NFL roundup: NFL clears 3 in PED probe, Antonio Brown gets paid

By Brad Weiss | Sep 1, 2016

Dec 6, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) jumps onto the goal post padding after scoring on a seventy-one yard punt return for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 45-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Only one NFL preseason game was on the schedule for Wednesday, but there was plenty of news to go around.

The NFL cleared all three current NFL players of accused of obtaining or taking performance-enhancing drugs, after their probe into alleged PED use. The allegations came from an Al Jazeera American documentary that listed James Harrison, Clay Matthews, and Julius Peppers as PED users.

The source of the documentary had recanted his story after its release, but the NFL still decided to interview the players.

Initially, the players refused to be interviewed, but eventually came around. All three players were interviewed at their team’s facilities this past week, and were cleared on Wednesday. Former star quarterback Peyton Manning was also named in the report, but he was cleared of any wrongdoing in July, after speaking with commissioner Roger Goodell right away.

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown is a little fatter in the wallet, after restructuring his deal on Wednesday. Originally scheduled to make $6.25 million in 2016, Brown will now rake in $10.25 million. He is worth every penny, and is arguably the best receiver in all of football.

According to Ian Rapoport, the deal included a $8.975 million dollar signing bonus, while also promising a bigger deal next year. Brown led the NFL in receiving yards in 2014, while finishing second to Atlanta Falcons wideout Julio Jones in 2015.

Despite his lengthy holdout, San Diego Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa appears in line to play in the team’s season opener on Sept. 11. The Chargers deemed him “ready to roll,” as the rookie pass rusher came to camp in shape. The practice on Tuesday was without pads, so it will be interesting to see how he does when he goes full contact.

Bosa was the third overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, and has been holding out ever since due to wording in his contract. He finally signed a four-year, $25.8 million dollar deal this past week, which includes a $17 million dollar signing bonus. The Chargers open their season against AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 11.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater suffered a devastating injury on Tuesday, dislocating his kneecap while suffering a complete ACL tear. Despite the fact that the injury could have cost him his career, Bridgewater is expected to return to action eventually. The team placed him on Injured Reserve on Wednesday.

Next: 2016 NFL season: Record predictions for all 32 teams

Finally, some great news. ESPN analyst Chris Mortensen said in a statement that he plans to return to action during the 2016 regular season. Diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer earlier this year, Mortensen has been fighting the dreaded disease while on leave from ESPN. He said he got some good news from the doctors recently, and will be back on a scaled-back schedule soon.

We wish you all the best Mort!