Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown believes his team's offense can reach new heigh...

Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/82710" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/82710">Orlando Brown</a> believes his team's offense can reach new heights after giving lucrative contracts to wideouts <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161655" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161655">Ja'Marr Chase</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/115870" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/115870">Tee Higgins</a>."We're really special," Brown said on <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/orlando-brown-expecting-more-from-special-bengals-offense-following-ja-marr-chase-tee-higgins-extensions">NFL Network</a>. "I'm really proud of the way that we worked this offseason, just with the intent and focus from us as individuals, as players. Everything that the coaches threw at us, we were able to respond really well."I mean, I'm excited, man. At the end of the day, paying Tee and Ja'Marr, making them more comfortable, knowing that they're going to be able to go out there and sell out even more than they have in the past, I think it's only going to make us better, to be honest."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Bengals made Chase the highest-paid wide receiver in the league with a four-year, $161-million extension and handed Higgins a four-year, $115-million deal in March.Cincinnati finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs last campaign due to a slow start to the season. The Bengals won their final five games of the year, but it wasn't enough to secure a wild-card spot in the AFC.The offense wasn't to blame for the lackluster season, though - it ranked sixth in success rate and seventh in EPA/play, according to <a href="https://rbsdm.com/stats/stats/">Ben Baldwin's database</a>. Cincinnati's defense, on the other hand, finished 25th in points allowed per contest. The team made sweeping changes on that side of the ball this offseason, including firing longtime defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and replacing him with Al Golden."For us, I think the focus has been more on this year as opposed to last year and previous years," Brown said. "There's so many areas that we want to take the next step in. "I think at the end of the day, we know who we are, we know what our DNA is, especially as a team and as an offense. So, we have a ton of confidence in that. To me, I don't think it's necessarily gonna be a ton of carryover, although you think it would be."Brown, 29, has been Cincinnati's starting left tackle since 2023. He allowed three sacks and 20 pressures in 11 contests last year, according to <a href="https://premium.pff.com/nfl/players/2024/REGPO/orlando-brown-jr/46227/offense-pass-blocking">PFF</a>.

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 29: Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (75) during an NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Carolina Panthers on September 29, 2024 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte N.C.

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Bengals' Brown: We'll be better after Chase, Higgins got extensions

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia took a shot at the Big Ten, saying he had no interest in leavi...

Vanderbilt quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/176570" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/176570">Diego Pavia</a> took a shot at the Big Ten, saying he had no interest in leaving the Commodores and joining a team in the conference."You want to play with the best - you don't want to play with the Big Ten," Pavia said during an interview with the "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoaBycP4p3A">Bussin With The Boys</a>" podcast published Tuesday. "You ignore those calls. You know that."Pavia was granted another year of eligibility by a federal judge in December and made it clear he wanted to remain at Vanderbilt. However, the signal-caller revealed he had offers from other schools, including a $4-million NIL deal to join another SEC program.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"(In the Big Ten) you really only have four games a year," Pavia said. "The SEC, it's like week after week. You're going to get beat on. The Big Ten, you ain't going to get beat on with the Purdue, Nebraskas."He added, "The best pass rushers are from the SEC, except, like, Abdul Carter. You'll find one. You'll have one or two. If the kid from South Carolina (Dylan Stewart) could've left, he would've been a first-round pick."The Big Ten went 15-12 versus other conferences in 2024, while the SEC finished 20-11. However, the Big Ten produced four teams in the College Football Playoff, and the SEC fielded three.Pavia is set to enter his second season as the Commodores' starting quarterback after transferring from New Mexico State. He led Vanderbilt to a 7-6 record last year. The school didn't face any Big Ten programs.The 24-year-old also took aim at the Tennessee Volunteers, saying the Commodores will become the premier school in the state following this season."Vanderbilt's gonna run Tennessee after this year," Pavia said. "This is gonna be the new staple of college football. It's going to happen here at Vanderbilt."He added, "Everyone wants to come to Tennessee because of Nashville. ... Then, when we have, like, the most money in NIL, why not come here? So, we literally just have to win this year and throughout the rest of the year, and it'll take care of itself."Pavia completed 59.4% of his passes last season while throwing for 2,293 yards and 20 touchdowns.

BIRMINGHAM, AL - DECEMBER 27: Diego Pavia (2) of the Vanderbilt Commodores makes a pass during the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets game versus the Vanderbilt Commodores in the Birmingham Bowl on December 27, 2024 at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.

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Pavia rebuffed Big Ten interest, says Vandy will soon 'run' Tennessee

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has been impressed with the speed of newly acquired wi...

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has been impressed with the speed of newly acquired wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87611" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87611">Deebo Samuel</a>."Somewhere along the way, I'd forgotten until (he was) out here how fast he is," Quinn said, according to <a href="https://www.commanders.com/news/dan-quinn-deebo-samuel-kliff-kingsbury">team writer Zach Selby</a>."I can remember one time he just ran by somebody down the field on a deep ball, and I was like, 'Yeah, I forgot about that. So...it didn't surprise me, but it was maybe (that) I missed talking about it to that space because I was easily reminded, he's one of the fastest players on the team."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Washington sent a fifth-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers for Samuel in March. He spent the first six years of his career in the Bay Area after being selected in the second round of the 2019 draft.The 29-year-old is coming off arguably the worst year of his NFL tenure, totaling just 51 receptions for 670 yards and three touchdowns. He set career lows in catch percentage (63%), success rate (40.7%), and receiving yards per game (44.7).Samuel is projected to be the No. 2 wideout on the Commanders in 2025. The South Carolina product ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at the combine and can lineup all across the field on offense. He's racked up 202 rushing attempts during his six-year career. "He was such a difficult person to tackle that you spent so much time, 'How are you going to tackle this person?'" Quinn said. "And so, sometimes when you're playing against the receiver, you say, 'Man, you better either get him at the line or you better be on top of him.' With him, so many times there were so many runs after catch plays that we had a tackling plan, and how would you go about it?"Samuel's best season came in 2021 when he posted 1,405 receiving yards and 14 total touchdowns.

ASHBURN, VA - MAY 28: Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. during the first day of OTA's at Commanders Park in Ashburn, VA on May 28, 2025.

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Commanders' Quinn: Samuel 'one of the fastest players on the team'

The DC Defenders defeated the Michigan Panthers 58-34 to take home the 2025 UFL Championship on S...

The DC Defenders defeated the Michigan Panthers 58-34 to take home the 2025 UFL Championship on Saturday night.Michigan scored touchdowns on its first two possessions of the game, but the Defenders' offense was the story of this contest. DC put up points on its first six drives, including 37 in the first half.The Panthers cut the lead to 31-19 with less than a minute left in the opening half after a 71-yard touchdown, but the Defenders answered right back with a 70-plus yard score of their own.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>DC quarterback Jordan Ta'amu aired it out to wide receiver Ty Scott for a beautiful touchdown to go up 18 points at halftime.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
OH MY TA'AMU!!! 🔥🔥 TOUCHDOWN DEFENDERS!!!! 📺: ABC <a href="https://t.co/8ApqyS6H3R">pic.twitter.com/8ApqyS6H3R</a>— D.C. Defenders (@XFLDefenders) <a href="https://twitter.com/XFLDefenders/status/1934065166821343561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The Defenders continued their onslaught in the second half and effectively ended the contest after a touchdown midway through the third quarter made it 46-19.Ta'amu completed 21 of 28 passes for 388 yards and four touchdowns while adding one score on the ground. The 27-year-old was named the game MVP after his stellar performance.Panthers quarterback Bryce Perkins, who won the 2025 UFL regular season MVP award, finished the contest with 338 passing yards, four touchdowns and one interception.The Defenders and Panthers finished the regular season with 6-4 records.

ST. LOUIS, MO - JUNE 14: DC Defenders Head Coach Shannon Harris lifts the championship trophy for his team during the UFL Championship game with the Michigan Panthers versus the DC Defenders on Saturday June 14, 2025, at The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis MO

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Defenders destroy Panthers to secure 2025 UFL Championship

Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Alaric Jackson is dealing with blood clots, sources told NFL Ne...

Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/162098" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/162098">Alaric Jackson</a> is dealing with blood clots, sources told <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1933510345445834976">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a>.While there is a belief he'll play this season, there are questions about his status, Rapoport adds. The Rams added depth to their offensive tackle room by signing veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/61898" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/61898">D.J. Humphries</a> on Thursday.Jackson dealt with blood clots during the 2022 campaign that ultimately landed him on season-ending injured reserve after eight games. He signed a three-year, $57-million extension this offseason that locks him up through the 2027 campaign.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 26-year-old has been the Rams' primary starting left tackle over the last two campaigns. He allowed three sacks and 25 pressures in 583 pass-blocking snaps in 2024, according to <a href="https://premium.pff.com/nfl/teams/2024/REGPO/los-angeles-rams/offense-pass-blocking">PFF</a>.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 28: Offensive tackle Alaric Jackson #77 of the Los Angeles Rams stands on the sidelines during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, at SoFi Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Inglewood, California.

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Report: Rams' Jackson dealing with blood clots

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley feels confident about his abilities heading into ...

Philadelphia Eagles running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a> feels confident about his abilities heading into this season."I feel really good," Barkley told reporters after the first day of mandatory minicamp, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45460351/nfl-minicamp-live-updates-2025-news-notes-depth-charts">ESPN</a>. "I feel like I'm entering my prime."The 28-year-old is entering his second campaign with the Eagles after leaving their division rival, the New York Giants, in free agency.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Barkley racked up 436 carries in 20 total contests last season and set the NFL record for most rushing yards in a single campaign, including the playoffs. Philadelphia rewarded Barkley with a two-year, $41-million extension that locks him up through the 2028 season."The thing that drives me is the same thing that's driven me since I was a little kid," he said. "I've said this since I've gotten into the league, and I don't mean it in an arrogant way: I want to be the best running back to ever play, or at least one of the best running backs to ever play."The star rusher made headlines last week after saying he could retire "out of nowhere.""I'll probably just wake up one day, whether it's next year, two years, four (years), and just be like it's over," Barkley told former NFL defensive lineman Chris Long on the "<a href="https://x.com/greenlight/status/1930288897126232434">Green Light</a>" podcast."The competitive nature is always going to be there. My favorite player of all time is Barry Sanders, so probably similar to that. Maybe one day, like it'll be out of nowhere, I'll probably be ballin', and just be like, 'Yeah, call it quits.'"Sanders unexpectedly retired in 1999, one day before the Detroit Lions were set to open training camp. The NFL legend was just 1,457 rushing yards shy of breaking Walter Payton's all-time career rushing record.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 09: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Eagles defeated the Chiefs 40-22. (Kara Durrette/Getty Images)

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Eagles' Barkley: 'I feel like I'm entering my prime'

The Denver Broncos are signing running back J.K. Dobbins to a one-year, $5.25-million deal, sourc...

The Denver Broncos are signing running back J.K. Dobbins to a one-year, $5.25-million deal, sources told <a href="https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1932521931292442635">NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport</a>. Dobbins visited the Broncos last week. He was a Comeback Player of the Year finalist in 2024 after rushing for 905 yards and nine touchdowns with the Los Angeles Chargers in 13 contests. The 26-year-old was selected in the second round of the 2020 draft by the Baltimore Ravens and has battled multiple serious injuries since entering the league. He tore his ACL during the 2021 preseason and tore his Achilles in the 2023 season opener. Last season was the first time he's played double-digit contests since his rookie campaign. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Dobbins will join a Broncos running back room that includes rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210004" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210004">RJ Harvey</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/189873" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/189873">Jaleel McLaughlin</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199837" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199837">Audric Estime</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174165" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174165">Tyler Badie</a>.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 11: J.K. Dobbins #27 of the Los Angeles Chargers walks between plays during the second half of the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

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Report: Broncos signing Dobbins to 1-year, $5.25M deal

Saints defensive lineman Cam Jordan is advocating for New Orleans to trade for New York Giants qu...

Saints defensive lineman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/18252" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/18252">Cam Jordan</a> is advocating for New Orleans to trade for New York Giants quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/64259" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/64259">Jameis Winston</a>."Jameis?" Jordan said on the <a href="https://x.com/UpAndAdamsShow/status/1932111707884736591">"Up &amp; Adams"</a> show when asked what veteran signal-caller he'd like his team to acquire. "There's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/12258" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/12258">Russell (Wilson)</a> over there, they got <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/209911" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/209911">Jaxson Dart</a>. My guy Jameis, come on down."It makes a lot of sense ... I'm going all-in. Jameis as the veteran quarterback. Come on over."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Winston, 31, was teammates with Jordan from 2020-23, when he primarily served as the Saints' backup quarterback.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199980" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199980">Spencer Rattler</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188302" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188302">Jake Haener</a>, as well as rookies <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210047" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210047">Tyler Shough</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/211423" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/211423">Hunter Dekkers</a>, are currently battling to be New Orleans' starting signal-caller. Both Rattler and Haener started last season for the Saints.Derek Carr retired in early May due to a labral tear in his shoulder that resulted in significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff.Winston signed a two-year, $8-million deal with the Giants in free agency. The Giants also signed Wilson to a one-year contract and selected Dart in the first round of April's draft.Winston spent the 2024 season with the Browns, going 2-5 in seven starts with 2,121 passing yards and 13 touchdowns.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 29: Jameis Winston #5 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Huntington Bank Field on December 29, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Cam Jordan wants Saints to trade for Giants' Winston

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders has been at his home estate in Texas and absent from the team's...

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders has been at his home estate in Texas and absent from the team's summer football camps due to an unspecified health issue, according to <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2025/06/09/deion-sanders-health-colorado-football-camps/84121273007/">USA Today's Brent Schrotenboer</a>.Running the camps is reportedly one of the duties listed in his contract. Sanders was in attendance for the camps during his first two years as Colorado's head boss. He also canceled a speaking engagement for The Foundation for Sickle Cell Health Research, scheduled for June 8 in Florida, according to Schrotenboer. NBA Legend Magic Johnson is listed as his replacement.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Sanders posted a message on social media Wednesday thanking everyone for the well wishes. <figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Wow, I am truly blessed for the abundance of well wishes, for all the thoughts and all of the prayers. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! 🙏🏾 I can assure you all that everything is OKAY and will continue to be so. God got me like no other. I have so much more work to do to Glorify…— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeionSanders/status/1932784976916894149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The 57-year-old underwent surgery in June 2023 to relieve blood clots in both of his legs. He'd been dealing with the issue since 2021 when he was the head coach at Jackson State.Sanders signed a five-year, $54-million extension in March that locks him up as Colorado's coach through the 2029 season. He holds a 13-12 record through two seasons since taking the head coaching job.

BOULDER, CO - APRIL 19: Head coach Deion Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes walks on the field during the Black and Gold Spring Game at Folsom Field on April 19, 2025 in Boulder, Colorado.

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Report: Deion away from Colorado camps due to unspecified health issue

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye says he's already established a great relationship wi...

New England Patriots quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199741" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199741">Drake Maye</a> says he's already established a great relationship with newly signed wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/65482" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/65482">Stefon Diggs</a>."He seems like an awesome teammate," Maye told reporters Monday, according to <a href="https://x.com/985TheSportsHub/status/1932180884872217036">98.5 The Sports Hub</a>. "He's my locker mate, one down from beside me. We talk all the time. He's a veteran in this league. He's made a lot of plays, played in a lot of big-time games. Just an awesome voice for the receiver room, for this offense."The Patriots handed Diggs a three-year, $69-million deal in free agency earlier this offseason. He sparked <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3292848" href="https://thescore.com/news/3292848">controversy</a> a couple of weeks ago after a video surfaced showing him passing a bag of pink crystals while on a boat. Head coach Mike Vrabel declined to comment whether he spoke with Diggs about the incident.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Diggs spent the 2024 campaign with the Houston Texans after a four-year run with the Buffalo Bills. He's rehabbing the torn ACL he suffered in October, but he's participated in some drills during OTAs."He's played in some playoff games. He's had some big games," Maye added. "Once he recovers, and he's getting back out there, I'm looking forward to being able to throw him some footballs. It's always good having a guy like that on your team."The 31-year-old Diggs is expected to be Maye's top target for the 2025 season. New England struggled to get production from the wide receiver position last season, as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188239" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188239">DeMario Douglas</a> led the group with only 621 receiving yards.Diggs has earned four Pro Bowl nominations during his 10-year career. He has 10,491 receiving yards and 70 touchdowns in 144 career games.

Foxborough, MA - June 2: New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs stretches during an OTA offseason workout at Gillette Stadium on June 2, 2025.

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Patriots' Maye: Diggs 'seems like an awesome teammate'

The Cincinnati Bengals are releasing linebacker Germaine Pratt, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pe...

The Cincinnati Bengals are releasing linebacker Germaine Pratt, sources told <a href="https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1932107509378191572">NFL Network's Tom Pelissero</a>.Pratt reportedly requested a trade in February. The 28-year-old was heading into the final season of a three-year, $20.5-million deal signed in 2023. Cincinnati will save $5.6 million in cash and cap space for the 2025 season by releasing him, <a href="https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1932108637327307114">Pelissero adds</a>.The Bengals selected Pratt in the third round of the 2019 draft. He's been a key pillar of Cincinnati's defense in recent years, having started 79 games over the last five campaigns.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Pratt had arguably the best season of his career in 2024, finishing 10th in the NFL with 143 tackles while adding six defended passes, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.Two defensive players for the Bengals requested trades this offseason. Along with Pratt, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/72083" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/72083">Trey Hendrickson</a>, who led the league in sacks last year, asked to be dealt due to a contract dispute. Hendrickson said publicly he won't play the 2025 season without a new contract.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 20: Germaine Pratt #57 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on October 20, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Report: Bengals to release Pratt

Chicago Bears wideout Rome Odunze believes he's learned the ins and outs of playing wide receiver...

Chicago Bears wideout <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199761" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199761">Rome Odunze</a> believes he's learned the ins and outs of playing wide receiver in the NFL, and he's ready to improve on his rookie campaign."It’s a different game than college football," Odunze said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6408256/2025/06/09/rome-odunze-bears-offseason-practices/">The Athletic's Jayna Bardhal</a>. "There are different windows, different ways to get open, and there’s a different pace that you have to get adapted to. Having a full season under my belt, I feel like I’m aware of those things."I can now play the game freely in a way that I know where I need to be, when I need to be there."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Washington product ranked third in receiving yards on the team behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97110" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97110">D.J. Moore</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/44826" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/44826">Keenan Allen</a>. Chicago struggled to produce a consistent passing game in 2024, ranking 25th in EPA/pass play and 30th in passing success rate, according to <a href="https://rbsdm.com/stats/stats/">Ben Baldwin's database</a>. The Bears hired head coach Ben Johnson as their next head coach after he enjoyed a terrific run as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator."I think Ben and crew have great offensive minds," Odunze said. "I feel like they can help put me in positions to succeed, and that's all I can ask for."He added: "I just turned 23. I don't have many things to focus on other than getting better. ... I've got to get out there and make plays and get the job done regardless."The Bears finished last in the NFC North last season with a 5-12 record. They'll kick off their 2025 campaign against the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 8.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 16: Rome Odunze #15 of the Chicago Bears looks on prior to a game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Bears' Odunze: 'I know where I need to be' after rookie season

The Baltimore Ravens have signed wide receiver Rashod Bateman to a contract extension, the team a...

The Baltimore Ravens have signed wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161658" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161658">Rashod Bateman</a> to a contract extension, the team announced Thursday. It's a three-year, $36.75-million deal with $20 million guaranteed, according to <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1930618880667295790">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>. The contract locks Bateman up through the 2029 season."Rashod made a big jump last year, and we are excited to watch him this season," general manager Eric DeCosta said in a <a href="https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/rashod-bateman-signs-contract-extension-2025-ravens">team statement</a>. "He's a young playmaker who is an important piece of our offense. Congratulations to Rashod and his family!"<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bateman had the best season of his career last year, recording 45 receptions for 756 yards and nine touchdowns on 72 targets. It was the first time he was healthy for every regular-season contest. Bateman's 16.8 yards per reception ranked third in the league behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174038" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174038">Alec Pierce</a> and Jameson Williams. He was also the only player to average over 16 yards per catch and record at least nine touchdowns.The 25-year-old entered the league as a first-round pick in 2021 out of Minnesota. He has 1,923 yards and 13 scores in 51 career games.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 11: Rashod Bateman #7 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a touchdown during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Wild Card Playoff at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Ravens sign Bateman to reported 3-year, $36.75M extension

Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees insists the starting quarterback competition is...

Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees insists the starting quarterback competition is wide-open heading into mandatory minicamp next week."You can see them all winning the job, I think, right?" Rees told reporters. "And so in terms of the competition, we're so early in the process. "We're so early in evaluating that. Yeah, I think, you know, we have a good group of guys that continue to push one another, and by the time September rolls around, we'll be ready to go."<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/2945" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/2945">Joe Flacco</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/173994" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/173994">Kenny Pickett</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/209984" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/209984">Dillon Gabriel</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210099" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210099">Shedeur Sanders</a> form the quartet competing for the starting job. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/84667" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/84667">Deshaun Watson</a>, who's the highest-paid player on the team, is scheduled to miss most or all of the 2025 season due to a torn Achilles.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Flacco has the most experience of the four and started five games for Cleveland in 2023. Pickett, 26, is a former first-round pick and was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles for a fifth-rounder in March.Gabriel and Sanders were both selected in this year's draft. Sanders was the only quarterback of the group who didn't see first-team reps during Wednesday's practice, according to <a href="https://x.com/DanielOyefusi/status/1930311774168821768">ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi</a>.However, the 23-year-old Sanders went viral for throwing a beautiful touchdown pass.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Shedeur dot <a href="https://t.co/vFJrufeaUA">pic.twitter.com/vFJrufeaUA</a>— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielOyefusi/status/1930305815639982538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"He's worked his tail off. He's really put in a lot of work, as all those guys are," Rees said of Sanders. "You can tell on the mental side of the game and learning the system, calling it, and having that rhythm to it, he's put a lot of work, time, and effort into that."When you do that, the game starts to slow down, and you can focus on finding completions. He's done a nice job of that as camp has progressed."The Browns will open their season Sept. 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

BEREA, OHIO - JUNE 04: Joe Flacco #15 and Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns laugh during Cleveland Browns OTA offseason workouts at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 04, 2025 in Berea, Ohio.

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Browns OC: Any of our 4 QBs can win starting job

Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams guaranteed a win over Vanderbilt in 2025 after falling to the...

Alabama wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/195809" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/195809">Ryan Williams</a> guaranteed a win over Vanderbilt in 2025 after falling to the Commodores last season in a stunning 40-35 upset."Going into this game, we don't call them revenge games, we're going to kill an ant with a sledgehammer this year," Williams told Barstool Sports' Jon Gruden, per <a href="https://x.com/On3sports/status/1929935468927263156">On3</a>.Vanderbilt quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/176570" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/176570">Diego Pavia</a> <a href="https://x.com/On3sports/status/1930077577382654095">responded</a> to Williams' comments on Instagram with a screenshot of Gucci Mane lyrics that reads, "They actin' like they tough but don't want no confrontation."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Pavia excelled in the early October contest, completing 16 of 20 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns while adding 56 yards on the ground. The signal-caller then went viral for <a href="https://x.com/awfulannouncing/status/1842714846569103367">exclaiming</a>, "Vandy, we're f-----g turnt" during a postgame interview.Alabama's loss came just one week after the Crimson Tide defeated Georgia 41-34 in one of the best games of the 2024 college football season."Man, they just played a better football game than us that game," Williams added about losing to Vanderbilt. "We came out slow, and they capitalized. They held the ball, they had their game plan, and they executed it."Alabama will host Vanderbilt on Oct. 4.

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 12: Ryan Williams #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a touchdown reception to Germie Bernard #5 against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 12, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

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Ryan Williams eyes revenge on Vandy: 'Gonna kill an ant with a sledgehammer'

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald shut down the idea that Sam Darnold could lose the sta...

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald shut down the idea that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/98048" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/98048">Sam Darnold</a> could lose the starting signal-caller job leading up to the season opener."No, you guys are crazy," Macdonald told <a href="https://x.com/SeattleSports/status/1929961030580613502">Brock Huard and Mike Salk of Seattle Sports</a>. "I respect that you've got to ask it, but it's just a crazy question. It's just not going to happen. Sam's our starting quarterback. We love him. He's doing a tremendous job."During the first OTA practice open to reporters, Darnold had an up-and-down day that included multiple interceptions during a seven-on-seven period in the red zone, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45445004/seahawks-mike-macdonald-scoffs-notion-sam-darnold-start">ESPN's Brady Henderson</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Seattle signed Darnold to a three-year, $110.5-million contract just a few days after trading signal-caller <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/13368" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/13368">Geno Smith</a> to the Las Vegas Raiders. Darnold was the Minnesota Vikings' starter in 2024 and led the club to a 14-3 record.Darnold threw for a career-best 4,319 yards with 35 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions in the regular season. Out of 32 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranked ninth in success rate and 14th in EPA/play, according to <a href="https://rbsdm.com/stats/stats/">Ben Baldwin's database</a>.However, the 2018 third overall pick struggled in the wild-card round, turning the ball over twice with a 13.6 quarterback rating en route to a 27-9 loss against the Los Angeles Rams.Darnold wasn't the only quarterback Seattle added this offseason. They spent a third-round pick on dual-threat signal-caller <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210035" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210035">Jalen Milroe</a> and signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/98893" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/98893">Drew Lock</a> to a two-year deal."I think it's funny that the media is out there for like the first day and they know exactly how good we're going to be," Macdonald added. "God forbid you're the worst payer of all time because you made one bad throw or one bad decision. That is not what we're trying to build."Seattle will open its season against the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 7.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 30: Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings and NFC throws a pass during the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Skills Showdown on January 30, 2025 at the UCF Campus in Orlando, Florida.

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Seahawks' Macdonald: Darnold not losing starting job

Free-agent wide receiver Gabe Davis is scheduled to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, so...

Free-agent wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/115240" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/115240">Gabe Davis</a> is scheduled to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, sources told <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1929894678880506145">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>. The Jacksonville Jaguars released Davis in May after signing him to a three-year, $39-million deal in 2024. He struggled in his lone season with the Jaguars, totaling only 20 receptions for 239 yards and two touchdowns. Davis also missed the final six games of the season due to a knee injury.Pittsburgh has been looking for additional pass-catchers, according to Schefter. The club has <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1930019275307184131">reportedly</a> had conversations with the Miami Dolphins about trading for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/74834" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/74834">Jonnu Smith</a> as the tight end seeks a new contract.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Steelers have been reworking their wide receiver room this offseason. They sent a second-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111570" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111570">DK Metcalf</a> and signed the wideout to a five-year, $150-million contract. Two months later, Pittsburgh dealt <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174055" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174055">George Pickens</a> to the Dallas Cowboys for multiple picks.The Buffalo Bills drafted Davis in the fourth round in 2020. His best season came in 2022 when he hauled in 48 catches for 836 yards and seven touchdowns.

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 15: Gabe Davis #0 of the Jacksonville Jaguars takes the field prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at EverBank Field on September 15, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida.

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Report: Free-agent WR Davis to visit Steelers this week

Star running back Saquon Barkley believes his Philadelphia Eagles are prepared to repeat as Super...

Star running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a> believes his Philadelphia Eagles are prepared to repeat as Super Bowl champions."We've got guys coming in and buying in, training really hard, competing at a high level," Barkley told <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1929861952924270991">NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Brian Baldinger</a>. "The young guys that we drafted and the people we brought in, they're buying into the culture right from the beginning."He added, "Success is not an accident. We know the recipe. We know what it takes. We can't skip any steps to get to where we want to get to ... With the talent that we have and the coaches that we have, we'll be in a good position."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Eagles finished the regular season with a 14-3 record. They won 16 of their final 17 games, including four playoff contests, culminating in a dominant Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.Barkley enjoyed one of the best seasons from a running back in recent memory. After signing a three-year deal in free agency, he rushed for a league-leading 2,005 yards on 345 attempts with 15 total touchdowns.The 28-year-old added 499 rushing yards in the playoffs, setting a single-season combined rushing record with 2,504 yards. The Eagles rewarded Barkley for his stellar campaign with an extension that makes him the league's highest-paid running back. He was also announced as the cover athlete for Madden 26 on Monday."It was a hell of a year. It was a year that you dream about," Barkley said. "It was a year that you train for. The beauty of it is you have an opportunity to do it again.""That's what the mindset kind of shifts to is learn from it, and even though you had a great year, there's so many plays and so many things I can continue to improve on. You've got to be obsessed with the little details and locking into taking your game to another level."The New England Patriots (2003, 2004) and Chiefs (2022, 2023) are the only franchises to repeat as champions since 2000. Philadelphia will begin its title defense in the NFL's season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 4.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 09: Saquon Barkley (26) of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates on the field after Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Eagles defeated the Chiefs 40-22.

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Eagles' Barkley: 'We know the recipe' to repeat as champions

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow took the blame for his team missing the playoffs last s...

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97638" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97638">Joe Burrow</a> took the blame for his team missing the playoffs last season."If I had played even better, we wouldn't have been in that spot that we were in. I just focus on getting better myself, and I feel like everyone in the locker room feels the same way," Burrow said, according to <a href="https://www.bengals.com/news/how-joe-burrow-is-working-on-an-even-better-encore-to-one-of-nfl-s-great-years-some-people-might-be-happy-with-that-season">team reporter Geoff Hobson</a>.Cincinnati finished the season 9-8 and in third place in the AFC North. The Bengals won their final five games of the season, but it wasn't enough to secure a wild-card spot after a 4-8 start.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Burrow had arguably the best year of his career since entering the NFL as the first overall pick in 2020. He led the league in completions (460), attempts (652), passing yards (4,918), and touchdown passes (43) while throwing only nine interceptions. The Bengals' defense struggled throughout the season, finishing 25th in points allowed per game and 29th in touchdowns surrendered. Cincy also ranked 27th in EPA/play while racking up only 36 sacks.Cincinnati's offense carried the team despite Burrow being sacked 48 times. The unit scored 27.8 points per game with a 48.1% success rate, both of which ranked seventh in the league."If I go out there and play better than I did last year, then it doesn't matter what goes on anywhere else," Burrow said. The Bengals parted ways with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo after he held the job for the last six seasons. They replaced him with Al Golden, who was the defensive coordinator for Notre Dame since 2022.

CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 28: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals walks across the field before the game against the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Bengals' Burrow: We would've made playoffs in 2024 if I played better

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur dismissed the idea that quarterback Jordan Love regress...

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur dismissed the idea that quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/104659" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/104659">Jordan Love</a> regressed last season."I think there's like a narrative out there for whatever reason that he wasn't as productive as the year before ... Well, he missed significant time. He missed the better of three games," LaFleur said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6390915/2025/05/30/packers-matt-lafleur-jordan-love-2024/">The Athletic's Matt Schneidman</a>."Three games is a significant amount of time, and you're not going to produce as much from a numbers perspective ... and also, let's be honest - we've talked about this - we did have a lot of drops last year."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He added, "I mean, 'What is a step back?' is what I'd ask," he said. "You know what I mean? Everybody has different opinions."Love suffered a knee injury late in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, which sidelined him for multiple contests. He also played limited time in the final game of the year as Green Bay rested starters before the playoffs.The 26-year-old finished the campaign with 3,339 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Packers pass-catchers had 33 drops - tied for the third most in the league.Love's first season as the Packers' full-time starting quarterback in 2023 produced better numbers. He ranked fifth in the league among 30 qualifying signal-callers in EPA/play while tossing for 4,159 passing yards and 32 touchdown passes."Like I said, everybody has opinions, things like that. Try to block that out and focus on doing me and being the best player I can be, like I've talked about, and go forward," LaFleur said."But at the end of the day, personal stats, things like that, that's all in the back. You gotta focus on the goals of the team, first and foremost."Green Bay drafted Love in the first round in 2020.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 5: Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and Jordan Love #10 high five before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 5, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions beat the Packers 34-31.