:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49000073/usa-today-8779134.0.jpg)
While this week hasn't been very eventful since the NFL Combine, there's still plenty of news throughout the league. Today's biggest news was Cincinnati's first re-signing of the 2016 offseason, locking up Brandon Tate to a one-year deal. The details of the deal have yet to be released, but it's likely that Tate will make somewhere close to the veteran minimum. Today, an AFC North linebacker was suspended for a quarter of the season, a few notable players were released by their teams and a free agent receiver claimed to be better than Marvin Jones.
Contract developments
Brandon Tate first player to re-sign with Bengals
The longtime Bengals return man signed a one-year deal to remain in Cincinnati for another season. Tate could remain the team's return man, but he'll face competition in training camp to retain his job. Whether it's Adam Jones, Mario Alford, Giovani Bernard or a rookie, the Bengals will send everyone they've got at Tate to try and de-throne him. But if Tate wins the competition, he'll likely hold a place (yet again) on the team's 53-man roster.
Trumaine Johnson signs franchise tender with Rams
The Rams chose Johnson over Janoris Jenkins for the franchise tag, and the corner signed his franchise tender today. Jenkins, on the other hand, is slated to hit free agency. Some have predicted the Bengals will make a play for Jenkins, as he's a young and aggressive corner who fits the Bengals' mold.
Cordy Glenn signs franchise tender with Bills
Buffalo's left tackle signed a $13.7 million franchise tender, which likely means he'll remain in Buffalo as the team's left tackle. The signing makes Andre Smith the fourth-best tackle available on the market. Cincinnati's right tackle will likely find a new home, and he could see a huge pay increase. He's the best right tackle available in free agency.
Justin Tucker to be highest paid kicker in 2016
The Ravens kicker signed a $4.5 million franchise tender on Friday, making him the NFL's highest-paid kicker for the 2016 season. With Joe Flacco signing an extension deal that will free up cap space for Baltimore, it looks as though the Ravens will make a big push to try and contend in the AFC North in 2016.
More signings and re-signings from this week: Saints K Josh Scobee, Titans RB Antonio Andrews, Packers K Mason Crosby, Titans CB Brice McCain, Panthers CB Josh Norman (franchise tag), Broncos LB Von Miller (franchise tag), Chiefs S Eric Berry (franchise tag), Dolphins DE Olivier Vernon (franchise tag), Jets DE Muhammad Wilkerson (franchise tag), Redskins QB Kirk Cousins (franchise tag), Bears WR Alshon Jeffery (franchise tag), Patriots QB Tom Brady, Raiders P Marquette King
Legal trouble and suspensions
Ravens LB Terrell Suggs arrested in Arizona for suspended driver's license
In the middle of the rehabilitation process for a torn Achilles, Terrell Suggs is now in legal trouble. The linebacker was pulled over in the middle of the night, while driving in Arizona with a suspended driver's license. Suggs doesn't seem too phased by the arrest, as he claimed to have "100,000 Trillion" street cred for being arrested on his Twitter account.
MooD:.......
— T.S STARK (@untouchablejay4) March 4, 2016
Driving with a suspended license!
Street Cred= 100,000 Trillion.
My bad… https://t.co/kEcSwS3pm9
Browns LB Armonty Bryant suspended for first four games of 2016 season
Cleveland's linebacker failed a drug test, just about two months after he was indicted on two felony counts of drug possession. Bryant had 5.5 sacks in 2015, which was easily his best pro season. The suspension must be devastating for the Browns, who have lacked a dominant pass-rusher for years.
Releases and injuries
Bills release longtime CB Leodis McKelvin
After McKelvin refused to re-structure his deal, the Buffalo Bills released one of their longest-tenured players. The move saves the Bills $3.9 million in 2016. McKelvin could be a popular target in free agency, which means the Bengals could either give him a look or potentially have less trouble re-signing Adam Jones to another deal.
More releases from this week: Texans RB Arian Foster, Ravens LB Daryl Smith, Ravens DE Chris Canty, Panthers DE Charles Johnson, Jaguars G Zane Beadles, Jaguars DE Chris Clemons, Chargers LB Donald Butler, Chargers RB Ronnie Brown, Chargers LB Kavell Conner, Falcons WR Roddy White, Patriots WR Brandon LaFell, Patriots TE Scott Chandler, Saints WR Marques Colston
Cowboys QB Tony Romo to have plate inserted into collarbone next week
As someone who is grossed out by just the thought of a surgery room, I won't elaborate on the painful process Romo's surgery will entail. However, this surgery could end up motivating the Cowboys to select a quarterback early in the 2016 NFL Draft. Jerry Jones has already said he won't be drafting a quarterback in the first round, but was that just to throw other teams off? Or, could the team even try to bring in a guy like Robert Griffin III or Johnny Manziel? Only time will tell.
Rumors and more headlines
Packers RB Eddie Lacy looks like he lost weight after working out with P90X trainer
Eddie Lacy began working out with P90X trainer Tony Horton after Horton offered to work with the running back back in January. On Tuesday, Horton posted a photo with the slimmed-down Lacy, blowing up the Internet in the process. If Lacy can continue his workout regimen, he could re-establish himself as one of football's premier running backs.
A Falcons coach asked NFL Draft prospect Eli Apple if he liked men at the NFL Combine
Yeah, that's right. Not only is this an incredibly strange and offensive question, it also violates the NFL's anti-discrimination policy. Head coach Dan Quinn publicly apologized for the coach's actions, but a punishment of the member of Quinn's coaching staff has yet to be announced by the Falcons or the NFL. This announcement comes after the revelation that the Falcons defensive line coach Bryan Cox shoved an Arizona Cardinals scout at the Combine.
Packers WR James Jones says he had best year of all free agent wide receivers
The 31-year-old receiver had a career-year in 2015 after being cut by two teams before the season started. Jones' statement is somewhat true, when it comes to pure numbers, but Marvin Jones has an argument to make as the top available free agent receiver. While he only caught four touchdowns in 2015, he's significantly younger and has much more potential going forward.