Even though the NFL season still doesn’t officially start for a few months, there is still plenty of news circulating this offseason. From extensions to injuries, let’s look at some of the biggest stories of the week.
Kupp Gets Extension
This week, the Las Angeles Rams gave out a couple of massive deals. One of those deals went to star wide receiver Cooper Kupp. As reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Kupp gets a three-year extension which, added on to his current deal, equates to roughly $110 million over the next five years.
Of that $110 million, Schefter reported that $75 million of it comes in the form of guaranteed money.
Kupp was sensational last season in a year that saw the Rams win the Super Bowl and Kupp win the Super Bowl MVP. During the regular season, Kupp had 145 receptions for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns. All three of those were career highs for Kupp.
Now secured for the next five years, the soon-to-be 29-year-old will try to replicate his season as the Rams try to defend their title. They currently have the fourth-best odds of winning the Super Bowl this season at +1100.
Donald Also Cashes In
While Kupp got an extension, the other deal that the Rams agreed to was a pay raise for All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Already signed through 2024, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported that Donald will receive a raise on his existing deal that will now pay him $95 million over the next three seasons.
Donald had hinted at retiring, but it seems as though he may have been using that as leverage to get a new deal done. With a new deal agreed to, the 31-year-old Donald will now focus on helping a defense that ranked ninth in scoring defense (21.3 points allowed per game) and fourth in sacks per game (three).
Last season, Donald played in 17 games, amassing 84 tackles, 25 quarterback hits, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles.
Garoppolo Hopes To Throw Next Month
It remains to be seen as to whether the San Francisco 49ers end up trading quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo at some point or not, but at the very least, it appears he is making strides in his return from shoulder surgery.
According to head coach Kyle Shanahan, Garoppolo is targeting July to be able to start throwing again as he ramps back up.
Last season, in 15 games, Garoppolo threw for 3,810 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He also rushed 38 times for 51 yards and another three scores.
Even if Garoppolo is back to full strength, it appears that 49ers’ management is ready to move forward with Trey Lance. Drafted third overall in last year’s draft, Lance played in parts of six games, throwing for 603 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions.
San Francisco currently has the fourth-best odds of winning the NFC championship (+750) and tied for the sixth-best odds of winning the Super Bowl (+1600).
Darius Leonard Had Surgery
Although he is expected to be back during training camp, the Indianapolis Colts saw one of their defensive stalwarts undergo surgery recently as Darius Leonard had back surgery.
Leonard played in 16 games last season and had 122 tackles, eight forced fumbles, three fumbles recovered, and four interceptions on the season.
His presence helped Indianapolis have the 11th-ranked scoring defense, allowing opponents an average of just 21.5 points per game.
The Colts have the sixth-best odds of winning the AFC championship this season at +1200, and they are +2200 to win the Super Bowl.
