Latest news with #Pro-Bowl


Newsweek
2 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Steelers Named Possible Landing Spot for Ex-Cowboys Wide Receiver
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Before the Dallas Cowboys had their newly formed receiver duo of Ceedee Lamb and George Pickens, Amari Cooper was a key piece for them on the outside. With the start of the 2025 season just around the corner, one AFC contender has been tossed out as a possible landing spot for the five-time Pro Bowler. Cooper arrived in Dallas in 2018 via trade with the then-Oakland Raiders. He quickly built a strong connection with Dak Prescott, resulting in him putting up some of the best numbers of his NFL career. He racked up multiple 1,000-yard seasons in Dallas, along with landing Pro Bowl honors in 2019. Since the Cowboys traded Cooper in 2021, he's had stints with the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills. However, with training camp set to begin this week, he remains on the free agent market. While breaking down the best NFL players still available, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox touched on the Pittsburgh Steelers being a team that could pursue him. ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 29: Amari Cooper #18 of the Buffalo Bills looks on during halftime against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York.... ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 29: Amari Cooper #18 of the Buffalo Bills looks on during halftime against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. More Also read: Cowboys Standouts Named Among NFL's Top Homegrown Duos "Cooper would be a sensible target for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are going all-in on the 2025 season with quarterback Aaron Rodgers," Knox wrote. "Pittsburgh acquired wideout DK Metcalf early in the offseason but also traded receiver George Pickens after the draft." Cooper, 31, is coming off a down year in 2024. Across 14 appearances for the Browns and Bills, he totaled just 547 yards and four touchdowns. That said, he isn't far removed from being a highly productive receiver. Back in 2023, Cooper landed Pro-Bowl honors after notching 1,250 yards and five touchdowns for the Browns. After signing Aaron Rodgers in the offseason, the Steelers are all in on making a run at a Super Bowl this season. Taking a flier on Cooper would give the four-time MVP an array of established veterans to throw to between him, DK Metcalf, and Robert Woods. Also read: Former Champion Sets High Bar For New-Look Cowboys Offense As for the Cowboys, they are gearing up for a new era at receiver. Lamb has established himself as one of the top players at his position, and now has a viable threat alongside him again. Heading into a contract year, Pickens will be looking to put all the off-field drama behind him and prove he can be a productive contributor on a good team. Given his track record in the NFL, it's likely a team rolls the dice on Cooper at some point this year. For more Dallas Cowboys and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chiefs BREAKING As Trey Smith Signs Historic Contract Before Deadline
Chiefs BREAKING As Trey Smith Signs Historic Contract Before Deadline originally appeared on Athlon Sports. General manager Brett Veach stated to Kansas City Chiefs fans after the NFL Draft that his top offseason priority was to re-sign Pro-Bowl right guard Trey Smith. Smith, 26, was placed on the franchise tag, and the Chiefs had until 4 p.m. ET on July 15 to get a deal done, or else he would play this season on the tag and potentially enter free agency next year. Veach & Co. got the deal done just in time. Sources confirm that Smith has signed a historic four-year, $94 million contract extension with $70 million in guaranteed money. The deal makes Smith the highest-paid guard in NFL history, based on average annual value ($23.5 million) and total guarantees, according to ESPN. The Chiefs now have the highest-paid guard/center duo in the NFL, as center Creed Humphrey's contract includes $50.3 million guaranteed. The two were just named to ESPN's ranking of the league's best interior lineman, with Humphrey topping the list and Smith not far behind at No. 4. The agreement is a major relief for Chiefs fans as Smith has been superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes' best pass-blocking lineman in recent years. His durability in each of Kansas City's long playoff runs has also been instrumental to their offensive success. That will now continue through the 2028 season. Smith has started every game he has been healthy for, and has missed just one game in his career, a regular season affair in 2022. The former sixth-round draft pick in 2021 out of Tennessee has been as reliable as they come, especially for someone picked that late in the draft. With Veach's promise now upheld, Smith becomes a centerpiece for the Chiefs franchise after already proving to be an elite-caliber player and locker room leader. He is now compensated accordingly. The next promise is for Smith, Mahomes and the rest of the Chiefs to compete for the right to appear in their fourth-straight Super Bowl and avenge their loss from February. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.


Newsweek
7 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Commanders Veteran Cites Area of Emphasis to Compete With Eagles
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Last season, the Washington Commanders stunned the football world with their play in the postseason. After nearly reaching the Super Bowl, one of the team's veterans opened up on what it will take to compete with one of the league's top title threats. Following upsets over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions, Washington was one victory away from reaching football's biggest stage. Their final obstacle in the NFC playoffs was an all-too-familiar foe in the Philadelphia Eagles. The conference championship is where their Cinderella run would meet its end, as Jalen Hurts and company walked out with a 55-23 victory. Coming off an extremely successful 2024 campaign, the Commanders are eager to remain in the hunt in the NFC. They've made numerous upgrades to the roster and are hopeful QB Jayden Daniels can continue to lead the charge under center. Among those who will be trying to make life easier for the rising star is tight end Zach Ertz. Claim a $1,500 bonus for Commanders vs. Eagles with this Sleeper promo code NEWSWEEKXL and use it towards TNF picks on dozens of players, including Commanders TE Zach Ertz. Claim a $1,500 bonus for Commanders vs. Eagles with this Sleeper promo code NEWSWEEKXL and use it towards TNF picks on dozens of players, including Commanders TE Zach read: Terry McLaurin Sounds Off on Frustrations Amid Commanders Holdout During a recent interview, Ertz reflected on the Commanders' hopes of remaining a title threat. When the topic of facing the Eagles again came up, he cited one area of emphasis in this eventual showdown. That being making sure they are the side that better executes their game plan. "I feel like if I had that answer, everyone would know it and they would be 0-17," Ertz said while speaking with RG. "They're extremely well coached. They have a lot of talented football players. The key to winning every game is who's going to execute better, who's going to turn the football over less, and who's going to limit or have more explosive plays, That is the recipe for all games -- it's not just about the Philadelphia Eagles." The Pro-Bowl tight end also noted that the team can't get hung up on how things unfolded last year because everyone is starting with a clean slate. "Obviously, they won the Super Bowl for a reason," Ertz continued. "But like I said about our team, last year is last year. Nothing that happened last year is going to matter for us this year. We all have to earn it, not only them, but us as well." Also read: Commanders Star Jayden Daniels Lands Notable Spot in Recent QB Rankings Ertz is someone who knows the Eagles well, as he spent the first eight-and-a-half seasons of his career with the franchise. Now heading into his second year in Washington, he'll be aiming to take down his old team. For more Washington Commanders and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.


Newsweek
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Former Dallas Cowboys Receiver Projected to Land With LA Rams
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Throughout Dak Prescott's run as starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, the team has gone out and landed multiple high-level receivers to pair with him. With training camp just around the corner, one of his old top targets is projected to land with a different NFC contender. Heading into the 2025 season, Prescott finds himself with a new pair of dynamic receivers to throw to. Along with star wideout CeeDee Lamb, Dallas made a shocking move in the offseason by trading for George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, for the first time since 2021, Prescott finds himself with a WR duo capable of being one of the league's top pairings. In a recent column for Bleacher Report, Moe Moton laid out an array of bold predictions across the NFL. Among the things he mentioned was veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper landing a deal with the LA Rams. Amari Cooper #2 of the Cleveland Browns in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 8, 2022 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Amari Cooper #2 of the Cleveland Browns in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 8, 2022 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Getty Images Also read: Dak Prescott Opens Up on Off-Field Bonding With Cowboys' New Addition "This offseason, the Rams signed Davante Adams to a two-year deal after they released Cooper Kupp. Puka Nacua and Adams have taken snaps out of the slot, which leaves a spot open for another splashy move at the position," Moton wrote. "At 31, coming off a down year, Amari Cooper isn't going to break the bank in his first offseason as a free agent. As a perennial postseason contender, the Rams could appeal to the five-time Pro Bowler who may want a chance to play in the Super Bowl at this stage in his career." After starting out his career with the then-Oakland Raiders, Cooper was traded to the Cowboys midway through the 2018 season. He'd go on to spend three more years with the franchise, securing a Pro Bowl nod in 2019. This would end up being his best individual season in Dallas, recording 1,189 yards and eight touchdowns. Cooper's time with the Cowboys came to an end in the 2022 offseason when he was traded to the Cleveland Browns for a pair of draft picks. Also read: Dak Prescott Raves About Dallas Cowboys' Offseason Addition 2024 wasn't a great year for Cooper, but he is still someone worth taking a flyer on. He isn't far removed from playing at an elite level, as he recorded over 1,200 yards and secured Pro-Bowl honors in 2023. Also, if any team were going to help him have a resurgence, it'd be the Rams playing with a quarterback like Matthew Stafford. Still without a home at the moment, only time will tell if a team ends up taking a flier on Cooper to see if he can put together a bounce-back season. For more Dallas Cowboys and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.


Newsweek
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
49ers QB Brock Purdy Devastated by Deebo Samuel Trade to Commanders
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Coming off a season where they nearly reached the Super Bowl, the Washington Commanders got to work in the offseason to upgrade the roster. They managed to secure a notable addition in wide receiver Deebo Samuel, much to the dismay of some members within the San Francisco 49ers organization. After being drafted in the second round back in 2019, Samuel emerged as a key piece within the 49ers' offense. He managed to get a Pro-Bowl nod in 2021 following a regular season campaign where he notched a career-high 1,405 yards to go along with six touchdowns. However, with his production steadily declining in recent years, San Francisco decided to move on from Samuel and deal him to Washington. On Tuesday, 49ers QB Brock Purdy was a guest on the Bussin' With the Boys podcast. They discussed an array of topics, mainly about his rise from being the last pick in the draft to a full-time starting quarterback. However, towards the end of the episode, Purdy was asked about the front office trading Samuel this offseason. Quarterback Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on after a play during the first half of a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on August 23, 2024 in... Quarterback Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on after a play during the first half of a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. More Photo byAlso read: AFC Contender Named as Landing Spot for Commanders Star WR Purdy didn't hold back with his true feelings, admitting he is hurt by Samuel's departure. The two built a strong bond when he was called upon to lead the charge for the 49ers. "I mean it sucks dude," Purdy said. "He's my boy, I love Deebo. Day one, he's always had my back and believed in me when I got in. I didn't really know how they guys were gonna take it when I did get thrown in, Jimmy went down, I was like the last quarterback. Deebo man was just nothing but great to me dude. Building me up and just giving me confidence." Purdy and Samuel nearly climbed the NFL mountaintop together in 2023, but ended up falling just short. Squaring off against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, the 49ers were unable to get the job done on the game's biggest stage. Also read: Commanders Wideout Spotted With Viral Trainer Amid Online Criticism While Samuel appears to be losing a good relationship he had in San Francisco, the veteran wideout has a lot to look forward to in his new situation. He gets to play alongside a rising star in quarterback Jayden Daniels and form an elite WR duo with Terry McLaurin (if his holdout ends). With this collection of talent, the Commanders hope to be right back in the mix in 2025. For more Washington Commanders and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.