Julian Edelman suspended four games. The NFL suspended Edelman for a quarter of the 2018 campaign for a violation of the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Edelman is appealing the ban, but if the suspension holds, he’ll lose nearly $1MM in combined base salary, roster bonuses, and a signing bonus proration, while his incentive package will also more difficult to attain. Now 32 years old, Edelman missed the entire 2017 season after suffering a torn ACL. If Edelman is out for the season’s first four games, the Patriots will be forced to rely on fellow wideouts Chris Hogan, Kenny Britt, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Jordan Matthews, among others.
Shane Ray needs another wrist surgery. After missing eight games with a wrist issue in 2017, Ray will need to undergo another operation for the same wrist injury. Ray has already had a disappointing offseason, as the Broncos declined his 2019 fifth-year option, meaning he’ll hit free agency next spring. Now, his platform season could be in question, as there is no guarantee Ray will be on the field for Week 1. Ray, who posted eight sacks in 2016, is now expected to be fourth in line for pass-rushing snaps in Denver, behind Von Miller, Shaquil Barrett, and fifth overall selection Bradley Chubb.
Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski attend Patriots minicamp. After an offseason filled with drama, both Brady and Gronk appeared at Gillette Stadium last week. Brady re-affirmed this relationship with New England and head coach Bill Belichick is still in a good place, while Gronkowski was presumably skipping organized team activities in an effort to get a reworked contract. Gronkowski trade rumors surfaced on Twitter last week, but there is reportedly “zero truth” about reports which Gronk labeled “fake news.”
Bears bring back Zach Miller. After suffering a devastating injury in 2017, Miller was told he might lose his left leg. Nine surgeries later, Miller’s leg is safe, but he faces a lengthy uphill battle if he wants to return to the NFL. Chicago re-signed him last week in something of a goodwill gesture: while Miller has already been placed on the physically unable to perform list (meaning he won’t play in 2018), he can collect a salary and benefits as he continues rehab.
Mychal Kendricks finds a new home. After an odd turn in which Kendricks denied that he’d signed with the Browns, Cleveland announced that it had officially signed the former Eagles linebacker. Kendricks’ one-year, $3.5MM deal comes with just $500K guaranteed, so he’s not a lock for the Browns’ squad. That’s especially true given that Cleveland already boasts three starting-caliber linebackers in Jamie Collins, Christian Kirksey, and Joe Schobert.