NFL

"It's not like we're looking to find a starter," Schiano claimed after his latest message to Freeman. "But competition is competition. Mike Glennon is a fierce competitor." Schiano also compared Glennon to Joe Flacco, and believes he has "pocket presence, ability to feel the rush and move in the pocket." With the Bucs investing so much in being competitive this season, Freeman is still the favorite for the starting job, but they've made it clear time and again that it will not be handed to him going into the final year of his rookie contract. The cannon-armed Glennon is an intriguing Dynasty-league prospect.

33-year-old Freeney recorded 12 tackles and five sacks in the Colts' 3-4 defense last season, but it wasn't a particularly strong fit for his skill set. He was expected to eye a return back to the 4-3, but money talks and the Chargers had a huge need for a pass rusher after losing Melvin Ingram to a torn ACL. Freeney should see significant snaps opposite Jarret Johnson, and the Chargers have already stated that they could tinker their defense to better suit the veteran. Freeney will not lack scheme familiarity. He played in Chuck Pagano's defense in 2012, and Chuck's brother John is the Chargers' defensive coordinator.

Freeney, 33, met with the Chargers on Wednesday and Thursday before skipping town without a deal. His fit in the 3-4 defense is questionable, but the Chargers are desperate for pass-rush help after losing OLB Melvin Ingram to a torn ACL. Pro Football Focus credited Freeney with 34 hurries last season.

He also confirmed Woodson will visit the Raiders on Tuesday, and is not considering retirement. The Broncos may have made an offer, but it was clearly of the veteran's minimum variety. That's apparently not a price Woodson is yet willing to accept. He may soon find he doesn't have a choice.

It's confirmation of NFL Network's previous report that the surgery "looks likely." Per PFT, the back surgery will take place in 3-4 weeks following Monday's surgery on Gronkowski's forearm. Doctors don't want to schedule the two surgeries too close together. Although the back surgery is considered "minor" in comparison to the operation that cost him the entire 2009 college season, Gronkowski's Week 1 availability is now very much in doubt.

Irvin has no plans to appeal, admitting he took Adderall without a medical exemption. He'll participate in training camp and preseason, then be barred from all Seahawks activities until Week 5. Irvin, the 15th overall pick in last year's draft, registered eight sacks and a forced fumble as a nickel-rushing rookie. For the first month of the season, at least, Seattle is deep enough to withstand Irvin's loss after adding Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett to their pass-rushing corps.

"Robert is doing extremely well as far as the timetable," said RG2. "He's been doing a lot overtime, he never stops. He was throwing some prior to the draft. Everything seems to be on cue. Everybody in the organization is targeting that season opener." RG3 tore his right ACL at Baylor four years ago. "He might be a little ahead of himself in terms of doing what he did then compared to now," RG2 said. "He's smarter, stronger, wiser."