The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed a new four-year contract extension worth $42m with tight end Darnell Washington.
The lucrative deal includes $21m in guaranteed money for the 6ft 7in offensive weapon.
He became eligible for a renewed agreement this off-season after originally joining the franchise as a third-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Consistent physical presence
During his three seasons in Pennsylvania, the former Georgia standout has proved to be a highly reliable asset.
He has accumulated 57 receptions for 625 yards and two touchdowns across 50 career appearances.
The towering athlete has already been actively participating in individual drills at the organisation’s organised team activities (OTAs) this week.
Busy week for the front office
This latest renewal continues an aggressive week of long-term roster management by the Steelers.
The franchise secured linebacker Nick Herbig on a massive four-year, $100m extension just one day prior to this announcement.
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle believes he is on track to make his return from a torn Achilles in the Week 1 opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia.
The All-Pro pass-catcher sustained the devastating injury 19 weeks ago during an NFC Wild Card victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in January.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, he confirmed his recovery has suffered no setbacks and remains significantly ahead of schedule.
“When I had the surgery and Dr Neal ElAttrache told me, ‘Hey, I think if you do everything the right way, you have a chance,’ it definitely ignites something and makes you push for it,” Kittle said.
“We’re on track. We’re ahead of schedule.”
Progress on the practice field
Signs of physical improvement were evident during organised team activities this week in California.
The five-time Pro Bowler was observed completing single-leg hops and short jogs on the sidelines.
He revealed that this marks his most intensive running session since the initial rupture, following a return to full body-weight jogging earlier this month.
The veteran outlined several crucial milestones he must hit before rejoining the active roster:
- Securing medical clearance for high-impact training
- Resuming functional football movements such as run blocking and route running
- Shedding the physical rust accumulated during his lengthy sideline spell
The Australian flight complication
One potential hurdle in this targeted comeback is the gruelling international travel required for the season opener.
San Francisco are scheduled to fly to Melbourne on 2 September ahead of their 11 September fixture against their NFC West rivals.
There are lingering concerns that a long-haul flight could negatively impact the healing tendon, effectively reducing his recovery window.
However, head coach Kyle Shanahan remains fully confident in his star player’s relentless work ethic.
“Kittle works his tail off and he’s extremely talented and gifted, so he’ll do it as fast as you can,” Shanahan stated.
A cleaner tear than expected
The underlying optimism surrounding this rapid rehabilitation stems from the specific nature of the original rupture.
Medical staff informed the offensive weapon that the tear occurred higher up the Achilles near the soleus muscle.
Because the break was remarkably clean, surgeons avoided drilling into his heel bone, drastically accelerating his overall timeline.
Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 37 following an illustrious 14-season career.
The veteran signal-caller confirmed his decision in a social media post titled ‘Thank You, Football’ on Wednesday.
His announcement concludes a remarkable professional journey that began with 10 phenomenal seasons starring for the Seattle Seahawks.
The 10-time Pro Bowl selection leaves the gridiron having amassed 46,966 passing yards, 353 touchdowns and just 114 interceptions.
Transition to broadcasting
Following his departure from the field, the 37-year-old is reportedly finalising a deal to become an analyst for CBS Sports.
He had previously weighed an offer from the New York Jets to continue his playing days as a backup to Geno Smith.
However, the esteemed Walter Payton Man of the Year winner has instead chosen to step away from active competition and head into the television studio.
A nomadic final chapter
While the most memorable era of his career took place in the Pacific Northwest, his latter years involved frequent changes of scenery.
The former Super Bowl champion spent two challenging seasons with the Denver Broncos before joining the Pittsburgh Steelers for a single campaign.
His final active season was played under centre for the New York Giants, capping off a career that defined a generation of modern offensive play.
Green Bay Packers star Micah Parsons has confirmed he will not make his 2026 debut until at least mid-October as he continues his recovery from serious knee surgery.
The former Dallas Cowboys edge rusher is currently five months into his rehabilitation following operations to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus.
He originally hoped to be fit for the start of the campaign but has now accepted that his initial timeline was completely unrealistic.
The defensive standout will not be cleared for full practice until the nine-month mark, comprehensively ruling him out of early-season fixtures.
Strict rehabilitation timeline
This prolonged recovery period means the pass rusher is almost certain to begin the upcoming season on the physically unable to perform list.
Being placed on this inactive roster mandates an automatic minimum absence of four games for the injured player.
“The goal for me is to complete the season — not no relapse — and playoffs and pushing towards a championship,” Parsons stated.
“The goal isn’t for me to go out there and re-hurt myself trying to force myself to get back the first few games.”
Focus firmly on the postseason
The prominent defender sustained the severe left knee injury against the Denver Broncos last December before undergoing reconstructive surgery two weeks later.
He revealed the Green Bay franchise strictly adheres to a nine-month recovery protocol for such extensive ligament damage to protect player welfare.
“Through the research and the data, there’s no good outcomes with players coming back early from an ACL, especially if you had other things that had to get fixed up,” he explained.
A mid-October return could perfectly align with the influential defender making his comeback against his former employers when Green Bay host Dallas in Week 6.
Co-ordinated approach to recovery
Recent positive steps forward in his intense rehabilitation programme have included running on an anti-gravity treadmill.
The dynamic edge rusher confirmed he remains in constant communication with general manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur regarding his methodical progress.
“I don’t think Gutey or Nate or Matt wants me to go out there if I’m not at 100% and risk reinjury and lose me for the year and it’s just a waste of a year,” he added.
Management and medical staff are clearly prioritising his long-term availability for a late-season championship run over rushing him back for the opening month.
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office has issued an arrest warrant for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk on a misdemeanour speeding charge following a viral video he posted online.
The warrant stems from a December YouTube upload showing the American driving well over the 40mph limit outside Levi’s Stadium.
Shortly after the footage gained traction, the wideout issued a public apology for his actions behind the wheel.
“Sorry ya’ll, my car content won’t come with speeding anymore,” he wrote on YouTube.
“Was praying with my son tonight and wouldn’t want anybody else to miss out on an opportunity to do the same with their loved ones! My apologies.”
The Santa Clara Police Department launched an investigation into the incident before forwarding the case to prosecutors in mid-January.
Future in California remains uncertain
This legal development compounds a turbulent period for the talented playmaker.
He has not featured for the franchise since suffering a devastating knee injury in October 2024.
The severe setback included tears to his ACL, MCL and meniscus.
Tensions escalated late last season when the team placed him on the reserve list for failing to attend mandatory rehabilitation sessions.
Consequently, the NFC West organisation voided nearly $27m (£21.2m) in guaranteed money from his contract.
Trade negotiations hit a stumbling block
General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan publicly confirmed in January that the receiver had played his final down for the team.
Despite actively shopping the alienated star, San Francisco has failed to secure a viable trade partner this off-season.
Passing the crucial 1 June deadline now allows the team to spread the remaining financial hit over two years if they choose to release him.
However, the front office remains reluctant to let a high-calibre asset depart without receiving compensation in return.
“We’re available,” Lynch previously stated regarding potential trade discussions.
“He’s an extremely talented player. The situation didn’t work itself out here. That’s not to say it can’t be rekindled somewhere else.”
The Los Angeles Rams have acquired two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns in a historic trade involving Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse and three future draft picks.
Head coach Sean McVay described the opportunity to secure the star defensive end as a rare moment that required an aggressive approach.
The landmark agreement sees Los Angeles part ways with 2024 standout Verse, alongside a first-round selection in 2027, a second-rounder in 2028, and a third-round pick in 2029.
McVay compared the magnitude of the move to the franchise’s transformative 2021 trade for veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.
A difficult decision for the star pass rusher
The trade caught the former first overall pick by surprise when he was informed of the possibility just over a week ago.
Holding a no-trade clause in his contract, the prolific edge rusher admitted he had to sleep on the decision before agreeing to waive his veto rights.
“I don’t take my time in Cleveland for granted. I did love being there,” the former Browns captain explained.
“It tears at you to leave and to break away, but that’s just a part of the things you learn and have to adjust to as you grow up and learn you have to move on.”
The chance to compete for championships immediately ultimately convinced the five-time Pro Bowler to swap Ohio for California.
“What does it realistically look like to be a winner now?” the new Rams signing added.
“And to have an opportunity to do that immediately, that was an opportunity that was just too difficult to pass up.”
Verse sacrifice and Donald rumours
Parting with a promising talent like Verse proved to be the most challenging aspect of the negotiations for the Los Angeles front office.
General manager Les Snead initially attempted to construct a package entirely comprised of future draft capital.
However, his Cleveland counterpart Andrew Berry refused to seriously entertain any proposals until the reigning defensive rookie of the year was included in the return.
The monumental acquisition has already sparked rampant speculation about a potential return to the gridiron for retired Rams legend Aaron Donald.
The future Hall of Fame defensive tackle, who stepped away from the sport in 2024 after ten dominant seasons, reportedly told media personnel that the move has given him something to think about.
McVay confirmed he remains in close contact with Donald and acknowledged the immense respect the retired great holds for his new defensive cornerstone.
Star wide receiver A.J. Brown has completed his trade to the New England Patriots from the Philadelphia Eagles in a deal involving two future draft picks.
The defending AFC champions acquired the 27-year-old in exchange for a 2028 first-round selection and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
The former Philadelphia standout took part in his first practice session in Foxborough on Tuesday.
Having dreamt of representing the franchise since childhood, the newly acquired receiver expressed his delight at finally wearing the famous uniform.
“Obviously I know this ain’t heaven. But it’s close to it.”
Brown said following the conclusion of his first training session.
Fulfilling a childhood dream
The powerhouse wideout previously hoped New England would select him in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
He famously left his own draft party in devastation when the franchise opted to draft Arizona State receiver N’Keal Harry instead.
Entering his eighth professional season, the former Titan believes the timing is finally right for this new chapter.
“Better late than never. We’re right on time. I’m so excited.”
he added.
Moving on from Philadelphia
The highly sought-after playmaker declined to elaborate on the circumstances surrounding his departure from Pennsylvania after four seasons.
Instead, the veteran receiver insisted his complete focus remains on the upcoming campaign with his new teammates.
“None of that stuff matters. What’s done is done. I’m here. Moving forward.”
he stated.
The elite pass-catcher also dismissed any lingering concerns regarding a knee problem, declaring himself completely healthy and ready to compete.
A new number and establishing a legacy
Despite wearing the number 11 jersey throughout his tenures in Tennessee and Philadelphia, the new recruit will don number one for New England.
Patriots legend Julian Edelman had given his blessing for the newcomer to take his former squad number.
However, out of respect for the three-time Super Bowl champion, the latest offensive weapon chose to revert to his college number to forge his own path.
“I’m going to let that be and create my own legacy here. It’s just getting back to my roots.”
he explained.
When questioned about how much longevity remains in his career, the confident star simply smiled and promised that observers will soon see.
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has returned to organised team activities while prosecutors consider whether to formally file charges following his arrest on domestic abuse allegations.
The 28-year-old was present on the field for the second week of training in Wisconsin on Tuesday.
Head coach Matt LaFleur addressed the media before the session, insisting that the ongoing legal situation has not distracted the squad.
“I would say business as usual,” LaFleur stated.
Arrest and legal denial
The three-time Pro Bowler was apprehended in Brown County on 26 May facing allegations of strangulation, suffocation, and other offences.
Police had initially been dispatched to a complaint involving the player three days prior to his arrest.
Following his release from a Wisconsin jail during the opening week of training, the athlete’s legal team issued a firm denial.
“[He] vehemently denies the allegations,” his lawyers confirmed in a statement.
Additional evidence requested
District Attorney David Lasee has confirmed that it is currently too early to make a definitive charging decision.
“Our office has requested additional investigation, as there is reason to believe that additional evidence may exist that would impact whether criminal charges are appropriate,” Lasee explained.
Crucial figure for Green Bay
On the field, the former Las Vegas Raiders standout remains a vital piece of the Green Bay offence.
He rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, leaving him as the only player on the current roster to have surpassed the 200-yard rushing mark during the previous campaign.
This offensive output followed an outstanding prior season where he amassed 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Over a seven-year professional career, the All-Pro runner has recorded 7,803 rushing yards and 74 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the premier weapons in the NFL.