New Orleans Saints, wide receiver Michael Thomas agree to NFL record five-year, $100 million contract extension

Michael Thomas
photo courtesy: Associated Press

After sitting out the first few days of training camp for a new contract, Michael Thomas got his wish.

On Wednesday ESPN reported that the 26-year-old wide receiver signed a 5 year, $100 million contract extension with the New Orleans Saints, including a $20 million signing bonus, $61 million guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $20 million.

The new deal makes Thomas the highest paid wide receiver in the NFL. He is also the first non-quarterback to sign a $100 million deal.

The veteran pass catcher has been Drew Brees top target since his arrival in New Orleans in 2016. Since that time Thomas has been a 2x Pro Bowler, a First Team All Pro and the 2018 NFL receptions leader and amassed 321 receptions for 3,787 receiving yards and 23 receiving touchdowns.

Thomas is now locked in with the Saints through the 2024 season.

Saints release wide receiver Cameron Meredith

Cameron Meredith
photo courtesy: Getty Images

Just four days into training camp, the Saints have made their first major cut of the season.

On Monday ESPN reported that New Orleans released wide receiver Cameron Meredith. Meredith was looking to make a return from a devastating knee injury he suffered in 2017.

The 26-year-old signed a two-year deal $9.8 million deal in 2018, but agreed to a pay cut in March to remain with the team. The move was a surprise to Meredith who said the release was unexpected.

Meredith played in just six games last season for the Saints before being placed on injured reserve due to nagging soreness and swelling in his knee.

The veteran pass catcher hopes for an opportunity with another team. Meanwhile the Saints are still dealing with the holdout of star receiver Michael Thomas.

Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green out six to eight weeks with ankle injury

A.J. Green
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Bengals suffered a loss to their receiving corp just two days into their training camp.

On Sunday ESPN reported that wide receiver A.J. Green had suffered torn ligaments in his left ankle and would miss the next six to eight weeks.

The timetable means the veteran receiver will likely miss the season opener on September 8th.

Green went down during practice on Saturday and had to be carted off the field. While the extent of the injury wasn't as severe as initially speculated, the missed time will put pressure on Tyler Boyd and Josh Malone at the start of the season.

The 7x Pro Bowler missed seven games last season with a toe injury.

Wide receiver Golden Tate suspended first four games of 2019 season

Golden Tate
photo courtesy: Associated Press

New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate is facing the possibility of starting the season away from the team.

On Saturday Tate took to his Twitter to announce that he was facing a four-game suspension for violation of the NFL's policy on performance enhancing drugs.

In his post the 30-year-old stated that the banned substance was a prescription fertility medication he was taking as he and his wife are trying to conceive a child.

"This past April, during the off-season, my wife and I decided to see a specialist for fertility planning. I started the treatment prescribed to me and just days later I discovered it contained an ingredient that is on the league's banned substance list," Tate said in a statement. "I immediately discontinued use, I reported the situation to the Independent Administrator of the NFL Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances, and I spoke with my coaches and general manager. I did all of this well before a failed test was even confirmed.

"Per NFL protocol, an initial suspension was imminent, but myself and the Giants organization are confident in the facts, and eagerly await my appeal to put this behind us."

Unfortunately for the veteran receiver, this admission may not be enough to appease the league. The NFL has been strong in their stance that players must be consciously aware of the medications and supplements they ingest and if they are on the banned substances list.

Tate has an appeal hearing scheduled for August 6th. He hopes for a resolution prior to the start of the season.

San Francisco 49ers sign tight end Niles Paul to a one-year deal

Niles Paul
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Niles Paul is headed to the west coast for the 2019 season.

On Friday NFL Network reported that the San Francisco 49ers were signing the tight end to a one-year deal.

The 29-year-old was drafted in the fifth round by the Redskins in 2011. He spent seven injury plagued seasons in Washington before being released and signing with the Jaguars in 2018. He would suffer an injury in Week 8 and be placed on injured reserve before being released in December of that year.

In his eight year NFL career the 6'1/242 pound veteran has amassed 78 receptions for 954 receiving yards along with 814 return yards and two total touchdowns.

Paul is expected to compete with Jalen Hurd and Kaden Smith for a backup tight end position behind George Kittle and Garrett Celek.

Seattle Seahawks and Bobby Wagner agree to three-year contract extension

Bobby Wagner
photo courtesy: Getty Images

Just one day into training camp, the Seahawks have locked in one of their biggest defensive weapons.

On Friday ESPN reported that linebacker Bobby Wagner agreed to a three-year, $54 million contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks, including $40.2 million guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $18 million. In 2019, Wagner will earn a base salary of $10.5 million, a roster bonus of $937,500 and a incentive bonus of $1 million.

The 29-year-old veteran was drafted in the second round by the Seahawks in 2012 and has been a mainstay of the defense ever since playing a significant role in the dominance of "Legion of Boom" in the early 2010s. The Super Bowl 48 champion has been a 5x Pro Bowler, 4x First Team All Pro and a 1x Second Team All Pro.

In his seven year NFL career Wagner has amassed 916 tackles, 16.5 sacks, 41 pass deflections, nine interceptions, four forced fumbles and three defensive touchdowns.

The new deal locks the 6 foot, 245 middle linebacker in with the Seahawks through the 2022 season.

Broncos sign wide receiver Nick Williams to a one-year deal

Nick Williams
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Broncos have added another piece to their offense for the 2019 season.

On Friday NFL Network reported that Denver signed wide receiver Nick Williams to a one-year deal.

The 28-year-old was signed as an undrafted rookie by the Redskins in 2013. Since that time he has bounced around the league spending time with the Falcons, Titans and Rams.

In his six year NFL career the journeyman receiver has amassed 30 receptions for 280 yards along with 235 returns yards and two total touchdowns.

The addition of Williams is a safety net since Broncos receivers Emmanuel Sanders DaeSean Hamilton and Juwann Winfree all missed time last season with injuries.

Defensive tackle Mike Daniels signs one-year deal with Detroit Lions

Mike Daniels
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Just two days after being released by the Packers, defensive tackle Mike Daniels has found a new team for the 2019 season.

On Friday ESPN reported that the 30-year-old veteran signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions worth up to $9.1 million with $7.8 million in guaranteed money.

The fourth round pick out of Iowa has spent his entire seven year NFL career with the Packers before his release.

The addition of Daniels adds size and depth to a defense that finished 10th in total defense last season. It also keeps the Pro Bowler in the NFC North division and facing his former team twice this season.

Dolphins sign wide receiver Allen Hurns to a one-year deal

Allen Hurns
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Just one week after being released by the Cowboys, Allen Hurns has found a new home for the 2019 season.

On Friday ESPN reported that the 27-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins worth up to $3 million.

Hurns was signed by the Jaguars as an undrafted rookie in 2014. He would spend four seasons in Jacksonville before being released by the team in March of 2018. He would be signed by the Cowboys to a two-year deal just three days later. The veteran receiver would suffer a gruesome ankle injury in a playoff game versus the Seahawks in January that eventually led to the end of his time in Dallas.

A Miami native the signing returns Hurns to his hometown. He will join a team heavy at the receiver spot with DeVante Parker, Kenny Stills, Albert Wilson, Brice Butler and Jakeem Grant all vying for a spot on the 53-man roster this season.

Wide receiver Corey Coleman lost for the season with torn ACL

Corey Coleman
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Wide receiver Corey Coleman's 2019 season is over before it even began.

On Friday ESPN reported that the 25-year-old had torn his ACL during Giants' opening day training camp practice on Thursday and would be out for the season.

The 5'11/185 pound veteran was drafted in the first round by the Browns in 2016. After two seasons with the team, Coleman demanded a trade during training camp in 2018 and was shipped off to the Buffalo Bills that August. Bills would release him one month later. He was picked up by the Patriots who cut him for Josh Gordon, re-signed him to their practice squad and released him again nine days later. Giants would sign the young receiver to their practice squad three weeks later and be activated to the active squad six days later. He would go on to play in eight games for the team starting in one.

With Odell Beckham traded to the Browns this offseason, Coleman was hoping to become a starter opposite Sterling Shepard this season. With Coleman out, the team will look to Cody Lattimer, Russell Shepard or Bennie Fowler to take over the No. 2 spot.

Titans sign safety Kevin Byard to a five-year contract extension

Kevin Byard
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Kevin Byard will be staying put in Tennessee for several more years.

On Wednesday NFL Network announced Byard signed a five-year, $70.5 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, including $31 million guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $14.1 million.

The 25-year-old was drafted in the third round by the Titans in 2016 and has spent his entire three year NFL career with the team.

The veteran safety is a Pro Bowler and a First Team All Pro and was the interceptions co-leader in 2017. In his three year NFL career 5'11/212 pound defensive back has amassed 235 tackles, three sacks, 28 pass deflections, 12 interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

The new deal locks Byard in with the Titans through the 2025 season and makes him the highest paid safety in the league.

49ers sign defensive end Damontre Moore to one-year deal

Damontre Moore
photo courtesy: Getty Images

Defensive end Damontre Moore is back in the NFL.

On Wednesday Moore signed a one-year, $805,000 contract with the San Francisco 49ers. The veteran defensive lineman last played for the San Diego Fleet of the Alliance of American Football until its collapse in April of this year.

Moore was drafted in the third round by the Giants in 2013. After two years in New York the journeyman bounced around the league spending time with the Dolphins, Seahawks, Cowboys and Raiders.

In his six year NFL career the 26-year old has amassed 82 tackles, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and four pass deflections.

Running back Darren Sproles signs one-year deal with the Eagles

Darren Sproles
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Darren Sproles is back in Philadelphia for one final season.

On Wednesday NFL Network announced that the Eagles signed the 36-year-old running back to a one-year deal with a base value of $1.03M with a $300K signing bonus and $600K of his base guaranteed.

Sproles was drafted in the fourth round by the Chargers in 2005. The veteran rusher spent six years in San Diego before signing with the Saints in 2011. He spent three seasons in New Orleans before being traded to the Eagles in 2014.

The Super Bowl LII champion is a 3x Pro Bowler, 2x First Team All Pro and holds the record for the all purpose yards in a season at 2,696 yards.

In his 15 year NFL career the 5'6/185 pound Sproles has amassed 3,486 rushing yards, 23 rushing touchdowns, 4,816 receiving yards, 32 receiving touchdowns, 11,227 return yards and nine return touchdowns.

Vikings claim running back De'Angelo Henderson, release running back Roc Thomas

De'Angelo Henderson
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Vikings made some changes to their backfield before the start of training camp.

On Wednesday NFL Network announced that Minnesota had claimed former Jets running back De'Angelo Henderson.

The 26-year-old was drafted in the sixth round by the Broncos in 2017. He spent one season in Denver before being waived and being picked up by the Jets. He spent one season in New York before being released this offseason.

Henderson has played in a total of eight games in two seasons and has amassed nine rushing attempts for 32 rushing yards along with nine receptions for 36 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.

Upon signing the veteran rusher the Vikings released running back Roc Thomas. Thomas was suspended on Tuesday for the first three games of the 2019 season.

Seahawks sign defensive tackle Earl Mitchell

Earl Mitchell
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Just ahead of training camp the Seahawks made a move to shore up their defensive line.

On Wednesday ESPN reported that Seattle signed defensive tackle Earl Mitchell. The signing comes just one day after defensive tackle Jarran Reed was suspended the first six games of the 2019 season.

Mitchell was drafted in the third round by the Texans in 2010. He spent four years in Houston before signing with the Dolphins in 2014. He would spend three years in Miami before being released and being signed by the 49ers where he spent the last two seasons.

In his nine year NFL career the 31-year-old defensive lineman has played in 130 games and amassed 268 tackles, 6.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and nine pass deflections.

Titans offensive tackle Taylor Lewan suspended first four games of 2019 season

Taylor Lewan
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Taylor Lewan will miss the first quarter of the 2019 season.

On Wednesday the 28-year-old offensive tackle posted a video on his Twitter to announce his pending suspension for violation of the NFL's policy on the use of performance enhancing drugs. 

A tearful Lewan said he was unaware that a banned substance, ostarine, was contained within supplements he had been taking for years and took a lie detector test to prove his innocence. He apologized to the Tennessee Titans and their fans for the failed test and suspension.

On Thursday the veteran offensive lineman said he will be appealing his suspension. Currently the 6'7/309 pound Pro Bowler will be available to practice and play through training camp and preseason but won't be available to hit the field in the regular season until Week 5 vs. Buffalo. 

Patriots sign tight end Lance Kendricks

Lance Kendricks
photo courtesy: Associated Press

The Patriots took a big move to beef up their pass catching help this season.

On Wednesday New England signed 31-year-old tight end Lance Kendricks.

Kendricks spent the last two seasons with the Packers after spending the previous six seasons with the Rams.

The 6'3/250 pound pass catcher was drafted in the second round by the Rams in 2011. In his eight year NFL career Kendricks has amassed 241 receptions for 2,505 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Kendricks is replacing the spot left vacant after the retirement of Rob Gronkowski this offseason.

Packers release defensive tackle Mike Daniels

Mike Daniels
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Mike Daniels is in search of a new team for 2019.

On Wednesday NFL Network reported that the Packers released the 30-year-old defensive tackle.

The Pro Bowler was drafted by the team in the fourth round in 2012 and has spent his entire seven year NFL career in Green Bay.

Since his release Daniels has met with the Browns in hopes of finding a new place to play this season.

In his seven year NFL career the 6 foot/291 pound lineman has amassed 225 tackles, 29 sacks, five pass deflections, one interception and two forced fumbles.

Defensive end Dean Lowry signs three-year contract extension with Packers

Dean Lowry
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Dean Lowry is staying put in Green Bay for several more years.

On Tuesday the Packers announced  the 25-year-old defensive end had signed a three-year $20.325 million contract extension with the team with an average annual salary of $6.775 million.

Lowry was drafted by the Packers in the fourth round in 2016. Since that time he has played in 47 games, starting 19 and amassed 85 tackles, seven sacks, six pass deflections, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and one defensive touchdown.

The new deal locks the veteran defensive lineman in with the team through the 2022 season.

Vikings cornerback Holton Hill suspended four additional games

Holton Hill
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Holton Hill will not be with the Vikings for the first half of the 2019 season.

On Tuesday ESPN reported that the 22-year-old cornerback was suspended an additional four games for violation of the league's substance abuse policy.

Hill had previously received a four-game suspension in April for violation of the league's use of performance enhancing drugs. The additional suspension means the veteran defensive back will now be out the first eight games of the season.

The 6'2/196 pound defensive back was signed by the Vikings as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2018. He played in all 16 games for the team where he amassed 36 tackles, seven pass deflections and one interception.

Hill will be able to practice and play through training camp and preseason but won't be available in the regular season until Week 9 against the Chiefs.

Wide receiver Tyler Boyd signs four-year extension with Bengals

Tyler Boyd
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Tyler Boyd is staying put in Cincinnati.

On Tuesday NFL Network reported that Boyd signed a four-year, $43 million contract with the Bengals, including an average annual salary of $10.75 million.

The 24-year-old was drafted in the second round by the Bengals in 2016. Since that time he has played in 40 games, starting in 17 and amassed 152 receptions for 1,856 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The new deal locks the veteran receiver in with the Bengals through the 2023 season.

Mark Sanchez retires from NFL to join ESPN

Mark Sanchez
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Mark Sanchez is calling it a career.

On Tuesday the New York Post reported that the 32-year-old was retiring from the NFL for a job as a college football analyst for ESPN.

Sanchez was drafted in the first round by the New York Jets in 2009. He spent five years with the Jets where he would lead the team to the playoffs in his first two seasons. His career took a nose dive and eventually was released in 2014. He would bounce around the league spending time with the Eagles, Broncos, Cowboys, Bears and Redskins.

Sanchez will join Kevin Negandhi and Jon Vilma in studio replacing Mack Brown who left to coach North Carolina.

Defensive end Allen Bailey signs two-year deal with Falcons

Allen Bailey
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Defensive end Allen Bailey has a new home for the 2019 season.

On Tuesday ESPN reported that the 30-year-old signed a two-year, $10.5 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, including $3.5 million guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $5.25 million.

The signing comes one day after safety J.J. Wilcox and defensive end Michael Bennett were lost to injury. Wilcox is out for the season with a torn ACL while Bennett is out indefinitely with a broken foot.

Bailey was drafted by the Chiefs in 2011 and spent the last eight seasons with the team. During that time he has amassed 207 tackles, 19.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries.

Falcons defensive tackle Michael Bennett out indefinitely with broken ankle

Michael Bennett
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Falcons defensive tackle Michael Bennett will not be on the field when the season opens for the team.

On Monday the team reported that the 26-year-old suffered a broken ankle during the first day of practice and would be out indefinitely.

The team already lost two of their defensive players for the season- defensive end Steven Means was to a torn Achilles during OTAs and safety J.J. Wilcox was lost to a torn ACL during the Falcons first day of practice. 

Bennett was set to compete for a starting role this season, but those plans are on hold for the foreseeable future.

No timetable has been set yet for his return. 

Falcons safety J.J. Wilcox out for the season with torn ACL

J.J. Wilcox
photo courtesy: Associated Press

J.J. Wilcox's 2019 season ended before it even began.

On Monday the Falcons announced that the 28-year-old had torn his ACL during practice and would miss the entire season.

Wilcox spent last season with the Colts and was brought in to compete for a reserve safety spot along with Sharrod Neasman, Chris Cooper, Jason Thompson, Ryan Neal and Parker Baldwin. 

The injury makes it likely Wilcox will not make the team's final 53-man roster.

Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed suspended first six games of 2019 season

Jarran Reed
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed will start the 2019 season away from Century Field.

On Monday the NFL announced that Reed's appeal of his six-game suspension had been denied. The 26-year-old took to his Twitter shortly after the announcement to express his remorse:

🙏🏾 I love you 12s pic.twitter.com/QH9YRPRqK0

— jarran reed (@1j_reed) July 22, 2019

Reed was suspended for violation of the league's personal conduct policy for an incident that occurred in early 2017. The 6'3/306 pound lineman will be able to practice and play through training camp and preseason but won't be able to hit the field in the regular season until Week 7 against the Ravens.

Linebacker Deion Jones agrees to four-year extension with the Falcons

Deion Jones
photo courtesy: Getty Images

Falcons are making big plans to keep their best defensive weapons in place for the long term.

After locking down Grady Jarrett to a new deal on Monday, Atlanta doubled down on Wednesday and signed linebacker Deion Jones to a four-year extension.

Jones signed a four-year, $57 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, including an $11 million signing bonus, $34 million guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $14.25 million.

The 24-year-old was drafted by Atlanta in the second round in 2016. He has spent his entire three year NFL career with the team.

The Pro Bowler has played in 37 games, starting in all but two and has amassed 299 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, 27 pass deflections, eight interceptions and three defensive touchdowns. 

Defensive end Robert Ayers retires from the NFL

Robert Ayers
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Robert Ayers has decided to call it a career.

On Tuesday Ayers took to his Twitter to announce his retirement from the NFL.

The 33-year old defensive end last played for the Lions in 2017 before being released that offseason. He was signed by the Lions before the start of the 2018 season, but was released the next day.

Ayers was drafted out of the University of Tennessee in the first round by the Denver Broncos in 2009. He would spend four years with the Broncos before signing a two year deal with the Giants in 2014. The 6'3", 275 pound veteran spent the last three seasons with the Buccaneers. 

In his 10 year NFL career Ayers played in 120 games and amassed 257 tackles, 35 sacks, 14 pass deflections, eight forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one defensive touchdown.

Running back Roc Thomas suspended first three games of 2019 season

Roc Thomas
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Running back Roc Thomas will not be with the Vikings for the start of the 2019 season.

On Tuesday the NFL announced the 23-year-old had been suspended for the first three games of the NFL season for violation of the league's substance abuse policy.

The suspension is a result of a felony marijuana arrest for which he received probation. Thomas was found to be in possession of 143 grams of marijuana in his Mendota Heights home in January.

Thomas was signed by the Vikings as an undrafted rookie in 2018. He made his debut for the team in Week 4 and amassed eight carries for 30 yards and two receptions for 21 yards in his rookie season. 

Thomas will be available in Week 4 when the Vikings face the Bears in Chicago.

Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett signs four year deal with Falcons

Grady Jarrett
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Grady Jarrett will be in Atlanta for several more years.

On Monday Jarrett signed a four year, $68 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, including a $18 million signing bonus, $42.5 million guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $17 million.

The 26-year-old defensive tackle was drafted in the fifth round by the Falcons in 2015 and has spent his entire four-year NFL career with the team.

In his four year NFL career the 6'/305 pound lineman has amassed 179 tackles, 14 sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. 

The new deal with the Falcons makes Jarrett the highest paid defensive tackle in the league.

49ers sign kicker Robbie Gould to a new four-year deal

Robbie Gould
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Robbie Gould is staying in the Bay Area for the foreseeable future.

On Monday the 36-year-old kicker signed a four-year, $19 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers, including a $3 million signing bonus, $10.5 million guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $4.75 million.

 Gould is locked in with the team until 2022. Gould lead the league in field goal percentage last season while completing 72 of 75 field goals over the last two seasons.

Chris Herndon suspended first four games of 2019 season

Chris Herndon
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Chris Herndon will not be with the Jets when the 2019 season begins.

On Friday the NFL announced the suspension of the 23-year-old for violation of the league's substance abuse policy.

The suspension comes as a result of a June 2018 car crash. Herndon pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated in January.

Herndon can practice and participate in training camp and through the preseason but will not be available to play until October 7th.

Tight end Daniel Brown will likely start for the Jets until Herndon's return from suspension.

Richie Incognito suspended first two games of 2019 season

Richie Incognito
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Raiders guard Richie Incognito will be starting the 2019 season away from the team.

On Friday the NFL announced a two-game suspension for the 36-year-old for violation of the league's personal conduct policy.

The suspension comes as a result of an arrest last August for threats and disorderly conduct made at a Scottsdale, Arizona funeral home while the offensive lineman was making funeral arrangements for his late father.

Raiders were aware that a suspension was imminent before signing veteran guard in May.

Safety Kamrin Moore suspended by Giants after domestic violence arrest

Kamrin Moore
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Giants safety Kamrin Moore is facing legal issues that may cost him a chance at earning a spot with the team this season.

On Monday the team announced the 22-year-old had been suspended pending the outcome of a police investigation.

Moore was arrested over the weekend for third-degree aggravated assault after punching a woman and knocking her unconscious and stepping on her neck. Moore and the victim had been dating since January.

The young defensive back was originally drafted in the sixth round in the 2018 draft by the Saints but failed to make the final roster cut. He was waived and later picked up by the Giants in September and would go on to play just two games for the team. The results of the investigation may end up costing the talented secondary player his shot in the NFL.

Linebacker Derrick Morgan retires from the NFL

Derrick Morgan
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Derrick Morgan is permanently hanging up his cleats.

On Monday the 30-year-old announced his retirement from the NFL.

The 6'4/261 pound linebacker was a ferocious tackler coming out of Georgia Tech and was drafted in number 16 overall in the first round by the Tennessee Titans. Morgan would go onto spend his entire nine year career with the team. He was released this offseason before announcing his retirement.

In his nine year NFL career Morgan amassed 305 tackles, 44.5 sacks, 26 pass deflections, five forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.

Guard Clint Boling retires from the NFL

Clint Boling
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Clint Boling has decided to end his career in football.

On Monday the Cincinnati Bengals guard announced his retirement from the NFL through the team's website.

A highly touted prospect coming out of Georgia, Boling was drafted by the Bengals in the fourth round in 2011 and spent his entire eight year NFL career with the team. In that time he played in 111 games, starting in all but two.

Buccaneers cornerback Ryan Smith suspended first four games of 2019 season

Ryan Smith
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ryan Smith will begin the first quarter of the NFL season away from the team.

On Wednesday the NFL announced that the 25-year-old had been suspended for the first four games of the 2019 season for violation of the league's policy on performance enhancing drugs.

Smith has started 16 games over the last two seasons for the Bucs and amassed 101 tackles, three forced fumbles, 10 pass deflections and one interception.

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht released a statement shortly after the announcement:

“We are disappointed that Ryan will be unavailable for the first four games of the season. We do extensive training and education for our players regarding the league’s polices, but ultimately each individual is responsible for what they put in their bodies.”

The 6 foot, 190 pound defensive back can practice and play during training camp and preseason but won't be available until to hit the field until Week 5 against the Saints. 

NFL to pay medical expenses of Kendrick Norton

Kendrick Norton
photo courtesy: Getty Images

Kendrick Norton received a bit of uplifting news this week.

After an accident last week required the amputation of his left arm and ended his NFL career, the 22 year old's management team launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover his medical expenses.

On Tuesday the fundraiser was updated to inform contributors that the NFL had reached out and advised them that the league would cover the young talent's medical expenses. Donations would now cover his daily living expenses since he no longer can play in the league.

The Miami Dolphins have the option to keep Norton on their Non-Football Injury (NFI) list which would allow him to collect his $495,000 salary for the 2019 season and remain on the league's health insurance plan. The team has not spoken about their decision on this yet.

Norton took to his Instagram on Tuesday to thank his well wishers and update people of his health.

Safety Glover Quin retires from the NFL

Glover Quin
photo courtesy: Associated Press

After 10 seasons in the NFL, safety Glover Quin has decided to call it a career.

On Tuesday the 33-year-old took to his Instagram to announce his retirement from the league.

Quinn was drafted by the Houston Texans out of New Mexico in 2009. He would spend four years with the Texans before signing with the Lions in 2013.

Quin would make a big impact with the Lions starting in 148 consecutive games and racking up the second most tackles for a safety in the team's history. Lions released him this offseason and Quin chose to retire rather than pursue an opportunity with a new team.

In his 10 year NFL career the 5'11/207 pound defensive back amassed 737 tackles, four sacks, 85 pass deflections, 24 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles and two defensive touchdowns.