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Training Camp Notes: Stafford gets paid

Simultaneously resetting the quarterback market once again, Stafford's five-year extension is supposed to surpass the five-year, $125 million extension Derek Carr signed back in June. Stafford's payday is more than justified in my eyes due to his impressive track record of orchestrating efficient offenses and the statistics that support that claim, such as his ascension to second all-time with 278.0 passing yards per game. Not to mention, Stafford is durable, as he's started every game since 2011. He might not remain the highest paid player in NFL history for long though, as the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Kirk Cousins could all command higher wages in the near future.

  • Though still working his way out of concussion protocol, Falcons running back Devonta Freeman was back on the field Monday going full speed in individual drills. He won't take part in Thursday's preseason finale regardless, but it sounds like he should be cleared for contact soon.
  • Lions tight end Eric Ebron practiced for the first time since injuring his hamstring on the opening day of training camp. Fantasy GMs considering drafting him should keep in mind he's missed at least two games in each of his three years in the league and eight in total. He's not exactly getting his fourth season off to a great start.
  • Over in Tennessee, receivers Eric Decker (ankle) and Corey Davis (hamstring) also returned -- but in a very limited capacity; the pair only took part in a walkthrough. While they still have several more hurdles to clear before getting the green light to play in Week 1, it's encouraging they were at least participating in some capacity. After all, they still have a couple more weeks until the regular season rolls around.
  • Giants wideout Brandon Marshall (shoulder) was active in team drills. He hasn't necessarily been cleared for contact yet, but his Week 1 status no longer appears to be in any danger. The same can't be said for teammate Odell Beckham (ankle), who's absence would thrust Marshall into the No. 1 role
  • On the other hand, there were some big names who didn't practice Monday, including Demaryius Thomas of the Denver Broncos, who exited Saturday's preseason game with a groin injury. The team doesn't seem too concerned over the matter, so prospective fantasy owners shouldn't be either.
  • Colts QB Andrew Luck was also sidelined. Again. He remains on the PUP list at press time and could miss the season opener. Scott Tolzein would be the next guy up, making the Rams D/ST an intriguing DFS option in Week 1.
  • The victim of one of this weekend's most significant injuries, Bears wideout Cameron Meredith's knee injury was confirmed to be a torn ACL, in addition to other damage. He's going to get a second opinion to make sure, but in any case, he appears destined to miss out on the entirety of the upcoming season.
  • Jets head coach Todd Bowles declared Josh McCown his opening day starter. It will be interesting to see who among his inexperienced receiving corps will develop into McCown's top target. The smart money seems to be on Robby Anderson.
  • Paxton Lynch sustained a shoulder sprain that will sideline him for a few weeks, but he will not require surgery. He's looking at a multi-week absence, leaving Kyle Sloter as the backup to Trevor Siemian until further notice.
  • Redskins tailback Matt Jones is reportedly being shopped on the trade market, which isn't very surprising given how they seem set with a trio of Rob Kelley, Samaje Perine and Chris Thompson. Jones only has a base salary of $639,113 in 2017, so his contract won't be an inhibiting factor in a potential deal. Some potential trade parters that come to mind would be the Packers, Ravens or Chiefs.