade Flowers during April's draft, but no deal came to fruition.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Adrian Peterson needs a team and the New Orleans Saints may need another running back in the wake of Mark Ingram's four-game suspension. That could lead to a relatively improbable reunion."Absolutely," Saints head coach Sean Payton said Saturday when asked if he'd consider bringing Peterson back, according to Herbie Teope of NFL.com. "This gets back to the notion that we had some type of any argument at Minnesota (in Week 1 of the 2017 season), which I still say there was none. I think a ton of him."Peterson inked a two-year deal with the Saints last offseason, but his tenure in the Big Easy lasted just four games. After he seemingly grew unhappy with his role, the Saints traded Peterson to the Arizona Cardinals.Even with Ingram set to miss the first month of the 2018 season, the Saints reportedly aren't interested in adding to their backfield. Payton, though, suggested the team could call Peterson if that stance changes."That would the part where if all of a sudden we decided, 'Hey, we're going to look at additional players that are on the street,'" he said. "And certainly his name - there'd be a few others - we have them on the board right now. Who's available, veteran running backs, stacked on a board and graded. But, listen, he's a tough player, warrior, and a great worker, and we have a good relationship."Peterson hasn't attracted much interest on the free-agent market since being released by the Cardinals early in the offseason. The 33-year-old rushed for 448 yards and two touchdowns across six contests as Arizona's featured tailback. He had just 81 yards on 27 carries in a Saints uniform.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

At least five people appeared on the prosecution's witness list for the dismissed 1996 sexual assault case against Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia, according to court documents obtained by Tresa Baldas of the Detroit Free Press.A nurse, a doctor, a police detective, and a police officer appeared on the list, as well as a college friend of the woman who reported Patricia assaulted her.The woman told police that Patricia and one of his college friends burst into her hotel room and sexually assaulted her during spring break on South Padre Island in Texas. Both men were arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault, but the case was dismissed in January 1997 because the woman didn't want to testify in the trial.Court documents show the woman went to a hospital for treatment, and prosecutors acquired medical evidence. It's unknown whether that included DNA evidence.Cameron County District Attorney Luis Saenz said his office handles about two to five sexual assault cases during spring break each year. He estimated that in half of those cases, charges are dropped after the person who reported the assault declines to testify."It's more often than not a consent issue," Saenz said. "The defendant said she consented and the victim says, 'No I did not.' It's not whether or not there was sexual activity. The key question is the consent."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Golden Tate has come to the defense of his new head coach Matt Patricia.It has recently come to light that Patricia was one of two men arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault in 1996. The case was dismissed after the woman chose not to testify, and Tate wants to know why the story has resurfaced 22 years later."I don't know the full details, but I know inside of our locker room, we support coach Patricia to the max," the Detroit Lions receiver said to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press."There was nothing - didn't even go to court, I think it was thrown out, so why is it even a problem? Honestly, I feel for his family, who have to deal with this right now. And I know that this isn't how we want to start the offseason dealing with this crap, and so it's going to blow over, obviously, it always does."Patricia has publicly restated his innocence and tried to explain why the matter had been ignored by his previous and current employers. He released a statement on Wednesday and tried to defend his honor to the media on Thursday."This situation is completely, to me, unacceptable and a bunch of B.S. that it's even got to this," Tate said.The Lions hired Patricia in February as the replacement for Jim Caldwell who spent the previous four seasons as Detroit's head coach.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jaylon Smith has taken a significant step toward a full recovery from the leg injury that ended his final year in college.Smith tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee in the Fiesta Bowl in the 2015 season. The injury led to nerve damage and a condition called drop foot, a weakness in the muscles used to lift the front part of the foot.Due to the injury, Smith slipped from a projected top draft pick into the second round, where the Dallas Cowboys selected him, and didn't suit up for the 2016 season. He returned to play in every game in 2017, and in February, he stopped using the brace he'd been wearing on his left foot and ankle to account for his drop foot, he told Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram."Getting that flexion back is going to help tremendously ... speed, quickness, explosiveness," Smith said. "I have been feeling great. Everything is about getting back to 100 percent. Every day I am improving."Smith placed fourth on the team in tackles last year with 81 and is bracing to make an even greater impact in 2018.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tom Brady has seemingly done it all in the NFL.Five Super Bowl titles. Three MVPs. Four Super Bowl MVP trophies.There's still one mountain left to climb, however.

New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram has informed his coaching staff that he will not be attending OTAs and will return for mandatory minicamp in June.The veteran's decision appears unrelated to the four-game suspension handed to him by the league on Tuesday for violating its performance-enhancing drug policy - one he is appealing. Nonetheless, his absence isn't sitting well with head coach Sean Payton."He and I spoke, so it wasn't a surprise to us that he's not here," Payton said to Mike Triplett of ESPN. "I don't agree with it. But it is optional, and that's his choice."Ingram will instead be training independently in Florida.He's entering the final year of his contract with the Saints and is due $4 million in base salary for the 2018 campaign.The 28-year-old is coming off his best year as a pro, where he reached career highs in rushes (230), yards (1,124), and touchdowns (12), while making the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn will receive his degree from UNLV during the school's commencement ceremony Saturday.Lynn earned a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies. Chargers chairman Dean Spanos will be among those in attendance."I just wanted my papers," Lynn said to ESPN's Eric D. Williams. "Mail me my damn diploma, I give it to my mom and I'm done."When I told my counselor, when I told her what my plans were, she'd just assumed that I was walking the whole time. I never assumed I was walking. The disappointment on her face when I told her I wasn't coming, it was tough. I thought about it. She made me rethink it. I decided to walk, because if it could inspire one person, then it's worth it."Lynn began his degree while at Texas Tech in the 1990s and finished online at UNLV. He will miss the team's final two days of minicamp in order to attend the ceremony."Football has always been my No. 1 priority," Lynn said. "Sometimes that's good, sometimes that's bad. But I chose football over education, and I kind of did that a few years later when I had a chance to go back; I chose football again over education."And so at this time, I thought at some point, no more excuses - just go back and get it done."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford will remain the starter despite the team selecting Josh Rosen 10th overall.Bradford signed a two-year contract worth up to $20 million in March to become the presumptive starting quarterback, but the Cardinals made an aggressive move to select Rosen, widely assumed to be their quarterback of the future.Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks confirmed Bradford is the starter while promoting the spirit of open competition."We're pushing everybody to start," Wilks said Friday. "I've stated this several times: Sam Bradford is our starter. We gotta go out there with 11 guys and Sam's going to be the first guy out there. But everybody's fighting for a position, so I'm not going to hold (Rosen) back at all."I want guys competing, I want guys fighting for a starting job. Whoever ends up winning the position, that's who's going to end up playing."Bradford provides veteran experience and can bridge the gap in what's expected to be a transitional year for the Cardinals. The veteran quarterback completed 71.6 percent of his passes for 20 touchdowns against five interceptions in 2016 as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. Bradford's 2017 campaign was limited to two games due to a knee injury.Rosen, on the other hand, was a prodigious high school recruit who met the hype at UCLA and is looking to push for a starting role immediately. Despite Wilks' assurances, this could be one of the most captivating quarterback battles to monitor over the summer.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL's reigning king of trash talk remains in peak form even during the offseason.During the opening day of rookie minicamp, the Buffalo Bills posted a video of Josh Allen dropping back to throw in a standard quarterback drill.Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey was paying close attention and roasted Allen, tweeting "That's a pick waiting to happen" before deleting the post.