With training camp about a month away, teams around the National Football League are trying to finalize their camp rosters in hopes of putting together a Super Bowl caliber team.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories of the week, including an injury and two key remaining free agents.
Jets Lose Clark To Torn ACL
Heading into his first year with the New York Jets and his last year of his current contract, it appears that 28-year-old safety Chuck Clark will not see the field this year.
On Thursday, it was confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Clark has suffered a torn ACL. Previously seen as extremely durable, this is a blow to both Clark and the Jets after the team acquired him in the offseason for a seventh-round pick from the Baltimore Ravens.
Last season, with Baltimore, Clark had 101 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery over the course of 17 games.
With Clark out, the Jets will turn to offseason signee Adrian Amos to help out at free safety. The Jets signed Amos earlier this month to a one-year deal worth $4 million.
The 30-year-old Amos had 102 tackles and one interception for the Green Bay Packers last season.
The Jets have the second-best odds of winning the AFC East this season at +250, and they are +1600 to win the Super Bowl.
Could It Be Down To Patriots And Titans For Hopkins?
According to ESPN.com’s Dianna Russini, both the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots have made a contract offer to star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. While Hopkins is said to be weighing both offers, it appears he is also hoping other teams might jump into the mix as well.
Last season, with the Arizona Cardinals, the 31-year-old Hopkins played in nine games, amassing 64 catches for 717 yards and three touchdowns.
In his 10-year career, Hopkins has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark six times and the 10-touchdown mark three times. His highest yards received was in 2018 when he had 1,572 yards. In 2017, he hauled in 13 touchdowns.
While he might be on the wrong side of 30, Hopkins still has the skills to help both of these teams out. Last season, Tennessee ranked 30th in passing yards per game, averaging 171.4. The Patriots weren’t too much better as they ranked 20th, averaging 208 yards.
At +5500, the Patriots have the better odds of winning the Super Bowl, although they are still longshots. The Titans are +7500 to win the Super Bowl.
Could Miami Be In Play For Cook?
DeAndre Hopkins isn’t the only big name veteran still on the market. Star running back Dalvin Cook is still a free agent, but it appears that the Miami Dolphins could have some interest.
In an interview this week, Cook indicated that he had spoken with the Dolphins about a possible fit. Last year, the Dolphins ranked 27th in rushing yards per game, averaging just 96.
For Cook, last year with the Vikings, the 27-year-old played in 17 games, rushing 264 times for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns. He also had 39 receptions for 295 yards and another two scores.
While nothing has been finalized, the fit seems natural. Currently, the Dolphins have the third-best odds of winning the AFC East at +290. Miami is +2500 to win the Super Bowl.
