HEADLINES

Month: November 2024

No Players Selected In Supplemental Draft

July 10th, 2014 at 12:16pm CST by Luke Adams

The 2014 NFL supplemental draft has come and gone, and for the second consecutive year, no players were selected, according to Rob Rang of NFLDraftScout.com (via Twitter). The event took place at noon central time today, but quickly came to a close, with no teams submitting draft-pick bids for any of this year’s eligible players.

New Mexico wideout Chase Clayton, Virginia-Lynchburg defensive lineman LaKendrick Ross, SMU running back Traylon Shead, and UNC linebacker Darius Lipford were the four players eligible to be drafted today, and will now become free agents, able to sign with any team.

The supplemental draft is intended to accommodate players who missed the deadline for May’s NFL draft or were declared ineligible for another reason. If a team wants to select a player in the supplemental draft, it must let the league know the round in which it’s willing to select that player. The club which submits the highest round will receive the player and forfeit a 2015 draft pick in that same round. For instance, when the Browns used a second-round supplemental choice on Josh Gordon in 2012, it meant that the team lost its second-round pick for the 2013 draft.

Since no players were selected this year, 2015’s draft order won’t be affected.

Andre Johnson Hoping For Trade

July 10th, 2014 at 10:43am CST by Luke Adams

Longtime Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson wasn’t in attendance at the team’s spring workouts and camp, but remains open to the possibility of attending training camp later this month. Johnson told NFL Media’s Marcus Smith on Wednesday that he’ll “hopefully” be present when Houston’s training camp gets underway, though he didn’t commit to anything, and didn’t make any promises about being in uniform for the club’s regular season opener.

“I don’t know. I can’t answer that question,” Johnson replied when asked about that Week 1 game against the Redskins.

Johnson, who turns 33 tomorrow, expressed frustration earlier this year with the Texans’ direction and his role with the team. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), the $1MM workout bonus lost by Johnson due to his absence this spring is currently a point of contention between the Texans and the receiver, who wants an opportunity to earn that money back. The team has denied that request, according to Rapoport.

Of course, Johnson’s absence from spring workouts was a result of earlier dissatisfaction, so the bonus money isn’t the only roadblock. It’s believed that Johnson is upset with the club’s 2-14 performance last year and the fact that the quarterback situation remains uncertain — after trading Matt Schaub to Oakland, the Texans signed Ryan Fitzpatrick and drafted Tom Savage, two signal-callers who aren’t exactly viewed as Super Bowl caliber options at this point in their respective careers. As he enters the late stages of his career, Johnson isn’t enthusiastic about going through another rebuilding process with a team that hasn’t been a consistent contender in the AFC during his tenure.

Per Rapoport (via Twitter), Johnson has informed Houston that he wants to play for another team in 2014, and the former third overall pick is “not thinking of the Texans” as he works out independently now. Rapoport adds that four clubs have expressed interest in trading for the receiver, who is coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons. Still, it’s hard to imagine the Texans agreeing to a deal that would likely result in pennies on the dollar for Johnson, unless they felt they had no other options.

I’d expect the Texans will lay out their plan for returning to playoff contention in the short term – and perhaps promise to address Johnson’s situation via a trade or extension during the 2015 offseason – and hope that’s enough to convince the star wideout to return to the field for the coming season. Rapoport suggests (via Twitter) that the team could also guarantee Johnson he’ll be on the roster in 2015 and can retire a Texan. That would give him the opportunity to earn his full $10.5MM base salary during his age-34 season.

For now, the two sides appear to be at an impasse. If Johnson decides not to report to training camp, the Texans will be able to fine him up to $30K for each missed day.

Tanard Jackson Suspended Indefinitely

July 10th, 2014 at 10:26am CST by Luke Adams

10:26am: Jackson did appeal his suspension, but that appeal was denied, a fact the safety didn’t find out before yesterday, says Zac Boyer of the Washington Times (Twitter links).

THURSDAY, 8:08am: It’s not clear what Jackson is referring to when he talks about appealing, according to John Keim of ESPN.com, who tweets the process has already been completed. “There are no more appeals,” says Keim. “Period.”

WEDNESDAY, 9:33pm: Jackson tells ESPN 980 (on Twitter) that he and his agent are planning to appeal and swears that “this is not a repeat of the past, [it’s] totally different.”

3:51pm: Redskins safety Tanard Jackson has been suspended indefinitely without pay once again for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, the team announced today (Twitter link). For Jackson, it’s his second indefinite suspension and fourth overall suspension for the same offense. He was reinstated by the NFL from his last ban just over two months ago.

Considering Jackson’s previous suspension cost him two NFL seasons, it seems unlikely that he’ll return from this one and play in the NFL again. While Washington was prepared to give him a chance to earn a roster spot in 2014, Jackson was on a minimum salary contract and was no lock to make the team.

A former fourth-round pick, Jackson spent five seasons with the Buccaneers from 2007 to 2011, starting all 56 games he played for the team during that stint. During those five years, the Syracuse product, who will turn 29 later this month, accumulated 239 tackles, 10 interceptions, and five forced fumbles.

Browns Not Likely To Cut Josh Gordon

July 10th, 2014 at 8:58am CST by Luke Adams

As he faces a potential year-long suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, Josh Gordon is likely to remain a remember of the Browns, a source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. According to Florio, it remains possible that the Browns will decide to cut Gordon in advance of training camp, but it’s an unlikely scenario.

Gordon’s suspension, which could take into account his recent DUI arrest, has yet to be announced, so I’d be surprised if Cleveland made any final decisions on what to do with the wideout before that point. Still, if his year-long suspension is upheld, it will be an uphill battle for Gordon to return to the field for the Browns or another team. As we saw with Tanard Jackson this week, just because a player returns from one suspension, it doesn’t mean another won’t follow shortly thereafter, particularly if the player hasn’t taken steps to get help and stay out of trouble.

In the unlikely event that the Browns part ways with Gordon this summer, he’d be subject to the waiver system, meaning last year’s worst team, the Texans, would have first dibs at claiming him and taking on his contract. Of course, if a Cleveland team that saw Gordon rack up 1,646 receiving yards in just 14 games last season decides to cut the former supplemental draft pick, other teams may be equally reluctant to add him to their roster.

Prior to Gordon’s arrest last weekend, we heard that his appeal hearing was scheduled for late July. Although it’s unclear if that timetable has been altered at all due to his latest off-field incident, it appears as if we’ll get official word on the wideout’s suspension within the next few weeks.

Extra Points: Cowboys, Smith, Bucs, Jackson

July 9th, 2014 at 10:35pm CST by Zachary Links

As a part of a roundtable discussion on FOX Sports Live, Randy Moss was quite critical of Jason Garrett and the Cowboys‘ coaching staff, writes Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News. “When you look on paper, it’s every year that the Dallas Cowboys and Oakland Raiders have a lot of talent on their team,” Moss said. “I mean, talented, top-end players. For the Dallas Cowboys to keep sputtering every year, it’s not the players – some of it falls on the players – but go on up top and see what’s going on.” More out of the NFC..

  • 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith has left CAA Sports to join up with Relativity Sports, according to Liz Mullen of the Sports Business Journal (on Twitter). NFL agents Doug Hendrickson & CJ Laboy will represent the talented and troubled athlete.
  • Jason Fitzgerald’s series on teams’ best and worst contracts continues today at OverTheCap.com with a closer look at the Rams’ cap situation. Offensive tackle Jake Long and tight end Jared Cook earn respective best and worst contract honors for St. Louis for the second straight year, according to Fitzgerald.
  • The Buccaneers badly need change and that all starts with new head coach Lovie Smith, writes Chris Korman of USA Today. Last year, Tampa Bay had a weird season under coach Greg Schiano and notched just four wins despite having big name talents like Darrelle Revis and receiver Vincent Jackson. It’s already clear that Smith is ready to take a different approach. “This is what I’ve found from men: They will do whatever you ask them to do if you look them in the eye and they feel like you know what you’re talking about and you have a plan,” Smith said. “I never had a hard time. I’ve dealt with very few players I haven’t been able to motivate and get them to do what we ask them to do. They’ll listen.“
  • New Colts linebacker D’Qwell Jackson says that he’s happy to be in the same locker room as quarterback Andrew Luck, writes Kevin Bowen of Colts.com. “It’s a breath of fresh air to see a quarterback on the other side that is learning, getting better each and every day. He’s making my game much better. He does a phenomenal job in practice of managing the offense, making the right reads. Whatever I can do to help him, great, and vice versa.”
  • In today’s mailbag, Craig Kelley of Colts.com writes that he believes Brandon McKinney can author a new chapter in his career this season. The defensive lineman signed with the Colts earlier this offseason and is looking to get back in the groove after two knee surgeries.

Poll: Will Finley Return To The Packers?

July 9th, 2014 at 8:00pm CST by Zachary Links

Tight end Jermichael Finley has been medically cleared by his personal doctor and says that he wants to resume his career in Green Bay. However, he still has some convincing to do with the Packers’ team doctor.

Finley, 27, registered 223 receptions for 2,785 yards and 20 touchdowns in 70 career games for the Packers, but the club is understandably cautious about bringing Finley back given his spinal issues. Still, if Finley can prove himself to be healthy, he could be a tremendous asset for Green Bay. The Packers will have Andrew Quarless, Richard Rodgers, Brandon Bostick, and Ryan Taylor to work with, but it’d be hard for any of those players to replicate some of Finley’s best seasons. Even Packers tight ends coach Jerry Fontenot readily admits that there isn’t a surefire star out of the bunch.

“I think we are pretty wide open at this point,” Fontenot said, writes Rob Reischel of the Journal Sentinel. “I think guys have shown some progress, and those guys warrant a much bigger look. And I think once we get to training camp, we’ll have an idea of a rotation, at least, and giving guys reps just to make sure they’re ready to start the season.”

According to Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com, Finley has visited the Patriots and Giants, and the Steelers, Raiders, and Dolphins have been linked to him as well. Ultimately, do you see Finley making his NFL return with the only team he’s ever known?

Offseason In Review: Miami Dolphins

July 9th, 2014 at 6:10pm CST by Zachary Links

Notable signings:

Notable losses:

Trades:

  • Acquired a conditional 2015 seventh-round pick from the 49ers in exchange for Jonathan Martin. Will receive pick if Martin makes 49ers’ opening week 2014 roster.
  • Acquired a second-round pick (No. 57) and a fourth-round pick (No. 125) from the Chargers in exchange for a second-round pick (No. 50).
  • Acquired a second-round pick (No. 63) and a fifth-round pick (No. 171) from the 49ers in exchange for a second-round pick (No. 57).
  • Acquired a third-round pick (No. 67) from the Raiders in exchange for a third-round pick (No. 81) and a fourth-round pick (No. 116).

Draft picks:

  • Ja’Wuan James, OT, Tennessee (1.19): Signed
  • Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU (2.63): Signed
  • Billy Turner, OT, North Dakota State (3.67)
  • Walt Aikens, CB, Liberty (4.125): Signed
  • Arthur Lynch, TE, Georgia (5.155): Signed
  • Jordan Tripp, OLB, Montana (5.171): Signed
  • Matt Hazel, WR, Coastal Carolina (6.190): Signed
  • Terrence Fede, DE, Marist (7.234): Signed

Other:

The Dolphins threw around some cash this offseason, but it wasn’t all blown on one or two blockbuster signings. By dispersing their resources all over the field, Miami has managed to fill a number of holes and position themselves to contend in the AFC East.

The Dolphins’ most expensive move was signing offensive tackle Branden Albert to a five year, $47MM deal with $20MM guaranteed and that’s no surprise when you consider what a mess their offensive line was in 2013. The entire locker room was derailed by last year’s scandal, but the offensive line in particular was decimated with starters Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito unavailable. Some were critical of the Albert signing since he is coming up on his 30th birthday and could wind up transitioning over to the less crucial right tackle position. Yes, this might have been something of an overpay for the veteran. However, he recorded positive grades for four straight seasons, according to Pro Football Focus, and the Dolphins desperately needed him. Albert’s deal might have been foolish for any other team, but it made complete sense for the Dolphins.NFL: Miami Dolphins-Minicamp

Joining Albert on the o-line will be Shelley Smith at one of the guard positions. The 26-year-old received a +7.0 grade from Pro Football Focus last season, which placed him 23rd out of 81 qualified guards, despite his lack of playing time. To fill the hole at right tackle, the Dolphins tabbed Tennessee’s Ju’Wuan James with the 19th overall pick. The Dolphins were said to be infatuated with James in the weeks leading up to the draft and it’s easy to see why. At 6’6″ and 311 pounds, James brings serious size and four years of experience in the extremely tough SEC. Most saw James as a second round talent, but the Dolphins weren’t willing to chance it. Miami’s o-line of Albert, Dallas Thomas, Mike Pouncey, Smith, and James figures to be a significant upgrade over last season.

Those five men will be charged with protecting third-year starter Ryan Tannehill and a backfield including Daniel Thomas, Lamar Miller, and newcomer Knowshon Moreno. The 12th overall pick in 2009 came the Dolphins on a cheap one-year, $3MM deal that is less than 50% guaranteed. Moreno posted his first 1,000-yard season in 2013, racking up 13 overall regular-season touchdowns and although Denver’s explosive offense aided those numbers, Moreno figures to be an upgrade over Thomas and Miller. Moreno should also be motivated to perform and cash in next offseason after this one-year pact. Second-round wide receiver Jarvis Landry isn’t a freak athlete like LSU teammate Odell Beckham but he’s a crisp route runner that should provide Tannehill with an additional weapon.

Moving to the other side of the ball, the Dolphins made some significant changes on their offensive line. Defensive tackle Paul Soliai was not retained by Miami (and might not have even gotten an offer) and cashed in on a five-year, $32MM deal. Meanwhile, his partner in crime Randy Starks was kept with a reasonable two-year, $10MM deal ($5MM guaranteed). The 6’4″, 344 pound Soliai is a disruptive force, but free agent Earl Mitchell should be able to fill that space just fine. At $16MM over four years ($5MM guaranteed), the former Texans defensive end is a whole lot cheaper, too.

In the secondary, the Dolphins surprised some when they gave a two year deal to cornerback Cortland Finnegan. The Rams released Finnegan back in March when they couldn’t get him to take an acceptable pay cut and weeks later the Dolphins gave him a two year, $11MM contract with $5.5MM guaranteed. Finnegan, whose 2013 season was cut short by a fractured orbital bone, was one of the league’s worst corners even before the injury, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). PFF ranked Finnegan 109th out of 110 qualified corners, with a grade of -19.7 in just seven games. A longtime starter for the Titans, the former seventh-round pick was named to the All-Pro first team in 2008, but has seen his production fall off in recent years. Presumably, the Dolphins are hoping that Brett Grimes will shoulder most of the responsibility in the secondary, making things easier on Finnegan. Speaking of Grimes, he’ll be in South Florida for the foreseeable future after signing a new four years, $32MM deal. Safety Louis Delmas, who was cut loose by the Lions in February, also came aboard on a reasonably priced make-good contract.

While the Albert and Finnegan contracts were head-scratchers for a lot of people, the Dolphins undeniably got stronger on both sides of the ball with their moves this offseason.

Spotrac and Over The Cap were used in the creation of this post. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Jermichael Finley Hopes To Return To Packers

July 9th, 2014 at 4:46pm CST by Luke Adams

According to multiple reports, tight end Jermichael Finley has been medically cleared by his personal doctor, but has yet to be cleared by the Packers’ team doctor, who is more cautious when it comes to spinal injuries. Still, Finley is working out, feels good, and would very much like to return to Green Bay, according to Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com. “Tell everybody I’m working as hard as I can to get back to Packer Nation,” Finley said today to Wilde.

Finley, 27, has accumulated 223 receptions for 2,785 yards and 20 touchdowns in 70 career contests for the Packers. However, as a free agent, he has drawn plenty of interest from other clubs. According to Wilde, Finley has visited the Patriots and Giants, and a handful of other teams have been linked to the tight end as well, including the Steelers, Raiders, and Dolphins.

Agent Blake Baratz confirmed in May that his client could file for the collection of a $10MM insurance policy if he opts not continue his playing career. However, Finley seems positive about his workouts and his health, and at this point, it would be a surprise if he didn’t sign another NFL contract at some point.

Earlier today, Rob Reischel of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel examined the Packers’ group of tight ends, which includes Andrew Quarless, Richard Rodgers, Brandon Bostick, and Ryan Taylor. While the team appears ready to enter training camp without Finley, tight ends coach Jerry Fontenot acknowledged that the position is perhaps the most unsettled on the roster, so it sounds as if he’d be open to bringing back Finley, assuming he’s given the medical green light.

East Notes: Kerrigan, Bills, Dolphins, Cowboys

July 9th, 2014 at 2:41pm CST by Luke Adams

The Redskins exercised their fifth-year option on outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan this offseason, ensuring that he remains under contract with the club through the 2015 season. As he tells Ben Breiner of the Muncie Star Press, Kerrigan is cautiously optimistic about an even longer stay in Washington: “I’m going to be a part of [the team] for at least an additional year and hopefully after that, even longer.”

The Redskins also have Brian Orakpo playing under the franchise tag in 2014, and selected Trent Murphy with the No. 47 pick in the ’14 draft, so it remains to be seen whether the club plans on keeping all three OLBs for the long term, or whether one will move on in the next year or two.

Here’s more from around the NFL’s two East divisions:

  • Jerry Zremski of the Buffalo News surveyed a handful of local developers on where the Bills‘ next stadium should be built, assuming the team remains in Western New York. As Zremski writes, he wasn’t surprised when his investigation produced “plenty of ideas and little consensus.”
  • It was just two years ago that Cortland Finnegan inked a five-year, $50MM deal with the Rams, but after being released this offseason, he’s on a much more modest two-year contract with the Dolphins. According to James Walker of ESPN.com, early reports from the Miami coaching staff suggest the veteran cornerback could be in line for a bounceback performance in 2014.
  • Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon, who racked up 11.5 sacks last season, has left Rosenhaus Sports and is said to be meeting with other agents, tweets Liz Mullen of SportsBusiness Journal.
  • Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News takes a look at the Cowboys’ left defensive end spot, where Anthony Spencer was re-signed by the team but isn’t being relied upon nearly as heavily as he has been in the past.

AFC North Notes: Steelers, Browns, Gordon

July 9th, 2014 at 1:20pm CST by Luke Adams

The Steelers have been a perennial playoff contender in the AFC for the better part of the last 15 years, finishing below .500 just once during the 2000s, and winning two Super Bowls during that period. However, they’re one of a few AFC clubs, along with the Patriots and Broncos, whose title windows could conceivably close within the next three years or so, writes Field Yates of ESPN.com. In his Insider-only piece, Yates digs deeper on the three AFC teams, specifically focusing on Ben Roethlisberger‘s role in determining whether or not Pittsburgh remains in the Super Bowl hunt going forward.

Here’s more from around the AFC North:

  • The Browns would like to extend the contracts of quarterback Brian Hoyer and tight end Jordan Cameron, but given the complicated nature of the negotiations, there’s a good chance talks will continue into training camp and beyond, writes Tom Reed of the Northeast Ohio Media Group.
  • Sources tell Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report that Josh Gordon may ultimate receive a singular punishment from the NFL for his alleged failed drug tests and DUI, though it’s not clear yet whether that suspension will be for a full season. In any case, while some of Gordon’s Browns teammates feel betrayed after the wideout promised last year that he wouldn’t be in trouble again, every league official that spoke to Freeman believes Gordon will play in the NFL again, either in Cleveland or elsewhere.
  • ESPN.com’s Jamison Hensley examines some former Ravens who are still counting against the team’s cap in 2014, including Titans safety Bernard Pollard and Giants linebacker Jameel McClain.
Load More Posts