The NFL announced on Tuesday that Randy Gregory is back! Because when you’ve been suspended three times for various violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policy, it just takes one year off-the-field to learn a lesson. Or at least that seems to be what the NFL is telling us here.
Randy Gregory is back and Brandin Cooks probably won’t be traded again
Brandin Cooks’ third team in three years decided to pay him like a No. 1 receiver and lock him up for the long-term. Wednesday’s Rise ‘n Grind takes a look at Cooks’ new deal in comparison to other top receivers.
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Gregory was initially suspended for “at least one year” in January 2017 and was conditionally reinstated on Tuesday. There are players who have missed more time due to a singular injury than Gregory missed for this suspension.
”Once arrangements have been confirmed regarding Gregory’s clinical resources in Dallas, and subject to continued compliance with the terms of his reinstatement and all aspects of the NFL-NFLPA Policy and Program on Substances of Abuse, he will be permitted to participate in all activities, including practices and games,” the NFL said in a press release.
So, it seems the Cowboys will have their 2015 second round pick back in the fold this season, assuming all goes well between now and Week 1. What does it mean for the Cowboys? We have that and more here.
Brandin Cooks (probably) won’t be traded again
After being traded twice in two years, Brandin Cooks has received a contract extension from his third team since 2017. The 2014 first round pick initially was sent from the Saints to the Patriots in March 2017 before the Patriots traded him to the Rams in April 2018.
Now, Cooks has been extended in Los Angeles with a five year deal said to be worth $80 million. If you add on the $8.4 million he was set to make this year, Cooks is now signed to a six-year, $88.4 million contract.
It seems clear the Rams’ coaching staff sees Cooks as a true No. 1 receiver as he’s now making nearly $15 million per year, on average. Here’s a list of receivers making more than $14.5 million per year, on average, on their current contracts: Antonio Brown, Mike Evans, DeAndre Hopkins, Sammy Watkins, Jarvis Landry, A.J. Green and Davante Adams. Notice anyone missing?
Julio Jones is making an average of $14.25 million per year, which caused him to sit out of spring workouts while requesting a revised contract from the Falcons.
In 2017 with Tom Brady as his quarterback, Cooks posted 65 receptions for 1,082 yards and 7 touchdowns. How will he do in the next six years with Jared Goff set to be the leading man in L.A.? We’ll have to see, but with a contract this sizable, it’s safe to say Cooks won’t be traded again any time soon.
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For the most part, simpler is better.
Without a new deal, Antonio Brown expects a motivated Le’Veon Bell to show why he deserves to be paid like one of the NFL’s best players.
“That team was full of dogs, and now they’re all gone. So, stop firing all the dogs,” Talib said.
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Tweet of the Day
The Browns played a really fun game of “guess whose lyrics these are: Taylor Swift or Beyonce.” It revealed all sorts of fun things, including that numerous Browns players love TSwift.
Seriously, you need to see this.
Spoiler alert: Congrats to linebacker Christian Kirksey on his win!
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