Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert spoke Wednesday at the 2018 combine and said injured linebacker Ryan Shazier won't play in the upcoming season but will still be an important part of the team, according to Mark Kaboly of The Athletic.Shazier suffered a spinal contusion in a Week 13 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He later underwent spinal stabilization surgery.Related - Report: Shazier has movement in legs, requires assistance in walkingThe 25-year-old was still named to the Pro Bowl for a second consecutive season despite playing only 12 games. He recorded 89 combined tackles, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and three interceptions.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL Network has reportedly reached an agreement with the American Flag Football League to broadcast 11 games between June 29 and July 19, according to Darren Rovell of ESPN.The league follows a "Pros vs. Joes" format, in which 128 teams of amateurs will compete in a single-elimination tournament that begins in March. The top amateur teams will advance to face four teams composed of former professional athletes in the summer.Former NFL stars Michael Vick and Chad Johnson, as well as former NBA players Nate Robinson and Carlos Boozer, are among those already committed.The top pro team will face off with the top amateur team July 19. The winners claim the grand prize of $1 million.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Chicago Bears are aiming to undo what was widely perceived as one of the biggest mistakes from last offseason as soon as they can.General manager Ryan Pace confirmed the club will release quarterback Mike Glennon at the beginning on the new league year.The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers backup was signed to a three-year, $45-million contract last offseason with $18.5 million guaranteed.Cutting him now will cost the team $4.5 million in dead cap space.He played just the first four games of the 2017 season - throwing four touchdowns and five interceptions - before being moved to the bench in favor of rookie Mitchell Trubisky.The 2018 league year officially begins March 14. Glennon is due a fully guaranteed roster bonus of $2.5 million March 16, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

One of the most bizarre stories to come out of Johnny Manziel's tenure with the Cleveland Browns was a report about him donning a blonde wig and introducing himself as "Billy" while partying in Las Vegas prior to the 2016 season finale.Manziel seemingly tried to dispel the rumors by suggesting on Instagram that he was in Ohio at the time, but now acknowledges that he was, in fact, in Las Vegas in disguise.He shared details about the infamous night on "The ThomaHawk Show," a podcast hosted by his former teammates Joe Thomas and Andrew Hawkins."I had my hood, my hat, my everything, my sunglasses, my everything. So I get there, and no problem," Manziel said, according to Jordan Heck of Sporting News.But then a reporter recognized Manziel at a bar, sending him "into straight damage control.""So then I'm like, I'm not going to be able to just go in with a hat. Let's go get a wig," he said. "And, as funny as this is, I'm still pretty embarrassed by it. It's still like a reckless decision, but like we said, let it die."I'm like, 'Let's go to this wig shop.' So I type in Google, nearest wig shop and just go somewhere off the strip. Very very sketchy, I walk into this place and this little lady walks up (and asks), 'What you want on your hair?' And I'm like, 'I need something that makes me not look like this. Do you have a mustache, do you have a wig, do you have anything?' And she came back with this wig and I put it on, and I'm like, 'Perfect!' I shaved off all my facial hair except my mustache."The wig in question was a "blondish, brown mullet," which Manziel said he still has a photo of.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL free agency begins March 14 - the first day of the new league year. Here is our list of the top 10 free-agent wide receivers.10. John Brown2017 Team: Arizona Cardinals

Jon Gruden is looking forward to working with Marshawn Lynch.Upon being reinstalled as head coach of the Oakland Raiders, Gruden was noncommittal about Lynch's future with the team. At the NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday, however, Gruden changed his tune."One of the reasons I was excited to join the Raiders was to join forces with Lynch," Gruden said.Lynch, an Oakland native, is a fan favorite and was the team's leading rusher in 2017. He carried the ball for 891 yards and seven touchdowns and churned out 4.3 yards per carry.He's signed on with the Raiders for one more year, and Gruden is excited about getting a glimpse of Beast Mode."He's still a beast that's hard to bring down," Gruden said. "I'm counting on him to be a big part of our football team."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon seems to have done enough in his brief five-game return in 2017 to impress his coach and front office.Browns head coach Hue Jackson said the team hopes to have Gordon for a long time, while speaking at the combine Wednesday, according to Marc Sessler of NFL Network.Gordon enters the 2018 offseason as an exclusive rights free agent. He cannot negotiate with other teams, and once the Browns extend a qualifying offer, he can either accept it or sit out another season.Because of Gordon's multiple suspensions for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, he is not eligible for unrestricted free agency until the end of the 2020 season. It means he'll have had to wait eight years since being drafted in the second round in 2012, as opposed to the customary four-year rookie contract.Gordon caught 18 of 42 targets last season, totaling 335 yards and one touchdown. Turning 27 in April, Gordon has played just 40 games since being drafted. He led the league with 1,646 yards in his sophomore season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL scouting combine features a number of tests draft prospects complete to display various skills to potential suitors. But why are these drills important to scouts?Here is a brief breakdown of the key events that will feature at Lucas Oil Stadium:40-yard dashThe 40-yard dash is the combine's marquee event. Fans and evaluators alike tune in to see how fast prospects will run, as all position groups (aside from special teams) take part in this drill. The player begins in a three-point stance, and must hold their position for at least two full seconds. A rolling or quick start will result in a redo. The clock will start when a player’s down-hand leaves the ground, and they are timed at 10-, 20-, and 40-yard intervals. It's a simple drill, but a prospect's 40 time can drastically affect their draft stock. Scouts are not only looking for pure speed, they want to see explosion from a static start.Bengals wide receiver John Ross currently holds the combine record for the fastest 40-yard dash time - a blistering 4.22 seconds. He broke the record last year after Chris Johnson held the fastest mark since 2008.

Preston Brown wouldn't mind taking his league-leading 144 tackles to New England in 2018.The Buffalo Bills linebacker hinted that he could be interested in signing with the Patriots as he hits free agency, according to the Boston Globe's Jeff Howe."I think I can definitely help the young guys they have there (in New England) now," Brown said. "They definitely have some things they can work on like we all do, but I think I can help that defense get better."It's difficult not to see why. Brown has watched a number of former Bills teammates leave Buffalo in free agency and elevate their game in New England. The list includes Chris Hogan, Mike Gillislee, Alan Branch, and Stephon Gilmore."It’s a little weird," Brown said of his ex-teammates thriving for their AFC East rivals. "I'm not going to sit here and lie like, 'Oh well.' You're happy for them, but you're also like, all right, every time somebody goes to the Patriots, they're going to the Pro Bowl or the Super Bowl. They definitely seem to get the best out of the Buffalo Bills."The former third-round pick clearly respects the Patriots, who have won 31 of their last 35 meetings against Buffalo. It seems he can't help but think about the possibility of joining the five-time Super Bowl Champions."I just think the whole organization in New England does a great job of knowing what those players' skills are and then utilizing them in that way," said Brown. "Anytime you can play for one of the best franchises in NFL history, it's obviously going to be an option."New England has a clear need at the linebacker position, and Howe reports the team's interest could be mutual.Only time will tell if Brown is the next Bill to join the rival Patriots, but he's sure to lose a few fans in Buffalo after his comments.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Oakland Raiders don't plan on releasing veteran receiver Michael Crabtree regardless of his lofty salary for the upcoming season, sources told Vic Tafur of The Athletic.The 30-year-old is scheduled to earn $7.5 million in 2018. With none of it guaranteed, it's still possible the Raiders could cut him later in the offseason or during training camp.Crabtree managed just 618 yards receiving last season, though he also contributed eight touchdowns. It was a major step down from the 1,003 yards and eight scores Crabtree hauled in two campaigns ago.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Green Bay Packers have had productive contract talks with quarterback Aaron Rodgers as they work to hammer out an extension with the franchise icon, according to team president Mark Murphy."We've had discussions with his representative," Murphy told Rob Demovsky of ESPN. "I have a lot of confidence in (general manager) Brian (Gutekunst) and (executive vice president/director of football operations) Russ (Ball), and Aaron as well. We want to create a win-win."Rodgers still has two seasons left on his contract, but his deal has received no shortage of attention over the last year or so. The two-time MVP has seen less accomplished pivots like Derek Carr, Matthew Stafford, and Jimmy Garoppolo ink more lucrative extensions than the five-year, $110-million deal Rodgers signed in 2013. There's no reason to believe Rodgers won't be the highest paid player in the NFL when he puts pen to paper next.Led by Rodgers, Green Bay made the playoffs every season from 2009-2016. The Packers started the 2017 campaign 4-1 before the franchise pivot broke his collarbone, only to finish 7-9 and miss the postseason.The 34-year-old previously said he plans to play into his 40s.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It appears the NFL will be looking for a new official pizza in 2018.Papa John's CEO Steve Ritchie said on the company's earnings conference call that the league and the company have put an end to their sponsorship deal, ESPN's Darren Rovell reports."The NFL and Papa John's have made a mutual decision to shift from their official league sponsorship to a focus on partnerships with 22 local NFL teams, presence in broadcast and digital media, and key personalities in the sport," the league and company said in a joint statement.Nearly four months ago, former CEO and founder John Schnatter claimed the players who staged protests during the national anthem hurt the business. The company later apologized in a statement.The pizza company is the first NFL sponsor to sever ties before their deal expired. The league is expected to name a replacement before the 2018 season begins.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions announced on Tuesday they have placed their franchise tag on defensive end Ezekiel Ansah.Had he been allowed to hit free agency, Ansah would have been the top edge rusher available.In five seasons in Detroit, the native of Ghana has tallied 207 tackles and 44 sacks. In 14 games in 2017, he produced 12 quarterback sacks and a forced fumble.Under the tag, Ansah is scheduled to make an estimated $16.9 million for the 2018 season.The Lions exercised the fifth-year option in Ansah's contract last season. He earned $12.7 million for the year on the deal.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL is considering changing the rules prohibiting teams from hiring coaches who are working with an active team, even in the playoffs, according to Judy Battista of NFL.com.Coaches are typically allowed to interview for openings while their current team's season is ongoing, but a hiring can't be made official.The proposed change has failed in previous league discussion but is expected to have greater support in the fallout of New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels reneging on a verbal agreement to become head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.The Colts prematurely announced the hiring of McDaniels before he had formally signed a contract. He ultimately chose to stay in his current role with the Patriots. The Colts hired Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich as a fallback with few other viable candidates perceived to be available.The Detroit Lions were successful in officially hiring Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia the day after New England's Super Bowl LII loss to the Eagles.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's unanimous among the NFL's competition committee: The controversial non-receptions by Calvin Johnson in 2010 and Dez Bryant in the 2014 playoffs should've been ruled complete.The committee is working on clarifying the league's heavily scrutinized catch rule and, in doing so, is ready to admit a couple of mistakes. New York Giants owner John Mara said the room is in agreement that those two catches, in particular, should've stood, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert.As a result, the committee is working at changing the portion of the catch rule that encompasses a receiver "going to the ground."Related: NFL's 2 worst rules in desperate need of overhaulThe committee is only just beginning discussions on how to improve the catch rule.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is contesting the order that he reimburse fellow owners for legal fees of more than $2 million, league sources told Mark Maske of The Washington Post.Related - Report: Jerry Jones to be forced to reimburse compensation committee for legal feesJones has reportedly requested a hearing in front of commissioner Roger Goodell over the owners' efforts to be recompensated for the expenses resulting from his actions. It's unknown when the hearing will take place.NFL owners are reportedly looking to enforce a longstanding rule "that if an owner participates in bringing litigation against other owners, he must reimburse them for the legal fees," according to Dan Graziano of ESPN.As many as 29 of the 32 teams are in favor of the league's action against Jones, a source told Maske.Jones hired high-profile lawyer David Boies and threatened to sue the NFL and the six owners on the compensation committee over the contract extension given to Goodell late last year. He attempted to impede the progress of the extension, while also opposing the six-game suspension doled out to Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott prior to the start of the 2017 season.The committee told Jones he was guilty of "conduct detrimental to the league" for his efforts. He eventually backed off on his threat and Elliott went on to serve his suspension.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL is considering some changes to its rulebook, and one proposal could favor the defense.The league's competition committee is discussing limiting defensive pass interference penalties to a maximum of 15 yards, Mark Maske of the Washington Post reports.Currently a spot foul, offenses have learned to take advantage of the rule. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is the best example. After drawing a defensive offside call, he often takes advantage of the "free play" by throwing deep passes in hopes of a long reception or a defensive pass interference call.Defensive pass interference drew the third-most flags in 2017, according to Pro Football Reference. It was called 266 times for an 18-yard gain, on average.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kirk Cousins reportedly doesn't plan to rush his potentially life-changing free-agent decision.The Washington Redskins quarterback, who's set to become a free agent March 14 at 4 p.m. ET, doesn't plan to agree to terms during the two-day negotiating period (March 12-14), a source told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Cousins plans to "take one or more visits" with teams when free agency officially opens.Cousins is widely regarded as the top signal-caller expected to be available in free agency. While other teams aren't allowed to comment on their targets under the NFL's tampering rules, Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas and Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller have both made personal pitches.Related: Thomas: Browns should sign Cousins, draft Saquon BarkleyThe Redskins have floated the idea of applying the franchise tag to Cousins in order to trade him, but they're viewed as unlikely to do so. They reportedly acquired and extended quarterback Alex Smith near the end of January in a move that will likely send Cousins to the market.Related: Von Miller: Kirk Cousins could take Broncos 'over the edge'Cousins is coming off his sixth season with the Redskins and will hit free agency for the first time. He made the Pro Bowl in 2016 and has career totals of 16,206 passing yards, 123 rushing yards, and 112 total touchdowns in 62 games (57 starts).Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It doesn't sound like DeSean Jackson is ready to settle his beef with former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly.The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver, who was released by the Eagles in March 2014, shut down a TMZ Sports cameraman when asked about Kelly."We don't even talk about that dude," Jackson said. "He's a weirdo. He's a big-time weirdo."Related - Watch: LeSean McCoy appears to take shot at former coach Chip KellyJackson did open up about his feelings toward Kelly - now the head coach at UCLA - during an appearance on "Undisputed" earlier this month, explaining that while he liked what Kelly did on the field, he had issues with the way his tenure ended in Philadelphia."I think everyone close to me knows how I feel about Chip Kelly. I don't respect the way he did things," Jackson said. "As a person, I don't really like him."But you know, he had to do what he had to do. That was his job. You know, moving forward in my life and in my career, I just have a bad taste in my mouth towards him."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

USC quarterback Sam Darnold, widely considered a potential No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, won't throw at this week's combine, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Darnold will instead use the combine to focus on athletic testing and interviews, a source told Schefter. He plans to throw March 21 at USC's Pro Day.He completed 303 of 480 pass attempts for 4,143 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions last season while adding another five touchdowns on the ground as a redshirt sophomore.Darnold is the first of the top quarterback prospects to decline the opportunity to throw at the event. Other candidates for the No. 1 selection - Josh Rosen, Baker Mayfield, and Josh Allen - have all committed to the showcase. Likely a later first- or second-round pick, Mason Rudolph also said he'll be throwing.Louisville's Lamar Jackson hasn't made a decision.Johnny Manziel and Teddy Bridgewater were the last prominent quarterback prospects to skip the throwing exhibition at the combine ahead of the 2014 draft.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs agreed to trade Marcus Peters to the Los Angeles Rams, but apparently, the star corner could have been had by any team.The Chiefs called every team in the league in February, looking for a trade partner for Peters. Only three teams showed any interest, Peter King of The MMQB reports.Peters is just 25 years old and has 19 interceptions to his name after his first three seasons, but he comes with character concerns.The Chiefs suspended him for an important divisional game in Week 14 after he threw a referee's flag into the stands and walked off the field the previous week. He's also reportedly had run-ins with the coaching staff.It all amounts to the Rams getting a premier talent for a future second-round pick and a fourth-round pick in this year's draft. The other offers the Chiefs received fell short of that package.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Running backs have had a difficult time cashing in on the open market in recent years but this could change when the 2018 league year officially begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 14.Here's a look at 10 RBs who'll be looking to score big in free agency.10. LeGarrette Blount2017 Team: Eagles

Josh Rosen wants to make something clear.The star quarterback out of UCLA denies ever saying he does not want to play for the Cleveland Browns."I've never said anything about not wanting to play in Cleveland," Rosen told NFL Network's Mike Silver last week. "I don't know where that came from. There's absolutely no foundation in reality in that (report)."Late in his final college season, word circulated he'd prefer that the Browns, holders of the No. 1 pick in this year's draft, pass on him.Though Rosen says there's no truth to those rumors, he did say in December that he'd "rather be a lower pick at the right team than a higher one at the wrong team."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The confusion over Teddy Bridgewater's contract status is nearing a resolution.The NFL Management Council has chosen to allow the quarterback to become a free agent, league sources informed Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune.Bridgewater completed a return from a devastating knee injury this season. He is scheduled to hit free agency in March, but there was some question as to whether the Minnesota Vikings would try to toll his contract due to the time he spent on the PUP list to begin the season.A section of the league's collective bargaining agreement addresses such matters."Any player placed on a physically unable to perform list ("PUP") will be paid his full … salary while on such list. His contract will not be tolled for the period he is on PUP, except in the last year of his contract, when the player's contract will be tolled if he is still physically unable to perform his football services as of the sixth regular season game."However, the league and union mutually agreed on Tuesday to allow Bridgewater to hit the open market.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The 2018 NFL combine is upon us, and that means it's showtime for many looking to take the next step in their football careers.Over 300 players will put their raw talent on display this week as the combine kicks off Tuesday, and their efforts will subsequently be dissected and analyzed by NFL executives for weeks until draft day arrives in April. Many of those discussions could revolve around splitting hairs between fractions of seconds or individual reps, but it's possible a few individuals could steal the show and force teams to take a long, hard look at their draft targets.Here is a look at some of the most memorable performances in the combine's history from those who went above and beyond in making their case for the draft.John Ross - 2017Photo Courtesy: Action ImagesThe label of fastest man in NFL history was bestowed upon someone new last season, as Ross stunned football fans around the country when he clocked a record time of 4.22 in the 40-yard dash. The mark eclipsed the previous record of 4.24 held by Chris Johnson, and is now viewed as the gold standard since Bo Jackson's mark of 4.12 in 1986 has been discredited for being hand-timed.Byron Jones - 2015Setting an NFL combine record is impressive in its own right, but setting a world record at the same time is jaw-dropping. Jones, currently with the Dallas Cowboys, did just that in 2015 by recording a jump of 12 feet 2.75 inches, which surpassed the previous record of 12 feet 2 inches set by Norwegian shot putter Arne Tvervaag in 1968. Jones' leap may be considered an unofficial record rather than a competition record, but it remains illustrious regardless.Chris Conley - 2015Photo Courtesy: Getty ImagesJones was not the only prospect turning heads in 2015, as Conley proved on multiple levels that he was arguably the premiere athlete of his class. Along with punching his ticket on a 4.35 40-yard time, the wide receiver also set what is considered to be the combine record 45-inch vertical jump, equaling the total previously set by Donald Washington in 2009. To add a little context, LeBron James' vertical leap is believed to be somewhere just north of 40 inches, so while Conley has yet to take that next step into NFL stardom, no one can deny his pure physical ability.Jamie Collins - 2013Collins was not only one of the premiere performers in the entire class of 2013, but his numbers have stood the test of time thus far when it comes to impressiveness. He continues to hold the honor of longest broad jump by a linebacker since 2006 at 11 feet, 7 inches, and his vertical jump of 41.5 inches remains in the top five for linebackers over that span as well.Dontari Poe - 2012Photo Courtesy: Getty ImagesThere is something inherently terrifying about watching large men move a lot faster than you think they should, and perhaps no one personified that fear more so than Poe. The former 11th overall pick clocked a remarkable 4.98 in the 40-yard dash, and then pumped out 44 reps (225 lbs) in the bench press portion of the combine. He also just missed out on the 30-inch mark in the vertical jump (29.5 in), if the rest wasn't already impressive enough.Stephen Paea - 2011, Justin Ernest - 1999The bench press competition is one of the most interesting measurements of brute strength, but feats of raw strength have not always guaranteed NFL opportunities. According to NFL.com, the record holder in the event is defensive tackle Stephen Paea, who put up 49 reps at 225 pounds in 2011, but the all-time leader is in fact former Eastern Kentucky defensive tackle Justin Ernest, who cranked out 51 reps in 1999. Despite being the true king of the event, Ernest never played a game in the NFL while Paea went on to play seven seasons.Vernon Davis - 2006Photo Courtesy: Getty ImagesAs far as tight ends go, Davis ranks as one of the best combine performers ever. Not only does he hold the best-ever 40-yard time at the position (4.38), but he also sits third in the vertical jump (42 inches), and tied for seventh in the broad jump (10 feet, 8 inches). Davis' efforts at the combine likely went a long way in cementing his status as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, and he has justified that with an impressive 12-year career to date.Bo Jackson - 1986His 4.12 40-yard time is no longer considered the benchmark since hand-timing the event has been replaced by modern technology, but it's hard to forget about the legend that surrounds Jackson's athletic prowess. The former multi-sport superstar doesn't need the record to be considered one of the most superior pure athletes of all time.Bonus:Pat O'Donnell - 2014OK, punters aren't exactly who executives and fans watch the combine for, but O'Donnell made sure he was going to get noticed back in 2014. The current Chicago Bears punter clocked a 4.64 40-yard time, which was very impressive considering Johnny Manziel posted a 4.68 that same year.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Marcus Peters can't wait to square off against quarterback and ex-teammate Patrick Mahomes next season when the Los Angeles Rams host the Kansas City Chiefs."I'm expecting turnovers and I'm expecting a win," the cornerback said Monday, via NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "He know how to give me the ball. He know how to give me the ball."Peters, a two-time Pro Bowler who's notched 19 interceptions over his first three seasons in the NFL, is set to be traded to the Rams from the Chiefs at the start of the new league year.Related: Chiefs reportedly land 2 draft picks from Rams for PetersHe's excited about joining the youthful Rams, which are looking to build on an 11-win season that included a playoff appearance for the first time in over a decade."It's going to be some ups and downs. That's the beautiful thing about the game and we going to win games," he said. "We going to win games. When you've got a running back like I do, when you got a front seven like I do now, all you can do is just keep making plays. Get the ball back to Todd (Gurley), so he can do his thing. Get the ball to Jared (Goff), let him do his thing. We got (Robert) Woods, (Cooper) Kupp."Related: Rams go for broke in wide-open NFC with trade for PetersCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Turns out that Russell Wilson hasn't lost his touch with the bat after all.The Seattle Seahawks' superstar quarterback made his first appearance at spring training with the New York Yankees - the team that now holds his MLB rights - on Monday, and looked right at home stepping up to the plate.Wilson got right in the thick of things by taking batting practice in the same group as Yankee stars Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Gary Sanchez, and Greg Bird. Not only did the All-Pro pivot show off his power with six home runs during the session, but Wilson actually out-homered Sanchez 6-5 on the day, according to ESPN's Coley Harvey.

The Buffalo Bills have signed free-agent cornerback Vontae Davis to a one-year contract, the team announced.

Free-agent safety T.J. Ward is not expected back with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.Ward was signed to a one-year, $5-million contract in 2017 after spending the previous three seasons with the Broncos, but the signing did not yield the expected return. The thumping safety struggled with injuries and inconsistent play during his only season with the Bucs, playing limited snaps as a rotational player.Rapoport expects Ward to have a strong market in a shallow free-agent safety group, but his age (31) and decline in play may have an impact on the level of interest he garners.A second-round pick of the Browns in 2010, Ward was reportedly arrested for marijuana possession immediately after the season, though his agent immediately denied it.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to release safety Ron Parker, The Kansas City Star's Terez A. Paylor reports, citing a source.Parker's release would save $4.9 million in 2018 salary cap space for the cash-strapped club.The Chiefs' defensive makeover continues after they traded away Marcus Peters last week and announced that longtime linebacker Derrick Johnson would not return.Parker, who turns 31 in August, spent the last five seasons in Kansas City. He accumulated 67 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions in 2017.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL's competition committee is reportedly meeting in Indianapolis on Monday to try and simplify the league's catch rule, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, citing a person familiar with the talks.Sources are "expecting some kind of change with added clarity" regarding the rule either before or during the owners' meetings in March, according to Schefter.Related: Controversial catch rule rears its ugly head in Super BowlThe catch rule was arguably the hottest point of contention throughout the 2017 NFL season, with commissioner Roger Goodell going so far as to voice his concern for the ambiguity of the rule back in January.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Chicago Bears made a pair of roster moves Monday, officially releasing linebacker Pernell McPhee and defensive back Quintin Demps.McPhee appeared in 13 games for the Bears last season, starting five and recording a total of 21 combined tackles, four sacks, and two passes defended. The 29-year-old spent four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens (2011-14) before joining the Bears in 2015.Demps' tenure with the Bears ends after just one season, in which he appeared in just three games. The 32-year-old signed a three-year, $13.5-million deal last offseason, but missed the majority of the campaign due to a broken arm he suffered in the Bears' 23-17 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is expected to exact some financial revenge on Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on behalf of other owners.Goodell is expected to fine Jones millions of dollars for his efforts to derail the commissioner's contract extension and for his public defense of running back Ezekiel Elliott during the player's suspension, five league officials told Ken Belson of The New York Times.NFL Network's Ian Rapoport adds that Jones will be forced to reimburse fellow owners more than $2 million they incurred in legal fees over Jones' threats to sue his fellow owners.The punishment will reportedly be levied in the coming weeks, and Goodell will declare Jones' actions as detrimental to the league. Several owners apparently urged Goodell to punish Jones, as they believed Jones "crossed an unspoken boundary" when he threatened legal action against his colleagues.Jones hired a high-profile lawyer in November and said he was prepared to sue the six owners on the league's compensation committee who had been working on Goodell's new contract.Related - Report: Jerry Jones tried to postpone Goodell's extensionThe rival owners are executing a rule "that if an owner participates in bringing litigation against other owners, he must reimburse them for the legal fees," according to Dan Graziano of ESPN.The action has reportedly been approved by the league's finance committee.Jones was also extremely outspoken in his defense of Elliott. A woman told Ohio police that the player assaulted her in July 2016, and when the league finished its investigation ahead of the 2017 season, Elliott was suspended for six games. He didn't serve the ban immediately due to a series of appeals and injunctions.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Miami Dolphins will meet with Jarvis Landry's agent Wednesday to discuss the wide receiver's future with the team, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.Multiple sources told Schefter they believe the Dolphins are interested in trading Landry, who received the franchise tag last week.Related: Dolphins use franchise tag on LandryLandry is set to earn a projected $16.05 million under the one-year tag in 2018. The two sides can negotiate a long-term deal or the team can trade him.The 25-year-old made the Pro Bowl for a third consecutive season in 2017 after leading the league with 112 receptions on 161 targets. He totaled just 987 yards at an average of 8.8 per reception, but scored a career-best nine touchdowns.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Panthers released a pair of veterans Monday, announcing they have parted ways with defensive end Charles Johnson and safety Kurt Coleman.Johnson spent his entire career with the Panthers since being selected in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. The 31-year-old sits second on the franchise's all-time leaderboard in both sacks and forced fumbles.Coleman's tenure with the Panthers ends after three seasons. The former seventh-round pick broke into the league with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010 and had stops with the Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs before joining the Panthers.Johnson appeared in 12 games last season for the Panthers, 11 starts, and registered 16 combined tackles. Coleman also appeared in 12 games and recorded 76 combined tackles with three passes defended.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Details of the trade sending cornerback Marcus Peters to the Los Angeles Rams have come to light: The Kansas City Chiefs will reportedly receive a fourth-round pick in 2018 and a second-round pick in 2019, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.The deal cannot be officially completed until the league year begins Mar. 14. The Chiefs agreed to trade the three-year veteran to the Rams on Feb. 23.Peters has established himself as an elite defender. He made two consecutive Pro Bowls in 2015 and '16, and over his career, he's recorded 151 combined tackles, six forced fumbles, and 19 interceptions.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Minnesota Vikings could be in the running for this offseason's top free-agent quarterbacks.The Vikings aren't expected to use the franchise tag on Case Keenum, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Keenum is scheduled to become a free agent when the new league year begins March 14. The franchise tag would cost the Vikings an estimated $23.29 million for 2018.Signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2012, Keenum enjoyed a career year as a 29-year-old in 2017 (he turned 30 on Feb. 17).Playing on a one-year, $2-million contract, he played 15 games, making 14 starts in place of an injured Sam Bradford. He completed 67.6 percent of 481 pass attempts for 3,547 yards and 22 touchdowns in the regular season, though his completion percentage dipped to 60.2 in two playoff games, as he threw for 589 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.Keenum has spent time with the Texans, St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, and Vikings over five NFL seasons.Minnesota, fresh off a trip to the NFC Championship Game, appears set to look for a new signal-caller, as Keenum, Bradford, and Teddy Bridgewater will all see their contracts expire at the end of the 2017 league year.They'll have roughly $49 million in cap space - the ninth-most in the league, according to Over The Cap - and could become serious suitors for Kirk Cousins, who's widely regarded as the top available QB.Gil Brandt of NFL.com reports that there's interest on both sides between Cousins and the Vikings.Equipped with the No. 30 pick in the 2018 draft, the Vikings could also look to fill their quarterback need with a rookie.Wide receivers Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs, running back Dalvin Cook, and the league's No. 1 scoring defense from 2017 are sure to help them lure any target, as they seem set to contend for the next several seasons.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Jacksonville Jaguars reportedly have a big plan for the $12.6 million in cap space they've freed up since Friday.The team is turning its attention to trying to sign soon-to-be free agent Allen Robinson, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The Jaguars have until March 6 at 4 p.m. ET to apply the franchise or transition tag to the wide receiver for the 2018 season - a decision that would cost them an estimated $16.05 million. A longer deal could allow the team to bring Robinson back at a lower cap hit.Free agency opens at 4 p.m. ET on March 14.Jacksonville freed up cap space by releasing veteran running back Chris Ivory on Friday and signing quarterback Blake Bortles to a three-year extension Saturday that reportedly lowered his 2018 cap number by $9 million. The Jaguars now have roughly $30.5 million available, according to Over The Cap.Robinson suffered a torn left ACL in Week 1 of last season and missed the rest of 2017, including his team's first trip to the postseason since 2007. He was drafted 61st overall by the Jaguars in 2014, recording 202 receptions on 386 targets for 2,848 yards and 22 touchdowns in 43 games.Rookie Keelan Cole was the Jaguars' most productive receiver. He played in all 16 games but made just six starts, leading the team with 748 yards on 42 receptions. Tight end Marcedes Lewis caught a team-high five touchdowns.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Teams looking to make a splash at tight end this offseason now have another option on the free-agent market, as pending free agent Tyler Eifert has been medically cleared to participate in OTAs and play in the upcoming season, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Eifert hasn't played since undergoing micro-disc surgery in October. He had previously undergone back surgery in December of 2016.Despite missing the bulk of last season, he has proven to be a decent option at the tight end position. In 2015, he caught 52 passes for 615 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Cincinnati Bengals.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's almost time to prod, dissect, and examine every inch of the NFL hopefuls who will be at the league's "Underwear Olympics" - the scouting combine, set to take place March 2-5 in Indianapolis, as always.From first-round locks to players who will likely be fighting for roster spots come July, the potential draftees will need to leave everything they have on the Lucas Oil Stadium field to impress NFL decision-makers (some take this too literally).This year's combine isn't short on stars or intrigue, with the likes of Saquon Barkley, Baker Mayfield, and Minkah Fitzpatrick set to appear, and questions still surrounding what the Cleveland Browns will do at the top of the draft.Here are the biggest stories heading into the combine:Related - Meet the Prospects: Top 10 notable offensive players

Character issues may have played a role in the Kansas City Chiefs' decision to trade Marcus Peters, but Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay isn't worried."These are grown men, and it starts with the mutual respect that exists, where they know it's about developing and building relationships," the reigning Coach of the Year told Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star.McVay didn't speak specifically about Peters - who can't be officially dealt until the start of the new league year - because of tampering rules, but addressed character concerns in general terms, stressing accountability as a two-way street."If we're going to ask our players to be coachable, we've got to be coachable as coaches as well," McVay added. "That displays an ownership and an accountability that we try to all have and makes the players more receptive to the messages we try to implement."Peters has been one of the game's top cornerbacks since entering the league in 2015. However, he's approaching free agency and will be in line for a massive payday, and his history of off-field issues may have led the Chiefs to cut ties prematurely.Peters was suspended in college for losing his cool on the sidelines, and later dismissed from Washington for disciplinary reasons. He was suspended by the Chiefs last year for getting into an argument with a coach.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

If one Eagles fan gets their wish, Nick Foles will soon have a street named after him in Philadelphia.A petition launched on Change.org asks that Mayor Jim Kenney and Philadelphia City Council rename 9th Street in Center City to "Nick Foles Way" in honor of the Eagles quarterback."Saint Nick will never die. Therefore, he must be immortalized in Philadelphia history," the petition reads. "While we, the undersigned, would prefer a statue of him be placed on top of City Hall, at the lectern in Independence Hall, and at the top of the steps of the Art Museum, we will settle for renaming 9th St. 'Nick Foles Way.'"As of Sunday afternoon, over 250 people have signed the petition.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith may be interested in taking a page from the NBA in order to attempt to curb his league's declining ratings."I think that it's important to take a look at what's going on in basketball, because for the most part, I think they are the only sport that more and more people are watching," Smith said Saturday, according to Dan Graziano of ESPN."They do, I think, a great job of marketing their individual players, sometimes at a time when the (NFL) looks for ways to take their star players off the field," said Smith.Smith acknowledged the fact that NFL games ranked as more than 30 of the top 50 shows across the league's broadcast partners in 2017, but he remains concerned in the overall decline of television ratings and how those affect sports broadcasts."I think that, given the year-over-year ratings issue in football, it begs the question, 'Should we be doing something different?' And that might mean the restructuring of the season in a way to make it more fan-friendly," said Smith.He pointed out divisional games and playoff games as still drawing higher viewership, hinting at a possible schedule model that would include fewer preseason and regular-season games, and another round of playoff games."You look at the ratings, and you see that marquee matchups buck the trend on declining ratings," Smith said. "And you also know that there's groups of games, and let's just say preseason games to start with. ... It's hard to find a fan that wants to buy a preseason ticket or wants to watch a preseason game. So to me, you're being intellectually dishonest if you don't want to look at both of those issues."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL teams are beginning to open their pocketbooks in hopes of landing 2018's biggest free agents when the market opens March 14 at 4 p.m. ET.The 2017 free-agent class can serve as either a model or a warning sign for teams hoping to change their course with a big-money addition or thrifty under-the-radar deal.Here's a look at the best and worst moves - and everything in between - from last offseason:Great moves(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)Nick Foles, QB, EaglesTerms: 2 years, $11 million ($7 million guaranteed)

The Jacksonville Jaguars improved their outlook for the 2018 offseason while securing quarterback Blake Bortles through the 2020 campaign.Bortles' salary-cap number will be just $10 million for next season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. His reported three-year, $54-million extension brings the number down from the $19 million it was set to be had he played out the season under the fifth-year option of his rookie contract. In doing so, it also opens up $9 million in cap space for the Jaguars.Related: Jaguars sign Bortles to 3-year deal worth reported $54MThe Jaguars are now set to have roughly $30 million in cap space entering the 2018 league year on March 14, according to Over The Cap.Bortles will reportedly earn $26.5 million in guaranteed money on the new deal.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL combine is the last chance for players to show NFL executives every skill they have, and while most of the attention will be paid to a select few, many others will fight simply to keep their lifelong dream alive.This year's elite prospects in Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, and Saquon Barkley, to name a few, have received constant coverage as potential No. 1 overall selections, and several others are already pegged to go in the first two rounds. Meanwhile, there will be a plethora of players competing just for a professional opportunity - players who spent their college careers far, far away from the bright lights of prime time and the College Football Playoff race.Though it's rare for players to rise up from the NFL draft's lower ranks to become reliable starters, it's far from impossible. Here are 10 potential diamonds in the rough who could begin their ascent at the combine:OFFENSEChase Litton, QB - Marshall(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)The top of this year's quarterback class is stunningly deep, but for teams interested in taking a chance on a mid-to-late-round pivot, Litton could be the best bet. The main knocks on him following his senior season at Marshall were his decision-making and mobility, but his 6-foot-6 frame allows for a high ceiling. Improving decision-making comes with coaching and maturity, and that isn't accomplished overnight.Roc Thomas, RB - Jacksonville StateThomas spent two years in a reserve role at Auburn before transferring to Jacksonville State and rushing for 1,065 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior. He showed flashes of brilliance that once put him in the same company as current classmates Sony Michel and Royce Freeman, as well as NFL backs Dalvin Cook and Joe Mixon. Having played against FCS-level defenses may discredit his numbers, but Thomas did show an ability to catch passes, which could make him a solid secondary back one day.Jaleel Scott, WR - New Mexico State(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)Scott made the most of his last collegiate season with New Mexico State, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark while reeling in nine touchdown catches. The 6-foot-6 target put his athleticism on display all season, most notably when he made one of the catches of the year.Scott isn't included with the likes of Calvin Ridley, Courtland Sutton, James Washington, and Christian Kirk, but he could see his stock rise significantly if he can prove his quickness is up to par with his pure athleticism.Adam Breneman, TE - UMassA lot of focus has been on the emergence of Dallas Goedert as the small-school tight end to watch out of South Dakota State, but Breneman could also make a leap if he flashes a well-rounded game at the combine. The former Penn State commit finished the past two seasons second in the nation in receiving yards by a tight end, proving during his time at UMass that he can be as reliable a target as any at the position. His blocking ability has been questioned, possibly due to the effects of what were once thought to be career-ending knee injuries while with the Nittany Lions. He may be able to turn a few more heads if he can show well in that area at the combine.Brandon Parker, OL - North Carolina A&T(Photo courtesy: Action Images)Teams looking to add a gargantuan, athletic rookie to their offensive lines may find that Parker fits the bill. At 6-foot-7 and nearly 315 pounds, he used his size and ability to garner three consecutive MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Year awards from 2015-17 and has the potential to add more muscle to an already imposing frame. Parker didn't face the best competition while at North Carolina A&T, but if he shows well at the combine, his size and raw ability make him a worthwhile investment.DEFENSEP.J. Hall, DT - Sam Houston StateHall's combination of size and athleticism helped earn him a pre-combine grade of 5.49, and he's amassed 42 careers sacks in four years at Sam Houston State. His height could be a concern, as his 6-foot-1 frame might limit him against bigger offensive lineman. If he can prove that suggestion wrong at the combine, he could be a solid mid-round selection.Nathan Shepherd, DL - Fort Hays State(Photo courtesy: Action Images)After finishing his career at Fort Hays State, Shepherd gained a lot of attention during the Senior Bowl before suffering a hand injury during practice. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound defensive tackle hasn't been officially ruled out of the combine, but it'll be an obstacle moving forward nonetheless. His presence at the Senior Bowl may have already worked in his favor, as he reportedly made a strong impression with coaches and general managers with his attitude.Darius Leonard, LB - South Carolina StateOne of the most promising small-school prospects in this year's crop, Leonard gained attention while at South Carolina State for his explosiveness and ability to reach the quarterback. His 8.5 sacks put him among the best in the FCS last season, and he recorded a game-high 14 tackles at the Senior Bowl.Kameron Kelly, CB/S - San Diego State(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)A three-year safety for San Diego State, Kelly switched to cornerback in 2017 and was a natural. The senior finished the season with three interceptions, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and seven passes defended, and teams will likely be even more impressed with how his 6-foot-2 frame will aid him in one-on-one matchups. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Josh Jackson, and Denzel Ward are the stars of the class, but Kelly could attract some attention if he can impress with his fluidity in man-to-man coverage by showing well in the agility-based drills.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Blake Bortles will put an $10-million dent into the Jacksonville Jaguars' salary cap next season, and at the moment, that's the 18th-largest figure for a quarterback.The four-year pro, formerly labeled a draft bust, signed a new three-year contract with the Jags on Saturday, doing away with the $19-million team option Jacksonville held on him for 2018.It was reported Sunday that Bortles' new contract brings his 2018 salary down from slightly over $19 million to $10 million.His new deal, and subsequent cap hit in 2019, will put Bortles in the same financial tier of quarterbacks as Tyrod Taylor and Andy Dalton, below the league's elites and above the up-and-comers still playing on rookie contracts:RankPlayerTeam2018 cap hit15Ryan TannehillDolphins$19.8M16Tyrod TaylorBills$18.08M17Andy DaltonBengals$16.318Blake BortlesJaguars$10M**19*Jameis WinstonBuccaneers$8.07M(Cap figures courtesy: Over The Cap)*Mike Glennon of the Chicago Bears currently ranks 19th with a $16-million cap hit but he's expected to be released in the coming weeks.**Reported figureThe $18-million average annual price tag on the new extension for Bortles - arguably a game manager on his best day - will turn plenty of heads, though his numbers last season weren't much different than the signal-callers who will impact the cap similarly in 2018:QBYardsTDINTTaylor2799144Bortles36872113Dalton33202512The Miami Dolphins' Ryan Tannehill, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, produced an indistinguishable stat line two years ago. He threw for 2,995 yards with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 13 appearances.Bortles also ranked near Taylor and Dalton last year in quarterback rating, a stat that contains flaws but remains a relatively accurate measure of performance over the course of a season:PlayerQB RatingRankTaylor89.216thBortles84.720thDalton86.618thTannehill was 12th in that category in 2016, registering a more noteworthy 93.5 quarterback rating when healthy.Bortles may have hit the jackpot with his new $54-million deal, but if he's able to progress as a quarterback even moderately, his contract could, oddly, become quite valuable for the next three seasons.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Although they aren't as close as they once were, Johnny Manziel remains appreciative of the effort LeBron James made to help him succeed during his time in Cleveland.Manziel spoke about his relationship with the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar during an interview with Barstool Sports' "Pardon My Take" podcast, acknowledging the two haven't spoken since he was released by the Browns in 2016."The guy couldn't have tried anymore," Manziel said of James, per 247 Sports' Josh Edwards. "I remember whenever I was going through my NCAA scandal if you want to call it at A&M. Every day, I would get up and go to training camp and Bron would text me like every day. 'Just keep your head up, don't worry about anything all the outside noise.'"At this point in time, I was just 20 years old, I didn't know how to handle the national media pressure and spotlight without checking Twitter and letting it get in my head or seeing it on a website. He tried super hard to just keep me grounded and keep me focused on that. I think that was really the start of our relationship."Manziel said a lot of his bitterness stemmed from being drafted lower than he expected (No. 22 overall in 2014) and he feels like he "never really gave Cleveland a chance" because of that."When I got to Cleveland, LeBron tried his best. Him and the guys used to invite me over to his house and want to play cards or just watch a game," Manziel said. "My first six, seven months in Cleveland, I went to practice, I would go out some nights and I would go home. I hardly did anything. I hardly went to any Cavs games. I was just in a funk that I couldn't really get out of and didn't give it much of a chance."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Buffalo Bills inquired about trading for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant last year, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.It's unclear when, exactly, Buffalo attempted to deal for the wideout, who expressed frustration with his declining role in Pittsburgh ahead of the 2017 trade deadline. The Steelers held onto Bryant and his role expanded somewhat later in the season.The Bills wound up swinging a trade at the deadline with the Carolina Panthers for Kelvin Benjamin.Bryant, who finished the campaign with 603 receiving yards and three touchdowns, is scheduled for free agency in 2019.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Jacksonville Jaguars signed quarterback Blake Bortles to a new three-year contract Saturday, they announced.The deal is worth $54 million, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. It will reportedly pay Bortles $66.5 million if he hits all of the incentives, and guarantees him a minimum of $26.5 million. Before the new agreement, Jackonsville held a $19-million team option on the pivot for the 2018 season."Blake's growth and development last season was a key to the success we had as a team," executive vice president of football operations Tom Coughlin said in a statement. "Blake has proven, with toughness and dependability, that he can be the leader this team needs going forward. Along with this contract come high expectations that he will continue to improve and help our team accomplish its ultimate goal."Bortles briefly lost the starting job during last year's preseason, but regained it and wound up servicing Jacksonville adequately as a game-manager throughout the season. The former third overall pick tossed for 3,687 yards with 21 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 2017, his fourth year in the league, and helped the Jags reach the AFC Championship for the third time in franchise history.The extension comes a day after the Jaguars announced new deals for Coughlin, general manager David Caldwell, and head coach Doug Marrone through 2021.An agreement between Bortles and the Jaguars on a new deal was first reported by Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.