Michael Baca
Long Beach
Fan of the games. Former editor at NFL.com
Articles by Michael Baca
Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield sets camp deadline for contract talks, says sides are 'not anywhere close'
A winding road eventually led Baker Mayfield to a welcome home in Tampa Bay, where he's followed the Tom Brady era respectably while also revitalizing his NFL career. Continuing that marriage for the foreseeable future is desired by Mayfield, who enters the final year of his contract in 2026, but the Buccaneers quarterback said Friday that he won't be discussing the matter with club after training camp.
Browns LB Jared Verse arrives in Cleveland, says he's not here to 'fill' Myles Garrett's 'shoes'
Amid a whirlwind week that saw him traded from Los Angeles to Cleveland, Jared Verse was on the practice field Wednesday as a member of the Browns. Speaking to the media for the first time since he was dealt in Monday's blockbuster trade that sent Myles Garrett to the Rams, Verse admitted he was initially upset by the news but looks forward to being a part of a team "that believed in me." "It caught me by surprise," Verse said Wednesday.
A.J. Brown trade winners and losers: Who gets a bump from blockbuster deal? Who takes a hit?
After months of speculation surrounding A.J. Brown's status in Philadelphia, the Patriots are acquiring the three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver in a trade. On Monday, the Eagles announced that New England will send a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder over in exchange for Brown, pending a physical.
NFL Network: Russell Wilson accepts offer to join CBS Sports, putting pause on playing career
Russell Wilson is putting a pause on his playing career. The free-agent quarterback has an accepted an offer to join CBS Sports for its Sunday pregame show and more, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday. Wilson, 37, is opening a new chapter in his football career despite having an offer to be a team's backup in 2026, per Rapoport.
Colts QB Daniel Jones (Achilles) 'absolutely' expects to be ready Week 1
Good news continues to come in on Daniel Jones' health as the Colts begin their voluntary offseason program. Speaking with reporters Wednesday -- nearly seven months after suffering a torn Achilles -- Jones said he "absolutely" expects to be ready for Week 1. "Definitely still work to be done and progress to be made," Jones said, via The Athletic's James Boyd. "So, I think it's just continuing to get stronger, continuing to run faster, cut harder.
Steelers OT Broderick Jones (neck) on selection of Max Iheanachor: 'Nobody knows what the future holds for me'
The selection of Max Iheanachor in April was the third first-round pick used on an offensive tackle by the Steelers over the last four years. Broderick Jones, Pittsburgh's 2023 first-rounder who is recovering from a serious neck injury and had his fifth-year option declined this past offseason, has no problem with the team's decision. "It's all a business at the end of the day," Jones said this week, via the Pittsburgh Tribune. "I'm coming off a neck injury.
Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur not worried about Jacoby Brissett's absence from voluntary OTAs
Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur is without Jacoby Brissett for the start of the club's voluntary offseason program, but the rookie head coach isn't worried about the continued absence of the veteran quarterback. "It's not mandatory, right? Like I've said with Jacoby and all veterans I've ever been around, they've played football," LaFleur told reporters Monday. "The hardest thing to do in this league is get used to the speed of the game.
Anthony Richardson: Working out with Colts 'a blessing in disguise' despite looming trade request
Despite his trade request from the Colts, Anthony Richardson reported to the club's voluntary workouts this month. The soon-to-be 24-year-old quarterback is simply trying to improve his game after going through a forgettable 2025 season. "The Colts are still giving me a chance to go out there and work, work hard and potentially get on the field," Richardson told the Indianapolis Star on Thursday night. "Glad to be able to stay in the NFL and put the work in.
2026 NFL schedule release: Packers-Bears, Bills-Broncos, Rams-Seahawks in Christmas tripleheader
WHERE: Soldier Field (Chicago) WHEN: Week 16 | Dec. 25 | 1 p.m. ET HOW TO WATCH: Netflix The Iceman cometh on Christmas Day. Caleb Williams and the burgeoning Bears are set to host the league's oldest rivalry as Jordan Love and the Packers come to town -- the setting of January's thrilling NFC wild-card game in which Chicago's rising star cemented his chilling nickname.
Panthers GM Dan Morgan: Rookie Monroe Freeling, vet Rasheed Walker to compete for Week 1 starting LT
As Carolina looks to notch back-to-back playoff appearances in 2026 for the first time in more than a decade, figuring out who will be Bryce Young's blindside blocker is one of the bigger plotlines entering training camp. It's a spot up for grabs with Ikem Ekwonu still recovering from a serious knee injury, but the club did its due diligence this offseason by signing Rasheed Walker and drafting Monroe Freeling with the No. 18 overall pick.
NFL Network: Jets RB Breece Hall signing three-year, $45.75 million contract
Skip to main content Advertising Published: May 08, 2026 at 03:00 PM Breece Hall won't be playing on the franchise tag in 2026, and is set to lead Jets backfield for years to come. New York and Hall have agreed to a three-year, $45.75 million contract, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Friday. The Jets previously placed the franchise tag on Hall in March after the running back produced his best season, generating 1,065 yards and four touchdowns.
Texans owner Cal McNair 'fully committed' to QB C.J. Stroud following rough 2025
One rocky season isn't going to waver Houston's long view of C.J. Stroud. Texans owner Cal McNair told reporters Monday that he is "fully committed" to Stroud when asked about a contract extension for the 24-year-old quarterback. "Well, as you know, we'll leave that up with (general manager) Nick (Caserio), and those communications are behind the scenes," McNair said Monday, via KPRC2. "But yeah, we're fully committed to C.J. I think you saw we extended … we exercised his fifth-year option.
Todd Bowles thrilled to add Rueben Bain to Buccaneers defense: 'He can do it all'
Rueben Bain's fall in the first round on Thursday turned into a blessing for Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, who's excited to add a "do it all" pass rusher to his attacking defense. "It's his physical style of play -- from a mental standpoint and a physical standpoint," Bowles told reporters on Friday, via team transcript. "Pass rushers come in different ways and different types and different sizes. Some are power, some are speed, some have an arsenal, some can bend, some can't.
Cowboys riding high after key additions midway through draft: 'We've changed this defense'
The Cowboys are riding high into Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft. After drafting safety Caleb Downs and pass rusher Malachi Lawrence in the first round, Dallas used it's only Day 2 pick on another defender: Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham. The club then acquired linebacker Dee Winters in a trade with the 49ers on Friday night to wrap up what the Cowboys feel has been a successful defensive overhaul so far.
Rams GM Les Snead after selecting Ty Simpson: Sean McVay and I are 'in lockstep' on draft decisions
There was plenty of reaction to Sean McVay's post-Round 1 press conference after the Rams' shook up the 2026 NFL Draft with the selection of quarterback Ty Simpson. McVay's brief answers, including him declining to say what he told Simpson on their draft call, and overall disposition after such a big decision spurred the thought of the head coach potentially being unhappy to some.
Falcons' James Pearce Jr. enters intervention program, could have charges dropped
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has entered a six-month pre-trial intervention program that could result in all charges being dismissed if all conditions are met, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday, citing Pearce's attorneys, Jacob Nunez and Yale Sanford. The agreement, which includes no jail time and no admission of guilt, was made in consultation with the city of Doral, Florida, and the victim, Rickea Jackson, per Rapoport. Pearce, 22, was arrested near Miami on Feb.
Titans' Robert Saleh shares thoughts on drafting RB Jeremiyah Love: 'I love our running back room right now'
Things are looking up in Nashville following an offseason where the Titans overhauled their coaching staff, broke out the checkbook in free agency and unveiled a whole new look for 2026 and beyond. Next on Tennessee's docket will be adding young talent through the 2026 NFL Draft, an effort highlighted with the No. 4 overall pick.
Tom Brady reveals he previously looked into potential NFL comeback
A second comeback for the NFL's most accomplished quarterback of all-time was, at least, looked into by Tom Brady. In an interview with CNBC this past week, Brady, who last played in 2022 and has since become a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, revealed that he explored the possibility of unretiring a second time but was rebuffed by the league when he broached the subject. "I actually have inquired, and they don't like that idea very much," Brady told CNBC. "So I'm going to leave it at that.
Eagles trading safety Sydney Brown to Falcons in late-round pick swap
Philadelphia's secondary continues to undergo changes ahead of the 2026 season. The Eagles are sending safety Sydney Brown to the Atlanta Falcons in a trade that includes a swap of multiple late-round draft picks, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported Friday, per sources.
RB Travis Etienne on signing with hometown Saints: 'It was more than a cherry on top'
Signing with the New Orleans Saints is more than just a homecoming for Travis Etienne -- it's a fitting opportunity to right a wrong that's followed him ever since leaving Jennings, Louisiana, for college. Etienne began his introductory news conference on Friday by declaring he'd like to go by the correct pronunciation of his last name. "Etienne, like A-C-H-A-N-E," he said.
Panthers, OT Rasheed Walker agree to terms on one-year deal
Carolina is shoring up its offensive line by adding one of the top tackles available in free agency. The Panthers have agreed to terms with offensive tackle Rasheed Walker on a one-year deal, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Friday, per sources. Walker is ranked No. 19 overall and was the top remaining player available on Gregg Rosenthal's Top 101 free agents list. Around The NFL will have more on this news shortly.
New Bills WR DJ Moore says time with Bears 'ran its course,' knows Josh Allen is 'ready' for him
It's onward and upward for new Bills wide receiver DJ Moore, who was dealt for the second time in his career this past week. Introduced to Buffalo on Thursday, Moore said Josh Allen is ready for the pairing to get to work. "It's a warm welcome, I'm just glad to be here," Moore said. "[Allen] is ready for me to get there and get going." Moore, who was acquired from Chicago for a 2026 second-round pick (the Bills also received a fifth-rounder), is expected to be Allen's No. 1 receiver going forward.
Maxx Crosby holds 'zero ill will' toward Raiders after trade, eyes Super Bowl with Ravens
With the dust still settling from his blockbuster trade to the Baltimore Ravens, Maxx Crosby made sure to express his gratitude toward the Las Vegas Raiders. Crosby, who turned himself into one of the NFL's premier defenders while donning the Silver and Black, said Saturday that he holds "zero ill will" toward the organization following his unceremonious exit. âI wanted everything good for the Raiders," Crosby said in a video posted on social media.
Four-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly announces retirement after 10 seasons in NFL
After a decade-long run, Ryan Kelly is calling it a career. Kelly, a four-time Pro Bowl center, announced on social media Friday that he will retire from football after finishing his 10th NFL season. "10 seasons. What an incredible ride it was," Kelly wrote. "I was blessed to be around some of the greatest people this sport has to offer. I always wanted to leave each place better than how I found it and with that I can hang my hat.
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