The Indianapolis Colts have signed free-agent defensive end Chris McCain, the team confirmed in a press release Tuesday.McCain recorded 20 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles in 15 games for the Los Angeles Chargers during the 2017 season.The 26-year-old is a welcome addition to a Colts defensive line that needs depth.In a corresponding move, the Colts waived tight end Randall Telfer with a failed physical designation.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Victor Cruz is 31 years old and didn't appear in an NFL game last season, but he's not quite ready to call it a career."I just love the game. I think I can still play," Cruz said Tuesday, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. "I don't want to exhaust all of that before I fall off."Cruz garnered little interest on the free-agent market last year upon being released by the Chicago Bears at the end of the preseason. Not much has changed since the calendar flipped to 2018, yet Cruz continues to work out with the goal of stepping onto an NFL field again.A former Pro Bowl wide receiver for the New York Giants, Cruz posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons from 2011-12 and had 998 yards in 14 games in 2013. A knee injury in 2014 derailed him, though.Cruz acknowledged he may never get the chance he seeks to resurrect his career. With that in mind, he has an undisclosed date for when he'll retire unless a team comes calling for his services before then."Once that deadline comes, if nothing has happened I'll hang them up," he said. "Probably around training camp time and then we'll go from there."Cruz participated in 15 contests in 2016 for the Giants, posting 586 yards receiving with one touchdown.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

You can now officially squash one of the summer's most compelling rumors, as Kurt Warner will not be returning to the NFL for the 2018 season.Warner spurred speculation about his status for the upcoming season Monday, where he revealed that his wife encouraged him to come out of retirement.Although Warner hasn't played since the 2009 season, the Hall of Fame quarterback officially put an end to any notion of a comeback."You never want to say never," Warner said Tuesday on NFL Network. "Obviously, the further you go into this thing, the older you get, you still have visions of grandeur in your head. But we're getting too far away from this thing. I do feel really good, and I was slinging it pretty good just a couple of months ago when I was training, but I think it's time we say this thing is over."It's hard to imagine the 46-year-old making a serious impact anyway, but it was fun to speculate about.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Courtney Upshaw visited the Philadelphia Eagles, a source told ESPN's Field Yates.Upshaw recorded nine tackles and a sack with the Falcons in 2017. The 28-year-old previously helped the Baltimore Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII, forcing a fumble in the second quarter of that contest.The Eagles already boast arguably the deepest defensive line in the NFL, and signing Upshaw would add another piece to their embarrassment of riches.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jimmy Garoppolo faces the unique pressure of restoring the San Francisco 49ers back to greatness, but he received a vote of confidence on Tuesday from one of the franchise's legends.Garoppolo, who led the 49ers to a five-game winning streak to close out the 2017 season, gained an endorsement from Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young, who led the franchise to its last Super Bowl victory in 1994. Young believes Garoppolo acquired invaluable experience serving as Tom Brady's backup prior to being traded to the 49ers in October."Now the expectations are huge, and that’s good,” Young said via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. "He knows how good you have to be. He’s watched it - so that’s nice. It’s not going to be, ‘Oh, Jimmy, the expectations are too high.’ He’s like, ‘No, I know how good you have to be. You can expect me to do whatever you want, but I know how good I have to be. I’ve witnessed it.’ It just makes a huge difference. A lot of players don’t have any idea how hard the job is; what really good looks like. And Jimmy’s watched it for four years."Young also credited the young quarterback for stopping the downward spiral that permeated the 49ers organization."It’s so hard to come into a team that’s not winning, in midseason, with new coaches and new plays, and just start winning games,” Young said. “That’s just so hard to do. You can try to diminish it, but why would you? You’ve got a 1-10 team that goes 5-0. Jimmy did so much just to stop the madness."Young helped define the 49ers during the 1990s and now Garoppolo is faced with the task of reviving the team while competing for the NFC West title in a division that's been entirely revamped. Gaining the confidence of a team legend could go a long way and may foreshadow a career-defining year for Garoppolo.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A letter allegedly written in prison by former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez is up for sale on eBay.The four-page letter has a "Buy It Now" price of $7,500 and is dated March 2, 2016, three years after Hernandez was arrested and charged with murder in the shooting death of semi-professional football player Odin Lloyd. Hernandez was subsequently found guilty of first-degree murder, but his conviction was vacated after he committed suicide in his jail cell on April 19, 2017."It's crazy it's been been 3 years! Wow, time flies," the letter reads.In 2015, another alleged Hernandez-penned letter written on the pages of the book "Bad Boy Brawly Brown" by Walter Mosley was posted to eBay with a starting bid of $2,000. Someone also tried to sell an SUV linked to Hernandez on the website last year, but eBay canceled the auction after bids had topped $100,000.- With h/t to 247 SportsCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram has been suspended for the first four games of the 2018 season for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs, the NFL announced Tuesday.Ingram hasn't been at the Saints' facility for conditioning workouts and won't attend organized team activities (OTAs), a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The Saints knew about the suspension before the 2018 NFL Draft, as did Ingram and his representatives, Rapoport adds. He did not win his appeal of the suspension but is expected to be in attendance for the team's mandatory minicamp.Ingram is coming off a career season in 2017 in which he rushed for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns while adding 416 yards as a receiver, and earned the second Pro Bowl appearance of his career.His suspension paves the way for 2017 Offensive Rookie of the Year and fellow Pro Bowler Alvin Kamara to start the season in a larger role. Daniel Lasco, Boston Scott, Jonathan Williams, and Trey Edmunds are also listed on the depth chart.Ingram is set to become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2018 season. He carries a cap hit of $6.245 million in the final year of his current deal, according to Over The Cap.Here's the Saints' schedule to open the season.WeekOpponentDate1vs. BuccaneersSep. 92vs. BrownsSep. 163at FalconsSep. 234at GiantsSep. 30Ingram will be able to return for Week 5 when the Saints host the Washington Redskins on Monday Night Football.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL free agents Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid have been working out together at Cal State East Bay, according to Cam Inman of The Mercury News."We’re not doing interviews," Kaepernick told Inman. "We’re just here getting in a workout."The former San Francisco 49ers teammates have been working with an unidentified trainer while trying to stay in shape in wait of an NFL opportunity.Kaepernick has been out of the league since opting out of his contract with the 49ers at the end of the 2016 campaign. Reid has yet to be picked up this offseason after his previous contract with the team ran out at the end of the 2017 league year.The two players had been leaders in the national anthem protests in support of social justice issues.Related: NFLPA files grievance on behalf of Eric ReidHall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath recently gave his support to both players, saying "they are good enough players to be out there and having a job."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Two former Detroit Lions employees have filed a lawsuit against the team, citing racial and age discrimination.Michael Richardson and Robert Yanagi are suing the team and the NFL after they were fired in January, Nate Atkins of MLive.com reports.Richardson, a 52-year-old black man, was the team's assistant video director. Yanagi, a 58-year-old of Japanese heritage, was the video operations director.In their lawsuit, Richardson claims he was fired a month after filing a workers' compensation claim for a shoulder injury. He also filed a complaint to the team's HR department about a racist comment from a team scout. Yanagi claims he asked employees to stop making jokes about race. Both men went to HR about new general manager Bob Quinn's treatment of them due to their race."We are aware of the report. Because the report involves ongoing litigation, it would be inappropriate for us to comment at this time," the Lions said in a statement obtained by Michael Rothstein of ESPN.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Jets CEO Christopher Johnson is expecting fans to fondly recall the 2018 NFL Draft and the third overall selection of quarterback Sam Darnold for many years to come."I think people are going to look back - I honestly think they're going to look back 20 years from now and say this is the moment the Jets shifted into a new year, that they became a great team," Johnson told reporters at a charity event in Manhattan, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.Darnold was the second quarterback chosen, behind No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield.Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan has said that Darnold will be given the opportunity to compete against veterans Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater for the Week 1 starting job.Johnson believes that whether or not Darnold wins the competition won't affect what he expects to be a long relationship between player and team."I think we've got a real future with this kid and he's not even 21 yet," Johnson said. "We might have a long time with this young man. I hope so because right now I really think he's our future."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster has informed the judge presiding over his case that he's prepared to enter a plea of not guilty for all three pending felony charges ahead of his May 17 court date, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.Foster's charges stem from a domestic violence incident involving his ex-girlfriend, Elissa Ennis, in February.Ennis has since recanted her claims, stating Foster "did not strike her, injure her, or threaten her." The police report said Foster threw his girlfriend out of their house by her hair and punched her in the head multiple times.Along with the felony domestic violence charge, Foster faces additional felony charges of forcefully attempting to prevent a victim from reporting a crime and possession of an assault weapon, as well as a misdemeanor for possession of a large-capacity weapon magazine.The second-year pro is staying away from the 49ers' offseason program as he deals with his ongoing legal issues.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel spent Monday night in a Texas hospital, TMZ Sports reports.Manziel was in Humble, Texas to attend a concert before being admitted to hospital."It seems like he had a reaction to an adjustment in his prescription," his representative, Denise Michaels, told TMZ. "He's fine and he's headed home."Manziel provided a message to his fans via Instagram story:

Former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel spent Monday night in a Texas hospital, TMZ Sports reports.Manziel was in Humble, Texas to attend a concert before being admitted to hospital."It seems like he had a reaction to an adjustment in his prescription," his representative, Denise Michaels, told TMZ. "He's fine and he's headed home."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It should come as no surprise that Tom Brady and his supermodel wife Gisele Bundchen attended one of the fashion events of the year, the Met Gala, on Monday night. What did draw looks of surprise was Brady's outfit.Related: Gisele pokes fun at Brady as couple stylishly attends Met GalaThe morning after, the New England Patriots quarterback was still trending on Twitter for his style choice. Here are some of the best tweets.

Offense I DefenseThe defensive talent entering the NFL is undeniable. The first round of this year's draft was nearly split down the middle between offensive and defensive picks.Here are our top 10 favorites for the 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year award.Sleeper: Arden Key, DE, Raiders(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)Red flags abound with Key and caused him to slip from a possible first-round pick to a third-round selection, but he landed in a situation with the Raiders in which much will be asked of him in his first season.New head coach Jon Gruden justified the pick by asking who - after Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin - would be expected to provide the pass-rush. Such an opportunity may be all Key needs to display the talent that produced 11 sacks in his sophomore year in college.10. Leighton Vander Esch, LB, CowboysVander Esch represents the future of the Cowboys' defense in the middle. He's been tabbed as Sean Lee's eventual successor and should start out playing alongside him.The Cowboys' defense falls off a cliff when Lee is out of the lineup and due to his lengthy injury history, it happens all too often. Chances are Vander Esch will begin his apprenticeship much sooner than expected.9. Josh Jackson, CB, Packers(Photo courtesy: Action Images)The Packers spent plenty of draft capital to improve their 23rd-ranked pass defense. Both their first- and second-round picks were used on cornerbacks.In Josh Jackson, their second-rounder, Green Bay has a ball-hawk who recorded eight interceptions in his final year in college. He could make an immediate impact much like the 2017 Defensive Rookie of the Year, Marshon Lattimore, did for the Saints.8. Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, DolphinsThere are a number of manners in which the Dolphins can deploy Fitzpatrick, a Swiss Army Knife of defensive capabilities. Luckily for Miami, the team has plenty of uses for him in its secondary.The two-time All-American filled his trophy case during his three years in Alabama. Whether he plays on the boundary, at nickel, safety, or linebacker, Fitzpatrick has the versatility to help a team that recorded just nine interceptions in 2017.7. Rashaan Evans, LB, Titans(Photo courtesy: Action Images)While Jurrell Casey and Bennie Logan plug up the middle, the Titans now have some young athleticism to exploit on the outside.Tennessee finished fifth in the league with 43 sacks last year and are in a great position to improve on that total with the additions of Evans and Harold Landry. Evans posted six sacks and 12 tackles for loss in his final year in college. The Titans' defense is one to fear in 2018.6. Derwin James, S, ChargersJames appeared on a path to greatness after his first year in college, but a 2016 knee injury sapped some of that enthusiasm. He returned for a full 2017 campaign, though he didn't appear completely himself.It's difficult for a safety to win the rookie of the year award, but James is more versatile than a traditional safety. If he evokes memories of his freshman year at Florida State, it'll be hard not to give it to him.5. Marcus Davenport, DE, Saints(Photo courtesy: Action Images)For the Saints' sake, they better hope he wins Defensive Rookie of the Year. New Orleans relinquished its 2019 first-round pick in order to get the No. 2 pass-rusher on the board. That's how badly Sean Payton sought help for Cameron Jordan.It's a rarity for a franchise to invest two first-round picks in a defender. If the Saints win another defensive rookie award, it'll be worth the exorbitant price.4. Jaire Alexander, CB, PackersThe Packers may have moved down in the first round of the draft in order to acquire the Saints' 2019 first-rounder, but they traded back up to pick No. 18 in order to get Alexander.What he lacks in stature, he makes up for in lockdown ability. With Jackson, Kevin King, and safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alexander could be the central piece to a young, exciting secondary.3. Roquan Smith, LB, Bears(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)In a 10-year stretch from 1999 to 2009, linebackers dominated the award. Since then, only Luke Kuechly has managed to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. Smith represents the best candidate at the position this year.A top-10 talent, he's built in the mold of former Monsters of the Midway such as Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary, and Brian Urlacher. If he can do anything like he did his last year at Georgia (137 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks) in his first year as a pro, he's a cinch for the award.2. Denzel Ward, CB, BrownsMuch like for new quarterback Baker Mayfield, if Ward can help the Browns' defense improve by even the slightest degree, it'll be a major step in the right direction.The passer rating against the Browns' defense was a league-worst 102.2 in 2017 and the secondary recorded a paltry seven interceptions. Ward only has two college picks to his name, but if he emerges as a shutdown corner, it won't matter if he isn't taking the ball away.1. Bradley Chubb, DE, Broncos(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)In any other year, Chubb would be in the conversation for the first overall pick in the draft. In fact, despite using last year's top pick on Myles Garrett, the Browns were expected to take Chubb anyway with the No. 4 pick. That's as strong an indicator as any of the level of his talent.In Denver, Chubb will form a dynamic duo with Von Miller, who is already considered to be the game's best pass-rusher. If he can stuff his stats by taking advantage of all the attention paid to Miller, Rookie of the Year is his.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL has rejected free-agent running back Mike James' application for a therapeutic-use exemption for marijuana this season, the veteran told NJ.com's Steve Politi.James sought the exception after developing a dependence for prescription painkillers to cope with injuries, starting with a broken ankle in 2013. He's the first NFL player to file for an exemption specifically for marijuana, according to CNN's Jacqueline Howard."I am hopeful that I’ll be able to keep playing football," James said. "It is a game that I love very dearly. I know right now I'm doing something that makes some people uncomfortable, and that I'm going against the establishment to push for a change in the way they look at this medicine. I know there's a greater purpose here for a lot of guys in this league who I consider family members."Despite not being on an NFL team, James is subject to the league's random drug-testing policies."I didn't want to believe the benefits (of marijuana)," he said. "But at that point, I was in so much pain and going through a lot mentally with the demands in the game, I tried it. It gave me instant relief."James was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the sixth round of the 2013 draft and had two stints on the Detroit Lions' practice squad, most recently being placed on injured reserve last August due to a concussion.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

J.J. Watt won't put a timetable on his recovery from the left tibial plateau fracture that ended his 2017 campaign after just five games, but gave a positive update on his health before taking part in the 16th annual Houston Texans Charity Golf Classic"I feel great," Watt said, according to the team's official website. "I feel very good. I mean, I'm not going to put any percentages on it or anything."The three-time Defensive Player of the Year has been limited to eight games over the past two seasons after not missing a regular-season contest during his first five years in the league.Despite his almost unmatched pedigree, Watt understands he'll have to prove he's still himself on the field."Like I said earlier in the offseason, I could tell you I'm feeling unbelievable (or) I could tell you I'm feeling super (bad) - you won't know until I hit the field," Watt said. "Just show up to training camp, watch how I play and then you can decide for yourself how I look."While Watt hasn't been able to make an impact on the field, he earned the Walter Payton Man of the Year award for his Hurricane Harvey fundraising efforts.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger have plenty in common, but how the veteran quarterbacks reacted to their respective teams using mid-round draft picks on their potential successors doesn't fall into that category."There are no more surprises anymore in the draft," Manning told Paul Schwartz of the New York Post on Monday. "That's just part of the business. Not surprised, I guess."The New York Giants used a fourth-round pick on Kyle Lauletta, who will have a chance to eventually take over for Manning as the starting quarterback. The Pittsburgh Steelers took Mason Rudolph one round earlier with a similar line of thinking.Manning and Roethlisberger both entered the league as first-round picks in 2004 and have spent their entire careers with one organization. Both own a pair of Super Bowl rings and both are in the latter stages of their careers."I know he's very talented," Manning said of Lauletta. "Just excited to get him in the facility, get him on the practice field and work with him."Manning's response starkly contrasted that of his Steelers counterpart, who openly criticized the Rudolph pick and indicated he has no intention of helping the former Oklahoma State star."If he asks me a question, I might just have to point to the playbook," Roethlisberger said of Rudolph.Related: Retirement-teasing Big Ben can't complain about Rudolph selectionAs for Manning, the 37-year-old admitted he watched the draft this year with more intrigue than normal about how the team would utilize its picks. He endured a turbulent 2017 campaign, but the selection of running back Saquon Barkley instead of a quarterback second overall suggests the Giants are confident he has multiple strong seasons left in his arm."I didn't know how it was going to play out," Manning said. "I knew it was a possibility, but it wasn't going to affect my outlook on what my job is or is going forward. I have a job to play and at this point every year it's year-to-year. You have to prove that you deserve to be here and that's what I'm trying to do."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles may be getting their most important player back in time for Week 1.Carson Wentz, who tore his ACL and LCL during a Dec.10 game against the Los Angeles Rams, spoke about his prognosis on Monday, and it seems plausible he'll be under center for the opener."I'm very confident. It's a fluid process so you never how it's going to go. But where we're at, just trying to do what the doctors say and take it step-by-step ... I feel really good and really confident for Week 1," Wentz said.Nick Foles performed admirably in Wentz's absence, earning Super Bowl MVP honors for his performance against the New England Patriots. It is Wentz, however, who changes the trajectory of the franchise entirely, submitting an MVP-caliber season prior to the injury.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo wrote an emotional tribute to his longtime teammate Jason Witten, who retired from the NFL on Thursday after a distinguished career as a tight end.Romo and Witten each broke into the league with Dallas in 2003, and spent their entire careers with the Cowboys. Their chemistry on and off the field was evident up until Romo's retirement last year.Here's what Romo offered about Witten, who's following in the footsteps of his former quarterback and taking up a job in broadcasting with his playing days now done:It's hard to describe how special Jason Witten is.Sometimes in life you are lucky to come across someone that will change your life. Most of the time you don't realize it at the moment the profound impact and impression someone will have on you. The difference with Jason Witten is that I knew right away the impact he would have on me. Not only was Jason the most talented, humble and hardest working individual on the football team, but he was also one of the most genuine, good-hearted people you could ever meet.Some things that are etched in my memory are the workouts in the off-season during our younger years. Jason wouldn't give an inch. He had to work the hardest. It was just inside him to give maximum effort every single day.When we were young I remember him running the 200-yard shuttles, the 400-yard shuttles, and willing himself to the finish line every day. Jason has in insatiable desire to win and no matter how he felt day in and day out, he was going to finish and win. If I were a betting man then I would bet he never lost one of those races ... not one. The fastest player didn't always win those races but it was all will. Nobody had a stronger will than 82.Because of that effort nobody in that facility was allowed to give half effort when your 260-pound leader was beating everyone to the finish line. He just couldn't accept someone having an edge on him. He had to succeed ... he had to win.He couldn't stand it if a defensive back ever felt like he got the best of 82 that day. He wanted that DB to know that he was in for a long practice or game guarding him. He couldn't accept being average.I will also remember him coming to the side lines trying to be respectful of how tough the quarterback's job was during the games but sometimes he just couldn't control himself. He would say things like, "Hey 9, I know we ain't got much time back there, but I got HQ fricking harris guarding me. I'm getting open pretty quickly now, don't be afraid to take a peek if you got the time." That was code for Jason saying "I am wide open and I have a bum on me if you haven't noticed." ... and sure enough every time I watched the tape, he was always right.During big moments in my career, the first guy I was looking for was Jason Witten. I knew where he would be and I knew he would get open and not once, not once did I ever go to him late in the game on a key down when he was one on one and him not deliver. He always came through.In the playoffs in 2014, it was fourth down against the Lions in the fourth quarter ... needing a touchdown to take the lead and being our last drive of the game we called a timeout. As I stood on the sideline deciding what play we wanted to call in the most pressure packed moment of our season, my brain wanted to call Y option. The problem was the Lions had double-teamed Jason most of the day and especially on key downs and distances. Nothing would be more key than this.On the sideline, the coaches and I decided we would call two plays to ensure we got a good call. The problem was as I stood at the line of scrimmage that the Lions changed the defense from what they used all game. Without knowing for sure what they would be in, I changed both plays and went to "Tennessee, Tennessee."You see, I didn't know what the perfect play was versus their coverage, but I did know I had the perfect player. Jason made a move that was rare but brought him wide open. Any high school QB could have delivered that ball. The secret to the play was trusting the best player to be the best player ... and he was.Jason, you have set the standard for every player and coach who walks through the Cowboys facility that there's one way to play and there's one way to practice. ... And guess what, you can be a great teammate and husband and father while doing it.To the best player I ever played with.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The woman who accused Reuben Foster of domestic violence, before recanting her claims, initially told police the San Francisco 49ers linebacker threw her dog during their altercation, according to a police report obtained by the Sacramento Bee's Matt Barrows.It's unclear whether the woman, identified as ex-girlfriend Elissa Ennis, took back the story about Foster throwing her dog when she said he actually never hit her.Foster is facing three felony charges stemming from the incident with Ennis, which took place Feb. 11 at his house. It remains to be seen whether authorities will go ahead with the charges or drop them.In addition to the domestic violence charge, Foster is facing a weapons charge, as police found a pistol and rifle - both loaded - inside his house. He's also facing a charge for forcefully attempting to prevent a victim from reporting a crime, as Ennis told police he broke two of her cellphones, including the one she was using to call 911. In the police report, Foster acknowledged he broke Ennis' phones.During her initial statement, Ennis told police Foster threw her dog across the room, but that it didn't suffer any injuries.Ennis, on the other hand, had a swollen right lower lip, scratches and a cut on the back of her neck, and a scraped left knee when police arrived at the scene. She also had a ruptured eardrum.After recanting her domestic violence accusation, Ennis said her injuries were suffered during a fight with another woman and not at the hands of Foster. She said she fabricated the story of Foster hitting her 10 times because she wanted to ruin his career after their relationship went south.The Santa Clara County District Attorney's office is believed to have video of the fight between Ennis and the other woman.Related - 49ers GM: 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.

There are few things more terrifying than New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski with a gun.Gronkowski was shown firing off a minigun in a controlled range on Monday.The five-time Pro Bowler is reportedly training with the gun to prepare for his role in the upcoming film "Boss Level."

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross implored team officials to trade down in the first round rather than use the 11th overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft on defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, a league source told Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.According to the report, part of Ross' motivation to trade down was to save money. He was ultimately persuaded to approve the selection of Fitzpatrick at 11th overall. The Alabama product was expected to be a top-10 pick coming into the draft.Dolphins general manager Chris Grier acknowledged after the first round of the draft that his team discussed moving down with other clubs, though that is common practice throughout the NFL.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Quarterback Matt Ryan became the envy of the NFL by signing a record five-year, $150-million extension with the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, but he knows there's still work to be done on the field."I'm going to do everything that I can to try and help this city and this organization win a championship," Ryan said, via D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "That's been my mindset since I was drafted here in 2008. I’ve been working hard at it for 10 years and I’m going to continue to work at as long as I play here."The 2016 NFL MVP and four-time Pro Bowler is still trying to help the Falcons capture their first-ever championship after blowing a 28-3 lead to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI.And despite his individual accolades, Ryan knows he'll need to continue improving his play in the supremely competitive NFC South division."I’ve always felt like that your job as a player is to go earn every dollar,” he said. “Have that mindset that every day you wake up, it’s about working as hard as you possibly can. I guess it’s more incentive for me moving forward for me to play my best football as I continue to mature in this league."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Panthers will sign veteran running back C.J. Anderson, the team confirmed Monday.Terms of the deal were not confirmed by the Panthers, but Anderson agreed to a one-year contract, Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer reports.Anderson became one of the best running backs available on the market after being released by the Denver Broncos on April 16.The 27-year-old spent the first five seasons of his career with the Broncos, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2014, and helping the team win Super Bowl 50 in 2015.Anderson is coming off the most productive season of his career, rushing for 1,007 yards and three touchdowns, adding 28 receptions for 224 yards and a touchdown.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Chicago Bears rookie linebacker Roquan Smith told police several items, including a team-issued iPad, were stolen from his car Saturday, according to ESPN.There were no signs of forced entry, police said, but other materials gone from the car include a helmet from college, three Georgia Bulldogs jerseys, two watches, a pair of sunglasses, shoes, four pairs of headphones, a speaker, and Smith's Athlete of the Year trophy from Georgia."These items are of great sentimental value to him and were very hard to determine worth," the police said. "It is possible those jerseys are worth up to $40,000 apiece due to Mr. Smith's clout at UGA and soon in the NFL. However, Mr. Smith stated that those belongings are priceless to him."Smith's car was located in a parking garage of an apartment complex at the time of the incident. He said he locked his doors but acknowledged he may have accidentally unlocked them when he went outside to a friend's vehicle parked nearby.The Bears removed the contents from the iPad remotely, so there's no way anyone could access team information, including their playbook.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Offensive Rookie of the Year has proven to be one of the more difficult awards to predict. In the past two seasons, the trophy has been presented to a fourth-rounder and a third-round pick.Now that the draft has placed this year's crop of rookies in their NFL homes, let's take a look at the likely candidates for the title in the upcoming season.Sleeper: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, Packers(Photo courtesy: Action Images)Aaron Rodgers' favorite target is gone. The Packers released Jordy Nelson in March and someone will have to replace his production.The Packers replenished their receiver depth chart by drafting three wideouts and while fourth-round pick J'Mon Moore and sixth-rounder Equanimeous St. Brown could also emerge as Rodgers' favorite new toy, we're picking the fifth-round selection.Valdes-Scantling is a raw talent, but at 6-foot-4, he'll represent one of the bigger targets Rodgers has had to play with. A quarter of his receptions in college went 25-plus yards, according to NFL.com's Lance Zierlein. If he proves capable of winning deep early enough, he could emerge as the JuJu Smith-Schuster to Davante Adams' Antonio Brown.10. Calvin Ridley, WR, FalconsOnly two receivers have won the award in the last 10 years, but Ridley has the physical tools to join the company of Odell Beckham Jr. and Percy Harvin.Dominant in college, Ridley was long ago tabbed as a potential game-breaking talent in the pro ranks. But in the Falcons' offense, Julio Jones is the straw that stirs the drink. Ridley will begin as merely a complementary piece.9. Rashaad Penny, RB, Seahawks(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)Penny was the second running back taken in this year's draft, giving every indication that he will be thrust right into the starting role.Working against him is the team he was selected by. Behind a leaky offensive line, the Seahawks finished 23rd in rushing in 2017. In the three seasons since Marshawn Lynch's departure, Seattle has failed to produce a 1,000-yard rusher.While Penny should provide some stability at the position, the team failed to address its O-line in the draft or free agency.8. D.J. Moore, WR, PanthersThe Panthers made Moore the first receiver off the board after he excelled at the combine. As Cam Newton's newest weapon, he'll be afforded every chance to shine on a shallow receiving corps.He's currently being given 33-1 odds to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, but it's hard to see Moore winning the award if higher-profile prospects Kelvin Benjamin and Christian McCaffrey failed to do so before him.7. Ronald Jones II, RB, Buccaneers(Photo courtesy: Action Images)The home-run threat fell into a position in which he will likely be the starting running back from Day 1. The Buccaneers own a ton of firepower offensively, but their running game let them down in 2017, finishing 27th in the league.Jones has all the explosion necessary to make an immediate impact, but there's only one football to go around and Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, Cameron Brate, O.J. Howard, and Chris Godwin will also be calling for theirs, limiting Jones' touches.6. Lamar Jackson, QB, RavensThere are a number of ways Jackson could win this award. First, he could supplant Joe Flacco as the starter and lead the Ravens back to the playoffs for the first time since 2014.He could also do it as an offensive weapon. John Harbaugh and his coaching staff are "in the lab" devising ways in which the former Heisman Trophy winner can help the team immediately. If the Frankenstein they develop turns into a monster, it could destroy the whole league.5. Josh Allen, QB, Bills(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)With only AJ McCarron ahead of him on the depth chart, playing time might not be a question for Allen. However, he's viewed as a raw prospect drafted on account of his big arm.A lot would be required of the Wyoming product for him to win Rookie of the Year. The Bills just ended the longest playoff drought in major professional sports last year. If he returns Buffalo to the postseason with a significantly reduced roster, that'll do the trick.4. Josh Rosen, QB, CardinalsBy position alone, quarterbacks are far more likely to win rookie of the year. The award has gone to a QB seven times since 2004.Rosen is considered the most pro-ready quarterback among this year's crop of passers, but he's in a position where he's not expected to start right away. The Cardinals paid a rich contract to Sam Bradford to install him as the 2018 starter.If Bradford falters or succumbs to injury, as he has often in his career, Rosen will be surrounded by enough talent to allow him to thrive in the NFL.3. Derrius Guice, RB, Redskins(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)A first-round talent, Guice was passed over by almost every team before he landed with the Redskins in the second round.If the power back can channel that slight and stay healthy, he'll likely be everything the Redskins have been wanting and more in a running back, putting to end a turnstile at the position.Winning the award also hinges on Guice helping Washington improve from a 7-9 outfit to a playoff contender.2. Baker Mayfield, QB, BrownsBaker slots into the worst situation in the NFL, but as he said before the draft, if anyone's going to turn the Browns around, it's him.Mayfield first has to win playing time from incumbent starter Tyrod Taylor. If he manages to do so, and helps a franchise enjoy more success than it has in the past two seasons (1-31), he'll be hailed as both a savior and a front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year.1. Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)Running backs are enjoying a sort of renaissance in the NFL and it's come on the backs of the play of the rookies. Two of the last three Offensive Rookie of the Year award winners were running backs, and Ezekiel Elliott arguably should have won the trophy in 2016.Barkley enters the league celebrated as the most complete back in years. He's expected to make an immediate difference for a running game that hasn't averaged 100 yards per game since 2015.Though the Giants have also added tackle Nate Solder through free agency and drafted guard Will Hernandez, the offensive line remains an area of concern. If the line holds up and New York makes a marked improvement from their 3-13 record of a year ago, Barkley's a shoo-in for the prize.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Rob Gronkowski is back and the New England Patriots are working on rewarding him for his loyalty.After flirting with retirement, Gronkowski announced in late April that he's returning for the 2018 season and that the decision came after a meeting with coach Bill Belichick. Now both sides are in the process of "tweaking" his contract "to assuage that situation," Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald reports.Since losing Super Bowl LII to the Philadelphia Eagles, Gronkowski's name has come up often in trade talks. Rumors have also circulated that the tight end and quarterback Tom Brady have grown weary of Belichick's coaching demands.There's no denying the level of success the group has enjoyed together, however, and with Gronk under contract for two more seasons, the Patriots would like to keep the good times rolling.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints have made room on their crowded tight-end depth chart, releasing Coby Fleener on Monday, the Boston Globe's Ben Volin reports, citing a league source.Fleener signed with the Saints for five years and $36 million in 2016. He registered 50 catches for 631 yards and three scores in 16 games his first season, but appeared in 11 games in 2017, hauling in just 22 catches for 295 yards and two touchdowns.The Saints also employ Benjamin Watson, Josh Hill, Michael Hoomanawanui, and Garrett Griffin, among others, at the position.Despite the release, $3.4 million of Fleener's contract was guaranteed as of Feb. 7, according to Pro Football Talk.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL Players Association has filed a grievance on the behalf of free-agent safety Eric Reid.The former Pro Bowler has failed to find work this offseason after protesting during the national anthem in previous years. Reid made a free-agent visit with the Cincinnati Bengals and was reportedly asked about his stance on anthem protests in a meeting with owner Mike Brown.The NFLPA released the following statement:The NFLPA has filed a non-injury grievance and a system arbitrator case on behalf of free-agent safety Eric Reid. Prior to the start of the current NFL off-season, our Union directed the agents of free-agent players who had participated in peaceful on-field demonstrations to collect, memorialize, and report any relevant information about potential violations of the Collective Bargaining Agreement by teams. These cases were filed based upon the following:

The Baltimore Ravens didn't just draft Lamar Jackson to be their quarterback of the future. They're devising ways in which the dual-threat passer can help them this season.Despite finishing the 2017 season with a 9-7 record and narrowly missing out on a trip to the postseason, the Ravens were ranked 27th in total offense. Enter the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner.The Ravens traded back into the first round of this year's draft in order to nab Jackson with the 32nd pick. And they intend to use him right away."Lamar's a guy that can help us win games," head coach John Harbaugh said after the first day of rookie minicamp.He suggested his coaching staff is already hard at work coming up with ways to implement the rookie into the offense."You do it in practice. We do it in the laboratory. Obviously we've got coaches that have had a lot of experience with that," Harbaugh said.Jackson passed for 30 touchdowns in his Heisman-winning season and rushed for 21 more. He threw 27 TDs last year and added 18 rushing scores.The Ravens, a team bereft of offensive talent, could sorely use his contributions.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Anthony "Booger" McFarland will join Monday Night Football as a field analyst, sources told Richard Deitsch of The Athletic."Booger" will join Joe Tessitore, Lisa Salters, and Jason Witten on the broadcasting team in the newly created position. Witten announced his retirement from the Dallas Cowboys this week.McFarland won two Super Bowls, helping the Buccaneers to victory in 2002 and playing for the Indianapolis Colts in 2006.He's previously worked for ESPN in various roles.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Though the draft is over, teams are still looking to improve their rosters. For the free agents who haven't signed yet, the list of landing spots has shrunk from what it was in March, but situations across the league have also become much clearer.Here are the top seven free agents still out there and the clubs that should give them a ring now that the draft has concluded.Dez BryantWhile Jerry Jones may see no issue with releasing Bryant so late in the offseason, doing it less than two weeks before the draft essentially guaranteed the 29-year-old would have to wait and see who still needed a wideout after April 28. Bryant isn't the stud No. 1 receiver we saw dominate from 2012-14, but he can still occupy a valuable role on a team that has an established leadership group but lacks proven targets.Where to? The Seattle Seahawks would make sense, but they've shipped out several players with similarly loud voices and seem to be going through a culture change that they may not welcome the former Cowboy into. The Houston Texans, meanwhile, are just starting to build their corps in the Deshaun Watson era. The chance to join a potential winner, stay in Texas, play the Cowboys, and be one of two veterans in the receiver room should be enough to land Bryant.Kenny VaccaroThe free-agent safety market got off to an unusually slow start, leaving Vaccaro without a team despite coming off what's likely his best season as a pro. The 27-year-old finished last season on injured reserve and underwent wrist and groin surgeries, but isn't expected to have any trouble being ready in time for training camp. Vaccaro may have found his ideal role in 2017 in nickel and dime packages covering receivers in the slot, though he can also play as a traditional strong safety.Where to? The Kansas City Chiefs had the fourth-worst pass defense in 2017 and only added fourth-rounder Armani Watts to their safety corps this offseason. Eric Berry will be back too, but Vaccaro could bring a hard-hitting, sure-tackling presence that the Chiefs' secondary desperately lacked last year.DeMarco MurrayFew teams have a real need at running back, especially given all the recent examples of rookie rushers leading offenses. However, Murray appeared to show an ability to help Derrick Henry develop into a starter and, at age 30, he can still perform as a No. 2 behind a decent offensive line.Where to? The Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers each cut ties this with their former starters C.J. Anderson and Doug Martin, respectively, before bringing in rookie runners. Murray could mentor either Royce Freeman (Broncos) or Ronald Jones II (Buccaneers), and serve as a more powerful backup when the youngsters' speedy style isn't getting the job done.Johnathan HankinsHankins was on the market far longer than expected last offseason, reportedly because he had a high price tag. He eventually got a sufficiently big offer from the Colts, but the 26-year-old was released this year due to a scheme change, earning over $10 million in the process.Where to next?: The Atlanta Falcons didn't find a replacement for Dontari Poe at nose tackle, a role Hankins could slot into nicely, but the team hasn't expressed much concern about the position and isn't swimming in cap room. While Hankins seems unlikely to take a hometown discount, the Detroit Lions should have interest in the Michigan native after saying goodbye to Haloti Ngata this spring. The Lions have enough cap space to afford Hankins and, under general manager Bob Quinn, have demonstrated a desire to be strong at the line of scrimmage.Eric ReidReid's struggling to find a new team, possibly as a consequence of his protests against social injustice during the national anthem. He's filed a collusion grievance against the league that may deter clubs from calling him - or nudge a more forward-thinking franchise toward giving the 26-year-old a chance to continue his career.Where to? The San Francisco 49ers, who drafted and employed Reid for the last five years, are open to bringing back the former first-rounder, and he's reportedly interested. The 49ers haven't been scared to speak out against social injustice and didn't add nearly as many pieces in free agency as their available cap space suggested they might. If a team signs Reid before his grievance is resolved, chances are it will be San Francisco.Jeremy MaclinFriday is Maclin's 30th birthday, and his age has shown over the last two seasons; he played 12 games in each one and failed to break 550 yards in either campaign. He can be useful as a deep threat, catching long passes and keeping safeties occupied over the top, though he could easily be miscast on the wrong team.Where to? The Buffalo Bills badly need speed and recognizable names on their offense, especially if Josh Allen's supposed strength is throwing the ball deep. Maclin is close friends with Bills running back LeSean McCoy and is plenty comfortable playing in cold weather. It can be a waste for teams to have multiple players occupying the role of deep threat, but that job's still open on the Bills.NaVorro BowmanWith the Oakland Raiders signing Derrick Johnson last week, it appears Bowman is headed elsewhere after many assumed he would rejoin the silver and black following the draft. Bowman will be 30 when the season starts and can still play an every-down role when healthy, though a torn Achilles in 2016 makes him a risky signing. He recorded 127 tackles over 15 games in 2017 and provided some needed leadership on the Raiders' defense.Where to? The Pittsburgh Steelers surprisingly did not draft a replacement at inside linebacker for Ryan Shazier, and they play a similar 3-4 system to the one Bowman excelled in as an All-Pro from 2011-15. Bowman went to school at Penn State, just a few hours' drive from Pittsburgh, but also grew up in Maryland and may be drawn to the Baltimore Ravens, who could use an upgrade at weak-side linebacker.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Edwin Jackson, who played linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts, was awarded a posthumous degree from Georgia Southern on Saturday.Jackson died on Feb. 4 after being struck by a truck while standing outside.

Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy provided DeShone Kizer with a vote of confidence Saturday as the sophomore looks to overcome a shaky 2017 season.Kizer was selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns and was immediately thrust into the starting lineup after a stellar training camp. The former Notre Dame standout struggled, however, completing 53.6 percent of his passes for 11 touchdowns against 22 interceptions during his rookie campaign.Green Bay then acquired Kizer in a March trade with Cleveland, and McCarthy believes that if Kizer had remained at Notre Dame for another year, he would've received a similar level of hype to the much-ballyhooed quarterback class of 2018."In my opinion, if he was in that class this year, he would’ve been part of that group of first four guys, or first five. I always felt there were five, the five quarterbacks, first-round guys," McCarthy said, according to Ryan Wood of USA TODAY Network.McCarthy believes a change of scenery will allow Kizer to tap into his full potential."I think he has exceptional arm talent," McCarthy said. "What we’re asking him to do is, particularly the footwork and just how he fits the scheme and how he operates, is brand-new to him. That always excites me, because when you see that (a) guy has no experience or background but has the ability, to me that’s an opportunity for a lot of growth. So I think he has a bright future."It's extremely unlikely that Kizer will unseat Aaron Rodgers in 2018, but the Packers believe they may have found their future starter for a fraction of the expected cost.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jim Irsay has a new addition to his memorabilia collection: the founding document of Alcoholics Anonymous.The Indianapolis Colts owner, who has struggled with alcoholism in the past, paid $2.4 million for the manuscript at auction Saturday, according to Anthony McCartney of the Associated Press. Irsay said he considered keeping the purchase private, but wanted to speak publicly about it to help break the stigma surrounding alcoholism and addiction.He plans to have the 161-page document on display for several months a year at the Alcoholics Anonymous headquarters in New York."The only way we stay sober is to give it away," Irsay said. "I think it'll help a lot of people. That's the reason I'm doing it."Irsay is no stranger to expensive auction purchases. He paid $137,500 for one of Prince's old guitars after the singer passed away in 2016 and $2.25 million for Ringo Starr's 1963 Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl drum kit in 2015.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

While Colin Kaepernick has received support from a wide variety of former NFL stars for his work against racial injustice and his protesting methods, ex-Dallas Cowboys running back Herschel Walker believes he understands why NFL teams are reluctant to sign the quarterback.Walker said told TMZ on Saturday that Kaepernick's reported refusal to decide whether he will continue to protest during the national anthem while on a visit with the Seattle Seahawks proves the unemployed quarterback isn't prioritizing football."I read where they asked him if he would still kneel if they hired him, and he said he wasn't sure or he may, and that tells you right there that he doesn't want to work," Walker said, according to Bleacher Report's Alec Nathan. "My point is: I think what he was doing was great. I think what he stood for was great. Black lives matter."Right now I think he's got to remember that you have teams saying, 'If you do what we ask you to do, you may have a job.' But he don't wanna do it. ... I own a chicken company. If the guy that I hire don't want to do what I ask him to do, why do I hire him? And I think that's the problem right there, you know."Kaepernick, who has been without a team since opting out of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers in March 2017, has filed a collusion grievance against the NFL.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Zoo honored Jason Witten by naming one of its newest animals after the retiring Cowboys tight end.On Friday, a day after Witten officially announced his retirement from the NFL, the zoo revealed its newborn male giraffe calf will be known as Witten."We're shifting from our typical tradition of naming a baby after its native heritage to honor a Texas legend and all around great guy," Gregg Hudson, Dallas Zoo's president and CEO, said in a statement. "Our zookeepers were the first ones to jump on this naming opportunity. We're all huge fans of Jason, he's a real role model – on the field and in our community."The 5-foot-9, 145-pound giraffe was born on April 25, and is expected to make his public debut within the next couple of weeks. The zoo hopes his namesake will come out to meet him.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ben Roethlisberger is the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise player, the face of the team, and a key veteran who is supposed to lead an uber-talented roster to a Super Bowl win.He's also 36 years old, has an exhaustive injury history, and has continually teased retirement recently.Despite all this, the quarterback opted to welcome rookie quarterback Mason Rudolph into the locker room by criticizing Pittsburgh's decision to use a third-round pick to potentially secure the future of the position."I was surprised when they took a quarterback because I thought that maybe in the third round, you know you can get some really good football players that can help this team now," Roethlisberger said Friday on "Cook and Poni" of KDKA Pittsburgh. "Nothing against Mason; I think he's a great football player. I don't know him personally, but I'm sure he's a great kid. I just don't know how backing up or being a third (string) - well, who knows where he's going to fall on the depth chart - helps us win now."But, you know, that's not my decision to make. That's on the coaches and the GM and the owner and those kind of things. If they think he can help our team, so be it, but I was a little surprised."Clearly Roethlisberger wants to eat his cake and have it too, all while having praise heaped upon him for both his restraint and cake-eating abilities.The two-time Super Bowl winner spent most of the previous offseason hinting that he was ready to walk away from football, seemingly enjoying all the coverage that came with his statements.Roethlisberger refused to confirm he would return for the upcoming campaign in January 2017 and kept the franchise and its fanbase in a state of perpetual panic for three months, until confirming he would return.Related: Roethlisberger seriously considered retiring, says ex-teammate Colon

While Ben Roethlisberger seems displeased with the Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to select his potential replacement Mason Rudolph in the third round of this year's draft, the rookie opted to take the high road when asked about the veteran's criticism.The 36-year-old Roethlisberger questioned how adding a young passer to a group already including Landry Jones and Joshua Dobbs can help Pittsburgh complete its goal of winning a Super Bowl."If I was Ben, I'd probably say the same thing," Rudolph said Sunday on NFL Network, according to CBSSports' Sean Wagner-McGough. "He's a competitor. Obviously, he has a lot of confidence in himself, like I do. Yeah, he's going to be a future Hall of Famer and I would expect him to say that."So, I'm just looking forward to going in there and learning the system, competing, raising my level of play, preparing like I'm the starter, even though obviously I won't be the starter. And just waiting and being prepared for whenever I get my time, whenever my time comes, to be ready and take advantage of it."Roethlisberger said he was contemplating retirement, citing health concerns, following the conclusion of the 2016 campaign.He waited three months to announce he would return for the 2017 season, but despite saying he would take his future "year by year," he ultimately proclaimed he now intends to play up to five more years following the selection of Rudolph.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

LeBron James ripped out the hearts of the Toronto Raptors - again - with an unbelievable running buzzer-beater during the Cleveland Cavaliers' Eastern Conference semifinals Sunday.

Earlier in the week, it was revealed that Cleveland Browns executive Alonzo Highsmith was turned off of Josh Rosen before the NFL draft due to a chance meeting with the UCLA women's volleyball team.The Browns vice president of player personnel asked the coach what Rosen was like, and after being directed to speak to Rosen's girlfriend on the team, Highsmith declined and walked away thinking "there was something about him that bothered me."Rosen addressed the issue on Friday during an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, and was surprised that such a random meeting would present him in a negative light."I thought it was interesting he didn't talk to my girlfriend. I mean, maybe he was scared of someone actually saying something good about me? I don't know, I just thought it was funny," Rosen said. "It's amazing that you can pull a red flag from something with literally zero information."The Browns eventually took Baker Mayfield with the No. 1 overall pick while Rosen slid to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 10.Sadly, Rosen will have to wait to get his revenge on the field as the Cardinals and Browns are not slated to meet this season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The deadline for NFL teams to provide written notice of whether their 2015 first-round picks' fifth-year contract options would be picked up has passed.In total, 20 players had their option exercised, while the other 12 will become free agents at the end of the 2018 season if they aren't released or extended beforehand.Here's an imagining of how that same first round would go three years later if teams had another shot at it.(Players are listed at the position they played when they were drafted)1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - QB Jameis WinstonActual pick: Winston (exercised)Teams (well, other than the Cleveland Browns) rarely land the No. 1 pick in the draft. When they do, it's usually because they desperately need a franchise quarterback. The Buccaneers had their choice between Winston and Marcus Mariota in 2015; three years later, it remains a toss-up.2. Tennessee Titans - QB Marcus MariotaActual pick: Mariota (exercised)Mariota has enjoyed a little more team success than Winston thus far, leading the Titans to the playoffs and a wild-card victory in 2017.3. Jacksonville Jaguars - DE Vic BeasleyActual pick: DE Dante Fowler Jr. (not exercised)It was Beasley vs. Fowler for who'd be the top pass-rusher entering the 2015 draft. While the Jaguars' vaunted defense hasn't suffered from Fowler's underwhelming displays, Beasley's recorded nearly twice as many sacks over the past two years and provides the Atlanta Falcons with positional versatility. Starting Beasley opposite Calais Campbell on the defensive line and occasionally using him at linebacker would have been an upgrade.4. Oakland Raiders - RB Todd GurleyActual pick: WR Amari Cooper (exercised)The Raiders have received solid production from Cooper as the team's No. 1 wide receiver, but running back has been a glaring hole in recent years that led them to recruit Marshawn Lynch out of retirement prior to last season. Taking running backs with a top-10 pick is frowned upon by many in NFL circles, but Gurley has proven to be capable of transforming an offense and emerged as an MVP candidate in just his third year.He would've been an immediate upgrade over 2015 starter Latavius Murray.5. Washington Redskins - OT Brandon ScherffActual pick: Scherff (exercised)Drafted as a tackle, Scherff was converted to right guard early in his career and has made the Pro Bowl in each of the past two seasons. After missing the first two games of his career in 2017, he's been a stabilizing, reliable piece of Washington's O-line and should allow the mobile Alex Smith to thrive in 2018 and beyond.The league has begun putting more emphasis on the guard position, whether it be through the draft or in free agency. Scherff's value has helped lead that trend.6. New York Jets - S Landon CollinsActual pick: DE Leonard Williams (exercised)Collins has proven he can be the leader of a defense, being crowned an All-Pro in 2016 and making the Pro Bowl in each of the past two seasons.The Jets already had Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson at the time, making Williams a little redundant. While neither player is still on the team, Collins would have provided more value to the defensive unit as a whole.7. Chicago Bears - WR Stefon DiggsActual pick: WR Kevin White (not exercised)Injuries have limited White to just five appearances for the Bears, in which he's totaled 193 yards and no touchdowns. Chicago was active in free agency this offseason, adding receivers Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel and tight end Trey Burton, and drafting receiver Anthony Miller to fortify its biggest weakness.The versatile Diggs would have really helped rookie quarterback Mitch Trubisky and veteran Mike Glennon last season.8. Atlanta Falcons - DE Danielle HunterActual pick: Beasley (exercised)The Falcons had a bargain in Beasley. Hunter, used as depth off the bench through his first two years, emerged to start all 16 regular-season games and both playoff contests in 2017. He has one more career sack than Beasley.9. New York Giants - RB David JohnsonActual pick: OT Ereck Flowers (not exercised)Despite starting all 46 games he played in his first three years, Flowers has fallen well short of the expectations placed on a top-10 pick. The Giants have spent the offseason trying to find trade interest, but appear stuck with Flowers for the final year of his rookie deal.Johnson, originally a third-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals, was named an All-Pro in just his sophomore season, before losing his third year to injury. Like Gurley, he's proven he can be the focal point of an offense, excelling as both a rusher and a receiver.10. Los Angeles Rams - WR Amari CooperActual pick: Gurley (exercised)The Rams identified running back as their top need for the 2015 draft and correctly used a high pick on Gurley.But here, with both of the draft's elite running backs off the board, they'd settle on Cooper to address a wide receiver corps that has been a focal point of Sean McVay's current regime, with the Rams adding Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, and Brandin Cooks in the last two years. Cooper would've helped them get a head start on that process.11. Minnesota Vikings - CB Marcus PetersActual pick: CB Trae Waynes (exercised)The Vikings have gotten what they wanted from Waynes, but Peters - an All-Pro in 2016 and a two-time Pro Bowler - would be a slight upgrade in the secondary alongside safeties Harrison Smith and Andrew Sendejo and fellow corner Xavier Rhodes.12. Cleveland Browns - OT Andrus PeatActual pick: DT Danny Shelton (not exercised)Peat has shown the versatility to play both guard and tackle for the New Orleans Saints. He likely would have been moved around the line in Cleveland, too, but he'd now be the logical replacement for the retired Joe Thomas at left tackle.13. New Orleans Saints - DT Grady JarrettActual pick: Peat (exercised)The Saints were rumored to be in the hunt for defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh earlier this offseason as they sought help for Cameron Jordan. Jarrett would have eliminated that need and may have been able to save them from trading two first-round picks for Marcus Davenport this year.14. Miami Dolphins - RB Melvin GordonActual pick: WR DeVante Parker (exercised)The Dolphins used a fifth-round pick on Jay Ajayi in the same draft, illustrating they viewed running back as a position of need. Gordon was infamously held out of the end zone as a rookie, but scored a total of 12 touchdowns in each of the past two seasons, and crossed the 1,000-yard threshold as a rusher for the first time in 2017.15. Los Angeles Chargers - DT David IrvingActual pick: Gordon (exercised)The Chargers were still getting good use out of Corey Liuget - a first-round pick in 2011 - at the time, but Irving would have given them one of the top defensive fronts in the league.Originally an undrafted free agent, Irving became a starter for eight healthy games in 2017 and has recorded a total of 11.5 sacks across his three years with the Dallas Cowboys.16. Houston Texans - CB Trae WaynesActual pick: CB Kevin Johnson (exercised)Johnson started 10 of 16 games as a rookie, but he's made just seven starts while being limited to 18 games over the past two years. Waynes would have provided some security in the secondary, as he's missed just two games in his career.17. San Francisco 49ers - LB Eric KendricksActual pick: DE Arik Armstead (exercised)The 49ers seem to be banking on Armstead's remaining potential, but he's been limited to just 30 games and 11 starts through his first three years. Kendricks, chosen by the Vikings with the 45th overall pick in 2015, has started 41 of 45 games played as the leader of the linebacker corps.18. Kansas City Chiefs - CB Byron JonesActual pick: Peters (exercised)The Chiefs reset their secondary group this offseason, trading Peters to the Rams, acquiring Kendall Fuller from Washington, and signing David Amerson. Jones might have prevented that from being necessary, as he's able to play both corner and safety and has started all 32 games over the past two years.19. Browns (via the Buffalo Bills) - LB Kwon AlexanderActual pick: C Cameron Erving (not exercised)With the offensive line already addressed with their first pick, the Browns would have been able to choose Alexander as their defensive anchor. The Buccaneers' fourth-round selection has started all 40 games he's played and was chosen for the Pro Bowl for the first time in 2017.20. Philadelphia Eagles - WR Nelson AgholorActual pick: Agholor (exercised)The Eagles had to wait for Agholor's breakout, but their patience was rewarded with eight regular-season touchdowns in 2017. He emerged as a top No. 2 receiver opposite Alshon Jeffery while playing all 16 games for the first time in his career.21. Cincinnati Bengals - OT D.J. HumphriesActual pick: OT Cedric Ogbuehi (not exercised)Ogbuehi started 13 games last season, but the Bengals decided he wasn't in their long-term plans and passed on his fifth-year option. Humphries had his own option exercised by the Cardinals despite playing only five games last season. That's probably because when healthy, he's a very reliable player who specializes in run blocking.22. Pittsburgh Steelers - DE Leonard WilliamsActual pick: DE Bud Dupree (exercised)Williams doesn't have Dupree's versatility, but he hasn't missed a game in his career, recording a total of 12 sacks. He's now the focal point of the Jets' defensive front after the team moved on from both Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson in the past two offseasons.23. Denver Broncos - LB Benardrick McKinneyActual pick: DE Shane Ray (not exercised)The Broncos passing on Ray's option year was somewhat surprising, but injuries have held the 23rd overall pick to just 38 games and 15 starts. He recorded eight sacks in a full 2016 season, but managed just one last year.McKinney has started all 32 games over the past seasons. While he's benefited from playing alongside J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney, he would have received similar support from Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware in his first two seasons in Denver.24. Arizona Cardinals - WR DeVante ParkerActual pick: Humphries (exercised)The Cardinals allowed both John and Jaron Brown to leave via free agency this offseason, replacing them with Brice Butler and Christian Kirk. Parker would have helped the team transition through Larry Fitzgerald's twilight.25. Carolina Panthers - LB Shaq ThompsonActual pick: Thompson (exercised)Thompson's been a solid addition alongside Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis in the Panthers' linebacker group. He started 14 games in 2017, making a career-best 61 combined tackles with two forced fumbles and two sacks.26. Baltimore Ravens - WR Devin FunchessActual pick: WR Breshad Perriman (not exercised)There's no telling what Perriman could have been if he'd stayed healthy.The 2015 Ravens had Mike Wallace on the outside and Steve Smith in the slot, needing a second outside receiver to put opposite Wallace. Funchess' 6-foot-4 frame would've fit the bill, and he would have benefited greatly from softer matchups with his teammates drawing tight coverage.27. Dallas Cowboys - CB Ronald DarbyActual pick: Jones (exercised)With Jones already off the board in this alternate version, the Cowboys would have stuck with a cornerback and taken Darby, originally a second-round Bills selection. He battled through injury in his first year with the Eagles, but returned in time to start all three playoff games, recording 16 tackles and six passes defensed.28. Detroit Lions - RB Jay AjayiActual pick: G Laken Tomlinson (not exercised)The Lions didn't get what they wanted from Tomlinson and shipped him to the 49ers before last season. He became a serviceable player in packages for head coach Kyle Shanahan, but San Francisco still opted to pass on his fifth-year option. While the running game relies heavily on a steady offensive line, Ajayi would have been the Lions' most talented running back in years, and could have made up for some of the weaknesses in front of him.29. Indianapolis Colts - DE Dante Fowler Jr.Actual pick: WR Phillip Dorsett (not exercised)Fowler was arguably the biggest surprise among the 12 players who had their fifth-year options declined. While he lost his rookie season to injury, he's found a role as a depth pass-rusher, recording eight sacks without starting a game in 2017.30. Green Bay Packers - DE Trey FlowersActual pick: DB Damarious Randall (exercised)The New England Patriots have slowly expanded Flowers' role since taking him in the fourth round, as he started a career-high 14 games in 2017 and recorded 6.5 sacks.He would've been an added luxury for a Packers pass rush that ranked inside the top 10 in sacks in both 2015 and 2016.31. Saints (via Seattle Seahawks) - LB Denzel PerrymanActual pick: LB Stephone Anthony (not exercised)Anthony lasted just two seasons in New Orleans, starting 19 of 26 games played. Meanwhile, Perryman has struggled to stay healthy, and his performance has dipped since his rookie year as a result, but he's still effective when on the field.32. New England Patriots - DE Frank ClarkActual pick: DT Malcom Brown (not exercised)Clark's strength as a pass-rusher would have made him a good fit as a package player for the Patriots, as he is for the Seahawks. He's recorded 19 sacks over the past two years, after getting to the quarterback just three times as a rookie.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry graduated from the University of Alabama on Friday, fulfilling a promise he made to his late grandmother.

Saturday is the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby, and the stars of the NFL have descended upon Churchill Downs to take in the festivities.Aaron Rodgers rolled into the event with some backup, as a number of Green Bay Packers are on site for the race.

It's early in Baltimore Ravens rookie camp, but quarterback Lamar Jackson is apparently already dispelling one of the main critiques of him that was circulating ahead of the 2018 draft."The thing I was really impressed with is I thought he was accurate," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. "You read the reports ... but he's a naturally talented thrower. He has natural arm talent. That's something that I think people were questioning. To see him out here throwing the ball naturally and very accurately, I thought it was a big plus."Jackson completed 60.4 percent of his pass attempts in his final season at Louisville.However, teams had reportedly been asking Jackson to work out as a wide receiver in the build-up to the draft, and he declined to run the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine and at Louisville's pro day.Baltimore then selected Jackson with the final pick of the first round.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Shaquem Griffin has already made an impact through his first practice with the team."We had to slow him down some early on in the practice and in the walk through, he was going too hard. So we had to chill him out a little bit. But he’s very excited about being here," Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said, according Omar Ruiz of NFL Network.The Seahawks' fifth-round pick wowed NFL players, fans and teams with a top performance at the scouting combine.He's apparently not letting up at all now that he has his unlikely opportunity at the Seahawks' rookie camp.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL is willing to hear recommendations on how to improve working conditions for cheerleaders, John Branch of the New York Times reports.Two former cheerleaders - Bailey Davis and Kristan Ware - have filed discrimination lawsuits against the league, but offered to settle for $1 in exchange for a meeting with commissioner Roger Goodell. Sara Blackwell, who represents Davis and Ware, said the NFL didn't agree to the proposal, but will listen to suggestions."I'm grateful for this letter, and I do believe that this is a good-faith effort by the NFL. There could be good things that come from it," Blackwell said.League spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed the existance of the letter."As we said before, our office is working with the clubs in sharing best practices and employment-related processes that will support club cheerleading squads within an appropriate and supportive workplace," McCarthy said in an email to the Times."The letter expressed that a conversation would be welcome regarding information or recommendations related to the teams' policies."Davis accused the New Orleans Saints of firing her for policy violations she has disputed and having separate rules for their male players and female cheerleaders. Ware filed a complaint against the Miami Dolphins in April claiming she was discriminated over her gender and religion.Former Washington Redskins cheerleaders recently recounted a 2013 trip in which some cheerleaders say they were required to be topless for a photo shoot in the presence of male sponsors and spectators.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

For all the excitement surrounding Baker Mayfield, the quarterback the Cleveland Browns took with the first pick of the 2018 draft, head coach Hue Jackson insists nothing has changed in regard to who will start under center next season."I'm not going to back off of this and we can keep writing this narrative, Tyrod Taylor is the starting quarterback of this football team. That will not change," Jackson said after the first day of rookie minicamp, Scott Petrak of BrownsZone.com reports.The Browns traded a third-round pick in this year's draft to the Buffalo Bills to acquire Taylor in March. But that was before the selection of Mayfield.Nonetheless, Jackson said it will take some time before Mayfield is given the keys to the franchise."Let's make sure we pump our brakes a little bit because he has a ways to go and a lot to learn," Jackson said. "I am very excited about him. He has a lot of characteristics that we love. That is why he is here."While Jackson continues to consider Taylor the unquestioned quarterback of the present, there's no question the future hinges on Mayfield.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.