New on SI: Chargers' Isaac Rochell on Los Angeles' D-Line: 'We're the Best in the Country'

Los Angeles defensive lineman Isaac Rochell credits teammate Joey Bosa as being the best passer rusher in the league.

Sheltering in place is a common theme for people around the world. The same goes for NFL players trying stay in shape and keep their sanity during a global pandemic. Sports Illustrated spoke with Chargers defensive lineman Isaac Rochell about what he’s doing to keep busy and stay in peak physical condition.

Rochell just finished his third year in the NFL and considers himself blessed to live in Southern California, a place he describes as “the nicest part of the country.” Living in California certainly has its benefits, especially when it comes to exercise. Rochell says he “can go across the street to the beach and do beach workouts … it’s almost a blessing in disguise because it’s forced us to get out on the beach and do some sand workouts we wouldn’t normally do.”

The 24-year-old lineman out of Notre Dame says the Chargers' defensive line is the best in the country. Rochell credits teammate Joey Bosa as being the best passer rusher in the league and added the team’s depth and versatility allows Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley to get creative with that group’s usage.

As for his thoughts on former teammates like quarterback Philip Rivers and running back Melvin Gordon, both of which signed with other teams this offseason, Rochelle admitted “it’s weird ... it’s definitely going to be an adjustment.” 

While Gordon stayed in the AFC West by signing with the Broncos, Rochell has his sights on playing against the Chiefs. Not only is Kansas City a division rival, but they are also the reigning Super Bowl champions, something Rochell acknowledges “is in the back of your mind ... I’ll definitely be circling that game and be excited to go back out against them.”

Rochell started the community initiative

See You On Sunday two years ago in an effort to promote social media health and “being mindful of the effects social media can have on mental health.” His mission is simple, “to take Saturdays off social media and be intentional with your day.” 

Rochell admitted it’s hard to remove himself from social media, especially on Saturdays during Notre Dame games, but it’s been beneficial for his relations and “being more intent and spending time on the people I’m with and focusing on that time.”

The 6-foot-4, 280-pound lineman played in all 16 games the last two seasons and has seven sacks and 46 tackles in his career. 

New on SI: Terrell Davis Discusses Donation to Feeding America, Coronavirus Isolation and Tiger King

Hall of Fame running back Terrell Davis talks about how he and his family are dealing with quarantine during the coronavirus pandemic, the latest NFL free agency news, and donating to Feeding America.

Hall of Fame running back turned NFL Network analyst and

CBD beverage entrepreneur, Terrell Davis, is typically very busy, especially during the NFL season. But now that he, like most of the country, is practicing self-isolation due to the coronavirus pandemic, Davis finds himself with a lot more free time, which he happily welcomes. 

Davis, a father of three, told Sports Illustrated he is taking full advantage of the extra down time by spending it with his family.

"These are moments we otherwise wouldn't have gotten a chance to do." The former Broncos running back went on to say he is trying to "relish this moment because there is going to be a time when they get old and they move out and I won't have time to spend with them, so I'm trying to take advantage." 

The two-time Super Bowl champion cited the importance of having a positive mindset to make the most out of a bad situation. He recently made a generous donation to Feeding America, which is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. Davis' CBD beverage company, DEFY, sent $400,000 worth of product which included 50,000 bottles, to food banks in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Detroit. 

The 1998 NFL MVP stressed the importance of giving back and trying to make a difference in a time of need. He said, "we want to encourage everyone out there to just give ... whatever you have, whether it's time, whether it's money, whether it's product because that's the only way we are going to get through this thing. 

Davis also dived into NFL free agency and specifically discussed two superstar running backs, Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon, both of which signed on with new teams in 2020. The former Broncos running back likes the landing spot in Denver for Gordon.

"Melvin brings a different style of running back, he's a bigger back, he's more of a power back, with some finesse and some wiggle in his body." 

When asked about the direction of running back contracts in the league, Davis admitted he "hates to see it," specifically pointing out Titans running back Derrick Henry, who was franchised tagged this year. Davis says the landscape in the NFL and the way general managers and coaches approach running back contracts dictates the philosophy of not investing big money in rushers.

Davis capped off the interview by discussing the Netflix documentary "Tiger King." As for his thoughts on Joe Exotic and his crew of zoo-workers, he said: "anybody in that industry that is willing to go in a cage or to be around exotic animals like that, you just can't have it all there ... those people are just not all there."

New on SI: Sean Payton Reveals Saints' Playbook on Twitter

Sean Payton is still staying in touch with his team and fans while recovering from coronavirus

Sports Illustrated's Kaitlin O'Toole sat down with SI Saints Team Reporter Kyle Mosley to discuss how Sean Payton is staying in touch with his team and remaining positive while recovering from COVID-19.

New on SI: Athletes to Appear in Twitch's 'Stream Aid' Fundraiser

The video streaming platform will raise money for COVID-19 relief efforts

Streaming platform Twitch will raise money for coronavirus relief efforts with the 21st-century version of a benefit concert, featuring some of the biggest names in music, entertainment and sports. 

New on SI: Breaking Down Lamar Jackson's Lawsuit Against Amazon

One of the NFL's biggest superstars is suing America's online retail behemoth. How could this legal battle play out?

Reigning MVP Lamar Jackson has quickly become one of the NFL’s best players. Last season, the 23-year-old threw for a league-leading 36 touchdowns against only six interceptions and he amassed 4,333 total yards (3,127 yards passing, 1,206 yards rushing). In doing so, the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner thoroughly demolished the perception that he couldn't cut it as a quarterback in the NFL. 

Jackson’s rapid ascension on the field has been matched by a surge in popularity. During the last month of the 2019 season, Jackson’s stardom generated the NFL’s

number one selling jersey. Unlike other NFL stars, Jackson has eschewed endorsements with major footwear and clothing companies. He has instead launched his own brand, Era 8 Apparel, and also used trademark law to protect marks associated with his name.

It’s safe to say that the “face of the NFL” for the foreseeable future will be shared by two young and supremely talented quarterbacks: Patrick Mahomes and Jackson.

In a world of imitations, false endorsements and counterfeit goods, Jackson has reason to protect the value of his fame. That fame will provide him millions of dollars long after his playing career ends. And if Jackson fails to stop businesses from selling products that incorporate his identity and that do so without his permission, his brand will be diluted and Era 8 Apparel will lose sales.

On Wednesday, Jackson turned to a federal court in Fort Lauderdale to protect the value of his popularity. In a complaint drafted by attorney Mitchel Chusid and filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Jackson charges that Amazon (and its partner company, Amazon Services) has engaged in the “deliberate and unauthorized use” of Jackson’s name, image and persona. Jackson demands a jury trial. His case will be heard by Judge Roy Altman, a former federal prosecutor whom the U.S. Senate confirmed to the bench last year.

Jackson asserts that Amazon has unlawfully infringed on his right of publicity in connection with alleged “false advertising and endorsement of unlicensed and infringing articles of clothing.” These clothing items incorporate names and slogans that are commonly associated with Jackson:

• LaMarvelous
• Action Jackson
• Not Bad for a Running Back
• Quarterback #8

These items have been taken down on Amazon.com, though they can be seen through caches and are detailed in trial exhibits. Jackson contends that Amazon is advertising, marketing and selling these “infringing items” in ways that deceive consumers into believing that he endorses them. Jackson maintains that he has nothing to do with these items and never consented to their creation, manufacture or sale. He argues that Amazon is trying to “commercially exploit [his] celebrity and notoriety” without his consent or that of the NFL.

Jackson also emphasizes that some of the clothing items listed are not merely sold by independent third parties who happen to sell their goods through Amazon. Some are marketed as “shipped and sold by Amazon.com.” Amazon offers third-party sellers a “Fulfillment by Amazon” service where goods sold by third parties are stored in Amazon warehouses and shipped out. Jackson therefore asserts that the world’s largest online retailer is directly responsible. Amazon, Jackson says, is “pirating” his right of publicity and “blatantly exploiting” his fame. Along those lines, he maintains that Amazon is trying to “confuse and deceive” consumers by implying he is somehow connected to the sales.

Jackson’s complaint repeatedly stresses his football achievements and unique talents. For instance, it notes that he is “widely accepted and known as one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks ever to play in the NFL.” The complaint also describes Jackson’s “unmatched ability to "run like a running back" and at the same time "throw touchdown passes with the accuracy and acumen of elite quarterbacks.” In sum, the complaint declares that Jackson “has changed the quarterback position at every level of the game.”

These depictions are not mentioned to boost Jackson’s ego or make teams regret letting him slide in the 2018 NFL Draft (they already regret it). The depictions instead help to establish potential monetary damages: if Jackson wins the case, the more valuable his brand and the more money he’d receive for the misappropriation of his brand. In that same vein, Jackson maintains that sales of his online store for Era 8 apparel have decreased because consumers have purchased unauthorized merchandise instead.

Understanding Jackson’s legal arguments and possible defenses

Jackson’s legal claims rest largely in the right of publicity. This right centers on protecting a person’s identifying characteristics from misappropriation and infringement. There is no federal right of publicity. Its scope and strength vary by state.

In Florida, the right of publicity is both codified in a state statute and reflected in court decisions. In sum, it bars commercially using a person’s name, likeness, portrait, photograph and related identifying traits without that person’s permission. Jackson insists that his right of publicity has been violated by products sold on Amazon’s marketplace. These products, Jackson claims, blatantly use his name, likeness, slogans and image without his consent.

In addition, Jackson asserts that Amazon has breached his rights under Section 43(a) of the Lanham Act. This section forbids false advertising and false endorsements. Jackson contends that the use of such slogans as “Action Jackson”, “LaMarvelous” and “Not Bad for A Running Back” in unauthorized products give the false impression that he endorses them. He argues that consumers are likely deceived or at least confused as to whether he is associated. Jackson also invokes the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. The Act makes it illegal for a business to engage in a dishonest commercial practice. Here, Jackson asserts the sale of unauthorized goods associated with his identity is dishonest and hurts his marketability.

Jackson demands three core remedies. First, he wants Amazon to be ordered to provide an accounting of all sales of the items in question. Second, Jackson asks Judge Altman to issue an injunction that would compel Amazon to refrain from using his identity and publicity rights without permission. Third he seeks compensatory and punitive (punishment) damages from Amazon. These damages would be determined by a jury if it found Amazon liable.

Amazon’s possible defenses

Attorneys for Amazon will answer Jackson’s complaint and likely dispute some or most of its purported facts. A complaint is not a neutral retelling of facts. It is an advocacy document. Amazon will have an opportunity to offer a different set of facts that will likely contradict those offered by Jackson. It will be up to evidence and testimony to determine which side has a more persuasive story to tell.

To that end, Amazon might attempt to distance itself from the products mentioned in Jackson’s complaint by claiming it is not their true seller. In doing so, Amazon would need to explain the meaning and boundaries of the phrase, “shipped and sold by Amazon.com.” This phrase is seemingly consistent with Amazon retailing a product. Meanwhile, Amazon might note that while it offers customers a limited set of guarantees when using Amazon to order from a third-party seller, those guarantees are not assurances of the intellectual property of third-party goods.

In addition, Amazon could address the qualities of the disputed products. The company might highlight that none of the products actually say “Lamar Jackson” or contain an image of him. The references are mostly based on slogans. However, one product, a football pullover hoodie, includes in its name the phrase “Action Jackson.” It seems pretty clear that’s not a reference to the 1988 film of the same name starring Carl Weathers, Craig T. Nelson and Sharon Stone. Also, it’s hard to imagine the “LaMarvellous vintage Baltimore QB Jackson MVP T-Shirt” being about someone other than Lamar Jackson. That’s particularly the case when the product description expresses, “the dynamic QB and future MVP is in his own class of marvelous. Perfect for the next football game tailgate in Baltimore!”

The First Amendment could also supply a defense. In right of publicity cases, defendants can argue that the use of a celebrity’s identity was for legitimate entertainment or news purposes. While that type of defense might be helpful if the disputed products involved the sharing of biographical information about Jackson, or unique analytics or insights about his performance, the sale of apparel likely doesn’t quite fit.

The case will probably end in a settlement and could be delayed due to coronavirus

Jackson’s case could take time to play out. Like courts across the country, the Miami federal district court has issued restrictions that might slow litigations in hopes of keeping people safe and helping to curb the coronavirus disease pandemic. Also, like most civil litigation, the odds are heavily against Jackson v. Amazon going to trial. The two sides will probably work out a financial settlement. We’ll keep you posted.

Michael McCann is SI’s Legal Analyst. He is also an attorney and the Director of the Sports and Entertainment Law Institute at the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law.

New on SI: Bucs Tight End Cameron Brate Weighs in on Coronavirus, Brady Acquisition

Brate on Brady: To receive passes from him will be "pretty surreal."

With many of the world's sports leagues put on an indefinite hold while the health community deals with the coronavirus pandemic, one league that has perhaps been the least impacted is the NFL. Free agency, scouting and

draft preparations have all been altered, but the league has not yet lost any games scheduled.

But how have players had their offseason routines been changed to deal with the current circumstances? To dig into that, Sports Illustrated sat down with Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cameron Brate to discuss how he's been spending his offseason time, how he's adjusted his schedule and his reaction to the team signing Tom Brady in free agency.

"Sadly it's really not too different," Brate said of his offseason routine. "You know, usually just try and get the workout in the morning and you know, I'm a homeowner now within the past year, so try to take care of some chores around the house, hang out with the dog."

In his sixth season with Tampa Bay, Brate had 36 receptions for 311 yards and four touchdowns. Despite reports that Brady was seriously considering the Bucs in the days leading up to his eventual decision, Brate didn't necessarily believe them until the six-time Super Bowl champion's decision became official.

"I was honestly pretty surprised," Brate said. "I figured he would stay up in new England or maybe go to LA, but didn't really think you'd end up in Tampa. Obviously, his resume speaks for itself. I'm a huge football fan, so I've watched him play for the past 20 years and he's kind of been one of the guys I've looked up to. To hopefully be on the receiving end of some passes from him this year is going to be pretty surreal, and I'm really looking forward to that opportunity."

He and fellow tight end O.J. Howard have combined for 28 touchdown passes as teammates over the past three years, and the pair is looking forward to working with Brady once the season begins.

"Back when I was in college was, when they had Gronk and Hernandez working together as the two tight ends, I got to kind of watch that firsthand," Brate said. "Hopefully, with (Brady) at quarterback for us, we'll get the tight ends a little more involved this year, and me and O.J. are definitely fired up to be part of it."

New on SI: Tampa Bay Bucs' TE Cameron Brate is Excited to Play with Tom Brady

TB Bucs' TE Cameron Brate talks NFL, quarantining and playing with Tom Brady

Sports Illustrated's Bill Enright sits down with Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE Cameron Brate to discuss coping with quarantine, Tom Brady and The Tiger King.

New on SI: NFL Draft to Occur April 23-25 Despite Uncertainty Resulting From Coronavirus

The NFL draft is proceeding as planned on April 23-25, according to a new memo sent out by commissioner Roger Goodell.

The NFL draft will be held April 23-25, commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed in a memo sent to teams on Thursday.

In the 

memo, Goodell wrote that despite the coronavirus pandemic halting much of the sports world, the league's CEC was "unanimous and unequivocal that the Draft should go forward as scheduled."

"Everyone recognizes that public health conditions are highly uncertain and there is no assurance that we can select a different date and be confident that conditions will be significantly more favorable than they are today," Goodell wrote. "I also believe that the Draft can serve a very positive purpose for our clubs, our fans, and the country at large, and many of you have agreed."

Per Goodell's memo, all clubs should be planning on conducting draft operations outside of team facilities with a limited number of people present. 

On Tuesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that a number of the league's general managers were "concerned" that there "won't be enough time for player physicals, gathering psychological testing, getting further verified information about the players" and that some teams might potentially have to conduct the draft from home.

Goodell sent a memo to its clubs on Tuesday evening alerting them that all club facilities will remained closed to all personnel, with limited exceptions.

The NFL draft was originally set to be held in Las Vegas, but it will reportedly now be conducted in a studio setting, according to the Los Angeles Times. The league previously canceled all public events that had been scheduled revolving around the draft.

As of Thursday afternoon, there were more than 512,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus worldwide, causing 23,400 deaths. The United States now has the most confirmed cases worldwide, with nearly 81,500 confirmed cases.

New on SI: Report: NFL Planning on April Draft Despite GM's Recommendation, Clubs Closing Facilities

The NFL is currently planning on still holding the 2020 NFL draft between April 23-25.

The NFL is currently planning on holding the 2020 draft between April 23–25 despite a unanimous recommendation from the league's general manager subcommittee to commissioner Roger Goodell that it should be delayed amid the COVID-19 pandemic,

according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

On Tuesday evening, Goodell sent a memo to its clubs alerting them that all club facilities will remained closed to all personnel, with limited exceptions. 

And per Schefter, GMs are "concerned" that there "won't be enough time for player physicals, gathering psychological testing, getting further verified information about the players" and that some teams might potentially have to conduct the draft from home.

While the league still has time to adjust its plan, according to ESPN, the owners and the league office appear to want the date to remain.

In the Tuesday memo, the NFL said that despite facilities being closed, clubs are "free to conduct all normal business operations, including signing players, evaluating draft-eligible prospects, selling tickets, and other activities to prepare for the 2020 season."

NFL free agency began last week despite a number of other North American sports leagues being firmly in the middle of figuring out future plans amid the global health crisis. 

An AFC executive told The MMQB's Albert Breer last week that the "'2nd wave' [of free agency] seemed to blend in immediately after the '1st wave,'" largely as a result of minimal personnel being club facilities and players not being able to take team visits.

Late last week, Saints head coach Sean Payton tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the first person in the NFL known to have done so. 

"Appreciate the well wishes. I'm feeling better and fortunate to not have any of the respiratory symptoms. 4 more days at home," Payton said on Twitter. 

As of Tuesday night, there are more than 406,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus worldwide, causing more than 18,000 deaths. There are more than 52,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States.

New on SI: NFL Rumors: Brady's One Request, Pats Bring Back QB Brian Hoyer

Keep up with the latest news and rumors around the NFL.

The

New England Patriots reached an agreement to bring back quarterback Brian Hoyer on Sunday, according to the MMQB's Albert Breer.

This marks Hoyer's third stint with the Patriots. He started his career there in 2009 and played in 13 games over three seasons as Brady's backup. He then returned in 2017 and was a member of the Super Bowl LIII-winning team.

The move is the team's first at the quarterback position since Tom Brady departed to the Buccaneers.

When the six-time Super Bowl winner officially signed Tampa Bay, he didn't ask for much. In fact, according to the Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud, Brady made just one request after signing with the club: "He wanted the phone numbers of all his new Bucs teammates."

Brady, Buccaneers GM Jason Licht and head coach Bruce Arians reportedly spoke for around 90 minutes on Wednesday evening, the first official day of the new NFL year. Brady never talked about money, per Stroud, who adds that "it was last on the list of priorities" that Brady's agent, Don Yee, presented to the team on Monday when the legal tampering period opened. 

Keep up with the latest news and rumors around the NFL:

• The Falcons added depth to their receiving corps by signing former Vikings first-round pick Laquon Treadwell. (Zach Klein, WSB-TV 6)
• The Jets are bringing in former Colts CB Pierre Desir on a one-year deal. (Connor Hughes, The Athletic)
• The Buccaneers are re-working tight end Cameron Brate's contract. (Greg Auman, The Athletic)
• The Cardinals are keeping backup QB Brett Hundley on a one-year deal, according to Hundley's agent.
• Safety D.J. Swearinger and the Saints have agreed to a one-year deal. (Aaron Wilson, Houston Chronicle)
• Former first-round pick OL Chance Warmack is headed to the Seahawks after he wasn't signed to play during the 2019 season. (Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk)

New on SI: Report: Tom Brady's First Request as a Buccaneer Was for Teammates' Phone Numbers

Six-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady didn't ask for much after officially signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week

Six-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady didn't ask for much

after officially signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. In fact, according to the Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud, Brady made just one request after signing with the club: "He wanted the phone numbers of all his new Bucs teammates."

Brady, Buccaneers GM Jason Licht and head coach Bruce Arians reportedly spoke for around 90 minutes on Wednesday evening, the first official day of the new NFL year. Brady never talked about money, per Stroud, who adds that "it was last on the list of priorities" that Brady's agent, Don Yee, presented to the team on Monday when the legal tampering period opened. 

After their conversation on Wednesday, Licht and Arians hung up the phone and turned to each other "incredulously, as if to say, 'Wow, this is really happening,'" per Stroud.

The 42-year-old Brady had never tested the open market before this offseason and questions about his future picked up steam upon the Patriots' unexpected Wild Card round loss to the Titans.

Brady announced on Tuesday morning via a social media post titled "Forever A Patriot" that he would be leaving New England after 20 seasons.

Despite making 14 Pro Bowls with the Patriots and winning six Super Bowls, Brady's production has slipped in recent years. He threw for just 4,035 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2019. His completion percentage (60.8%) was also his lowest since 2013.

Tampa Bay finished 7–9 last season in Bruce Arians's first season as the team's head coach. The club has had just one winning season since 2011.

The No. 199 pick in the 2000 NFL draft will look to help the Buccaneers make their first playoff appearance since 2007 as the franchise has made just two postseasons since winning the Super Bowl in 2002.

The new Tampa Bay quarterback's desire to win with the club was obvious to them, per Stroud.

"Excited, humble and hungry...if there is one thing I have learned about football, it’s that nobody cares what you did last year or the year before that...you earn the trust and respect of those around through your commitment every single day," Brady wrote on Friday. "I’m starting a new football journey and thankful for the Buccaneers for giving me an opportunity to do what I love to do."

New on SI: Buccaneers Season Ticket Demands Surge After Reported Brady Signing

Last season, Tampa Bay ranked 30th in average home attendance, just ahead of the Rams and Bengals.

Tom Brady's

decision to reportedly join the Buccaneers is unsurprisingly generating plenty of interest among his new fan base.

Shortly after the six-time Super Bowl reportedly agreed to a deal in principle, demand for Tampa Bay season tickets immediately rose. 

Fans who logged on to the team's website to try and purchase season tickets encountered a message that read, "You are now in line. Due to demand, you may experience an extended wait time. Once you reach the front, you may begin to shop."

Just over two hours after the reported news, there were still 6,000 people in the queue. 

"Last few years as a season Buccaneers ticket holder I could NOT GIVE MY TICKETS AWAY," ESPN's Dick Vitale, a Tampa Bay fan wrote. "I don’t think I will have a prob in the future with the GOAT Tom Brady under center. I am so so so HAPPY!"

Last season, Tampa Bay ranked 30th in average home attendance, just ahead of the Rams and Bengals.

According to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Brady has agreed upon a deal valued at roughly $30 million per year. 

He announced on Tuesday morning that he would be leaving New England after 20 seasons. 

The 42-year-old Brady had never tested the open market before this offseason and questions about his future picked up steam upon the Patriots' sudden Wild Card round loss to the Titans.

Despite making 14 Pro Bowls with the Patriots and winning six Super Bowls, Brady's production has slipped in recent years. He threw for just 4,035 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2019. His completion percentage (60.8%) was also his lowest since 2013.

Tampa Bay finished 7–9 last season in Bruce Arians's first season as the team's head coach. The club has had just one winning season since 2011.

Brady will look to help the Buccaneers make their first playoff appearance since 2007 as the franchise has made just two postseasons after winning the Super Bowl in 2002.

Super Bowl LV is in Tampa Bay in February 2021 so Buccaneers fans won't have to travel far if Tampa Bay makes an appearance in the sport's biggest game.

New on SI: Fantasy Football Outlook: Jimmy Graham Signs With Bears

The Bears signed Jimmy Graham to a two year, $16 million contract but does the veteran tight end have anything left in the tank? Sports Illustrated's Bill Enright breaks it down.

After spending the last two seasons in Green Bay, Jimmy Graham is now a member of their NFC North rival in Chicago. The 33-year-old veteran signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Bears after getting released by the Packers in early March.

The 6-foot-7 tight end is a shell of his former dominant self and has seen a steady decline in productivity the last few seasons. In 2019, he finished the year with 447 yards and three touchdowns which came off 38 receptions. His yardage and catch totals last season were the second lowest of his career, with the lowest coming during his rookie season in 2010.

The Trey Burton experiment in Chicago hasn’t gone as planned. After signing the now 28-year-old tight end to a four-year, $32 million contract ($22 million guaranteed), Burton finished his 2019 season with just 84 yards on 14 catches with zero touchdowns in eight games. He spent the second half of the season on Injured Reserve due to a hip injury that ultimately required surgery.

With Burton recovering from surgery, the Bears apparently think Graham can fill in or perhaps even take over as their starter. As for who will be throwing him the ball, that question remains a mystery. For now it’s Mitch Trubisky, but the Bears are rumored to be interested in acquiring a free agent or trading for a new passer to compete with Trubisky or push him to the bench.

For 2020 fantasy football purposes, Graham is nothing more than a late round dart-throw. Let someone else in your league overdraft him based on his name and reputation from the early 2010s.

MORE FROM SI:

Where Will Tom Brady Play in 2020?

Where Will Teddy Bridgewater Play in 2020?

Fantasy Football Impact of DeAndre Hopkins Trade to Cardinals

Fantasy Football Impact of David Johnson Trade to Texans

Fantasy Football Impact of Austin Hooper Joining Browns

New on SI: Report: Cowboys, Amari Cooper Agree to Five-Year, $100 Million Deal

Four-time Pro Bowl WR Amari Cooper agreed to a five-year, $100 million contract with the Cowboys on Monday.

Four-time Pro Bowl WR Amari Cooper agreed to a five-year, $100 million contract with the Cowboys on Monday, according to ESPN's

Adam Schefter.

Cooper has recorded more than 1,000 receiving yards in four of his first five NFL seasons. Last year—his first full season in Dallas—Cooper finished with career-highs in both yards (1,189) and receiving touchdowns (eight). 

The Cowboys acquired Cooper in a trade with the Raiders in October 2018. He spent the first 3.5 seasons in Oakland, making the Pro Bowl in 2015 and 2016, before recording just 680 receiving yards in 2017. 

Last year, Cooper played out the final season of his contract making $13.9 million.

Cooper signing with Dallas comes on the same day the Cowboys placed the franchise tag on quarterback Dak Prescott. New head coach Mike McCarthy didn't hesitate when asked in February if Prescott was the team's franchise quarterback.

"Definitely,'' McCarthy said. "It's exactly where we want to be with Dak. I think what he's done to this point speaks for itself. Dak is in a business situation right now. I've gone through this as a head coach with a number of my players in the past and, like anything, I think it's just time to be patient and let the business people work out the business matter."

Cowboys VP Stephen Jones echoed a similar sentiment.

“We want to get this done,” Jones told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “Things are fixing to heat up. We want to put every foot forward and try to grind this out and get a deal done.”

The two parties, however, have still not reached a long-term deal.

Dallas missed the postseason last year for the second time in his four-year tenure as the team's starting quarterback. It fired head coach Jason Garrett shortly after the season. 

New on SI: The NFL is Wrong Not to Delay Free Agency Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic

While pro sports leagues are showing an abundance of caution, the NFL is trying to jam through its busiest time of year before the coronavirus pandemic likely gets worse.

In the middle of a global pandemic, the NFL is

going forward with free agency.

On Sunday evening, clubs were sent a memo informing them that it’s business as usual this week: The franchise tag deadline is Monday at 11:59 a.m., followed by the legal tampering window opening at noon, and the league year opening Wednesday at 4 p.m. All as scheduled.

Except that nothing else is going as scheduled right now in the United States, nor should it be. Schools are being closed across the nation. In some cities, bars and restaurants are shutting down; curfews are being imposed. Families are having to make difficult decisions about whether to pull elderly relatives out of nursing homes and switch them to home isolation, because of the acute coronavirus risk.

The optics of dissecting million-dollar contracts as the nation grapples with a national emergency are bad, but this is about more than optics. Normally, sports can be a welcome distraction from the weight of the world, but this is different. This is a health crisis that requires the engagement and responsible behavior of every American.

Several high-ranking team officials thought late last week that the league year would indeed be pushed back, noting that those conversations were ongoing. Saints head coach Sean Payton said the same on Saturday evening, in an interview with the TVG network. On Sunday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the NFL Players Association “would not provide consent” to move back the league year, wanting to get the business of free agency done before the spread of the disease worsens. It’s hard to imagine that another factor was not the potential ratings win for wall-to-wall free agency coverage while millions of Americans work from home.

While the NFL may be able to conduct free agency business without travel or with many employees working from home, this still creates a reason for key team personnel to congregate, if they choose to do so. And that’s far from the only concern. Forging ahead with free agency now will take team employees, players and agents away from their families and communities at a time when support at home and elsewhere is essential. Parents may not have any childcare support and may be tasked with keeping school-age kids both occupied and on-track with any schoolwork sent home during school closures. Families with elderly or immunocompromised relatives may take on additional responsibilities or face important decisions to protect those most at risk for COVID-19. Players will be asked to make life-changing job-related decisions during a period when many will be managing other stressors.

More broadly, it’s dangerous for a sports league to set a business-as-usual precedent regarding something (free agency) that is neither urgent nor essential, when doctors and officials are urging Americans not to proceed with business as usual. A pandemic has the potential to affect everyone—regardless of status or income level. In case you needed a reminder, the diagnoses of three NBA players and actor Tom Hanks should have served as one. By the NFL brazenly moving forward, it reinforces a dangerous notion that some entities are above the pandemic, not affected by it, that this is an “other people” issue.

Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has affirmed that the worst is yet to come—but he’s also made clear that how we respond has an impact on what that endpoint will be. Recommendations from health professionals about how best to do that are changing by the day, and even the hour. Why try to jam in the busiest part of the NFL calendar before things “really get bad,” when we can’t even be certain what we’ll be facing in the next few days, or how many of us will be directly affected? This is not to say that no one should work right now—most of us are, and many do not have a choice. But the most popular and powerful entertainment institution in America had a choice to hit pause; to choose not to proceed with an event that requires around-the-clock, all-consuming work when many involved may have pressing priorities at home or elsewhere.

Plus, this is an arbitrarily scheduled part of the league year. Just a few weeks ago, during the NFL combine, there was some discussion—though it did not manifest—of possibly pushing back the start of the league year in order to reach a resolution on the new CBA. After the lockout, the 2011 league year opened in late July. But during a national emergency, the date is immovable?

Also on Sunday night, the CDC called for the cancellation of in-person gatherings of 50 people or more for the next eight weeks to try to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The CDC clarified that does not apply to the day-to-day operation of schools and businesses, but rather is aimed to reduce the introduction of the virus into new communities and limit its spread in communities already affected. Since players congregate from all over the country for the start of offseason workouts, scheduled for next month, would that qualify under these guidelines? Or, perhaps more aptly, shouldn’t it? Acting in “an abundance of caution,” as we have all been encouraged to do, means being willing to accept disruptions or changes to our routines—it means being willing to later look like we overreacted.

In making these decisions, the NFL had a benefit that the NBA, NHL, MLB, women’s and men’s NCAA basketball, etc., did not: Its season is not underway or imminent. Any adjustments to its calendar would not come at the same cost. Despite that, the NFL is the only major sports league in America to move forward with what looks a lot more like defiance than prudence.

• Question or comment? Email us at talkback@themmqb.com.

New on SI: Report: NFL Draft Plans to Proceed as Scheduled

The 2020 NFL draft is still on, but the league is preparing contingency plans.

With the sports calendar in a state of upheaval, the 2020 NFL draft remains in place to occur as originally scheduled,

according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

The draft will take place from April 23 to 25 in Las Vegas.

While no scheduling changes have been made, Rapoport reports the league is simultaneously putting together contingency plans should it need to act and postpone the draft.

"The draft is slated to go on, but in what actual form is certainly a question," Rapoport said. "Will there be fans there? Will it be a big-time, return to sports moment for the NFL if the nation gets over this virus in that time? Or, will there be no fans? Will it be in a different location, potentially conducted by conference call? All of these things are options."

Amid coronavirus concerns, several major American sports leagues have suspended their operations, including the NBA, MLB, NHL and MLS. The NCAA tournament was canceled on Thursday, just days before the 68-team men's field was set to be released.

The draft is scheduled to take place in front of the famous Fountains of Bellagio, with draft selections brought to the stage by boat. It's unclear what types of adjustments could be made to these arrangements.

“The league office, the players association and the city and the state are working together,” said Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis, according to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News. "They’re making a measured decision. Health and safety will always be No. 1.”

New on SI: Unpacking Russell Okung’s NLRB Charge Against the NFLPA, and What Comes Next

Okung says NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith and his staff have used illegal methods to obstruct debate on the proposed CBA.

Russell Okung is an offensive tackle and not a quarterback. Yet the Los Angeles Chargers veteran hopes to call an audible on the NFLPA’s efforts to finalize a 10-year collective bargaining agreement with the NFL.

On Monday,

Okung filed an unfair labor practices charge against the NFLPA with the National Labor Relations Board. Okung, 31, insists that NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith and his staff have used illegal methods to obstruct debate on the proposed CBA. The players are currently scheduled to vote on the proposal by Mar. 14.

Okung is one of nine vice presidents on the NFLPA’s executive committee. In late February, the committee’s 11 members voted, initially 6–5 and then 7–4, against recommending the proposed CBA. Okung is vying to replace committee president Eric Winston, an offensive tackle who will soon step down due to his retirement.

Unpacking Okung’s NLRB charge

The National Labor Relations Act is the governing law for Okung’s charge. Under the NLRA, Okung had six months from the date of an alleged wrongful act to file a charge.

Okung cites two types of violations. The first arises under Section 8(b)(1)(a) of the NLRA. Section 8(b)(1)(a) makes it illegal for a union or its representatives to restrain or coerce employees in ways that violate their rights. Those rights are detailed in Section 7 of the NLRA. For instance, unions can’t punish or threaten members who organize campaigns that union leaders oppose. As a result, members who collectively criticize leadership’s strategies in CBA negotiations have a protected right to express their views. Section 7 also guarantees members the right to talk about the union itself, including in fault-finding ways. Likewise, Section 7 bars unions from spying on members’ activities or creating the impression that spying is taking place. It also forbids unions from adopting formal and informal policies that are designed to inhibit dissension.

In his charge, Okung claims that NFLPA leadership threatened to retaliate against him and other NFL players “if they did not join or support the union.” If this claim proves true and verifiable, the NFLPA would have violated Section 8(b)(1)(a). A union can’t threaten to retaliate against members for not supporting the union itself.

Okung maintains that Smith, Smith’s staff and outside counsel all violated the NFLPA’s constitution, a document that governs the relationship between the NFLPA and its members. They did so, Okung insists, by trying to interfere with his protected rights.

To advance his argument, Okung highlights Section 6 of the NFLPA constitution. Section 6 mentions the union’s negotiating committee, which is tasked with representing the interests of members in CBA discussions. Pursuant to Section 6, the negotiating committee “shall consist of executive committee, including the executive director (Smith) serving ex officio.”

Okung maintains that Smith froze out the executive committee, in contravention of Section 6, and then wrongly submitted a CBA offer after the committee had opposed it. Further, Okung insists that Smith tried to “bypass” the NFLPA’s board of representatives—a group that includes a player representative from each of the 32 teams along with alternate reps. Okung contends that Smith forwarded a CBA offer to all NFLPA members without gaining the approval of the board.

Okung identifies two persons associated with the NFLPA as making “threats.” The first is David Greenspan, a prominent attorney who provides outside counsel to the NFLPA and to various players, including Tom Brady during the Deflategate litigation. Okung claims that Greenspan made a threat on Oct. 31, 2019. The charge doesn’t detail the nature of the threat or how it was transmitted. Smith is the second person Okung identifies as making threats. Okung claims that Smith’s alleged threats are occurring on an “ongoing basis” and continue to this day.

Okung maintains that these threats have been pervasive and chilling of members’ rights. He asserts that Smith and others have tried to suppress his right to speak up. They have also, Okung asserts, taken similar measures to block other dissenting players. Okung goes so far as to claim that in retaliation for him warning members that NFLPA leaders have (in Okung’s opinion) violated the union’s constitution, he has been subjected to an abusive NFLPA investigation. Okung further alleges that he has “been threatened with criminal prosecution and union sanction.”

Okung’s charge also invokes Section 8(b)(3) of the NLRA. Section 8(b)(3) makes it illegal for the NFLPA to refuse to bargain in good faith in regard to wages, hours and other working conditions. In order to satisfy Section 8(b)(3), the NFLPA must bargain with an open mind and fairly on behalf of all of its members. The NFLPA is also prohibited from going through the motions in negotiations. Likewise, the NFLPA can’t advocate for provisions that are discriminatory or illegal.

NFLPA’s likely defenses

There’s a lot to unpack in Okung’s charge. It levels serious and damning accusations against the NFLPA’s leaders, especially Smith. Okung paints the NFLPA as a union that not only doesn’t represent the majority’s will but that also conspires to unethically quash opposing voices.

That said, we have only heard one side of the debate. A charge can be rebutted by the charged party, in this instance the NFLPA, which will have an opportunity to try to debunk Okung’s assertions.

As a starting point, the NFLPA will likely insist that Okung’s charge contains factual inaccuracies, distortions and exaggerations. It remains to be seen if Okung possesses corroborating evidence of the alleged threats. The NLRB form for filing a charge disallows a charging party (Okung) from supplying a detailed account of the claims. Likewise, the form bars the naming of potential witnesses. Okung will need to provide those details to NLRB agents who are assigned to investigate his charge.

Even if there is evidence of “threats,” not all threats are equal or, for that matter, illegal. It’s possible that Smith and others vocally disagreed with Okung. Perhaps they strongly or even forcefully encouraged him to adopt their viewpoints. Heated disagreements, particularly in the context of a contentious negotiation, happen within unions. Those disagreements can also lead to hurt feelings and perceptions of unfairness. Those sorts of outcomes, however, might not rise to the kind of procedural unfairness that establishes an NLRA violation.

The NFLPA is also poised to raise criticisms of Okung and his conduct within the union. Okung can expect that NFLPA staff and attorneys will carefully scrutinize him, and his recent activities, in order to uncover any evidence of questionable conduct on his part. It’s safe to assume the NFLPA will portray him as combative and uncooperative.

Further, the NFLPA is positioned to assert that Okung’s interpretation of the league constitution is incorrect. The NFLPA will maintain that it has adhered to all procedural requirements. The stronger the factual record for the NFLPA, the more convincing a defense it can offer.

The NFLPA is also poised to mention that while Okung might genuinely feel Smith could have negotiated a more advantageous CBA for players, that line of critique can almost always be brought against an executive director of a players’ association. The NFLPA will stress that whether the proposed CBA is “good enough” for players is ultimately up to the players.

Next steps in Okung’s NLRB charge

Okung’s charge will take time to play out. A decision on the merits normally takes two to four months. This means a decision might not happen until the summer.

In the coming weeks, the NLRB will assign agents to gather evidence pertaining to Okung’s charge. This gathering process will certainly include the collection of pertinent emails, texts and memoranda. It might also entail the taking of affidavits of Okung, Smith and other relevant witnesses—including fellow members of the executive committee and Okung’s teammates. Keep in mind, an affidavit is a sworn, written statement. A person who knowingly lies in an affidavit can be criminally charged with perjury.

After evidence is collected, a regional director of the NLRB will review the case. If the regional director finds that Okung has showed probable merit of a violation, the director will issue a complaint detailing the findings. The director can also petition a U.S. federal district court judge for a temporary injunction that would order Smith and others to stop illegal practices.

Whether or not that petition happens, the issuance of complaint by the regional director would lead to a new phase of the legal process: a hearing before a NLRB administrative law judge. This hearing would resemble a trial and would adhere to the federal rules of evidence and procedure. The administrative law judge would issue a ruling that could be appealed by the losing side to the NLRB in Washington D.C. Ultimately the NLRB could issue a cease and desist order to stop an unfair labor practice.

If this process sounds complicated that’s because it is. It could take many months, and possibly years, to play out.

Alternatively, if Okung fails to persuade the regional director of the probable merit of a violation, the charge will be dismissed (a dismissal, however, could then be appealed to the NLRB’s general counsel).

Okung faces challenging odds. Last year, there were 18,552 unfair labor practices charges. Of those, only 916 led to the issuance of complaints (6,061 were instead resolved through settlements). To that point, the NLRB strongly encourages settlement discussions. This means the NLRB will advise both Okung and the NFLPA to work out their differences amicably.

Impact of Okung’s NLRB charge on CBA negotiations and NFLPA vote

NFL players will vote on the proposed CBA by Saturday, Mar. 14, at 11:59 pm. The proposal will pass if a majority of members vote “yea.”

As detailed elsewhere on The MMQB, there are a host of divisive issues in the proposal. They include an increase of the regular season from 16 games to 17 games and an expanded playoff to one that involves 14 teams, meaning 44% of the league’s 32 teams would make the playoffs. The proposal also calls for a 20% increase in the minimum player salary from $510,000 to $610,000. A number of attorneys who represent NFL players have been highly critical of the proposal, particularly with respect to potential adverse impact on players’ health. Brad Sohn and Ben Meiselas are among those attorneys.

A “no” vote wouldn’t trigger an immediate labor crisis. The current CBA runs through Mar. 3, 2021. The league and NFLPA would use the current CBA for this upcoming season. It’s possible that both sides could negotiate another CBA proposal in the weeks and months ahead. If no deal is eventually reached, the possibility of NFL owners locking out the players on Mar. 4, 2021 would become a legitimate concern.

Okung’s charge will not stop a vote from happening. As detailed above, the process by which a charge is reviewed for classification as a complaint normally takes in the ballpark of two to four months. Further, even if Okung succeeds in securing a complaint, the complaint wouldn’t necessarily trigger immediate action or injunctive relief. A regional director and federal district judge would likely be hesitant in unwinding a CBA that a majority of members support (assuming the majority vote on Saturday is “yea”). A complaint would bring about a hearing before an administrative law judge and possibly a subsequent appeal that occurs over a period of months if not longer. The legal process moves at its own pace.

Still, Okung’s charge might dissuade some players from voting in favor of the proposed CBA. If the players are inclined to believe Okung, they would also believe that he and likeminded players have been effectively railroaded by NFLPA leadership who were told by a majority of the executive committee to negotiate a better CBA. However, if players believe Okung is merely using the NLRB process as a last resort to stop a satisfactory CBA, they probably would be less inclined to find his charge as a meaningful reason to vote nay.

We’ll soon see how it all plays out.

Michael McCann is SI’s Legal Analyst. He is also an attorney and the Director of the Sports and Entertainment Law Institute at the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law.

New on SI: Supreme Court to Rule on Antitrust Lawsuit Regarding Consumer TV Rights

As early as this week, the Supreme Court may decide whether to hear a petition by the NFL and DirecTV that contests a ruling by the Ninth District Court of Appeals.

New on SI: Report: ESPN Preparing to Offer Peyton Manning Record-Breaking Sum for 'Monday Night Football' Job

Tony Romo just became the highest-paid NFL analyst in TV history last week—but he may not be for much longer.

Tony Romo's days holding the record as the highest-paid NFL analyst in TV history might be numbered.

According to Front Office Sports' Michael McCarthy, ESPN is preparing to offer Peyton Manning $18 million to $20 million a year to become the network's top analyst for "Monday Night Football."

Per McCarthy, the 43-year-old Manning and ESPN executives have met over the last few days. Manning already has a prior relationship with them, as he hosted the 30-episode “Peyton’s Places” documentary series on ESPN+.

Earlier Thursday, the New York Post's Andrew Marchand reported that ESPN will also "attempt to acquire" NBC broadcaster Al Michaels for their "Monday Night Football" telecast. Talks between NBC and ESPN "have yet to begin," per Marchand, and Michaels still has two years remaining on his contract.

Romo's $17 million a year agreement last Friday came just days before ESPN had the chance to offer the former Cowboys QB a figure that Marchand "had reason to believe" could have been more than $20 million annually.

ESPN pays the NFL $1.9 billion a year for the rights to air MNF—more than double the $950 million paid by NBC for the higher-rated “Sunday Night Football.” 

Joe Tessitore is currently ESPN's play-by-play broadcaster on "Monday Night Football," where he is joined by former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Booger McFarland. The two have been in ESPN's booth for each of the last two seasons, but the team has come under frequent public scrutiny. 

ESPN's "Monday Night Football" contract is also up after the 2021 season.

McCarthy notes that Manning has turned down the "Monday Night Football" job twice before. Per Front Office Sports, Kurt Warner of NFL Network could be another sought-after broadcaster if Manning decides not to join the network. In addition to his NFL Network duties, Warner is also the analyst for Westwood One's "Monday Night Football" radio broadcasts.

New on SI: Titans Foundation and Team Owner Donate $1 Million to Tornado Relief Efforts

The Titans are stepping up to help those impacted by the tornado that devastated areas in Nashville and Middle Tennessee early Tuesday morning.