The NFL is back… sorta. Today marks the first time all 32 teams are back and practicing as it is officially the start of training camps. Though it’s literally only been about three hours, we already have some major headlines from around the league. Here’s everything that going down in training camps across the NFL.
Damar Hamlin Receives Warm Welcome
Damar Hamlin has returned to the Bills practice field for training camp where he will be “full go,” according to head coach Sean McDermott. While taking the field, Hamlin was met with cheers and applause from press, teammates, and Bills Mafia faithfuls. Great to see #3 back out there.
John Metchie Cleared For Training Camp
Former Alabama receiver John Metchie III has officially been cleared for Texans’ training camp after missing his entire rookie season with leukemia. Metchie was drafted 44th overall in the 2022 NFL draft after the Texans traded up to get him. A standout star at Alabama, Metchie finished his final season in Tuscaloosa with 96 catches for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns. Time to find out if Metchie’s connection with C.J Stroud will be just as natural as what he had with Bryce Young.
Calais Campbell Calls Out Mac Jones
According to Josh Kendall of The Athletic, Falcons DL Calais Campbell called Patriots QB Mac Jones “disrespectful” today when asked about how refs protect quarterbacks. Calais said Mac often “crosses the line,” in reference to his numerous incidents of potential dirty plays. Jones has been called out before for unnecessary and harmful acts that could injure opposing players. Incidents include diving at players legs, purposeful tripping, and even crotch kicking.
Classic Patriots. They always find a new way to make everyone outside of Boston hate them. The fact Mac Jones is responsible for this is ridiculous. At least when Brady cheated those several times he won Super Bowls. Mac Jones is literally out here stabbing dudes below the belt with cleats just to put up 13 points a game and finish below .500. If you’re gonna play dirty, at least win.
Giants Spend Money After Telling Saquon Have None
Yesterday, Saquon Barkely ended his mini-hold out after signing a 1-year contract worth up to $11 million. After being franchise-tagged, Barkley decided to hold out of training camp as he believed he was worth more money. Under the franchise tag, Barkley would have earned $10.1 million. Now, he gets $10.1 million, plus the potential of another $900K from incentives.
Today, the Giants showed they actually do have a ton of money (duh, they’re a New York sports team) by paying left tackle Andrew Thomas $117.5 million over five years.
I get that left tackles are harder to come by than running backs, but Saquon is arguably the best player on the Giants. Sure, I understand that Thomas should undoubtedly be paid more, but more than DOUBLE? That I don’t understand.
Whatever, screw the Giants and all Penn State alum. None of this will matter anyway considering the Giants would be lucky to finish with a winning record.
