Sports across the country are preparing to return to play as the NBA, MLB, and NHL are all slated to return over the next month. Since the pandemic started, the NFL has had the luxury of sitting back and enjoying the fact they were already in their offseason, meaning very little risk to the cancellation of games.
Just weeks away from their training camps, though, risk is starting to grow, but the NFL is still optimistic of a season and planning accordingly. As NFL teams prepare for the upcoming season, news is still swirling around the league. Let’s take a look at some of the major stories over the last week.
Chris Jones Signs Extension with Chiefs
According to Chris Mortensen of ESPN, the Kansas City Chiefs and defensive tackle Chris Jones have agreed to a new four-year deal. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal is worth four years and $85 million (with $60 million in guaranteed money). Fresh off signing Patrick Mahomes to a massive extension that could be worth up to a half a billion dollars, the Chiefs have added another big contract to their salary cap.
For Chris Jones, he certainly earned it. Last season with the Chiefs, he had 36 tackles, 9 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery in just 13 games.
The Chiefs were already the favorites to win this upcoming season’s Super Bowl at +650 (according to FanDuel.com), but this helps to ensure that they will be a threat to win the next several Super Bowls.
FanDuel also has the moneyline set at +6,000 for Jones to win this upcoming season’s AP Defensive Player of the Year award.
Kelvin Harmon Tears ACL
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, Washington has lost one of its promising receivers as Kelvin Harmon suffered a torn ACL during workouts.
Last season, as a rookie, Harmon played in 16 games (8 starts) and hauled in 30 receptions for 365 yards. While it was a relatively modest total, it showed a lot of promise for the 23-year-old sixth-round pick. Now, Harmon will have to wait until 2021 to try to build on that rookie season as he will miss this entire year.
Justin Simmons Signs Franchise Tender with Broncos
Despite wanting a long-term deal, it appears that Denver Broncos’ safety Justin Simmons is content playing out a one-year franchise tender, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Holding to his word, Simmons did not intend to holdout for a new deal and will honor the franchise tender.
Still, in the long run, Simmons is hoping that he can turn another solid season into a big payday. For now, though, he will be content plying the one season for just under $13 million.
Last season, Simmons had 93 tackles and four interceptions. The Broncos are hoping the 26-year-old can put up another solid season. According to FanDuel.com, they currently stand at +6,000 to win the Super Bowl this year. Individually, Simmons is currently at +10,000 to take home the AP Defensive Player of the Year award.
Chargers’ Roderic Teamer Suspended
According to Field Yates of ESPN, second-year safety Roderic Teamer of the Los Angeles Chargers has been suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. The undrafted free agent out of Tulane last year played in 7 games (6 starts) for the Chargers and amassed 40 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 interception in 39% of the defensive snaps last year.
Given the stellar secondary in place for the Bolts, it was likely that Teamer was just going to be a depth piece for the Chargers this year, but before he can do so, he will have to wait out the first four games. According to FanDuel.com, the Chargers currently sit at +3200 to win the Super Bowl this year.
