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NFL

FILE - Florida quarterback Micah Leon (12) call signals against McNeese State during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Gainesville, Fla. Micah Leon's journey to the NFL was far from normal. He was a walk-on quarterback at North Carolina State, UConn and Florida. His entire collegiate career spans seven years and includes two mop-up appearances. He completed 12 of 16 passes for 78 yards, barely enough to create a highlight reel. So getting a tryout with the Miami Dolphins during rookie minicamp this weekend was some feat.(AP Photo/John Raoux, File)

Micah Leon’s seven-year journey to the NFL included three walk-on stops and 16 collegiate passes

Micah Leon’s journey to the NFL was far from normal. He was a walk-on quarterback at North Carolina State, UConn and Florida.

FILE - Retired Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Joe Collier watches drills at the NFL football team's training facility June 5, 2019, in Englewood, Colo. Collier, the former Buffalo Bills coach and architect of the Broncos' famed “Orange Crush” defense, has died at age 91. The Broncos said Collier died at his Littleton, Colo., home Monday night, May 6. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Joe Collier, former Bills head coach and architect of Broncos’ ‘Orange Crush’ defense, dies at 91

FILE - Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Jan. 28, 2024, in Baltimore. Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice is suspected of assault in Dallas a little over a month after he was one of the speeding drivers in a chain-reaction crash that led to multiple charges, according to a newspaper report Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

Report says Chiefs’ Rashee Rice suspected of assault weeks after arrest over high-speed crash

FILE - Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) runs after a catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Dec. 23, 2023. The Tennessee Titans have bolstered their wide receiving corps by reuniting first-year coach Brian Callahan with someone he knows very well in Boyd, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

The Titans bolster wide receiving group by adding Tyler Boyd, AP source says

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow throws during the NFL football team's practice on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Joe Burrow is throwing again as the Bengals’ franchise QB rehabs his surgically repaired wrist

On Football

Analyzing the biggest topics in the NFL each week.

FILE - Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Pittsburgh. The Bears traded Fields to the Steelers on Saturday, March 16, 2024, according to a person informed of the deal. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

FILE - Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Pittsburgh. The Bears traded Fields to the Steelers on Saturday, March 16, 2024, according to a person informed of the deal. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Analysis: Despite low trade value, Justin Fields still has potential to be a special player

Justin Fields went from being considered a franchise quarterback to disregarded by the Chicago Bears in just three seasons.

Past games

Analysis: Eagles, Bucs, Packers and Commanders earn highest free agency grades; Cowboys get only F

Analysis: Big Ten and SEC power play undermines credibility of playoff, marginalizes ACC and Big 12

Pro Picks

AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi shares his picks for upcoming games.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy speaks to the media during NFL football Super Bowl 58 opening night Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, in Las Vegas. The San Francisco 49ers face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 58 on Sunday. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Pro Picks: Purdy will lead the 49ers to another comeback win, ruining Chiefs’ repeat bid

Cowboys cut Martavis Bryant and end the receiver’s latest comeback attempt

The Dallas Cowboys have released receiver Martavis Bryant, ending his latest attempt to return to the NFL following a long absence.

FILE - Carolina Panthers wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. looks on during an NFL preseason football game against the New York Jets, Aug. 12, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. The Los Angeles Chargers added some depth to their wide receiver room by signing Chark, Monday, May 6, 2024. He had 35 receptions for 535 yards with Carolina last season, and led the team with five receiving touchdowns. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)

Wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. signs with the Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers added some depth to their wide receiver room by signing DJ Chark Jr. on Monday.

FILE - North Carolina wide receiver Devontez Walker participates in the team's NFL football pro day in Chapel Hill, N.C., March 28, 2024. The Baltimore Ravens drafted Walker in the fourth round of the NFL Draft in April. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker, File)

With college football drama behind him, Devontez Walker eager to show his talent with Baltimore

Devontez Walker’s college career was a bit of an odyssey. Last year was particularly difficult after the NCAA initially denied him immediate eligibility when he transferred to North Carolina.

FILE - Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell wears a new uniform during an NFL football uniform release party, April 23, 2024, in Houston. Dell was among 10 people injured in a shoot-out at a private party at a central Florida restaurant this weekend, and along with the others doesn't have life-threatening injuries, Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma said Monday, April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

Texans owner McNair says Tank Dell will make ‘full recovery’ after being wounded in shooting

Houston Texans owner Cal McNair said Monday that receiver Tank Dell will make a “full recovery” after Dell was wounded in a shootout at a Florida restaurant last month.

Tom Brady poses at "The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady" at the Kia Forum, Sunday, May 5, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Tom Brady’s Netflix roast features lots of humor, reunion between Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick

Three months before Tom Brady gets roasted by critics as Fox Sports’ top NFL analyst, he took his share of barbs from comedians, former teammates and his longtime coach Sunday night during a made-for-streaming comedy live event on Netflix.

New York Jets' Malachi Corley works out during an NFL rookie minicamp football practice Friday, May 3, 2024, in Florham Park, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Boom! Boom! Pow! Jets hope trio of rookie playmakers’ physical approach ‘permeates’ the entire team

The New York Jets added a physical element to their offense by drafting wide receiver Malachi Corley and running backs Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis last week.

Bob Avellini, quarterback who teamed with Walter Payton to lead Bears to 1977 playoffs, dies at 70

Bob Avellini, the former Chicago quarterback who teamed with Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton to lead the Bears to the 1977 playoffs, died Saturday. He was 70.

New York Jets quarterback Jordan Travis speaks to reporters during the team's rookie minicamp in Florham Park, N.J., on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Dennis Waszak Jr.)

Jordan Travis has pondered someday replacing Aaron Rodgers. Health is focus now for Jets rookie QB

Jordan Travis still has some recovering to do in his return from a horrific leg injury that once put his football career on hold.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald answers media questions following the NFL football team's rookie minicamp Friday, May 3, 2024, in Renton, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

New Seattle coach Mike Macdonald takes it all in during first day of Seahawks rookie minicamp

New Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald went through his first true practice as a head coach with the start of rookie minicamp.

CORRECTS SPELLING OF LAST NAME TO SALEH, NOT SALAH AS ORIGINALLY SENT - New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh speaks to the media after an NFL rookie minicamp football practice Friday, May 3, 2024, in Florham Park, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Aaron Rodgers not expected to have any restrictions in the Jets’ next phase of offseason workouts

Aaron Rodgers is on track to be back on the field for the New York Jets without any restrictions in a few weeks.

New York Giants football player Aaron Thomas posed in 1968. Aaron Thomas, one of the most prolific receiving tight ends in the history of the New York Giants, died last week at his home in Corvallis, Oregon, following a lengthy illness. He was 86. The Giants announced Thomas' death Friday, May 3, 2024. (AP Photo/File)

Former New York Giants player Aaron Thomas, who caught 35 touchdown passes, dies at 86

Aaron Thomas, one of the most prolific receiving tight ends in the history of the New York Giants, has died following a lengthy illness. He was 86.

FILE - Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) works out before the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, in Baltimore. The Miami Dolphins agreed to sign wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to a one-year contract, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Friday, May 3, 2024.(AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

Miami Dolphins agree to sign Odell Beckham Jr. to a 1-year contract, AP source says

The Miami Dolphins have agreed to sign wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to a one-year contract. That’s according to a person with knowledge of the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday because the contract was not finalized.

FILE - Miami Dolphins wide receiver Chase Claypool (83) warms up on the field before the start of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Buffalo Bills announced the signings of Claypool, defensive end Dawuane Smoot and linebacker Deion Jones to one-year contracts on Friday, May 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Doug Murray, File)

Bills sign WR Chase Claypool, DE Dawuane Smoot and LB Deion Jones to 1-year contracts

The Buffalo Bills have announced the signings of wide receiver Chase Claypool, defensive end Dawuane Smoot and linebacker Deion Jones to one-year contracts.

Seattle Seahawks 2024 first round draft pick, Byron Murphy II, smiles during a news conference at the NFL team's headquarters, Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Renton, Wash. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

Position switch back in high school pays off for Seahawks’ first-rounder DT Byron Murphy II

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.

FILE - Arkansas kicker Cameron Little runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Indianapolis. The Jacksonville Jaguars are now counting on the youngest kicker ever drafted, Cam Little of Arkansas, to stop a revolving door and bring stability to a position that has been one of the league’s most tumultuous over the last four years. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

Jaguars counting on Arkansas’ Cam Little to tee up new era following four-year kicking carousel

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.

FILE - New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) speaks during a news conference after an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Denver. The Dallas Cowboys are reuniting with running back Ezekiel Elliott after agreeing to terms on a contract with the former two-time rushing champion, a person with knowledge of the deal said Monday, April 29, 2024.(AP Photo/David Zalubowski, FIle)

Ezekiel Elliott believes he can still carry the load at running back in return to Cowboys

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.

FILE -Philadelphia Eagles running back Boston Scott warms up during a NFL game Monday, Nov. 21, 2023 in Kansas City, Mo. Veteran running back Boston Scott agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams on Wednesday, MAy 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga, File)

Rams sign longtime Eagles backup RB Boston Scott to a 1-year contract

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.

CORRECTS POSITIONS OF IDS - Chicago Bears president Kevin Warren, joined by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, left, speaks during a news conference where NFL football team unveiled a nearly $5 billion proposal Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Chicago, for an enclosed stadium next door to their current home at Soldier Field.(AP Photo/Teresa Crawford)

Illinois governor’s office says Bears’ plan for stadium remains ‘non-starter’ after meeting

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office says the Chicago Bears’ proposal to fund a new lakefront stadium remains a “non-starter.”

FILE - Iowa punter Tory Taylor punts during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. The Chicago Bears waived punter Trenton Gill on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, after drafting Iowa's Tory Taylor in the fourth round last week. Taylor set an NCAA mark last year with 4,479 yards punting while playing for a team with the worst offense in the nation. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, FIle)

Bears waive punter Trenton Gill after drafting Iowa’s Tory Taylor

The Chicago Bears waived punter Trenton Gill after drafting Iowa’s Tory Taylor in the fourth round last week.

Fans watch the draft stage during the third day of the NFL football draft, Saturday, April 27, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

After a strong first round, overall NFL draft ratings down 3% from last year

After posting strong numbers for the first round, viewership for the NFL draft was down 3% from last year on TV and digital platforms.

FILE - Los Angeles Rams center Brian Allen is shown before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Indianapolis. The Cleveland Browns added depth to their solid offensive line on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, agreeing on a contract with free agent center Brian Allen, his agency announced on X. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

Browns, center Brian Allen agree to 1-year contract. Allen spent 5 seasons with Los Angeles Rams

The Cleveland Browns added depth to their solid offensive line, agreeing on a contract with free agent center Brian Allen.

FILE - Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) drops back in coverage during an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, in Cleveland. The Cleveland Browns picked up the fifth-year option on cornerback Greg Newsome II’s rookie contract on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. A first-round pick in 2021, Newsome will make $13.3 million in 2025.(AP Photo/Kirk Irwin, File)

Browns pick up 5-year contract option on CB Greg Newsome II. He was 1st-round pick in 2021

The Cleveland Browns picked up the fifth-year option on cornerback Greg Newsome II’s rookie contract.

FILE - Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones (7) catches a pass in front of Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson (35), but can't get his second foot down inbounds to complete the reception, during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Jaguars released veteran receiver Zay Jones on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, dumping him 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, a significant payout for someone expected to be the team's fourth receiver at best. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

Jaguars cut WR Zay Jones, clearing a path to potentially sign five-time Pro Bowler Jarvis Landry

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.

Chicago Bears No. 1 draft pick quarterback Caleb Williams listens to reporters during an NFL football news conference in Lake Forest, Ill., Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Pac-12 posts an impressive haul in the NFL draft before the conference breaks up

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.

FILE - Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup (13) walks off the field following an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Nov. 19, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. The Las Vegas Raiders expect to sign former Cowboys player Gallup to a one-year contract worth up to $3 million pending a physical, a person with knowledge of the contract said Monday, April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt, File)

Raiders expected to sign ex-Cowboys receiver Michael Gallup, AP source says

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.

FILE - Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle stands on the field before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Dec. 24, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Dolphins exercised the fifth-year options for Waddle and linebacker Jaelan Phillips, the team announced Monday, April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)

NFL teams pick up 5th-year options on Waddle, Rousseau, Darrisaw, Pitts and other 2021 1st-rounders

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.

FILE - Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) hands off the ball to running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. The Jacksonville Jaguars formally exercised fifth-year contract options Monday, April 29, 2024, on quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne.(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, FIle)

Jaguars pick up fifth-year options on contracts for QB Trevor Lawrence and RB Travis Etienne

The Jacksonville Jaguars have exercised fifth-year contract options on quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne.

FILE - Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman (10) passes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Stanford in Stanford, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. The Washington Commanders have signed former Notre Dame and Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman among 11 undrafted free agents. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn, File)

Ex-Notre Dame and Wake Forest QB Sam Hartman signs with the Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders have signed former Notre Dame and Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman among 11 undrafted free agents.

Eagles Jason Kelce appears in the ring during WrestleMania at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday, April 6, 2024. (Elizabeth Robertson/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP)

Jason Kelce will join ESPN and be part of ‘Monday Night Football’ pregame show, AP source says

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.

FILE - Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) waves after the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. Kelce will bring his highly successful music festival called Kelce Jam back to Kansas City. The second annual one-day event held on May 18 will be hosted by the superstar tight end of the Chiefs and headlined by Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, Diplo and local legend Tech N9ne. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

Chiefs sign star tight end Travis Kelce to new 2-year, $34.25 million deal, AP source says

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.