As the NFL season approaches, there continues to be some concern that the coronavirus could ultimately disrupt the season. In fact, there have been some effects as the Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin recently confirmed that a couple of players have tested positive for the virus.
Still, the hope remains that a season will be played, and there has been quite a bit of news circulating the NFL world over the last week. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest news stories.
Prescott Cashes In, But For One Year
It is no secret that Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is looking for a long-term deal. While negotiations between the two sides have yet to produce a new contract, the two sides were able to formally get him signed to a one-year franchise tag.
Earlier this week, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter reported that Prescott was signing his franchise tender for the amount of just over $31 million for the 2020 season.
Even though he is locked up now for the upcoming season, the two sides will spend the next few weeks trying to turn the one-year deal into a long-term arrangement.
Part of the problem thus far has simply been money. Despite how talented Prescott is, he wants to be the highest-paid quarterback in the league, which would mean eclipsing Russell Wilson’s $35 million per year.
Additionally, while the Cowboys are prepared to lock him up for five or six years, it appears that Prescott would prefer just a two- or three-year deal.
Last season, with the Cowboys, Prescott threw for 4,902 yards, 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also rushed 52 times for 277 yards and an additional three touchdowns.
There is no denying that Prescott is one of the top quarterbacks in the league, but it will be interesting to see if the Cowboys think that he should be paid like the top quarterback, and if so, what that number will be.
Cook, Vikings Working Towards New Contract
Speaking of new contracts for players, the Minnesota Vikings are trying to avoid a messy situation with their Pro Bowl running back, Dalvin Cook. After not getting an extension offer he deemed worthy, the star running back has effectively been a holdout.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, though, Minnesota would like to get a new contract worked out so that Cook can “hit the ground running” when the season gets going.
Last year, for the Vikings, Cook rushed 250 times for 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns over 14 regular-season games. He also had 53 receptions for 519 yards last season.
Needless to say, Cook should be a big part of the offense again this year, but the Vikings will likely have to pony up for a new contract to make sure he is there opening week.
Could Brown Go To Seahawks?
There has been some speculation that Wilson would like to see Antonio Brown in Seattle, but it appears that the speculation may be turning into solid rumors. According to NFL Network’s Mike Silver, the Seahawks are having a dialogue about bringing him in for the upcoming season.
To say that Brown had a rough season last year would be quite the understatement. From a tumultuous start to the season with the Raiders, to being released by multiple teams and sexual assault accusations, Brown’s season was quite the dud last year.
Granted, Brown would still be missing the beginning of the season due to a possible suspension from the accusations. Still, pairing him with Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf could make one of the most dangerous offenses in the league if it worked out.
Last year, Brown played in just one game for the Patriots and had four receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown. He is only two years removed, though, from a season in which he had 104 receptions for 1,297 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Steelers.
He will turn just 32 in July, though, so if he can get his off-the-field issues rectified, it is not unfathomable that he could be a productive NFL player again.
