The Dallas Cowboys explored trading for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman before acqu...

The Dallas Cowboys explored trading for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161658" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161658">Rashod Bateman</a> before acquiring <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174055" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174055">George Pickens</a>, <a href="https://x.com/Schultz_Report/status/1920937064628908419">Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports</a> reports.However, trade talks with the Ravens didn't go far, Schultz added.The Cowboys <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3282027" href="https://thescore.com/news/3282027">traded</a> a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round selection to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for Pickens and a 2027 sixth-rounder earlier this week.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Dallas spent months searching for another receiver to pair with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/120335" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/120335">CeeDee Lamb</a> before finalizing the Pickens deal after the draft, Schultz reported.Bateman was a major weapon for the Ravens in 2024, finishing second on the team in receiving yards (756) and receiving touchdowns (nine) while tallying the third-most receptions (45). He scored two more touchdowns in the playoffs.The 25-year-old wideout's previous career high for touchdowns in a season was two.Bateman is slated to help form a potent receiver trio alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188142" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188142">Zay Flowers</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/46606" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/46606">DeAndre Hopkins</a> for quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97162" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a> and the Ravens next season.He has 138 receptions, 1,923 yards, and 13 touchdowns across four campaigns with Baltimore, though he missed most of the 2022 season because of injury.Bateman has two years left on his current deal, including a $5.1-million cap hit for 2025. The Ravens selected him with the 27th pick in the 2021 draft.

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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Report: Cowboys pursued Ravens' Bateman before acquiring Pickens

Robert Saleh is back with the San Francisco 49ers, and he says he didn't consider taking any othe...

Robert Saleh is back with the San Francisco 49ers, and he says he didn't consider taking any other team's defensive coordinator job."I have a tremendous amount of respect for this organization. ... If you think about those first two years as the coordinator in '17 and '18, it wasn't easy," Saleh <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5pZcCPo34I&amp;ab_channel=SanFrancisco49ers">told reporters</a> Thursday. "And it could have been very easy for them to move on for me."I'm indebted to this organization, to those men, for the rest of my life. They stuck with me, and we made it happen. We did what we needed to do, and the rest is history. I'm excited about the opportunity to get a chance to do it again with them."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Saleh spent three-plus seasons as the head coach of the New York Jets before the franchise fired him in October. He finished with a 20-36 record and zero playoff appearances. The 46-year-old said he's bringing a new perspective to his second stint in San Francisco."Obviously, I've gone through the head coaching stuff, and you learn a lot going through that," Saleh said. "But I'm happy to be back in this chair, where you get to coach a little bit more football and not deal with all the administrative stuff that comes with being a head coach."He first joined the 49ers when Kyle Shanahan was hired as head coach in 2017, serving as DC until taking the Jets' top job in 2020. The Saleh-coached 49ers defense peaked in 2019 when San Francisco ranked second in yards allowed and reached Super Bowl LIV.Saleh said he's bringing "a lot of really cool concepts" to this iteration of his defense, marrying ideas from his Jets tenure with new strategies to battle emerging offensive trends."You're always trying to stay two years ahead of offense," Saleh said.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh on the field against the Kansas City Chiefs prior to Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 2, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

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Saleh didn't consider other DC jobs: 'I'm indebted to' 49ers

George Pickens is looking to move forward after being traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174055" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174055">George Pickens</a> is looking to move forward after being traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Dallas Cowboys earlier this week."I'm where I'm at right now. I can't look into the past," Pickens said during his introductory press conference Thursday, according to <a href="https://x.com/NickHarrisFWST/status/1920565286832369998">Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram</a>.Dallas <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3282027" href="https://thescore.com/news/3282027">acquired</a> Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick from the Steelers on Wednesday in exchange for a 2026 third-round selection and a 2027 fifth-rounder.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 24-year-old wideout said "business" is what led to his exit from Pittsburgh, according to <a href="https://x.com/toddarcher/status/1920579722502689025">ESPN's Todd Archer</a>.However, Pickens declined to elaborate on the split or address speculation that maturity concerns played a role."I can't change anyone's opinion," Pickens said, per <a href="https://x.com/NickHarrisFWST/status/1920567992032600477">Harris</a>. "Personally, I just continue to grow. ... I'm just trying to build a winning culture, which they already have at the Cowboys. I'm just glad to be joining."Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said last season that Pickens needed to "grow up in a hurry" after he received multiple unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Rival defenders have also admitted that provoking Pickens is part of their strategy due to his reputation for having a short temper.Despite entering the final year of his rookie deal, Pickens said he's focused on making the most of this upcoming season rather than contract negotiations."I'm kind of where my feet are right now, to be honest," Pickens <a href="https://x.com/NickHarrisFWST/status/1920567356230648203">said</a>. "I'm not thinking about contract talk. I'm glad to be here with the Cowboys."Pickens joins All-Pro receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/120335" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/120335">CeeDee Lamb</a> in Dallas, a pairing he says will "be good for me and him.""Schematically, you can't double everybody," Pickens <a href="https://x.com/NickHarrisFWST/status/1920564473804230749">said</a>.He also praised quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/50470" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/50470">Dak Prescott</a>, who he said was among the first Cowboys to contact him following the trade."Just watching his game over the years, he's a very prolific quarterback. Smart quarterback at that," Pickens said, per <a href="https://x.com/toddarcher/status/1920566449304731866">Archer</a>.Pickens has 174 receptions, 2,841 yards, and 12 touchdowns across three NFL seasons, all with Pittsburgh. He led the league in yards per catch (18.1) in 2023.

LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 13: Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) walks off the field after a NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers a d the Las Vegas Raiders on October 13, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV.

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Pickens focused on helping Cowboys, not Steelers exit

New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is "super excited" to play alongside No. 3 pick Abd...

New York Giants edge rusher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174003" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174003">Kayvon Thibodeaux</a> is "super excited" to play alongside No. 3 pick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/209913" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/209913">Abdul Carter</a>."I think (Carter's) a great player. We can use him in a lot of different ways," Thibodeaux said Tuesday, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45031211/giants-thibodeaux-excited-not-worried-top-pick-carter">ESPN's Jordan Raanan</a>. "I'm excited to see him come in and grind and (see) what we're going to get."They'll also be teaming up with two-time Pro Bowler <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/110192" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/110192">Brian Burns</a>, who's coming off an 8.5-sack campaign in his first season with the Giants. Thibodeaux described the outside linebacker trio as "tweeners" due to their versatility.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"If you look at my skill set, Brian's skill set ... Brian can rush inside. I can rush inside," Thibodeaux said. "He can rush from depth. I can rush from depth, being at that linebacker position. So can Abdul."We'll see how they mix it up. But we'll all be on the field at some point."There was some speculation that New York could trade Thibodeaux after selecting Carter. But the Giants instead picked up the fifth-year option on Thibodeaux's contract, tying him to the franchise through the 2026 campaign."It's another step. For me, it's just more fuel," Thibodeaux said. "Definitely blessed and humbled to be in a position to have another year in the league. ... I'm super blessed, super excited, energized. We have a great team, and we'll go do some good things."Thibodeaux has averaged just over eight sacks per season across three years in New York after the franchise drafted him with the fifth pick in 2022. He tallied a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2024 while starting every game. Thibodeaux missed time this past season with a wrist injury.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 26: Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the New York Giants rushes the passer during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on September 26, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Giants' Thibodeaux 'super excited' to form pass rush with Carter

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is still undecided on whether he'll undergo surgery on ...

New Orleans Saints quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/22061" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/22061">Derek Carr</a> is still undecided on whether he'll undergo surgery on his injured throwing shoulder, but he's expected to make a decision soon, a source told <a href="https://x.com/SlaterNFL/status/1919900237096735006">NFL Network's Jane Slater</a>.Carr has met with the Saints' team doctor in recent weeks and is exploring his options, but he hopes to avoid surgery, Slater adds.The 34-year-old passer could reportedly miss the entire 2025 campaign due to a shoulder injury he suffered last season. There was confusion about the nature and cause of Carr's injury due to its timing as it was first reported in April, four months after his last game action.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Carr reportedly believes he suffered the injury in Week 14 last season against the New York Giants, the same contest in which he injured his left wrist. Carr missed the rest of the campaign after exiting that game early.However, he didn't notice the shoulder injury until he started throwing again this spring in his ramp-up for offseason work, Slater reports.Carr <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3276896" href="https://thescore.com/news/3276896">recently</a> criticized those questioning the legitimacy and timing of his injury, saying he has the "MRI report to prove it" and that he's been in constant communication with New Orleans about the situation.The Saints drafted quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210047" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210047">Tyler Shough</a> in the second round of last month's NFL draft after Carr's injury became public. New Orleans also has <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> on its QB depth chart.The team restructured Carr's contract in March for salary-cap reasons, converting a significant portion of his 2025 salary into a signing bonus. That made it unlikely the Saints would move on from him this offseason for financial reasons.The veteran quarterback is set to have a $69-million salary-cap hit in 2026 after New Orleans reworked his deal, according to <a href="https://overthecap.com/player/derek-carr/2975">Over the Cap</a>.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 13: Derek Carr #4 of the New Orleans Saints reacts against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game at Caesars Superdome on October 13, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Report: Saints' Carr undecided on shoulder surgery

Washington will host the 2027 NFL Draft at the National Mall in D.C., the league announced Monday...

Washington will host the 2027 NFL Draft at the National Mall in D.C., the league announced Monday.Denver also submitted a bid to host the 2027 draft.Washington recently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3276138" href="https://thescore.com/news/3276138">reached a deal</a> to return the franchise to D.C., with a new stadium planned to open in 2030. The team has played in Maryland since the 1997 season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>It's the latest move in a dramatic franchise turnaround since Josh Harris took over as owner in 2023. The Commanders made the NFC Championship Game last season for the first time in 33 years after drafting star quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199756" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199756">Jayden Daniels</a> and hiring head coach Dan Quinn.This year's event took place in Green Bay, while Pittsburgh is set to host the 2026 draft.

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - APRIL 24: A general view of the video board on stage with the Washington Commanders 29th pick during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

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Washington to host 2027 NFL Draft

Sovereignty pulled away from race favorite Journalism down the stretch to win the 151st Kentucky ...

Sovereignty pulled away from race favorite Journalism down the stretch to win the 151st Kentucky Derby on a muddy track at Churchill Downs.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
SOVEREIGNTY RULES THE 151st KENTUCKY DERBY! 🌹 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KyDerby?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KyDerby</a> <a href="https://t.co/WfLBrG4Zv4">pic.twitter.com/WfLBrG4Zv4</a>— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSports/status/1918805905916744130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Sovereignty and jockey Junior Alvarado were neck and neck with Journalism and its jockey Umberto Rispoli before pulling away as the finish line approached.Rounding out the top three were Journalism and Baeza, the latter of which entered the field this week after Rodriguez was scratched. Final Gambit and Owen Almighty finished fourth and fifth, respectively.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Sovereignty had the fourth-lowest pre-race odds at 9-1. The morning-line favorite hasn't won the event since 2018.It's trainer Bill Mott's second career Kentucky Derby win after Country House won by disqualification at the 2019 Run for the Roses, the last time the Kentucky Derby was run amid rainy conditions.Here's how the $2 bets paid out based on the results Saturday: <figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>No.</th>
<th>Horse</th>
<th>Win</th>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Show</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>18</td>
<td>Sovereignty</td>
<td>$17.96</td>
<td>$7.50</td>
<td>$5.58</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Journalism</td>
<td></td>
<td>$4.94</td>
<td>$3.70</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td>Baeza</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>$8.38</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>And here's how the exotic wagers paid out: <figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th>Combo</th>
<th>Payout</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>$2 Exacta</td>
<td>18-8</td>
<td>$48.32</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>$1 Trifecta</td>
<td>18-8-21</td>
<td>$231.12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>$1 Superfecta</td>
<td>18-8-21-3</td>
<td>$1682.27</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>All 19 horses that ran in this year's race are descendants of 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat, according to sports business reporter <a href="https://x.com/JoePompliano/status/1918687263338189052">Joe Pompliano</a>.The 150th Preakness Stakes is the next Triple Crown event May 17 in Baltimore.

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - MAY 03: Jockey Junior Alvarado celebrates atop of Sovereignty #18 after winning the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 03, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky.

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Sovereignty pulls away to win Kentucky Derby

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen acknowledged retirement is a strong possibility foll...

Carolina Panthers wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/72566" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/72566">Adam Thielen</a> acknowledged retirement is a strong possibility following the 2025 campaign."It could be, yeah," Thielen said when asked if next season could be his last, per <a href="https://x.com/josephperson/status/1918303621193609450">The Athletic's Joe Person</a>. "I told you guys at the end of the season, like every year, you look back and you say, 'Hey, what left do I have to give to this game?'"I talked to my family, and they wanted me to keep playing. ... I'm not going to think about that right now. I'm gonna focus on being the best football player I can possibly be, and you have to have that mindset in this league."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Thielen turns 35 in August. He's entering his third season as a Panther after spending the first several years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings.The two-time Pro Bowler signed a three-year contract to join Carolina in 2023. The Panthers reportedly reworked his deal earlier this offseason to give him a pay raise for the 2025 season.Thielen said that although he's "definitely winding down" his career, he's excited about what Carolina can accomplish this season.Despite going 5-12 in 2024, Carolina's offense found its footing down the stretch following quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188155" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188155">Bryce Young</a>'s return to the starting role, particularly with the former No. 1 pick's connection with Thielen.Thielen led the Panthers in receiving yards for the second straight season despite missing seven contests due to a hamstring injury. He has 151 receptions, 1,629 yards, and nine touchdowns across 27 games with Carolina.The Panthers have continued to invest resources in improving Young's weapons this offseason, most notably using the eighth overall pick in this year's draft to select Arizona receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/209929" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/209929">Tetairoa McMillan</a>. The team previously took wideout <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199750" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199750">Xavier Legette</a> in the first round last year.Carolina also signed former Las Vegas Raiders receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/91051" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/91051">Hunter Renfrow</a> after he spent a year away from football <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3279270" href="https://thescore.com/news/3279270">while being treated</a> for ulcerative colitis.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 22: Adam Thielen #19 of the Carolina Panthers warms up prior to a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Panthers' Thielen says 2025 season 'could be' his last

The Saskatchewan Roughriders took Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke in the third round of the 202...

The Saskatchewan Roughriders took Indiana quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210200" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210200">Kurtis Rourke</a> in the third round of the 2025 CFL Draft.Rourke is unlikely to play in the CFL this season after being <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3257572" href="https://thescore.com/news/3257572">selected</a> in this year's NFL draft, going in the seventh round to the San Francisco 49ers.He was the second quarterback drafted after the Winnipeg Blue Bombers selected Laurier's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3277705" href="https://thescore.com/news/3277705">Taylor Elgersma</a>, who's also generating NFL interest. The CFL Scouting Bureau <a href="https://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/28/elic-ayomanor-vaults-to-top-spot-in-spring-edition-of-cfl-scouting-bureau/">ranked</a> Rourke the second overall player this year behind Stanford receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210119" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210119">Elic Ayomanor</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 24-year-old is the younger brother of BC Lions star passer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///cfl/players/204567" href="https://thescore.com/cfl/players/204567">Nathan Rourke</a>. Kurtis is currently recovering from offseason ACL surgery but is expected back for 49ers training camp later this summer.The Oakville, Ontario, native led Indiana to its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance last season and was named to the All-Big Ten second team. Rourke went 10-2 as a starter and completed 69.4% of his passes for 3,042 yards and 29 touchdowns against five interceptions.He won the 2024 Jon Cornish Trophy as the best Canadian player in NCAA football, an honor his brother earned in 2017 and '18.Rourke began his college career at Ohio in 2019 as a backup to his brother. He won the MAC Most Valuable Player award in 2022 during his second year as the team's starter. Rourke transferred to Indiana in 2024 after five seasons with the Bobcats.

SOUTH BEND, IN - DECEMBER 20: Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke (9) passes the ball during the CFP First Round game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on December 20, 2024 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana.

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Roughriders take Indiana QB Rourke in CFL draft

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers selected Laurier quarterback Taylor Elgersma in the second round of the...

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers selected Laurier quarterback Taylor Elgersma in the second round of the 2025 CFL Draft.Elgersma won last year's Hec Crighton Trophy as the most outstanding player in U Sports football and helped Laurier capture the Yates Cup as OUA champions.He was rated the second-best quarterback and 14th overall player by the <a href="https://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/28/elic-ayomanor-vaults-to-top-spot-in-spring-edition-of-cfl-scouting-bureau/">CFL Scouting Bureau</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The London, Ontario, native is generating interest from NFL teams after becoming the first Canadian QB ever to participate in the Senior Bowl, playing alongside prospects from American schools earlier this year. He also took part in Buffalo's pro day in March.Elgersma has received more than a dozen offers from NFL teams to attend rookie minicamp this year, including the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills, sources told <a href="https://3downnation.com/2025/04/26/canadian-qb-taylor-elgersma-invited-to-rookie-mini-camps-with-green-bay-packers-buffalo-bills/">3DownNation's Justin Dunk</a>. The 23-year-old passer had a prolific four-year career with the Golden Hawks, completing 72% of his passes for 10,230 yards and 76 touchdowns against 28 interceptions.Franchise legend <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///cfl/players/62356" href="https://thescore.com/cfl/players/62356">Zach Collaros</a> has led Winnipeg to five straight Grey Cup appearances but is turning 37 during the 2025 season. The Blue Bombers' quarterback depth chart also features <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///cfl/players/197580" href="https://thescore.com/cfl/players/197580">Chris Streveler</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///cfl/players/197563" href="https://thescore.com/cfl/players/197563">Terry Wilson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///cfl/players/208432" href="https://thescore.com/cfl/players/208432">Jake Dolegala</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///cfl/players/208764" href="https://thescore.com/cfl/players/208764">Shea Patterson</a>.Winnipeg used its first-round selection on Wyoming linebacker Connor Shay.

KINGSTON, CANADA - NOVEMBER 23: Taylor Elgersma #13 of Laurier Golden Hawks looks on during the second quarter against the Laval Rouge et Or during the 2024 Vanier Cup at Richardson Memorial Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

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Blue Bombers draft Laurier QB Elgersma

The Calgary Stampeders selected former Utah and Syracuse wide receiver Damien Alford with the fir...

The Calgary Stampeders selected former Utah and Syracuse wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/152890" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/152890">Damien Alford</a> with the first overall pick in the 2025 CFL Draft.The Montreal native spent the 2024 season with the Utes after playing his first four collegiate seasons with the Orange.Alford was rated the seventh-best prospect in the spring <a href="http://www.cfl.ca/2025/04/28/elic-ayomanor-vaults-to-top-spot-in-spring-edition-of-cfl-scouting-bureau/">CFL Scouting Bureau rankings</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He also accepted an invitation to attend the Kansas City Chiefs' rookie minicamp this summer and turned down offers from other NFL teams, sources told <a href="https://3downnation.com/2025/04/27/canadian-receiver-damien-alford-accepts-rookie-mini-camp-invite-from-kansas-city-chiefs/">3DownNation's Justin Dunk</a>.The 6-foot-5, 224-pound wideout ran a blazing 4.46 40-yard dash at this year's Big 12 pro day. He didn't participate in the CFL combine.Alford recorded 67 receptions for 1,291 yards and seven touchdowns during his time at Syracuse. He failed to record a catch in 2024 after transferring to Utah. The 23-year-old originally planned to transfer to Florida Atlantic for the 2025 season before re-entering the CFL draft.Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson said the team is trying to surround new quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///cfl/players/208653" href="https://thescore.com/cfl/players/208653">Vernon Adams Jr.</a> "with as many weapons as possible," according to <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/talent/cfl/salim-valji-damien-alford-ready-to-work-with-stampeders-qb-vernon-adams-jr-1.2297855">TSN's Salim Valji</a>."Vernon loves big receivers," Dickenson added.Alford joins a receiving corps that features <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///cfl/players/170896" href="https://thescore.com/cfl/players/170896">Reggie Begelton</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///cfl/players/174450" href="https://thescore.com/cfl/players/174450">Jalen Philpot</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///cfl/players/208726" href="https://thescore.com/cfl/players/208726">Dominique Rhymes</a>, among others.Calgary last had the top pick in the 2014 draft.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 25: Damien Alford #5 of the Syracuse Orange lines up during the fourth quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at JMA Wireless Dome on November 25, 2023 in Syracuse, New York.

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Stampeders select Damien Alford with No. 1 pick in CFL draft

The Atlanta Falcons apologized to Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders after one of defen...

The Atlanta Falcons apologized to Cleveland Browns quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210099" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210099">Shedeur Sanders</a> after one of defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich's sons was revealed to be responsible for a prank phone call to Sanders during the draft.The Falcons said in a statement Sunday that Ulbrich's 21-year-old son, Jax, obtained the confidential phone number from an iPad at his parents' house, and the coordinator was unaware of his son's actions until afterward."The Atlanta Falcons do not condone this behavior and send our sincere apologies to Shedeur Sanders and his family, who we have been in contact with to apologize to, as well as facilitate an apology directly from Jax to the Sanders family," the Falcons <a href="https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1916584444015546444">said</a> in a statement.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>While waiting to hear his name called, Sanders received a call from an unidentified friend of Jax, who falsely introduced himself as New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and said the team would select Sanders with its next pick.Sanders responded that he'd "been waiting" to hear from him amid his unexpected free fall in the draft."You're going to have to wait a little bit longer, man," the caller said before hanging up on Sanders.Sanders was visibly confused after the call. The Saints then drafted Louisville's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210047" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210047">Tyler Shough</a> with the 40th selection. Sanders, 23, later said the phone he was using was sent to him specifically for the draft and that only NFL teams knew its number."On Friday night, I made a tremendous mistake. Shedeur, what I did was completely inexcusable, embarrassing, and shameful," Jax said in an Instagram story accessed by <a href="https://x.com/Schultz_Report/status/1916587617061163061">Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz</a>.New Indianapolis Colts tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/209918" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/209918">Tyler Warren</a> also received a prank call during the draft when the New York Jets were on the clock with the seventh overall pick, according to <a href="https://x.com/Schultz_Report/status/1916539506099978524"> Schultz</a>.Philadelphia Eagles defensive back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199825" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199825">Cooper DeJean</a> had a similar experience during last year's draft. He said he was pranked several times before the Eagles selected him with the 40th overall pick."It is what it is. I think, of course, it is childish," Sanders said during his introductory press conference with the Browns, according to <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/the-shedeur-sanders-prank-call-raises-a-question-who-leaked-the-phone-number">Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio</a>. "Of course, I feel like it was a childish act, but everybody does childish things here and there."Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski called the situation "sad," according to team broadcaster <a href="https://x.com/AndrewSiciliano/status/1916206703269339193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1916206703269339193%7Ctwgr%5Ec44a7390705f992877868ae12ea09acc0fa63373%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.si.com%2Fnfl%2Fbrowns-kevin-stefanski-rips-morons-prank-called-shedeur-sanders-draft-fall">Andrew Siciliano</a>."People are morons," he said.The Browns selected Sanders in the fifth round with the 144th overall pick. He had been viewed as a likely first-round pick by analysts and fans entering the draft. He was the sixth quarterback taken and the second by Cleveland after the team drafted <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/209984" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/209984">Dillon Gabriel</a> in Round 3.It's unclear why Sanders dropped so far, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3275397" href="https://thescore.com/news/3275397">he acknowledged</a> afterward that he could've gone about the pre-draft process "a different way."

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Shedeur Sanders #QB13 of Colorado speaks at the podium during the 2025 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 28, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Son of Falcons DC behind Shedeur prank call

The Jacksonville Jaguars shocked the NFL world by trading up to draft Travis Hunter second overal...

The Jacksonville Jaguars shocked the NFL world by trading up to draft <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/209912" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/209912">Travis Hunter</a> second overall - and they're already making it clear how they plan to use the dynamic two-way star.General manager James Gladstone said the team will start Hunter at wide receiver while creating a package of plays for him to also ease into the cornerback position. His role on defense will increase from there if all goes well."Guess which side of the ball our head coach comes from?" Gladstone said with a laugh Thursday, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6307043/2025/04/24/nfl-draft-2025-jaguars-travis-hunter-trade/">The Athletic's Michael Silver</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Jacksonville hired Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen this offseason after a disappointing 4-13 campaign. Coen was the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season and will call plays for the Jaguars this year."It's an organizational effort, and we have a plan," Coen said. "We're excited about all the things he can do, and he's the kind of guy we want to have in our building."Hunter won the Heisman Trophy at Colorado last season while playing offense and defense full time. He said throughout the draft process that he wants to continue playing both sides of the football. The NFL hasn't had a true two-way player in decades."Let's make history," owner Shad Khan told Gladstone before the GM made the deal to acquire the second overall selection.Jacksonville <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3274284" href="https://thescore.com/news/3274284">traded</a> the fifth overall pick, a second-round selection, a fourth-round pick, and a 2026 first-rounder to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for the No. 2 pick, a fourth-round selection, and a sixth-rounder.Khan said the volume and value of the team's picks enabled Jacksonville to feel comfortable taking a big swing on a unique talent. Only two teams had more draft picks than the Jaguars' 10 this year, and the cumulative value of their picks ranked No. 1 entering the draft, according to <a href="https://www.tankathon.com/nfl/power_rankings">The Harvard Sports Analysis Collective</a>."We've been great at stockpiling picks," Khan said. "And when it gets right down (to) it, what do you have to show for it? We need difference-makers. That's what we got."Gladstone has a long history of being a part of an aggressive front office after spending nearly a decade with the Los Angeles Rams.Los Angeles went seven years without a first-round selection from 2017-23 due to consistently trading future picks to either move up in the draft or acquire proven stars. Rams GM Les Snead famously wore a shirt with "F--- them picks" written on it at Los Angeles' Super Bowl parade in 2022."I've probably got some familiarity with the '(F---) them picks' sort of process," Gladstone said with a laugh. "So, for our fans, I'll tell you, don't be scared. This is something I'm uniquely positioned to navigate, and we ended up bringing Travis Hunter to Jacksonville."And with that, he is somebody who is deserving of a first-round draft pick as a wide receiver, and he is worthy of a first-round draft pick as a corner. Certainly look forward to each of those elements showing themselves over the next few years."

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - APRIL 24: Wide Receiver/Cornerback Travis Hunter of Colorado celebrates after being selected second overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

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Jaguars GM: Hunter will start at WR, ease into CB

Quarterback Jalen Milroe surprised some by accepting an invite to attend the 2025 NFL Draft despi...

Quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/162849" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/162849">Jalen Milroe</a> surprised some by accepting an invite to attend the 2025 NFL Draft despite not being viewed as a surefire first-round pick.However, the Alabama product said appearing at this week's event in Green Bay was an opportunity he couldn't pass up, no matter where he's selected."It's not about being drafted in the first round; it's about hearing my name called," Milroe said Thursday during an appearance on <a href="https://x.com/SiriusXMNFL/status/1915492187850035632">SiriusXM NFL Radio</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Milroe added, "It's a dream come true to be a part of the draft. Despite if I go first round or second round, I'll still be able to experience walking the stage and being here. ... It's just an accomplishment that I'll always cherish forever."He's one of 15 players attending the draft, including presumptive top pick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/152938" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/152938">Cam Ward</a> and two-way star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/179519" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/179519">Travis Hunter</a>.Milroe wasn't selected in the first round in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3264290" href="https://thescore.com/news/3264290">theScore's final mock draft</a>.

NORMAN, OKLAHOMA - NOVEMBER 23: Quarterback Jalen Milroe #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide smiles before a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Norman, Oklahoma.

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Milroe: Attending draft about 'hearing my name called,' not going 1st round

The Cleveland Browns are believed to have made cornerback Greg Newsome II and defensive end Ogbo ...

The Cleveland Browns are believed to have made cornerback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161656" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161656">Greg Newsome II</a> and defensive end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/76458" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/76458">Ogbo Okoronkwo</a> available for trade ahead of Thursday night's NFL draft, sources told <a href="https://x.com/Schultz_Report/status/1915432310213595499">Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz</a>.The Browns have 10 picks in this year's draft, including the second overall selection. Cleveland is expected to use the No. 2 pick on wide receiver/cornerback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/179519" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/179519">Travis Hunter</a> or pass-rusher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/171484" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/171484">Abdul Carter</a>, adding a top prospect to either Newsome or Okoronkwo's respective position group.Browns general manager Andrew Berry <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3269477" href="https://thescore.com/news/3269477">said</a> he views Hunter primarily as a wide receiver, though the team would allow him to play both sides of the ball.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Newsome, a 2021 first-round pick, is entering the final year of his rookie contract after the Browns exercised his fifth-year option. The soon-to-be 25-year-old was moved to the slot corner position in 2023 as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174052" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174052">Martin Emerson</a> took the starting boundary spot opposite Pro Bowler <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97659" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97659">Denzel Ward</a>. Newsome missed the final four contests last season because of injury.Okoronkwo has recorded 7.5 sacks across two seasons in Cleveland after previous stops with the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Rams.The Browns extended star defensive end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87669" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87669">Myles Garrett</a> this offseason and added former Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass-rusher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161660" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161660">Joe Tryon-Shoyinka</a> on a one-year deal in free agency.

DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 02: Greg Newsome II #0 of the Cleveland Browns intercepts a pass during the second quarter in the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on December 02, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

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Report: Browns' Newsome, Okoronkwo believed to be on trade block

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones teased that Dallas is working on multiple moves sur...

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones teased that Dallas is working on multiple moves surrounding this week's NFL draft."We're looking at two things that could happen before or after the draft. Two pretty substantive trades, been working on today," Jones told reporters Tuesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/NickHarrisFWST/status/1914743399338365334">Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram</a>.The Cowboys hold 10 picks in the 2025 draft, including the 12th overall selection.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Dallas has been active this offseason despite not making a huge splash. The team added several veterans through trades and free agency on short-term deals, including pass-rusher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/65947" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/65947">Dante Fowler Jr.</a>, linebacker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/114858" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/114858">Kenneth Murray</a>, and running backs <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161816" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161816">Javonte Williams</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/109486" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/109486">Miles Sanders</a>.The Cowboys also traded for cornerback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/173981" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/173981">Kaiir Elam</a> and quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199912" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199912">Joe Milton</a>.The franchise is negotiating a long-term deal with star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161667" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161667">Micah Parsons</a>, who's entering the final year of his rookie contract. Parsons <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3267090" href="https://thescore.com/news/3267090">was in attendance</a> for the start of the voluntary portion of Dallas' offseason program, but the two sides remain apart in negotiations."Believe me, if we could sign Micah to a number we wanted to sign him to, we'd do it right now," executive vice president Stephen Jones said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44802354/jerry-jones-says-cowboys-working-substantive-trades">ESPN's Todd Archer</a>. "But right now, there's a difference in what we feel like is the right number and what he feels like is the right number."

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 10: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones walks the field prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.

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Jerry Jones: Cowboys working on '2 pretty substantive trades'

Quarterback Brock Purdy is in attendance for the start of the San Francisco 49ers' voluntary offs...

Quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174189" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174189">Brock Purdy</a> is in attendance for the start of the San Francisco 49ers' voluntary offseason program Tuesday amid his ongoing contract negotiations, according to <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1914700738216825057">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>.Meanwhile, star tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/72637" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/72637">George Kittle</a>, entering the final year of his deal, isn't present as the two sides remain far apart in extension talks, <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1914700811457692145">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero</a> report.Linebacker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89985" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89985">Fred Warner</a>, who has two seasons left on his contract but is reportedly looking for a new deal, was also in attendance Tuesday, per <a href="https://x.com/mattbarrows/status/1914732692425597263">Matt Barrows of The Athletic</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Purdy was one of the league's least expensive players as the last pick of the 2022 draft, but he's expected to sign a lucrative extension this offseason that will make him one of the NFL's highest-paid quarterbacks. Purdy will likely earn more than $50 million per season on his forthcoming deal, according to <a href="https://x.com/MikeSilver/status/1914387397590286818">The Athletic's Michael Silver</a>.San Francisco's decision-makers have maintained that they want to keep the 25-year-old passer long term. Team CEO Jed York <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3255731" href="https://thescore.com/news/3255731">said</a> earlier in April that he didn't think the team was far apart in contract talks with Purdy.Several 49ers starters left the organization this offseason, including <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87611">Deebo Samuel</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/162089">Talanoa Hufanga</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/98910">Dre Greenlaw</a>, and <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/68677">Javon Hargrave</a>. York said the team had to make "sacrifices" in anticipation of paying Purdy top-of-the-market money.Meanwhile, Kittle is entering the final season of the five-year, $75-million extension he signed with San Francisco in 2020. The 31-year-old is projected to cost the 49ers $22 million against the salary cap in 2025, per <a href="https://overthecap.com/player/george-kittle/5732">Over the Cap</a>. Kittle is coming off his third straight All-Pro season and the fifth of his career.San Francisco finished 6-11 in 2024, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 25: Brock Purdy #13 talks to George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers in action during a game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at Levi's Stadium on December 25, 2023 in Santa Clara, California.

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Report: Purdy present, Kittle absent as 49ers' offseason program begins

The New York Jets are picking up the fifth-year options on cornerback Sauce Gardner, wide receive...

The New York Jets are picking up the fifth-year options on cornerback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/173983" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/173983">Sauce Gardner</a>, wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/173982" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/173982">Garrett Wilson</a>, and pass-rusher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/173984" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/173984">Jermaine Johnson</a>, general manager Darren Mougey announced Monday, according to <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1914313085461946845">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a>.New York selected the trio in the first round of the 2022 draft (Gardner fourth overall, Wilson 10th, and Johnson 26th). They're entering the fourth season of their respective NFL careers and are now under contract through the 2026 campaign.Gardner's fifth-year option is worth $20.1 million, while Wilson will earn $16.8 million and Johnson will get $13.4 million, per <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1914313646294945867">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Gardner was immediately one of the sport's best defenders upon entering the league. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year and was selected as a first-team All-Pro in each of his first two seasons. Gardner had a down year in 2024, with <a href="https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/sauce-gardner/100903">PFF</a> grading him as the NFL's 47th-ranked cornerback.Wilson has led New York in receptions and receiving yards in all three years of his career and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2022. Wilson had a career-high 101 receptions, 1,104 yards, and seven touchdowns this past season.Johnson was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2023 as an alternate after tallying 7.5 sacks in his sophomore season. He tore his Achilles in Week 2 in 2024 and missed the rest of the campaign.The Jets are looking to end their league-worst 14-year playoff drought under a new regime in 2025. New York hired Aaron Glenn to be its head coach, Mougey as general manager, and signed quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161671" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161671">Justin Fields</a> after releasing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/747" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/747">Aaron Rodgers</a>.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 19: Sauce Gardner #1 of the New York Jets and New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) visit on set of the TNF on Prime postgame show after an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Jets exercise 5th-year options on Gardner, Wilson

The Atlanta Falcons are asking teams interested in trading for Kirk Cousins to cover a significan...

The Atlanta Falcons are asking teams interested in trading for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/14947" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/14947">Kirk Cousins</a> to cover a significant portion of the veteran quarterback's remaining contract.Atlanta is requesting any acquiring team cover $20 million of the $45 million left in guarantees on Cousins' deal, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2025/insider/story/_/id/44715900/2025-nfl-draft-notes-intel-buzz-adam-schefter-first-round-picks-teams-shedeur-sanders#cousins">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>.Teams looking to add a quarterback are unlikely to meet that price but could be willing to cover as much as $10 million depending on where the top QB prospects land in this week's NFL draft, Schefter adds.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>It's unclear what draft pick compensation Atlanta has been asking for in addition to salary relief.Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot has said publicly that the team is comfortable keeping Cousins as the backup to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199749" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199749">Michael Penix Jr.</a> but would entertain trade offers for the veteran. Cousins holds a no-trade clause.Cousins struggled mightily before his late-season benching in his first year with the Falcons in 2024. He went 7-7 as a starter and threw a career-high 16 interceptions.The 36-year-old said after the season that he was dealing with shoulder and elbow injuries during a stretch in which he threw one touchdown against nine interceptions across five contests. He entered the campaign coming off a ruptured Achilles in his final year with the Minnesota Vikings.Cousins earned a $10-million guarantee for 2026 by remaining a Falcon through last month's roster bonus deadline. Atlanta was widely expected to release him before the deadline.He's now set to earn a total of $100 million guaranteed from the Falcons after signing with the franchise as a free agent in 2024, per <a href="https://overthecap.com/player/kirk-cousins/1443">Over the Cap</a>.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 08: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Falcons 42-21.

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Report: Falcons' trade talks for Cousins contingent on salary relief

Top running back prospect Ashton Jeanty likened his potential impact in the NFL to that of Philad...

Top running back prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/172507" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/172507">Ashton Jeanty</a> likened his potential impact in the NFL to that of Philadelphia Eagles superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a>."Most people, they watched the Eagles win the Super Bowl a couple of months ago, they watched Saquon run through everyone in the playoffs, and they thought to themselves, 'This is amazing,'" Jeanty wrote in a piece <a href="https://www.theplayerstribune.com/ashton-jeanty-nfl-draft-football-boise-state">The Players' Tribune</a> published Wednesday."I watched it, and I thought something different. I thought, 'That can be me.'"<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Barkley's 2024 season was one of the greatest campaigns ever by a running back. He became the ninth rusher in history to top 2,000 yards in a season and was named Offensive Player of the Year. Barkley also set NFL records for the most rushing yards and the most scrimmage yards in a season, including regular season and playoffs."If you pick me, it's simple: I'm coming to your franchise to do what Saquon and the Eagles just did," Jeanty wrote. "I'm coming to win, big, soon. It's TACKLE football. ... I'd draft the guy they can't tackle."Jeanty was the Heisman Trophy runner-up in 2024 after leading college football in rushing yards (2,601) and touchdowns (29) with Boise State. The 21-year-old won the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back and was named a unanimous All-American."I truly believe I was born to do this. And I truly believe what makes me different - it isn't about the position I line up at. It's about the mindset I bring to it," Jeanty wrote. "Those 11 dudes on defense ... they're on a football field playing football."Me - in my mind? I'm still in the backyard with my friends, playing 'no one can touch me.'"The Chicago Bears selected Jeanty 10th overall in the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3267778" href="https://thescore.com/news/3267778">latest edition</a> of theScore's NFL mock draft.

BOISE, ID - DECEMBER 06: Running back Ashton Jeanty #2 of the Boise State Broncos fires up the crowd prior to the start of the Mountain West Championship between the Boise State Broncos and the UNLV Rebels at Albertsons Stadium on December 06, 2024 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images

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Jeanty compares his impact to Saquon's with Eagles: 'That can be me'

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