New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez has ties to homicide victim Odin Lloyd, reports stated on Wednesday. Hernandez was reportedly the driver of a vehicle that included Lloyd and two others, and was the driver when the vehicle returned, with everyone but Lloyd still in the vehicle.
NFL news roundup: More Aaron Hernandez news, 49ers sign contract extensions
There’s new reports in the Aaron Hernandez saga, the San Francisco 49ers signed a couple key pieces to contract extensions and more you may have missed on Wednesday.
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It’s still unclear to what extent Hernandez is being investigated in the homicide at this point, but the whole ordeal is troubling. Here’s are some other noteworthy stories that went down on Wednesday in the NFL:
The San Francisco 49ers extended two key pieces to their team on Wednesday: offensive coordinator Greg Roman and defensive tackle Justin Smith. Roman has been instrumental in the progression of young quarterback Colin Kaepernick and orchestrated a seamless transition from Alex Smith last year mid-season. Justin Smith has been one of the most dominant defensive linemen over the past several seasons and should close out his career in San Francisco with this extension.
New York Jets running back Mike Goodson is in plea talks for gun and marijuana charges. There isn't any word on what the plea deals look like, or if any preliminary deal has been offered, but it's an important step for Goodson going forward. Some thought Goodson might be released by the Jets after the arrest, but if he can stay out of trouble and actually play in the NFL this season, he factors into the picture in a big way.
Former New York Giants punter Dave Jennings died on Wednesday. Jennings lost a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 61 years old. Jennings spent 11 years with the Giants and made the Pro Bowl four times in his playing career. He holds the Giants' franchise record for punting yards and was inducted into their Ring of Honor in 2011.
The Chicago Bears and, more specifically, general manager Phil Emery are believers in advanced stats. On Wednesday, they announced the hiring of Mitchell Tanney as director of analytics. Tanney previously worked at STATS Inc., and will assist with player evaluation and 'game situation principles."
The Tennessee Titans have several injuries along their offensive line, and signed veteran offensive tackle Barry Richardson on Wednesday. Richardson doesn't have the best reputation at this point, but he's a big body, and right now, the Titans need big bodies. It's unclear how healthy the line will be at the start of training camp in July, but Richardson should at least last into the preseason.
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