Browns Interested In Raiders DE Khalil Mack
The Browns are expected to reach out to the Raiders regarding the availability of edge rusher Khalil Mack, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
Mack is currently engaged in a contract dispute with Oakland, one that’s expected to last into the regular season. One of the NFL’s best pass-rushers, Mack is scheduled to earn $13.846MM in 2018 before hitting free agency next spring.
The Raiders’ asking price for Mack is believed to start with two first-round picks, but it’s unclear if any club is willing to meet that price. While teams have inquired on Mack, and offers have been coming in, Oakland has yet to make a trade. The Jets, for one, are known to be interested in acquiring Mack.
Cleveland already boasts one excellent pass-rusher in Myles Garrett, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 draft. But adding a talent like Mack would give the club a truly elite presence on both sides of its defensive line. And Cleveland, which has $61MM in available cap space, has more than enough funds to work out an extension with Mack.
Mack, 27, has been a wrecking ball since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2014. A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro, Mack has totaled 40.5 sacks over his first four NFL seasons. In 2017, Pro Football Focus graded Mack as the NFL’s seventh-best edge defender.
Raiders’ Daryl Worley Facing 4-Game Ban
One of the Raiders’ many offseason acquisitions at cornerback doesn’t stand to be available in September.
Daryl Worley is facing a four-game suspension stemming from his offseason arrest, ESPN.com’s Josina Anderson reports (on Twitter). He pleaded guilty to driving under the influence, resisting arrest and carrying firearms in public. He’s been on three teams this offseason.
Worley’s suspension may explain why the Raiders, who obviously have not been shy about diving into free agency this year, added Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie earlier this month. Worley and DRC join Shareece Wright, Leon Hall and Rashaan Melvin as corners Oakland added in free agency. Not all are a lock to make the 53-man roster, and Worley’s status may not be secure, but the Raiders’ corner corps will look vastly different this season.
A 2016 Panthers third-round pick, Worley was sent to the Eagles in exchange for Torrey Smith but waived after the arrest in April. He started 25 games with Carolina during his two seasons there.
Rams, Aaron Donald Agree To Extension
Finally, it’s a done deal. On Friday, the Rams signed defensive tackle Aaron Donald to a historic six-year extension that will keep him in place through the 2024 season. Donald signed the contract Friday afternoon.
The new deal is worth $135MM, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter), and includes $87MM in rolling guarantees. Donald’s signing bonus is worth a whopping $40MM (Twitter link via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com) and he’ll receive $50MM fully guaranteed (Twitter link via Albert Breer of The MMQB). The deal represents the richest defensive deal in NFL history and ties Donald to Los Angeles for the next seven years.
Donald stayed away from the Rams this summer in order to boost his leverage in talks, creating doubt about whether he’d be in uniform for the start of the season. With the deal, the Rams have assured that he’ll be in the lineup for the team’s Monday night opener against the Raiders.
Donald has been one of the league’s most fearsome defenders since entering the league as the No. 13 overall pick in 2014. Over the years, he has racked up numerous accolades and a shocking number of sacks from the interior. The Associated Press named Donald its Defensive Rookie of the Year in ’14 and, last year, he earned his first AP Defensive Player of the Year award.
In 14 games last year, Donald amassed 11 sacks, five fourced fumbles, and led the league with 91 quarterback pressures, which is perhaps the best metric by which to judge a pass rusher. The Rams made a number of splashy moves on defense this offseason, but this massive new deal with Donald may be the biggest of them all.
Kaepernick Case To Move Forward
On Tuesday, Colin Kaepernick secured a major victory over the NFL. The quarterback won the summary judgement phase of his collusion case, which means that Kaepernick’s case will move towards a hearing (Twitter link via Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports). 
The decision from arbitrator Stephen Burbank was the “most pivotal moment” in Kaepernick’s case, according to Robinson. The law required all facts to be viewed “in the most favorable light” towards Kaepernick, since he is the one bringing the case, so the NFL’s legal team was facing an uphill battle.
Kaepernick, of course, has not played in the NFL since 2016, as clubs have shunned the 30-year-old following his national anthem demonstrations. While he was scheduled to work out for the Seahawks earlier this year, the audition was eventually canceled after Kaepernick declined to stop kneeling during the anthem.
Kaepernick alleges that owners from around the league colluded to keep him unsigned. The alleged collusion stems from his protest of social inequalities in the United States, which included kneeling for the national anthem.
Between the 2012 and ’13 seasons, Kaepernick threw for 21 touchdowns and rushed for nine touchdowns while throwing just 11 interceptions. The team also went 17-6 in the regular season with him as a starter. From 2014-16, Kaepernick was unable to lead the team to a record better than 8-8, and he threw ten interceptions in 2014 alone. Of course, the Niners’ woes were not entirely Kaepernick’s fault, and he played well on a personal level in 2016 despite the team going 1-10 in his starts.
Kaepernick will turn 31 in November, and he seems further from an NFL opportunity than ever before. He may never win another game on the field, but he could be on his way to a historic victory against the league.
Patriots Sweeten Rob Gronkowski’s Deal
The Patriots reworked tight end Rob Gronkowski’s contract, agent Drew Rosenhaus tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The revised contract will potentially give Gronk an additional $4.3MM this year via $1MM in per game bonuses and $3.3MM in incentives. All in all, the maximum value of Gronk’s 2018 season is now worth $13.05MM. 
The incentive structure gives Gronkowski an opportunity to earn $1.1MM for four different milestones, though he will be maxed out after achieving three of them. If Gronkowski achieves three of the following plateaus, he’ll realize the full value of his $3.3MM incentives package:
- 70 or more catches
- 80% playtime
- Nine or more receiving touchdowns
- 1,085 receiving yards
The revision is similar to the settlement reached last year between the Patriots and Gronkowski. It’s also reminiscent of the compromise the Patriots made earlier this offseason with Tom Brady.
Last year, Gronk’s deal was improved to give him a base salary of $5.25MM with opportunities to earn incentives at three different levels. With a First-Team All-Pro selection, Gronk maxed out his bonus package at $10.75MM.
Gronk was already in line for the highest cap number of any tight end in the league this year. The new pact puts even more distance between him and Redskins standout Jordan Reed ($10.143MM cap number).
In 2017, Gronk was on the field for 14 games, and managed 69 receptions, 1,084 yards, and eight touchdowns, all of which placed him within the top five among tight ends. When healthy, he is the most fearsome offensive weapon at his position and among the most dynamic talents in the game.
The new contract should keep Gronkowski satisfied for a little while. In 2019, when Gronk is entering the final year of his deal at a $12MM cap number, the Patriots may be forced to give him an extension that puts him closer to market value.
Elvis Dumervil Retires From NFL
Elvis Dumervil is calling it a career. On Thursday, the veteran defensive end took to Twitter to announce his retirement from the NFL. 
“After spending a great deal of time talking to my family and prayerfully considering what’s next in my career, I have made the difficult decision to step away from the NFL at this time,” Dumervil wrote. “Its been an incredible 12-year run.”
Dumervil, 34, ranked third among active players in career sacks with 105.5. And, last year, he led the 49ers with 6.5 sacks. Dumervil clearly still has some football in the tank – and he said his body “feels great” in his retirement announcement – but he has opted to spent more time with his family and focus on his other business ventures going forward.
Dumervil entered the league as a fourth-round pick of the Broncos in the 2006 draft and the Louisville product went on to become a pillar of the Broncos’ D. In 2009, he broke through as a defensive star with a league-leading 17 sacks. Interestingly, the Broncos have watched former stars Dumervil, Eric Decker, and Julius Thomas all retire in a matter of days.
In 2013, Dumervil hooked on with the Ravens and he continued to terrorize opposing quarterbacks. In 2014, he even matched his personal high of 17 sacks.
After 12 seasons in the league (eleven, if you exclude his lost 2010 season), Dumervil acquired five Pro Bowl nods and two First-Team All-Pro selections. He probably has some sacks left in him, but he already accomplished plenty on the field.
Browns Release Mychal Kendricks
The Browns announced they’ve released Mychal Kendricks. The 27-year-old linebacker was charged with insider trading earlier on Wednesday and if convicted could face up to 25 years in prison.
“Prior to signing Mychal, we were informed that there was a financial situation that he had been involved with in 2014. We were told Mychal had fully cooperated with investigators as a victim,” GM John Dorsey said in a statement. “From what was communicated at that time and based on the numerous questions we asked and further due diligence on our part, including checking with the league office, there was no information discovered that conveyed otherwise.
“Recently, we were provided an update on the matter and the circumstances have changed. We are now dealing with a different set of facts and the additional information we’ve gathered has led us to the decision to release Mychal from our team.”
The Browns knew Kendricks was involved in a federal investigation upon signing him earlier this year, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reports. However, both Cabot and the Associated Press’ Claudia Lauer report the team did not know the extent of the investigation. Kendricks’ camp led the Browns to believe the 27-year-old defender was not the target of the probe and wouldn’t be facing a situation like the one he’s in now, Cabot reports.
Kendricks admitted wrongdoing in a scheme that went into effect four years ago. In addition to the possible lengthy prison term, he faces a $5.25MM fine, per Lauer. Both Kendricks and Damilare Sonoiki, whom U.S. attorney William M. McSwain said orchestrated the trades, are expected to plead guilty soon, according to Philly.com. Sonoiki helped Kendricks turn $80K in a brokerage account into $1.2MM in less than five months, detailed in the charges (via Yahoo.com’s Charles Robinson, on Twitter). Kendricks said he did not use any of these profits will pay back all funds obtained illegally.
“Since the beginning of the investigation, I have fully cooperated with the authorities and will continue to do so,” part of Kendricks’ statement read. “I accept full responsibility for my actions. Although I did not take any of the profits for myself, I am committed to repaying all of the funds gained illegally and accept the consequences of my actions.”
The Eagles released Kendricks earlier this year after he hovered on the trade block for multiple offseasons. He’d recently helped Philadelphia secure its first Super Bowl title by working as a three-down linebacker for most of last season. With the Browns, he joined a deeper linebacker corps but was expected to play plenty. He signed a one-year deal worth $2.25MM.
Raiders Receiving Khalil Mack Trade Offers
Offers are coming in for Khalil Mack, but Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports (video link) the Raiders are not especially interested in dealing him. But a certain price might bring them to the table.
Some around the NFL believe to start a Mack trade conversation with the Raiders it will take two first-round picks, Pelissero reports. While a team may not get to that level, especially considering any Mack deal would involve a $20MM-plus-AAV agreement with the contract-year pass rusher, offers have come the Raiders’ way.
A team offered the Raiders a first-round pick and another draft choice for the 27-year-old superstar, per Pelissero, and another franchise offered a player in exchange for Mack. The longer this goes, more such proposals could come Oakland’s way.
The Jets are interested in Mack, and Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports they’ve been monitoring the Bay Area stalemate for a while. Gang Green acquired an additional 2019 third-round pick in exchange for Teddy Bridgewater on Wednesday, strengthening their position in this unique situation. However, if the Raiders make it known they would do a deal, the Jets are serious about acquiring Mack, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News tweets.
Mack’s shown no intention of relenting in these glacial talks, and Reggie McKenzie doesn’t expect him to. But guaranteed money represents a sticking point for Mack and the Raiders, who would have the option to use the franchise tag on their best player next year. A team that submits such an offer sheet to a tagged player must part with two first-round picks, although tag-and-trade transactions involving lesser compensation obviously represent an option.
For now, Mack remains a Raider, just one who’s been estranged from the Jon Gruden regime since it began.
Jets Trade Teddy Bridgewater To Saints
The Saints have acquired quarterback Teddy Bridgewater from the Jets, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). The Jets will send Bridgewater and a sixth-round pick to the Saints for a third-round pick, sources tell Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). 
Bridgewater, who doesn’t turn 26 until November, joined the Jets in March on a one-year deal. Now, he’ll serve as the primary backup to Drew Brees in New Orleans. It’s not immediately clear what the trade means for Taysom Hill, who is under contract through 2019, or Tom Savage, who is on a one-year deal with the club. In all likelihood, Savage is on the verge of being released or traded.
For the Jets, the move signals a tremendous amount of confidence in rookie quarterback Sam Darnold. It’s likely that Darnold will be the team’s Week 1 starter, despite a tough early schedule, with veteran Josh McCown as his understudy.
Bridgewater may be a better quarterback than McCown in 2018, but McCown wouldn’t have fetched much in a trade due to his one-year, $10MM contract. The Jets also value McCown’s veteran leadership and mentorship to Darnold.
Jets players were notified of the trade on Wednesday afternoon when they were on the team bus, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (Twitter link) hears. Just before they were about to depart, Bridgewater was informed of the trade and said goodbye to his teammates.
Bridgewater has impressed this offseason and shown no ill effects of the devastating injury that wiped out his 2016 campaign. In two years as the Vikings’ starter, Bridgewater completed 65% of his passes and averaged 3,075 yards, 14 touchdowns, and ten interceptions.
In three preseason games this year, Bridgewater has completed 28-of-38 throws (73.7%) for 316 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.
Packers, Aaron Rodgers Agree To Extension
The Packers and Aaron Rodgers have agreed to a record-breaking extension, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter). Rodgers’ new pact is a four-year add-on is worth $134MM, according to former teammate James Jones (on Twitter). The deal includes $103MM in the first three years, $80MM delivered by March of next year, and the opportunity to earn even more via incentives. 
Rodgers has yet to ink the contract, but it is in the process of being finalized, according to Schefter. The deal should be formally completed before the start of the Packers’ season, which will be on Sept. 9 against the rival Bears.
Rodgers’ $33.5MM average annual value tops the $30MM AAV of Matt Ryan‘s extension with the Falcons and the $28.8MM AAV of Kirk Cousins‘ free agent deal with the Vikings, making him the league’s highest-paid player of all-time. After that, Jimmy Garoppolo ($27.5MM), Matthew Stafford ($27MM), and Derek Carr ($25MM) rank as the league’s highest-paid QBs.
Rodgers’ signing bonus of $57.5MM is the largest in NFL history, as Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets. And, with $4MM in escalators, he can reach a maximum value of $138MM over the course of the extension.
The six-time Pro Bowl selection and one-time Super Bowl champion is among the very best quarterbacks in the NFL today. In 2013, he signed a five-year, $110MM deal to become the NFL’s highest-paid player, but the market quickly advanced and Rodgers’ deal became one of the most team-friendly pacts in the NFL.
Before this latest deal, Rodgers was the ninth-highest paid player in the NFL with salaries of $20.9MM this season and $21.1MM in 2019. With the new contract, the Packers have restored him as the league’s financial kingpin.
Last year, Rodgers got off to a hot start before suffering a broken collarbone in Week 6. Although Rodgers missed significant time, he’s 100% healthy this year and poised to get back to his old form.
Since taking over as the starter for the Packers in 2008, Rodgers has thrown for 312 touchdowns (the second most in the NFL) and led the Packers to the playoffs in 8-of-10 seasons.