Beckham Jr. highest-paid WR
Odell Beckham Jr. agreed to a five-year extension with the Giants that makes him the highest-paid wide receiver in football.
The three-time Pro Bowl player can receive a maximum $95 million, with $65 million in guaranteed money.
The deal eclipses Steelers receiver Antonio Brown’s $17 million per year average and tops Buccaneers wideout Mike Evans’ $55 million in total guarantees.
Beckham missed most of last season with a broken left ankle. He has caught 313 passes for 4,424 yards and 38 touchdowns.
Brady hangs up on radio interview
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady cut short his paid, weekly radio interview with Boston station WEEI when a host pressed him with questions about his fitness guru. Trainer Alex Guerrero has been the source of a rift between Brady and coach Bill Belichick, who reportedly banned the trainer from the team’s sideline and plane. WEEI host Kirk Minihane asked Brady about Guerrero being spotted there in the past week, and Brady said, “I said I don’t want to get into it.”
Lions sign veteran DE Ayers
The Lions signed free-agent defensive end Robert Ayers in their latest attempt to bolster their defensive front. Now entering his 10th NFL season, Ayers made 10 starts in each of the last two seasons with the Buccaneers. He has 35 sacks, including a career-high 9½ with the Giants in 2015. He has played in only 12 games in each of the last four seasons because of injuries.
The Lions also waived cornerback Josh Okonye.
This and that
Colts quarterback Andrew Luck did not practice because of a “minor” foot injury suffered in Saturday’s preseason game against the Niners, coach Frank Reich said.
♦ Jaguars top receiver Marqise Lee will have season-ending knee surgery and be put on injured reserve.
♦ The Steelers bolstered their return game, acquiring wide receiver Ryan Switzer from the Raiders.
♦ Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers practiced on a limited basis for the first time since re-signing with the team this offseason.
♦ The Patriots and starting right guard Shaq Mason agreed to a five-year contract extension worth up to $50 million.