With NFL training camps fully opening for all teams on July 29th, the league is starting to come to life following the quietest month of the year for America's biggest sport. The Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars both handed out contract extensions to young offensive lineman. Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins signed a cornerback and the New Orleans Saints are going to part ways with a linebacker.
Collins and Linder sign extensions
The Dallas Cowboys have come to an agreement on a two-year, $15.4 million contract extension with La'el Collins, who was set to be a restricted free agent after this season.
The extension guarantees Collins $9.4 million at signing, along with a $4 million dollar signing bonus. Collins signed with the Cowboys as a undrafted rookie out of LSU after his draft stock fully tanked following police questioning him about a shooting death, even though he was not a suspect. The team is banking big on the 23-year-old, who won the starting guard job during his rookie year but spent most of last season on IR.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have also come to an agreement on a 5-year, $51.7 million contract extension with starting center Brandon Linder. Besides now being the highest paid center in terms of annual salary, he will also get $24 million in guaranteed money, the third-most in the league for his position.
The team is betting big on the 25-year-old center, who has yet to make a Pro Bowl and only played three games in 2015.
Alterraun Verner is joining the Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have signed veteran cornerback Alterraun Verner to a one-year deal. In a corresponding move to make room for Verner, the team put veteran linebacker Koa Misi on IR with a neck injury.
Verner signed a big contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2014, but struggled and got benched in 2015. Last season, he failed to win a starting job. The low-risk move has the potential to add veteran depth to Miami's weak secondary.
Dannell Ellerbe to be cut by Saints when healthy
Sources first reported to NFL Network that the New Orleans Saints are planning on cutting veteran linebacker Dannell Ellerbe once he fully heals from minor foot surgery.
The 31-year-old will be placed on IR to start training camp but is expected to be healthy in about three weeks. Ellerbe has been a great player when healthy but has only played in 15 of 32 possible games the past two seasons with the team, who loaded up on linebackers in free agency and the draft.
