NFL Notes: Thursday 07/08 - lug nuts

• The Cleveland Browns may have finally broken the 'Cleveland Browns curse' last season, getting their first playoff win since I was a small child. People also forget that they played the Kansas City Chiefs pretty hard in the Divisional Round as well. Quarterback Baker Mayfield says the team is aware of the expectations they have in 2021 while managing three tough divisional opponents.

#Browns QB Baker Mayfield spoke on The Match broadcast about the teams chemistry and expectations this season: pic.twitter.com/8aRqb5iVWC

— Baillie Burmaster (@bayburmTV) July 7, 2021

• Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is partnering with USA Football to host youth football coaching clinics over the summer. "Smart coaching can make a lasting and positive impact on kids and their sports development," Mahomes said in a statement.

• Long story short: Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie corner Cameron Kinley was given permission to delay his Navy commission to attend Bucs camp and potentially play football this season, should he make the team. General Manager Jason Licht released a statement on Tuesday stating that he's appreciative of the Pentagon to allow Kinley "a chance to earn a spot on our roster."

See you at training camp, @ck3thethrill pic.twitter.com/r2tNQ6ckBr

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) July 7, 2021

• Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is due for a contract extension soon, and based on his play, it should be a big one. Allen is guaranteed to stick around through the 2022 season since the team picked up his fifth-year option. Beyond that? Head coach Sean McDermott said those things will work themselves out. "They work themselves out when you've got two parties that want to be together and have the same end goal in mind."

• The Pittsburgh Steelers released cornerback Steven Nelson earlier this year. Now he's being recruited to the other Pennsylvania team (the Philadelphia Eagles, for those following along) by none other than Darius Slay​. ​

It could all be so simple my man #Nelsonisland

— Steve Nelson (@Nelson_Island) July 6, 2021

• Before things went south for the 2020 Philadelphia Eagles, they drafted quarterback Jalen Hurts, which probably had a lot to do with the plummeting of Carson Wentz's confidence. Former head coach Doug Pederson clarified that that was not their intention. Wentz will get to prove that he can full it back together with the Indianapolis Colts​ in 2021. ​

Former #Eagles Head Coach Doug Pederson discussed last season, Carson Wentz and Jalen Hurts, and how he reflects on his time in Philadelphia.

Take a listen to what he told us recently...

⬇️AUDIO⬇️ | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/wLZRkH9bFK

— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) July 7, 2021

• With training camp looming at the end of the month, the number of players who are getting vaccinated is rising. NFL Media reports that 68 percent of NFL players have received at least one shot. I thought that number would be slightly higher due to the strict guidelines that players will have to follow if they chose not to get vaccinated, but it's better than below half. Right?

Vaccination update 20 days before most NFL teams report to camp:

- Five teams have 85%+ of players with at least one shot

- 68% of players league-wide with at least one shot (national rate is 67.1%, and 53% among men 18-39)

- Virtually all Tier 1 and 2 personnel are vaccinated

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 7, 2021

• Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock had a near-death experience on Wednesday as a lug nut hit his windshield while driving, shattering it. I would typically make a joke here (that's nuts, perhaps), but that could have ended badly.

Safe travels the rest of your way across Kansas @DrewLock23 □

Crazy having a (lug-nut) fly across the median striking your windshield and nearly go through it!

Glad your #seatbelt was fastened. □

Have a safe season now and into the future. #ServiceCourtesyProtection □□ pic.twitter.com/DXDLon2l0Y

— Trooper Ben (@TrooperBenKHP) July 7, 2021