NFL news: Around the league in 32 plays

New England Patriots:  The appeal for the suspension of quarterback Tom Brady has been scheduled for June 23rd.  Brady’s suspension is the final act of the Deflategate scandal that has dominated NFL headlines over the past several months.

New Orleans Saints:  The Saints signed defensive end Cam Jordan to a five year extension.  Jordan has been a solid addition to the Saints who drafted him in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft.  The Saints have taken efforts in recent years to fix their defense, and Cam Jordan has been a major effort in that regard.  Saints veteran linebacker, Junior Gallette, suffered a pectoral injury that may require surgery.  If surgery is needed, the recovery time is generally several months.  Not what the Saints needed right now.

The Madden Curse? Giants WR, Odell Beckham Jr, has been dealing with injuries early on in OTAs. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

New York Giants:  Second year wide receiver, Odell Beckham Jr, was limited with a sore hamstring in OTAs, while tight end Larry Donnell was seen in a walking boot due to an achilles injury.  The Giants really cannot afford an injury to either player, but Beckham is clearly more important to the team.  Beckham was named to the cover of the most recent edition of Madden NFL from EA Sports, an honor that is often associated with a “curse” that results in that player having a down year.  Beckham also had a similar injury last season that nagged him for quite a while.

New York Jets:  The Jets have reworked the contract of wide receiver Brandon Marshall.  The new contract increases his potential pay up to $2.7 million over the next two years while reducing his 2017 cost up to $1 million.  In OTA news, second year tight end, Jace Amaro, left practice with an apparent back injury.  Meanwhile, defensive linemen, Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson, have been absent from OTAs thus far.  Wilkerson is holding out for a new contract, but there is no word on why Richardson has not been with the team yet.

Oakland Raiders:  As the deadline for a deal on a new stadium approaches, government officials in Oakland are trying to open all avenues towards keeping the Raiders.  However, on June 21st, Los Angeles will be able to start a full press on trying to lure the team away.  Given the history of the franchise, a move to LA is hardly out of the question.  The Raiders also recently signed veteran kick returner, Trindon Holliday after having to waive their 2015 seventh round pick, Andre Debose due to injury.

Chiefs’ take

: It seems like no matter how this situation plays out, the Chiefs will be playing at least one game a year in Los Angeles.  There is some concern that a move to LA could pull the Raiders out of the AFC West, but the stipulation on that is if both the Raiders and Chargers are moving to LA.  As to the loss of a 2015 draft pick, it’s funny because it’s the Raiders, but Chiefs fans shouldn’t forget about Braden Wilson.

Pro Bowl OG, Evan Mathis, is reportedly still being shopped by the Eagles. The Chiefs do have some questions at the RG spot. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey G. Pittenger-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Eagles:  The Eagles are still trying to shop guard Evan Mathis.  Mathis was a no-show for OTAs and the Eagles have made no secret that they are willing to move on.  According to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, there was a trade for Mathis being worked on prior to the draft, but it fell through.  Also unclear of his situation is inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks.  The Eagles traded for Kiko Alonso earlier this offseason and Demeoc Ryans is coming back from an injury.  Those two are expected to hold down the starting spots.  Kendricks is a quality player as both a run stopper and a pass rusher.  He currently doesn’t know what his future is.

• Chiefs take:  Trading for Mathis would be about the quickest way to end any kind of competition for the remaining offensive guard spot opposite of Ben Grubbs.  And adding Mychal Kendricks could give the Chiefs the top linebacker corps in the league.  Both players have the connection to Andy Reid.  If the Chiefs don’t like the way the right guard or inside linebacker spots are shaping up, don’t be surprised if they make a move.

Pittsburgh Steelers:  Veteran linebacker, Lawrence Timmons, has indicated that he is willing to re-work his contract in order to stay with the team long-term.  This would provide the Steelers with cap relief while retaining one of their veteran leaders.  Very similar to what the Chiefs were able to do with Tamba Hali.

San Diego Chargers:  Long-time Chargers safety, Eric Weddle, appears to be playing his final season for San Diego.  The multiple-time Pro Bowler will not be re-signed by the Chargers and they are allowing him to play out the final year of his deal.

Chiefs’ take

: Weddle leaving San Diego is nothing but good news for the Chiefs.  He has been a thorn for a long time.

The 49ers offseason has been an absolute nightmare. Coaching change, QB making bonehead decisions, early retirements, injuries, and suspensions galore. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers: Fullback Bruce Miller plead no contest to disturbing the peace.  The case was originally considered a domestic violence incident, but was then reduced to vandalism and eventually disturbing the peace.  Miller will have to attend 16 weeks of domestic violence counseling.  This is just one more incident in what has been on of the worst offseasons in NFL history.

Seattle Seahawks:  Defensive end Michael Bennett has confirmed that he is looking for a new contract.  Bennett signed a contract in 2014 that made him the 14th highest paid defensive end in the NFL.  However, he now wishes to be paid at least amongst the top eight at the position.  Bennett has been holding out of OTAs until the contract gets done.

St. Louis Rams:  Rams running back, Trey Watts, has been suspended for four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.  Watts is considered a depth and special teams player, and was not a lock for making the Rams roster this year.

Washington Redskins:  Tight end Jordan Reed has had a procedure on his knee after complaining of soreness during OTAs.  Reed is a talented player, but injuries have marred his career over the past several years.  He is expected to be ready to go by training camp, though with his history, there is some question to that.  Wide receiver DeSean Jackson is also missing OTAs, but seemingly just because he was exercising the “voluntary” aspect of the wideouts.  The team, and many of his teammates, have stated they are not worried.  Also this week, the Reskins signed former Chiefs defensive tackle, Jerrelle Powe.  Powe has been a journeyman the last few years and is expected to compete for a backup job in Washington.  Ending the week on a bad note for the Redskins, fourth round pick Jamison Crowder has been involved in a domestic violence situation with his girlfriend.  The Redskins are currently in communication with the NFL league office to determine the proper course of action.

• Chiefs’ take: The Chiefs own tight end situation is questionable at this point after Travis Kelce.  The Chiefs could be in the market for help at the position as the offseason goes on.  The Redskins could become competition in that market if Reed’s health does not improve.

Missed from last week:  WAS – Redskins released veterans Tracy Porter and Chris Chester.

As OTAs continue on, we should see even more activity around the league as teams make their way towards producing their rosters.  So expect plenty more news and rumors Addicts.