NFL Player News

Heinicke was impressive at June minicamp, outplaying presumed starter Ryan Fitzpatrick, Peter Hailey of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Henicke has familiarity with offensive coordinator Scott Turner dating back to their time together in Carolina (2018-19), while Fitzpatrick is in the early stages of learning a new system. It should thus come as no surprise that the former looked more comfortable than the latter this spring, though Fitzpatrick got all the first-team reps in spite of his struggles. Head coach Ron Rivera has said multiple times that his quarterbacks will need to compete, but he's also dropped hints about Fitzpatrick being a favorite for the No. 1 job, so it isn't clear Heinicke will have any real shot at earning the Week 1 start. If nothing else, Heinicke in good shape for the No. 2 spot ahead of Kyle Allen, who is still working his way back from last year's season-ending ankle injury.

Rodgers said Saturday that he'll "figure things out in a couple weeks" when asked by NBC Sports about his plans for the 2021 season, Ben Kenney of USA Today reports.

Though the statement from Rodgers -- who was participating in this week's American Century Championship golf event in Lake Tahoe, Nev. -- is vague, it bears mentioning that the two-week timeline would align with the start of Packers training camp July 27. After his discontent with the organization became public knowledge on the first day of the 2021 NFL Draft, Rodgers unsurprisingly elected to skip the Packers' entire offseason program, but his potential absence from training camp would prove more telling with regard to his intentions for the upcoming season. If Rodgers isn't on the field for the start of training camp, Jordan Love would step in as the team's No. 1 quarterback, and the Packers could start to more seriously entertain the idea of trading the reigning MVP.

Wolford will back up Matthew Stafford during the 2021 season, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN reports.

There was speculation that Wolford could compete with Jared Goff this offseason for the starting QB job after he started the regular-season finale and the team's first playoff game last season. Wolford's brief time under center wasn't anything special, and the rumblings that he could battle for the starting job were likely more to motivate Goff more than set up an open competition. Nevertheless, just three days after that report, the Rams acquired Matthew Stafford from the Lions for Goff, two first-round picks and a third-round pick. There won't be a competition for the starting job anymore, but Wolford has likely locked up the backup gig.

When asked Tuesday whether or not he would be under center for the Packers in Week 1, Rodgers said, "we'll see," according to a video posted by Bleacher Report.

Rodgers was pressed for an answer by several members of the broadcast team for The Match 2021 golf event he participated in, but he did not provide any clues about his status with the Packers nor this season. There certainly won't be any shortage of discussion about Rodgers in the weeks ahead, and his status will continue to be updated as things play out.

Jones has signed a four-year, $15.6 million contract with the Patriots, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Jones' deal also includes a fifth-year option. The Alabama product was taken by New England 15th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft and is slated to compete with returnee Cam Newton for the team's Week 1 starting QB assignment. For now at least, Newton sits atop the Patriots' depth chart after being the first signal caller to log snaps throughout spring drills, per ESPN's Mike Reiss. While Newton holds an edge in terms of experience and mobility, Reiss notes that when Jones "had it going" during OTAs and minicamp, the team's passing game "most closely resembled what it had been for the better part of the past two decades from a timing, rhythm and accuracy standpoint." Whether the rookie is able to overtake Newton prior to the start of the coming season remains to be seen, but this could end up being one of the league's more intriguing training camp job battles this summer.

This could be a make-or-break season for Cousins with the Vikings, according to Arif Hasan of The Athletic.

Cousins has thrown 91 touchdowns against 29 interceptions in his three years with the Vikings, but he's reached the playoffs just once and has a .543 winning percentage in the regular season. While a poor defense was the bigger problem in Minnesota last year, the team's selection of QB Kellen Mond at 66th overall in the 2021 draft suggests Cousins could be in trouble if he doesn't reach the playoffs this season. His two-year contract includes fully guaranteed base salaries in 2021 ($21 million) and 2022 ($35 million), so any financial incentive for moving on from Cousins would have to involve a trade. In any case, it's more of a concern for next offseason, as the Vikings are optimistic Cousins can lead them to the playoffs with the help of a seemingly improved defense. The soon-to-be 33-year-old QB has plenty to work with in the Minnesota offense, surrounded by RB Dalvin Cook, WR Justin Jefferson, WR Adam Thielen and TE Irv Smith.

Wilson has impressed New York's coaching staff with his work ethic and quick learning ability in camp, Jack Bell of the Jets' official site reports. "We've thrown a lot at (WIlson)," offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said. "I thought these last two weeks have been awesome for him...it's cool because he recognizes all that, he learns, and he's eager."

Wilson's tremendous arm strength and accuracy led the Jets to select him second overall in the 2021 draft, and early reports from camp suggests he has the mental makeup to get the most out of his physical gifts. With a creative offensive mind in LaFleur guiding him, Wilson should help restore some excitement to a Jets aerial attack that has failed to leave the hangar over the past couple seasons.

The Jaguars have signed Lawrence, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, John Oehser of the team's official site reports.

Per ESPN.com, Lawrence's deal, which has a fifth-year option, is projected to be worth $36.8 million, including a $24.1 million signing bonus. The 21-year-old QB, who dealt with a minor hamstring issue in June, should be good to go once training camp opens and is expected to be installed as the team's starter in advance of Week 1. From a fantasy perspective, Lawrence's long-range outlook is bright and though rookie signal callers often take time to develop, the Clemson product is a viewed as a generational talent capable of quickly ascending to pro stardom.

Murray believes his running ability "should be a luxury" for the Arizona offense, rather than a crucial component the way it was last season, ESPN.com's Josh Weinfuss reports.

Fantasy managers were thrilled with his 133/819/11 rushing line, a big step forward after Murray put up 93/544/4 as a rookie. He hopes the team won't need him to run quite as much moving forward, in part because it's harder to do so when he's banged up. Murray does have a little more help in the pass-catching department this year, with the Cardinals bringing in 33-year-old A.J. Green and rookie second-round pick Rondale Moore, while James Conner replaces Kenyan Drake (LVR) in the backfield. The hope is to create a more balanced offense, after last year's attack largely relied on Murray's legs and DeAndre Hopkins' hands. That's not the worst formula, but a more versatile offense could improve Murray's passing efficiency, perhaps making up for any lost rushing volume.

Chargers head coach Brandon Staley wants the offense to "run through Herbert," according to Hayley Elwood of the team's official website.

Formerly the Rams' defensive coordinator, Staley figures to primarily focus on the other side of the ball, yet he clearly understands that Herbert is his most important player by a mile. The fifth overall pick from the 2020 draft set an NFL rookie record with 31 passing touchdowns, also adding five additional scores (and 234 more yards) on the ground. Herbert will again have Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and RB Austin Ekeler at his disposal this season, while Jared Cook is replacing Hunter Henry (Patriots) as the top tight end. Perhaps most important, the Chargers added three new starters for the offensive line, signing center Corey Linsley and LG Matt Feiler before using a first-round pick on Northwestern LT Rashawn Slater. The unit may need some time to gel, but it's the best collection of blocking talent the Chargers have put together in years. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi couldn't have asked for a better situation, getting his second shot as an OC after a respectable stint with the Lions in 2014-15.