Chiefs To Sign Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Wrap Draft Class
The Chiefs have verbally agreed to deals with all six players in their draft class, as Terez A. Paylor of Yahoo Sports tweets. Here’s the full rundown of the group, headlined by one of this year’s most intriguing rushers: 
1-32: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB (LSU)
2-63: Willie Gay Jr., LB (Mississippi State)
3-96: Lucas Niang, OT (TCU)
4-138: L’Jarius Sneed, S (Louisiana Tech)
5-177: Mike Danna, DE (Michigan)
7-237: Thakarius Keyes, CB (Tulane)
Don’t let Edwards-Helaire’s 5’7″ frame fool you – he’s tough, durable, and a proven three-down back. His agility and soft hands made him one of this year’s most coveted rookie RBs, though some evaluators were concerned about his speed. That’s not a huge problem in KC, where they already have ample quickness on offense.
The LSU product is expected to serve as the Chiefs’ top running back, ahead of Damien Williams and Darwin Thompson. Elijah McGuire, Darrel Williams, and former Raiders rusher DeAndre Washington are also on the offseason roster.
Eagles Sign Jalen Hurts, Wrap Draft Class
That’s a wrap. On Monday, the Eagles formally announced the signing of second-round quarterback Jalen Hurts, plus five other draft picks. With that, the Eagles have formally inked all ten of their rookies in advance of training camp.
[RELATED: Eagles, Jalen Reagor Agree To Terms]
The Birds surprised everyone with their selection of Hurts at No. 53 overall. Few saw the QB2 role as a priority, but Howie Roseman and Doug Pederson couldn’t pass up the chance to grab the Oklahoma star.
“I think this player, obviously with Jalen Hurts, he has a unique skillset and you see what Taysom Hill has done in New Orleans,” Pederson said earlier this year. “And now he and Drew Brees have a connection there and a bond there. You look at with (Joe) Flacco and Lamar (Jackson) in Baltimore in the short period of time, how they gelled together. It’s just something we’re going to explore.”
During his lone season at Oklahoma, Hurts ran for 1,298 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns on 233 carries. He also had five receptions during his collegiate career, including two for 25 yards and a score during the 2019 campaign. His versatility is a major plus, and so is his salary – he’ll make just $6.025MM over the course of his four-year deal, allowing the Eagles to spend elsewhere and save in advance of their 2021 cap crunch.
The Eagles also inked deals with third-round linebacker Davion Taylor, fourth-round guard Jack Driscoll, fifth-round receiver John Hightower, sixth-round linebacker Shaun Bradley, and seventh-round linebacker Casey Toohill to round out the group. Here’s the full rundown, via PFR’s Tracker:
1-21: Jalen Reagor, WR (TCU): Signed
2-53: Jalen Hurts, QB (Oklahoma): Signed
3-103: Davion Taylor, LB (Colorado): Signed
4-127: K’Von Wallace, S (Clemson): Signed
4-145: Jack Driscoll, G (Auburn): Signed
5-168: John Hightower, WR (Boise State): Signed
6-196: Shaun Bradley, LB (Temple): Signed
6-200: Quez Watkins, WR (Southern Miss): Signed
6-210: Prince Tega Wanogho, T (Auburn): Signed
7-233: Casey Toohill, DE (Stanford): Signed
Antonio Brown Retires (Again)
Stop us if you’ve heard this one before. On Monday, Antonio Brown announces his retirement from the NFL. This marks at least the third time Brown has publicly called it quits since September of last year. 
[RELATED: Patriots, AB Settle Grievance]
“At this point, the risk is greater than the reward,” Brown tweeted. “Thank you [to] everyone who [has] been a part of this journey. I sincerely thank you for everything!”
Brown, of course, isn’t the only player who is concerned about the risk involved with playing this season. Still, it remains to be seen whether his latest farewell will stick. Less than three weeks ago, Brown was lobbying the Seahawks to pair him with friend and workout partner Russell Wilson. There were also rumblings of AB and Tom Brady getting together in Tampa Bay, but the Buccaneers weren’t interested in the drama that comes with the controversial wide receiver.
Brown, 32, remains under NFL investigation for multiple incidents, including two alleged acts of sexual misconduct. His own safety concerns aside, there was little guarantee that a team would take on the risk of signing him. Brown’s availability for the coming year was also highly questionable.
If this is truly a wrap for Brown, he leaves the game with a complicated legacy. Over the course of his ten-year career, Brown tallied 841 receptions for 11,253 yards and seven Pro Bowl appearances. Before things turned ugly, Brown was a surefire Hall of Famer and regarded as one of the game’s most dangerous offensive talents. Now, (we think), he’ll focus on other endeavors, while untangling some of his off-the-field matters.
49ers Meet With Raheem Mostert
A “high-ranking” 49ers official met with Raheem Mostert earlier today in an effort to clear the air, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Agent Brett Tessler expressed some optimism about things being worked out, so it’s possible that the two sides will be able to move forward together. 
[RELATED: 49ers’ Raheem Mostert Requests Trade]
Frustrated with the lack of progress in extension talks, Mostert requested a trade earlier this month. The Niners are understandably reluctant to give him a new deal – he still has two years to go on his three-year, $8.7MM contract.
Mostert, meanwhile, wants to strike while the iron is hot. Once a special teams player, he has emerged as a legitimate backfield threat. In 2018, he averaged 7.7 yards per carry on 34 totes. Last year, he proved that he can do it on a larger scale – he broke out with a team-leading 772 yards and led the NFC West with 5.6 yards per carry. Then came the NFC title game, where he set an all-time record with four rushing TDs.
Mostert, 28, has a limited window to secure big bucks. He won’t approach the numbers scored by Derrick Henry on his new Titans deal, but that contract could give his camp some juice as they argue against the usual knocks on RB contracts.
If the two sides can’t mend fences, the Niners would be left with Tevin Coleman, Jerick McKinnon, and Jeff Wilson as their top RBs.
Bucs To Sign Rookies Tyler Johnson, Khalil Davis
The Buccaneers are chipping away at their rookie class. Sixth-round defensive tackle Khalil Davis has agreed to terms, according to Greg Auman of The Athletic (on Twitter). Meanwhile, fifth-round wide receiver Tyler Johnson has formally inked his deal, per an announcement from his agency (via Twitter). 
The Bucs sent several scouts to the 2020 Outback Bowl between Minnesota and Auburn. At that game, they watched Johnson turn in the best game of his collegiate career – 12 catches for 204 yards and two touchdowns. Clearly, that left an impression. With the No. 161 overall pick, they snagged Johnson to help round out their WR group. This summer, he’ll look to carve out his spot on the depth chart behind stars Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Davis, meanwhile, figures to support starting nose tackle Vita Vea. Even though he was a late pick, the Bucs are high on Davis’ skillset – at 308 pounds, he managed to run the 40-yard-dash at 4.75 seconds, good for sixth among all defensive linemen at the combine.
Here’s the full rundown of the Bucs’ class, via PFR’s 2020 NFL Draft tracker:
1-13: Tristan Wirfs, T (Iowa)
2-45: Antoine Winfield Jr., S (Minnesota)
3-76: Ke’Shawn Vaughn, RB (Vanderbilt)
5-161: Tyler Johnson, WR (Minnesota): Signed
6-194: Khalil Davis, DT (Nebraska): Signed
7-241: Chapelle Russell, OLB (Temple)
7-245: Raymond Calais, RB (LSU)
Eagles, Jalen Reagor Agree To Terms
The Eagles and first-round pick Jalen Reagor have reached agreement on a deal, as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Once finalized, the wide receiver will be set to earn $13.3MM over the course of his four-year contract. 
Early on, Reagor was mocked as a second- to third-round pick. But, as the draft approached, the TCU speedster bolted up draft boards around the league. The Eagles pounced on him at No. 21 overall, giving them a potent deep threat who can take the baton from DeSean Jackson.
“I feel like I’m a great vertical threat. I can run any route in the route tree. I’m an electric player. I’ll make an immediate impact when given the chance,” Reagor said earlier this year (via the team website). “So, I’m coming in ready to work and ready to learn. I’m a great teammate and I won’t be a cancer to the locker room. Ultimately, I just show love, and I’m going to continue to elevate my game and continue to try to grow and become a better player.”
The 5-foot-11, 195-pound receiver stood out with a 1,000-yard campaign in 2018. Last year, he posted 43 catches for 611 yards and five touchdowns.
Here’s the full rundown of the Eagles’ draft class, via PFR’s tracker:
1-21: Jalen Reagor, WR (TCU): Signed
2-53: Jalen Hurts, QB (Oklahoma)
3-103: Davion Taylor, LB (Colorado)
4-127: K’Von Wallace, S (Clemson)
4-145: Jack Driscoll, G (Auburn)
5-168: John Hightower, WR (Boise State)
6-196: Shaun Bradley, LB (Temple)
6-200: Quez Watkins, WR (Southern Miss): Signed
6-210: Prince Tega Wanogho, T (Auburn): Signed
7-233: Casey Toohill, DE (Stanford)
NFL Proposing One Preseason Game
At last check, NFL owners were pushing for a two-game preseason. The NFLPA countered with zero. Now, the league is willing to meet the union in the middle, with just one preseason game, as Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets.
[RELATED: NFL Players Launch Coordinated Social Media Blitz]
Under the league’s plan, that game would be held on August 27, which usually marks the third preseason game out of a four-game slate. Meanwhile, players have asked for the preseason to be wiped out entirely, to give them a full 21 days of strength and conditioning work before the start of the regular season. This could be a workable compromise, though the NFLPA has argued that the preseason is not at all necessary. In their minds, exhibition games only serve to add unnecessary exposure, putting athletes in jeopardy and adding another hurdle before Week 1.
Most players aren’t fans of the preseason in general, but it’s a critical period for players who are on the fringe of the 53-man roster. Undrafted free agents and other players looking to solidify spots would be shortchanged by the union’s proposal. Of course, that’s secondary to the general health and wellbeing of the league’s employees, so the NFLPA’s objection is understandable.
Over the weekend, Saints quarterback Drew Brees, 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman, and other NFL players launched a social media campaign with the hashtag #WeWantToPlay. The message: The NFL needs to provide a safe work environment so that the season can go on as scheduled. If the league cannot take steps towards ensuring safety, it’s possible that a large-scale grievance could be filed.
5 Key Stories: 7/13/20 – 7/19/20
Been busy? Let’s get you caught up with a look back at some of the NFL’s biggest stories from the past week:
Titans, Derrick Henry Reach Deal: They took it right up to the buzzer, but they got it done. With less than an hour to go before the deadline, the Titans inked running back Derrick Henry to a four-year, $50MM deal with $25.5MM guaranteed. At $12.5MM/year, Henry is now the fifth-highest paid RB in the NFL. More importantly for Henry, he effectively has two full years of the deal guaranteed. 
Chiefs, Chris Jones Hammer Out Extension: Henry was just one of two players to agree to terms before the deadline. The other was Chiefs standout defensive tackle Chris Jones, who returns on a four-year, $80MM deal with $37MM guaranteed at signing. Among interior D-linemen, Jones now sits third in guaranteed money and fourth in fully guaranteed funds. It was a sharp turnaround from just a couple weeks ago, when Jones hinted at a potential holdout via social media.
Jaguars Receive Trade Offers For Yannick Ngakoue: The Jaguars got another batch of trade offers for defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, but none of them were to their liking. The disgruntled defensive end isn’t necessarily stuck in Jacksonville, however – the Jags still have the option to trade him at a later date, and Ngakoue’s willingness to play out the year on his current deal could help facilitate a deal down the line.
Browns Give Myles Garrett Record Extension: On Wednesday, the Browns officially made Myles Garrett the league’s highest-paid defensive player. The five-year, $125MM deal guarantees Garrett a whopping $100MM in total, including $50MM at signing. Garrett’s resume isn’t at the same level as Khalil Mack‘s just yet, but he’s roughly five years younger than the Bears superstar. Last year’s ugly incident sidelined Garrett for the home stretch of the season, but he’s expected to get back to form this year. In 2018, the former No. 1 overall pick registered 13.5 sacks and 29 QB knockdowns.
Jason Peters Returns To The Eagles: Jason Peters is back with the Birds. This time around, the legendary tackle will try his hand at guard to help replace the injured Brandon Brooks. The 38-year-old doesn’t have much experience on the interior, but the Eagles don’t think it’ll take long for him to get the hang of it.
PFR Originals: 7/13/20 – 7/19/20
A look back at some of our faves from the past week:
- Prior to the franchise tag extension deadline, Sam Robinson asked readers to project how many players would reach new deals before the buzzer. You guys nailed it: Most of you predicted that only one or two players would sign out of a possible 14, and Derrick Henry and Chris Jones were the only players to ink multi-year contracts.
- As Cameron Heyward seeks out his next contract, Ben Levine took a look back at the defensive lineman’s last deal with the Steelers. Heyward’s six-year, $59MM+ extension was a big commitment, but it clearly paid off for Pittsburgh. He’s earned Pro Bowl nods in each of the past three seasons, plus first-team All-Pro honors in 2017 and 2019. In that span, he’s averaged nearly ten sacks per season with just one missed game in total.
- A Kenny Golladay extension could cost the Lions more than you expect, as Rory Parks explains.
- Tom Coughlin has coached some amazing players in his day, but he says that offensive lineman Tony Boselli was his best pupil ever. The Hall of Fame continues to elude the former Jaguars great, so we decided to reflect on his impressive career.
- Will Brian Hoyer wind up as a free agent all over again this summer? A few months ago, he was in pole position to take over for Tom Brady as the Patriots’ starting quarterback. Now, he’s a candidate for release.
Cowboys’ DeMarcus Lawrence Considering Opt Out
Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is mulling the possibility of opting out of the 2020 season, as ESPN.com’s Todd Archer writes. Lawrence, who has a baby on the way, wants to know more about the league’s plans and safety procedures before stepping on the field this fall. 
“Shoot, I love to ride with my brothers and play the game of football. When I have to take that away from myself, it’s hard and I don’t want to make a decision like that,” Lawrence said. “But I also have to make sure I’m taking care of my family. Family is No. 1. After the game of football is done, that’s the only thing I have to depend on, so I’ve got to take care of them.”
Lawrence won’t have long to get those answers – training camp opens in less than ten days, on July 28. A few days later, August 1, marks the proposed cut off date for players to make the call. Lawrence wants to know more about the living situation for players and the frequency of testing. So far, that’s all up in the air.
“It’s those type of thing that make you think, ‘Man, are we some pawns? Is my life just a game,'” Lawrence said. “I know I ain’t got forever to play, but at the end of the day, come on, you’re just going to toss me around because you’ve got dollar signs in your face?”
In Lawrence’s case, it’s a matter of many dollar signs. The 28-year-old is set to enter the second year of his five-year, $105MM mega-deal. If Lawrence doesn’t report for camp, he may have to forfeit a chunk of his signing bonus ($25MM in total). And, if the league’s latest proposal is finalized, Lawrence’s contract will toll. That means he’ll delay his next free agency turn for another year – a move that could cost him a fortune.
Despite offseason labrum surgery, Lawrence suited up for all 16 of the Cowboys’ regular season games last year. He posted only five sacks, but he registered a combined 25 sacks between the 2017 and 2018 seasons. This year, if he decides to play, he’ll look to get back to his Pro Bowl form.