Here's a look at some of the top rumors for Thursday, July 30:
With the New York Giants set to open training camp practices on Friday, the team still appears to be in the dark about when or if defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul plans to join the team. Pierre-Paul has not signed his franchise tender and has kept the Giants largely uninformed. In an interview with Jenny Vrentas of TheMMQB.com, head coach Tom Coughlin said, "I want to be there for him. But he’s decided that he doesn’t want our help." Coughlin expected Pierre-Paul to be present for mandatory minicamp, but now, Coughlin says, "I don’t know what to expect anymore." It's unclear how this messy situation will play out, but it would be fair to expect this to be Pierre-Paul's last season in New York, if he even signs his tender.
We've covered Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson's contract situation extensively in recent posts, but we have one update to offer today: ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that while the sides are trying to agree on an extension, "there is not a lot of optimism that a deal will get done" before training camp begins, at which time talks will cease. Mortensen adds that "the Seahawks are not going to make him the highest-paid player in the NFL."
Another update of an item recently discussed in this space: A Giants source tells Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News that progress on negotiations with Eli Manning have been "slower than expected" so far. However, Vacchiano still expects a new deal to get done between the two sides eventually.
It's just the first day of camp, but Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews opened practice playing on the inside instead of the outside, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette's Pete Dougherty. Matthews helped shore up a weak Packers run defense last season after switching to the inside, but it seemed like a temporary solution considering Matthews would be easily the highest-paid ($13.2 million per year) inside linebacker in the league. With versatile pieces like Julius Peppers and Nick Perry also at Dom Capers' disposal, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Matthews line up all over the field this season.
We heard last week that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford was on track to be healthy for training camp, and rookie receiver Nelson Agholor agrees with that assessment, according to Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Berman notes that Agholor, who has been working out with his new QB, said Bradford is "moving great" and "looking healthy." The positive review is a good sign for Bradford's health, but it's also promising to see that Agholor and Bradford have been working together. With Jeremy Maclin now in Kansas City, the rookie receiver could be a go-to target early in his career.
The market for former Eagles guard Evan Mathis has been eerily quiet since he was released in June, and that hasn't changed despite several NFL camps already opening. Two weeks ago, Mathis said he was being patient and hinted a signing could be coming soon, but no information has emerged since then. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports the Miami Dolphins -- long rumored to be interested in Mathis -- have not pursued the guard recently because they are "eager to see how their young guards perform in camp." Mathis may be asking for too much money when few teams have cash to spend. He may have to wait for an injury in camp to get the sort of contract he's seeking.
The Boston Globe's Ben Volin appears to have an explanation for why New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount was placed on the active/non-football injury list to open training camp. Volin reports that Blount failed his conditioning test on Wednesday, completing just 12 50-yard sprints in less than eight seconds each, eight fewer than the 20 required by the Patriots. Blount should pass his test soon and get into the swing of camp, but his status with the Pats remains difficult to project. The 28-year-old back has been extremely productive when given the opportunity, but he seems to have purchased a timeshare in Bill Belichick's doghouse.
After losing wide receiver James Wright to injured reserve, the Cincinnati Bengals appear to be interested in adding a veteran for depth. According to Rand Getlin of NFL.com, Cincinnati worked out Greg Little, Santonio Holmes and David Nelson on Thursday. Little spent six games with the Bengals last year, catching just six passes. Holmes, a former Super Bowl MVP, is the most decorated of three, but caught just eight passes in nine games for the Chicago Bears last season. Nelson had eight catches in six games for the New York Jets. (UPDATE: According to Pro Football Talk, the Bengals have chosen to sign Little to a one-year deal.)