Reportedly Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke was watching the negotiations between the Denver Broncos and general manager John Elway with intent to pounce on the former two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback if negotiations fell through. They did not.
So current Rams GM Les Snead can breath a sigh of relief after Elway and the Broncos have agreed to a new contract that will keep Elway in Denver through the 2021 NFL season. No financial details have been released, but, it’s a safe bet he won’t be buying any ramen noodles anytime soon.
Broncos and John Elway have agreed to a new 5-year contract that ties him to Denver through the 2021 season, source tells ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 24, 2017
Under Elway’s leadership, the Broncos drafted Von Miller, hired Gary Kubiak and Wade Phillips and, most importantly, landed free agent quarterback Peyton Manning at the end of the career. Manning was able to lead the Broncos to two Super Bowls and win one.
“During these last six seasons, John’s clearly established himself as one of the best general managers in all of sports,” Broncos President Joe Ellis said in a statement.. “He”s demonstrated impressive football instincts, a strong business acumen and a consistent ability to build competitive teams.”
Congrats @johnelway!!! Well deserved!!! #Legend on the field and in the office!!!
— AqibTalib21 (@AqibTalib21) July 24, 2017
While Kroenke (and likely other owners) were watching the situation, the chances of Elway leaving the Broncos were dim to say the least. Not with his history with the team and their success under his leadership. This wasn’t Matt Millen for God’s sake.
“I appreciate the trust and confidence that Joe has shown in me,” Elway said. “Pat Bowlen has always put outstanding leadership in place, and I’m grateful for the support Joe gives us to compete for championships each and every year. This is a special place, and the Broncos are home to me. While there’s still a lot of work to be done, I’m excited about the future of this team and this organization.”
Cowboys Cut Wide Receiver Lucky Whitehead
You knew it had to be coming the minute the first news hit. On the same day Virginia police released details alleging that wide receiver Lucky Whitehead was being charged for misdemeanor petty larceny, the Dallas Cowboys cut him loose.
For his part, Whitehead and his agent are claiming he’s not the guy they arrested in Virginia. He didn’t show up to his arraignment that was scheduled on July 6 with another set for August 10. If he’s not the guy, it should be pretty easy to prove with a comparison to the mug shot. Evidently it’s a scenario the Cowboys didn’t buy.
The alleged theft occurred per police on 6/22 at 1:30 am. But #Cowboys WR Lucky Whitehead’s only flew to Dulles at 7:20 am 6 hours LATER.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 24, 2017
For the last couple of seasons Whitehead had returned kicks and punts for the Cowboys. He averaged 7.8 yards per punt return last season and 23.2 yards per kick return.
Andrew Luck will open camp on PUP
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has been dealing with health issues ever since he was severely injured during the 2015 season. Monday, the team announced he will begin training camp on the physically unable to perform list.
The designation comes from off-season shoulder surgery and the good news this was expected and there have been no setbacks. Luck has reportedly already started throwing and should be healthy again for the start of the regular season. General manager Chris Ballard still wouldn’t give a timetable for Luck’s return to the practice field.
Chris Ballard says Andrew Luck will start on training camp on PUP and it's expected he'll come off it before the season starts.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) July 24, 2017
Last year Lick played in 15 games and completed 63.5 percent of his passes for 4,240 yards, 31 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
The Colts got some bad news on safety Clayton Geathers. Geathers had off-season neck surgery and is expected to miss the first six games of the season. Geathers played in nine games last season and recorded 58 tackles, one forced fumble and five passes defended.
Bridgewater, unsurprisingly, on PUP list too
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will also begin the preseason on the PUP list. Last year Bridgewater tore his knee up so severely the chances of him resuming a promising NFL career seemed slim. While the prognosis seems to have improved for Bridgewater, he’s still not ready to for training camp action.
https://twitter.com/teddyb_h2o/status/886359019564273665
Bridgewater has done some throwing this off-season and even moved around without his knee brace. He’ll likely have to wear one for the rest of his career if he can get it going again.
Other news
Cincinnati Benglas cornerback Adam Jones has been suspended for one game for a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy after an altercation with a Cincinnati police officer in May
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