AFC North preview: QBs rule roost in Steelers’ division
It’s all about the quarterbacks in the AFC North, a division that includes the reigning NFL MVP, the top pick in the 2020 draft and a two-time Super Bowl winner looking to make a successful comeback. The Baltimore Ravens won the AFC North last year behind Lamar Jackson, who accounted...
Tom Brady, Drew Brees to make history in Bucs-Saints Week 1 opener
NEW ORLEANS — After a century of NFL football, this season’s Week 1 slate features the first game ever to involve two quarterbacks in their 40s: Tampa Bay’s Tom Brady and New Orleans’ Drew Brees. So mark down Sunday’s NFC South Division clash between the Buccaneers and Saints as yet...
Saints, RB Alvin Kamara agree on 5-year, $75M extensionVideo
NEW ORLEANS — Saints running back Alvin Kamara agreed to a five-year extension, the club announced Saturday. A person familiar with the contract said it is worth up to $75 million, but that the final season includes a large non-guaranteed payment that effectively limits the team’s obligation to $50 million...
Vikings sign RB Dalvin Cook to 5-year, $63M extensionVideo
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings signed running back Dalvin Cook to a five-year, $63 million contract extension Saturday, giving their dual-threat star some security the day before the season opener. Cook was picked for his first Pro Bowl last year after becoming the eighth player to reach 1,000 rushing yards...
Chiefs, Texans booed as racial justice stand sparks outrage
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The NFL’s new stance encouraging players to take a stand against racial injustice got its first test as some fans of the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs booed during a moment of silence to promote the cause, touching off a fresh debate on how players...
Chiefs rookie Edwards-Helaire shines in NFL debut vs. TexansVideo
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs raised eyebrows during the NFL Draft when they used their first-round pick on Clyde Edwards-Helaire, adding another potent weapon to their dynamic offense rather than filling a pressing need on defense. Turns out that decision was downright brilliant. With starter Damien Williams...
Bengals name rookie quarterback Joe Burrow among captainsVideo
Joe Burrow was picked as one of the Cincinnati Bengals’ captains even before he took a snap. It is unusual for a rookie to be picked as a captain, an honorary role that usually goes to veterans who have been around the team a long time. The players’ vote shows...
On edge: Browns’ Garrett returns after NFL suspension for hitting Steelers QB RudolphVideo
CLEVELAND — The indelible moment of rage affected Myles Garrett and shaped how others see him. The Cleveland Browns’ star defensive end can’t undo his helmet-swinging attack on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph last season or the six-game NFL suspension that ensued. That damage is done and irreparable. But Garrett...
First Call: Kris Letang wants clarity. Giants coach wants better practices. Gerrit Cole wants better results.
Friday’s “First Call” starts with Penguins defenseman Kris Letang. He wants some clarity about his future. New York Giants coach Joe Judge wants his players more focused before Monday night’s game against the Steelers. And former Pirate pitcher Gerrit Cole wants to avoid home runs. • • • Letang update:...
Chiefs begin title defense with 34-20 victory over TexansVideo
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Just about the only thing that looked familiar about the NFL’s long-awaited return Thursday night was the sight of Patrick Mahomes effortlessly leading the Kansas City Chiefs up and down the field. The Super Bowl MVP thew for 211 yards and three touchdowns, Clyde Edwards-Helaire ran...
Texans-Chiefs set to kick off NFL season unlike any other
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It has been a mere eight months since Patrick Mahomes led Kansas City from a 24-0 hole to beat Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans in the divisional round of the playoffs, a brutally efficient comeback that ultimately propelled the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl...
Browns sign RB Kareem Hunt to 2-year extensionVideo
Kareem Hunt has found a home — at home. Suspended last season by the NFL for two physical off-field altercations, Hunt signed a two-year, $13.25 million contract extension with the Cleveland Browns, who took a chance on the running back and are now committing to him long term. Hunt, who...
Broncos star Von Miller suffers serious ankle injuryVideo
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — A person with knowledge of the situation told the Associated Press the Denver Broncos fear star linebacker Von Miller suffered a season-ending ankle injury toward the end of practice Tuesday. The person, speaking on condition of anonymity because the team hadn’t addressed Miller’s injury, said the team...
WR DeAndre Hopkins negotiates own extension with ArizonaVideo
TEMPE, Ariz. — DeAndre Hopkins is one of the NFL’s best players. Someday, he’d like to run one of the game’s best organizations. So during the past few weeks, the 28-year-old receiver has spent lots of late nights studying the terminology of contracts and the art of negotiation. Considering he...
EA Sports adds Kaepernick to latest version of ‘Madden 21’
LOS ANGELES — Madden NFL players will have the opportunity to see how Colin Kaepernick might fare if he was back on the field. EA Sports announced Tuesday that the company has partnered with Kaepernick and is including him in the latest version of “Madden 21.” Fans can sign Kaepernick...
No NFL preseason games could mean sloppy start for special teamsVideo
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Penalties. Blocked punts or would-be field goals swatted out of the air. A kick returner weaving his way to a touchdown. Players racing onto the field for a change of possession looking like a well-oiled machine, or a unit straggling out before the play clock expires. Worse,...
Devonta Freeman, Lamar Miller among big NFL names still unsignedVideo
NEW YORK — Roster cuts were made and practice squads filled out around the NFL during what’s always a busy weekend on the league’s waiver wire. Several familiar names and players on roster bubbles took turns on the unemployment line — with some finding new jobs. As teams turn their...
Jadeveon Clowney agrees to 1-year deal with Titans
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Jadeveon Clowney made clear for months he wanted to be with a team that can win a Super Bowl, and he’s finally made his choice even if he didn’t get the long-term deal in the process. The Tennessee Titans announced Sunday they agreed to terms with the...
Former PSU QB Trace McSorley survives Ravens cuts, which offered no surprisesVideo
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Former Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley survived the Baltimore Ravens’ final cut and is poised to return for a second season behind Lamar Jackson and Robert Griffin III on the depth chart. Baltimore’s initial 53-man roster, formed after Saturday’s moves, offered no real surprises. The Ravens...
Browns, Bengals allowed 6,000 fans at 2 home games
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals will be allowed to have up to 6,000 fans at two home games this season. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Saturday the teams have been granted a variance for a “two-game trial” on a state requirement limiting 1,500 people at outdoor...
Washington releases Adrian Peterson, turns to young backsVideo
Washington released veteran running back Adrian Peterson on Friday, a surprising move by first-year coach Ron Rivera in the name of getting younger. Rivera called Peterson early in the morning asking him to come to the practice facility, then delivered the news the team was moving on from the 35-year-old....
AP source: Cam Newton to be Patriots starting quarterbackVideo
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Cam Newton is officially the new starting quarterback of the New England Patriots. A person familiar with the situation said Thursday that Newton was announced as the starter during a team meeting. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the team has not publicly announced...
Agent: Seahawks bring back suspended WR Josh GordonVideo
RENTON, Wash. — The Seattle Seahawks are bringing back wide receiver Josh Gordon on a one-year deal even as the talented pass catcher awaits reinstatement from the NFL after his latest suspension. Gordon’s signing was confirmed on Twitter by his agent, David Canter, on Thursday, just two days before the...
Long shots in NFL face even longer odds during pandemicVideo
Pro days scuttled. Rookie minicamps wiped out. The NFL’s traditional offseason, obliterated. The coronavirus pandemic has made it harder this year for long shots to make their mark and earn an NFL roster spot. “Honestly, I probably wouldn’t be in the NFL if this would’ve happened my rookie year,” said...
NFL, players’ union to close facilities on Election Day
NEW YORK — All NFL and NFL Players Association facilities will close on Election Day, and the league and union will televise a one-hour program next week for players to highlight work being done to advance social justice. The league and the players’ union said Thursday they want to “ensure...
