Author: Bobby Finger on Jezebel, shared by Tom Ley to Deadspin

The Patriots had another cutthroat day

The Patriots added a bruising running back and a shifty possession receiver on Tuesday, all while saving money and undercutting a division rival. In other words: business as usual in Foxboro. The Patriots — after Adrian Peterson came for a visit and incumbent LeGarrette Blount indicated he’s not interested in the team’s standing offer — extended an offer sheet to restricted free-agent running back Mike Gillislee of the Bills. NFL Network reported the deal is structured in such a way — two years, $6.4 million, with $4 million in Year 1 — that it would be tough for the Bills to match in the allotted five days, comparing it to when the Patriots poached playoff hero Chris Hogan from Buffalo. The

Powered by WPeMatico

Raiders QB Derek Carr calls out Stephen A. Smith for his 'nonsense'

Monday’s “true Raider fan”comment has left Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr in one of the most unsavory positions in all of sports: having to answer (and listen) to ESPN sensationalist Stephen A. Smith’s baseless rhetoric on the topic. For those that may not have seen or heard Carr’s comments, here was his reaction to a question during the season’s first media availability session regarding his recent interaction with Bay Area fans: “We’re not going to split up like you’ve seen other cities do. We’re not going to do things like that. For the ones that do, I don’t really believe that they’re true Raider fans. Smith originally took to his normal platform for spewing his nauseating opinions

Powered by WPeMatico

Joey Bosa, last season's high-profile holdout, absent as Chargers start offseason workouts

NFL teams can’t fine players who don’t show up, but everyone knows the deal: You’re expected to show up. You’d think that after last season’s contract fiasco, Joey Bosa wouldn’t create any waves. The Los Angeles Chargers defensive end had the messiest rookie holdout we’ve seen under the current collective-bargaining agreement, but still won NFL defensive rookie of the year anyway.

Powered by WPeMatico

Ray McDonald rape case dropped after accuser refuses to testify

The woman who accused former 49ers defensive lineman Ray McDonald of raping her has refused to testify against him, and as a result the charge has been dropped. The San Jose Mercury News reports that the women sued McDonald and received a settlement of more than $100,000. The woman accused McDonald of raping her at his house on December 15, 2014. The 49ers cut him shortly after. He was later signed by the Bears but released after he was arrested and accused of domestic violence and child endangerment. McDonald, who was accused of domestic violence three times in his NFL career, has not played in an NFL game since the 49ers released him.

Powered by WPeMatico

Paxton Lynch has been first player to Broncos' meetings

So much for rumors about Paxton Lynch’s work ethic. The second-year quarterback has been the first one to meetings at the Broncos’ facility, an unnamed player recently told KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. While that doesn’t guarantee success on the field, it is a good sign that Lynch has been putting in the time to improve this offseason. Lynch, who worked out with a quarterback guru in Florida this offseason, has noted he’s going to “be in the building” as much as possible this summer. Lynch, 23, was selected by Denver 26th overall out of Memphis in last year’s draft. He appeared in three games as a rookie, going 1-1 in two starts and throwing for 497 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. This

Powered by WPeMatico

A.J. Hawk to retire with the Packers

Former linebacker A.J. Hawk has decided to retire from the NFL as a member of the Green Bay Packers. The Packers announced Hawk’s decision on Tuesday. “The first thing that needs to be said about A.J. Hawk is that he is a good man,” general manager Ted Thompson said in a press release. “He was a terrific teammate and a true professional during his career, and we were lucky to have him. A.J. will always be a Packer. We wish the best to him and the entire Hawk family, and thank them for all that they gave to the team and the city of Green Bay.” The fifth overall pick in the 2006 draft and the first draft choice of head coach Mike McCarthy, Hawk went on to play nine solid seasons in Green Bay. He

Powered by WPeMatico