NFL training camps are now in full swing as rookies and veterans have begun to battle for a spot on their team’s 53-man roster. Here’s a look at some of the recent news in the league.

Watson Representatives Unhappy With 6-Game Suspension

After an arbitrator handed down a six-game suspension for Deshaun Watson in his sexual misconduct case, representatives for the Cleveland Browns quarterback say they are displeased with the decision. They believe the penalty given by Judge Sue Robinson should not have included any suspension at all. The NFL sought an indefinite suspension of Watson of no less than one year and has three days to appeal the decision.

The Browns are scheduled to play the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, which is the same team that tried to get Watson in the offseason but instead acquired former Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Backup QB Jacoby Brissett will be the likely starter for the Browns in the first game. The players’ union, the NFLPA, has already said it will not appeal the suspension. No appeal by either side would mean the suspension issued by judge Robinson will be the final word. 

Orlando Brown Jr. Reports To Chiefs Camp

Reports indicate that Orlando Brown Jr. has decided to report to Kansas City Chiefs training camp after sitting out the first week. He’s seeking a long-term contract extension and was unhappy when negotiations fell through before the July 15 deadline to sign a deal. The Chiefs’ offer would have made Brown Jr. the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league, but the structure of the final year of the contract could not be worked out. 

The three-time Pro Bowler was placed under the franchise tag by the Chiefs for 2022, which Brown will have to sign before participating in team activities. He will earn $16.7 million under the franchise tender this year as the two sides can’t start negotiating again until after the end of the 2022 season.

The team has already said it will push to get a long-term deal done before next season. If no agreement is reached, a second franchise tag on Brown Jr. would cost them nearly $20 million next season. 

The Chiefs also had a brief scare with their star quarterback. Patrick Mahomes went down during practice on Monday before ultimately making his way to the team’s medical tent. However, when he emerged shortly after, the team breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Steelers And Boswell Reach Agreement

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed kicker Chris Boswell to a four-year, $20-million extension on Monday, which includes $12.5 million guaranteed. The $5 million average salary ties him with Ravens’ Justin Tucker as the highest-paid kicker in the league. Boswell was set to become a free agent after this season but said he hasn’t been concerned about not having a deal up to this point. 

Playing in one of the NFL’s most unfriendly stadiums for kickers hasn’t affected Boswell, who has made 88.3% of his field goals in his seven-year career. However, he has performed better at home, making over 91% of his kicks.

Last season, he set the record for the longest field goal at Heinz Field, now known as Acrisure Stadium, at 56 yards. Boswell also has a reputation of being one of the best clutch kickers in the league.