NFL

5 NFL officials take a leave of absence for 2020 seasonNEW YORK (AP) The NFL's longest-serving on-field official was among five who have opted to take a leave of absence for the 2020 season.Line judge Jeff Bergman, who was entering his 29th year of service, headlined the list...

AP Sports WriterWatson poised to lead Texans offense with Hopkins in ArizonaBy KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) With DeAndre Hopkins dealt to Arizona during the offseason, Deshaun Watson is the undisputed star of the Texans' offense.The quarterback will be leading a team intent on atoning for last year's playoff collapse...

AP Sports WriterAP source: Chiefs, Kelce agree to 4-year, $57.25M extensionBy DAVE SKRETTAKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Kansas City Chiefs weren't done when they signed star quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a record-setting extension, or when they put together a pricey package to keep Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris...

AP Pro Football WriterJets' Gregg Williams won't flinch despite key losses on DBy DENNIS WASZAK Jr.NEW YORK (AP) Gregg Williams has been through this before plenty of times during his 30 years in the NFL.A key player gets hurt, traded or underperforms - or a few of all...

AP Sports WriterSaints safety Williams owning up to tackling deficienciesBy BRETT MARTELNEW ORLEANS (AP) Saints safety Marcus Williams has made it a priority to directly and openly address those painful instances when his trouble with tackling has overshadowed his ability to defend passes.''The film doesn't lie,'' Williams said...

AP Sports WriterAfter 20 years in college, Sean Spencer joins Giants' staffBy TOM CANAVANAfter spending more than two decades in the college ranks as an assistant coach, Sean Spencer is bringing his high-energy approach to the New York Giants.Spencer has a big personality and the Giants defensive linemen are...

AP Sports WriterAP source: Chiefs, Kelce agree to 4-year, $57.25M extensionBy DAVE SKRETTAKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Chiefs and star tight end Travis Kelce have agreed to a four-year, $57.25 million contract extension that will keep him with the Super Bowl champions through 2025, a person familiar with...

AP Sports WriterBills sign left tackle Dawkins to 4-year contract extensionBy JOHN WAWROWThe Buffalo Bills are protecting quarterback Josh Allen's blindside for the long term after signing left tackle Dion Dawkins to a four-year, $60 million contract extension.The team announced the signing, while a person with direct knowledge of...

AP Pro Football WriterVirus-proofing NFL facilities is a tall, masked taskBy DAVE CAMPBELLLike a defense stiffening at the goal line late in the game, the NFL has implemented a wide array of health protocols designed to keep the coronavirus from wrecking the 2020 season scheduled to begin four weeks...

AP Pro Football WriterLindsay says addition of Gordon isn't what drives him in '20By ARNIE STAPLETONENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) Phillip Lindsay insists his noticeably bigger biceps have nothing to do with the Denver Broncos' signing of free agent Melvin Gordon.''I don't need another man to fuel my fire,'' said...

AP Pro Football WriterAP source: Kittle agrees to 5-year extension with 49ersBy JOSH DUBOWAll-Pro tight end George Kittle agreed to a five-year, $75 million extension with the San Francisco 49ers that is the richest contract ever at the position.A person familiar with the deal said the sides agreed Thursday...

AP Sports WriterBills sign left tackle Dawkins to 4-year contract extensionBy JOHN WAWROWThe Buffalo Bills are protecting quarterback Josh Allen's blindside for the long term after signing left tackle Dion Dawkins to a four-year, $60 million contract extension.The team announced the signing, while a person with direct knowledge of...