Alabama QB Mac Jones said he talked to representatives from the New England Patriots at the Senior Bowl Wednesday, Jan. 27.

Updating a previous report, Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is not only open to restructuring his contract, but he told Ed Bouchette of The Athletic on Thursday, Jan. 28, that it was his idea ‘to basically help the team however I can this year.’

Footballguys View: Roethlisberger has a cap hit of $41.2 million in 2021, and there is $22.2 million remaining in dead money. He’ll have to rework that deal in some form or fashion to help out the Steelers salary cap situation for next season. It’s the last year of his contract, so there are plenty of ways to make the money work.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton is expected to take over the same role with the Houston Texans, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Footballguys View: Pep Hamilton has been credited for his work with rookie QB Justin Herbert. The long-time NFL coach knows how to get the most out of the players under his tutelage. Too bad the Texans are likely to move on from QB Deshaun Watson, who reports indicate he’s asked for a trade.

Philadelphia Eagles CB Jalen Mills was activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday, Jan. 28.

Washington Football Team PK Kaare Vedvik (undisclosed) was waived with a non-football injury Thursday, Jan. 28.

Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson is expected to be on the receiving end of a ‘strong push’ by the Carolina Panthers to acquire him, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.

Footballguys View: Teddy Bridgewater didn’t do enough as the team’s starter to secure his job for 2021 and beyond. He’s a fine starter but lacks the upside and superstar play that Watson would bring to the field. Around 10 teams are interested in Watson, and the Panthers aren’t considered a favorite to land his services. We’ll see if they can beat the odds.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Antonio Brown (knee), LB Lavonte David (hamstring), LB Jason Pierre-Paul (knee), S Jordan Whitehead (shoulder, knee) and S Antoine Winfield Jr. (ankle) did not participate in practice for a second consecutive day Thursday, Jan. 28. WR Mike Evans (knee) and DL Vita Vea (ankle) were limited. WR Chris Godwin (elbow) practiced in full.

Free-agent FB Patrick DiMarco (Bills) announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday, Jan. 28.

University of Nebraska defensive analyst Bill McGovern was hired to serve as the inside linebackers coach for the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Jan. 28.

Indianapolis Colts running backs coach Tom Rathman announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday, Jan. 28.