There are different types of NFL fans. There are those who follow the league on Sundays in the fall, those who obsess over their favorite team year-round, and those who care so deeply they choose to make their fandom a part of life's biggest moments.This fan fits into that last category. His name is Lee and not only did have a Miami Dolphins-themed cake-topper at his wedding, he also wore a helmet to match.

It's always been assumed that tension between Vince Young and Jeff Fisher led to their breakup in Tennessee, but now the former third overall pick is sharing his side of the story.In an extensive interview with Sports Illustrated's Greg Bishop, Young couldn't help but take shots at his former head coach."I'm going to expose his ass," Young said of Fisher before going on to accuse Fisher of backstabbing him by airing their private business in the media and at one point ordering a team plane to take off without a tardy Young on board.Young said he felt as if Fisher abandoned him; Fisher claims the opposite.Young also took some shots at NFL journeyman quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, a player whose job Young believes he himself deserves to have."I hate to name-drop, but Fitzpatrick is still playing!? He leads the league in interceptions, and he's still f---ing getting paid? I mean, what the f--- is going on?"Fitzpatrick hasn't led the NFL in interceptions since 2011, but ranked in the top three last season.Young recently tried to kickstart his football career by signing with the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders, but got injured and was cut before the season began.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Taco shilling for tacos. It had to happen.And now it has, with Dallas Cowboys rookie defensive lineman Taco Charlton agreeing to a partnership with the Tex-Mex restaurant Taco Bueno, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport."In my short time here, I have discovered that Texas is the place for tacos," Charlton said in a statement. "Believe me, I've been trying them my whole life. Taco Bueno tops everyone, and I am really excited to be partnering with them this fall. Taco Bueno is as passionate about their food and service as I am about my performance on the field."Charlton signed a four-year rookie contract worth $10.02 million in May. Adding what we assume is unlimited free tacos to that will be a nice bonus.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Panthers spoke of a need to evolve their offense this offseason, then followed it up by drafting dynamic playmakers Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel with their first two picks.Now, the team's superstar quarterback is also talking about a need to alter how he approaches the sport - perhaps in the interest of giving his new teammates the best chance to succeed."The thing I have to realize is my job is not necessarily to always be the playmaker," Newton said, according to Bill Voth of the Panthers' official website. "I have to give other people opportunities to make plays. That's the hardest thing about maturation, especially for me."So having more comfort in trusting the guys around me is the biggest thing. Trust and knowing my job is giving everybody a chance and letting them do their job as well."Since Newton entered the NFL, most of the Panthers' offensive production has come from Newton attacking downfield in the passing game and running the ball himself in the run game, particularly near the goal line.Now that the Panthers have players like McCaffrey and Samuel in the fold, the team is expected to introduce more short passes to its offense in an attempt to allow the rookies to chew up yardage and take pressure off Newton.Newton was the NFL's MVP in 2015 in an offense built entirely around his talents, but he endured a forgettable 2016 season.The Panthers had to do something to inject life into their stale offense, and for now it sounds like their biggest star is on board with the changes.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sage Rosenfels is a former 12-year NFL quarterback who writes, does radio, and podcasts about the NFL and college football.Even before the final games of 2016 are completed, NFL franchises are preparing for the 2017 season.Their college and pro scouts are scanning the landscape as they await the draft and free agency. A few players who were "on the street" get signed as soon as each team's season ends. Then comes the Senior Bowl, NFL Combine, private workouts, free agency, and the draft.Once the rat race ends to put the most talented team together, clubs conduct their spring and summer OTAs, as well as a required minicamp. Finally, as we enter mid-to-late June, the NFL takes its longest breather of the year. Coaches, players, and scouts get a much-needed month-long break before the chaos of NFL training camp ensues.For me, this was a time to physically train to be in the best shape possible for camp. Mental preparation was also an important aspect of this break. A part of that mental preparation is reflection. I believe it's important for every player to ask himself questions about what his short- and long-term goals are leading into training camp.For the quarterbacks of the NFL, there are a wide variety of answers to these questions. Some players are simply hoping to make the roster while others are wondering how to win another Super Bowl.And for a few NFL starting quarterbacks, 2017 is a make-or-break season. If they play well, they will begin the 2018 season with the confidence of being the starter, some with a new contract. For those who play poorly this year, their time may be up as their current franchise's No. 1 quarterback.This is my list of five NFL starting quarterbacks who need to have a strong year, or they may find themselves on the outs once January hits.Alex Smith, Kansas City ChiefsDespite being one of the most consistent winners in the NFL, Smith never seems to convince his team's fans that he is the long-term solution. He's like a Chevy Impala; he always gets you from point A to B, but the passengers are bored with the lack of style on the trip. Plus, the Impala always drops you off a block from your destination rather than delivering you to the red carpet. Smith is good, but never quite fills your appetite.Once the Chiefs drafted the incredibly talented but raw Patrick Mahomes II, the writing was on the wall for Smith. Or was it? Andy Reid is going to play whoever he believes will win him the most football games and carry his team deep into the playoffs.Luckily for the Chiefs, their head coach has a long track record of playing this type of hand correctly. Reid will be gauging his team's temperature every day of the season, and he will know exactly how to play the cards which gives the Chiefs their best chance to succeed.I imagine we will see some of Mahomes at some point during the season. He could be thrown into the game in a random second quarter in September, or he could be starting a playoff game in January. When and how much he plays is up to Reid - and Smith is his No. 1 influencer.No coach wants to bench a quarterback if the team is winning, even if he's playing poorly. The better Smith plays and the more the Chiefs win, the less we will see of Mahomes. If the passing attack in KC is the main reason for the Chiefs' failures, Smith may find himself on the bench - and looking for a new home next offseason.Ryan Tannehill, Miami DolphinsFor Dolphins fans (Dolfans for those who don't know the official term), Tannehill is a controversial subject. There is plenty of evidence to support him, yet plenty of reasons to want a different quarterback. Statistically, he has been average to below average for most of his five-year career.Under the direction of highly respected head coach/offensive coordinator Adam Gase, Tannehill played the best football of his career in 2016. The issue is that Tannehill got hurt in December, and couldn't finish the season. Through his first five years, Tannehill has yet to start a playoff game. He is like and unlike Smith - unexciting, but unable to win consistently.Dolfans will always have high expectations for their quarterback. This is what happens when you have one of the greatest pure throwers in NFL history leading your team for almost two decades. That high level of play is still implanted in the minds of Dolfans.More importantly, this Miami team needs to win now. The team has spent a lot of money in free agency in recent years, and the roster does have talent. Tannehill needs to come through with the best year of his career, or else the team may decide to simply move on.This decision will come down to a multitude of factors. I believe upper management will fully consider Gase's opinion once this season ends. This coach knows what an elite quarterback looks like. Secondly, if the team starts losing, Dolfans won't show up to home games.That's a fact of life in South Florida. Many Dolfans are fair-weather because, well, the weather is so fair in Miami. If they stop showing, smart businessman and owner Stephen M. Ross will want to change his business strategy. And he'll start not with the head coach, but with Tannehill.Carson Palmer, Arizona CardinalsPalmer followed the best year of his career in 2015, with one of his worst. That's a discouraging development for a quarterback who will be 38 by season's end.After his spectacular play two seasons ago, one that saw him break multiple franchise records, Palmer was given an extension and is now under contract through 2018. But that doesn't mean the Cardinals have boxed themselves into a corner; Arizona would "only" be hamstrung with $6 million in dead money if it were to release Palmer after this season.The reason I have Palmer in the make-or-break category is based off his 2016 play and his age. If he finds the fountain of youth like he did two seasons ago, Arizona will stick with Palmer, probably signing him to another extension. But if 2017 is a carbon copy of last year, the Cardinals and head coach Bruce Arians will have a major decision to make.Arians loves the vertical passing game. He likes to push the ball down the field and test a secondary's weaknesses. As a quarterback enters his late 30s, most begin to suffer from a weaker arm. Tom Brady and Brett Favre are the exception, not the norm. If Palmer shows that he is no longer a threat to NFL secondaries, Arians will have to overhaul his passing game philosophy. Either that or go find himself a quarterback who can fit his system.Since the 2018 NFL Draft is supposedly going to be loaded with talented quarterbacks, the timing may be right for the Cardinals and Arians to move on from Carson Palmer. Even if Palmer does have a 2015-esque season again, the Cardinals may start looking to the future sooner rather than later.Blake Bortles, Jacksonville JaguarsAfter being drafted third overall in 2014, Bortles looked to be on the right trajectory as he headed into his third NFL season. His rookie year was inconsistent at best, which wasn’t a surprise since Bortles was a raw but talented player on a poor team. His sophomore season, at least according to the statistics, had the Jaguars believing that they had indeed found their franchise quarterback for the next decade.The rug was then pulled out from under the Jaguars' feet as Bortles ended the season with one of the worst QBRs in the league. His mechanics and footwork failed, and the team won only three games. The coaching staff was fired, yet Bortles remains. If he plays as well or better than he did in 2015, I can see executive vice-president Tom Coughlin working to extend Bortles. If the quarterback struggles as he did last year, Coughlin will move on.One of Coughlin's strengths is his ability to identify problems on a football team. It's easy to blame the quarterback for everything, but in truth, many times the issues are with other positions or the coaching staff. Coughlin has seen the highest levels of both, and it won't take him long to figure out if Bortles is the long-term answer the Jaguars have been searching for.Sam Bradford, Minnesota VikingsMinnesota may have the most unusual quarterback situation in the NFL.Bradford, who broke the NFL record for completion percentage, is on the last year of his contract. The team has had no discussions about re-signing Bradford, not because they don't like him, but because Teddy Bridgewater is also on the roster. Before his injury, the Vikings' entire franchise and fan base loved Bridgewater. His knee injury recovery is still a mystery, as is the "toll" aspect of his expiring contract.If Bradford plays as well or better than his previous season, the Vikings may decide to give him the third major contract of his career. If he doesn't, and Teddy is healthy, the Vikings may go back to Bridgewater, who is younger and much cheaper.The wild card is if Bradford plays poorly and Bridgewater's knee never fully heals. This would mean the Vikings may have to use the nuclear option and completely clean house in their quarterback room. This whole saga could be a week-to-week soap opera that follows Mike Zimmer's team all year. Either way, whoever plays quarterback for Minnesota will have to play at a high level to be named the starter for 2018.Playing quarterback in the NFL demands you focus on every play, practice, game, and season. Pressure is something that they deal with during almost every minute of every day. But for the five veteran quarterbacks listed above, there is even more pressure heading into this season.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL's three remaining franchise-tagged players appear unlikely to sign new contracts until much closer to the July 17 deadline - if at all.Negotiations between the Washington Redskins and Kirk Cousins have taken on an improved tone recently but a long-term deal is still considered to be a long shot, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.A deal appears more likely for Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell, though it is reportedly unlikely to come until the two sides make a push at the deadline and Schefter suggests it's no sure thing.The Los Angeles Rams and cornerback Trumaine Johnson will not reach a deal, a source told Schefter.Absent long-term deals before the deadline, all three players will hit free agency after the 2018 season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The reigning NFL MVP just barely cracked the top 10 players in the league last season, according to NFL Network's annual Top 100 list.Matt Ryan was announced as the 10th overall player on the list, behind quarterbacks Tom Brady (1) and Aaron Rodgers (6), and even behind his teammate, Julio Jones (3).Related: theScore's Top 100 NFL Players of 2016: 10-1A year ago, Cam Newton ranked first on the Top 100 following an MVP season that finished with a Super Bowl loss. Ryan's 2016 season mirrored Newton's 2015, though an argument can be made that Ryan's numbers were even more impressive.Unsurprisingly, Falcons fans (and the team itself) weren't too pleased with Ryan's ranking:

NFL teams aren't always as smart as they're given credit for being.A not-so-spectacular part of every offseason spending spree, of course, is the countless number of big-money moves that end up looking like mistakes sooner rather than later.While the lack of guaranteed contracts provides teams with some semblance of security, overpaying a player even for just a few years can be especially detrimental to roster-building efforts under the salary cap.Here's a rundown of the 10 worst contracts in the league today.Joe FlaccoSigned three-year, $66-million extension with Ravens in 2016On the surface, the numbers don't look too bad. The new money in Flacco's extension averages out to $22.1 million, and that's pretty much the going rate for a starting quarterback these days. But a closer look at the way dollars were moved around to redo the final three years of the heavily back-loaded mega-deal he signed in 2013 reveals a far more unfavorable contract for Baltimore. Flacco will account for an average of $25.66 million against the cap over the next five years, ending after his age-36 season. That's a big commitment to an aging and still-not-elite signal-caller.Brock OsweilerSigned four-year, $72-million deal with Texans in 2016Houston paid the price for getting desperate last offseason. Thinking they could solve their longstanding quarterback issues with a splash move in free agency, the Texans gave Osweiler big money to coax him away from Denver. Blame the quarterback market if you must, but serving up an annual average of $18 million to a quarterback who didn't show anything special in his seven (!) career starts was always a horrendous idea. Admitting their mistake just one year later, the Texans were forced to part with a second-round pick to get the Browns to pick up Osweiler's contract.Kyle JuszczykSigned four-year, $21-million deal with 49ers in 2017All indications are that Kyle Shanahan has big plans for Juszczyk in his offense out in San Francisco. As the 49ers set out in the early stages of their massive rebuild, they certainly have the financial flexibility to overpay to get players they want. But $5.25 million per season for a fullback, when the second-highest-paid player in the league at that position checks in at $2.1 million annually, is outrageous. Juszczyk's average salary would rank ninth among running backs - the position that actually touches the ball more than three times per game. You do you, John Lynch.Tavon AustinSigned four-year, $42-million extension with Rams in 2016It's decisions like this that demonstrate why the Rams' offense remains such a disaster. In all fairness to Austin, he still has the talent to be a productive NFL player. And although Los Angeles can get out from under what remains of his extension following the 2018 season, the numbers for this campaign alone are just silly. Austin will account for a mind-boggling $14.9 million against the salary cap in 2017, putting him right up there with some of the league's elite receivers. The Rams will be hoping Sean McVay's arrival allows Austin to improve upon his career-best 58-catch, 509-yard effort from 2016.Randall CobbSigned four-year, $40-million extension with Packers in 2015Re-signing Cobb in the days leading up to free agency in 2015 was widely thought to be a major win for the Packers. Considering reports that indicated he'd turned down more money elsewhere, it probably was at the time. Things change, though. Cobb hasn't come anywhere close to his stellar contract-year performance over the past two seasons, posting a total of just 1,439 yards in 29 games. Having a third receiver - and perhaps the offense's fourth passing-game target - taking up $12.6 million in cap space sticks out like a sore thumb. Cobb will be a logical candidate to be cut next offseason.Charles ClaySigned five-year, $38-million RFA deal with Bills in 2015By going above and beyond to give Clay a restricted-free-agent offer that the Dolphins would decline to match, Buffalo ended up stuck with an ordinary player on a deal that pays him like nothing of the sort. Clay's annual average of $7.6 million ranks sixth among tight ends. The awful contract structure, perhaps made worse by the renegotiated terms to free up cap space, leaves Buffalo without an "out" until the fifth and final year of his deal in 2019. Even then, they'd only save half of his scheduled $9-million cap hit with a cut. In related news, Doug Whaley is no longer the Bills' general manager.Jermaine GreshamSigned four-year, $28-million extension with Cardinals in 2016The Cardinals made a monumental misjudgment in assessing the tight end market this offseason. Sure, Gresham is a good blocker, and there's undoubtedly value to having such a player on the roster. But this is a passing league, and to pay an average of $7 million over four years, with $16.5 million guaranteed, to a tight end who amassed a grand total of 614 yards and three touchdowns in the last two seasons is laughable. Martellus Bennett signing in Green Bay just days later on a less-expensive contract provided swift confirmation that the Cardinals were out to lunch.Matt KalilSigned five-year, $55-million deal with Panthers in 2017Long having been in need of help up front, it only made sense that the Panthers set out to upgrade Cam Newton's protection unit in free agency. Not like this, though. When you get past the fun story about Kalil joining his brother, Ryan, on the Carolina front, you're left with the fact that the money just does not match the ability. Kalil's play fell off a cliff after a productive rookie season in 2012, and he missed all but two games during his final season with the Vikings due to a hip injury. However, the Panthers were evidently still comfortable handing him $25 million guaranteed.Ndamukong SuhSigned six-year, $114-million deal with Dolphins in 2015There's no denying Suh's dominance in the trenches. A five-time Pro Bowler, the former Lions first-rounder will go down as one of the best players of his generation. Even so, it's tough to get on board with the money the Dolphins dished out. More worrisome than the average salary of $19 million - which is still tops at the position - is the staggeringly back-loaded nature of the contract. Suh is on the books for $19.1 million, $26.1 million, $28.1 million, and $22.3 million over the final four years of his deal. As good as he may be, that type of financial commitment should be reserved for players who can have more of a direct impact on team success (i.e. QBs).Vinny CurrySigned five-year, $46-million extension with Eagles in 2016Philadelphia got extension-happy in its first offseason of the post-Chip Kelly era, and Curry receiving a lucrative new deal was the most confusing of the bunch. The Eagles' willingness to offer up more than $9 million per year was almost certainly due to the hope inspired by a career-best nine-sack showing in 2014. Was the three-and-a-half-sack, 12-tackle effort the following season not enough to at least give them pause? Following a similarly pedestrian 2016 campaign, it's clear the once-promising production was actually just an outlier season. Still yet to start a game in his NFL career, Curry is an expensive depth pass-rusher.(Contract numbers courtesy: Overthecap.com)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Nick Fairley is one player the New Orleans Saints could ill afford to lose.On a team deprived of pass-rushing talent, Fairley placed second on the roster in sacks last season with 6.5. Even with that production, the Saints still finished 27th in the league with just 30 as a unit.Fairley's contributions in his first year in New Orleans were so vital that he earned a four-year, $28-million contract in the offseason.However, due to a heart condition and health concerns surrounding it, the Saints placed Fairley on the reserve/non-football illness list on Monday, ending his 2017 season before it started.His absence will leave a 308-pound hole in the middle of the Saints' defense, one that won't easily be filled. But as the team and player work out the financial ramifications of his condition, there are ways the Saints can try to replace his production on the field.In-houseAssuredly, the Saints will first look to the talent already on their roster to try and fill the void. Under those circumstances, Sheldon Rankins' development will be expedited.The 12th overall pick a year ago got into just nine games in his rookie season, but racked up four sacks across his last seven games. The 23-year-old will likely get the first crack at replacing Fairley in the lineup.Rankins alone shouldn't be expected to replace Fairley entirely, however. Veteran signee Tony McDaniel will be asked to take on a bigger role, while increased responsibility will be handed to youngsters Tyeler Davison and David Onyemata.It will be a tall task, but if the Saints eschew outside help, they do have options in their building.Free agentsRealistic options are also available on the free-agent market.Among the biggest names and biggest defensive tackles is Dan Williams. The former Oakland Raider was cut in April after a subpar 2016 season. He battled weight problems during training camp and was demoted to begin the year, but remains a talented player at the age of 30.However, Williams' expertise is stuffing the run, so he wouldn't so much replace Fairley's pass-rush production, but would at least fill his spot in the starting lineup.The free agent most adept at getting to the quarterback is probably Jared Odrick, who's also coming off of a down year. Odrick plays on the outside, but he would be a welcome addition to help out Cameron Jordan and Alex Okafor.TradesThe quickest way to replace Fairley's production would be to mine the rosters of teams in rebuilding mode. Since free-agent dollars aren't necessarily flowing in New Orleans, a trade could be the more viable option.The New York Jets represent the most ideal trade partner, as they've made it clear they're willing to tank for a top draft pick and own one of the most talented defensive lines in football.Leonard Williams is likely off limits, while Steve McClendon represents an expensive second option.The San Francisco 49ers are also a team building from the ground up, and may be willing to part with a player who wasn't selected by the current regime. DeForest Buckner was the seventh pick of the 2016 draft and racked up six sacks in his rookie season.If John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan would rather build with their own personnel, they may be interested in accumulating more assets from the Saints. New Orleans sent receiver Brandin Cooks to the New England Patriots for a package of picks, and could use that model in a deal for Buckner.Fairley was a pleasant surprise his first season in New Orleans. Without him, the Saints will need to get creative to rush the passer in a division that boasts the likes of Cam Newton, Matt Ryan, and Jameis Winston.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In their search for a new general manager, the Kansas City Chiefs are planning to interview Seattle Seahawks co-director of player personnel Scott Fitterer and Tennessee Titans director of player personnel Ryan Cowden, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.Fitterer was a candidate in both the San Francisco 49ers' and Indianapolis Colts' recent general manager searches. Cowden was hired by the Titans in 2016 after serving as the assistant college scouting director for the Carolina Panthers.The Chiefs dumped their former GM, John Dorsey, on Thursday, and reports have since surfaced that the move was made in part because of his communication methods. Additionally, former Chiefs receiver Jeremy Maclin said he learned of his surprising release from the team via a voicemail message from Dorsey rather than speaking in person.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Minnesota Vikings receiver Michael Floyd has been sentenced to one day in jail for violating the terms of his house arrest after a failed alcohol test, ESPN's Josh Weinfuss reports. The decision comes from a judge in Scottsdale, Ariz.Floyd was arrested for DUI in December while a member of the Arizona Cardinals and was subsequently released. This offseason, he was signed to a one-year deal by the Vikings, but while still under house monitoring, Floyd failed an alcohol test on June 11. He claimed the violation was due to the consumption of kombucha tea, a beverage that can include alcohol content.Related: Vikings' Floyd blames failed alcohol test on kombucha teaIn addition to serving a day in jail, Floyd also has to conclude the final five days of his house arrest, and can do so in Arizona.He began serving his jail time on Monday, Weinfuss reports, and will return to house arrest Wednesday.The Vikings released a statement Monday evening reaffirming their support for Floyd."When we signed Michael Floyd, we hoped he would show signs of improvement and we continue to expect that he shows progress and a professional attitude," general manager Rick Spielman said in the statement. "We believe Michael will be a productive member of the Vikings organization, both on and off the field."Pursuant to the ruling of the Arizona Court earlier today, Michael will serve the remainder of his sentence and we expect him to be with the team at the start of training camp in Mankato when the players report on July 26."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Nick Fairley's season has come to an early end.The New Orleans Saints defensive tackle, who had recently been seeking medical opinions regarding a heart condition, was officially placed on the reserve/non-football illness list Monday.News of Fairley's heart issues first arose in early June, when Jennifer Hale of Fox Sports reported that his NFL career could now be in jeopardy.While the timeline for a decision on that front remains unclear, he'll now be spending at least a full year on the sidelines.Fairley's heart condition was first uncovered during a pre-draft physical back in 2011, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He went on to play the next six seasons before tests uncovered issues that put his football future in question.A former first-round pick of the Detroit Lions, Fairley enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career after landing in New Orleans as a free agent last offseason.Racking up 6.5 sacks and 43 tackles while starting all 16 games earned the 29-year-old a four-year, $28-million contract extension with the club in March.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A New York Giants legend thinks the constant drama surrounding the club's superstar wide receiver is much ado about nothing.Throwing his support behind Odell Beckham Jr. on Monday at the JustRivals.com Golf Classic, Michael Strahan said that he does more than enough to get himself ready."He busts his ass," Strahan said, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. "... I've seen this kid work. I've talked to him this offseason. His head is where it needs to be."The most recent controversy involving Beckham followed his decision to stay away from early offseason workouts, which was reportedly related to his desire for a contract extension.A regular OTA absentee in the later stages of his Hall of Fame career, Strahan isn't among those getting worried about a player sitting out a few voluntary practice sessions."Everybody gives him a hard time about missing a little OTAs. Hell, I didn't go to those things, so I'm the wrong person to be sympathetic for people who are giving him a hard time."Related - Beckham warns NFL: 'Don't think I've ever been as ready as I am now'With two years remaining on his rookie deal, the Giants can likely afford to wait at least one more season before securing Beckham's future with a long-term deal.Either way, it's likely only a matter of time before they make him the league's highest-paid receiver.The former first-round pick has been a dominant playmaker from the moment he set foot on an NFL field back in 2014. Opening his pro career with a trio of Pro Bowl nods, Beckham has tallied more than 90 receptions, 1,300 yards, and 10 touchdowns in each of his first three seasons.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The reaction from within the Kansas City Chiefs' facilities after the firing of John Dorsey seems to have mirrored that of the public.While he's confident the organization will be just fine, veteran pass-rusher Tamba Hali explained in an appearance on "Good Morning Football" on Monday that he wasn't a fan of the surprise move."From a subjective opinion, I wasn't too pleased," Hali said, according to Conor Orr of NFL.com. "I'm really fond of John. Mr. Dorsey, he's done a tremendous job since he's been with the organization so everything that happened the past week really caught a lot of us off guard. But I'm sure the Hunt family knows exactly what they're doing with the re-signing of our coach Andy Reid. I think everything will be fine but Mr. Dorsey will be missed with the Chiefs."Hali, originally a first-round pick in 2006, has spent his entire NFL career in Kansas City.The organization had been up and down for the majority of that stretch until the arrival of Dorsey and Andy Reid back in 2013. Kansas City posted a 44-21 regular-season record over the four seasons that followed, making three trips to the playoffs.That impressive stretch was highlighted by a 12-4 showing in 2017 and the Chiefs' first AFC West title since 2010.Related - Report: Chiefs fired Dorsey partly due to communication styleReid remains with the organization, and his future is secure thanks to a recent contract extension, but the Chiefs' No. 1 offseason priority will now be finding a general manager who can step in and work in tandem with the veteran head coach.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Colin Kaepernick's highly publicized national anthem protests during the 2016 NFL season will be the start of something much bigger among the league's players, Malcolm Jenkins predicts.Speaking on The Undefeated panel at the Hashtag Sports 2017 event in New York City on Monday, the Philadelphia Eagles safety predicted more player activism is on the horizon."He woke guys up in the NFL about the platform and leverage we have," Jenkins said of Kaepernick, according to Mike Tanier of Bleacher Report."What Colin Kaepernick did was just the spark. There's a bigger wave coming."That wave will likely have to come from players other than Kaepernick, as the quarterback remains unsigned and it appears unlikely he will be on a roster this fall.Jenkins was one of several players to follow Kaepernick's lead and protest during the anthem last year.

Matt Williamson is a former scout for the Cleveland Browns and spent the last 10 years at ESPN as a scout and co-host of "The Football Today Podcast."How would you build the ideal player? We tried to answer that question by using the head, eyes, arm/hands, body, and feet of several great players to assemble the ideal specimen at eight different positions. We decided that you could only use one aspect of each player - no double dipping allowed. This edition covers offensive linemen.Mack isn't the biggest, most powerful center, nor is he an elite athlete for the position. But he's a huge difference-maker, as the Falcons quickly found out after signing him away from the Browns in free agency a year ago.Mack is so good at his craft because he has developed into an excellent technician with a great head for the game. He has clearly worked hard on the finer points of playing center, developing a deep understanding of the position and the game of football overall. This is demonstrated by his ability to make calls and adjustments at the line of scrimmage.As he showed last year, Mack uses his head to make the entire offensive line much better.Having great eyes is extremely important for offensive linemen. Opposing defenses throw a multitude of stunts, twists, and blitzes at the offense's front five, and these dangerous defensive athletes get on top of the blockers in the blink of an eye and arrive with ferocity.Seeing what's coming, often before the ball is snapped, is a crucial skill, and no one does it better than Thomas, who has been the league's best offensive tackle of his generation but is easy to forget on a team that hasn't won many games during his tenure.Compared to the other great tackles in history, he doesn't have elite gifts. But what Thomas does have is technique, toughness, durability, reliability, and great vision.Frederick is the best center in football. He's helped by playing next to Zack Martin, but would be elite in any system or on any team.No one in the league snaps the ball, quickly gets into his opponent with power and perfect technique, and then moves on to the second level quite like Frederick. When he gets his hands on his opponent, it's over. His hand technique, whether in the run or pass game, is outstanding, and he consistently gets his powerful paws on the inside of his opponent's frame.Frederick's punch is like two sledgehammers, and he can lock his opponent out with his powerful arms extremely well.Let's just say there are a lot of successful offensive linemen in this league that don't have the prettiest of bodies.Smith looks like a Greek god. He has extremely long arms, massive and powerful hands, wide shoulders, a chiseled frame, and a narrow waist that's more reminiscent of a body builder than an offensive lineman. His lower half isn't as spectacular, but it's still impressive, with powerful thighs and huge feet that get great traction like a perfect set of tires.Few have looked the part like Smith, but he certainly isn't a "Look like Tarzan, play like Jane."Many might not remember, as it was some time ago, but Peters was a successful tight end at the University of Arkansas.Sure, he was oversized for that position and a terrific blocking tight end, but he also contributed as a receiver. Peters, a potential Hall of Famer, went undrafted, and is one of the best success stories of this generation. To put it mildly, he's a ridiculous athlete. And as Peters has put on more and more pounds, his great feet haven't been compromised.Even at his advanced age, Peters' athletic gifts are apparent. They just don't make many like him.Other entries in the series:

Former Green Bay Packers running back Ahman Green has been arrested in Wisconsin on allegations of child abuse, according to Paul Srubas of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.Green was reportedly arrested at his home Sunday evening. As Pro Football Talk's Josh Alper notes, jail records show Green has been charged with child abuse-intentionally causing harm/cruelty toward child.Green starred for the Packers from 2000-06, topping 1,000 yards rushing six times, and he remains the leading rusher in franchise history.Green also played for the Seattle Seahawks and Houston Texans.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Odell Beckham Jr.'s decision to stay away from New York Giants OTAs this offseason drew a lot of attention in the media, but it hasn't necessarily caused a stir in the locker room.Beckham's offensive teammate Justin Pugh appeared on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" on Monday and downplayed Beckham's absence."Odell, I've been with him for three, four years now. I know how he is," Pugh said. "It's gotta be tough being him, though. I always try to look at things from his perspective and see what he goes through. I see that, and I'm like, 'Come in, get ready to work,' he's in great shape. I wonder if we could get a list of all the guys that didn't go to OTAs. I guarantee, put them all together and they didn't get as much publicity as Odell."He's the biggest name in our game. You go anywhere in the world and people are going to recognize Odell Beckham. So obviously him not being there is a big deal. But he showed up in great shape, ready to roll. I'm good with it. ... There's things going on during OTAs. He has a lot of stuff going on in his life, probably more than an offensive lineman has going on. Hey, he's ready to go."OTAs are by definition voluntary, so Beckham was entirely within his rights to stay away. And by all accounts he showed up for mandatory practice in great shape after working out on his own all offseason.Though the narrative that Beckham's absence was in protest of his contract was an appealing one for media outlets looking for clicks in an otherwise slow offseason, Beckham has been adamant that it's not why he stayed away.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The physical demands of football will always make the sport more of a young man's game than anything else. This much is certain.But that's not to say there aren't a host of NFL players bucking the trend and maintaining a high level of play well beyond the point others have given way to their more junior counterparts.So rather than simply electing a team of Under-25 stars looking ahead to the 2017 season, why not evaluate how such a group stacks up against veterans still thriving at the opposite ends of their pro careers?Here's a head-to-head comparison of theScore's All-Under-25 roster (comprised of those who will be no older than 24 when the season gets underway) and a 30-or-over team.Let us know who you think would win in the poll below.All-Under-25 TeamPositionPlayerWeek 1 AgeQBMarcus Mariota23RBEzekiel Elliott22WROdell Beckham Jr.24WRMike Evans24WRAmari Cooper23TEHunter Henry22OTTaylor Decker24GShaq Mason24CRyan Kelly24GAli Marpet24OTJack Conklin23Mariota gets the nod ahead of Jameis Winston because of his superior efficiency numbers. Winston's 50 touchdown passes through two seasons are five more than Mariota has tossed, but Winston has also given away 33 interceptions to Mariota's 19.The strength of this offense is at the skill positions, where you can make a strong argument Elliott and Beckham are the best in the game at their respective positions regardless of age.Though the All-Under-25 squad has five very promising young blockers up front, it could be a weakness the All-Over-30s can exploit.PositionPlayerWeek 1 AgeEdgeJoey Bosa22EdgeJadeveon Clowney24DLLeonard Williams23DLChris Jones23LBDeion Jones22LBKwon Alexander23CBMarcus Peters24CBJalen Ramsey22SLandon Collins23SKeanu Neal22DBByron Jones24Bosa and Clowney coming off the edge is enough to give any offense nightmares.Speed is the focus at linebacker, with a pair of playmaking LSU grads with sideline-to-sideline range getting the nod.If the linebacking corps sacrifices a little muscle for speed, the safeties make up for it. Both Collins and Neal are thumpers. Jones, capable of playing any position in the secondary, is the perfect chess piece to have as a fifth defensive back.PositionPlayerWeek 1 AgeKWil Lutz23PRiley Dixon24KRTyreek Hill23Young kickers are rare, but at least Lutz is an NFL starter. This special teams unit gets a very big boost from the NFL's best return man in Hill.All-Over-30 TeamPositionPlayerWeek 1 AgeQBAaron Rodgers33RBAdrian Peterson32WRJordy Nelson32WRLarry Fitzgerald34WRJulian Edelman31TEGreg Olsen32LTJoe Thomas32GMarshal Yanda32CAlex Mack31GRichie Incognito34RTJason Peters35By age 30, many quarterbacks are just hitting their peak. Tom Brady has the resume, but Rodgers is the pick here because of his superior arm talent and athleticism.If there's any running back capable of maintaining dominance well into his 30s, it's almost certainly the near-immortal Peterson. He could break records working with this beastly offensive line.Don't expect any passes to be dropped by this ultra-reliable receiving corps. A fair concern with the trio, though, is the lack of high-end speed. Could the All-Under-25s take advantage with a more aggressive defensive scheme?PositionPlayerWeek 1 AgeEdgeCameron Wake35EdgeMichael Bennett31DLNdamukong Suh30DLCalais Campbell31LBSean Lee31LBJerrell Freeman31CBAqib Talib31CBDominique Rodgers-Cromartie31SEric Weddle32SDevin McCourty30DBBrent Grimes34It shows what a freak James Harrison is that at age 39 he narrowly missed selection to this squad. At 35, Cameron Wake almost seems youthful. The interior of this line should give the All-Under-25s all kinds of trouble.Defensive backs tend to age poorly in the NFL, but it really doesn't show at all with this bunch. This is a star-studded cast that's well-equipped to give the talented, yet inexperienced group of receivers all they can handle in their passing-game matchups.PositionPlayerWeek 1 AgeKStephen Gostkowski33PDustin Colquitt35KRDarren Sproles34There were several appealing options at kicker, but Gostkowski is the selection for his big leg and big-game experience. Sproles remains surprisingly spry for someone his age.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs dismissed general manager John Dorsey on Thursday in a move that shocked the football world.During Dorsey's four seasons with the team, the Chiefs posted a cumulative 43-21 record and the timing of the move struck many as curious.Finding out who will make a great general manager is a difficult task, but below are three candidates who ought to vie for the Chiefs' open position:Brett Veach, Chiefs co-director of player personnel Veach is highly regarded in league circles and has developed a strong relationship with head coach Andy Reid, dating back to their time together with the Philadelphia Eagles. Prior to Dorsey's firing, there weren't any rumours of discord between him and Reid, but it's in the team's best interest to hire a Chiefs acolyte that can bridge any potential gaps in the administration.

The Kansas City Chiefs' decision to fire general manager John Dorsey on Thursday shocked analysts and personnel across the league. Now, after a few days of speculation, the reasons behind Dorsey's dismissal are slowly being brought to the forefront.Related: Chiefs part ways with GM John DorseyTerez A. Paylor of The Kansas City Star polled a number of sources with knowledge of Dorsey's dismissal - who spoke on the condition of anonymity - to assess why the executive was suddenly released.Related: An examination of how Dorsey shaped the Chiefs through the draft"John does stuff and doesn’t tell people why," an unnamed source told Paylor."He’s not a big disciplinarian or big on chain of command, so people did what they wanted," another source added.Dorsey was hired as the Chiefs' general manager in January 2013. During his four campaigns with the club, the Chiefs posted a cumulative 43-21 record, made the playoffs three times, and won the AFC West division last season.The team has yet to announce Dorsey's replacement.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There are few people with a more decorated resume than Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, but the three-time Pro Bowler is still seeking the one trophy that has eluded him.Newton was named NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year in 2015, the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2011, and captured a Heisman Trophy and national championship at Auburn.Entering the upcoming season, Newton has only one goal on his mind."I'm looking at my life right now and I'm saying, 'I'm missing one thing: I want a Super Bowl,'" Newton said to C. Jackson Cowart of the Charlotte Observer. "Yeah, but it's really certain things that you have to really fine-tune and say, 'Am I deserving to be a Super Bowl-winning quarterback? How can I push myself to be a better me?'"Newton also revealed that he never considered a career path other than professional football."The only way I put myself in this situation to be successful was I didn’t have no plan B …” Newton said. "I told myself, at the end of the day, I’m gonna be a football player and a football player only."And a lot of guys get it misconstrued because you’re setting yourself up for failure; that's what some people think. But in myself I was thinking, 'I ain't got no other alternative. Either I'm gonna dominate this man in front of me or not.'"Newton steered the Panthers to Super Bowl 50, but they were defeated by the Denver Broncos. If Newton can lead the Panthers to their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history, he would complete his career arc before turning 30.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin reported to offseason workouts overweight in April, but general manager Dave Gettleman believes it's a non-story.Benjamin reportedly showed up weighing in at 280 pounds and head coach Ron Rivera said the receiver was a "little heavy" but later praised his efforts for working himself back into shape in May.While many outlets speculate whether Benjamin will be ready for the upcoming season, Gettleman grew livid with the media's coverage of the 26-year-old."This is what frustrates me with the media today," Gettleman said via the Panthers' official website. "They go to DEFCON 5 on everything."Kelvin Benjamin being overweight was not a big deal. It was April 17. Can we all get a grip?"Benjamin is expected to be a focal point of the Panthers' offense in 2017 after recording 63 receptions for 941 yards and seven touchdowns last season. After a rocky start to the offseason, Benjamin appears to have the full confidence of both his head coach and general manager as the Panthers seek to forget about a dismal 2016 campaign.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Washington Redskins wide receiver Terrelle Pryor is learning from the best this summer as he looks to be a key contributor in his first season with his new club.Pryor, who signed a one-year, $8-million contract with the Redskins in March, spent the week working out with Pittsburgh Steelers superstar Antonio Brown.

Each week, theScore will go division by division, highlighting which three players' performances will most impact their team's season in 2017.Su'a CravensWashington's defense has to improve if the team is to make it back to the playoffs in 2017, and the versatile Cravens has the talent to jump-start the unit.Cravens played linebacker in his rookie year, but he'll be transitioning back to safety for the upcoming season. In reality, though, Cravens should still be the Redskins' X-factor, as they move him around the field and take advantage of his ability to impact the game in a Tyrann Mathieu-like manner.If Cravens' move back to safety is a success, and he continues to evolve as a playmaker, the Redskins' defense could be a solid unit in 2017.Terrelle PryorThe Redskins were the second-ranked passing offense in the league last season, but the unit faces significant question marks after losing both DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon in free agency.Washington needs to replace 2,046 receiving yards, 135 catches, and seven touchdowns - and they're betting big that Pryor can continue his progression and assert himself as the team's No. 1 threat.Jamison Crowder, Josh Doctson, and tight end Jordan Reed will help replace some of the production, but Pryor is the key cog in the Redskins' offense. Any struggles from him could cause Washington's offense to severely regress.Samaje PerinePerine isn't an elite athlete, but he does possess the kind of physical running style and work ethic that could push Rob Kelley for the Redskins' starting running back job.While Kelley was solid in 2017, he didn't play at a level that made the job unassailable. Perine might not be Washington's Week 1 starter, but it might not be too long before he forces his way into the starting lineup.If he does, Perine could ease the pressure off of Cousins and the passing game, allowing the Redskins to run a more balanced, versatile offense.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Also from this series

NFL stars Julian Edelman and Ezekiel Elliott are among this year's crop of athletes to bare (nearly) all in ESPN The Magazine's annual Body Issue.Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz will also feature in the magazine alongside his wife, Julie Ertz of the U.S. women's soccer team.The issue, which hits newsstands July 7, features interviews with athletes and photo spreads that highlight their athletic bodies.Among the stars from other sports in this year's issue are MLB's Javier Baez and the NBA's Isaiah Thomas.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Denver Broncos' quarterback competition became a much closer race after Paxton Lynch came on strong in the final two weeks of the team's offseason program, Mike Klis of KUSA reports.Prior to then, Trevor Siemian was the clear leader to start in Week 1, according to Klis.But the 2016 first-round pick Lynch reportedly started to play more instinctively, fearlessly and, thus, effectively late in the minicamp schedule.Klis cautions that Lynch still trails 2016 starter Siemian, but now has the chance to surpass him when training camp opens in late July.The Broncos surely prefer to start the bigger and more athletic Lynch this year, especially considering what they invested to acquire him. But general manager John Elway and new head coach Vance Joseph know they are in a Super Bowl window with the Broncos' elite defense and will start whichever passer gives them the best chance of getting back to the postseason and beyond.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

ESPN NFL analyst Louis Riddick said he hasn't been contacted by the Kansas City Chiefs regarding an interview for the team's vacant general manager job.Riddick responded on Twitter on Sunday morning to a report by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport that the Chiefs have reached out to set up an interview with Riddick.A former NFL player and personnel man, Riddick has worked for ESPN for nearly a decade. He was linked to the San Francisco 49ers' then-vacant GM job earlier this offseason, a position that was eventually filled by John Lynch.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs have contacted ESPN NFL analyst Louis Riddick about interviewing for their vacant general manager job, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Riddick, whose work on TV around the draft is critically acclaimed, was linked to the San Francisco 49ers' then-vacant GM gig earlier this offseason. The former defensive back has some experience as a scout and personnel executive, but moved to television in 2013.The 49ers eventually hired another former defensive back-turned-media personality, John Lynch.The Chiefs' GM job opened this week when the team made the surprising decision to part ways with John Dorsey. Co-director of player personnel Brett Veach is reportedly the front-runner for the job, but it appears the Chiefs will cast a wide net.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

We're deep into the NFL offseason, which means fans have plenty of time on their hands to dive into projects that might seem frivolous when there's actual football to watch.And now we have what might be the quintessential NFL offseason project, courtesy of Reddit user TwentyThreeEightyOne, who was inspired by the recent suggestion that there are more bears on the planet than Chicago Bears fans and attempted to determine which NFL teams have more fans than the global population of their namesake.The post on Reddit is is absurdly in-depth, but here are some highlights:

Each week, theScore will go division by division, highlighting which three players' performances will most impact their team's season in 2017.Carson WentzWhich version of Wentz is a more apt depiction of the player the Eagles drafted No. 2 overall last season? The one that was the darling of the league after a 3-0 start, or the one that went on to lose nine of his next 13 games?Philadelphia spent much of the offseason acquiring offensive weapons for Wentz, in hopes the quarterback will prove to be much more effective with better talent surrounding him. Instead of Dorial Green-Beckham, he has a legitimate No. 1 receiver in Alshon Jeffery and an impressive No. 2 in Torrey Smith. LeGarrette Blount was brought in to ease the workload of Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles, and Donnel Pumphrey was drafted as Sproles' eventual successor.Wentz also has a strong offensive line protecting him. It's up to him now. Over the offseason, he's undergone corrective vision surgery, tended to a sore elbow, and worked to sharpen his footwork and mechanics. Both he and the Eagles are ensuring he'll be the best version of himself in Year 2 of his NFL career.Jalen MillsMills' apprenticeship is over. A seventh-round pick in 2016, the corner started in just two games last season, but he played in all 16. Leodis McKelvin and Nolan Carroll are both gone and so the task of shutting down opposing offenses now falls to him.Mills currently slots in as Philly's starting left corner with Patrick Robinson manning the other side of the field. He'll have to keep the seat warm until 2017 second-round pick Sidney Jones is ready and healthy enough to assume the role, but for now, Mills has to shore up a pass defense that was picked on last season.He racked up an impressive 61 tackles as a backup during his rookie season, but as his targets go up, his pass breakups (7) and interceptions (0) will have to as well.Alshon JefferyThe Eagles are counting on Jeffery having a major impact in 2017, and the 6-foot-3 receiver needs it just as much for himself.While he was a prized free-agent signing, Philadelphia only inked Jeffery to a one-year deal. In order to truly cash in, Jeffery needs to restore his value by aiding Wentz and the Philly offense expedite their development.Jeffery established himself as an elite receiver early in his career, but he has fallen short of 1,000 yards in the past two seasons and 2016 was marred by a performance-enhancing drug violation that cost him four games near the end of the season.To remove that stain, he'll have to have a clean, tidy 2017 stint with the Eagles.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Also from this series

The who's who of the Dallas sports scene were out in full force to support Dirk Nowitzki's annual charity softball game Saturday afternoon.Things became personal when Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliot took a humorous shot at Nowitzki's waning athletic ability.

Dirk Nowitzki's charity softball game was the hottest ticket in town Saturday.Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, Dez Bryant, Tyron Smith, and Byron Jones were among the attendees from the Dallas Cowboys supporting Nowitzki's charity, The Heroes Foundation.

Minnesota Vikings chief operating officer Kevin Warren penned a letter in defense of wide receiver Michael Floyd's failed alcohol test earlier this month.Floyd was placed on house arrest after being arrested for driving under the influence in Arizona last December. The 27-year-old was prohibited from drinking alcohol per terms of his probation, and will now face an Arizona judge on Monday.After failing a self-administered breathalyzer test, Floyd blamed the results on drinking kombucha tea, which, unbeknownst to him, contained alcohol. The wide receiver released a lengthy statement obtained by ESPN's Adam Schefter.Related: Vikings' Floyd blames failed alcohol test on kombucha teaWarren wrote a letter to the judge in hopes of absolving Floyd of any wrongdoing."I am writing to request Mr. Floyd not have his court mandated requirements negatively impacted since he did not know the kombucha he ingested contained alcohol," Warren wrote in a letter obtained by Brian Murphy of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.Floyd was promptly released by the Arizona Cardinals following his DUI arrest and was signed by the New England Patriots. The veteran wide receiver was inactive for Super Bowl LI, and signed with the Vikings in May.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari is all too aware there a finite number of chances to win a Super Bowl.The Packers have been to the playoffs in each of Bakhtiari's four seasons but have failed to advance to the Super Bowl, and were eliminated in the NFC Championship Game last year by the Atlanta Falcons.Bakhtiari, who has emerged as one of the NFL's best left tackles, is growing impatient."It's starting to (tick) me off a little bit," Bakhtiari said via Pete Dougherty of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "You're not guaranteed another year. Keep getting close and not making it is stressful. We've got to collectively - we've got to do more. ... The Green Bay Packers - I mean, the trophy is the Lombardi Trophy. We have to get back there and win it."Led by one of the greatest quarterbacks of his generation in Aaron Rodgers, the Packers are always a threat to contend for the Lombardi Trophy. However, Bakhtiari is correct that the Packers' core will have plenty of regrets if they are unable to capitalize on their immense talent.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The upcoming NFL season is less than three months away and every team is finalizing their preparations ahead of training camp before a grueling campaign kicks off.Many clubs are stuck in a perilous position, however, as a host of first-round picks from the 2017 NFL Draft have yet to sign with their respective franchises.Below is a list of the 2017 first-rounders who aren't under contract.Mitchell Trubisky, Bears The Bears traded two third-round picks and a fourth-round selection in order to move up one spot to select Trubisky, ostensibly finding their quarterback of the future. While it's likely that Trubisky would be relegated to the bench during his rookie year after Mike Glennon signed a three-year, $45-million deal in March, it doesn't bode well for the Bears that the No. 2 overall pick remains unsigned.Solomon Thomas, 49ers Thomas is expected to be a core piece of the 49ers' defense and help stabilize a unit that ranked last in most major categories last season. However, Thomas' prolonged absence could spell disaster, as he was already prohibited from participating in the 49ers' offseason program due to Stanford's quarter academic system.Corey Davis, Titans Davis could become a core piece of a revamped Titans' passing game, but he'll need to sign his contract soon, or run the risk of losing reps outright to Rishard Matthews, Tajae Sharpe, and Harry Douglas.Jamal Adams, Jets Considered by some to be the best safety to enter the NFL in years, the Jets should be increasingly concerned that Adams has yet to reach a deal with the club. Adams could be the centerpiece of the Jets' secondary but for now, the club remains in disarray.Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs Mahomes isn't going to displace Alex Smith anytime soon, but the Chiefs made a concerted effort in trading up 17 spots to select him 10th overall. After general manager John Dorsey was dismissed, much to the shock of analysts around the league, Mahomes could remain unsigned for quite a while.Gareon Conley, Raiders Conley's status is complicated by the fact that he's the subject of a sexual assault investigation, after a woman claimed she was raped by the defensive back in a Cleveland hotel.Jabrill Peppers, Browns Peppers was one of the Browns' three first-round picks, but unlike his teammates Myles Garrett and David Njoku, the former Michigan standout couldn't reach a contract. It would be a shock if he holds out well into the summer.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Martellus Bennett knows a thing or two about catching passes from all-time great quarterbacks.After a 2016 season spent chasing down a Lombardi Trophy with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, the veteran tight end departed as a free agent to join Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.Bennett compared the two superstars in an appearance on "NFL Total Access" on Friday."With playing with Tom, it was a lot of coaching - like little things," Bennett said, according to Max Meyer of NFL.com. "Like the way he wanted you to get your head around quicker because he wants to get the ball out of his hands a little bit faster. So usually if I'm running a deep over route and I'm catching it 17 yards on the number on the other side, with Tom, he might throw it in between the 'backers. So if there's a little opening, he's ready to let it go right there. Just trying to see the game how he sees the game."And with Aaron, his ball is a little bit different. He's a little more athletic, and he can whip things a little bit different, you know. So he doesn't have to set his feet all the way to throw the ball 80 yards or anything like that. But me and him, it's all the same thing. Like, my body language is totally different for him."Whether it's an honest take, or more of an effort to throw his support behind his current quarterback, Bennett went on to rank Rodgers above Brady among those with whom he's played in the NFL.Either way, you really can't go wrong.Brady boasts the most impressive resume football has ever seen, and he could be well on his way to setting records that will never be broken. As Bennett can attest after taking part in the Packers' offseason schedule, Rodgers makes the kind of jaw-dropping throws that other quarterbacks wouldn't even dream of attempting.All in all, in playing alongside a pair of future Hall of Famers following stints with Tony Romo, Eli Manning, and Jay Cutler, Bennett's had a fairly enviable run in the NFL.The 30-year-old will be looking to capture a second consecutive Super Bowl ring as he now joins a Packers team that's been among the NFL's elite for the better part of Rodgers' time under center.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

When setting out in search of futures bets for the Super Bowl, the best chance of coming away with any sort of victory is, of course, riding with one of the NFL's elite teams.But where's the fun in that?If you're more about the value plays, and the potential monster returns that could come with them, you'll be looking much further down the board.Here are five relative longshots who may be worth some consideration looking ahead to Super Bowl LII.Chargers (60-1)The Chargers aren't getting enough recognition for how good this roster could be. Playing their first season in Los Angeles in a small stadium will present its share of challenges, but nobody should be surprised if this team emerges from the strong AFC West with a playoff spot. The defense is stacked with talent at key positions, and Philip Rivers finally has some help both on the offensive line and in the receiving corps. This is by far the most interesting pick, given both the odds and the rapidly improving situation.Titans (40-1)With all the hype following the Titans as a team on the rise, you'd think their Super Bowl odds would follow suit. Not so. Tennessee remains tied for 20th among the league's 32 teams despite yet another wildly productive offseason. The offense will once again be built around a dominant running game, and some major additions in the receiving corps will have Marcus Mariota poised for another leap in 2017. Such a well-rounded scoring unit should be able to overcome any deficiencies that remain on the other side of the ball.Saints (40-1)New Orleans still has depth issues throughout the roster, so any significant injury losses could very well derail yet another season. The upside is there, though. Drew Brees' presence alone would be enough to take a flier bet on this Saints team. A quick look at recent Super Bowl history confirms that those teams without an elite quarterback can safely be ruled out. But there's also the chance that Brees finally gets some help from the Saints defense. That group's young talent, highlighted by first-round rookie cornerback Marshon Lattimore, could kick-start a long-awaited turnaround.Texans (30-1)The quarterback position was the only thing holding the Texans back from Super Bowl contention last year. Moving up to draft Deshaun Watson was a move that could potentially solve that problem area for the foreseeable future. Difficult as it may be to bet on a rookie - no first-year quarterback has ever led his team to a Super Bowl - he wouldn't be asked to do much more than manage the game. Watson should quickly win the starting job and round out Houston's championship-ready roster.Ravens (30-1)Going back to their roots, the Ravens spent the offseason loading up on the defensive side of the ball. The free-agent signing of Tony Jefferson is a major upgrade next to Eric Weddle at safety, and the rookies drafted in each of the first three rounds should complement the veteran talent still in place at all three levels. A unit with that much talent will be able to challenge Tom Brady and the Patriots in the AFC playoffs. Might the move to scoop up Jeremy Maclin put the offense in a position to take advantage?Odds updated June 9, courtesy of Westgate Las Vegas Super BookCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Each week, theScore will go division by division, highlighting which three players' performances will most impact their team's season in 2017.Paul PerkinsOver the past two seasons, the Giants have tried Rashad Jennings, Shane Vereen, Orleans Darkwa, Bobby Rainey, and Andre Williams at running back. They'll enter 2017 hoping Perkins will be the long-term answer to their questionable running game.Everyone knows about the passing weapons at Eli Manning's disposal, but with the team ranking 29th in rushing in 2016 and 18th the season prior, the Giants could be relying too heavily on Manning's arm. The quarterback had more than 600 pass attempts in 2014 and 2015, and came two tosses from that mark last season.The Giants are hoping Perkins - a fifth-round pick from a year ago - can lock down the No. 1 back role and keep defenses honest and off of their top players.Odell Beckham Jr.Beckham wasted no time lighting the league ablaze with his play, but one needs only to look at his performance in his lone career playoff game to see the negative impact he can have on the Giants' season.In his first time in the playoff spotlight, Beckham was targeted 11 times in a wild-card game against the Green Bay Packers, yet hauled in only four passes for 28 yards. He wasn't the lone reason for New York's playoff exit, but he was a major one.The numbers will be there - he averages 1,374 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns per season - but will he be there when the Giants need him most?Beckham and a group of Giants that included most of their receivers took part in a celebrity boat trip before their postseason contest. New York fans will hope those players will decline such an invite if it's extended in the future.Landon CollinsCollins feels he was robbed of the Defensive Player of the Year award after his sparkling performance in 2016. He'll have the opportunity to prove he's a perennial contender if he can match or improve upon that play this season.Alongside Janoris Jenkins, Eli Apple, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, the troop nicknamed the New York Pass Defense (NYPD) had offenses on lockdown a year ago. The unit allowed its share of yards, but took the ball away 17 times - the second-best mark in the league.The Giants spent a substantial amount of capital retooling their defense ahead of last season, and it paid off. They'll need a repeat performance from all parties involved to advance further in 2017.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Also from this series

Odell Beckham Jr. may have to be patient as he awaits his inevitable payday.While his brief absence from offseason activities was reported to have been related to his desire for a contract extension - a rumor Beckham later denied - the New York Giants don't appear to be in much of a hurry.Owner John Mara explained Thursday that, as much as the team would like to extend its star playmaker at some point, it's not currently at the top of the Giants' to-do list."There's always a chance, but it's not our No. 1 priority right now," Mara told Neil Best of Newsday. "But we do want to get it done. We have some time to get it done. But I can't give you a timetable on that."Beckham, already among the NFL's elite players just three seasons into his NFL career, has all the leverage he needs to become the highest-paid receiver in history.But since the recently exercised fifth-year contract option will keep him under team control through the 2018 campaign, the Giants can afford to put off the commitment for at least another season.In the most likely scenario, as is the case with most players still on their rookie deals, the two sides would ramp up negotiations in advance of Beckham's contract year.Beckham's earned three consecutive Pro Bowl nods since joining the Giants as a first-round pick in 2014, recording a total of 288 receptions, 4,122 yards, and 35 touchdowns across 43 regular-season games.- With h/t to CBS SportsCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Even more than two years later, the Seattle Seahawks still can't escape jokes about their infamous Super Bowl blunder.Intentional or not, Derek Carr found a way to drop a wisecrack of his own while discussing his lucrative contract extension at a Friday press conference.Explaining that his five-year, $125-million extension brings with it no added pressure, the Oakland Raiders quarterback indicated that winning takes precedence over any sort of personal accolades.And that means Marshawn Lynch is getting the ball on the goal line."My No. 1 goal is to make sure that I give everything I have to this organization," Carr said, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "So there's no pressure, there's no, 'We'll be on the 1-yard line and I won't give it to Marshawn, I'll throw it.' None of that stuff. I don't care about the stats. That's not my No. 1 objective. I don't care if I throw 10 touchdowns next year. If we win every game, that's all I care about."For the few who may need a reminder, the curious decision to pass up a Lynch rushing attempt and throw from the 1-yard line late in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLIX ended up costing the Seahawks another ring.Malcolm Butler jumping the route and intercepting Russell Wilson's pass effectively sealed the win for the New England Patriots, sending the Seahawks home in heartbreaking fashion.Carr's comments can be taken as assurance that the Raiders, now setting their sights on a deep playoff run, will do everything they can to learn from Seattle's mistake in the event they find themselves in a similar position.Oakland bringing Lynch out of retirement has the potential to round out what was already one of the NFL's most explosive offenses.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.