Training camps have kicked off and plenty of teams are making roster moves and new deals.
Around the League
The Cowboys gave La’el Collins a two year extension worth 15 million. Collins takes over right tackle as Doug Free retired this offseason. Collins was not drafted because of a murder investigation during the draft but the Cowboys took a shot on him as an undrafted free agent. He could have been a first round pick and finally gets paid the proper amount. Collins is now signed through the 2019 season for Dallas.
Joe Flacco is dealing with a back injury and could be out 3 to 6 weeks. He may miss a game or two in the regular season. Back injuries tend to linger so that is big news out of Baltimore. Running back Kenneth Dixon is on IR and starting center John Urschel retired. The Ravens have had a rough start to training camp. John Harbaugh was talking about Colin Kaepernick.
Allen Barbe was traded to Denver from Philadelphia for a conditional 2019 draft pick. Former Eagle and current Titan, Dennis Kelly got a contract extension with Tennessee. Former 1st round pick in 2014, Marcus Smith was cut by the Eagles prior to training camp.
Tramon Williams and Brandon Flowers both had visits with the Cardinals. They are looking for a number 2 CB apparently.
Backup QB and 3rd round pick, Cardale Jones was traded to San Diego from Buffalo for a 2018 7th round pick. Buffalo also signed Sam Barrington and Baccari Rambo.
Alterraun Verner signed a one year deal with Miami to play CB. Koa Misi went on IR (neck). Speedy RB Taiwan Jones was cut by the Raiders.
Daniel Ellerbe went on IR and the Saints re-signed LB Michael Mauti. The Saints also added Orlando Franklin for guard/tackle depth.
Brandon Linder got a 5 year 51.7 million dollar deal. Starting centers are getting paid. Linder got more than Frederick which is crazy. Trai Turner earned a 4 year 45 million dollar contract with the Panthers. Starting centers getting 10 per and staring guards getting over 11 per now in the league.
Alejandro Villaneuva signed a 4 year 24 million dollar deal with the Steelers. This is a good deal for Pittsburgh getting a starting left tackle for 6 million per year.
NFC North
Former Lions were in the news. Justin Durant signed a one year deal with the Cowboys. Dan Orlovsky signed a one year deal to be the 3rd QB for the Rams. Former Packer and Colt, Erik Walden signed a deal with the Titans. Steven Ridley inked with the Broncos and Ronnie Hillman (Vikings/Broncos) was added to the Cowboys. Anquan Boldin visited Buffalo.
The Vikings gave Everson Griffen a four year 58 million dollar extension with 34 million guaranteed. Griffen is now signed through the 2022 season when Griffen will be 34 years old for Minnesota. Griffen is on Minnesota because the Lions traded up for Best and swapped 4th round picks with the Vikings. The Vikings used that switch to grab Everson Griffen in Round 4. Lions took oft-injured RT Jason Fox later in the 4th round. You’re welcome, Minnesota.
Camps
The Packers, Vikings and Bears all had their first practice on Thursday. No pads are used until day 3 of practice. Here are some practice reports.
Packers
https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2017/7/27/16049874/packers-practice-recap-7-27-justin-vogel-impresses-morgan-burnett-josh-jones-get-reps-at-ilb
Green Bay had a lot of safeties playing ILB with Morgan Burnett and Josh Jones. Ladarius Gunter and Davon House were the starting outside corners with Randall and Rollins battling for the slot job. The Packers new punter looks good as a rookie. Dean Lowry was the starting 3-4 DE opposite Mike Daniels to start camp.
Vikings
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2017/7/24/16021438/minnesota-vikings-training-camp-2017
Bridgewater starts on PUP. Riley Reiff and Adam Thielen left Vikings practice early with injuries but they don’t appear to be serious.
Bears
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2017/7/27/16050806/chicago-bears-2017-training-camp-recap-mitchell-trubisky-looking-sharp-ryan-pace-john-fox-trevathan
Rookie Mitch Trubisky and Mike Glennon both looked good against the Bears defense without pads. Kyle Long and Zach Miller are healthy. Kevin White is back as well and is looking well. He must step up and be the Bears top WR this season.