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Matthew Paras

mparas@washingtontimes.com

Matthew Paras was a digital sports writer for the Washington Times.

Articles by Matthew Paras

New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) watches from the sidelines against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of a preseason NFL football game, Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) **FILE**

Odell Beckham Jr. becomes highest-paid receiver in NFL

Beckham agreed to a five-year, $95 million contract extension Monday with the New York Giants -- making him the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL, according to multiple reports. The deal includes $65 million guaranteed for injury and $41 million fully guaranteed, also a record for the position.

August 27, 2018

FILE - In this Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018 file photo, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke speaks during a town hall meeting in Abilene, Texas. O'Rourke has come under fire from opponent Republican Sen. Ted Cruz for taking money from what Cruz says is a political action committee in violation of O'Rourke's pledge not to take such donations. O'Rourke has consistently outraised Cruz, including announcing a quarterly $10.4 million fundraising haul last month, despite the attention-grabbing vow to ban PAC money from his campaign coffers. (Ronald W. Erdrich/The Abilene Reporter-News via AP, File)

Russell Okung wants to show Beto O’Rourke’s anthem answer to NFL owners

Los Angeles Chargers left tackle Russell Okung has an idea how to connect with NFL owners on the league's national anthem policy -- show them Beto O'Rouke's viral response to being asked if kneeling during the playing of "Star-Spangled Banner" is disrespectful.

August 27, 2018

New England Patriots' Tom Brady (12) watches from the bench with teammates during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, Aug. 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Jason E. Miczek)

Tom Brady hangs up on radio interview

Alex Guerrero remains an out-of-bounds topic for New England Patriots star Tom Brady.

August 27, 2018

Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith (11) stands next to Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden, left, before a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets, Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) **FILE**

Redskins resting starters part of larger preseason debate across NFL

ASHBURN -- The Redskins have taken a cautious approach with playing their starters this preseason, but they are far from the only team to do so.

August 26, 2018

Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith (11) hands off to running back Rob Kelley (20) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets, Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Rob Kelley in flux after Adrian Peterson joins Redskins

As Rob Kelley tried to make a block Friday on the Redskins' kickoff return, he slammed into the body of the opposing Denver Broncos player -- receiving the worse end of the hit.

August 26, 2018

Denver Broncos linebacker Shane Ray (56) sacks Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (12) during the second half of a preseason NFL football game Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) **FILE**

Redskins add quarterback Connor Jessop with Colt McCoy hurting

The Redskins signed quarterback Connor Jessop on Sunday as backup Colt McCoy is dealing with a thumb injury.

August 26, 2018

Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws the ball as he is hit by Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Walker (57) with defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) nearby, during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Redskins critical of performance after Broncos loss

LANDOVER -- D.J. Swearinger initially used one word to describe to the Redskins' 29-17 loss Friday to the Denver Broncos: poor.

August 25, 2018

Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson (26) takes the handoff from Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Adrian Peterson impresses, looks explosive vs Broncos

LANDOVER -- Asked if it felt weird to play in a preseason game, Adrian Peterson smiled.

August 25, 2018

Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith (11) is sacked by Denver Broncos defensive end Adam Gotsis, left, during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Redskins starters flat in loss to Broncos

Adrian Peterson's performance was overshadowed by a flat performance from the Redskins in a loss Friday to the Broncos.

August 24, 2018

Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas warms up before an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Denver. (AP Photo/Mark Reis)

Two Broncos stay in tunnel for anthem before Redskins game

Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas and linebacker Brandon Marshall did not stand on the sideline for the playing of the national anthem at FedEx Field on Friday -- emerging from the tunnel moments afterward.

August 24, 2018

Newly-acquired Denver Broncos safety Su'a Cravens talks to reporters as he is introduced at a news conference Monday, April 2, 2018, at the team's headquarters in Englewood, Colo. Cravens came to the Broncos in a trade with the Washington Redskins. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Mason Foster on Su’a Cravens: ‘He didn’t want to be here’

Linebacker Mason Foster told the Washington Times earlier this week that Cravens didn't handle the decision to step away from the Redskins last season "in a way that he should have."

August 24, 2018

Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson runs with the ball during an NFL football team practice, Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018, in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Redskins-Broncos: how to watch, when, tv

It's go time for the Washington Redskins. Weeks away from the regular season, Friday's game against the Denver Broncos will be the Redskins' best chance to fine-tune things before taking on the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1.

August 24, 2018

Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson runs through a drill during an NFL football team practice, Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018, in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Adrian Peterson excited for Redskins debut, Jay Gruden ‘anxious’

As Adrian Peterson got off the Redskins' team bus Thursday and walked on to the practice field at Joint Base Andrews for an afternoon walkthrough, he was met with the loudest cheer from the service members and fans in attendance.

August 24, 2018

Washington Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) runs through a drill as teammate Morgan Moses (76) watches during the morning session of the Redskins NFL football training camp in Richmond, Va., Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) ** FILE **

Trent Williams to make preseason debut vs. Broncos

Redskins coach Jay Gruden said Thursday left tackle Trent Williams will make his preseason debut Friday against the Denver Broncos, while receivers Maurice Harris, Brian Quick and Cam Sims will be out.

August 23, 2018

FILE - In this Nov. 23, 2003, file photo, Jacksonville Jaguars safety Deke Cooper brings down New York Jets running back Curtis Martin during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Martin wishes the NFL’s new rule that players can’t lead with their helmets existed when he was on the field because he thinks it’ll extend careers and hopes the current generation understands why it’s in place. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File) **FILE**

NFL clarifies portion of controversial helmet rule

The NFL clarified a portion of its controversial helmet rule Wednesday -- potentially altering how the rule will be called in the future.

August 23, 2018

Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson (26) warms up next to running back Kapri Bibbs (35) during an NFL football team practice, Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018, in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) **FILE**

Adrian Peterson adds level of intrigue to Redskins-Broncos

Rob Kelley said he wasn't upset over the Redskins' decision to sign Adrian Peterson earlier this week, a move that might have signaled Washington was eyeing a different starter at the running back position.

August 23, 2018

Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson, left, takes the handoff from quarterback Alex Smith, right, during an NFL football team practice, Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018, in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Alex Smith, Adrian Peterson among 5 players to watch vs. Broncos

The Washington Redskins have treated the lead-up to Friday's game against the Denver Broncos as a normal practice week.

August 23, 2018

Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (86) reaches for a pass during the morning session of NFL football training camp in Richmond, Va., Friday, July 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) **FILE**

Jordan Reed, Chris Thompson won’t play in preseason

Redskins tight end Jordan Reed and running back Chris Thompson won't play Friday when Washington takes on the Denver Broncos at FedEx Field.

August 22, 2018

FILE - In this Monday, Oct. 2, 2017 file photo, Washington Redskins tight end Vernon Davis (85) is chased by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston (50) during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo. Jay Gruden will have what Vernon Davis is having. Marveling at the physical condition of the 33-year-old tight end, the Washington Redskins coach asked Davis what he had for lunch and came away saying, “We should all get on the Vernon Davis diet.” Davis is careful about what he eats, trains his body and his mind and is on pace for one of his better seasons in his 12th year in the NFL. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File) **FILE**

Vernon Davis learned about humility with Broncos

Playing on a Super Bowl winner taught Vernon Davis a lot about humility.

August 22, 2018

Washington Redskins running back Samaje Perine, center, gains yardage against the New England Patriots during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) **FILE**

Samaje Perine returns to practice, out vs. Broncos

Samaje Perine returned to practice Wednesday, almost a week after the running back suffered an ankle injury against the New York Jets.

August 22, 2018