training camp news – Syndication Server

Former Lions kicker Michael Badgley signs with Washington Commanders

The “Money Badger” lands on his feet in Washington

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As we know, rosters in the NFL are never permanent. They’re fluid and there’s constant movement. In Detroit, that holds true. Just a few days ago, the Lions traded for wide receiver Denzel Mims and in the process, they made a surprising move by cutting kicker Michael Badgley.

Last season, Badgley was 20-of-24 on field goals and was a perfect 33-for-33 on extra points. In the off-season, he had signed a one-year contract worth $1.2 million dollars to stay in Detroit. He will now compete with Joey Slye for the starting kicker spot in Washington.

As for Detroit, their competition will come down to Riley Patterson and Parker Romo. When speaking to the media, Dan Campbell said this on the potential competition between the two players, “So we just felt like between those two guys, let’s get a look at them and let them compete against each other. That’s why we did what we did.”

There was a thought that Badgley could return to Detroit but that doesn’t look likely with him going to Washington. We’ll see what happens between both teams on their kicking competition.

Addition of CB Bryce Callahan showing to pay dividends in Chargers training camp

Chargers cornerback Bryce Callahan is having a great training camp.

Adding more talent in the cornerback room was a priority for head coach Brandon Staley this offseason.

Staley hit a home run with the addition of All-Pro J.C. Jackson. However, the work was not done, as Staley went out and signed veteran Bryce Callahan, a player he was familiar with during his time as the outside linebackers coach with the Broncos.

Up to this point in training camp, Callahan is proving to be worth the investment. He has broken up multiple passes since the start and, most recently on Friday, on a throw intended for Keenen Allen over the middle.

Callahan was acquired to start right away in the slot, a position formerly held by Chris Harris Jr.

“That’s home for Bryce,” defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill said of Callahan playing inside. “He’s done it since he came into the national football league.

He also has a great ability to play outside. But we know his strong suit is playing inside. He’s calm in there. He’s seen a lot. And he has the quickness and speed to guard pretty much anybody that goes in that slot.”

Callahan also has experience as a boundary corner, but those starting spots will be locked down by Jackson and second-year Asante Samuel Jr.

Staying healthy is key for Callahan, who has played very well when he’s seen the field. He’s landed on injured reserve with an array of lower-body injuries in the past three seasons, including last season when a knee injury robbed him of six games.

In Callahan’s six-year career with the Bears and Broncos, he’s accrued 194 tackles, 29 passes defended, and six interceptions across 66 total games and 45 starts.

Chargers’ Derwin James sits out first day of training camp amid contract negotiations

The Chargers’ star safety did not participate on the first day of training camp.

The Chargers started their training camp on Wednesday.

Nearly every single player participated except for star safety Derwin James, who sat out the session. He was present but did not participate in any of the on-field drills.

James is in the process of negotiating a contract extension as he enters the fifth and final season of his rookie contract. Once official, he is expected to become the highest-paid safety in the NFL.

Afterward, head coach Brandon Staley confirmed that James did not practice because of his contract situation. Staley added that he feels like the two sides are close and said James would be full go once it gets done.

James was limited throughout the offseason program after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder in February.