ESPN NFL

The NFL has suspended another Seattle Seahawks player for a violation of the league's PED policy. This time, the four-game ban will hit defensive lineman Bruce Irvin, who had eight sacks last season as a rookie.

Irvin offered up the following apology, "I am extremely disappointed in the poor judgment I showed and take full responsibility for my actions. I will not appeal the discipline and instead will focus my energy on preparing for the season so I can begin earning your trust and respect again. I look forward to contributing to the team the moment I return."

Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett did sign with the team in the off-season, but it was Irvin who was expected to start in place of Chris Clemons, who is still recovering from knee surgery.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

The San Francisco 49ers are expected to use the legs of Colin Kaepernick a lot in 2013, but not exclusively so. Part of his appeal is that while he's always a threat to take off for the corner, he also can throw the ball to his receivers. That's where the question marks truly lie, though.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Sometimes, you can tell how confident a team is with their starting quarterback by the way they handle the news that their backups are not quite at full strength.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

If NFL players won't take the Pro Bowl all that seriously when playing for some mythical "pride of conference affiliation," perhaps they'll be a little more willing to put forth optimal effort if the league goes through with some changes in how teams get formed.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

The big news this week in New England Patriots land was not that the team's recently waived DT was claimed by the Jacksonville Jaguars: instead, it was the development that star TE Rob Gronkowski is poised to have yet another round of surgery on his arm. However, the arm isn't the only body part giving Gronk trouble.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Though he didn't find much success in his other NFL homes, LB Aaron Curry is optimistic about what he can bring to the table for the New York Giants, who signed the Wake Forest product to a contract last week, in the hopes that he can make an impact for them.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

When the Buffalo Bills made EJ Manuel the first QB off the board at last month's draft (No. 16 overall), some eyebrows were raised, as many had assumed that another passer would earn that honor (Geno Smith, perhaps, who lasted until pick No. 39 overall). But in the time since, we've heard from many Bills decision-makers regarding their strong impressions of Manuel. The Florida St. product will be competing with Kevin Kolb (and, in theory, Tarvaris Jackson) this offseason for the right to be the club's starter, and there are some who believe he may well win the competition.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Despite the fact that the San Diego Chargers just lost pass-rusher Melvin Ingram to a torn ACL this week, and were willing to tweak their defense to suit former Colts DE/OLB Dwight Freeney, the two sides could not reach a mutually agreeable contract during the Syracuse product's visit to the team this week, according to U-T San Diego. So what's next?

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

The Indianapolis Colts drafted NT Josh Chapman in the fifth round of last year's draft with the knowledge that they might not get a lot out of him during his rookie season. Chapman tore the ACL and meniscus in his knee during a game against Florida during his final year at Alabama, and practiced briefly midway through the season before being placed on season-ending IR. As the offseason has been rolling thus far in 2013, he's been back in action, and he could well be the starting NT in Chuck Pagano's defense this fall.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

After the Tampa Bay Buccaneers used the No. 73 overall pick on N.C. State QB Mike Glennon, there was speculation that he could possibly push Josh Freeman for the team's starting job right away, however that was dispelled by comments from Bucs HC Greg Schiano. Nevertheless, Glennon does not appear content to simply be a backup during his rookie season.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

If nothing else, the Philadelphia Eagles have options when it comes to their QB battle this offseason. Chip Kelly and his staff inherited Michael Vick and Nick Foles, and have added G.J. Kinne and Dennis Dixon via free agency, as well as Matt Barkley in the draft. It's still quite early, but the Eagles have gone through some OTAs already, so where do things stand?

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Now that Joe Flacco, Aaron Rodgers and Tony Romo have their new deals, the next two QBs in line for new contracts are believed to be Matt Ryan and Matthew Stafford, with conflicting opinions in the media as to which of the two will sign a new deal next. This week, we got an update on the situation regarding the Falcons' franchise QB.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

In one of the least surprising moves of the offseason -- given the buzz regarding the potential development -- the Cleveland Browns have reached a deal with free agent QB Brian Hoyer, who was released earlier this week by the Arizona Cardinals. There was belief that Browns GM Mike Lombardi was enamored with Hoyer, but how does he fit into the mix with Brandon Weeden, Jason Campbell and Thaddeus Lewis?

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Sure, we still have a handful of players this offseason that have been franchise-tagged, and we're mainly concerned about whether these players will get a long-term deal to replace the one-year tender by the July 15 deadline. But it's never too early to start projecting who will be a franchise taggee in the future, and one potential target is Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider