As training camps across the NFL continue, XN Sports will report the top headlines of each day.
With the preseason nearing, there is no shortage of intrigue and optimism, key injuries, and potential holdouts, as well as late offseason signings.
Here are the top five headlines for Monday:
Baldwin cut
Jon Baldwin, a former first-round pick by the Chiefs, was released by the 49ers on Sunday.
The #49ers released former #Chiefs 1st round pick Jon Baldwin. A very fast tumble for Baldwin, who looked so good in KC camp in 2012
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 3, 2014
Baldwin was acquired by San Francisco last offseason in exchange for A.J. Jenkins in what now seems like an equally disappointing swap of first-round busts.
Because he’s young, Baldwin may get another shot with a team this summer. But he’s done nothing in the league to prove he’ll ever live up to his first-round status.
Rave review for Matthews
Atlanta’s goal was to get tougher in the trenches this offseason, and it appears as if the team made the right move by drafting Jake Matthews with the No. 6 overall pick.
Matthews has looked good during camp, according to NFL.com, already playing like a veteran at right tackle.
Jake Matthews really looks good at @Atlanta_Falcons camp. Had 1 @nfl personnel exec tell me Matthews looks like 5-yr vet. I agree. — Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) August 3, 2014
Orton reunion in Chicago
Jimmy Clausen and Jordan Palmer are currently competing for the No. 2 quarterback job behind Jay Cutler in Chicago, so there’s probably not a lot of optimism should Cutler go down with an injury a second consecutive season.
When addressing the media Saturday, Bears general manager Phil Emery would not rule out the possibility of bringing former Bears quarterback Kyle Orton back into the fold.
Orton was recently released by Dallas and was believed to be contemplating retirement. He’s instantly an upgrade over both Clausen and Palmer.
Bounce-back year for Richardson?
Trent Richardson seemed lost when he was traded to the Colts early in 2014. But the former first-round running back told ESPN.com his “comfort level” in the offense is “so much better now.”
This is a make-or-break year for Richardson, but he could make this Colts offense even more dangerous. He has the talent, as we saw in Cleveland, but the results just haven’t been there.
Jets lose a linebacker
Outside linebacker Jermaine Cunningham tore his Achilles’ tendon during the Jets’ Green and White Scrimmage Saturday, and is expected to miss the entire 2014 season.
#Jets believe LB Jermaine Cunningham has torn his Achilles, likely ending his season, source says. They’d hoped he’d offer pass-rush help
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 3, 2014
Cunningham was penciled in behind Quinton Coples as the right outside backer, and was supposed to be a part of the Jets’ blitz sub-package. This puts more pressure on veterans Coples, Calvin Pace and newly signed Jason Babin to generate pressure.
