NFL

Did the Dallas Cowboys overpay for Dak Prescott???

Perhaps ... but that's OK, according to Drew Pearson -- who tells TMZ Sports his former team should be happy with re-signing their star quarterback regardless!!

"Maybe he's not worth maybe 40 million dollars a season," the Dallas Cowboys legend said. "But, that's the market. That's the value."

Pearson added, "It's good for everybody."

27-year-old Dak ended a 2-year-long dispute with the Cowboys earlier this week by signing a 4-year contract worth up to $164 MILLION.

The deal pays him more than just about every single player in the NFL -- but Pearson insists that while the price tag is steep ... it's fine!

"It's a great deal for the Cowboys because they got the quarterback for the future that they want," Pearson said.

"And, it's a great deal for Dak because he got the years he wanted on the contract, he got the money he wanted on the contract and he's still remaining the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys. So it's all good all around."

Pearson understands the Cowboys will now have an issue signing free agents and other players because of Dak's salary cap number ... but he's confident his old squad will figure it all out.

As for Drew's offseason, he's been enjoying his about as much as Dak ... the ex-receiver FINALLY earned the call to be inducted into the Hall of Fame -- and it ain't hard to tell he's PUMPED about it.

"I've kind of been walking a little different with a little more pimp in my step and all that kind of stuff," Pearson said. "So, maybe that's how Hall of Famers are supposed to act but it's a tremendous feeling. A feeling of accomplishment."

Pearson added, "I reached the peak of success in my career by going into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. So, if they want to kick dirt on me now, go ahead and kick it on me! I'm good!"

NFL prospect Trey Lance has a ROCKET for an arm -- and he put it on full display at his NFL pro day Friday ... where he threw a PERFECT 50-yard laser right on target.

Check out the video ... it's BEAUTIFUL!!!

Yeah, we know ... no live NFL defense trying to take his head off -- but still, the arm strength and accuracy look GOOOOOOOD.

The 20-year-old QB out of North Dakota State is trying to show NFL teams why he should be a surefire 1st round draft pick ... and he's got a solid resume to make his case.

In 2019, Lance completed 67% of his passes, threw 28 touchdowns with ZERO interceptions, while rushing for 1,110 yards ... leading his team to an undefeated record and FCS national championship.

You may not have heard much about him in 2020 ... 'cause the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out all of NDSU's season.

30 of the 32 NFL teams sent reps to Lance's pro day on Friday -- and the dude didn't disappoint.

You can audibly hear the "ooohs" and "ahhhs" that came out after that 50-yard DIME -- easily his most impressive throw of the workout.

But, the rest of the session was solid, too -- Lance threw dart after dart while reps for teams like the Jets, Falcons, Panthers, Lions and the Washington Football Team watched from the sidelines.

Tom Brady's battle with Father Time can now continue at least 2 more years ... he just agreed to an extension with the Bucs that locks him into Tampa through the 2022 season!

The G.O.A.T. just made the deal Friday morning, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported, agreeing to sign a new 4-year extension that will ultimately become a one-year extension due to voidable years on the contract.

Unclear the dollar amount Tom will get with the new deal ... but he signed a 2-year, $50 MILLION contract with the Bucs before the 2020 season began -- so safe to say it'll be somewhere in the ballpark of another $25 mil per season.

Of course, the new agreement means Tom is officially signed on to play until he's 45-years-old -- an age he's aspired to play to for a long time.

In fact, since things are going so well (you might have heard he won his SEVENTH Super Bowl ring last month) ... Tom said in February playing PAST that age is something he'll "consider."

Tom lit it up in his first year with Tampa ... throwing for 4,633 yards and 40 touchdowns.

He initially had just one year left on his contract before Friday's agreement to extend.

At this point, the conversation becomes ... WILL TOM PLAY UNTIL HE'S 50?!!?!

Cam Newton's time in New England ain't over yet ... the QB is finalizing a deal to return to the Patriots -- and the new contract could reportedly be worth nearly $14 MIL for 1 year!!

The surprising re-signing is expected to come later this month, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter ... with the dollar amount a staggering figure considering Cam's up-and-down 2020 season.

Newton joined the Pats last summer on a 1-year contract -- his base salary was just $1 million with millions in incentives, but unclear how much he ultimately pocketed from the deal.

And, despite a good opening stretch of games, the 31-year-old finished the season with just 8 TD passes and 10 interceptions.

The year was so rocky for Newton -- who battled a mid-season bout with COVID and ultimately went 7-8 as the team's starter -- most thought the Patriots would move on this offseason.

Clearly, though, the Pats saw enough from Cam to want him back ... and the big money suggests he'll be their starter in 2021.

Of course, the news has to be music to Newton's ears ... the former MVP has spoken VERY highly of his time in New England.

In fact, Cam recently called Bill Belichick "misunderstood" and "dope as s***" on a recent edition of the "I AM ATHLETE" podcast.

By the way, if you're wondering what kind of shape Cam is in this offseason ... it's pretty good -- check out the dude's moves at a roller rink in Atlanta last month.

First, J.J. Watt ... next, Dez Bryant?!

If Dez had it his way, that's exactly the way things would go down in Arizona this offseason ... 'cause the former Cowboys superstar tells TMZ Sports he wants to follow in Watt's free agent footsteps and be a Cardinal in 2021!

"I think that would be dope being next to my boy D Hop [Deandre Hopkins], Christian Kirk, Kyler Murray," Bryant told us out in Beverly Hills on Thursday.

"I think they have a dope offense. I feel like they got a dope defense. I think they got a dope coach ... If I had to choose, yeah, if that opportunity presented itself, I think I would take it."

It's unclear if Arizona has any interest in signing Bryant ... the receiver will turn 33 years old in November -- and the Cards are already loaded at wideout, especially if Larry Fitzgerald returns.

But, Dez -- who came back from a two-year hiatus to play well and score two TDs for the Baltimore Ravens last season -- says he thinks he could thrive for the Cards in a #2 or #3 role.

"I feel like if you gonna play me one-on-one," Dez said, "I'ma win."

If Arizona doesn't work out ... Dez said he'd be more than open to re-signing with his former Cowboys squad, telling us he LOVES what Dallas did with Dak Prescott's new contract.

"I'll tell you this," Dez said, "if it was possible, of course I'd be open to it if it was possible."

Here's further proof NOBODY in the NFL is having more fun right now than Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady ...

Coming off their Super Bowl win (and the endless stream of ensuing partying) ... Gronk decided to play around with TB12 with an epic FaceTime prank -- and it's hilarious!!

Check out video Rob posted Thursday ... the 31-year-old tight end called up Brady, just to immediately tell him that he's "busy right now" and needs to call him later.

"Did I call you!?" Brady asked with a perplexed look on his face.

Keeping the gag alive, Gronk went back and forth with Brady about who called whom … until Brady finally gave in -- "Alright," the QB said, "I did call you.”

When the jig was finally up, Robby G let Touchdown Tommy in on the prank ... and the 43-year-old QB couldn't help but laugh and slap himself on the forehead!!!

Gronk then found another person to prank ... his dad!!!

It’s unclear who had a better grasp on the tech between Papa Gronk and Brady, but it sure looked like Rob got them both pretty good.

FYI -- the fun video is the latest edition of the #imbusyrightnow challenge -- a social media trend where celebs and people alike call their friends/family members, and immediately tell them they are going to have to call them back.

Pranksters have ranged from NBA legends like Kenny Smith and Shaq to the Kardashians, and the list of victims varies even more.

Newly crowned Super Bowl champ Jaydon Mickens is in trouble with the law ... TMZ Sports has confirmed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers player was arrested last week in Los Angeles.

Law enforcement tells us the 26-year-old -- a Bucs receiver and return specialist -- was pulled over on March 5 after cops say his window tint was too dark.

During the stop, we're told officers found a gun inside the car -- NOT on his person -- and arrested him over it.

Mickens was booked on a felony concealed weapon charge. We're told the LAPD later informed the NFL of the arrest.

The Bucs issued a statement saying they are "aware of the issue regarding Jaydon that occurred in Los Angeles last week."

"He reached out to let us know about the situation soon after it happened and we have been in contact with the league office to ensure they were aware."

"We will continue to monitor the situation but will have no further comment at this time."

Mickens played in Tampa's championship win over the K.C. Chiefs last month ... taking back three kickoffs for an average of 25 yards a pop.

The 4-year NFL veteran was signed by the Bucs back in the 2019 season ... and has served as a key special teamer since.

He caught 7 passes for 58 yards this past season.

Aaron Rodgers is a pretty solid teammate when it comes to doggy duty -- check out the NFL star braving the freezing cold to take his fiancee's German Shepherd for a walk!

The Green Bay Packers QB is out in Montreal, Canada where his actress GF Shailene Woodley has been shooting the cop thriller "Misanthrope."

The weather has dipped into the 20s this week in Montreal -- but Aaron doesn't care ... the guys plays in the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field!!!

So, strap on a jacket and a beanie ... easy work!!

The dog doesn't seem to mind the cold either -- check out the adorable canine on a walk with Shailene just a few weeks ago!

As we previously reported, 37-year-old Aaron announced his engagement to the 29-year-old actress back in February after winning the NFL's MVP award for the 2020 season.

He's been gushing about his relationship with Woodley ever since -- and said he's even looking forward to having a kid with her at some point.

"There was a time that I played a game with a guy that was drunk in the huddle."

That's ex-NFL quarterback Jon Kitna claiming a WR for the Cincinnati Bengals was hammered during a game ... and still managed to rack up nearly 200 yards receiving.

Kitna spelled out the situation while appearing on the "The Ryen Russillo Podcast" earlier this week ... describing an unnamed Bengals teammate who was clearly struggling with alcohol.

"He was drunk and had close to 200 yards receiving now. So, it was crazy."

Kitna -- who played for the Bengals from 2001 to 2005 -- didn't reveal WHEN the incident took place ... but suggested the boozy game was not uncommon for that particular player.

"That was kind of his normal."

In the past few years, several prominent NFL players have admitted to drinking alcohol before taking the field ... with Clinton Portis saying he used liquor as a form of pain management.

Dak Prescott says he's healthy and ready to ball out for the Dallas Cowboys in 2021 ... and thanked Alex Smith for giving him hope after suffering his gruesome ankle injury.

The 27-year-old QB was all smiles at his big contract signing event with Jerry Jones on Wednesday -- and for good reason, he just signed a 4-year deal worth up to $164 million!!!

But, the big question on everyone's mind ... will Dak be 100% when he takes the field in September after that horrific compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle he suffered during the 2020 season???

The short answer ... Dak says he'll be good to go!

"I thought about jogging out here, jumping up on the stage," Dak joked ... "I don't know if y'all ready for that but I'm healthy."

Dak wouldn't say if he's 100% recovered at this point -- but noted, "I'll be ready when it matters."

That's when Dak acknowledged the role Alex Smith played in his recovery -- saying the QB provided hope and inspiration as he worked his way back.

"I have to thank, honestly, Alex Smith because at that moment when you're sitting there with an injury like that or you come out of surgery, to see somebody who's already done it and did it actually in worse circumstances ... that allowed my mind to go straight to, 'Hey I can do this. I'm gonna beat this! It's just a matter of time.'"

Smith's story is well documented -- he also suffered a nasty compound fracture during the 2018 season and the injury was so bad, doctors came very close to amputating his right leg above the knee.

But, after 17 surgeries and hundreds of hours of rehab, Alex returned to the field in 2020 ... and was named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year after an impressive season with the Washington Football Team.

As for Dak, he's setting big goals for himself -- telling media the plan is to win a Super Bowl so they can get have that long-awaited parade in Dallas.

NFL star Malcolm Butler -- the hero of Super Bowl XLIX -- says he's not ready to call it a career after being released by the Tennessee Titans.

The 31-year-old cornerback had signed with the Titans in 2018 following a weird, mysterious breakup with the New England Patriots. Butler ultimately inked a 5-year, $61 million contract with $30 mil in guaranteed money.

But, on Tuesday, the Titans informed Butler they would be moving on without him ... and Malcolm handled the move with class, thanking the organization and making it clear he intends to continue his NFL career elsewhere.

"I want to thank the Tennessee Titans, Ms. Adams, John Robinson, Coach Vrabel & the Coaching staff for giving me an opportunity after I left the New England Patriots in free agency in 2018."

"I also want to thank the Tennessee Titan fans who supported me from the beginning, and through my return from my injury last year to have my best season as a Titan this year."

As Butler points out, he led the Titans in interceptions and pass break-ups in 2020.

"I still feel I have a lot of gas left in the tank, and look forward to helping another team make it to the Super Bowl," Butler added.

"After going to 3 Super Bowls in my first 4 years in the league I know what it's like to play at a high level and help a team win it all."

"I will continue to give 100% on and off the field wherever I play next year."

Butler became an overnight celebrity when he intercepted Russell Wilson in the final seconds of Super Bowl 49 back in 2015 ... sealing the victory for the Patriots.

Tom Brady was named MVP of the game -- but everyone knows that specific play was the difference-maker.

Butler's relationship with the Pats seemed to sour at the end of the 2017 season when Bill Belichick chose to bench Malcolm for Super Bowl LII in January 2018 for unspecified issues.

Melvin Gordon pleaded guilty to a reckless driving charge Wednesday -- stemming from a DUI arrest back in October, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

The 27-year-old running back was initially arrested for drunk driving and speeding during an Oct. 13 incident in Denver.

But prosecutors have formally dropped the two DUI charges against Gordon, who ultimately pled guilty to a lesser charge of reckless driving.

A rep for Gordon tells TMZ Sports the DUI charges were dropped due to "a lack of evidence."

A Denver County court official tells us Gordon appeared before a judge via a video conference call on Wednesday to close out the case.

Per the official, Gordon agreed to pay a $478.50 fine and to complete 12 hours of community service.

The Denver Broncos running back was facing jail time after investigators had initially said he was driving drunk and speeding late at night on Oct. 13, 2020.

In police documents, cops claimed Gordon was clocked doing 71 MPH in a 35 MPH zone ... and reeked of booze during ensuing questioning.

Cops also said Melvin had slurred speech, watery eyes and trouble maintaining his balance.

The only thing Tom Brady might hate more than losing ... BANANA TIPS!!

The 43-year-old NFL superstar was showing off his smoothie skills on TikTok when it came time to add the ingredients.

Blueberries. Protein powder. Pumpkin seeds. Banana.

Great, sounds delicious and healthy. No surprise there.

But, when TB12 prepped the banana for the blender, he ripped off both ends of the fruit like a psychopath -- and declared that he won't eat banana tips!

So, are we ALL off banana tips now?

Look, Tom's got some weird eating habits (avocado ice cream, anyone?) ... but his diet seems to be effective. You know anyone else winning Super Bowls at 43?

Rob Gronkowski will not be riding off into the sunset after his latest Super Bowl win ... the future Hall of Famer tells TMZ Sports he's FOR SURE coming back to Tampa next season.

"I'm back, man!" Gronk says ... "I will be back playing football, man. I love the game of football. I loved playing last year. I had a great time."

In fact, Rob tells us training for 2021 has already begun ... the tight end says he took three weeks off after the Super Bowl, but he just got in 4 straight workouts to begin season prep this week.

"Let me tell you, I was a little bit sore first day of training but it bounced back like that," Gronk says. "I'm feeling good."

The words are music to the Buccaneers' ears ... there had to be at least SOME worry Gronk might hang up his spikes this offseason.

You'll recall, he retired abruptly in March 2019 ... saying his passion for the game just wasn't there.

LeBron James -- future basketball Hall of Famer AND NFL All-Pro receiver???

Greg Olsen says with 1 year of coaching, he could make that happen ... explaining he could do the same for Russell Westbrook as well!!!

The 3-time NFL Pro Bowl tight end joined Colin Cowherd on "The Colin Cowherd Podcast" on Monday ... and broke down how he could turn the NBA players into NFL stars in just 12 months.

"If I could coach LeBron James for one year, I could make him an All-Pro wide receiver," Olsen said. "There's no question in my mind."

Olsen added, "I could turn Russell Westbrook into an All-Pro free safety."

Don't get it twisted ... Olsen wasn't trying to brag about his coaching skills -- he just told Cowherd the NBA players are just that damn talented.

"There's a handful of those guys that could make the transition just because they are so unique," Olsen said. "But there's few and far between those guys."

LeBron's successes as a football player are well-documented ... he was a BALLER in high school before he switched to hoops full-time.

In fact, the Lakers superstar once said the Dallas Cowboys actually offered him a contract after he started training for football back in 2011!!

NFL MVP ... engagement to stunning actress ... and, next, fatherhood?!?

Aaron Rodgers says that's the plan ... with the Green Bay Packers superstar saying he's eyeing having a baby now that he's engaged to Shailene Woodley.

The quarterback made the revelation during a chat with Zenith Watches last week ... saying fatherhood is the next life goal he'd like to reach.

"I just think it'd be so fun," Rodgers said of being a dad. "I've dreamt about what that would be like and I'm really excited about that chapter whenever that comes."

37-year-old Rodgers says he's not sure exactly when he'd like to head down that road -- he explained it might not be in the "immediate future" -- but he added he's still pumped about the idea regardless.

"I've done a pretty good job taking care of myself for the last 37 years," Rodgers said. "I look forward to taking care of another life at some point too."

As we previously reported, Rodgers announced his engagement in February after he won the NFL's MVP award.

Woodley confirmed the news a few weeks later and raved about the QB in an interview with Jimmy Fallon, playfully calling the QB a "nerd."