Across the nation, sports have come to a screeching halt due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the news is still plentiful in the NFL. Teams are still actively pursuing free agents and preparing for the upcoming draft. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the news from around the league from this past week.
NFL Draft Still On Schedule
The NFL finds itself in a unique position being the only major sport in the United States not currently in season. With that in mind, Roger Goodell and the owners have let their offseason play out, which has resulted in a frenzy of moves over the last week or so.
Still, with as busy as the NFL has been, there were some expectations that the NFL draft could be moved, given that team facilities have shut down, player visits have been canceled, and a myriad of other concerns that have limited the preparation that front offices typically do.
That does not appear to be the case, though, as Goodell sent out a memo a few days ago that the draft will “go forward as scheduled on April 23-25, 2020.” There are certainly changes to the draft this year to help promote safety.
For instance, the selections will be held in a studio setting where they will go live to the different headquarters of the teams selecting. Furthermore, all of the draft events that were scheduled to be held in Las Vegas have been canceled. Thus, if you are an NFL fan, you will get a bit of sports in your life later this month, but it will likely look different than you have ever seen.
Darby, Redskins Agree To Deal
The Washington Redskins are bringing in veteran Ronald Darby to help solidify their cornerback position. Darby is signing a one-year deal worth $4 million.
When healthy, Darby has been a solid cornerback option but has struggled to stay on the field. Over the last three seasons, all with the Philadelphia Eagles, Darby has averaged just over nine games per season.
Last year, in 11 games, Darby had 37 tackles and two interceptions. Still just 26, the Redskins are hoping that he can put his injury history behind him and help head coach Ron Rivera rebuild the defense.
Dak, Cowboys Back At Negotiating Table
It seems like a foregone conclusion that Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys will likely end up agreeing on a long-term deal, but to this point, no deal has been finalized. The Cowboys had come to him with an aggressive deal (one that would pay him $33 million per year) and instead forced the Cowboys to use their franchise tag on him (paying him the same amount).
Still, it appears that Dak wants to be the league’s highest-paid quarterback, meaning the Cowboys would have to surpass the $35 million average annual value of Russell Wilson’s contract in Seattle. It appears that he may get his wish.
ESPN’s Ed Werder reported that the two sides were negotiating again, and it appears that it will result in a deal. While that hasn’t happened as of this writing, it doesn’t appear to be far off.
Last year, with Dallas, Prescott threw for 4,902 yards, 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also rushed 52 times for 277 yards and another three touchdowns. Despite a solid season, the Cowboys still finished the year with a record of just 8-8.
Jets Sign Wide Receiver Perriman
The New York Jets lost one of their top receivers when Robby Anderson agreed to a deal with the Carolina Panthers. It appears, though, that they have found who they hope can be his replacement. The Jets signed wide receiver Breshad Perriman to a one-year, $6 million contract that includes incentives.
After an inconsistent start to his career, Perriman had a nice season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year. In total, he had 36 receptions for 645 yards and six touchdowns. The Jets are hoping with even more opportunities for touches that Perriman might be able to bud into a number one in New York.
