Thread: Nfl 2024 2025

NFL's opening statement in Sunday Ticket included some unusual arguments

It’s hard to find much media coverage of the landmark NFL Sunday Ticket trial. Obviously, NFL.com will never mention it. As a potential deal between Disney and the league to take control of NFL Media continues to loom, ESPN.com has been quiet about it, too.

We’ve been regularly searching for anything about the case. This morning, we stumbled over an item in The Hollywood Reporter that contains some of the content from the league’s opening statement.

It was delivered by Beth Wilkinson, who initially handled the investigation regarding the Commanders and former owner Daniel Snyder — and who was prepared to recommend in writing that Snyder should be forced to sell the team. (The league never asked for her written recommendations.)

The plaintiffs in the Sunday Ticket case claim in part that the NFL insisted on an elevated price for Sunday Ticket in order to protect the broadcast packages purchased by CBS and Fox. Basically, the greater the cost of Sunday Ticket, the less likely fans would be to watch it instead of the games made available on their local CBS and/or Fox affiliates.

While the context, based on the article, isn’t entirely clear, Wilkinson apparently tried to justify the price for Sunday Ticket by pointing to the costs incurred by CBS and Fox to broadcast games.

“The biggest cost is for famous announcers like Tony Romo,” Wilkinson said. “Well guess what? Those people charge a lot of money. Who pays for it? Fox and CBS.”

But no one forces CBS and Fox to pay that much to game analysts. It’s still unclear what CBS blew the curve for Romo, and it’s less clear why Fox offered Tom Brady $375 million on a 10-year deal. However, it’s difficult if not impossible to see any connection whatsoever between those decisions by CBS and Fox and the NFL’s alleged effort to keep Sunday Ticket so expensive that plenty of fans will watch CBS and Fox instead.

Wilkinson also offered a clunky justification for the NFL’s programming decisions: “We’re in L.A. Everyone knows TV programs are exclusive. Back in the day, we only saw Seinfeld on NBC. They don’t have to give their content to other networks. You’re allowed to sell your product how you want.”

The point she was trying to make isn’t obvious. (And that’s putting it kindly.) Also, NBC was (and is) one business. The NFL was (and is) 32 different businesses. The NFL can’t come together and fix prices.

This isn’t about NBC exclusively televising Seinfeld or any other show. It’s about the NFL exclusively making out-of-market games available only to fans who were willing to buy the entire, full-season package for a price that was (allegedly) marked up to ensure that plenty of fans would opt to just watch whatever was on CBS or Fox locally.

It’s a mass effort by the league, operating as one business, to find a sweet spot that maximizes revenue from broadcast networks and the Sunday Ticket provider. Even if that means dictating to the Sunday Ticket provider the price it must charge for the product it has purchased from the NFL.

And even if that means forcing consumers to spend a lot more money for out-of-market games — as well as preventing them from choosing something less than the full-season, whole-league package.

NFL docks Falcons 2025 fifth-round pick, fines club $250K for violating anti-tampering policy

The NFL has found the Atlanta Falcons violated the league's anti-tampering policy this offseason in the signing of three free agents, including quarterback Kirk Cousins, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Thursday.

The Falcons will be docked a 2025 fifth-round pick and fined $250,000 for logistical violations related to the signings this March of Cousins, wide receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Charlie Woerner. Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot also will be fined $50,000.

"While the policy permits clubs to engage with and negotiate all aspects of an NFL player contract with the certified agent of any prospective unrestricted free agent during the two-day negotiating period," the NFL explained in a statement, "any direct contact between the player and an employee or representative of the club is prohibited. This includes discussion of travel arrangements or other logistical matters, which the club acknowledges took place with regard to these three players."

"We are pleased this review is compete," the Falcons said in a team statement. "We cooperated fully with the league and its review, and appreciate the league's thoroughness. As we do with every process, we will review how we operate and look for ways to improve."

Saints RB Alvin Kamara, seeking new contract, skips end of mandatory minicamp

Alvin Kamara skipped the New Orleans Saints' final practice of mandatory minicamp on Thursday.

Kamara's departure was contract-related, the running back's agent, Brad Cicala, told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.

Saints coach Dennis Allen confirmed that Kamara participated in the morning walkthrough but left during the practice session. The coach said he couldn't confirm why the running back left after attending previous workouts.

Skipping the final day of mandatory minicamp subjects Kamara to a fine.

Kamara technically has two years remaining on his contract, but it's effectively a one-year deal at this stage. The back is set to make $10.2 million in base salary, with just $1 million guaranteed. His 2025 base is $22.4 million with zero guaranteed -- essentially a dummy year on the back end of his extension to inflate the per-year average.

With Christian McCaffrey recently getting a new pact, Kamara, the No. 2-paid RB, wants his deal with the Saints reworked; the two sides have been discussing a contract restructure for a few months, but there has been no progress, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported Thursday.

Jets signing former first-round edge rusher with Haason Reddick holding out

The New York Jets have a situation on their hands with pass rusher Haason Reddick holding out due to his contract, so the franchise has signed another defensive end to compete in Reddick's stead. Per SNY, the Jets are signing former first-round pick Takkarist McKinley, who tried out for a roster spot at Jets minicamp.

The 28-year-old was originally selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the No. 26 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft out of UCLA. In 49 games with the Falcons, "Takk" recorded 79 combined tackles, 17.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss. In 2020, which was the final year of his rookie contract, McKinley requested a trade, and was eventually released. While he was claimed by multiple teams, he did not play another game that season due to injury.

In 2021, McKinley signed with the Cleveland Browns, and recorded 18 combined tackles and 2.5 sacks in 11 games played. The following season, he bounced around on a couple of practice squads, but did appear in four games for the Los Angeles Rams. McKinley signed a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys in March, but was released earlier this month.

NFL analytics expert predicts Miami Dolphins win total for 2024 season

Tua Tagovailoa stayed healthy for the Dolphins last season as the quarterback figured out how to avoid a concussion. But Miami still had injuries, everywhere.

The team finished 11-6 in the regular season with the Dolphins boasting one of the flashiest offenses in the NFL. But with critical injuries to several defenders and offensive linemen, Miami struggled in the frigid air in Kansas City in the opening round of the playoffs. Everything was anemic in the 26-7 defeat.

So what may be in store for the team this season?

Cynthia Frelund, an analytics expert for NFL Network, is predicting 10.2 victories for the Dolphins and the AFC East Division title. Frelund is projecting the win totals for all 32 league teams. She wrote that she based the prediction formula on a mixture of stats, history and trends.

Bengals' Tee Higgins ends holdout by signing one-year franchise tag; what's next for star WR in Cincinnati?

Tee Higgins' holdout with the Cincinnati Bengals appears to be reaching its end. The star wide receiver is signing his franchise tag on Saturday and is expected to be at training camp, according to ESPN. Higgins had been away from the team and did not attend mandatory minicamp as he currently seeks a contract extension. While this does end his holdout, this latest report also relays that the two sides agreeing on a long-term deal is considered a long shot.

The Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins in late February, holding the 25-year-old from hitting the open market in free agency. Under the tag, Higgins will make $21.816 million fully guaranteed for the 2024 season.

Brandon Aiyuk 49ers Contract: Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer guesses $29 million

It’s the weekend, which means more Brandon Aiyuk speculation for the San Francisco 49ers. It’s been a bit quiet this week. Last week we discussed a litany of issues around what he was offered, what he was worth, floors, ceilings and everything else.

This week, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer chimed in on the recent reports that Aiyuk was offered $26 Million. In his recent mailbag, Breer was asked if the deal gets done and has this to say:

I think so. My buddy Mike Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle has the San Francisco 49ers’ offer at a new-money average of $26 million per year. My sense is that’s getting in the neighborhood of where they’ll have to lock up Brandon Aiyuk, whom they really do value and love.

I think the final number, if I had to guess, will wind up being $29 million per year, which would put Aiyuk past the Miami Dolphins’ Jaylen Waddle and Detroit Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown, and still behind the Minnesota Vikings’ Justin Jefferson by quite a bit (which would be understandable.

This seems in lime with what I would guess as well. As I said last week, if there’s anything they can argue over, they will argue over it. Meanwhile, deals are getting done and Aiyuk has more examples to point at.

$29 million seems like a fair ending to this. Aiyuk would lock up just under $30 million and as Breer says, go above Waddle and St. Brown. Of course it’s all going to boil down to the gaurantees on his deal. In this deals (especially with the San Francisco 49ers) It’s less about the number and more about the guarantees.

I do think the 49ers get the deal done to keep the Brock Purdy/Brandon Aiyuk connection going. That just leaves Deebo Samuel, George Kittle Trent Williams....

Oh and Brock Purdy in a year.

NFL Commish Roger Goodell says 'if any member of the NFL family comes out' they will be supported

Longtime NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell essentially acts as the face of the most popular sport in the U.S.

One of Goodell's main responsibilities is navigating any issues the league may encounter. Currently, Goodell is focused on the NFL's Sunday Ticket lawsuit, in which fans allege the league violated antitrust laws by selling its product at an inflated cost. Goodell took the stand and testified earlier this week.

During Goodell's tenure, the NFL has also made concerted efforts to embrace the LGBTQ+ community.

Over the years, Goodell has pubicly shared stories about his brother Michael, who identifies as gay.

"I love Michael and I’m proud of him," Roger said via Outsports.

According to the outlet, the NFL has an estimated 16 current or former players who have publicly come out as gay or bisexual.

Falcons, QB Michael Penix Jr. agree to terms on rookie contract

Michael Penix Jr. is ready to sign on the dotted line.

The Atlanta Falcons' No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has agreed to terms on a four-year, $22.8 million rookie contract, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per a source. Rapoport adds that Penix will be signing the deal on Friday.

Atlanta's selection of Penix was the stunning decision of draft night after the club's big offseason signing of Kirk Cousins, who became a Falcon on a four-year, $180 million contract that includes $100 million in guarantees.

Penix will presumably sit behind Cousins for the next couple of years as an eventual successor. The 24-year-old rose to stardom during his final collegiate season, winning the Maxwell Award as the nation's top player and becoming a finalist for the Heisman Trophy after leading the nation in passing with 4,903 yards.

Pittsburgh Steelers Sign WR to One-Year Contract

PITTSBURGH -- After the Pittsburgh Steelers released veterans Trenton Thompson and Denzel Mims, the team had an open roster spot to fill before training camp. That spot has been filled, as the team added another player to complete their 90-man roster. Via their X account, the Steelers announced that they signed wide receiver Jacob Copeland to a one-year contract.

Copeland, 24, is a 5'11, 200-pound wideout looking to break out in the NFL. The young receiver is familiar with the Steelers organization, which should give him a leg up in training camp. He spent parts of the 2023 season on the team's practice squad and is getting a second shot with the team in 2024. He's hoping this is the situation where it all clicks.

Before signing with the Steelers, Copeland bounced around the NFL. He originally signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Shortly after the team's training camp, he was waived. After being released, he spent time with the Minnesota Vikings and had two stops with the Steelers practice squads. The Steelers released Copeland near the end of the 2023 regular season, and he signed a futures/reserve contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite getting a helmet on three different organizations, he's yet to appear in a regular season game in the NFL.

Copeland played college football at the University of Florida and the University of Maryland. He amassed 1,866 yards over four seasons at Florida. He played his final season at Maryland, catching 26 passes for 376 yards and two touchdowns. With this move, the Steelers 90-man roster is now full.

49ers sign first-round WR Ricky Pearsall to his rookie deal

The 49ers have signed first-round receiver Ricky Pearsall to his four-year rookie deal. He will receive $12.5 million fully guaranteed with a $5.9 million signing bonus.

His signing completes the team's signings of their eight-player draft class.

The 49ers used the 31st overall pick on Pearsall, who played at the University of Florida. He made 65 catches for 965 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games in 2023.

In his five-year college career, Pearsall caught 159 passes for 2,420 yards with 14 touchdowns.

The 49ers drafted Pearsall with Brandon Aiyuk entering the final year of his rookie deal and seeking a long-term extension.

Only six NFL first-rounders remain unsigned.

NFL ordered to pay nearly $5B in Sunday Ticket antitrust case

A jury on Thursday said the National Football League (NFL) must pay nearly $4.8 billion for violating antitrust laws in its distribution of its “Sunday Ticket” package of out-of-market games to a single satellite TV service.

The verdict in the monthslong class-action trial awarded more than $4.6 billion in damages to a group of 2.4 million residential subscribers and $96 million in damages to a group of 48,000 businesses who subscribed to the service. The NFL could be liable for $14.39 billion, since damages can be tripled under federal antitrust laws, The Associated Press reported.

The NFL said it would appeal the verdict, in a statement Thursday.

“We are disappointed with the jury’s verdict today in the NFL Sunday Ticket class action lawsuit,” the league said in a statement.

Jacksonville approves $1.4 billion ‘stadium of the future’ that should keep Jaguars in town for decades

The city of Jacksonville approved a $1.4 billion "stadium of the future" Tuesday that should keep the Jaguars in one of the NFL's smallest markets for at least another 30 years and end decades of speculation about the franchise being a potential relocation candidate.

City councilmembers voted 14-1 (two abstained) in favor of the proposal, which now advances to NFL owners for final approval. Owners are scheduled to meet in Atlanta in October, with 24 of 32 votes needed to seal the deal.

The Jaguars don't anticipate much pushback from the league even though the 50-50 financial split is higher than most NFL owners contribute toward new or renovated stadiums.

The stadium proposal calls for each side to contribute $625 million to the $1.25 billion project. Jacksonville, which won't levy any new taxes to fund the rebuild, would chip in another $150 million in deferred maintenance to get EverBank Stadium ready for construction in 2026. That essentially pushes the city's contribution to 55% of the total bill.

Construction would begin following the 2025 season. The Jaguars would play in front of a reduced capacity (no upper deck) in 2026 and then host home games in Gainesville or Orlando the following year.

Seahawks Sign RB Ricky Person Jr.

The Seahawks signed running back Ricky Person Jr. on Monday, adding a player fresh off a standout season for the UFL champion Birmingham Stallions.

Additionally, the Seahawks waived cornerback Ro Torrence, defensive end Rason Williams and running back TaMerik Williams, all of whom signed with Seattle as undrafted free agents in May.

Person, who went undrafted out of North Carolina State, initially signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2022. The 6-foot, 217-pound Person then joined the Stallions in 2023, and with Birmingham, Person has won back-to-back USFL/UFL titles. In this year's championship game win over San Antonio, he rushed for a game-high 102 yards on 13 carries, capping a season in which he rushed for 297 yards and six touchdowns in nine games, adding 150 receiving yards on 13 catches.

Pittsburgh Steelers Lose Millions in NFL Lawsuit

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the rest of the NFL organizations are caught up in the league's mess. A class-action lawsuit against the league ruled against the NFL, resulting in potential fines totaling more than $4 billion.

The astronomical number will reportedly be spread across all 32 NFL franchises. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio. In an update from the trial, Florio dropped the news of how the league would pay back the money.

"Whatever the final amount," he wrote. "It will be split equally among the 32 teams. On the low side, that’s $384 million. On the high end, it’s $450 million per team."

The league aims to challenge the ruling, or at minimum, prolong the decision through appeals. In a statement the NFL issued to Pro Football Talk and other media outlets, they vowed to contest the decision.

“We are disappointed with the jury’s verdict today in the NFL Sunday Ticket class action lawsuit,” the league said in their statement. “We continue to believe that our media distribution strategy, which features all NFL games broadcast on free over-the-air television in the markets of the participating teams and national distribution of our most popular games, supplemented by many additional choices including RedZone, Sunday Ticket and NFL+, is by far the most fan-friendly distribution model in all of sports and entertainment. We will certainly contest this decision as we believe that the class action claims in this case are baseless and without merit. We thank the jury for their time and service and for the guidance and oversight from Judge Gutierrez throughout the trial."

Dolphins' Tyreek Hill 'excited to see where I fit' into new WR market as he starts ''ooking' for next deal

This offseason has brought with it a wave of new wide receiver contracts, resetting the top of the market for the position.

Hoping to ride that wave is Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill, who said Monday that with the time coming for him to start thinking about his own next deal, he's intrigued to see what this new pay standard means for him.

"I'm very excited to like just be a part of the old wave, which was $30 million, and Justin Jefferson came and surpassed that, man," Hill said, via Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. "So, very proud of those guys, happy for obviously my teammate (Jaylen) Waddle getting his new deal. For guys like me, that's great. I'm 30 years old, also looking for a new deal. So, very, very excited to see where I fit into that category. It's amazing."

When Hill signed his current four-year, $120 million extension with the Dolphins after arriving via trade from the Chiefs, his $30 million a year average was at the top of the rankings for the position.

But just in the last three months, three players have surpassed that average, per Over the Cap, including the Vikings' Jefferson, who set the new high mark with his $35 million per year average. Hill's Miami teammate Waddle also signed a three-year, $84.75 million extension that's just below his average.

Hill, however, is set to earn $19.665 million in 2024, the last year with guaranteed money, indicating that the time might be now to work on an extension to put his compensation more in line with current standards for a player of his caliber.

Texans' DeMeco Ryans ready to start back from zero in 2024: 'It doesn't matter what happened last year'

The Houston Texans surprised in DeMeco Ryans' first season as head coach, coming back to swipe the AFC South title. With reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud at the helm, they'll sneak up on no one in 2024.

Ryans told NFL Network's Rhett Lewis at the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame ceremony over the weekend that he's looking forward to the strides his young team makes come training camp and the preseason.

"The most exciting thing, what I love about the NFL is it doesn't matter what happened last year," Ryans said during the interview, which will air in part Monday on The Insiders at 7 p.m. ET. "You get to hit reset. To start back from ground zero, I love that, going back to our Day 1 fundamentals, installs, and seeing guys truly grow and seeing how far we can get before the Hall of Fame Game, see our young players get better and compete against each other. That's what I enjoy most. I still enjoy -- and it comes back to the Senior Bowl -- I still enjoy the growth and development of young players. That's what gets me going. That's why I enjoy coaching is to just have some type of imprint on those guys to help them to go and achieve whatever they want to achieve in their careers."

The Texans imported several veterans, including Stefon Diggs, Joe Mixon and Danielle Hunter, to buffer the young core.

One thing Ryans has preached to the 2024 edition of his roster is that year-to-year success isn't given. It's earned.

"That football season, 2023, is one I'll always remember," he said. "It was a special one because we were able to do it with special people. Getting C.J. and getting Will (Anderson) and Tank (Dell), so many young guys who contributed to flipping that culture in such a short period of time. It doesn't happen easy, it doesn't happen quickly without the right people. I'm very excited to have those guys and to work with those guys and to have the year that we had.

"People talk about how exciting of a year it was, but I throw up a stat to our guys this offseason, like, 'Look, I know we won some games, but guys, look, we had 10 games within one score, and these games were down to the wire and we had to find a way at the end.' That doesn't change. That's the NFL. It's about being smart, being confident in those crucial situations, like the last two minutes of a game. Can you go perform? Can you be clear-minded and go execute the details of your job to the highest level? That's what it'll come down to. So I just always remind them, like, 'Hey, we didn't just blow everybody out!' Those games can go either way, and you have to continue to prepare that way coming into this new season. It's not just going to happen again. You have to start back over at ground zero and work your way back up."

Promising Miami Dolphins news on Tua Tagovailoa contract extension talks, timeline for deal

The Miami Dolphins watched other teams make NFL news this offseason by signing their quarterbacks to historic contract extensions. While Tua Tagovailoa remains without a long-term contract, negotiations do reportedly seem to be going well.

Miami wasn’t interested in a contract extension a year ago. While Tagovailoa led the NFL in passer rating and helped the team reach the playoffs, he suffered multiple head injuries. The Dolphins front office had real concerns about his long-term health and wanted to see him prove himself in 2023.

Tagovailoa delivered. The 26-year-old quarterback earned his first Pro Bowl selection and led the NFL in passing yards. He also started all 17 regular-season games, posting an 11-6 record and leading Miami to the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

The Dolphins returned to the negotiating table this offseason. However, with NFL revenue skyrocketing, the salaries for the highest-paid NFL players explode. It’s left Miami in a position where it has to pay even more than expected, but talks are underway.

Appearing on SportsCenter, ESPN’s NFL reporter Jeff Darlington said that Tagovailoa and the Dolphins are in active communications on a new deal but one is not expected to happen before training camp opens.

Niners' Kyle Juszczyk was 'hurt' by San Francisco's request to take pay cut: 'I'm the best fullback in the league'

The fullback position is one that not every NFL team uses a roster spot on. The San Francisco 49ers do, however, and they have one of the best in Kyle Juszczyk.

Regardless, general manager John Lynch went to Juszczyk during the offseason and proposed a pay cut. Juszczyk agreed to a restructured contract to create a new two-year, $9.1 million deal. The move cleared nearly $4 million in cap space for the team in 2024.

"Honestly, it hurt when John came to me and asked," Juszczyk said, via NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco. "I wasn't necessarily expecting it. It kind of hurts your ego and hurts your heart a little bit. I understand that it's a business, but I do feel like I'm as valuable as what I was expected to get paid."

San Francisco also tried to keep defensive lineman Arik Armstead by requesting him to take a pay cut. Armstead declined and was released. He then took his services to the east coast, where he signed a three-year, $51 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. A couple of weeks later, Armstead revealed he felt "extremely disrespected" by San Francisco's pay cut request.

New Titans S Jamal Adams out to prove he's 'still that guy'

Jamal Adams joins the Tennessee Titans with plenty to prove.

Adams burst on to the NFL scene after being drafted sixth overall by the New York Jets in 2017, and by his third season he had amassed two Pro Bowl bids and one first-team All-Pro honor.

But following a prolonged contract battle with Gang Green, Adams was shipped to the Seattle Seahawks ahead of the 2020 season, and his stint in the Pacific Northwest failed to live up to expectations.

Saints' J.T. Gray on new kickoff format: 'I feel like that’s going to be a great thing'

The upcoming NFL season features a few rule changes that will significantly impact 2024, starting with the first play of every game.

The league adopted a new format for kickoffs, which was based on a version used in the XFL. As seen in the XFL, it brought action back to a play that has led to many touchbacks in the NFL in recent seasons.

New Orleans Saints defensive back and special teamer J.T. Gray recently shared his thoughts on the change. Speaking with NFL Network's Steve Wyche on Thursday's The Insiders, Gray noted the Saints have been adjusting to the new rule since it was approved.

"So, that's pretty interesting (the new kickoff rule). Just going in this year in OTAs, we have been practicing that since Day 1," Gray told Wyche. "Since implementing the new rule, I feel like it's changing the value of the special teams. I feel like it's going to be a great thing because you are going to get action in every first play of the game. I feel like that's going to be a great thing for the NFL and a great thing for the fans to see."

Dolphins, QB Tua Tagovailoa reach 4-year, $212.4M extension

The Miami Dolphins and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa have agreed to a four-year, $212.4 million extension, the largest in franchise history, his agency told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The $53.1 million average annual value of the contract briefly placed Tagovailoa third among the league's highest-paid quarterbacks, behind the Jacksonville Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence and Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow, before the Green Bay Packers and Jordan Love reached agreement on a deal hours later that matched Lawrence and Burrow at $55 million in average per year.

Tagovailoa's deal includes $167 million guaranteed, eighth most among quarterbacks.

Miami is the only team in the NFL with three offensive skill players making at least $70 million in guaranteed money -- wide receivers Tyreek Hill ($72.2 million) and Jaylen Waddle ($71.6 million) being the others. Their combined $310.8 million guaranteed is the third most for any offensive skill trio (QB, RB, WR, TE), per Roster Management System.

Green Bay Packers make Jordan Love NFL's highest-paid player

The Green Bay Packers' Jordan Love, 25, is now the NFL's highest-paid player — and the highest-paid quarterback in history.

Why it matters: Quarterback salaries have been on an upward trajectory in recent years. The NFL increased its salary cap from $224.8 million last season to $255.4 million for the upcoming season.

By the numbers: Love agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $220 million plus a record $75 million signing bonus and $155 million in new guarantees, The Athletic and other outlets report.

• Love's package ties him annually with Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence and Cincinnati's Joe Burrow, who each average $55 million a year.

Go deeper: Why Justin Jefferson has become the NFL's highest-paid non-QB

Judge overturns $4.7 billion verdict in "Sunday Ticket" case against NFL

A federal judge has overturned a jury's $4.7 billion verdict in the class-action lawsuit filed by "Sunday Ticket" subscribers against the NFL and has granted judgment to the NFL.

U.S. District Judge Philip Gutierrez ruled Thursday that the testimony of two witnesses for the subscribers had flawed methodologies and should have been excluded.

"Without the testimonies of Dr. (Daniel) Rascher and Dr. (John) Zona, no reasonable jury could have found class-wide injury or damages," Gutierrez wrote at the end of his 16-page ruling.

The jury on June 27 awarded $4.7 billion in damages to residential and commercial subscribers after it ruled the NFL violated antitrust laws in distributing out-of-market Sunday afternoon games on a premium subscription service.

The lawsuit covered 2.4 million residential subscribers and 48,000 businesses in the United States who paid for the package on DirecTV of out-of-market games from the 2011 through 2022 seasons.

"We are grateful for today's ruling in the Sunday Ticket class action lawsuit," the NFL said in a statement provided to CBS News. "We believe that the NFL's media distribution model provides our fans with an array of options to follow the game they love, including local broadcasts of every single game on free over-the-air television. We thank Judge Gutierrez for his time and attention to this case and look forward to an exciting 2024 NFL season."