NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Former Raiders coach Jon Gruden was among a handful of invited guests who observed New Orleans Saints voluntary offseason practices this week.
A person familiar with the situation confirmed Gruden’s presence during the Saints’ first week of voluntary practices with new quarterback Derek Carr, who posted some of his best career passing numbers in Gruden-designed offenses.
Even when the NFL institutes a rule designed to reduce concussions, it can’t shake the perception that it doesn’t care what players and coaches think.
The league took a step toward eliminating kickoffs this week by enhancing the touchback rule for a one-year trial with a priority on player safety.
Thursday’s Transactions
May 26, 2023 GMTBASEBALL
Suspended Lions WR Jameson Williams says he wasn’t aware of NFL rules on gambling he violated
May 25, 2023 GMTALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams, suspended for the first six games of the season, said he was unaware of the NFL gambling policy that he violated.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars signed Brandon McManus in hopes of upgrading their special teams Thursday, two days after Denver dropped the veteran kicker and former team captain.
HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — New Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is not taking part in organized team activities as he continues to recover from a broken left foot.
Coach Josh McDaniels said Thursday that Garoppolo could be held out until July when training camp begins.
DUBLIN (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers have long-term plans to play a regular-season NFL game in Ireland, the team said Thursday during a visit to trumpet its long-standing ties with the Emerald Isle.
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers signed former Arizona Cardinals linebacker Markus Golden to a one-year contract on Wednesday, giving them some depth behind star edge rushers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Matt Daniels acknowledged feeling “just a tad bit” of butterflies when he sat down earlier this week for speed-dating-style meetings with NFL owners and executives as part of the league's strategy for developing more diversity in the coaching ranks.
Florida, Georgia exercise option to keep ‘Cocktail Party’ in Jacksonville through 2026
May 24, 2023 GMTGAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The annual rivalry game between Florida and Georgia will be played in Jacksonville at least through 2025.
The Southeastern Conference schools released a joint statement Wednesday announcing their decision to exercise a two-year option in the contract to keep playing at TIAA Bank Field, home to the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jets work out punter Matt Araiza after San Diego State investigation found no wrongdoing
May 24, 2023 GMTFLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets hosted punter Matt Araiza for a workout at the team's facility Wednesday, six days after a San Diego State investigation found no wrongdoing by him in an alleged gang rape at an off-campus party in October 2021.
Patrick Mahomes would rather win Super Bowls than a contest to make the most money.
That doesn't mean the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback hasn't seen what's been happening across the NFL.
Mahomes signed a 10-year, $450 million extension in 2020 that set the bar for quarterbacks, but it already has been surpassed several times over.
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Jonathan Owens is showing he can tackle major life changes as adroitly as he brings down opposing ball carriers.
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The NFL has pushed the kickoff return further toward irrelevance with a priority on player safety.
Goodell confident Commanders sale will gain approval
May 24, 2023 GMTEAGAN, Minn. (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed confidence Tuesday in the completion of the $6.05 billion sale of the Washington Commanders, after owners were updated on the process at their spring meetings.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tim Kelly has a challenging task in his first season as the Tennessee Titans ' offensive coordinator.
NFL, Goodell close to finalizing 3-year contract extension; new deal would end in 2027
May 23, 2023 GMTEAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL have agreed on the framework of a three-year contract extension that will keep him in place until 2027, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay confirmed Tuesday at the league meetings.
Bills safety Damar Hamlin eases back into practice 5 months since near-death experience
May 23, 2023 GMTORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Wearing shorts and his familiar No. 3 blue practice jersey, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin began easing his way back into football during the team’s voluntary minicamp on Tuesday, some five months after having a near-death experience on the field.
The Los Angeles Chargers have avoided a holdout by running back Austin Ekeler by adding $1.75 million in incentives to his contract for the upcoming season, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.
DENVER (AP) — The Denver Broncos severed ties with kicker Brandon McManus on Tuesday as they released the last holdover player from the team that won Super Bowl 50.
The 31-year-old McManus announced he was being let go on social media shortly before the Broncos made it official.
Tom Brady to buy stake in Raiders, owner tells ESPN
May 23, 2023 GMTHENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Recently retired and seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Tom Brady will become a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, pending NFL approval, principal owner Mark Davis told ESPN on Monday.
Green Bay to host NFL draft in 2025 as northern tour continues
May 23, 2023 GMTMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The NFL draft will be in Green Bay in 2025.
The league announced the 2025 draft's location on Monday during its spring meetings. The draft and related activities will take place inside and around Lambeau Field and Titletown, the collection of shops and restaurants surrounding the stadium.
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Thursday nights in the NFL have long been the most drastic feature of its made-for-TV schedule, a prime-time slot that raised concerns about player safety and produced plenty of competitive duds before it moved to a streaming-only platform.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The Super Bowl will return to the Bay Area in 2026 at the home of the San Francisco 49ers, following a vote of approval by NFL owners on Monday at their spring meetings.
This will be the third time for the big game in the Bay Area.
Rookie quarterbacks will get much of the attention this week when most NFL teams hit the field for non-contact practices.
Twenty teams kicked off their voluntary organized team activities on Monday and 10 more will do so on Tuesday.
NFL expands sports medicine diversity program to 19 schools
May 22, 2023 GMTEAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The NFL has expanded a program for minorities and women in sports medicine, aiming to increase diversity among athletic trainers and medical staff across the league in line with similar initiatives for coaches and the front office.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers drafted Matt Corral in third round of the 2022 NFL draft with an eye toward developing him to potentially be their starting quarterback.
One year later, Corral is buried on the depth chart and appears to be the odd man out in Carolina's QB room.
Jim Brown's legs, ever-churning and sturdy as tree trunks, helped propel him to fame on the football field. His voice once he left the gridiron — every bit as powerful.
Reactions to the death of Jim Brown, former NFL star, actor and activist:
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“To the world, he was an activist, actor, and football star. To our family, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Jim Brown, all-time NFL great and social activist, dead at 87
May 19, 2023 GMTThe NFL legend, actor and social activist shattered records during a relatively short NFL career, leading the Cleveland Browns to their last championship in 1964. Brown was also a prominent leader in the Black power movement of the 1960s and dedicated much of his life to social causes.
COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers signed Nick Williams on Friday, which adds some depth to their defensive line.
Williams played eight games for the New York Giants last season, including seven starts.
NFL confirms no Commanders sale vote will take place at spring owners meetings next week
May 18, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The pending $6.05 billion sale of the Washington Commanders from longtime owner Dan Snyder and his family to a group led by investor Josh Harris remains under standard review and will not be voted on next week by NFL owners at their spring meeting, the league said Thursday.
NFL announces participants for Coach Accelerator program
May 17, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, who is taking the year off, is among 40 diverse coaching candidates who will participate in the Coach Accelerator program next week at the NFL’s spring meetings.
Conforto’s 3-run homer propels Giants to 6-3 win over Phillies
May 16, 2023 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Michael Conforto hit his fourth homer in the past six games as part of a six-run second inning for the San Francisco Giants, who beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-3 on Monday night to snap a three-game skid.
The NFL is taking another big step into streaming by putting one of its playoff games exclusively on a digital platform for the first time.
The league and NBCUniversal announced Monday that the Saturday night game on wild card weekend will be on Peacock.
KENNER, La. (AP) — The New Orleans Saints have been in talks with franchise all-time sack leader Cameron Jordan about a multi-year extension and have signed veteran receiver James Washington.
Jordan's agent, Doug Hendrickson of Wasserman, told The Associated Press on Monday he has discussed an extension of at least two years with New Orleans and aims to complete a deal before the start of training camp in late July.
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — The Chicago Bears signed first-round draft pick Darnell Wright to his rookie contract on Monday.
The Bears chose the Tennessee offensive tackle with the No. 10 overall pick in the NFL draft late last month, giving quarterback Justin Fields more protection after trading back one spot with Philadelphia.
Seahawks sign veteran defensive lineman Mario Edwards
May 15, 2023 GMTRENTON, Wash. (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks signed veteran defensive lineman Mario Edwards on Monday, continuing their offseason remodel on the defensive side of the ball.
A former second-round pick of the Raiders in 2015, Edwards has played for five teams previously.
ATLANTA (AP) — Matt Ryan has joined CBS as an analyst, though he's not giving up on landing with another team as a quarterback.
CBS announced Monday that Ryan, a four-time Pro Bowler and the 2016 NFL MVP with the Atlanta Falcons, will serve as a studio and game analyst across multiple platforms for the upcoming season.
Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles graduates from college, fulfills promise to late mother
May 14, 2023 GMTEMMITSBURG, Md. (AP) — Todd Bowles kept a promise to his late mother and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach is now a college graduate.
The 59-year-old Bowles walked across the stage at Mount St.
Fighting cancer, Saints tight end Foster Moreau could participate in voluntary offseason practices
May 13, 2023 GMTMETAIRIE, La. (AP) — Newly signed Saints tight end Foster Moreau, who is being treated for cancer, “absolutely” could participate in upcoming voluntary offseason practices that begin later this month, coach Dennis Allen said Saturday.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee rookie quarterback Will Levis already is familiar with new teammate Peter Skoronski, the Titans' top NFL draft pick.
ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — The Detroit Lions have generated enough excitement that the NFL chose them to kick off the season against the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The second day of the Atlanta Falcons' rookie minicamp was Day 3 for Matthew Bergeron's career experience at left guard.
The Falcons can only hope Bergeron learns his new position quickly.
The new Mount Washington? Rookie tight end brings unusual size, skill set to Steelers
May 13, 2023 GMTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Darnell Washington fell in love with football when he was 6 or 7. Yet throughout elementary school, whenever he'd ask his mother if he could sign up to play, Katrina Graves would turn to the youngest of her eight children and give him the same answer: no.
COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) — Quentin Johnston's first practice in the NFL felt similar to the ones he had in college at TCU.
Derius Davis was lined up next to him at the other wide receiver spot and they caught passes from Max Duggan.
Commanders’ record sale agreed to by Snyder family, Harris group that includes Magic Johnson
May 13, 2023 GMTASHBURN, Va. (AP) — A group led by Josh Harris that includes Magic Johnson has agreed to buy the NFL's Washington Commanders from longtime owner Dan Snyder and his family.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — When San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan was looking for a coordinator to take over the NFL's stingiest defense after DeMeco Ryans left for a promotion in Houston, he wanted a coach who would keep the Niners' successful system in place.
CLEVELAND (AP) — Like almost everything in his path, Dawand Jones wanted to flatten the rumor.
After Cleveland's massive rookie offensive tackle dropped from a projected first-round NFL draft pick to the Browns in the fourth round, a report surfaced saying Jones had scared teams off by telling them he dreamed of playing in the NBA.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Bryce Young arrived early for his first NFL practice, then put on a show for his new coaches.
The No. 1 overall pick from Alabama made a great first impression at Friday's rookie minicamp, wowing coach Frank Reich and others with a series of on-target throws while showing poise in the pocket and good decision-making skills.
Washington Commanders timeline under Dan Snyder
May 12, 2023 GMTDan Snyder's ownership of the Washington Commanders, which has been a matter of considerable debate for many years, is coming to an end.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Bijan Robinson has a new number with a big Atlanta history, a newly signed contract and huge expectations no rookie Falcons running back has faced in recent years.
The Falcons announced Friday on the opening day of the team's three-day rookie minicamp that Robinson signed a $21.96 million, four-year contract with a fifth-year option.
Bengals welcome rookies to begin building new foundation
May 12, 2023 GMTCINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Bengals have been close.
The two-time defending AFC North champions played a tight game against the Los Angeles Rams in a losing Super Bowl effort last year. They followed that by losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs by a field goal in this year's AFC title game.
HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — The Las Vegas Raiders signed first-round pick Tyree Wilson, a defensive end from Texas Tech, on Friday.
Wilson was taken seventh overall from the Red Raiders, where he started the past three seasons.
Only the NFL can turn a schedule release into a two-day event that dominates sports headlines in the middle of the NBA and NHL playoffs.
Jets, Rodgers receive plenty of marquee spots as networks navigate NFL schedule process
May 12, 2023 GMTAaron Rodgers nearly upended the NFL schedule two years ago when he told some within the Green Bay Packers organization he didn’t want to return to the team.
For the sake and sanity of those in the league’s scheduling department, cooler heads prevailed.
NFL season kicks off with Super Bowl champion Chiefs hosting Lions; Jets’ Rodgers on MNF
May 12, 2023 GMTPatrick Mahomes and the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs will kick off the NFL season against the upstart Detroit Lions in a matchup of high-powered offenses and will host Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles in a Super Bowl rematch on “Monday Night Football” in Week 11.
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Akayleb Evans was placed in the concussion protocol three times last season, a frustrating and humbling theme of his rookie year with the Minnesota Vikings.
For as much as they could have used him down the stretch at cornerback, the Vikings decided, Evans needed the downtime more.