Between MLB’s All-Star break approaching and free agencies kicking off in the NBA and NHL, the National Football League has taken a bit of a backseat in terms of headlines.
Still, as teams around the league look to finalize their rosters ahead of training camps, there is still plenty of news circulating in the league. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories from the last week.
Kyler Murray Extension Likely
According to Jeff Darlington of ESPN.com, it appears that an extension between the Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Kyler Murray is becoming more likely with every passing day.
Murray still has two more years left on his current deal, but it appears that an extension will come to fruition long before that deal is set to expire.
Given that the offseason started with reports of friction between the two sides, this news comes as a welcomed relief for Cardinals’ fans.
Last season, Murray played in 14 games and threw for 3,787 yards, 24 touchdowns, and ten interceptions. He also rushed for 423 yards and five touchdowns on 88 carries.
Arizona ranked 10th in scoring, averaging 25.6 points per game, and they ranked 11th in passing yards per game at 244.3.
The 24-year-old is certainly considered in the upper echelon of quarterbacks in the NFL right now, and if the two sides can get a deal behind them, the Cardinals will focus their attention towards winning a Super Bowl.
Arizona currently has the third-best odds of winning the NFC West at +300, and they are +3000 to win the Super Bowl.
Former First Rounder Traded To Bears
On Tuesday, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo first reported that the Chicago Bears had traded for a former first-rounder in an effort to help solidify their receiving core. That receiver is N’Keal Harry, who was acquired from the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round draft pick.
Last season, the 24-year-old Harry had just 12 receptions for 184 yards, but his best season was in 2020 when he had 309 yards receiving and two touchdowns.
Due to injuries and inconsistency, the wide receiver never fell into favor with head coach Bill Belichick in New England, but he is hoping that a change of scenery can help.
He should have opportunities as the Bears’ wide receivers are short on high-end talent. Darnell Mooney is expected to be the primary receiver, but after him, their other receivers consist of names like Byron Pringle, Equanimeous St. Brown, and third-round draft pick Velus Jones.
The Bears have the worst odds of winning the NFC North at +950, and they are just +10000 to win the Super Bowl.
Garoppolo Throwing, Will He Be Traded?
After the trade of Baker Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers, Jimmy Garoppolo of the San Francisco 49ers is the next likely quarterback to be moved. After having surgery on his shoulder back in March, The Athletic’s Matt Barrows reports that he has begun a throwing program again.
Last season, Garoppolo played in 15 games, throwing for 3,810 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. With Trey Lance set to take over under center, though, Garoppolo has become expendable.
If he can prove that he is healthy, there could still be some suitors for him, with the Seattle Seahawks often coming up as a potential suitor. Even the Browns, who traded Mayfield but expect Deshaun Watson to be suspended for several games, could come calling.
While his contract ($24.4 million) could be a hurdle for a deal, both the 49ers and Garoppolo could be motivated to work something out.
