2014 July - Pro Football Rumors

NFC West Links: Lynch, Fitzgerald, Hunter

July 25th, 2014 at 9:45pm CST by Ben Levine

It’s hard to imagine a head coach being in a good mood when their star player decides to hold out, and Pete Carroll certainly confirms that notion. The Super Bowl-winning coach was asked about Marshawn Lynch‘s decision to skip Seahawks training camp and gave an honest (albeit snarky) answer.

“It’s a contract for a reason. We made a decision and it was signed, by us and by them,” Carroll told USA Today Sports’ Tom Pelissero. “We expect them to honor their contract just as we will. We’re going to honor it and we expect them to do the same.

“We’ve had a big plan for a long time working here, and Marshawn is a huge part of that plan, and we made a huge commitment to him a couple years ago. He remains a big part of that plan – if he’ll show up. The same thing will carry over to Doug (Baldwin) and Richard (Sherman) and Earl (Thomas) and Kam (Chancellor) and all of the guys that have signed with us.

“He’s got his own mind on this. We’ve communicated quite a bit, and I know where he is on it and we just have to see what happens.”

Lynch originally signed a four-year, $30MM deal in 2012 and the contract’s average annual value is among the top-six in the league.

Now, for some more NFC West notes…

In a series of tweets, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen suggests that Lynch could lose a portion of his signing bonus if he misses the first six days of camp. If the Seahawks star decides to miss the first 11 games and the preseason opener, Mortensen estimates Lynch could give up more than $624K (based on CBA’s $30K daily fine and $294K penalty for missed preseason game).
Cardinals team president Michael Bidwell was clear that he wants franchise receiver Larry Fitzgerald to spend the rest of his career in Arizona. “Our intent all along is to have Larry retire as an Arizona Cardinal,” he said (via AZCentral.com). “He’s been a great player on the field, a great person in the community, and a great ambassador not only for the Cardinals and the National Football League but also for the state of Arizona. We’ve worked hard to keep him a Cardinal, we’re going to keep him a Cardinal, and we intend to have him retire as a Cardinal.”
49ers running back Kendall Hunter was hurt during practice today, and ESPN’s Ed Werder tweets that the organization is “concerned” about the injury. The source indicated that the seriousness of the injury wasn’t known but the team “didn’t like way it looked.” If the injury proves to be serious, LaMichael James‘ chances of making the roster will certainly improve.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

NFC Notes: English, Beckham Jr., Redskins, Vikings

July 25th, 2014 at 9:04pm CST by Ben Levine

Selected in the second round of the 2010 draft, linebacker Pat Angerer made an immediate impact on the Colts defense. It seemed like the Iowa product would have a successful NFL career, but injuries derailed his plans. In December, Angerer underwent microfracture surgery, a procedure seen in the NBA but rarely in the NFL.

Less than a year later, the 27-year-old is playing with the Falcons, competing for a roster spot. Even if he doesn’t ultimately make the squad, Angerer is still thrilled with the opportunity to even play football again.

“It was about 50-50 but more like 20 percent chance of coming back (with) the way my knee was,” Angerer told Michael Cunningham of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It was pretty beat up. To come back and to even be on the field, that’s a pretty big accomplishment and something I’m really proud of. I’m looking forward to taking advantage of the opportunity.”

The player is also optimistic about his surgically-repaired knee.

“You definitely see the durability,” he said. “It feels better than it did the last two years. Today it felt good. This is the first time I’ve played football since December. Definitely rusty, got to get a little bit more strength in there, but I feel decent.”

Let’s see what else is going on around the NFC…

The Cowboys are taking a look at former first-rounder Larry English, a source told Rainer Sabin of The Dallas Morning News. The linebacker was cut by the Chargers earlier this week.
There is no word on when rookie Odell Beckham Jr. and his injured hamstring will be allowed to practice. As a result, ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano writes that the Giants are “frustrated that their first-round pick is not on the field.”
The first day of the Redskins‘ kicker competition was a “draw,” writes ESPN.com’s John Keim. Rookie Zach Hocker had longer kickoffs than Kai Forbath, but the two were perfect on their field goal attempts.
Wide receiver Adam Thielen was on the Vikings practice squad last season and may be in line for a larger role in 2014. “He works his rear end off, he runs his routes real hard, he catches the ball good,” coach Mike Zimmer told ESPN.com’s Ben Goessling. “He’s got an opportunity to make this football team.”

AFC East Links: Babin, Bills, Gronk, Dolphins

July 25th, 2014 at 8:10pm CST by Ben Levine

The Jets inked Jason Babin to a two-year deal on Wednesday, but the veteran defensive end wasn’t around the team’s facilities until the next day. So what was with the delay? ESPNNewYork.com’s Jane McManus found out…

“It was probably more my fault in signing,” Babin said. “I had to clean up some things back home.”

General manager John Idzik also addressed the delay…

“We just wanted to make sure it was right from both ends, to bring Jason in, get a nice full day so he can gain a feel for us our staff, our approach, and talk it through for a day,” Idzik said. “And sometimes it’s good for the player to go home, stew on it, talk to his family back in Jacksonville, and then if it’s a fit then you go forward and that’s what happened.”

With Babin now at practice, everyone is happy. That includes Rex Ryan, who likes what he’s seen from Babin…

“I think the first things that jumps out about Babin is the production he has as a pass-rusher,” Ryan said. “[He] has a relentless motor, so that part of it we’re excited about. The way he’ll fit in with the guys we already have is going to give us great depth. We brought him in to play.”

Let’s check out some more notes from the AFC East…

There has been “no movement” towards a new deal for Jets defensive Muhammad Wilkerson, writes CBSSports.com Jason La Canfora. Still, an extension isn’t on the former first-rounder’s mind. “I don’t worry about it,” he said. “That’s what I have an agent for. I let him handle the business side of it and I just try to focus on being a leader of this team and try to better myself as a player.”
It’s not often that you’ll hear a coach gush about a seventh-round pick. However, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets that Bills offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson has really impressed, with one coach saying that “he can be special.”
Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski told reporters that he may have been cleared medically, but he is still not 100 percent. Nonetheless, ESPNBoston.com’s Mike Reiss writes that Gronk isn’t intending on changing his playing style, with the tight end saying that he’ll “keep smashing and dashing.”
Even though the Dolphins could be playing without Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey for half the season, his teammates aren’t too worried. As ESPN.com’s James Walker writes, Pouncey’s probable replacement, Shelley Smith, is confident in his teammates’ talent. “I think we have a lot of potential and we’ve got a good group of guys in the room,” Smith said “We have a good coaching staff and I feel like we’re working our butts off to fulfill our potential.”

Bears Sign Dylan Gandy

July 25th, 2014 at 7:11pm CST by Ben Levine

The Bears have signed veteran offensive lineman Dylan Gandy to a one-year deal, the team announced on Twitter. The team also waived rookie defensive end Jamil Merrell. We heard last week that the team was trying out some offensive lineman, and Kyle Long‘s absence from camp may have convinced the team to add some depth.

The nine-year veteran has bounced around since being selected by the Colts in the fourth round of the 2005 draft. He won a Super Bowl with Indianapolis in 2007, played for the Broncos and Raiders in 2008 and was with the Lions for the past five season. The 32-year-old has played in 120 career games with 19 starts. He’s appeared in at least 15 games each season since joining the Lions in 2009.

Gandy has played center and both guard positions during his career, but his impact with the Lions came on special teams. Gandy was one of seven players on last year’s squad (excluding the kicker and punter) to have a positive special teams rating, per Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required).

Merrell was signed by the Bears in June after lasting a week on the Titans’ roster in May.

Minor Moves: Pats, 49ers, Titans, Panthers

July 25th, 2014 at 6:46pm CST by Luke Adams

Here are a few of today’s minor transactions from around the NFL:

The Rams have added defensive end Kourtnei Brown, reports Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (via Twitter). Brown will replace wideout Jamaine Sherman, who was waived/injured.
Just five days after signing him, the Patriots have parted ways with tight end Nate Byham, per Brian McIntyre (Twitter link).
After having been waived by the Redskins earlier this week, long snapper Kyle Nelson has caught on with the 49ers, tweets Jayson Braddock of RotoExperts.com.
The Titans have cut tight end Adam Schiltz and used the newly-freed roster spot to sign guard Kevin Danser, according to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean (via Twitter).
The Panthers have waived UDFA defensive tackle Shaq Rowell, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.

Earlier updates:

Armed with an open roster spot, the Cardinals have signed former Utah wideout Reggie Dunn, making him their 90th man, tweets Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com. Dunn went undrafted in 2013, but spent some time on the Packers’ practice squad last season.
A pair of wide receivers signed contracts with the Vikings today, with Andy Cruse and Ty Walker coming aboard, according to a team release. To make room for the new additions, the Vikings have cut former Browns wideout Josh Cooper and tackle Matt Hall.
The Bills have signed cornerback Bobby Felder and waived defensive tackle Colby Way, the club announced today in a press release. Felder has spent time on the practice squads of the Vikings and Buccaneers.

AFC Notes: Bengals, Ballard, Manziel, Raiders

July 25th, 2014 at 5:56pm CST by Ben Levine

Linebacker J.K. Schaffer played in nine games for the Bengals in 2013, making most of his impact on special teams. However, the former undrafted rookie understands that a roster spot is not guaranteed, and he explained to Bill Koch of Cincinnati.com that the situation isn’t too different from last year…

“The only difference now is that I’ve done it,” Schaffer said. “I’ve been there. I’ve played in games, so that’s a good feeling, knowing that I’m not just trying to get to the point where I do play in a game.

“With this league, you’ve always got to fight to keep your job no matter who you are.”

Schaffer would be vying for the third middle linebacker spot behind Rey Maualuga and Vincent Rey and will likely be competing with fellow special team’s ace Jayson DiManche.

Let’s check out some more notes from the AFC…

Colts running back Vick Ballard was carted off the field this afternoon, and sources tell ESPN’s Chris Mortensen that the player has a torn ACL (via Twitter). Ballard missed last season with the same injury.
Johnny Manziel‘s off-the-field antics have “alarmed” some within the Browns organization, reports Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. The writer notes that some feel that the rookie quarterback has “lost ground” to Brian Hoyer heading into camp.
Meanwhile, Browns head coach Mike Pettine said that Manziel came to camp “focused” and called the quarterback competition “open,” tweets the Akron Beacon Journal’s Nate Ulrich.
Projected starting cornerback D.J. Hayden is still recovering from foot surgery and could miss several more weeks, but Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie explains to Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle that his club doesn’t “want to push the panic button yet” and sign another corner.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

Poll: Who Will Win The NFC East?

July 25th, 2014 at 4:59pm CST by Luke Adams

As is the case with most other divisions around the NFL, the team that wore the crown a year ago heads into the 2014 season as the favorite to do so again — last year, the 10-6 Eagles beat out the Cowboys and Giants for the NFC East division title, and Philadelphia is the frontrunner to take the division this year as well.

Few other divisions in football have been as balanced over the last decade than the NFC East, however. Within the last five seasons, all four teams have finished atop the East at least once, and in the last seven years, no club has won the division more than twice. While the Eagles, even without DeSean Jackson, are favored in 2014, their three challengers all have solid rosters, and could topple Philadelphia if things break right.

Last year’s runner-up – Dallas – has finished with an 8-8 record for three straight seasons, and the pressure will be on this season to improve upon that mark. The club had limited cap flexibility to make offseason upgrades, but made several signings on the defensive line, and added Zack Martin to a talented offensive line that already features multiple stars. There are question marks at a few areas on the field, particularly on the defensive side, where linebacker Sean Lee will miss the season. But the Cowboys have some upside.

So too do the Giants, who got off to a horrendous start in 2013 and couldn’t make it back to .500, as Eli Manning set a new career high in interceptions (27). With a new offensive coordinator and scheme in place, there’s optimism that Manning can limit the turnovers. And while there were plenty of veteran departures, the team was active in free agency adding replacements, including cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, running back Rashad Jennings, and guard Geoff Schwartz.

As for the Redskins, a 3-13 team a year ago, they aren’t viewed as a consensus cellar-dweller. Betting site Bovada.lv gives Washington 4:1 odds to win the East, just behind the Cowboys and Giants, and a healthy Robert Griffin III should singlehandedly boost the team’s win total. With receiving playmakers DeSean Jackson and Andre Roberts added to the mix, and a new coach and offensive coordinator on board, the Redskins’ offense could once again look like the exciting, dangerous unit we saw two years ago, during Griffin’s rookie season.

What do you think? Do any of last year’s non-playoff teams have the talent to take down the Eagles, or will Philadelphia become the NFC East’s first repeat division champion since 2004?

Previously:
Who will win the AFC North?
Who will win the AFC West?
Who will win the AFC South?
Who will win the AFC East?
Who will win the NFC North?
Who will win the NFC West?

Raiders Release Kevin Burnett

July 25th, 2014 at 3:55pm CST by Zachary Links

FRIDAY, 3:55pm: The Raiders have officially cut Burnett with a failed physical designation, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.

THURSDAY, 3:07pm: The Raiders are set to release linebacker Kevin Burnett, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The veteran, who some projected would be a victim of a numbers crunch on the roster anyway, was not cleared medically.

Burnett started all 16 games for the Raiders last season, spending time at both Sam and Will linebacker. However, after the Raiders tabbed Buffalo’s Khalil Mack with the fifth overall pick, Burnett’s role with the club was unclear for 2014. The 31-year-old recorded 83 tackles and 2.5 sacks with an interception and four pass deflections last season. Prior to hooking on with the Raiders, Burnett spent four years with the Cowboys, two seasons with the Chargers, and two years with the Dolphins. Burnett has started a total of 64 NFL games across the last four seasons.

By releasing Burnett, the Raiders will save $3.375MM in cash and cap space.

Drew Brees Wants To Play 10 More Seasons

July 25th, 2014 at 3:27pm CST by Luke Adams

Drew Brees turned 35 in January, and is entering his 14th NFL season this fall, but in his view, his career is far from winding down. As Albert Breer of the NFL Network details, Brees told the media today that he’d like to play to age 45, pointing to contemporaries like Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady to prove that maintaining a high level of production into one’s late-30s and early-40s is possible for quarterbacks.

“I’m not getting ahead myself, like it’s a pipe dream, at 45,” Brees said. “I understand the challenges that come along with that. But why not? If I can stay healthy, and I’m having fun and playing at a high level, why wouldn’t I wanna do that? The biggest challenge is physically, the maintenance, the recovery, the way you train. You gotta hope that you stay healthy, but why not?”

While playing at a high level until he’s 45 may be overly optimistic, Brees hasn’t showed any signs of slowing in recent seasons. In 2013, he topped 5,100 passing yards for the third straight year, tossing 39 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions. With Jimmy Graham now under contract, and rookie receiver Brandin Cooks added to the mix, the eight-time Pro Bowler looks poised for another big year in 2014.

Brees also isn’t the only veteran quarterback who has expressed optimism about playing into his 40s. Manning, 38, is coming off a record-setting season, and hasn’t given any indication that this will be his last year. Meanwhile, Brady hinted earlier today that he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of playing beyond his current contract, which runs through his age-40 season.

Andre Johnson Wants To Finish Career With Texans

July 25th, 2014 at 3:20pm CST by Luke Adams

3:20pm: Among the topics Johnson discussed with the Texans’ brass before he reported to camp was the possibility of a job with the franchise after he retires, says Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). According to Rapoport, that idea is very appealing to Johnson.

11:33am: It wasn’t long ago that reports were suggesting Andre Johnson had asked the Texans to trade him, but the veteran wideout’s tune had certainly changed when he spoke to reporters in Houston today. After reporting to training camp, Johnson was asked if he intends to remain in Houston and eventually retire as a Texas. His reponse? “That’s the plan“(link via Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle).

After Johnson missed the Texans’ voluntary workouts this spring, as well as their mandatory minicamp, rumors and speculation swirled on the source of his discontent, with Houston’s rebuilding process, its quarterback and offensive coordinator turnover, and a dispute over bonus money all cited as potential reasons for the receiver’s unhappiness.

In Houston today though, Johnson had nothing but praise for the franchise, commenting on the confidence and upbeat nature of the new coaching staff (Twitter link), and suggesting he wasn’t upset about the team passing on a quarterback with the No. 1 pick (Twitter link via James Palmer of CSNHouston.com). The seven-time Pro Bowler also said he thinks the franchise is “moving in the right direction” after a disappointing 2-14 season.

Once it was clear Johnson would report to camp, it seemed likely that these sort of positive comments would follow. However, the longtime Texan seemed sincere in expressing his comfort with his current situation and his desire to remain with the club for the rest of his career.