Best of Thursday at NFL training camps: Melvin Gordon wants trade; Ryan Kalil returning with Jets
Chris Mortensen breaks down Chargers RB Melvin Gordon’s trade request, saying it wouldn’t be surprising if the team moves him this season. (1:20)
Broncos and Falcons fans, the wait is over. The Hall of Fame game will kick off the preseason Thursday night in Canton, Ohio.
For the other 30 teams, we’ll have to wait another week before we get a glimpse of those rookies and other new additions.
Meanwhile, the New York Jets made a surprise addition by signing veteran center Ryan Kalil, who made five Pro Bowls in 12 seasons with the Carolina Panthers. He had announced his retirement before the end of last season.
Here’s what you need to know from camps across the league:
Jump to the best of Thursday: Photos | Videos | Quotes
Jets lure Kalil out of retirement
The Jets had shopped for a free-agent center in the offseason, showing interest in Matt Paradis, who ended up replacing Kalil in Carolina. The Jets started camp with Jonotthan Harrison, but instead will go with a more proven veteran.
Melvin Gordon’s agent requests trade
Running backs Melvin Gordon and Ezekiel Elliott are continuing their holdouts, but Gordon took his displeasure a step further by asking to be traded away from the Los Angeles Chargers.
Gordon, 26, is scheduled to be in the final year of his contract, a fifth-year option worth $5.6 million. His agent told ESPN’s Josina Anderson that he requested the trade last week after the team remained at its initial offer of approximately $10 million per season.
More:
No drills for Cam Newton; remains “work in progress”
Longtime kicker Phil Dawson retires as a Brown
Le’Veon Bell wanted to tell fantasy owners he’d miss 2018
Broncos reach deal with RB Theo Riddick
Jaguars rookie LB Quincy Williams out with hamstring injury
Michael Thomas, the #Saints new $100M man, hit training camp today!
First: An important question from @camjordan94 for @Cantguardmike: “How does it feel like to have the @jalenramsey Brinks truck pull up to you?” pic.twitter.com/4FlD5CjYL6
[π΄ Akiem Cam ]#BearsCamp pic.twitter.com/RiXm5iUc1m
Oh OK @God_Son80 π#BrownsCamp pic.twitter.com/m8JH5fuDsG
Some light work.@obj | #BrownsCamp pic.twitter.com/JRZ0rgrKpM
OBJ working the speed bag pic.twitter.com/IKVFVdf35b
When you trade the shoes off your feet and the gloves off your hands for a service member’s military jacket.
(P.S. The reaction is everything.)@JJWatt | #TexansCamp pic.twitter.com/T3kWryRKcl
Back shoulder. One hand. π€@DeAndreHopkins | #TexansCamp pic.twitter.com/q9XKeXy6fR
Love the joy this game brings people. Priceless moments. pic.twitter.com/GnM5nnQ7h9
Another day, another player with rookie duties after practice. This time it’s UDFA Dewayne Hendrix, who has flashed on the field but still has responsibilities as he walks off, with an assist from @sydneysprints pic.twitter.com/puyKTaAYAs
Ravens first-round pick Marquise “Hollywood” Brown showing some rust in second practice since coming off Non-Football Injury list
Watch T.J. Hockenson beat a Lions defender in one-on-one drills in practice Thursday. Really crisp route from the rookie, indicative of what he’s done all camp.
π΄ππ’πΊπ¦π₯ pic.twitter.com/kJolwvEokF
After a hot practice, the players and the Texans’ teen club broke out water guns.
These gentlemen sum up Eagles camp nicely through one week.
Day off vibes π #ChiefsCamp pic.twitter.com/03tO8MTfZ2
Baker Mayfield’s mustache is keeping things unpredictable with the Browns π¨π» pic.twitter.com/wW89XmUboS
How is Jamie Collins different in his second stint with the Patriots? “Talking to you guys more,” he says with a smile. “This is like my fifth or sixth (interview). I don’t think I did that many when I was here (2013-2016). I’m trying to change. Overall, just enjoying as a man.”
“It sounds crazy, but he looks more explosive than he was before, actually. Some of the numbers indicate that with just the way that we’ve monitored him.” – Sean McVay on Cooper Kupp, who had a couple standout plays on Day 4 of Rams camp, including a deep reception from Jared Goff.
A fan just asked Christian McCaffrey to sign her baby. He did not.
Interesting visitor to Jaguars practice today. pic.twitter.com/1qYkIuGnqH
Jaguars executive vice president Tom Coughlin invited Peyton Manning to speak to the Jaguars on Thursday afternoon.
This is quite literally the most expensive homemade sign I’ve ever seen out here at a Saints camp practice pic.twitter.com/ubTywBXL2p