Colorado is retiring Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter's jersey numbers, the school announced Mon...

Colorado is retiring <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/160938" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/160938">Shedeur Sanders</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/179519" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/179519">Travis Hunter</a>'s jersey numbers, the school announced Monday.The ceremony will take place during Colorado's spring game on Saturday. They're the fifth and sixth numbers retired by the program and will be the first since Rashaan Salaam's No. 19 in 2017. Sanders and Hunter wore Nos. 2 and 12, respectively.Sanders and Hunter both spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons playing for the Buffaloes, contributing to the program's turnaround. Colorado finished 9-4 in the 2024 campaign and qualified for the Alamo Bowl, a stark contrast to the team's 1-11 finish in 2022.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Hunter was a two-way star for Colorado, playing both wide receiver and cornerback. The 23-year-old recorded 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns on offense in 2024 while posting a career-high 32 combined tackles and catching four interceptions on defense. Hunter won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first primarily defensive player to win the award since 1997.Sanders threw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns in his 2024 campaign and rushed for an additional four. He was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award for the top quarterback in college football.Both players have declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, which takes place from April 24 to 26.

BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 29: Shedeur Sanders #2 and Travis Hunter #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes celebrate after a third quarter touchdown against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field on November 29, 2024 in Boulder, Colorado.

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Colorado retiring jersey numbers of Sanders, Hunter

Courtland Sutton is confident that current contract negotiations will allow him to remain a Denve...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89491" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89491">Courtland Sutton</a> is confident that current contract negotiations will allow him to remain a Denver Bronco for life."My team has had a really good conversation with the guys up there in the front office, and I think it's working in the right direction," Sutton told <a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2025/04/12/broncos-courtland-sutton-extension-talks/">The Denver Post's Parker Gabriel</a> on Saturday. Sutton added: "I'm open and optimistic about the fact that I'll be able to be here for the rest of my career."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 29-year-old wide receiver is entering the final year of the four-year, $60.8-million deal he inked with the Broncos in 2021. He skipped all of the team's voluntary offseason work last season before signing a revised two-year contract in July.Broncos general manager George Patton expressed his desire for Sutton to stay in Denver at the NFL combine in February."Courtland is one of our guys," Patton <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3226924" href="https://thescore.com/news/3226924">said</a>. "Team captain. I have said this for a couple of years in a row. We want him here."Sutton had a productive 2024 campaign, totalling 1,081 receiving yards and eight touchdowns with a career-high 81 receptions. The SMU product has been with the Broncos since he was selected by the team in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.The Broncos finished 10-7 in 2024 and grabbed the last playoff spot in the AFC. The team bowed out of the postseason after losing in the wild-card round to the Buffalo Bills.

DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 15: Courtland Sutton #14 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos during an NFL Football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Empower Field At Mile High on December 15, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

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Broncos' Sutton 'optimistic' amid contract negotiations

Quarterback Drew Lock agreed to terms with the Seattle Seahawks, a source told NFL Network's Tom ...

Quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/98893" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/98893">Drew Lock</a> agreed to terms with the Seattle Seahawks, a source told <a href="https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1910771468012777629">NFL Network's Tom Pelissero</a>.The length and terms of the deal aren't known. The veteran will back up fellow newcomer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/98048" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/98048">Sam Darnold</a>.This will be Lock's second stint in Seattle. The 28-year-old was traded from the Denver Broncos to the Seahawks in 2022 in a blockbuster deal to acquire quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/12258" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/12258">Russell Wilson</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Lock largely sat behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/13368" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/13368">Geno Smith</a> in his two years with the Seahawks. He signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants in 2024, again primarily acting as a backup to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97984" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97984">Daniel Jones</a>.After the Giants released Jones in November, Lock started five games, throwing for 1,071 yards and six touchdowns against five interceptions. New York finished 1-4 with Lock under center.

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 28: Drew Lock #2 of the New York Giants looks towards the sideline against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on November 28, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.

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Report: Lock agrees to deal with Seahawks

Quarterback Joe Flacco is reuniting with the Cleveland Browns, the team announced Friday.  The on...

Quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/2945" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/2945">Joe Flacco</a> is reuniting with the Cleveland Browns, the team announced Friday.The one-year deal is worth $4 million and up to $13 million with incentives, Flacco's agents told <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1910669760091521421">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>. Flacco had also reportedly spoken with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings.Flacco joins a quarterback room that includes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/173994" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/173994">Kenny Pickett</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/84667" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/84667">Deshaun Watson</a>. The latter is unlikely to play in 2025 after he reruptured his Achilles in January.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 40-year-old Flacco returns to Cleveland for his 18th season after winning the Comeback Player of the Year award with the team in 2023. The Browns made the playoffs with Flacco under center after Watson was sidelined with a shoulder injury with seven games to go.Flacco spent his 2024 campaign with the Indianapolis Colts, backing up <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188125" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188125">Anthony Richardson</a>. Flacco started six games for the Colts while Richardson was injured for four games and benched for two. He posted a 2-4 record, throwing for 1,761 yards and 12 touchdowns against seven interceptions.The veteran has a career 105-86 record as a starter, passing for 45,697 yards and 257 touchdowns and rushing for an additional 16. Flacco was named Super Bowl MVP with the Baltimore Ravens in the 2012 season.Cleveland used four passers in 2024 and didn't re-sign backup <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/64259" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/64259">Jameis Winston</a>. The team has met with various top quarterback prospects, including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/160938" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/160938">Shedeur Sanders</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/152938" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/152938">Cam Ward</a>.The Browns hold the second overall pick in the 2025 draft after finishing 3-14.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 13: Joe Flacco #15 of the Cleveland Browns looks on from the sideline before an AFC wild-card playoff football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on January 13, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

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Flacco reunites with Browns on 1-year, $4M deal

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is confident he'll be ready for the team's seaso...

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161653" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161653">Trevor Lawrence</a> is confident he'll be ready for the team's season opener."There's not really a set deadline on (return to play) just because we don't play a game until this fall," Lawrence <a href="https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1jMJgknzZXWJL">said</a> Wednesday. "I'm very optimistic I'll be perfectly good for the season."The 25-year-old added that he's already throwing the football and working up to tossing longer distances.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Lawrence suffered a concussion after Houston Texans' linebacker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/93981" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/93981">Azeez Al-Shaair</a> hit him in the head in December. As a result of the hit, the league suspended Al-Shaair for three games, and the Jaguars placed Lawrence on injured reserve. However, the star signal-caller underwent season-ending left shoulder surgery later in the month to repair a significant AC joint injury that had sidelined him for two games earlier in the campaign.The quarterback has struggled with injuries throughout his career. Lawrence had surgery on the same shoulder in February 2021 before Jacksonville drafted him first overall. He also played through four injuries over the 2023 campaign, including an ankle sprain and further shoulder problems.Lawrence's career with the Jaguars has been largely underwhelming. In four years with the club, he's compiled a 22-38 record, posting 69 touchdowns, 46 interceptions, and completing 63.3% of his passes. Lawrence's only playoff appearance with Jacksonville came in 2022.

JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 27: Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) looks to pass during a NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 27th, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL.

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Lawrence 'optimistic' to return for Jaguars' season opener

Some Chicago Bears are already impressed with head coach Ben Johnson's intensity after their firs...

Some Chicago Bears are already impressed with head coach Ben Johnson's intensity after their first day of offseason workouts Monday."I felt that (confidence). This guy is the real deal," linebacker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99556" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99556">Tremaine Edmunds</a> said Tuesday of Johnson's opening message to the team, according to <a href="https://x.com/CourtneyRCronin/status/1909634594640441600">ESPN's Courtney Cronin</a>.Edmunds added, "This guy (doesn't) just want to win. We want to win by a lot. We want to dominate. That's important. That talks about his mentality, talks about his mindset. We're going to be the best that we (can) be."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199760" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199760">Caleb Williams</a> said Johnson gave the Bears' quarterback room an informal pop quiz Tuesday on concepts shared the previous day."Already first day in and challenging us," Williams said. "Everybody loves a challenge in this sport."The Bears landed Johnson, one of the top candidates this hiring cycle, in January after firing Matt Eberflus in November. This is the 38-year-old's first head coaching gig.Johnson was the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator from 2022-24. His offense led the NFL in points per game and ranked second in yards per contest last season, helping the team finish first in the NFC. The Lions ultimately fell to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round of the playoffs.Williams, 23, added that he hopes to replicate the leadership Lions quarterback Jared Goff displayed on the field under Johnson.The Bears ranked 32nd in yards (284.6) and tied for 29th in points per game (18.2) in 2024. Williams finished his rookie campaign with 3,541 total yards and 20 touchdowns but was sacked more than any other passer in the league.

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 22: Newly named head coach Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears speaks to the media during a introductory press conference at PNC Center at Halas Hall on January 22, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois.

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Ben Johnson 'challenging' Bears already

The New England Patriots are trading Joe Milton to the Dallas Cowboys, the quarterback told Fox S...

The New England Patriots are trading <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199912" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199912">Joe Milton</a> to the Dallas Cowboys, the quarterback told <a href="https://x.com/Schultz_Report/status/1907805929807966552">Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz</a>.New England will also send a seventh-round pick to Dallas in exchange for a fifth-rounder, sources told <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1907798948015677633">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>."My family grew up a Cowboys fan," Milton told Schultz on Thursday. "My mom always had a Cowboys shirt on. She always talked about them. Living in Texas has been a longtime dream of mine. And now I'm with them. I'm ready to work."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Milton will back up <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/50470" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/50470">Dak Prescott</a> after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/65598" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/65598">Cooper Rush</a> signed with the Baltimore Ravens.Dallas was interested in Milton from the outset, according to <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1907800326435918276">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a>, who adds the club was open about its efforts to trade for a quarterback.The Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Pittsburgh Steelers were also interested in Milton, but the Patriots ultimately sent the passer to Dallas to satisfy his wishes, according to <a href="https://x.com/Schultz_Report/status/1907809290015973677">Schultz</a>.This is the second time in three years the Cowboys have traded for a backup passer, having acquired <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161664" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161664">Trey Lance</a> from the San Francisco 49ers in 2023.Milton became expendable to the Patriots after they signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/74296" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/74296">Joshua Dobbs</a> to a two-year, $8-million deal in March. Milton will be on his rookie contract for another three seasons.The 25-year-old was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round in 2024 and was the team's third-string quarterback. Milton only played in the Patriots' season finale against the Buffalo Bills, throwing for 241 yards and one touchdown while rushing for another.

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 05: New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III (19) after a game between the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills on January 5, 2025, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

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Patriots trade Milton to Cowboys

A proposal to the NFL's competition committee to ban the tush push has been tabled, according to ...

A proposal to the NFL's competition committee to ban the tush push has been tabled, according to <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1907078072257425845">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a>.The postponed conversation will pick up in May, <a href="https://x.com/AlbertBreer/status/1907078308958781934">Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer</a> reports. Sixteen teams opposed the tush push ban, a source told <a href="https://x.com/jjones9/status/1907079137161839079">CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones</a>.NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday that the league is aware of the potential injury risk despite there being a limited amount of data.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I think there are safety issues being considered with the tush push," Goodell <a href="https://x.com/jjones9/status/1907162396554309864">said</a>. "We have very little data, but we see the potential risk. It makes a lot of sense to go back to the old rule prohibiting pulling or pushing ball carriers."Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie reasoned against the argument of the play being a potential risk, saying the franchise believes it's safer than the traditional quarterback sneak."I want to know what data there is," Lurie said Tuesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/ReinerOlivia/status/1907176648056644038">Olivia Reiner of The Philadelphia Inquirer</a>. "I don't think there is any. If you want to say that it could be (dangerous), it's hard to make rules on could-bes and should-bes."He added, "We will always, always support what is safer for the players. It's a no-brainer. If this is proven to be less safe for the players, we will be against the tush push. But until that's the case, to me, there would be no reason to ban this play."The Green Bay Packers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3225831" href="https://thescore.com/news/3225831">initially</a> submitted the proposal in February, citing player safety issues and competitiveness. The <a href="https://operations.nfl.com/updates/the-rules/2025-rules-change-proposals/">motion</a> would "prohibit an offensive player from pushing a teammate who was lined up directly behind the snapper and receives the snap, immediately at the snap."The committee is composed of the league's team owners, and any motion would require 24 of the 32 votes to pass. A source told <a href="https://x.com/schultz_report/status/1907042761884262872?s=46&amp;t=Te6Q7pJGuCjZ9p88DFq6gw">Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz</a> that the language of the proposal was "just not clear enough and can easily be manipulated."The tush push involves the ball being snapped to the quarterback, who is then pushed by two players from behind. It's used in short-yardage situations and has recently been popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles. The reigning champions converted 28 of their 34 attempts in 2024."There is no skill involved and it is almost an automatic first down on plays of a yard or less," Packers president Mark Murphy <a href="https://www.packers.com/news/mt5-after-disappointing-ending-packers-face-important-offseason-2025">said</a> in February. "We should go back to prohibiting the push of the runner. This would bring back the traditional QB sneak."Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales told <a href="https://x.com/CameronWolfe/status/1907049201839509521">NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe</a> on Tuesday that he didn't want to take a competitive advantage out of the game, since "the statistics don't say it's definitely a dangerous play." Lurie also said it's not a "relevant" critique whether the tush push looks like a football play."I think aestheticism is very subjective," Lurie told reporters, including <a href="https://x.com/BKubena/status/1907185852335174020">Brooks Kubena of The Athletic</a>. "I've never judged whether a play looks okay. Does a screen pass look better than an in route or an out route? I don't know."A tush push ban was also floated last season, but was dropped by the NFL due to the lack of injury data.

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 09: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) scores touchdown on a tush push during Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs on February 9, 2025 at the Superdome in New Orleans, LA.

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Report: Potential tush push ban tabled until May

Filmmaker Zack Snyder has partnered with the UFC to direct a new movie called "Brawler," he annou...

Filmmaker Zack Snyder has partnered with the UFC to direct a new movie called "Brawler," he announced Monday.The film will follow a young fighter from Los Angeles aiming to get a shot at a UFC Championship, per the press release. Cast members and the release date have not yet been announced."Behind every great fighter is the story of how they got there," Snyder said in a statement. "UFC is the world leader in combat sports, and I'm honored to be partnering with them to tell this incredible story."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Snyder has directed numerous blockbuster movies, including "300" and "Dawn of the Dead." He's most known for his superhero and comic book films, including "Watchmen," "Man of Steel," "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice," and "Justice League," which famously received a director's cut release in 2021, four years after it initially premiered.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 13: Zack Snyder attends Netflix's "Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child Of Fire" Los Angeles premiere at TCL Chinese Theatre on December 13, 2023 in Hollywood, California.

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Zack Snyder to direct UFC movie 'Brawler'

Lamar Jackson is going to get paid.  Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh believes Jackson w...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97162" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a> is going to get paid.Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh believes Jackson will be the highest-paid player in the league when the team eventually gives him an extension."Sooner or later, it's going to have to happen. When Lamar gets paid, he's going to be (the) highest-paid player in football," Harbaugh said Monday, according to <a href="https://x.com/jeffzrebiec/status/1906680024763179369">The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Harbaugh <a href="https://x.com/Ravens/status/1906685013485133914">noted</a> the Ravens have held internal discussions about a new deal for the quarterback. He hopes the team will also extend star running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/72385" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/72385">Derrick Henry</a>, whose contract expires next year, per <a href="https://x.com/jeffzrebiec/status/1906684460344455362">Zrebiec</a>.Jackson signed a five-year, $260-million contract in May 2023, making him the league's highest-paid player at the time in average annual salary at $52-million. He's now ninth, with Dallas Cowboys quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/50470" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/50470">Dak Prescott</a> taking the crown with $60 million per year.Jackson's cap number jumps from $43.5 million in 2025 to $74.5 million in 2026, according to <a href="https://overthecap.com/player/lamar-jackson/6917">Over the Cap</a>. Harbaugh emphasized Jackson is the most valuable player in the league and should be paid as such until retirement.The 28-year-old was named MVP in 2019 and 2023 and was the runner-up in 2024. He led all quarterbacks in passing and rushing yards per play in the 2024 regular season, throwing for 4,172 yards and running for 915. He also threw for 41 touchdowns and four interceptions.The Ravens have struggled in the playoffs, with Jackson never winning multiple contests in a single postseason. He owns a 3-5 record in the postseason, most recently losing to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94699" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94699">Josh Allen</a> and the Buffalo Bills in the AFC divisional round in January.

TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 21: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens talks with John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens prior to an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 21, 2024 in Tampa, Florida.

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Ravens' Harbaugh: Lamar will be highest-paid player after extension

The Colorado Buffaloes have given head coach Deion Sanders a contract extension through the 2029 ...

The Colorado Buffaloes have given head coach Deion Sanders a contract extension through the 2029 season, the team announced Friday.Sanders' new contract will be worth $54 million over five years, <a href="https://x.com/BrianHowell33/status/1905671106683699410">Buffzone's Brian Howell</a> reported, with a yearly base salary of $10 million. The agreement makes him the highest-paid coach in the Big 12 and the fourth-highest in the country, behind Georgia's Kirby Smart, Ohio State's Ryan Day, and Clemson's Dabo Swinney."Coach Prime has revolutionized college football and in doing so, has restored CU football to our rightful place as a national power," Colorado's athletic director Rick George said in a statement. "This extension not only recognizes Coach's incredible accomplishments transforming our program on and off the field, it keeps him in Boulder to compete for conference and national championships in the years to come."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Sanders had <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3189132" href="https://thescore.com/news/3189132">spoken</a> to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones about the club's head-coaching gig after the team didn't rehire Mike McCarthy. Sanders later <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3210924" href="https://thescore.com/news/3210924">acknowledged</a> he "couldn't coach pro ball" because of a lack of passion and enthusiasm from the players. The Cowboys ultimately promoted Brian Schottenheimer to head coach.Sanders had originally signed a five-year, $29.5-million contract with Colorado in December 2022 after spending three seasons at Jackson State. In the two seasons Sanders has coached the Buffaloes, the team has gone 13-12 and made the Alamo Bowl in 2024.

BOULDER, COLORADO - SEPTEMBER 21: Head coach Deion Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes walks on the field during the first quarter against the Baylor Bears at Folsom Field on September 21, 2024 in Boulder, Colorado.

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Colorado extends Sanders on 5-year deal reportedly worth $54M

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is happy with J.J. McCarthy as the Minnesota Vikings' starting...

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is happy with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199765" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199765">J.J. McCarthy</a> as the Minnesota Vikings' starting signal-caller and with the team's quarterback room."That's the outcome we want, and that's the outcome we're headed towards," Adofo-Mensah said about McCarthy being QB1, according to <a href="https://x.com/SeifertESPN/status/1904952454883479932">ESPN's Kevin Seifert</a>.Adofo-Mensah <a href="https://x.com/Vikings/status/1904957574702563644">added</a>: "At every checkpoint, whether it had been the draft process or practice until the injury, really the offseason now, (McCarthy) has met the bar. He's exceeded our expectations at every point."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The general manager noted the front office "wanted to build a team that can support a young quarterback," while remaining competitive, <a href="https://x.com/BenGoessling/status/1904952937333346776">The Minnesota Star Tribune's Ben Goessling</a> reported.Minnesota selected McCarthy 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he tore his right meniscus in the preseason. The passer was placed on injured reserve for the entire season, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/98048" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/98048">Sam Darnold</a> started every regular season and playoff game.Darnold and backup quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97984" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97984">Daniel Jones</a> signed offseason deals with the Seattle Seahawks and the Indianapolis Colts, respectively. McCarthy and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/93784" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/93784">Brett Rypien</a> are the only remaining signal-callers in Minnesota.Adofo-Mensah also said the team had moved on from adding <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/747" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/747">Aaron Rodgers</a> to the team roster, but he wouldn't rule out his addition in the future. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero had <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3245871" href="https://thescore.com/news/3245871">reported</a> on March 19 that the team wasn't actively pursuing the 41-year-old quarterback and that the Vikings turned down multiple trade offers for McCarthy."A player like (Rodgers) is always gonna be in those conversations," Adofo-Mensah said, per <a href="https://x.com/AlbertBreer/status/1904960820729065532">Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer</a>. "But from our delineations at that time, we're happy with where we are going forward. Obviously, the caliber of player (he is), it had to be part of our conversations."The Vikings are still looking to upgrade their quarterback room "in different ways," Adofo-Mensah said, per <a href="https://x.com/BenGoessling/status/1904961523769893037">Goessling</a>.Minnesota finished 14-3 last season but lost to Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round. The team has four picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, including the 24th overall.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 10: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up before the NFL preseason game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Minnesota Vikings on August 10, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN.

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Vikings' GM confident in McCarthy as QB1: 'That's the outcome we want'

Miami Dolphins backup quarterback Zach Wilson doesn't think he'll be a career journeyman.  "I sti...

Miami Dolphins backup quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161648" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161648">Zach Wilson</a> doesn't think he'll be a career journeyman."I still believe I can be a starter in this league whenever that opportunity comes," Wilson said Monday via <a href="https://apnews.com/article/dolphins-zach-wilson-47d58249a34cf3065f49946d091d4e43">The Associated Press' Alanis Thames</a>. "And so I just try to put myself in the best situation with the best team and coaches and do the absolute best that I can."Wilson's last starting gig was during his three-season tenure with the New York Jets. The 25-year-old was selected by the Jets second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft but finished 12-21 as a starter, leading the league in fumbles in 2023.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The BYU product was traded to the Denver Broncos for the 2024 season, where he was a second-string quarterback to rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199735" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199735">Bo Nix</a>. Wilson didn't get a snap all season and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3238945" href="https://thescore.com/news/3238945">signed</a> a one-year, $6-million deal with the Dolphins on March 10 to backup <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/114411" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/114411">Tua Tagovailoa</a>."What’s not to like (about the Dolphins)?" Wilson said. "They do a great job, and it starts from coach (Mike) McDaniel and goes all the way down. You've seen how (Tagovailoa)'s development has gone since he's been there. I'm just excited to be with those guys."Tagovailoa has struggled through multiple injuries throughout his five-year tenure with the Dolphins, including missing a career-high six games in 2024 with a concussion and shoulder problems. In the 11 games Tagovailoa played last season, he threw for 2,867 yards and 19 touchdowns with a league-leading 72.9% completion rate.Wilson is currently Miami's only backup for Tagovailoa. The team used three backups in 2024 - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174124" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174124">Skylar Thompson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/74372" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/74372">Tim Boyle</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105226" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105226">Tyler "Snoop" Huntley</a> - who finished with a combined 2-4 record.Wilson finished his starter career with 6,293 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions. The Dolphins will hope to improve on the team's 8-9 finish in 2024.

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 25: Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson (4) looks for a receiver during an NFL preseason game between the Denver Broncos and the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on August 25, 2024.

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Dolphins' Wilson: 'I can be a starter' again

While NFL prospect Shedeur Sanders has received some pre-draft criticism, the quarterback is choo...

While NFL prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/160938" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/160938">Shedeur Sanders</a> has received some pre-draft criticism, the quarterback is choosing to ignore it."We always understood to block out the noise, even from Jackson State and Colorado," he said Thursday, per <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/mike-freeman/2025/03/20/shedeur-sanders-deion-sanders-2025-nfl-draft/82571007007/">USA Today's Mike Freeman</a>. "It's a lot of critics, it's a lot of hate. But we know what to do, we know how to handle that in every way. So we remain happy."The 23-year-old, who was Colorado's starting passer for the past two seasons, was called "arrogant" and "brash" by an anonymous quarterbacks coach after a team interview, a source told NFL insider <a href="https://x.com/JosinaAnderson/status/1896655822970581454">Josina Anderson</a> on March 3. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>That assessment of Sanders was met with pushback, with former NFL players coming to the quarterback's defense."You get these coaches that are not accustomed to dealing with, or having these conversations with individuals at this position that have a certain snap, crackle, pop to them," former NFL wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson said on Fox Sports' "<a href="https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/shedeur-sanders-being-called-arrogant-after-nfl-combine-fair">Speak</a>" podcast. "And (Sanders is) smiling, and being himself. They're not used to that. They want him to be something that he's not."Sanders is among the highest-profile prospects and is expected to be selected in the first round. Deion Sanders, Shedeur's father and current Colorado coach, jokingly threatened to take action against the anonymous critic Thursday."Don't make me pull behind the curtains and step in," Deion <a href="https://x.com/SkoBuffsGoBuffs/status/1902793365327929743">said</a> on the NFL Network.The quarterback has <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3229504" href="https://thescore.com/news/3229504">discussed</a> his ability to "change the franchise or the culture" at every stop in his football career."I've been through six different OCs, so I'm able to adjust to every offense and any scheme and make it work," Sanders said Feb. 28. "We went from Jackson State to Colorado and just changed two programs back-to-back. You don't think I can come to an NFL franchise and change the program again? It's history."Sanders finished the 2024 campaign with 4,134 passing yards and 37 touchdowns to go along with a 74% completion rate. Colorado ended the season 9-4, losing to BYU in the Alamo Bowl.The 2025 NFL Draft takes place from April 24 to 26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Deion Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes celebrates with Shedeur Sanders #2 after a fourth quarter touchdown against the Utah Utes at Folsom Field on November 16, 2024 in Boulder, Colorado.

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Sanders speaks out about pre-draft criticism: 'It's a lot of hate'

The New England Patriots signed center Garrett Bradbury to a two-year deal, sources told ESPN's A...

The New England Patriots signed center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/85737" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/85737">Garrett Bradbury</a> to a two-year deal, sources told <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1902087888722174198">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>.The deal is worth up to $12 million with $3.8 million guaranteed, Schefter reports.Bradbury was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3244769" href="https://thescore.com/news/3244769">released</a> by the Minnesota Vikings on Monday after the team failed to find a trade. The veteran will likely become the Patriots' starting center following the release of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/54871" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/54871">David Andrews</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bradbury started every game he played for his former team, the Vikings, after he was selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.The Patriots had a league-high $97.1 million in cap space before signing Bradbury, according to <a href="https://overthecap.com/salary-cap-space">Over the Cap</a>. The club's signings have mainly been on the defensive end of the ball, with Bradbury and offensive tackle <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/44290" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/44290">Morgan Moses</a> the only significant offensive additions.New England's offense was one of the league's worst in 2024 and ranked 31st in total yards per game. The Patriots attempted to sign wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87115" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87115">Chris Godwin</a>, but he turned down an offer of $30 million per season to re-sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/44196530/2025-nfl-free-agency-winners-losers-contracts-signings-trades-49ers-jaguars-patriots-darnold-jarrett">ESPN's Bill Barnwell</a>.

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 13: Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury (56) lines up during the NFL Wild Card Playoff football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams on January 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ.

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Report: Patriots sign Bradbury to 2-year, $12M deal

The Minnesota Vikings have released center Garrett Bradbury, the team announced Monday.  The move...

The Minnesota Vikings have released center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/85737" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/85737">Garrett Bradbury</a>, the team announced Monday.The move comes with a post-June 1 designation to spread the cap hit, according to <a href="https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1901745365315182865">NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport</a>. The transaction saves $5.25 million in cap space this year, according to <a href="https://overthecap.com/player/garrett-bradbury/7809">Over The Cap</a>.The Vikings attempted to trade the veteran after acquiring <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/57173" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/57173">Ryan Kelly</a> last week. The 29-year-old spent six seasons in Minnesota after the team selected him in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bradbury started in each of the 88 games he played for the Vikings, helping them make the playoffs three times.

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - OCTOBER 16: Garrett Bradbury #56 of the Minnesota Vikings stretches prior to an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

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Vikings release center Bradbury

Running back Raheem Mostert agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.1 million with the Las Vegas Raide...

Running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/54636" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/54636">Raheem Mostert</a> agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.1 million with the Las Vegas Raiders, he told <a href="https://x.com/CameronWolfe/status/1900238359693267178">NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe</a>.Mostert played for the Miami Dolphins over the past three seasons. He rushed for 278 yards and two touchdowns across 13 games in 2024 while primarily acting as Miami's RB2 behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188117" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188117">De'Von Achane</a>. The club released him in February.The 32-year-old's best campaign came in 2023 when he ran for 1,012 yards and led the league with 18 rushing scores. It's the only season in Mostert's NFL career in which he's eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards and had double-digit rushing touchdowns.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Raiders ranked last in the league in rushing in 2024, averaging 79.8 yards a game. Las Vegas finished 4-13 and holds the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 28: Running back Raheem Mostert #31 of the Miami Dolphins gets set during an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on November 28, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

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Raiders sign Mostert to 1-year, $2.1M deal

There's one reason tight end Mike Gesicki decided to leave money on the table and rejoin the Cinc...

There's one reason tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87907" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87907">Mike Gesicki</a> decided to leave money on the table and rejoin the Cincinnati Bengals: <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97638" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97638">Joe Burrow</a>."I definitely knew that I was going to take the 'Joe Burrow tax,'" Gesicki told <a href="https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/gesicki-didnt-want-to-leave-burrow-bengals/WQPVTNXAMRFEXE6LDWFOS222K4/">Dayton Daily News' Laurel Pfahler</a>. "I'm cool with it. ... It makes it easy to come back to a place like this."Gesicki added: "I'm going to work my tail off every single day for the Cincinnati Bengals, but (also) for Joe Burrow because, I mean, he did so much for my career last year, just giving me the opportunity and believing in me and trusting me."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 29-year-old <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3236626" href="https://thescore.com/news/3236626">agreed</a> to a three-year, $25.5-million extension Saturday. He was set to become a free agent Wednesday after signing a one-year, $2.5-million contract with the Bengals in 2024.Burrow signed a five-year, $275-million extension in 2023, which would keep him in Cincinnati until 2030. The passer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3211424" href="https://thescore.com/news/3211424">said</a> in February that he'd restructure his contract to get core offensive contributors like Gesicki to stay.Gesicki said he didn't want to take "too big of a chunk" to prevent other key players, like wide receivers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161655" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161655">Ja'Marr Chase</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/115870" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/115870">Tee Higgins</a>, from getting a long-term deal, per Pfahler. The Bengals currently have $33.2 million in cap space for 2025, according to <a href="https://overthecap.com/salary-cap-space">Over the Cap</a>."You hear about your value and all that kind of stuff and what it could be, and at that point, it's just like, this is what I want," Gesicki said. "I wanted to go to Cincinnati, and I wanted to be in an offense that allowed me to reach my potential, and I think that this place gives me everything I'm looking for."Gesicki caught 65 passes for 665 yards and two touchdowns with Cincy. The team finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs.

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 28: Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback Joe Burrow (9) and Cincinnati Bengals Tight End Mike Gesicki (88) react at the end of the game the NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 28, 2024, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Gesicki: I'm OK paying 'Joe Burrow tax' to stay a Bengal

The Indianapolis Colts are signing quarterback Daniel Jones to a one-year, $14-million deal worth...

The Indianapolis Colts are signing quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97984" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97984">Daniel Jones</a> to a one-year, $14-million deal worth up to $17.7 million, sources told <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1899475763461517388">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero</a>.The 27-year-old passer was choosing between the Vikings and the Colts, <a href="https://x.com/HolderStephen/status/1899459951438770678">ESPN's Stephen Holder</a> reports. After negotiations went late into the night, the appeal of potentially starting drew Jones to Indianapolis, Rapoport <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1899475461937230333">said</a>.Jones will compete for the Colts' starting job with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188125" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188125">Anthony Richardson</a>. General manager Chris Ballard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3226775" href="https://thescore.com/news/3226775">said two weeks ago</a> that an open competition "will help up everyone's game."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Richardson, the fourth overall pick of the 2023 draft, has struggled to stay healthy in the NFL. The 22-year-old played four games in his rookie campaign before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury and was sidelined for four games due to injury last season.Head coach Shane Steichen also benched Richardson for two games in 2024 as a wake-up call. Richardson finished the campaign with 1,814 passing yards and eight passing touchdowns in 11 games. His 47.7% pass-completion rate was the worst in the NFL.Jones began last season with the Giants before New York cut him in November. He passed for 2,070 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 10 starts. Jones then joined the Minnesota Vikings to back up <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/98048" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/98048">Sam Darnold</a> but didn't play a game.The Giants selected Jones sixth overall in 2019, and he started 69 games in six seasons. New York made a single playoff appearance in 2022 with Jones under center. He finished his Giants tenure with 14,582 passing yards, 85 total touchdowns, 47 interceptions, and a 64.1% pass-completion rate.The Vikings will turn to sophomore <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199765" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199765">J.J. McCarthy</a> to lead the offense, barring another addition, after the Seattle Seahawks signed Darnold on Monday. McCarthy was picked 10th overall in last year's draft and then tore the meniscus in his right knee in the preseason. He missed his entire rookie year due to the injury.

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 13: Quarterback Daniel Jones #13 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to an NFC Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Rams, at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona.

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Report: Colts signing Daniel Jones to 1-year, $14M deal

The New York Giants are signing former Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland, sources told NFL Netw...

The New York Giants are signing former Miami Dolphins safety <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161829" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161829">Jevon Holland</a>, sources told <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1899430661020160187">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a>.The deal is worth $45 million over three years with $30.3 million guaranteed, Rapoport adds.Holland was one of the top free-agent safeties. He joins cornerback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161859" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161859">Paulson Adebo</a> as major additions to the Giants' secondary.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 25-year-old was drafted by the Dolphins in the second round in 2021. Holland registered 301 tackles and five interceptions over four years in Miami.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 17: Jevon Holland #8 of the Miami Dolphins prior to a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium on November 17, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

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Report: Giants agree to deal with Holland

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Sarah Wallace

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