As we approach the beginning of June, we are still over three months from the first regular-season game on September 8 between the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams. While that seems excruciatingly long from now, NFL teams around the league are still hard at work preparing for the upcoming season.
From free agent acquisitions to front office moves, there is still a ton of news around the NFL. Here are some of the big stories from this week.
Lots Of News Out Of Cleveland
One of the biggest hotspots for news this week comes from the state of Ohio, as several stories have come out of the Cleveland Browns organization.
First, according to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, it appears that the team is moving closer to an extension with tight end David Njoku. The team used the franchise tag on him this offseason, but they would prefer to keep the 25-year-old around long-term.
While the deal has yet to be finalized, it appears that it could be in the neighborhood of $13 million per year if it does get done, which is a couple million more than he would make on the franchise tag.
Last season, Njoku played in 16 games and had 36 receptions for 475 yards and four touchdowns. With Deshaun Watson now under center, his role could expand in the upcoming season.
Speaking of Watson, another story out of Cleveland indicates that commissioner Roger Goodell and the league’s investigation into Watson could be coming to a close soon. Cabot reports that the league is expected to meet with Watson again in the near future, and the investigation could be wrapped up in the next month or two.
Watson is dealing with civil trials outside of the scope of the league, but the NFL could end up handing punishment out to Watson prior to the conclusion of those civil trials.
While Watson awaits his fate, another quarterback, Baker Mayfield, is sitting on the sidelines. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Mayfield is likely to avoid OTAs as he is still seeking a trade from the team.
Last year’s starter, Mayfield, threw for 3,010 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 14 games. Still, the team decided to move on from him as they acquired Watson this offseason from the Texans.
Teams like the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers could still have interest in Mayfield, but a deal does not appear to be imminent at this point.
Cleveland made news this week on the other side of the ball, too, as they re-signed edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year deal. According to USA Today’s Josina Anderson, the deal is for up to $11 million.
Last season, the 29-year-old Clowney played in 14 games, amassing 37 tackles, nine sacks, two forced fumbles, and 19 quarterback hits.
The Browns currently have the fifth-best odds of winning the AFC at +1000 and are +2000 to win the Super Bowl.
Indianapolis Brings In Nick Foles
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, it appears that the Indianapolis Colts are bringing in veteran quarterback Nick Foles on a two-year deal.
Now 33-years-old, Foles will serve as insurance to Matt Ryan with the Colts. Foles has spent the last two seasons in Chicago. Last year, he played in just one game, throwing for 250 yards and a touchdown.
The Colts are tied for the 12th-best odds of winning the Super Bowl at +2200.
Ravens Bring In Veteran Help In The Secondary
The Baltimore Ravens added some veteran help to their defense as they brought in former Pro Bowler Kyle Fuller to help in their secondary. The 30-year-old Fuller signed a one-year deal with Baltimore.
Fuller’s best season was back in 2018 with the Chicago Bears. That season, he had 55 tackles and seven interceptions for the Bears.
After six years with Chicago, he signed with the Denver Broncos last season but was not able to replicate his success. In 16 games, he had 51 tackles but did not have a single interception.
Now in Baltimore, Fuller will hope to have a fresh start in the area where he grew up.
Last season, the Ravens ranked 18th in scoring defense (23.1 points per game allowed) and dead last in passing yards allowed per game (278.9).
The Ravens are currently +2000 to win the Super Bowl, tied for the 10th-best odds.
