NFL Catchup: Record Extensions and Preseason Preparations

NFL Catchup: Record Extensions and Preseason Preparations
Updated Aug. 4, 2026 8:37 p.m. ET
As NFL training camp progresses and teams approach their preseason openers, several players secured significant contract extensions on Tuesday, highlighting new records in the league.

Robinson Deal Sets New Benchmark for RBs

Bijan Robinson's hold-in concluded with the star running back agreeing to a three-year contract extension with the Atlanta Falcons, worth up to $75 million, which includes $51 million guaranteed. This deal makes Robinson the highest-paid running back in NFL history, surpassing Saquon Barkley's previous record of $20.6 million per year. Additionally, Robinson becomes the second running back ever to be guaranteed over $40 million, following rookie Jeremiyah Love's fully guaranteed $53 million deal. Robinson's guaranteed sum leads all veteran contracts in the position, outpacing Barkley and Ashton Jeanty's figures.

Flowers Extension Resets WR Market

The Baltimore Ravens signed wide receiver Zay Flowers to a four-year, $140 million contract extension, which provides $108 million in guarantees. This contract replaces Flowers' fifth-year rookie option, exercised by Baltimore in April, and places his annual salary at $35 million, which ranks him jointly with Justin Jefferson as the fourth-highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL. Flowers' contract precedes notable salaries for CeeDee Lamb, DK Metcalf, Garrett Wilson, and A.J. Brown. Over the last two seasons, Flowers achieved over 1,000 receiving yards each season.

Wright Agrees To Extension With Bears

The Chicago Bears finalized a four-year, $116 million contract extension with All-Pro right tackle Darnell Wright, which includes an unprecedented $93 million in guarantees for an offensive lineman. This historical deal secures Wright's position as the highest-paid right tackle in the league. Selected 10th overall in the 2023 draft, Wright has shown consistent performance, starting 49 out of 51 games in the past three seasons.

Sanders Takes First-Team Reps

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders took all first-team reps for the Cleveland Browns during Tuesday's practice, completing 21 of 25 passes without any touchdowns or interceptions, according to ESPN Cleveland. This competition intensified as veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson finished with 5 out of 11 completions, while Dillon Gabriel had one interception on 4 of 7 attempts. A notable quote from Sanders on the quarterback competition was, "Yeah, I have, me vs. myself."

Lamb Uses Netting Over Facemask During Drills

CeeDee Lamb, the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver, was seen practicing with a net covering his helmet as he caught passes from the Jugs machine during training camp. Lamb emphasized the importance of maintaining health for the upcoming 2026 season after missing three games due to an ankle injury last year.

Pickett, Beck Named Starters For Hall Of Fame Game

Rookie Carson Beck will start for the Arizona Cardinals in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against the Carolina Panthers, as announced by the team. Kenny Pickett was confirmed to start for the Panthers. Both teams have indicated varying expectations for their starters during the game, including limited series for Pickett.

Injury News

In injury developments, Falcons linebacker Jalon Walker is suspected to have torn his ACL. Chargers tackle Rashawn Slater was treated in the medical tent before continuing individual drills. Additionally, Panthers receiver Xavier Legette was carted off with a stinger but is not expected to have suffered a concussion.