Free-agent QB Cam Newton (Panthers) had discussions on a potential contract with the New England Patriots earlier this offseason but nothing materialized, according to league sources.

Philadelphia Eagles OT Lane Johnson and WR DeSean Jackson said in an Instagram show Friday, May 29, they’re hoping to see free-agent RB LeSean McCoy (Chiefs) signed by management. ‘I want to see it,’ Johnson said about a McCoy reunion.

Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku said recently he’s excited about starting a new season and moving past a 2019 campaign in which both he and the team fell well short of expectations. ‘That’s what I’m most excited about, just the opportunity,’ Njoku said. ‘Obviously, this past year wasn’t (what) we all planned or had in mind, but it’s a great learning experience. I’m very excited to come back with my teammates and give it all we got.’

Green Bay Packers S Vernon Scott signed a four-year rookie contract worth $3.37 million Saturday, May 30.

San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle and the team remain far apart in contract negotiations for an extension. Kittle’s agent says a ‘tight-end deal’ is a non-starter in those negotiations.

Denver Broncos TE Jake Butt (knee) said Friday, May 29, he is doing well after missing the entire 2019 campaign following knee surgery and has been working out on his own. He also said he’s ready to prove the team right for waiting on him after playing just three games since being drafted in 2017. ‘It’s not a guarantee – they’re not telling me I’m making the team by any stretch or rolling out the red carpet,’ Butt said. I still have to go out there and work and earn it. … But the fact they’re standing by me and giving me an opportunity, it obviously means the world to me and I’m going to try and go out there and prove them right and prove myself right.’

Jacksonville Jaguars QB Gardner Minshew earned a 94.7 Pro Football Focus grade on throws of at least 20 yards downfield in 2019, ranking him third among quarterbacks.

Free agent QB Cam Newton (Panthers) has been greeted by a cool late-spring market, and a source said he is expected to wait until teams resume on-field workouts to give them a chance to meet with him and evaluate his health in person. Sources also added that they remain uncertain on whether Newton would accept a backup role.

Carolina Panthers QB Teddy Bridgewater is entering a season as his team’s unquestioned starter for the first time since 2015, and head coach Matt Ruhle said he jumped at the chance to give Bridgewater the opportunity. ‘I believe so wholeheartedly in who he is as a quarterback,’ Rhule said Friday, May 29, during an appearance on NFL Network. ‘I believe in his abilities, I believe in his arm strength, I believe in his accuracy, I believe in his decision-making but, beyond that, I know he’s going to make everyone else that much better.’

Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa has been taking part in virtual team quarterback meetings on Zoom, and veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick says things are going well as he tries to live up to his promise of being an open book for the rookie. ‘We’ve been going over some of that stuff, and my mind and the process and how I think through it, right or wrong, just to provide some perspective,’ Fitzpatrick said. ‘I’m excited for him to be here. I loved watching him play in college. I think he’s going to be an awesome addition to the team for a long time.’