If the NFL's quarterback community hasn't sent a gift basket to Jimmy Garoppolo in the wake of his NFL record contract extension, they absolutely should.The San Francisco 49ers rewarded the young pivot with a five-year deal reportedly worth $27.5 million per season and $137.5 million in total, again pushing the ceiling of quarterbacks' financial worth to even greater heights following significant jump after significant jump in recent years.As a result, a handful of veteran quarterbacks are set to cash in this offseason. Here are contract predictions for the next four big-money QB contracts, in the order they should be signed:Kirk CousinsIf the rest of the quarterbacks on the list - and their agents - are smart, they'll all wait until after Cousins signs somewhere in free agency.Simply put, the Washington Redskins pivot is about to get paid, likely more than any other player in NFL history. The Redskins backed themselves into a corner with two straight franchise tags, not only driving up Cousins' value and leverage to extraordinary levels but also torching their relationship with him.As a result, Washington will reportedly trade for Alex Smith when the new league year starts and allow Cousins to hit the open market. A free-agent frenzy unlike anything we've experienced since Peyton Manning left Indianapolis is likely to ensue. Cousins said he values winning over money, and wants to pick a strong organization (and who can blame him after spending his whole career with the Redskins), but dollars always talk.Regardless of where Cousins lands, the fight to get him is all but certain to push him far past Garoppolo and make the next three men on this list even happier. He doesn't push past $30 million, but instead opts to use his leverage for a huge total guaranteed money haul.Prediction: 5-year, $150M contract; $30M yearly average; $115M in total guaranteesDrew BreesBrees is the only man on the list who could be about to sign his last contract in the NFL, so the 39-year-old is unlikely to demand to be paid on the level of Cousins after a highly successful earning career - especially with the New Orleans Saints suddenly looking capable of one last title run.Brees isn't leaving New Orleans, as he's stated on multiple occasions, so expect the future Hall of Famer to balance getting paid his due with giving the Saints enough flexibility to continue to add pieces around him.The one-time Super Bowl winner earned a fully guaranteed $24.25 million in 2017 on a one-year deal, so that's his floor. But, it's too much to ask Brees - who's still among the best quarterbacks in the league - to take an inferior yearly salary to a player in Garoppolo who has started just seven career games.This deal would push Brees past Garoppolo and essentially act as another fully guaranteed one-year contract with a voidable second year to maximize the quarterback's earnings and the team's cap flexibility after 2018.Prediction: 2-year, $56M contract; $28M yearly average; $28M in total guaranteesMatt RyanRyan's level of play fell back to more in line with his career averages in 2017 following his spectacular MVP season, but the Atlanta Falcons signal-caller still has the clout to demand a deal that at least puts him on par with Cousins.His resume is far superior, and while some may question whether he truly is a top-five quarterback without Kyle Shanahan, the Falcons' issues on offense this past campaign were much more on first-year offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian.Ryan will take a shorter deal, setting himself up for one last big payday in his mid-30s. The Falcons will keep Ryan happy by nudging him past Cousins in terms of yearly salary, but get a win by not needing to hit the crazy percentage of total guarantees in Cousins' deal.Prediction: 4-year, $124M contract; $31M yearly average; $87M in total guaranteesAaron RodgersRodgers could possibly push back his enormous payday to next offseason, in hopes of putting together a full season of his usual Hall of Fame-level production to further boost his value after missing nine games in 2017.However, the Green Bay Packers' superstar pivot has been underpaid for too long and has seen too many lesser players blast past his current average yearly salary of $22 million.If the Packers' 2017 season proved anything, it was how much the team needs Rodgers under center to make their scheme effective. But it likely also highlighted to Rodgers how quickly an injury can derail a season - and potentially a career - maybe motivating him to get the extension done now.Rodgers rightfully regains the title of the NFL's highest-paid player and gets the best of both worlds by fighting for both a record yearly salary and in total guarantees. And no one will argue that he isn't worth every dollar.Prediction: 5-year, $160M; $32M yearly average; $125M in total guarantees(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

If the Philadelphia Eagles expect a more conservative Carson Wentz when he returns from the knee injury that prematurely ended his season, they should apparently think again.Wentz said Tuesday that he doesn't intend to change his aggressive playing style despite tearing his ACL on a negated touchdown scramble run in December."I definitely won't change, so to speak," Wentz said, according to Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ Advance Media. "That has what made me successful this last season and my whole career. It is something I've learned since coming into the league - how to protect myself. ... I am not going to let this change me."Wentz said in late January he believes he'll be ready for Week 1 of next season, though it's unclear how much he'll be able to participate in offseason activities.Regardless of when we next see Wentz, it sounds like we'll be getting the same player who tore up the league in just his second season before going down.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs have already begun shedding some of their veteran talent in order to improve their cap situation, but Justin Houston apparently isn't one of the older players in danger.The pass-rusher won't follow Darrelle Revis, Derrick Johnson, and reportedly Alex Smith out the door in Kansas City, a source told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.Houston has missed 17 games over the past three seasons, but has still racked up 21 sacks over that time.The 29-year-old carries a $20.6-million cap hit and the Chiefs would incur $12.7 million in dead money if they release Houston, according to Spotrac.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With Frank Reich heading to Indianapolis, the Philadelphia Eagles are not currently planning to hire an offensive coordinator, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Head coach Doug Pederson has run the offense since arriving in 2016, but Reich played an important role in the team's success this past season.Running backs coach Duce Staley and wide receivers coach Mike Groh were rumored to be the favorites to replace Reich, but it appears the team may leave the position vacant.As Rapoport points out, Staley could be promoted to running game coordinator, and Groh to passing game coordinator, which would allow the duo to collect improved titles and increased responsibilities.While unconventional on the surface, going forward without an offensive coordinator is not uncommon in the NFL. The Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers do not have an OC on their staffs with offensive-minded coaches in Bill O'Brien and Kyle Shanahan, respectively.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's wife, Jane Goodell, has been added to the list of deposition requests in Colin Kaepernick's collusion lawsuit against the league, sources told Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports.Roger, prominent team owners Jerry Jones, Robert Kraft, and Bob McNair, and head coaches John Harbaugh and Pete Carroll are among the other names reportedly requested by the unemployed quarterback, whose grievance is expected to move forward in the coming weeksJane's inclusion is a more recent addition, added Robinson, coming in the wake of her using the Twitter account "@forargument" to defend her husband on social media, which was revealed by the Wall Street Journal in October.The "@forargument" Twitter account was made private and later deleted following the report.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich gracefully addressed the elephant in the room during Tuesday's introductory press conference.Asked by former Colts punter Pat McAfee if he loved or hated Josh McDaniels for snubbing Indy, Reich simply quipped, "The backup role has suited me well in my career," according to Zak Keefer of the Indy Star.The New England Patriots offensive coordinator backed out of his deal with the Colts at the last minute, forcing the team to go after Reich, who spent 13 seasons in the NFL primarily as a backup quarterback.

The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Tuesday that Derrick Johnson will become a free agent when his contract expires March 14, ending the linebacker's 13-year run with the team.Johnson was technically under contract for 2018, but the Chiefs will void the final year of his deal.“Few players in recent history have meant more to the Chiefs franchise and the Kansas City community than Derrick Johnson,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said in a statement. "Derrick represented himself and the Chiefs organization with integrity and class, and he will always be a part of our Chiefs family.”The No. 15 overall pick of the 2005 draft, Johnson is Kansas City's all-time leading tackler, compiling 1,262 career stops. He earned four Pro Bowl appearances with the club.“I’ve been blessed to be a part of the Kansas City Chiefs organization my entire career,” Johnson said. "I love Kansas City and this fan base, they’ve always had my back. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to spend 13 years in a place I love."Although the veteran wishes to be remembered as a Chief, he put to rest any potential retirement chatter."I plan on playing for several more years because I love this game so much," he said. "But I look forward to retiring as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs when my career is over."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Cardinals enter the 2018 league year with no quarterbacks on their roster.Incumbent starter Carson Palmer announced his retirement at the conclusion of the regular season, and injury replacements Blaine Gabbert and Drew Stanton are without contracts for next year.Team president Michael Bidwill isn't concerned."We've got the GM in place (Steve Keim), and I really like our head coach (Steve Wilks) and everything I’ve seen from him so far," Bidwill said Tuesday morning during an appearance on Arizona Sports 98.7. "The quarterback thing will come. I don’t want to sound like we’re being cavalier about it but we’ve got to wait for free agency to start to see who is out there.“I know we’re going to be aggressive, we’re going to have a plan.”Bidwill said the Cardinals will look at the draft and free agency in order to determine the best option for addressing the position. Free agency opens at 4 p.m. ET on March 14. Along with Gabbert and Stanton, the open market is expected to include the likes of Kirk Cousins, Case Keenum, Sam Bradford, and Teddy Bridgewater.The Cardinals are projected to have just under $23 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap.Arizona owns pick No. 15 in the first round of the draft on April 26 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.- With h/t to AZCardinals.comCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor intends to play in 2018 as long as he receives medical clearance from his neck injury, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.Chancellor seems to be facing an uncertain future, as head coach Pete Carroll said in January that "Cliff (Avril) and Kam are going to have a hard time playing football again."Avril, a defensive end, also suffered a neck injury last season, which limited him to four games.Rapoport adds that Chancellor has no plans to retire. The $6.8 million he's owed for 2018 became fully guaranteed Feb. 9.The four-time Pro Bowler and focal point of the vaunted Legion of Boom recorded a total of 49 combined tackles in 2017, with one safety and two passes defended. He was ruled out in November, and will turn 30 in early April.Chancellor is also under contract for 2019 and 2020, and is due to earn a total of $20.5 million in base salary.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Corey Clement has some new ink to go along with his Super Bowl championship.The Philadelphia Eagles running back got two new tattoos to commemorate his team's Super Bowl LII victory, which he showed off on his Instagram story Monday.The first tattoo, done by Dan Czar at AC Ink in Somers Point, N.J., is an image of an eagle on Clement's right forearm.He also had "SBLII" inscribed below his left ear.(Photos courtesy: Corey Clement/Instagram)Clement caught four passes for 100 yards and a touchdown in the Eagles' win over the New England Patriots.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants hired Mike Shula as their new offensive coordinator, sources told Kimberley Jones of NFL Network.Shula served in the same role with the Carolina Panthers from 2013-17 but was fired in early January. He was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive coordinator from 1996-99.He's expected to act as the Giants' quarterbacks coach, as well, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He also worked as quarterbacks coach with the Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Miami Dolphins.New Giants head coach Pat Shurmur has already said he'll be calling offensive plays in 2018.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce clearly holds former offensive coordinator Matt Nagy in high regard.Kelce just watched Doug Pederson, Nagy's predecessor in Kansas City, raise the Lombardi Trophy in just his second season leading the Philadelphia Eagles, and envisions Nagy finding similar success as the Chicago Bears' new head coach."I think Matt's a hell of a coach," Kelce told Larry Mayer of ChicagoBears.com. "I think he could be Doug Pederson 2.0, to be honest, especially with the quarterback."It took Pederson only two seasons to turn sophomore quarterback Carson Wentz into an MVP candidate, and he won the Super Bowl with Nick Foles under center as an injury replacement.Nagy became Chiefs offensive coordinator in 2016, following Pederson’s three-year stint. He oversaw Alex Smith’s career-best season and rookie running back Kareem Hunt’s league-leading 1,327 rushing yards in 2017.The Bears' offense is led by sophomore quarterback Mitchell Trubisky and the young running back duo of Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen.In Chicago, Nagy lacks a player of Kelce’s caliber at tight end, but he has the three-time Pro Bowler's full support."I'd like to see him have all the success possible just because of how much I loved him as a coach," Kelce said.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears will face off in the 2018 Hall of Fame Game scheduled for Aug. 2, the league announced Tuesday.The matchup will coincide with the Hall of Fame inductions of former linebackers Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher, who played for the Ravens and Bears, respectively. The duo will be enshrined along with the rest of their class on Aug. 4.Baltimore will play in its first-ever game in Canton, while this will be the Bears' fifth appearance.The contest is played at the historic Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) Peyton Manning is leading one more drive on a big stage.The two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback will serve as honorary pace car driver for the 60th running of the Daytona 500. Manning will be behind the wheel of the Toyota pace car and lead the 40-car field to the green flag to start ''The Great American Race'' on Sunday.Manning joins a list of Daytona 500 celebrities that includes Academy Award winner Charlize Theron (honorary starter), retired NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt Jr. (grand marshal), country-music group Rascal Flatts (infield concert) and Navy Band Southeast (national anthem).Other notable honorary pace car drivers for the Daytona 500 in recent years: Jay Leno (2006), Cal Ripken Jr. (2007), Tom Cruise (2009), Brad Paisley (2011) and John Cena (2016).Manning retired from the NFL following the 2015 season, which he capped by leading the Denver Broncos to a Super Bowl victory over the Carolina Panthers. Manning also led the Indianapolis Colts to the 2006 championship during his 18-year career.---More AP auto racing: www.racing.ap.orgCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Miami Dolphins safety Michael Thomas is making use of an NFL Players Association program to explore a new avenue in his work on social justice issues.Thomas will spend his spring working for Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas, according to Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel."I'm excited for this externship because it gives me the opportunity to connect with Congress to further engage our efforts to create real change in our communities," said Thomas.Thomas has been one of the league's most active players in the kneeling demonstrations during the national anthem, and credits his involvement for inspiring a potential post-playing career in law or politics."It's not every day you get to learn from hands-on experience at this level of politics," Thomas said. "I am afforded this opportunity, and I am here to learn as much as I can while representing those who may feel voiceless in our communities."The 28-year-old Thomas has started 25 games for the Dolphins over his five seasons in the league, and has also served as special teams captain for the past two years. He's set to hit unrestricted free agency for the first time in his career on March 14.Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Cole Toner and Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Bryan Witzmann are also working on Capitol Hill in the early part of the offseason.A total of 41 past and present players are involved in this year's NFLPA program.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Carolina Panthers star linebacker Luke Kuechly is recovering from right shoulder surgery, a league source told The Charlotte Observer's Joseph Person.It's unclear exactly when Kuechly underwent the procedure, but it was the reason he didn't play in the Pro Bowl, added Person. He was replaced by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones.Kuechly has missed 10 games over the past three seasons, but played in 15 this campaign, sitting out Week 7 while in the concussion protocol.The former Defensive Player of the Year racked up 125 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and three interceptions in 2017.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

When a personal relationship ends poorly, the overriding response is usually to pivot to the exact opposite qualities of that person for your next connection.Your significant other was stubborn but passionate? Pivot to someone easy-going but uninspiring. Logical but difficulty connecting with people? Pivot to someone outgoing but impulsive.This kind of reactionary, handbrake turn into the opposite direction isn't just exclusive to personal relationships, either. They happen in the professional world too, and football is no exception.The Colts' official relationship with Josh McDaniels lasted mere hours, though the two parties spent a better part of a month speaking, comparing philosophies and ideas, deciding whether they were a good fit, and planning a regime that ultimately never came to fruition after the New England Patriots offensive coordinator snubbed Indy in dramatic and embarrassing fashion.Still, while their time together was short, it had a seismic impact on the Colts, who were left scrambling for a Plan B, weeks after most of their other candidates had been snapped up.Five days after the McDaniels debacle, the Colts decided on Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich, the man who had just finished off taking it to the same Patriots who convinced McDaniels his future was brighter in New England (a factor likely not lost on the Colts), and a man who stands in stark contrast to McDaniels.McDaniels, himself, was an overcorrection by the Colts. Chuck Pagano led the Colts for six seasons, never wavering from his belief that a team can win on grit, toughness, and fighting together bravely as a unit - an old school-type mentality that undervalued talent, overvalued heart, and was mostly oblivious to the vast majority of modern football philosophies - especially on offense - that have become so key to winning in today's NFL.Colts general manager Chris Ballard spent one season watching Indy consistently be out-thought and out-schemed by its opponents under Pagano, and decided the prickly but innovative McDaniels was the antidote.It blew up in his face. McDaniels had already garnered a reputation for being arrogant and immature during his disastrous stint as the Denver Broncos' head coach, and proved himself just that by backing out of his deal with the Colts after it had already been officially announced.But he was - and still is - an offensive mastermind whom the Colts hoped would drag the franchise into the 21st century. His expertise in play-calling, exploiting matchups, and simply being one step ahead of his opponents at every turn, learned and perfected under years of tutelage from Bill Belichick.The Colts couldn't beat them, so they tried to join them, ignoring their usual high bar for the candidate's character in the process.Indy didn't repeat the error the second time around. Reich deserves similar plaudits to McDaniels for his offensive prowess, but that's where the similarities end.While the rumblings regarding McDaniels' character have followed him around throughout his career, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who'd say a bad word about Reich."The city should be thrilled," ex-Colts GM Bill Polian gushed Sunday night, according to Zak Keefer of the Indy Star. "Outside of Jim Irsay and Chris Ballard, I'm his biggest fan. He's unflappable. He's quiet. He's self-effacing. He's humble. He has a confidence in his own ability to do the job. That rubbed off on his teammates that day in Buffalo, and that will rub off on the players in Indianapolis."Another Colts great showered Reich with praise Sunday:

Von Miller thinks Kirk Cousins could take the Broncos "over the edge," and the star pass-rusher is apparently willing to be as agreeable as he needs to be to get the quarterback to come to Denver.The Redskins pivot - who is expected to hit free agency after Washington snagged Alex Smith - posted a picture of a rainbow while presumably on vacation, along with the caption: "Love a good rainbow."

The Indianapolis Colts are set to bring in Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver coach Nick Sirianni as their new offensive coordinator, a source told ESPN's Field Yates.It was previously reported Chargers quarterbacks coach Shane Steichen would be taking on the role, but it now appears Sirianni will be new head coach Frank Reich's man on offense.The 36-year-old spent 2014-15 coaching the Chargers' quarterbacks while Reich was the team's offensive coordinator.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Indianapolis Colts are set to bring in Los Angeles Chargers quarterbacks coach Shane Steichen as their new offensive coordinator following the hiring of head coach Frank Reich, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports.The Colts were rumored to be targeting former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, but appear to have shifted to Steichen in the wake of Josh McDaniels' high-profile snub of Indy's head coaching job.From 2014-15, Steichen was an offensive quality control coach for the Chargers (his second stint with the team) before moving to his current role in 2016. Reich was the Chargers' offensive coordinator during that time.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster's arrest on charges of domestic violence - as well as suspicion of possessing an assault rifle - stemmed from his girlfriend saying that he physically dragged her during an argument Sunday, sources familiar with the investigation told Robert Salonga of The Mercury News.Foster's girlfriend of several years told police dispatchers during a 911 call that he owned multiple semiautomatic rifles, leading to police recovering one firearm, a SIG Sauer 516 short-barreled rifle, added Salonga.The woman was injured during the altercation, but the extent of her injuries wasn't released.The 2017 first-round draft pick was released from police custody late Sunday evening on $75,000 bail. He met with 49ers officials Monday and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that "no quick resolution" is expected regarding any investigation into the incident.Foster was also arrested and charged with second-degree possession of marijuana on Jan. 12.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Washington Redskins safety Su'a Cravens has applied to the NFL for reinstatement, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Cravens flirted with retirement last September before leaving the Redskins, who placed him on their reserve/left squad list shortly after.The former second-round pick is ostensibly ready to give football and his NFL career another shot. Whether or not Washington will take him back is an entirely different story. In January, reports surfaced suggesting Cravens' future with the team remains up in the air.The 22-year-old played in 11 games as a rookie in 2016, recording 34 tackles, one sack, and one interception.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt has been accused of shoving a woman during an altercation at a hotel in Cleveland over the weekend, a police report states, according to Courtney Astolfi of Cleveland.com.A 19-year-old woman, Abigail Ottinger, told police Hunt pushed and shoved her around 3:45 a.m. Saturday outside his apartment. A woman who was with Hunt's group has accused Ottinger of assaulting her.Hunt and Ottinger are separately and individually named as suspects in two different police reports.According to the reports, Hunt and his group were traveling from bar to bar on a party bus in Cleveland, and Ottinger and a friend joined the group, which went back to Hunt's hotel. Ottinger and her friend were asked to leave when their age was discovered and the pair spent around 30 minutes outside Hunt's apartment.The running back's female friend went out into the hallway to again ask them to leave, at which point she told police Ottinger hit her in the face.However, according to the report, Ottinger claimed Hunt came into the hallway and "shoved and pushed her," causing abrasions on her knee and hand and a scratch on her chest.No charges had been filed against Hunt as of 3 p.m. Monday, said Astolfi.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former Cleveland Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi revealed Monday in a video for The Players’ Tribune he had most of his left hand amputated after an ATV accident last April.Massaquoi described taking a turn too sharply and losing control of the ATV. The next thing he felt was something “like an explosion went off” in his hand.“What I’m seeing and what my friends are seeing are completely different. They’re seeing what actually happened, I’m seeing what I think happened. I think I just broke my hand, my friend, on the other hand, thinks that my hand just went through like a meat grinder, or something like that,” Massaquoi said.

WWE's Mojo Rawley thinks its inevitable that Rob Gronkowski will make the move to professional wrestling once his football-playing days are over.Rawley, who's good friends with the New England Patriots tight end, hinted at the possible career change while chatting with TMZ Sports before Super Bowl LII."It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when," Rawley said, before adding, "I don't know, I can't speak for him."Related - Mojo Rawley: Gronkowski has WWE superstar written all over himGronkowski is under contract with the Patriots through 2019, but was noncommittal when asked about returning next season. There have also been rumors that he's considering retirement to pursue a career in acting.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Cardinals announced Monday that they've signed general manager Steve Keim to an extension through the 2022 season.Keim was set to enter the final guaranteed year of the contract he signed in 2015, though the Cardinals held an option for next season."Steve’s performance and accomplishments as Cardinals GM speak for themselves," Cardinals president Michael Bidwill said in the announcement. "His role in the team’s success over the last five seasons is undeniable. This new contract ensures that he will continue to shape our success going forward and we are thrilled about that.”The team's 49-30-1 record during Keim's five seasons as GM ranks fifth in regular-season wins by a GM since 2013. The .619 win percentage ranks seventh in the NFL in that time.Keim started as a college scout with the Cardinals in 1999, and held various other roles before becoming GM in advance of the 2013 season.His contract lines up with that of new head coach Steve Wilks, whose four-year deal runs through 2021, but the Cardinals hold an option for 2022.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former Colts Pro Bowl cornerback Vontae Davis has been medically cleared after undergoing surgery in December to repair a core muscle injury, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Davis was released in November over the medical issue after six seasons with Indianapolis. He was a Pro Bowler in 2014 and 2015, but injuries have limited him to just 19 games over the last two seasons.Schefter reports that teams are expected to have interest in the former first-round pick prior to the free-agency period.Davis, who turns 30 in May, may struggle to find a guaranteed contract in the open market, but the number of available starting-caliber cornerbacks this offseason is once again small.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Indianapolis Colts announced Monday the establishment of a scholarship in honor of linebacker Edwin Jackson, who was hit and killed in a traffic accident in Indianapolis on Feb. 4."This scholarship will honor Edwin's memory and his determination, work ethic, and character," said Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay, who pledged a gift of $25,000 to fund the Edwin Jackson Memorial Scholarship. "My family and the entire Colts organization are proud to have been associated with Edwin, and we are honored to help continue his legacy in the future."The scholarship will be a separate fund within the Indianapolis Colts Foundation and will be awarded annually to a qualified student applicant. The team will work with Jackson's family to determine the guidelines.Several members of the Colts organization attended a memorial service for Jackson in Atlanta on Monday.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

An 8-year-old boy came up with creative way to celebrate the Philadelphia Eagles' first Super Bowl championship.Rather than buying Valentine's Day cards, the young fan decided to make his own featuring highlights from Super Bowl LII. He also takes a jab at New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady on one of the cards.

The NFL's controversial catch rule has reared its ugly head countless times over the years, with commissioner Roger Goodell recently conceding it needs to be clarified.According to one survey, the majority of fans agree.Of the 1,000 NFL fans surveyed by Kroon Casino, 70 percent think the catch rule should be changed. Forty percent of respondents who voted in favor of the rule change suggested clarification of the "going to the ground" language on plays when players extend for the goal line, while 20 percent called for a complete rewrite.Thirty-six percent of those surveyed would like to see the NFL's touchback rule changed as well:Fans were also asked about Dez Bryant's non-catch in the divisional round of the 2014 playoffs, and Jesse James' overturned touchdown in the Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 15 loss to the New England Patriots last season:Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As he enters the final year of his rookie contract, Mike Evans and the Buccaneers aren't discussing an extension, his agent, Deryk Gilmore, told Pewter Report's Trevor Sikkema.After Tampa Bay picked up the wide receiver's fifth-year option, Evans is scheduled to earn $13.2 million in 2018. The team would almost certainly like to work out a long-term deal, but Gilmore suggested his client isn't keen on tackling his future just yet."We're not doing any negotiating," he said. "At this point, we're not really talking about contracts. We're just going to wait and play it out."Evans, a first-round pick (seventh overall) in 2014, ranks third in team history in catches and receiving yards and second in receiving touchdowns. He's also topped 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons.Whether it's from Tampa Bay or another organization, the plan appears to be for the former Texas A&M Aggie to sign a deal placing him among the NFL's highest-paid receivers."We think (Evans' stats) will speak for itself," said Gilmore. "When it comes time to do the deal I think his deal will be in line with what we plan."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Johnny Manziel has revealed he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder roughly a year ago and says he’s been using his two years away from football to take care of himself off the field."I am taking medication for bipolar, and I am working to try to make sure I don’t fall back into any type of depression, because I know where that leads me and I know how slippery a slope that is for me," Manziel said to T.J. Holmes of ABC News.The former Heisman Trophy winner said it took a conversation with his mother where she “just broke down” for him to realize he had a problem. Manziel’s mother confronted him over an ongoing issue of people criticizing his public image of being a frequent partyer and heavy drinker."I was self-medicating with alcohol. That’s what I thought would make me happy and get out of that depression," Manziel said."You are left staring at the ceiling by yourself, and in that depression and back in that hole, that dark hole of sitting in a room by yourself, super depressed, thinking about all the mistakes you made in your life. What did that get me? Where did that get me except out of the NFL? Where did that get me? Disgraced?"The Cleveland Browns' 22nd overall pick in 2014, Manziel played just two NFL seasons, making his last start Dec. 27, 2015. He has career stats of 1,675 passing yards and seven touchdowns, with another 230 yards and a score coming on the ground.As he battles his mental health issues, Manziel said it hasn’t been easy being out of the NFL and watching others do what he still wants for himself."I am watching all the other guys doing what I want to be doing, and I am sitting on a couch being a loser," he said.Now clean and sober, the 25-year-old has been training and working on a contract with the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He remains committed to a comeback he hopes ends with his ultimate goal of getting back to the NFL."I am coming back from a huge downfall," said Manziel. "I don’t know what kind of comeback it will be, but I know I want to get back on a football field, to what brought me so much joy in my life.”Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Nick Foles had a special message waiting for him inside Sunday's edition of the Austin American-Statesman.Academy Award-winning actor and fellow Austin, Texas native Matthew McConaughey took out a full-page ad to congratulate Foles following the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots.

It's been a week since the 2017 season came to an end and it seems an appropriate time to reflect on where the season began for most teams: at the draft.With the clarity hindsight provides, we're able to go back over April's draft and envision the first-round picks teams wish they'd made.Here's a do-over of the 2017 NFL Draft. Cleveland, you're back on the clock.1. Browns - QB Deshaun WatsonActual pick: DE Myles GarrettThe Cleveland Browns will rue the day they passed on Watson. In this scenario, the franchise gets to right a wrong (and avoid an 0-16 season) by selecting the national championship-winning quarterback with the first pick in the 2017 NFL redraft.Watson was well on his way to winning Offensive Rookie of the Year, despite a loaded field, before tearing his ACL. He's the kind of talent the Browns have spent years searching for.2. Bears - QB Mitchell TrubiskyActual pick: TrubiskyThe Chicago Bears just might have something in Trubisky.His play didn't elicit the kind of headlines some of his fellow rookies received, but he fared much better than expected in his first season. Thrown into the fire in Week 5, he held is own the rest of the season, completing nearly 60 percent of his passes.The rebuilding Bears laid their first stone with the selection of Trubisky.3. 49ers - RB Alvin KamaraActual pick: DE Solomon ThomasImagine Jimmy Garoppolo and Kamara sharing a backfield for the next decade. It's a scenario the 49ers could have had if they had taken the eventual Rookie of the Year winner with the third pick. The Niners can't be faulted for that, however, as Kamara was passed over by every team, multiple times.Kamara took the league by storm with 1,554 total yards and 13 touchdowns. He'd be a fine successor to Carlos Hyde as the 49ers lead back.4. Jaguars - RB Leonard FournetteActual pick: FournetteThe Jags got it right the first time. With Fournette in their backfield, Jacksonville enjoyed a one-year turnaround from three wins to 10 and an appearance in the AFC Championship Game.No one in Duval County is second-guessing that selection.5. Titans - CB Marshon LattimoreActual pick: WR Corey DavisThe Titans entered the draft with gaping holes in their receiving corps and secondary. Instead of reaching for Corey Davis with the No. 5 pick, Tennessee could have had top-flight corner Marshon Lattimore, the 2017 Defensive Rookie of the Year.The Titans addressed their need at corner with the 18th pick, but Lattimore was one of the best at his position in 2017, finishing the year as Pro Football Focus' fourth-ranked cornerback, while Adoree Jackson was ranked 35th.6. Jets - S Jamal AdamsActual pick: AdamsMet with another opportunity to pick their quarterback of the future, the Jets would likely wait until 2018 and keep their selection of Adams.He wasn't the sexiest pick of the draft, but the LSU star will solidify the Jets' back end for years to come.7. Chargers - DE Solomon ThomasActual pick: WR Mike WilliamsWilliams was a forgotten man in his first year in the pros. A back injury nearly derailed his season before it began, and a knee ailment ended it after 10 games. He produced just 11 catches for 95 yards.With the opportunity to pick again, the Chargers would instead address a run defense that ranked 31st in 2017 and select defensive end Solomon Thomas, a player celebrated for his run defense from the edge.8. Panthers - WR JuJu Smith-SchusterActual pick: RB Christian McCaffreyThe Panthers appeared as though they didn't know what to do with McCaffrey.With the in-season trade of Kelvin Benjamin in mind, the Panthers sure could have used the contributions of a receiver such as Smith-Schuster. The wideout finished the year with more yards than any Panthers pass-catcher.9. Bengals - CB Tre'Davious WhiteActual pick: WR John RossAnother failed receiver pick in the top 10. Instead of Ross, who finished the year without a catch, White proved much more deserving of a top-10 spot. The runner-up for Defensive Rookie of the Year would have slotted right in as a starting corner for the Bengals, where William Jackson has been unable to.10. Chiefs - QB Patrick MahomesActual pick: MahomesDespite starting just one game his rookie season, Mahomes made Alex Smith expendable. He's the future, and now the present in Kansas City.11. Saints - RB Kareem HuntActual pick: LattimoreThe Saints aced the 2017 draft. Lattimore and Kamara swept Rookie of the Year honors and the club ameliorated its O-line with the selection of tackle Ryan Ramczyk. If they were presented with an option of a 2017 draft redo, the Saints surely would opt out.But if Kamara and Lattimore were off the board by the 11th pick, Hunt - the league leader in rushing - would be welcome in the Saints offense.12. Texans - T Ryan RamczykActual pick: WatsonThis is another team that doesn't need a do-over. They nailed their first-round pick when they traded up to get Watson.In this scenario, Watson would be off the board and leave Houston with the option of addressing its need on the offensive line with the selection of Ramczyk.13. Cardinals - LB T.J. WattActual pick: LB Haason ReddickWatt had two sacks in his NFL debut and finished the year with seven. Reddick had 2.5 sacks all season and was removed from the starting lineup after three games. It's obvious who had the stronger rookie season.14. Eagles - DE Myles GarrettActual pick: DE Derek BarnettGarrett is deserving of a much higher spot in this redraft, but after the Browns chose their quarterback of the future, he was bound to slip.He could do worse than to land with the Super Bowl-champion Eagles and their collection of pass-rushing talents.15. Colts - S Malik HookerActual pick: HookerA torn ACL and MCL sapped Hooker's season after seven games, but, in his limited time, he proved to be the playmaker the Colts need at the safety position.16. Ravens - CB Marlon Humphrey Actual pick: HumphreyHumphrey was solid, yet unspectacular in his first season. Picking smack in the middle of the first round, the Alabama corner proved a quality choice.17. Redskins - DE Jonathan AllenActual pick: AllenThe Redskins didn't get to see much of Allen, as he played just five games before succumbing to a foot injury. Washington's run defense suffered without him. The team finished the year last against the run. They'll be much better with a healthy Allen.18. Titans - WR Corey DavisActual pick: CB Adoree JacksonAh, a much more appropriate slot for Davis.His season pales in comparison to other rookie receivers, but he showed in the postseason - particularly a two-touchdown performance against the Patriots - why he's worthy of a first-round selection.19. Buccaneers - RB Dalvin CookActual pick: TE O.J. HowardHad the Bucs cut ties with Doug Martin after his suspension at the end of the 2016 season, a worthy replacement was available with the 19th pick.In just four games, Cook averaged a full two yards per carry more than Martin did in 2017. If only the team had listened to quarterback Jameis Winston and facilitated a reunion with his college running back.20. Broncos - T Garett BollesActual pick: BollesAt pick No. 20, the Broncos were unable to solve their quarterbacking issues with Watson, Trubisky, and Mahomes off the board, Denver's best suited waiting until either free agency or the 2018 draft to address the situation.Bolles remains the pick.21. Lions - RB Christian McCaffreyActual pick: LB Jarrad DavisThe Lions haven't had a 100-yard rusher in a game or a running back eclipse 1,000 yards in a season since 2013. It's clear Detroit needs to address the position, and McCaffrey is capable of accomplishing both.22. Dolphins - CB Shaquill GriffinActual pick: LB Charles HarrisKenyan Drake appears to have locked down the running back job entering next season. The next area of need is at corner, where the Dolphins could have used the services of Griffin, who thrived with the Legion of Boom.23. Giants - T Cam RobinsonActual pick: TE Evan EngramThe Giants' fortunes won't improve in the running game until they address their awful offensive line. Instead of waiting until the sixth round to draft an O-lineman, New York could have nabbed a starting left tackle for the foreseeable future by picking Robinson out of Alabama.24. Raiders - CB Chidobe AwuzieActual pick: CB Gareon ConleyThe Raiders were right to focus on the secondary with their first-round pick. After Lattimore, White, and Humphrey, the talent available at corner drops off significantly, but there is value available with Awuzie.25. Browns - S Marcus WilliamsActual pick: S Jabrill PeppersThe Browns had the right position but the wrong player, a problem that's been plaguing the team for decades.26. Falcons - DE Carl LawsonActual pick: DE Takkarist McKinleyThe pass-rushing help the Falcons sought could have come in the form of Lawson, who led all rookies with 8.5 sacks.27. Bills - WR Cooper KuppActual pick: WhiteThe Bills made the ideal pick with White. With no first-round talent left at quarterback, the team instead finds a possession receiver in Kupp.28. Cowboys - TE Evan EngramActual pick: DE Taco CharltonJason Witten won't be around forever. Engram is the future at the tight end position.29. Browns - DE Takkarist McKinleyActual pick: TE David NjokuMcKinley's a step down from Garrett, but he had just one less sack in 2017.30. Steelers - DT Deatrich WiseActual pick: WattThe Steelers nailed their early draft picks. With Watt unavailable, Pittsburgh can afford a value pick like Wise at the back half of the first round.31. 49ers - LB Reuben FosterActual pick: FosterFoster proved worth the risk in his first season. But his post-season arrests cloud his future with the franchise.32. Saints - DE Derek BarnettActual pick: RamczykPoached of all their real-life picks, in this alternate universe, the Saints focus on their defensive line.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson had nothing but praise for his former offensive coordinator Frank Reich, the new head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.Reich was hired by the Colts on Sunday, putting an end to an Eagles partnership that resulted in a Super Bowl trophy this season.Pederson left some kind parting words for Reich."Frank is a tremendous coach and very deserving of this opportunity," Pederson said in a statement. "He was a valuable member of our staff and we have all benefited from working with him over the last two years."As good as he is as a leader and teacher, he's an even better person. We could not be more excited for him as he takes this next step in his career and we wish him and his family all the best."Those words were echoed by many in the football community, including Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz and Reich's former employer, Tony Dungy.

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster was arrested Sunday for the second time in a month, this time on charges relating to domestic violence and for suspicion of possessing an assault rifle, Sarah Ravani and Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle report.The 2017 first-round draft pick was also arrested and charged with second-degree possession of marijuana on Jan. 12.Foster's bail was set at $75,000 and he was released later Sunday evening."The San Francisco 49ers organization is aware of the report regarding Reuben Foster," the team said in a release obtained by multiple reporters. "We take matters of this nature seriously and are gathering all pertinent information."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Alex Smith may have had a Pro Bowl season, led his team to 10 wins and a trip to the playoffs, but he's still on the brink of being traded for the second time in his career.Approaching the age of 34, Smith will join his third team when his trade from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Washington Redskins can be completed on the first day of the new league year on March 14.And Smith can't contain his excitement."I would be lying if I said the wife and I have not been scoping out the area on Google Maps," Smith said on KNBR-AM's Murph and Mac podcast on Thursday, according to Kimberley A. Martin of the Washington Post."I'm jacked. I'm really excited. Once I found out that things in Kansas City were going in a different direction, I was pumped at the opportunity, and when Washington came calling, I was hopeful that that was a possible destination, and I'm just jacked that it worked out."The trade, as it stands now, sees Smith shipped to D.C. for a third-round pick and cornerback Kendall Fuller. Smith will also receive a four-year contract extension worth $94 million.March 14 can't get here fast enough for the Smith family.- With h/t to Pro Football TalkCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Indianapolis Colts officially announced the hiring of Frank Reich as their new head coach Sunday. This time, all of the paperwork is signed.After New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels backed out of a deal with the Colts at the final hour, Indy reopened its coaching search and poached Reich, the offensive coordinator of the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles."We are extremely excited to announce Frank Reich as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts," owner Jim Irsay said in a release. "Frank has all the ingredients of a successful head coach: intelligence, innovation, character, organizational and leadership skills, and a commanding presence."Reich, a former quarterback, got his coaching start as an intern with the Colts in 2006. He graduated to offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach by 2009.He's spent the past four seasons as an offensive coordinator, first with the then-San Diego Chargers, and the last two years with the Eagles. He's had a hand in developing Carson Wentz into an MVP candidate by just his sophomore year.The Colts also interviewed Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier and New Orleans Saints assistant head coach/tight ends coach Dan Campbell during their second search.A formal introductory press conference will be held Tuesday.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles' front office doesn't have a whole lot more time to celebrate the franchise's first Super Bowl title.Coming off an upset victory over the New England Patriots, executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman will soon be faced with some difficult decisions in order to get the league's most cap-strung team compliant with 2018's salary limit.The Eagles are currently more than $9 million above the base salary cap with 56 players signed, while no other team is projected above the $178-million threshold. Releasing wide receiver Torrey Smith and his $5-million base salary with zero dead cap penalty is the most obvious way to alleviate some of the financial issues, but more moves will still need to be made.Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox and right tackle Lane Johnson are locked in with the team's highest cap figures and are worth every penny. Left tackle Jason Peters has the fifth-highest cap hit and will be coming off an injury-shortened 2017 campaign, but he made the Pro Bowl in each of his previous nine active seasons.A trade of Super Bowl MVP - but backup quarterback - Nick Foles and his $7.6-million cap number would solve some problems, but an agreeable deal could be hard to find.Meanwhile, the one position that won't cause Roseman any financial distress is at running back. The group was one of the biggest keys to Philadelphia's 2017 success, and presents the team with options moving forward.(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)LeGarrette Blount, who led the Eagles in rushing yardage in 2017, is due to hit free agency on March 14. While he again proved to be productive - Blount also led the NFL in rushing touchdowns a year ago while a member of the Patriots - his 31 years of age are almost sure to prevent teams from offering him the lucrative multi-year deal he'd otherwise seem to deserve.Thirty-four-year-old Darren Sproles, who's coming off an injury that limited his contract year to just three games, will join Blount on the open market. Having earned $4.5 million in 2017, he's likely to take a significant pay cut if he intends to play a 14th season.Jay Ajayi, who was brought over in a trade-deadline deal with the Miami Dolphins, presents Roseman with flexibility. The 24-year-old averaged 5.8 yards per carry over 70 regular-season rushing attempts after the trade. He carries a cap hit of just $1.905 million in 2018 but can be cut at no cost. Regardless, the Eagles have little reason to cut him loose due to his productivity and team-friendly contract.And then there's the little-known secondary star of Super Bowl LII. Overshadowed by Foles' unlikely MVP-winning performance, undrafted free agent Corey Clement rushed for just 8 yards on three carries, but caught four of five targets for 100 yards and the seventh touchdown of his rookie season.

The Indianapolis Colts will hire Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich as their new head coach, as the two sides agreed to terms on a five-year deal, a source told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.Reich will be hired out of a pool of candidates that included Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier and New Orleans Saints assistant head coach/tight ends coach Dan Campbell.It's the second major coaching hit the Super Bowl champions have taken this week. Philadelphia's quarterbacks coach, John DeFilippo, was hired as offensive coordinator by the Minnesota Vikings.The Colts had previously received a verbal commitment from New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to become their head coach, but he reneged on the agreement after the Colts had already announced the hiring in order to remain in his role with the Patriots.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich has emerged as the favorite to land the Indianapolis Colts' head coaching job, sources told ESPN's Chris Mortenson and Adam Schefter.The two sides still need to negotiate a signed, sealed, and delivered contract, according to league sources.Reich is coming off a victory in Super Bowl LII in his second of two seasons in his role with the Eagles. He had previously spent two years as the offensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers.The 56-year-old former quarterback got his start as an NFL coach with the Colts in 2008 as an offensive coaching staff assistant. He went on to become the quarterbacks coach and wide receivers coach with the team.Colts general manager Chris Ballard conducted a series of interviews with Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, Reich, and New Orleans Saints assistant head coach/tight ends coach Dan Campbell this week, after being spurned by New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.The Colts had announced the hiring of McDaniels on a verbal agreement before he reneged and opted to return to the Patriots.A source told Mortensen and Schefter that Reich's hiring won't be announced until after a contract is fully executed.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Warning: Story contains coarse languageComing off the first Super Bowl win in franchise history, the Philadelphia Eagles are not short on confidence.First-team All-Pro offensive tackle Lane Johnson, who's under contract with the Eagles for the next four seasons, did his part to fuel what could become the league's newest rivalry against the back-to-back AFC Champion New England Patriots."The Patriot Way is a fear-based organization," Johnson said on the "Pardon My Take" podcast. "Obviously, do they win? Hell yes, they win. They've won for a long time. Do I think people enjoy and can say, 'I had a lot of fun playing there?' No, I don't."Johnson played the 2017 season with running back LeGarrette Blount and defensive end Chris Long, two castoffs from the Super Bowl LI-winning Patriots team.The outspoken offensive lineman doesn't see himself choosing to blend into what the Patriots demand of their players."They're successful, but when they go to interviews, they act like f---ing robots," he said. "Hey, stop being a d---head. We can be cordial for a little bit. You only get to do this job one time, so let's have fun while we're doing it. Not to be reckless, but I'd much rather have fun and win a Super Bowl than be miserable and win five Super Bowls."It's not the first shot Johnson has taken at the Patriots and five-time Super Bowl-champ Tom Brady, calling the quarterback a "pretty boy" he'd like to dethrone prior to Super Bowl LII.- With h/t to ESPNCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The 2018 quarterback class in this year's NFL draft does not feature a consensus top prospect, but one former first overall pick does have a player atop his rankings.Appearing on NFL Network, former NFL quarterback David Carr sang his praises for USC signal-caller Sam Darnold."Darnold for me is probably the No. 1 guy," Carr said on "NFL Total Access" on Friday. "I love everything about this kid from his ability on the field to how he carries himself."The first pick in the 2002 draft did present concerns over Darnold's age - he's only 20 years old - but does not think that will hinder his draft status."Some people even say 'I'd like him to come back and play a year' which I understand ... it's an experience thing," said Carr. "But talent-wise, he's as good as it gets."It remains to be seen how early Darnold is selected in this year's draft, but he clearly has fans inside the NFL community.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL can be a brutal business, and at no time is that more apparent than when teams start examining their books to decide which highly paid players they're better off cutting ties with and gaining much-needed cap space.Here are six well-known players in danger of being cap casualties in a few weeks:Dez Bryant2018 cap hit: $16.5M

Google search algorithm antics are at it again.As of Saturday night, searching "New England Patriots owner" or "Patriots owner" on Google would yield the result of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles.

The New York Giants' request to interview - and potentially hire - Vikings quarterbacks coach Kevin Stefanski as their offensive coordinator has been denied by Minnesota, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.The Giants have already hired away former Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur as their new head coach, but have reportedly been refused a chance at double-dipping.While the Giants remain without an offensive coordinator, the Vikings recently hired Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo to fill their OC hole.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former New England Patriots tight end Christian Fauria has been suspended from a WEEI radio show after he conducted a racist impersonation of Tom Brady's agent, Don Yee, on Friday.The racist impression was made during an on-air discussion about an erroneous Boston Herald column involving Yee."Earlier today during his show, Christian Fauria impersonated athlete agent Don Yee in an insensitive and ill-conceived attempt at humor," read a statement from WEEI. "We regret Christian's commentary and we apologize to Mr. Yee and those offended by the segment."The station suspended Fauria for five days.The former player offered an apology on Twitter.

The future looks bright in San Francisco, and John Lynch hopes that's apparent to upcoming free agents.The 49ers general manager secured the services of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for a reported five years and $137.5 million, and now he's turning his attention to the open market.The team will have an estimated $77 million to spend in free agency and is poised to be an active participant.Related - Keep on dealin': Why 49ers should make big FA splashes after Garoppolo deal"We're fully aware of all the work we have to do. This was a big piece," Lynch said of signing Garoppolo to an extension, Cam Inman of the Mercury News reports."Heading into free agency this is a big deal. It's 75 degrees and sunny outside. We have this guy. Who wouldn't want to be here."The 49ers finished 2017 on a five-game winning streak with Garoppolo under center and will certainly be a popular dark-horse pick with pundits entering 2018.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After Josh McDaniels jilted the Indianapolis Colts to remain in New England, many assumed the Patriots offensive coordinator received a guarantee he would someday succeed Bill Belichick as head coach. However, McDaniels says he received no such assurances.Willie McGinest of the NFL Network said he spoke with McDaniels, who said there is "absolutely not" a guarantee he'll be the Patriots' next head coach, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. McGinest, a former Patriots linebacker, also said McDaniels denied any semblance of a handshake agreement with team owner Robert Kraft."I listen to a lot of people talk about it like he's taking over for Belichick in the next year or two. That's Bill Belichick. Nobody's just going to push him out of coaching," McGinest said."... Josh wanted stability. That didn't take place until after the conversation that they had after he was about to leave. The only stability he had in place was being the new head coach. His family, his thoughts, after having a conversation with his wife, of course, and ownership, and Bill - the best place for him, where he wanted to be, where he wanted to stay, was in New England."McDaniels has yet to speak publicly since reneging on his verbal agreement with the Colts. What is certain is the Patriots will have both Belichick and McDaniels back next season, and perhaps into the future as well.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL free agency is still over a month away, but San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch already sacrificed a significant chunk of cap space to sign Jimmy Garoppolo to a five-year contract worth an NFL-record $27.5 million per season and $137.5 million in total.The deal makes sense for both sides. The 49ers can move forward with their offseason plans safe in the knowledge that their franchise player is locked up, while the young quarterback gets long-term security and more money than he'll likely know what to do with.Related - By the numbers: Breaking down Garoppolo's record deal with 49ersThe 49ers aren't exactly hurting for cap space, even after smartly front-loading Garoppolo's contract with a $37-million hit in 2018 to keep his deal manageable down the line. San Francisco was set to have the second-most cap space in the league before the Garoppolo deal - and they somehow still do, with roughly $77 million to play with in free agency (minus draft-class signings and any other in-house players who warrant extensions), according to Over The Cap.The arrival of Garoppolo and the subsequent five-game win streak to end the regular season means San Francisco will enter 2018 surrounded by much-deserved hype and will be many people's sleeper pick to make the playoffs. But, while the 49ers' spectacular end to the year was impressive, the talent on the roster - and especially around Garoppolo - definitely wasn't.That needs to change, and fast, if they're to contend in 2018.The 49ers shouldn't sacrifice too much long-term flexibility, but they need to maximize the momentum they've stumbled across with Garoppolo and look to add some big-name free agents before some of their other young stars - like DeForest Buckner - demand substantial extensions. And it shouldn't be too hard of a sell to convince players to come play for an offensive wizard like head coach Kyle Shanahan, maybe the NFL's next great quarterback in Garoppolo, and an NFL legend in Lynch.So, which big names should San Francisco target?Andrew Norwell isn't a name most casual fans have heard very often, but be prepared to hear about him a lot this offseason as a host of teams will battle for the former Carolina Panthers guard's signature.Norwell made the most of his contract year, as he was named a first-team All-Pro for the first time in his career. The former undrafted free agent is about to become a very rich man, so the 49ers will have to be prepared to cut another large check to secure his services.It could be worth the investment, however. The interior of the 49ers' line was a mess for much of 2017, and it was only Garoppolo's lightning-quick release that saved him from taking a worrying amount of punishment.If San Francisco is to make only one splash free-agent signing, Norwell should be it. Not only would he be a massive upgrade of the likes of Laken Tomlinson and Zane Beadles, he and Garoppolo are both 26 years old and could spend their primes together.As mentioned, the 49ers will face strong competition for Norwell and will need to give him a contract similar to that of Kevin Zeitler, who received a five-year contract worth $12 million a season (the highest average for a guard) in free agency last season. But, when you have a $100-million man under center, keeping him upright should be your No. 1 priority.A close second, however, should be making sure Garoppolo has weapons to throw the ball to. After all, the 49ers did hand him more money than any player in NFL history despite just seven - albeit highly productive - career starts. He will be given time to grow and develop, but expectations will be high and the likes of Marquise Goodwin and Pierre Garcon shouldn't be the top options for an offense with sky-high potential thanks to Garoppolo's talent and Shanahan's elite play-calling.Enter, Allen Robinson.Firstly, the wide receiver deserves to play with a good quarterback after spending his college days catching passes from Christian Hackenberg and his entire NFL career with Blake Bortles.Secondly, Robinson has proven himself capable of being a prototypical No. 1 wideout, with the strength-size-speed combination to play the Julio Jones role in Shanahan's offense.Robinson is coming off a torn ACL, suffered in Week 1, but that could actually play to the 49ers' advantage. Like Alshon Jeffery last season, Robinson will likely be forced to take a one-year contract - if the Jacksonville Jaguars don't franchise-tag him - to help rebuild his value before earning a long-term extension. San Francisco could not only offer Robinson a one-year deal worth around $14 million to 15 million but also the chance to excel under Shanahan's guidance.The last big splash the 49ers should make is to fill arguably their weakest spot on the roster: pass-rusher. Gone are the days of Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks routinely making opposing quarterbacks' lives hell.San Francisco tied for 26th in the league with 30 team sacks, and it won't matter how many points Garoppolo and Co. can put up if the defense can't get consistent stops on third down.The free-agent pool for pass-rushers is always shallow, and this year is no exception. The Detroit Lions' Ezekiel Ansah should be the top defensive end on the market if he, like Robinson, avoids the franchise tag.Ansah has struggled with injuries the last few years, but not many guys with a 12- and 14.5-sack campaign hit the open market. And while the 49ers' five-game win streak boosted the franchise, it also pushed them down to either ninth or 10th in the draft (depending on a coin toss), likely out of reach for Bradley Chubb but too high to take any of the next-tier pass-rushers.Pairing Ansah with Buckner would give San Francisco one of the more athletic defensive-line duos in football. Obviously, pass-rushers are at a premium and Ansah would command a deal with an average salary of around $16 million$18 million, but the 49ers' other options are scarce and they cannot enter another season with a limited player like Elvis Dumervil in a starting role.The Jaguars and the Philadelphia Eagles proved this past season that being aggressive in free agency can pay off if calculated risks are taken and a strong core already exists to build upon.The 49ers should follow their lead and potentially get immediate returns on their investment in Garoppolo by surrounding him with a handful of blue-chip talents.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.