It was clear to the Raiders early on in Khalil Mack‘s holdout that he wanted far more money than the Raiders wanted to pay him.

That’s the word from Raiders General Manager Reggie McKenzie Chris Hogan Jersey , who said after trading Mack to the Bears that the Raiders could tell early on that Mack was going to demand a contract the Raiders weren’t prepared to deliver on.

“All of us, [coach Jon Gruden], myself, everybody in the organization wanted Khalil to be a Raider,” McKenzie said. “We presented him with an offer Aldrick Rosas Jersey , and we got that counter back, talked about it with [Mack’s agent, Joel Segal]. What they were demanding, it just wasn’t going to work.”

What Mack was demanding was to be the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, and that’s exactly what the Bears made him. The teams also exchanged draft picks Tre Madden Jersey , with the Raiders getting the Bears’ first-round picks in 2019 and 2020. Now the Raiders need to make those picks work.

The star wide receiver is close to finalizing a multiyear contract extension with the Cleveland Browns, who believe the three-time Pro Bowler can hasten their turnaround. The team and Landry's representatives are closing in on a deal, a person with direct knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Thursday.

The sides remain in talks but expect to complete the contract soon, according to the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized. ESPN first reported Landry's extension.

Landry led the NFL with 112 receptions last season and his new contract is expected to make him one of the league's highest paid pass catchers.

The Browns, who are coming off a 0-16 season Kyle Rudolph Jersey , acquired Landry from Miami in a trade last month. Cleveland sent a fourth-round pick in 2018 and seventh-rounder in 2019 to the Dolphins, who had signed Landry to a $16 million, one-year franchise tag to make the exchange possible.

The acquisition of Landry was one of several major offseason moves made by the Browns, who have the No. 1 and No. 4 overall picks in the draft later this month and are expected to select a quarterback.

The Dolphins drafted Landry in the second round in 2014 out of LSU. He's blossomed into one of the game's top playmakers; his 400 catches are the most for any player in his first four seasons. Landry has racked up 4,038 yards and 22 touchdowns.

When Landry arrived in Cleveland Steven Nelson Jersey , new Browns general manager John Dorsey said the 25-year-old fit all the criteria the team wanted.

"He has marvelous stats," Dorsey said. "He's a Pro Bowler. He has a presence about him and the way he plays the game. I think he will be ideal in the slot receiver position. He loves to play the football game. He is one of those guys that we consistently talk about. Are they competitive? Do they love the game of football? I think he fits that model."

Jon Gruden is bringing the Over The Hill Gang back together.

Gruden has assembled the oldest 53-man roster in the NFL in years.

Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice.com Y.A. Tittle Jersey , who has been calculating the average age of every opening-day NFL roster since 2012, reports that the Raiders’ average age of 27.4 years is the oldest roster as far back as his records go.

It’s been a strange offseason for Gruden, the head coach who also has final say over personnel. He has targeted several older players in free agency, and acquisitions of younger players Micah Hyde Jersey , like 26-year-old receiver Martavis Bryant, haven’t panned out.

The decision to trade away pass rusher Khalil Mack has been widely criticized by Raiders fans, although that trade did bring in two first-round draft picks. Gruden needs those picks, because he’s going to need some young talent when all his older players reach the end of the line.

The Raiders also announced Saturday they signed defensive lineman Tank Carradine Earl Mitchell Jersey , who revealed his decision to join the Raiders a day earlier.

Wilber played 89 games in six seasons with Dallas, recording 104 tackles, 3陆 sacks, one pass defensed Ray Lewis Jersey , two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.

He played all 16 games last season with four tackles on defense and 10 on special teams under coordinator Rich Bisaccia, who now holds the same job in Oakland.

Carradine played 44 games over four seasons with the 49ers, getting 5陆 sacks.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jared Goff realizes the Los Angeles Rams won’t surprise anybody this fall.

Not with their stunning one-season transformation still fresh in the NFL’s collective mind Bryan Witzmann Jersey , and certainly not after adding several stars to their roster in the offseason.

The Rams are headed into the new season as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, with all of the accompanying baggage and scrutiny. For a 23-year-old leader of a franchise that has very little recent experience with positive expectations, Goff appears to be handling it well.

“There’s not one change to the approach at all,” the third-year quarterback said. “I think you see every year, there are teams that get that type of label and often fall short, and you wonder why. I think that’s something we can’t really focus on. Take every day like we have the past year.”

That past year was nothing short of outstanding. Coach Sean McVay’s debut team ended the Rams’ streaks of 13 consecutive non-winning seasons and 12 straight non-playoff seasons with an 11-5 run to the team’s first NFC West title since 2003.

The league is ready to be challenged by McVay’s potent offensive schemes, Offensive Player of the Year Todd Gurley’s relentless running and Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald’s disruptive play in the middle of the defense.

The Rams must figure out how to adjust to their opponents’ anticipation with new twists and a renewed focus.

McVay seems confident his veteran players will be ready for the pitfalls of being a favorite this fall.

“Going into Year Two, there’s a comfort level of at least feeling like you know your players,” McVay said. “We feel really good about the core group of leaders, and about some of the younger players we’re going to expect to grow into leadership roles. It’s a great group of guys.”

The Rams kept intact much of last season’s roster, but their offseason additions are an eye-catching bunch: defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, receiver Brandin Cooks and cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib. All four have established themselves as elite NFL contributors, and their addition to an 11-win team shows why the Rams are getting Super Bowl talk.

But Talib realizes the Rams have to prove they know how to use all of that talent over the next five months before they can think about February.

“We aren’t talking about what’s going to happen down the road,” Talib said. “We take care of the little things, and then some time later we can talk about the playoffs.”

Here are some other things to know about the Rams:

BIG NUMBERS

The Rams probably won’t double the number of points they scored last season, which is a feat they actually accomplished in 2017. But McVay’s offense kept its entire line intact and added the speedy Cooks to replace Sammy Watkins. Almost everybody else returns, including Gurley Alvin Kamara Jersey , the scheme’s centerpiece. How McVay plans to use all this talent is partly a secret, since the coach decided to keep his entire starting offense out of the Rams’ four preseason games. The league must wait to see what innovations McVay has produced until the season opener in Oakland.

CORNER POCKETS

Peters and Talib have similar reputations as risk-taking, playmaking cornerbacks capable of shutting down a top receiver or changing a game with a big interception. The Rams haven’t had that swagger at the position for a long time, and their presence will allow coordinator Wade Phillips to be more aggressive against passers. Peters and Talib have also brought a confident attitude to a Los Angeles defense that relied on Donald’s brute brilliance inside to set up much of its success.

SUH AND DONALD

Suh looks very comfortable already in the Rams’ scheme, where he will be asked to play primarily at nose tackle for the first time in his career. Yet he still must learn how to play alongside Donald, whose second consecutive contract holdout has stretched to the brink of the regular season again. The Rams have a potentially fearsome combination in these two dominant defensive linemen, but Donald’s absence creates a large unknown.

IN THE MIDDLE

The front and back of the Rams’ defense appears solid, but the linebackers are under scrutiny. The Rams couldn’t fit their new defensive stars under the cap without trading Alec Ogletree, their leading tackler last season. Untested Cory Littleton is starting on the inside alongside Mark Barron, who has barely touched the field during camp and the preseason. Matt Longacre and Samson Ebukam also are expected to start in challenging roles. Phillips’ biggest task is making sure his linebackers don’t let down the rest of his roster.

THEY’RE SPECIAL

The Rams had four Pro Bowlers on special teams last year, and all four are returning: kick returner Pharoh Cooper, kicker Greg Zuerlein, punter Johnny Hekker and long snapper Jake McQuaide.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Tre McBride realizes that few New York Jets fans knew his name as recently as just a few weeks ago. And the speedy wide receiver is OK with that.

He considers himself an underdog, a guy who has been mostly overlooked during a brief NFL career that has included stops with Tennessee and Chicago.

“I feel like any competitor would feel that way about themselves if they were kind of going through the things a roster bubble guy like myself goes through,” McBride said after a recent practice. “I’m not the only one who does and I’m not the only one who’ll ever go through this, so I don’t feel sorry for myself or anything.”

No need. Those days of anonymity might be over.

McBride has had an impressive training camp with the Jets Hayes Pullard Jersey , running with the starting offense at times while making a strong push to make the team’s opening-day roster.

“Yeah, I feel like I have a little chip on my shoulder and maybe I feel like I’m underrated,” McBride said. “But that’s fine. That’s why I’m out here with this opportunity, to show people that I can play ball at the highest level.”

The 25-year-old McBride is part of a receiving corps that includes Robby Anderson, Jermaine Kearse, Quincy Enunwa and Terrelle Pryor. Beyond those four, it’s unclear how many receivers will be kept among the remaining seven.

ArDarius Stewart, Chad Hansen and Charone Peake are recent draft picks, while Andre Roberts is a veteran who provides versatility on special teams as a returner. There’s also Charles Johnson and Lucky Whitehead, once-promising youngsters who are coming off injuries.

And then, there’s McBride, who was signed to the Jets’ practice squad last December after being waived by the Bears.

“They are all pretty solid,” coach Todd Bowles said. “That’s going to be a tough group when final cuts come down because all of them can play and all of them will probably play somewhere in this league. If we do let some go, they’ll probably get picked up.”

McBride has four catches for 40 yards in the first two preseason games, and has really impressed coaches throughout the offseason and training camp.

“I’d say overall, I think I’ve taken advantage of the opportunities I’ve been given,” McBride said. “I think most important is that Hau'oli Kikaha Jersey , for the most part, it’s been really consistent.”

McBride knows he has two more preseason games to further impress, including Friday night against the Giants.

Bowles said he expects his starters to play a minimum of two quarters in the game. With Enunwa and Pryor uncertain to play as they continue to work back from injuries, McBride could have a significant role.

“Anything can happen,” he said. “I’ve been surprised before. I would like to believe that they’ve put me out with the 1s (starters) for a reason, not just because. That’s really what I have to go off of, that they trust me enough to be in there with the No. 1 quarterback and the No. 1 guys out there and that’s what I’m here to do, make some plays with the top guys.”

McBride — whose given name is Douglas III — grew up in a military family that was often on the move. His father, Doug Jr., is a brigadier general in the U.S. Army and was stationed in places such as Hawaii, Virginia, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Texas and Maryland.

Once the family got to Georgia, Tre’s mother Pamela and sister Taylor settled there with him — even after Doug Jr. was sent to his next post — so they could establish some roots.

“Adapting to new environments and the way things are in the area I’m in is something that, at this point, comes natural to me Andrew Sendejo Jersey ,” McBride said.

He was a three-sport star at Ola High School in McDonough, Georgia, while playing on the football team as well as the basketball and track and field squads. From there he went on to play football at the College of William and Mary and was a starter by his sophomore season. He finished second in school history with 196 career receptions and was fifth with 2,653 yards receiving.

McBride’s stock for the 2015 draft rose after he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds at the NFL combine, with some expecting him to be taken as high as the third round. Six rounds came and went, though, before Tennessee took him in the seventh as the 245th player chosen.

McBride spent most of his first two NFL seasons bouncing back and forth between the Titans’ practice squad, the active roster and waivers. After two catches in two years, McBride was among Tennessee’s final cuts last September. He was claimed by Chicago and signed to the Bears’ practice squad before being promoted and having eight catches for 144 yards in eight games — but was then waived and signed by the Jets.

“I’ve had great camps every year I’ve been in the league,” he said. “When I get on the field and I get an opportunity, I can play ball. Maybe the numbers don’t work out, maybe I’m not their guy, whoever it is, but it’s never because I didn’t show that I could play.”

McBride might stick around this time — and his name is certainly catching on with Jets fans.

“I’m past everything that’s happened in the past, except for what’s going on right now,” McBride said. “I’m kind of focusing on this opportunity and making the most of it.”

Rodgers spent all four of his seasons in the NFL in Green Bay. He had 12 catches for 160 yards and one touchdown in 2017. They were career-lows in each category.

The 26-year-old Rodgers was a third-round pick in 2014 and had his best season in his second year when he caught 58 passes for 510 yards and eight TDs. Rodgers has 120 receptions for 1 Dwayne Harris Jersey ,166 yards and 13 TDs in his career.

Rodgers could be the backup behind Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz in Philadelphia. The Super Bowl champion Eagles lost Trey Burton to Chicago in free agency and released veteran Brent Celek.

Dez Bryant arrived in Cleveland on Thursday saying all the right things.

He crashed the team’s radio broadcast, saying he likes the city and would look good in orange, which he wore in college at Oklahoma State.

“We’re just trying to work some things out Amari Cooper Jersey ,” Bryant told Nathan Zegura, via Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com.

The star receiver has his agent, Kim Miale Willie Roaf Jersey , with him. He has said he is seeking a one-year, prove-it deal with a contender.

Bryant, 29 Matt Bosher Jersey , turned down a three-year, $21 million offer from the Ravens, which is his only known offer thus far. The Cowboys released him April 14.

Cleveland still has almost $53 million in cap space Nick Perry Jersey , the most in the NFL, via Cabot.

The Browns still expect Josh Gordon back at some point after he handles his personal issues. They also have Jarvis Landry and Antonio Callaway. So will they have enough footballs to go around if they add Bryant?

Curry returned for Game 4 of the Warriors‘ five-game Western Conference semifinals against Portland two years ago and made 16 of 32 shots with five 3-pointers and scored 17 points in overtime on the way to 40 in a 132-125 victory. He grabbed nine rebounds and dished out eight assists.

If that is any indicator, the New Orleans Pelicans better be ready for a superstar as eager as ever to get back on the court and chase a repeat championship.

The two-time MVP, sidelined since spraining his left knee March 23, is expected to play Tuesday night in Game 2 against New Orleans with what is sure to be a fired-up crowd at Oracle Arena. The Warriors have won a franchise-record 13 straight home playoff games.

In late December against Memphis, Curry came back after being sidelined 11 games with a sprained right ankle to score 38 points with 10 3-pointers.

”I’m not too worried about him. I’ve seen him come back from injuries many times,” coach Steve Kerr said Monday. ”… Sometimes it’s just one shot that gets him going.”

And what a boost Curry’s presence could be for the defending champions who are already clicking on both ends.

”He loves the game just as much as anybody I ever been around and I know he wants to play. I’ve just been thinking about that, just worrying about how he feels not playing,” reigning Finals MVP Kevin Durant said. ”… Excited for him to get back just to be in a place where he enjoys most, which is playing ball, and the other stuff, we’ll figure it out. But I’m more so excited as his brother that he’s out there, he gets to play basketball, something that he loves to do.”

The Pelicans prepared all week to see Curry back on the court and they know they must bounce back fast to stay in this best-of-seven series after a 123-101 flop in Saturday night’s Game 1.

Golden State scored 41 points in the second quarter and 76 in the first half – both new franchise-bests for the postseason. The Warriors shot 13 for 20 in the second, making four 3s and 11 of 14 free throws.

While New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry thought his team’s long layoff might have hurt Jimmy Graham Jersey , the players said it was much more.

”We hang our hats on defense,” Rajon Rondo said. ”What happened in the second quarter is inexcusable. I can’t blame it on a week off of rest. It’s a lack of communication and not being disciplined. If we can clean that up, I think we’ll be fine.”

Anthony Davis and Rondo will challenge the Pelicans to play with more intensity on the defensive end. The Warriors thrived when they made things hard on Davis to take shots, got stops and pushed the ball in transition.

”We’re very confident. It’s one game. They win by 40, you win by one, 90, it’s one game,” Davis said. ”It’s still best-out-of-seven. Our job is to learn from what we messed up tonight and get prepared for Game 2.”

The Warriors have taken their defense to another level, led by Durant and Draymond Green – who is coming off a triple-double and has 15, 19 and 18 rebounds in his past three games, respectively.

Golden State also is pushing the pace, a far different game than in the first round against the Spurs.

”We all like to get out in transition,” Warriors guard Shaun Livingston said Monday. ”We can slow it down and we understand to win games we’ll have to execute and maybe win some grind-out games, that’s just part of playoff basketball Chad Henne Jersey , but everybody loves to run.”

Here’s something to know about the Cleveland-Toronto series opener, also Tuesday:

CAVALIERS AT RAPTORS. Game 1, 8 p.m. EDT, TNT

LeBron James just won his fifth straight Game 7 and now the Cavs will face the Raptors for the third consecutive postseason.

Toronto eliminated the Wizards in a six-game first round and now the challenge is stopping LeBron and his supporting cast.

”We understand everything starts and stops with him,” Raptors coach Dwane Casey said. ”There’s certain things you want to give up with him, there’s certain things you have no choice in the matter. There’s a pecking order as far as what we want to give up, what we live with.”

The Cavs are 8-2 against Toronto the past two postseasons and went 5-2 in matchups during the regular season the past two years.

—

AP Freelance Writer Ian Harrison contributed to this report from Toronto.

—

If you want to get an insight into what makes Eli Manning tick, watch the two-time Super Bowl MVP work with kids at a summer football camp.

Talking about football to three or four dozen attentive young players is something the New York Giants quarterback enjoys, whether the topic is hydration, catching passes, doing things in practice so they become second nature in games, focusing or simply just getting better.

Manning doesn't talk very long. He gets his thoughts across and gets to the stuff he wants to do. He gets a ball from the coaches at the Offense-Defense camp at Kean University and starts throwing little seam routes to players.

After a water break, there is a 7-on-7 drill and Manning hooks up with a receiver deep for a touchdown that will be someone's lifetime memory.

"It's fun to see them get ready for their upcoming season," the 37-year-old Manning said. "They are out here practicing trying to get better and it's fun. Hey Andy Levitre Jersey , I was that kid not too long ago. You kind of still feel you are that kid in the sense of getting ready to go play a game and play football and improve.

"For these guys it's not about going to college. It's about being a good high school player. Hey, I want to be a good NFL player. It's whatever league you are in."

By Manning's count, he will be starting his 23rd training camp when the Giants report for workouts in roughly two weeks. It will be his 15th season with New York, and this one should be interesting.

The Giants have a new coach in Pat Shurmur, a new offense and defense and a revamped roster.

Manning knows there are going to be a lot of questions. Can the team overcome last year's 3-13 record that led to the firing of Ben McAdoo and the hiring of Shurmur? Can they get back to the playoffs? Can he still function being closer to 40 than 30?

They are legitimate questions, but Manning is more concerned with today.

"I am not concerned with two years or how long I play, I am concerned about this year," Manning said.

"I am focused and excited about having a great year this year, making good decisions, running this offense, getting our team ready. That's the focus. That's the concern. That's all. I am excited about it. It's good when you are not worried about the hoopla and all the other things going on. I am worried about doing my job and winning football games."

Manning has been getting ready for this camp like any other. Training has become a year-round job and the techniques are different.

When he was a youngster in New Orleans, hydrating meant going for a swim and drinking a soda. Now, the hydration starts a week before camp begins. Liquid is taken before, during and after practice DeVante Parker Jersey , something that he imparts to the players as a spokesman for Gatorade the past 14 years.

Still, he insists training camp is fun, especially the competition.

"That's the great thing about football," Manning said. "What you did last year doesn't matter, whether good or bad. It's all about what you can do this year. I am excited about the guys we have, the new coaches. I have been texting with the guys and everyone is excited to get rolling and see what we can do this year."

The new offense should be interesting. The line seemingly has been solidified with the addition of left tackle Nate Solder and guard Will Hernandez, the second-round draft pick. Running back Saquon Barkley, the second overall pick, has the potential to be a game breaker.

Receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who is coming off a broken ankle that ended his season in early October, has looked good in some videos from California, where he has been running around shirtless with fellow wide out Sterling Shepard and Barkley making one-handed catches.

"I know they will have to make some adjustments. We do practice with our shirts on with the Giants," Manning quipped.

Manning said the Giants worked hard in the offseason and he is excited to see what happens this year.

More than two weeks after he returned to the disabled list for a second time this season Kerry Wynn Jersey , the Boston Red Sox have no timetable for second baseman Dustin Pedroia’s return.

Pedrioa underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee last October and began the season on the disabled list. He began a minor league rehab assignment last month and was added to the Boston roster on May 26.

But Pedroia lasted just three games, going 1 for 11 with a pair of walks, and when soreness in the knee remained, the team put him back on the shelf on May 30.

“It was a major surgery,” manager Alex Cora said. “We didn’t know what to expect, so we are where we are now. We’re hoping that, yeah Doug Flutie Jersey , he’ll be back. When? We don’t know. But I still believe he’s going to contribute this season and he’s going to help us to win.”

Without Pedroia in the lineup, Cora has turned primarily to Eduardo Nunez at second base with Brock Holt getting 17 starts as well. Overall, Red Sox second basemen have combined for a .614 OPS and rank second-to-last in baseball with a minus-12 Defensive Runs Saved.

Nunez will likely get the nod again Wednesday night as the Red Sox continue their three-game series with the Twins at Target Field behind left-hander David Price, who is 6-0 with a 2.64 ERA over his last seven starts.

“Better fastball command, just commanding the baseball better,” Price said of his recent success. “Making better pitches with runners in scoring position. That was a big problem for me in the times I struggled this year, just runners in scoring position. Four two-out runs in Oakland that day. All the runs were with two outs. Same thing my third outing against Tampa back at home. That was two-run outs as well.”

Price is 10-3 with a 2.52 ERA in 17 games Patrick Omameh Jersey , 16 of them starts, against the Twins.

Lance Lynn, the Twins’ scheduled starter, is starting to look much more like the pitcher Minnesota had in mind when it signed the veteran right-hander to a one-year deal during spring training.

Lynn slumped out to a 8.37 ERA through his first five starts but has gone 4-2 with a 3.20 ERA in eight starts since, working at least six innings in all but two of those outings.

He struck out a season-high nine with just one walk his last time out but took his first loss since May 16 after the Tigers for tagged him for three runs in the seventh inning.

“You’ve got to get through the seventh there. I wasn’t able to do it,” Lynn said after the game. “Everything was still there. Just made one bad pitch and ran into a barrel. … Ended up giving up three runs and it cost us the win.”

Lynn has three career starts against the Red Sox, going 0-1 with a 1.89 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 19 innings of work. He last faced Boston late in the 2017 season but did not take a decision after allowing two runs on seven hits over six innings.

A look at what’s happening around the majors today:

HITTING BRAVES

Among the many things the Atlanta Braves have done right on their way to leading the National League East this season Matt Judon Jersey , they’ve been getting hits. The Braves began their series against fellow division leader Milwaukee on Thursday night with three of the top four hits leaders in the NL, with outfielder Nick Markakis (108) leading the way and infielder Ozzie Albies (102) and Freddie Freeman (101) close behind in third and fourth, respectively. It’s the first time in franchise history the team has had three players reach 100 hits prior to the All-Star game, and the Braves will continue their series when Mike Foltynewicz and Freddy Peralta face off.

GOING GRAY

In a season full of highlights for the New York Yankees, right-hander Sonny Gray has been one of the team’s biggest disappointments in his first full season with club. Gray will try and rebound from his worst start of the season when the Yankees begin a weekend series in Toronto against the Blue Jays. After being acquired from Oakland last season, Gray is 5-6 with 5.44 ERA this season and is coming off an 11-0 loss to Boston last weekend in which he allowed six runs in only 2 1/3 innings.

CHICAGO SEEING RED

Two weeks ago, the Chicago Cubs suffered through an embarrassing four-game sweep in Cincinnati – beginning a stretch of six losses in seven games. Chicago has won six straight games since that rough patch Antonio Garcia Jersey , and has the opportunity to make amends with the Reds when the two teams begin a weekend series at Wrigley Field. Mike Montgomery (3-2) starts for Chicago, and Tyler Mahle (6-6) takes the mound for Cincinnati.

ACE OF NEW YORK

Despite the struggles of the New York Mets for much of the season, Jacob deGrom has been one of the NL’s most dominant starters. The right-hander leads the league with his 1.84 ERA and will be back at work when he takes the mound against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays. He has allowed three runs in each of his last two starts, the first time he’s allowed three or more runs in back-to-back games since April.

SUMMER KING

Seattle Mariners right-hander Felix Hernandez (8-6) put together his best full month of the season in June, posting a 3.71 ERA in six starts and lowering his overall ERA from 5.83 to 5.11 in the process. The 2010 Cy Young award winner will try and extend his improved performance into July when he starts in an interleague game against the visiting Colorado Rockies.

—

 Womens Ryan Switzer Jersey

KANSAS CITY (0-0) at LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (0-0)

Sunday Craig Robertson Jersey , 4:05 p.m. EDT, CBS

OPENING LINE – Chargers by 3

RECORD VS. SPREAD – Kansas City 10-6, Los Angeles 8-6-2

SERIES RECORD – Chiefs lead 60-54-1

LAST MEETING – Chiefs beat Chargers 30-13, Dec. 16, 2017

AP PRO32 RANKING – Chiefs No. 13, Chargers No. 10

CHIEFS OFFENSE – OVERALL (5), RUSH (9), PASS (7).

CHIEFS DEFENSE – OVERALL (28), RUSH (25) Lee Smith Jersey , PASS (29).

CHARGERS OFFENSE – OVERALL (4), RUSH (24), PASS (1).

CHARGERS DEFENSE – OVERALL (15), RUSH (31), PASS (3).

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – … This marks fourth time Chargers will host Chiefs in season opener but first since 1992. … Chiefs have won eight straight in series. They also won eight straight from 1990-93. … Kansas City is 31-27 in season openers and has won its last three. Chargers are 32-26 and have dropped their past two. … Chiefs coach Andy Reid is 10-3 vs. Chargers; Los Angeles coach Anthony Lynn is 0-2 vs. Chiefs. … Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes will make second career start. He threw for 284 yards in last year’s regular-season finale at Denver. … RB Kareem Hunt led NFL last season in rushing yards (1,327). He averaged 163.5 rushing yards and scored two rushing touchdowns against Chargers last season. … Travis Kelce led all tight ends with 83 receptions last season and was second in yardage (1,018). … WR Tyreek Hill has 11 career touchdowns of 50 yards or more, including 65-yard reception vs. Chargers last season. … LB Justin Houston has six sacks in past five games against Los Angeles. … Chiefs have won 11 straight games when they score touchdown on defense. … Chargers were 4-4 last season in first of three years at StubHub Center. … Los Angeles led league in passing in 2017 Marcus Cannon Jersey , averaging 276.9 yards per game. … QB Philip Rivers has five 300-yard games vs. Chiefs, but none since 2013. He has started 192 consecutive regular-season games, longest active streak among QBs in NFL … WR Keenan Allen set team record with 102 receptions last season. … RB Melvin Gordon has scored touchdown vs. Chiefs in last three meetings. He had 169 scrimmage yards (91 receiving, 71 rushing) in last meeting. … DE Joey Bosa has 19 sacks in first 20 games, most by player in that span since 1982. … Chargers allowed only 18 sacks last season, least they have allowed in 16-game schedule. … Fantasy tip: TE Antonio Gates has 16 touchdowns vs. Chiefs, most against any opponent. He missed preseason before deciding to return to Chargers, so snaps could be limited Sunday.

Simons was the 24th pick of the draft. Portland got Trent after acquiring the rights to the 37th pick by trading two future second-round picks to Sacramento.

The 6-foot-4 Everson Griffen Jersey , 180-pound Simons didn’t play in college. He initially committed to Louisville but after the school fired coach Rick Pitino in October, Simons opted to attend IMG Academy in Florida. Simons, who turned 19 this month, averaged 22.4 points and shot 45 percent last season.

Simons is the first player since 2005 to land in the draft without playing in college or overseas. Simons was eligible for the draft because he’s 19 and one year removed from his high school graduation. The Blazers’ roster had the youngest average age among NBA teams last season.

The Blazers twice brought Simons to Portland for workouts. Blazers general manager Neil Olshey said because Simons didn’t go through the rigors of a college season, they needed additional proof that he was worthy of a first-round selection.

”At that point in the draft we were looking for the guy with the highest ceiling. He has a really bright future. We know he’s going to work,” Olshey said. ”There’s some risk; not a guy with a big body of work. But that’s not our job to play it safe.”

Olshey, who sees Simons as a combo guard, acknowledges the learning curve as rookie will be steep.

”He may be a deer in the headlights for a little bit. But for Anfernee, he’ll get it Ricardo Allen Jersey ,” Olshey said.

Of the Blazers’ two selections, Olshey believes the 6-6 Trent has the best chance of making an impact next season.

To acquire Trent, Portland sent a 2019 second-round pick and the 2021 pick it earlier obtained from Miami to Sacramento for the 37th selection. As a freshman at Duke, Trent shot 40.2 percent from 3-point range and averaged 14.5 points per game.

”We’re all looking for shooting, and this is a guy we think can step in right away,” Olshey said. ”I don’t think we feel the need to be as patient with Gary based on his body of work as we do with Anfernee.”

The Blazers also landed Trent’s father, Gary Sr., with a draft-day trade in 1995. Trent said playing for the same franchise as his father ”is surreal. It’s unexplainable.”

The Blazers are coming off a 49-33 season and were the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed. They were swept in four games by New Orleans during the first round of the playoffs.

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The Rams traded their first- and sixth-round picks in the 2018 draft to the New England Patriots for Cooks and a fourth-round pick earlier this year.

Cooks will replace Sammy Watkins Alec Ogletree Jersey , who left for Kansas City in free agency, and provide a deep threat for quarterback Jared Goff and the Rams, who had the NFL’s highest-scoring offense last season.

Cooks was entering the final season of his contract and is happy to be staying in Los Angeles for the next several years.

”I just knew this was a place that I want to be for a really long time,” he said. ”As far as the years and all of that, I just let them handle that, my agent handle that, and just knowing I wanted to be here for a really long time.

”They took care of that in the way they thought was best and we agreed with it. Other than that I’m just excited to get Game One in, let alone years George Blanda Jersey , so that’s what I’m focused on now.”

Before joining the Rams, Cooks played in 58 regular-season games with 46 starts, and had at least 1,000 yards receiving in each of the past three seasons.

The fifth-year pro has 280 receptions for 3,943 yards and 27 touchdowns, and averages 14.1 yards per reception. He had nine 100-plus yard receiving games in 2016 with the New Orleans Saints.

”Brandin Cooks has shown himself to be a class act on and off the field since the first day he joined our team,” Rams coach Sean McVay said in a statement. ”He’s a proven professional in this league, and signing him to a long-term contract was always our goal. We’re excited to keep Brandin in a Rams uniform through 2023.”

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LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (9-7)

New faces: C Mike Pouncey Kyle Emanuel Jersey , TE Virgil Green, S Derwin James, LB Uchenna Nwosu, QB Geno Smith, PK Caleb Sturgis, PK Roberto Aguayo.

Key losses: S Tre Boston, TE Antonio Gates, DL Jeremiah Attaochu Jeremy Hill Jersey , TE Hunter Henry (injury), CB Jason Verrett (injury).

Strengths: Ample talent in place to build on last season’s finish of nine wins in 12 games. Philip Rivers back for 13th consecutive season as starter along with formidable receiver corps led by Pro Bowler Keenan Allen. Pouncey already giving boost to run game with Melvin Gordon. Defense largely unchanged, but restocked with draft picks including James, Nwosu. Edge rusher Melvin Ingram has been monster in preseason. Have one of NFL’s easier schedules and have five-game winning streak at tiny StubHub Center, clearly unaffected by presence of opponents’ fans.

Weaknesses: Already lost starting TE Henry, former Pro Bowl CB Verrett to season-ending injury. Defense could be uneven, possibly lacking depth with questionable quality at linebacker and interior line. Run defense still not impressive after struggling last season. Still waiting to identify new kicker after four guys took turns failing at position last year, likely costing playoff berth with early-season woes.

Fantasy Players To Watch: WR Mike Williams. Last season’s seventh overall pick made no impact after starting slowly due to injury. That could change in huge way this season. Tall Nick O'Leary Jersey , speedy receiver has been outstanding in practices and preseason games, presenting big target for Rivers. Williams could be huge bargain in many leagues.

Vegas Says: Super Bowl 15-1. Over/under wins 9.5.

Expectations: Bolts believe they’ve got Super Bowl contender after encouraging finish to last season. Season opener against Chiefs should establish early favorite in AFC West. Rivers poised for another strong season with no signs of slowing down. Continuity on roster and coaching staff should boost chances. Must survive six-week midseason stretch with only one home game and trip to London. If Chargers can avoid injury problems that popped up repeatedly for previous teams, future looks bright.

Reid, a Pro Bowler in 2013, had joined former teammate Colin Kaepernick two seasons ago in kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality.

Kaepernick wasn’t signed for the 2017 season following his release in San Francisco. Reid continued the quarterback’s protests. The 26-year-old safety became a free agent this offseason when his rookie contract with the 49ers expired.

”Our union is aware that Eric Reid and his legal representatives filed a collusion claim, which will be heard through the arbitration process as spelled out in our collective bargaining agreement,” the NFL Players Association said in a statement Wednesday. ”Our union supports Eric and we are considering other legal options to pursue.”

Kaepernick previously filed a collusion grievance that is in the discovery stage. He deposed several league owners and executives, including Commissioner Roger Goodell. Reid is using the same attorneys as Kaepernick.

A league spokesman said Wednesday: ”We are abiding by the confidentiality provision of the CBA and have no comment.”

In March, Goodell was asked about Reid, one of the better players at his position in the NFL, not having a job.

”I’ve said this repeatedly to you: The 32 teams make individual decisions on the players who are going to best help their franchises Cameron Meredith Jersey ,” Goodell said. ”Those are decisions they have to make. They do that every day in the best interest of winning. Teams make those decisions. I’m not directly involved with that.”

Last month, Kaepernick praised Reid for continuing to make a stand for social justice when the quarterback was presented an Amnesty International award in Amsterdam.

”Eric introducing me for this prestigious award brings me great joy,” Kaepernick said. ”But I am also pained by the fact that his taking a knee, and demonstrating courage to protect the rights of black and brown people in America, has also led to his ostracization from the NFL when he is widely recognized as one of the best competitors in the game and in the prime of his career.”

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NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (15-4)

OPEN CAMP: July 26, Foxborough, Massachusetts

LAST YEAR: New England lost twice in its first four games but recovered to win 11 of its final 12 behind MVP season of quarterback Tom Brady. He impressed at age 40, throwing for 4,577 yards Shaq Mason Jersey , 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He did so despite reported issues between himself, coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft following midseason trade of backup Jimmy Garoppolo to 49ers. Defensive inconsistency was ongoing issue and it caught up with Patriots in Super Bowl loss to Philadelphia. It included surprise benching of cornerback Malcolm Butler, one of several players to sign with new teams during free agency.

IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: RB Jeremy Hill, RB Sony Michel, QB Danny Etling, DE Adrian Clayborn, WR Jordan Matthews, OT Trent Brown, OL Isaiah Wynn Trey Hendrickson Jersey , CB Jason McCourty, DT Danny Shelton,

IMPORTANT LOSSES: Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, WR Danny Amendola, WR Brandin Cooks, CB Malcolm Butler, CB Johnson Bademosi, RB Dion Lewis, OT Nate Solder Justin Bethel Jersey , OT Cam Fleming.

CAMP NEEDS: Wide receiver will be hot topic. After sitting out 2017 with torn right ACL, Julian Edelman is suspended for first four games of regular season for violating NFL policy on performance enhancers. Combined with losses of Amendola and Cooks in trades to Dolphins and Rams, respectively, it leaves Chris Hogan (34 catches, 439 yards, five TDs) as top returning wide receiver. Something also must be done to solidify defense that needs more edge rushing and someone to start alongside Stephon Gilmore at cornerback.

EXPECTATIONS: Even with offseason roster changes, Patriots enter camp as team to beat in AFC East. All-Pro TE Rob Gronkowski considered retirement in offseason; he and Brady skipped voluntary offseason workouts. But both returned for mandatory minicamps and say they are focused on helping New England reach what would be its fourth Super Bowl in five seasons. One of biggest question marks will be how linebackers coach Brian Flores does in new role as defensive play caller.

Lewis visited Green Bay last week thinking he wanted to explore his options during his first stint as a free agent following 12 years with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He received calls from other teams Earl Thomas III Jersey , but he said that the Packers were the most persistent so he made Lambeau his first stop.

He never made another visit.

”This was the only place I took a trip … I took my trip, and Aaron was here in the locker room. I started talking to him,” Lewis said Thursday. ”I started talking to Jimmy and I kind of made my decision that day.

”When I came down here, I didn’t expect to sign anything,” Lewis added. ”I was just coming down here to get a feel. Once I saw Aaron and Jimmy, it was a no-brainer after that.”

Lewis, 34, was released by the Jaguars in March after the team had picked up his one-year, $3.5 million option in February. His signing filled a glaring need – a blocking tight end – and gives the Packers another veteran at the position with Graham, a five-time Pro Bowler Obi Melifonwu Jersey , and Lance Kendricks.

”I don’t think we’ve had this much experience at the tight end position in my time here,” said Packers coach Mike McCarthy, who called Lewis a ”prime-time player.”

”An on-the-line tight end is something we haven’t had a lot of, as far as the way we’ve played over the years,” McCarthy added. ”He can block any defensive end on the league, and that’s definitely a huge asset.”

Lewis, who said he felt he got a ”raw deal” from the Jaguars, started 157 games for Jacksonville. He has 375 career receptions, including 24 for 318 yards and five touchdowns last year.

Still, Lewis hasn’t caught more than 25 passes in a season since 2012 Tramon Williams Jersey , when he had 52 receptions. His best season came in 2010, when he earned his lone Pro Bowl selection by catching a career-high 58 passes for 700 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The 6-foot-6, 269-pound Lewis said he takes the ”blocking tight end” moniker as a compliment, but added that ”I pride myself on being a really good all-around tight end, whatever it is that I’m called upon to do.”

It’s the type of attitude that Rodgers loves to hear. Lewis’ ability to help slow down pass-rushers should help an offensive line that has questions on the right side.

”Obviously, I’m a really good blocker, but don’t get it mistaken. I didn’t come here to be a tackle. … Be on the other side of Jimmy doing some good things,” he said. ”It’s going to be trouble out there.”

Graham’s strength is making tough catches. Kendricks provides experienced depth.

”Jimmy’s not known as a blocking tight end, but he’s willing. He will get in the way. He will punch you in the mouth,” Lewis said. ”So it’s going to be interesting. We get in that personnel with three tight ends on the field and (defenses) have to leave base on the field Reggie White Jersey , it’s not going to be good.”

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The NFL has promoted Maryann Turcke to chief operating officer, making her the highest-ranking woman at the league offices.

Turcke has overseen NFL Network in the last year. She replaces Tod Leiweke, who has left the league after three years in the job.

Turcke will lead the marketing, communications, human resources, international and events and technology departments.

”Since joining NFL Media last year, Maryann has distinguished herself by leading NFL Network to a record-setting year,” Commissioner Roger Goodell. ”We look forward to Maryann building upon this success, and her previous achievements as president of Bell Media, as she steps into this larger role. I expect her leadership Willie Snead IV Jersey , vision and corporate governance experience to help evolve our organization and take it to a higher level.”

Goodell also praised Leiweke.

”During his time here in New York, Tod was instrumental in guiding our long-term strategic process and has been a valuable resource, not only to me but to ownership, our clubs and the entire league,” he said. ”I thank him for his passion and dedication to the mission of the NFL.”

Turcke has been based in Los Angeles, but will move to the New York offices. NFL Network had a strong year with Turcke in charge, ranking second to ESPN in viewership during the season.

Goodell says more changes at NFL headquarters are coming. Recently, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones criticized the quality of leadership at the New York offices.

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