Linebacker says risk of head injury not worth it Chris Borland, 24, of the San Francisco 49ers walks away from big money "to do what's best for my health." Studies suggest that the hard knocks of football can lead to debilitating head injuries. More
This year's draft heavy on size, light on glamour This year's NFL draft is heavy on size and light on glamour. There's no high-profile quarterback destined to go No. 1 and instantly become the face of a downtrodden franchise. There's not even a running back or wide receiver worthy of the top overall pick, someone with the kind of swagger that wins over fans weary of losing. More
Packers ink Matthews to lucrative long-term deal Clay Matthews has signed a long-term extension with the Packers, as first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the five-year, $66 million deal will make Matthews the NFL’s highest paid linebacker. Matthews, a four-time Pro Bowl pick, was scheduled to make $3.73 million in the final year of his contract, but he was expected to receive an offer valued around $13 million per year, similar to the NFL’s highest-paid linebacker, the Cowboys’ DeMarcus Ware. More
Steelers receiver Emmanuel Sanders signs Patriots' offer sheet The NFL restricted free-agent market is active once again. Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders has signed an offer sheet with the New England Patriots, his agent Jordan Woy confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. More
The long-anticipated addition of Russell Westbrook to the Denver Nuggets roster is … almost official.
The former MVP has signed a contract that will make him the Nuggets’ second free-agent signing of the summer, according to a report from The Athletic’s Shams Charania. The deal is for two years and $6.8 million, according to The Athletic, with the second year a player option.
Westbrook came off the bench for the Los Angeles Clippers last season, averaging 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists on 45.4% shooting from the field.
Attendance
Did not practice: Physically Unable to Perform list — S Caden Sterns (knee), S Delarrin Turner-Yell (knee) and LB Drew Sanders (Achilles). Non-Football Injury list — RB Blake Watson (muscle strain). Out — OLB Nik Bonitto, OL Nick Gargiulo. Dropped out — S Brandon Jones (hamstring)
Payton told reporters after practice that Jones “tweaked” his hamstring and was being evaluated.
Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II views himself as the top cornerback in the league, and rightfully so. At some point, Denver will likely have to pay him as such.
Surtain is eligible for a contract extension, which could make him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in NFL history. His teammate and fellow 2021 draft pick Quinn Meinerz landed a lucrative extension before camp, but Surtain said Friday that he doesn’t have a set date on when he wants a deal to get done.
Cal Quantrill has been everything the Rockies hoped he’d be. Tenacious, effective, and unafraid of the beast known as Coors Field.
But don’t expect the 29-year-old right-hander to be part of the Rockies’ long-term future. However, there is a chance Quantrill could be moved before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
According to major league sources, the Rockies have received phone calls about Quantrill but no firm offers yet.
Training camp gets long fast and then short quickly.
The grueling part of the Broncos’ schedule is here. The team’s on the field 10 of 11 days through next week. At some point, it will undoubtedly feel like Groundhog Day.
Still, waypoints are not far ahead.
The pads come on Monday.
Denver’s first preseason game is Aug.
Heading into the biggest fight of his life, Curtis Blaydes is ignoring all the naysayers.
With heavyweight champion Jon Jones holding out for a matchup against Stipe Miocic, does Blaydes’ interim heavyweight title bout against Tom Aspinall mean as much? Should Blaydes be mentioned in the same breath as Jones, who is perhaps the greatest fighter ever?
Blaydes, a Golden resident, doesn’t care about those storylines.