Aaron Hernandez’s Big-Money Contract Is Perfect Fit for Patriots but Could Signal End for Wes Welker

After yet another sensational season with the Patriots, Aaron Hernandez earned his big-money deal. On Monday, he got it. Hernandez scored a five-year, $40 million extension, keeping him in New England until at least 2018. The long-term deal will have both Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski see Tom Brady off into the sunset and likely means the Patriots offense is set to continue with its recent tight end-heavy scheme.
Hernandez likes to make it rain, figuratively, as his go-to touchdown celebration. Now, he has the money to do it for real.

Wilson cracks the “Starting 11” for the second straight week. After yet another spectacular performance, this time a 44-14 romp over the Kansas City Chiefs, Wilson was named the Seahawks starting quarterback for Week 1 of the regular season. So much for Matt Flynn’s role as savior in Seattle. It looks like that was $26 million well spent — am I right?
Either way, it’s one small steps for Russ, one giant leap for undersized quarterbacks everywhere.

Jake Long was forced out of practice Monday afternoon with a knee injury that doesn’t look good for the Dolphins left tackle. Early reports indicate that it’s just a sprained MCL for Long, but just to be clear, that is no joke. Even a sprain will probably keep him out for four to six weeks, and at that point, Ryan Tannehill could well be 6 feet and 4 inches of mush, especially given the shape of that hodgepodge offensive line. So, get well soon, Jake. Lord knows Miami needs you.

Pacman Jones loved to make it rain in the strip clubs, but apparently his former teammate Dez Bryant will never get that opportunity. Bryant has been given some pretty stern marching orders by Jerry Jones and the Cowboys heading into the 2012 season that specifically prohibit attendance at any strip clubs. But even worse than a prima donna wide receiver missing out on a nudie party? Having a babysitter 24/7. Bryant is now being subject to having his own personal “bodyguard,” which sounds to be more of a caretaker than anything. Well, Dez, I hope this teaches you to treat your mom with some more respect and maybe stop dropping so many deep balls.

Another tough week in practice, and an underwhelming performance in his second consecutive preseason action, saw Owens get the axe at Monday’s 75-man roster deadline. It’s been a rough few years for the six-time Pro Bowler. He’s now 38 years old and has already had one knee replacement, not to mention so much off-field baggage. It could finally be quitting time for T.O. Why don’t we hang up the old cleats and get on with your booming reality TV career? Maybe you can buddy up with Jeff Kent and become the next former athlete on “Survivor.”

Arian Foster decided to go vegan this offseason. He also humorously appears in ESPN’s new Monday Night Football ad as well as on the cover of ESPN The Magazine’s fantasy football edition, standing next to a unicorn. Not only is Foster a growing legend among the fantasy football community — he’s going No. 1 overall in nearly every league —  but his quirky yet humble personality is building a solid reputation — as well as his Twitter feed — for the back-to-back 1,200-yard rusher.

Six years ago, VY was the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft. Today, he’s a journeyman backup quarterback that even the Buffalo Bills — yes, those Buffalo Bills — can’t find room for on their roster. Young is still a talented quarterback with a strong arm and quick legs, but now at 29 he’s beginning to teeter on the “old” line. Maybe it’s time for him to become a more accurate passer so teams will stop giving him the pass sign. I’m not sure exactly what that looks like, but I picture something like this.

Stafford finally broke out of his oft-injured shell in 2011, throwing for more than 5,000 yards and becoming the elite passer he was thought to be when drafted first overall in 2009. But Calvin Johnson’s slinging partner is back on the shelf after popping a blood vessel in his non-throwing hand. Seriously, does anyone have worse luck than this guy? He’s entering his fourth season and has yet another injury. Luckily this one shouldn’t keep him from the season opener, but it’s definitely something to keep an eye on as the season moves forward.

Two preseason starts amounted to two interceptions and no touchdowns for Peyton Manning. Maybe the fears were coming true and Manning just would never be the same quarterback. Or maybe it’s just the preseason. Manning threw two touchdowns in the Broncos’ third preseason tuneup, and for his three exhibitions, he’s an impressive 30-for-42 for 343 yards. It looks like the four-time MVP is back and ready to lead the Broncos to what he hopes is a playoff berth and so much more. I’m skeptical, but for the time being, an extended golf clap should suffice.

Hunter was finally relieved of his yearlong scrutiny on Monday night, and that’s the reason the Jets logo appears to the left here. After allowing the third most sacks (11) in the leagues in 2011, Hunter was bashed time and again by the New York media for his lack of protection for Mark Sanchez. This preseason the right tackle has already allowed 2 1/2 sacks and looks lost once again. Rex Ryan finally swapped the struggling lineman for another underachiever in the Rams Jason Smith. Luckily for Hunter, he’s at least getting a fresh start in a new city without the unrealistic expectations that come with being a New York Jet.