NFL rumors: Latest news, buzz around free agency, trades, training camp
The NFL draft is long gone and free agency is winding down, but despite a general lull in organized team activities, the NFL rumor mill is still buzzing.
The deadline to sign franchise tagged players to long-term contracts has passed and the league turns its attention to training camp. Team camps open up later this month and the remaining free agents will look to find new homes. Teams expected to contend once again will see if their strengths appear to be carrying over to next season, while teams looking to turn around losing efforts will see what they have.
What’s the latest? Check back often as we update below with all the latest scoops, including transactions, news and rumors.
• MORE NFL: Off-season report cards | Players to watch during training camp
July 17
• Wide receiver Brandon Marshall said that the Jets will be his final team. He tweeted, "If I'm cut tomorrow, I'll retire. This will be my last team.” Marshall, 31, signed a three-year, $26 million contract with the Jets in May after New York acquired him from the Bears.
• Contract extension talks between quarterback Russell Wilson and the Seahawks will likely end when training camp begins, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Wilson's agent, Mark Rodgers, has a history of putting unofficial deadlines on contract negotiations before his players hit free agency. The Seahawks report to camp on July 30.
• The Steelers signed Cameron Heyward to a six-year, $59.25 million contract, making him the 11th-highest paid defensive end in the NFL, according to Spotrac.com. The 2015 season will be Heyward's fifth with the Steelers after they selected him in the first round of the 2011 draft.
July 16
• Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis is still looking for a new team after being released by the Eagles last month. “Exactly what my options are aren’t as clear as they will be in a week or two,” Mathis told CBS Radio.
• Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson still doesn’t have a contract extension and didn’t offer much of an update in an interview at the ESPYs on Wednesday. “I love Seattle, it's a great city,” Wilson said. “I'm going to play my butt off every day. That's all I know, and we'll see what happens.”
• The Giantswaived wide receiver Marcus Harris on Wednesday. Harris went in for what was supposed to be a minor knee procedure in June but doctors discovered the injury was more severe than anticipated and he had microfracture surgery, NJ.com’s Jordan Raanan reports. Texans pass rusher Jadeveon Clowneyhad the same procedure last year. It typically requires at least five or six months of recovery time.
• Patriots offensive lineman Dan Connollyannounced his retirement on Thursday after 10 NFL seasons, citing health concerns.
• California governor Jerry Brown signed a bill into law requiring that any cheerleader who works for a professional sports team in the state receive the minimum wage, workers' compensation and other benefits.
• The 2016 NFL Draft will be held April 28-30, the league announced Wednesday, but a location has not yet been chosen.
