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Position switch back in high school pays off for Seahawks' first-rounder DT Byron Murphy II
Tim Booth, Associated Press | Posted May 2 - 3:38 p.m. | Save Story
When Byron Murphy II was presented with the idea of moving from the higher-profile position of linebacker to playing on the defensive line as a high schooler, he was at first a little reluctant but eventually accepted the move and what it could do for his career. Clearly making the position switch ended up being the right move for Murphy after the Texas star was the second defensive player selected in last week's NFL draft. With a run of offensive talent dominating the early parts of the draft, Murphy slid into the hands of the Seattle Seahawks with the No. 16 overall pick. It's a big addition for new coach Mike Macdonald and improvements he hopes to make to Seattle's defense.
Jaguars counting on Arkansas' Cam Little to tee up new era following four-year kicking carousel
Mark Long, Associated Press | Posted May 2 - 10:27 a.m. | Save Story
The Jacksonville Jaguars are counting on the youngest kicker ever drafted to bring stability to a position that has been one of the league's most tumultuous over the past four years. Jacksonville employed a whopping 16 kickers between the start of the pandemic and selecting Arkansas' Cam Little in the sixth round of last week's NFL draft. It's a head-shaking stretch that spans numerous injuries, several one-week tryouts and a few downright debacles. The 20-year-old Little is tasked with helping the Jaguars forget about their four-year kicking carousel. He's the first kicker drafted by the franchise since Josh Scobee in 2004.
Ezekiel Elliott believes he can still carry the load at running back in return to Cowboys
The Associated Press | Posted May 1 - 8:43 p.m. | Save Story
Ezekiel Elliott's reunion with the Dallas Cowboys comes long after his days as a two-time rushing champion and presumably as part of a committee of running backs. The 2016 All-Pro isn't ready to settle for such a role just yet. Elliott says he believes he can still be a "dominant guy" while acknowledging he has to prove it. One thing will be different for sure. Elliott is changing jersey numbers with the Cowboys. He will wear 15, which was his Ohio State number and his choice for his only season in New England. He was an instant star while wearing No. 21 in Dallas.
Rams sign longtime Eagles backup RB Boston Scott to a 1-year contract
The Associated Press | Posted May 1 - 7:10 p.m. | Save Story
Veteran running back Boston Scott has agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams. Scott spent most of the past six seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, rushing for 1,295 yards and 16 touchdowns while catching 71 passes for 566 yards and another score. The 29-year-old Scott is most famous for repeatedly having big games against the New York Giants. He has scored 10 of his 17 career touchdowns against the Eagles' NFC East rival. Scott will compete for a role with the Rams, who return with second-leading NFL rusher Kyren Williams as their top ball-carrier.
Illinois governor's office says Bears' plan for stadium remains 'non-starter' after meeting
Andrew Seligman, Associated Press | Posted May 1 - 6:17 p.m. | Save Story
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's office says the Chicago Bears' proposal to fund a new lakefront stadium remains a "non-starter." Top aides of the governor met with the team on Wednesday. The Bears unveiled a nearly $5 billion plan calling for public funding last week for an enclosed facility to be built next to their longtime home at Soldier Field. Though the governor did not rule out more discussions, the team clearly is facing an uphill battle. The Bears described the meeting with chief of staff Anne Caprara and deputy governor Andy Manar as "productive." The teams says it shares "a commitment to protecting the taxpayers of Illinois and look forward to further discussions."
Bears waive punter Trenton Gill after drafting Iowa's Tory Taylor
The Associated Press | Updated May 1 - 3:58 p.m. | Save Story
The Chicago Bears waived punter Trenton Gill after drafting Iowa's Tory Taylor in the fourth round last week. The Bears ranked near the bottom of the NFL in punting last season, with Gill averaging 38 net yards per attempt in his second season. Taylor set an NCAA mark last year with 4,479 yards punting while playing for a team with the worst offense in the nation. The Australian is the Hawkeyes' career leader in punts and yards punting.
After a strong first round, overall NFL draft ratings down 3% from last year
The Associated Press | Updated April 30 - 4:20 p.m. | Save Story
After posting strong numbers for the first round, viewership for the NFL draft was down 3% from last year on TV and digital platforms. The draft averaged 5.74 million viewers for the three days this year across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and NFL Network after averaging 5.93 million in 2023 according to the league and Nielsen. The first round, where six quarterbacks were selected, averaged 12.1 million viewers, a 6% increase over last year. It was the highest day one viewership since 2021, when there was an average audience of 12.6 million. The last two days saw a drop-off though, with a dearth of compelling storylines.
Browns, center Brian Allen agree to 1-year contract. Allen spent 5 seasons with Los Angeles Rams
The Associated Press | Posted April 30 - 12:51 p.m. | Save Story
The Cleveland Browns added depth to their solid offensive line, agreeing on a contract with free agent center Brian Allen. His agency announced the agreement Tuesday on social media. Allen started 36 games and a Super Bowl for the Rams before being released in February. He's getting a one-year contract with Cleveland. The 28-year-old Allen was slowed by injuries the past two seasons and was a backup in 2023. The Rams released him in February. Former NFL center LeCharles Bentley, who was briefly with the Browns and founded AMDG Sports, posted Allen's agreement on social media.
Browns pick up 5-year contract option on CB Greg Newsome II. He was 1st-round pick in 2021
Tom Withers, Associated Press | Posted April 30 - 9:28 a.m. | Save Story
The Cleveland Browns picked up the fifth-year option on cornerback Greg Newsome II's rookie contract. A first-round pick in 2021, Newsome is scheduled to make $13.3 million in 2025. Newsome had been mentioned in trade rumors for months and they increased leading into the NFL draft last weekend. But the Browns have remained committed to Newsome, held onto him and exercised the option ahead of Thursday's deadline. Newsome has started 39 of 41 games in three seasons. He didn't get an interception in his first two years before picking off a deflected pass and returning it 34 yards for a touchdown to key Cleveland's comeback win at Baltimore on Nov. 12.
Jaguars cut WR Zay Jones, clearing a path to potentially sign five-time Pro Bowler Jarvis Landry
Mark Long, Associated Press | Posted April 30 - 9:11 a.m. | Save Story
The Jacksonville Jaguars have released veteran receiver Zay Jones. They dumped him Tuesday five days after drafting LSU's Brian Thomas Jr. with the 23rd overall pick and a day after agreeing to bring five-time Pro Bowler Jarvis Landry in for rookie minicamp. Jones was scheduled to count nearly $10.8 million against the salary cap in 2024. That's a significant payout for someone expected to be the team's fourth receiver at best. Jacksonville will eat $6.6 million in dead money to save $4.2 million this season. They could use the cap savings to sign Landry, who is looking to get back into the league after sitting out 2023.
Pac-12 posts an impressive haul in the NFL draft before the conference breaks up
Josh Dubow, Associated Press | Posted April 30 - 4:10 a.m. | Save Story
The final season of the Pac-12 turned out to be as big a hit in the NFL draft as it was on the field. The conference that is breaking up with 10 schools joining new leagues next season produced a record haul over the draft weekend led by No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams of Southern California. The Pac-12 produced six of the top 15 players, eight overall first-rounders and 43 total players drafted for the most for the conference in the seven-round era that started in 1994. Only the SEC had more players picked with 59.
Raiders expected to sign ex-Cowboys receiver Michael Gallup, AP source says
Mark Anderson, Associated Press | Updated April 29 - 7:31 p.m. | Save Story
The Las Vegas Raiders expect to sign former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup to a one-year contract worth up to $3 million, pending a physical, a person with knowledge of the contract said Monday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract was not finalized. Gallup would join a Las Vegas receiving group that includes Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers with either Aidan O'Connell or Gardner Minshew throwing him the ball. The Raiders had an open spot after releasing Hunter Renfrow and not drafting anyone at that position.
Chiefs sign star tight end Travis Kelce to new 2-year, $34.25 million deal, AP source says
Dave Skretta, Associated Press | Updated April 29 - 5:55 p.m. | Save Story
The Kansas City Chiefs have signed Travis Kelce to a new two-year, $34.25 million contract. That's according to a person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition on anonymity because the terms of the deal had not been released. The new deal ensures Kansas City will have its star tight end as it tries to win an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl. Chiefs general manager Brett Veach says Kelce will remain the highest-paid tight end in the NFL. The 34-year-old Kelce is already the Chiefs' career leader in receiving yards. And his relationship with pop icon Taylor Swift has taken him to a new level of celebrity.
NFL teams pick up 5th-year options on Waddle, Rousseau, Darrisaw, Pitts and other 2021 1st-rounders
The Associated Press | Updated April 29 - 5:39 p.m. | Save Story
Miami receiver Jaylen Waddle, teammate linebacker Jaelan Phillips, Buffalo defensive end Gregory Rousseau, Minnesota left tackle Christian Darrisaw and Atlanta tight end Kyle Pitts are among the 2021 first-round draft picks whose fifth-year contract options have been formally exercised. Jacksonville did the same for former Clemson stars Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne. Teams have until Thursday to decide whether to keep those first-round picks for a fifth season. The list of those whose options already have been picked up includes Cincinnati receiver Ja'Marr Chase, Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn, Denver cornerback Patrick Surtain, Dallas pass rusher Micah Parsons and New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.
Ex-Notre Dame and Wake Forest QB Sam Hartman signs with the Washington Commanders
Stephen Whyno, Associated Press | Updated April 29 - 2:26 p.m. | Save Story
The Washington Commanders have signed former Notre Dame and Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman among 11 undrafted free agents. Hartman is the latest addition to a crowded group of QBs after the team selected LSU Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels with the second pick in the draft and signed veterans Marcus Mariota and Jeff Driskel and still has practice squad holdover Jake Fromm. The 24-year-old from Charlotte played five seasons at Wake Forest and one at Notre Dame before turning pro.
Jaguars pick up fifth-year options on contracts for QB Trevor Lawrence and RB Travis Etienne
The Associated Press | Posted April 29 - 1:52 p.m. | Save Story
The Jacksonville Jaguars have exercised fifth-year contract options on quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne. The former Clemson stars were first-round draft picks in 2021. Lawrence is 20-30 as a starter since being selected first overall that year. He has thrown for 11,770 yards, with 58 touchdowns and 39 interceptions. He also has run for 11 scores. Etienne missed his rookie season following a foot injury but ranks seventh in the NFL in yards from scrimmage since. He's the first Jacksonville player since Maurice Jones-Drew in 2011 to have consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
Jason Kelce will join ESPN and be part of 'Monday Night Football' pregame show, AP source says
Joe Reedy, Associated Press | Posted April 29 - 1:21 p.m. | Save Story
Jason Kelce will join ESPN's "Monday Night Countdown" after retiring from the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this year, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The person confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity on Monday because it was not expected to be announced until the ESPN/Disney upfront presentation to advertisers on May 14. The Athletic was the first to report on Kelce's choice. Kelce is expected to replace Robert Griffin III, who would continue with the network as a college football analyst. Kelce played 13 years for the Eagles. He was the most sought after former player by the networks for the upcoming season. He participated in last year's NFL Broadcasting and Media Workshop.
CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
The Associated Press | Updated April 29 - 10:52 a.m. | Save Story
Matt Ryan, who retired last week after 15 years in the NFL, will join CBS Sports as a studio analyst on "The NFL Today" and Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason will leave after long runs on the show. Ryan will join James Brown, Nate Burleson, Bill Cowher and JJ Watt. The 2016 NFL MVP and four-time Pro Bowl quarterback joined CBS Sports last season as an NFL game analyst and appeared in studio during the playoffs and Super Bowl. The contracts of Simms and Esiason expired after the Super Bowl. Simms and Esiason were with the network for two decades.
Patriots' Christian Barmore agrees to 4-year extension worth up to $92 million, AP source says
Kyle Hightower, Associated Press | Updated April 29 - 10:35 a.m. | Save Story
New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore has agreed to a four-year contract extension worth up to $92 million, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The person confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because it has not been announced. The extension reportedly contains $41.8 million in guarantees. Barmore, a second-round pick in 2021, has 133 tackles, 12 1/2 sacks and 18 tackles for loss, 32 quarterback hits and one forced fumble in 44 games over his three seasons. He twice appeared in all 17 games in 2021 and 2023.
