Biggest NFL Storylines Surrounding Latest Round of OTAs

The calendar has turned to June, which means we're a month closer to the 2016 NFL season. Training camps and the preseason are still a bit off, but NFL teams are now in the full swing of their offseason programs.

Most teams are now in their final rounds of organized team activities (OTAs) and every team held workouts over the first few days of the month. The NFL world never sleeps, of course, but having all 32 teams in action guarantees that there are plenty of interesting offseason stories to go around.

Today, we're going to take a look at the latest news, rumors and chatter surrounding early June OTAs. Whether we're talking about the progress of some promising new rookies or the most recent injury news, we're here to examine the situations and give our take.

Fitzpatrick Ready to Make Deal, but Jets Aren't

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Ryan Fitzpatrick led the Jets to 10 wins in 2015, but can't find a new deal this offseason.

For much of the offseason, it has appeared that quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and the New York Jets have been far apart in contract negotiations. There have been reasons for the stalemate, of course, as Fitzpatrick is likely New York's best option at quarterback and the Jets are the only team truly interested in Fitzpatrick's services.

However, it would benefit both parties to meet somewhere in the middle sooner than later.

Well, it seems that Fitzpatrick is willing to meet at least somewhere near the middle. According to Gary Myers of the New York Daily News, the Jets have offered Fitzpatrick a three-year, $24 million deal that includes $12 million for the first year. Fitzpatrick seems fine with the first part of the offer, but not the second and third years at backup money.

Fitzpatrick's counteroffer is a one-year, $12 million deal.

Unfortunately for Fitzpatrick, the Jets don't appear to like his counteroffer. According to Myers, the Jets aren't interested in a one-year deal and want a multiyear contract in order to prorate Fitzpatrick's 2016 salary.

This idea makes sense for the Jets, who are seriously tight on cap space. However, this deal could leave Fitzpatrick severely underpaid in 2017 and 2018, assuming he is able to replicate the success he had last year. If Fitzpatrick is a complete flop in 2016, however, those second and third years might not look so bad.

Right now, it doesn't look like either side is going to budge. This could change, though, if another team loses its starting quarterback in training camp and creates competition for Fitzpatrick's services.

What the Heck Is Going on with Josh Gordon?

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Does Josh Gordon have a shot at reinstatement this year? Nobody seems to know.

Fitzpatrick may be lost in contract purgatory, but Cleveland Browns wideout Josh Gordon appears to just be lost.

Gordon missed the entire 2015 season due to a suspension for violation of the league's substance abuse policy. He applied for reinstatement earlier this offseason but was denied.

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport (h/t NFL.com's Dan Hanzus), Gordon's bid for reinstatement was denied because of another failed drug test. He will be allowed to reapply on August 1.

If Gordon wants to be reinstated this time, he's going to have to stay clean and out of trouble for the remainder of the offseason—and his career. It's a very serious situation for the former supplemental draft selection, but it's unclear whether or not Gordon is taking it seriously.

Gordon has been spotted this offseason with former Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel—whose own substance abuse issues played a role in his dismissal from the team. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, a person identifying himself as Gordon was also present at a Los Angeles home rented and reportedly trashed by Manziel in April.

Even if Gordon is staying clean, his association with Manziel is a bad look and a possible detriment to his reinstatement bid.

According to former Browns great Jim Brown, though, Gordon is trying to get help and stay clean.

"I've talked with Josh twice on the phone, and the last time I talked with him he sounded very motivated and I think he was in rehab and feeling good about it and discovering some things about himself,'' Brown told Cleveland.com. "He really seemed ready to take responsibility for himself.''

So is Gordon still brushing off the seriousness of his situation, or has he decided to buckle down and seek treatment? No one seems to know for sure—and know one will know whether he will play in 2016 or not until after he next applies for reinstatement on August 1.

Michael Thomas Already Gaining His Quarterback's Confidence

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Saints rookie Michael Thomas is turning heads in OTAs.

The Browns might be missing Gordon, but there's no way the New Orleans Saints can miss their newest receiver. Ohio State product Michael Thomas has been catching both passes and attention during OTA workouts.

According to Christopher Dabe of NOLA.com, Thomas has been progressing at a rapid rate and has been impressing quarterback Drew Brees in the process.

"His improvement over these six practices has been awesome," Brees said after one recent OTA workout, per Dabe. "From day one until now, the same mistakes are not being made. He's on to the next set of challenges, and he's continuing to progress well."

Thomas' quick progress is significant because he is expected to be the heir to departed veteran Marques Colston.

Brees developed an overwhelming amount of trust in Colston during their time together in New Orleans. Thomas has a long way to go before he can have that level of trust, but it appears he is off to a very good start. According to Brees, Thomas has been able to sync with his quarterback, even when the two haven't discussed things. He described one recent play in particular, via Mike Triplett of ESPN.com:

"

I don’t think we’ve ever even talked about it. But it was one of those where I’m just in the moment, and hey, he’s my guy over there at that position. So I kind of give him a look, give him a signal or whatever, and he goes and makes the play. And ran the route just like I imagined.

So that makes you feel good too. ‘Hey, we’re on the same page even though we haven’t even talked about that yet. You kind of know this offense, you have a feel for the game.’ So I like when I see that stuff out of young guys, where you kind of feel like there’s some instincts there.

"

If Thomas continues progressing at an elevated rate, he could be one of Brees' go-to targets by Week 1.

Sam Bradford Starting to Pull Ahead in QB Competition

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Sam Bradford could be on his way to securing the Eagles starting QB job.

Sam Bradford was clearly upset when the Philadelphia Eagles traded up to take quarterback Carson Wentz in this year's draft. The move meant that the Eagles didn't view Bradford as the future of the franchise and aren't likely to retain him past his current two-year deal.

Initially, it appeared that Bradford might boycott the team's offseason and demand a trade, but the Oklahoma product changed his mind and returned to the team for offseason workouts. Bradford likely changed his mind because he knew there was no way he could make an impression on potential future employers by sitting on his couch.

Bradford might, however, be able to make a positive impression on other teams by winning the Eagles quarterback competition and playing well on the field this season. As of the most recent OTA session, it seems he is on his way to accomplishing the first of the two goals.

"I think so," Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said when asked if Bradford was ahead in the quarterback competition, per Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice.com. "I think he's done an outstanding job. When you're spreading reps equally with three guys, that's what you want to see, and I think he's really done a nice job of taking that next step to be the leader of this football team and be the starter. He's done a good job."

Bradford is competing with Wentz and with Chase Daniel—who spent time under Pederson with the Kansas City Chiefs. If he can hold onto his lead in the competition through the preseason, Bradford will then have the chance to prove once and for all that he can be a quality NFL starter. This could lead to another starting gig once the Eagles are ready to move on.

Of course, it won't hurt that the Eagles are giving Bradford $22 million in guarantees for his audition.

Jared Goff Is Impressing at OTAs, Foles Absent

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Jared Goff seems to be embracing his role as franchise quarterback.

Bradford seems to be holding off his rookie competition, but Los Angeles Rams quarterback Nick Foles isn't even trying to stave off his.

According to Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times, Foles has been absent from workouts and doesn't appear in line for a quick return.

Rams head coach Jeff Fisher explained, per Klein:

"

We’re on the same page and we’re trying to work things out. I think Nick has the feeling that if things stay the same, he’s probably not going to be on the roster. Beyond that, it was more of a mutual thing. Not that we said, ‘Don’t come.’ It was just he said, ‘Hey, coach, I’d rather just stay away until we get things worked out,’ and I said, ‘I’m fine with that.’

"

Foles' absence has left No. 1 overall draft pick Jared Goff primarily competing with Case Keenum. Early indications are that Goff has been impressive and has a realistic chance of winning the battle.

"He’s confident," tight end Lance Kendricks said of Goff, per Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com. "He throws a good ball. Obviously, he’s a rookie, he just got here so he has things to work on, but he’s really excelling and he looks comfortable in the huddle. So I think he’s going to continue to progress and hopefully soon enough be a good leader."

There are going to be growing pains for Goff, to be sure. However, there is a reason why the Rams traded up to No. 1 to secure him. The team obviously believes Goff has the goods to bring an immediate impact to the team and to be a long-term solution at quarterback.

So far, Goff has done nothing to dispel that notion.

Jared Cook Likely out Until Training Camp

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Jared Cook was Green Bay's one big free-agent signing this offseason.

The Green Bay Packers don't usually make big moves during free agency, but the team went out and grabbed a big target this offseason in tight end Jared Cook.

According to head coach Mike McCarthy, the team is very high on their big new addition.

"Big target—very, very athletic," McCarthy said, per NFL Media's Marc Sessler. "I think anytime if you're just talking purely throwing the football and you've got big targets that can move like he does, he's been an excellent addition. He's been everything we thought he would be."

Unfortunately, the Packers may have to wait a while before fully integrating Cook into the offense. According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com, Cook underwent foot surgery and will miss the rest of the Packers' offseason program.

Cook is expected to return in time for training camp. If all goes well between now and the start of the regular season, he should provide the Packers with some mismatch potential at the tight end position. The 6'5", 254-pound pass-catcher caught 39 passes for 481 yards last season in a relatively uninspired Rams passing attack.

Broncos Comfortable with Quarterback Situation

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Journeyman QB Mark Sanchez could be under center when Denver opens the regular season.

The Denver Broncos brought home the Lombardi Trophy last season despite some subpar and inconsistent play from their quarterbacks—Pro Football Focus rated Brock Osweiler 26th overall and rated Peyton Manning 66th overall among quarterbacks for the 2015 season.

Manning, of course, retired earlier this offseason. Osweiler signed with the Houston Texans. The Broncos retained Trevor Siemian, acquired Mark Sanchez and drafted Paxton Lynch, so the cupboard isn't totally bare. The problem is that Sanchez has failed to establish himself as a quality starter while Siemian and Lynch are both unproven.

The fact that uninspired quarterback play didn't stop the Broncos from winning it all might be why at least some Denver players aren't worried about their quarterback position this year.

Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas said the following, per Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post:

"

Oh, we're not worried. We still got time. These guys are going to be fine. Sanchez has won playoff games. I can’t say much about [the experience of] Paxton and Trevor, but they’ve been great so far. So we’ll be fine. We got playmakers around them and coaches will put them in the right situation, and of course we’ve still got our great defense.

"

We know that the Denver defense was the strength of the team last season and carried the Broncos to a Super Bowl 50 victory. Even though a few pieces left the unit this offseason, it should be good enough to carry the Broncos again regardless of the quarterback.

If Lynch or Siemian can't provide a level of play similar to that of Osweiler and Manning, then Sanchez is a safe veteran fallback option. For what it's worth, Pro Football Focus rated him 24th overall among quarterbacks for the 2015 season—though Sanchez did only appear in four games.

Don't Count Siemian out of the Mix

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DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 29: Quarterback Trevor Siemian #13 of the Denver Broncos throws as he warms up before a game against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 29, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos beat the Patri

The Broncos quarterback situation appears wide open right now, as we've already mentioned. However, conventional wisdom would suggest that the only guys with real shots at the job are seven-year veteran Sanchez and first-round draft pick Lynch.

Siemian, a second-year player and former seventh-round draft pick out of Northwestern, definitely feels like a long shot.

However, Siemian has been turning heads in offseason workouts, and he appears to have the support of plenty of teammates. Cornerback Chris Harris Jr., for one, believes it would be unwise to count Siemian out of the mix, per Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com:

"

Trevor has a maturity to him. He's kind of the sleeper, I would say. Of course Mark and Paxton are going to be the headlines, but Trevor knows the offense. He's very comfortable and can throw the ball, too. We've also seen him make big plays in the preseason games under the lights. I wouldn't sleep on Trevor to win the job.

"

On the surface, this feels like little more than offseason chatter. At some point, Denver is going to want to get Lynch on the field and get him some experience. If he isn't ready, it would seem Sanchez provides the best chance to win.

The reality, though, is that Siemian does have a leg up on the competition when it comes to knowing head coach Gary Kubiak's offense. If Lynch isn't ready and Siemian proves to be a better fit than Sanchez, there's simply no reason to keep him off the field.

Josh Doctson Injury Doesn't Appear Serious

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Washington hopes to have first-round pick Josh Doctson on the field in time for training camp.

Washington Redskins rookie receiver Josh Doctson suffered an Achilles injury earlier this offseason and suffered a foot injury during recent OTA workouts.

This series of injuries might worry fans. After all, it was a series of what initially appeared to be minor shin injuries that eventually led to Chicago Bears wideout Kevin White missing his entire rookie campaign in 2015.

However, indications are that Doctson won't be out for an extended period. According to head coach Jay Gruden, Doctson should be back in time for training camp and could return in time for June minicamp.

“Well, he just hurt his foot yesterday,” Gruden said of Doctson, via the team's official website. “We got some X-rays and everything came back negative, so we kept him out today and hopefully he will be back next week or shortly thereafter."

The Redskins are fortunate in the fact that there should be no pressure to get Doctson back on the field prematurely. The team is deep at receiver with guys like DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon and Jamison Crowder on the roster.

Keeping Doctson on the sideline now may hamper his early rookie development, but it should also ensure that he is healthy and ready to contribute heading into the regular season.