Cam Newton's 1-year contract with the Patriots has a base salary of $1.05 million and guarantees him $550,000, a source confirms. Newton can earn up to $6.45 million in incentives and per-game roster bonuses, and there is no provision that restricts the Patriots from assigning him the franchise tag in 2021. Jason LaCanfora of CBS Sports first reported the specific terms of Newton's deal.
The Bills have announced an option for season-ticket holder's to opt out of their commitment for the 2020 season, "with an option to return for the 2021 season while maintaining their account seniority and seat location." The team is also not charging or taking any additional season ticket payments until guidelines for the season are established.
Former Dolphins DC Bill Arnsparger named co-recipient of PFWA's Dr. Z Award -- a lifetime achievement for an assistant coach. Arnsparger was the mind behind the Dolphins defense for a decade in the 1970s and 1980s, including the No-Name D and Killer B's D.
Following the signing of Cam Newton, the Patriots have moved from No. 9 to No. 8 in FPI's rankings. The team they leapfrogged? Tampa Bay. New England is also now the AFC East favorite, with a 44% chance to win the division. The Bills previously were very narrow favorites.
NFL hands down harsh, precedent-setting penalties to Patriots.
Cam Newton's willingness to accept a modest, incentive-laden 1-year deal creates low-risk, high-reward situation for Patriots to pounce on. This isn't a reflection of how team views 2019 fourth-round pick Jarrett Stidham but, from this view, more of a chance to bolster the depth chart and increase the competition level at the game's most important position. If Newton turns back the clock to his 2018 level of performance, he will be tough to beat out. Stidham will have to earn it.
Bill Belichick couldn't beat Cam Newton, going 0-2 vs. the former Panthers quarterback, so he signed him to a 1-year deal. Seems like a good match for both parties.
The 49ers have signed both first-round picks — DT Javon Kinlaw and WR Brandon Aiyuk — to their four-year rookie contracts. The Niners now have four of five members of their draft class signed. Tight end Charlie Woerner is the only one unsigned.
Takeaways from Adam Gase's media call: Reinforces the company line: We love Jamal. We're not trading Jamal. But he won't say if they want to re-up with Jamal ... Says QB Joe Flacco is a quick study and will have positive impact on Sam Darnold ... Raves about RB Frank Gore. Says players will be "shocked" by how hard he practices ... Stays clear of definitive statements on social justice. Won't say if he will kneel ... Expects rookie WR Denzel Mims to contribute. How much, hard to say.
Among the shakeup this offseason former director of football operations Chris Pridy is now an assistant equipment manager. Pridy was a trusty and well-regarded assistant to previous head coaches dating back to Tom Coughlin.
Takeaways from Gregg Williams media call (non-Jamal Adams): "Outstanding" attendance in voluntary offseason program. Players "adapted well" ... High on Quinnen Williams: "People are going to see a big jump with his production and his play." ... Complimentary of Ashtyn Davis' hard road to NFL. Rookie can play both safety spots, man and zone and "he's not afraid to hit you." ... Rookie Jabari Zuniga projects as DE, can slide inside on passing downs.
Matt Rhule had a Hall of Fame cast speak to Carolina positon groups during offseason workouts. Brian Urlacher spoke to linebackers, Julius Peppers to defensive linemen, Ryan Clark to defensive backs and Joe Montana to quarterbacks. All virtually, of course.
Panthers coach Matt Rhule said he had an antibody test for COVID-19 as part of his routine physical and the result was negative. Also said he has a nice mask as the North Carolina governor mandated people must wear masks when going to public places.
Matt Rhule calls the decision for the Panthers to move on from mental health clinician Tish Guerin a personnel decision. He did not speculate on how that role would be filled. Guerin was one of the first in-house hires of her positon in the NFL.
Panthers coach Matt Rule says neither he nor his staff plan to return to the stadium until players are allowed in. Again rookies tentatively are scheduled to report on July 21.
Matt Rhule calls 30-year-old offensive coordinator Joe Brady a ‘'football grinder.'' Has nothing but good things to say about the NFL's youngest OC.
Matt Rhule says he would consider ‘'anything'' to support his players in their protest of social injustice. He said this when asked if he would kneel next to players who choose to during the national anthem.
Matt Rhule says tentatively Panthers' rookies are scheduled to show up for camp on 7-21 with vets scheduled for 7-28. He understands that could change but says having camp at the stadium will make for a controlled environment that will benefit social distancing.
Panthers coach Matt Rules opted not to comment on whether any players or staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.
Jets DT Quinnen Williams, who was arrested March 5 for carrying an unlicensed pistol at LaGuardia Airport, has a new court date — July 23, per the Queens County DA. The original date was March 25, but it was postponed due to COVID-19. His playing status for 2020 is not expected to be impacted by the case.
Jets OL coach Frank Pollack likes the "nasty" in rookie LT Mekhi Becton. "You want nasty guys on the field and gentlemen off," Pollack told reporters today. "He's a guy that fits that mold." Pollack called it "innate," adding that Becton must harness his aggressiveness to avoid penalties. In college, the massive Becton was known for tossing defenders. "A lot of fun to watch on tape," Pollack said. He said the best five OLM will start, adding there's competition at every spot.
Tom Brady and his Bucs teammates aren't breaking any laws by defying NFLPA guidelines about working out together, but it has some residents and local healthcare workers concerned about the example being set.
Pass 1: Browns go with PA and leave Fowler unblocked. Baker nearly gets killed but pass still gets completed for 10… https://t.co/yzt9upKJye
Pass 3: A screen for no gain (not pictured). Then a false start. Pass 4: Browns called for illegal shift. Aaron Do… https://t.co/SDerCM3vCg
Pass 2: Baker keeps on a run play and nobody's running a real route. He completes a pass, but the Browns have three… https://t.co/NeNjeBufBX
