2014 July - Pro Football Rumors

John Abraham Arrested For DUI Last Month

July 28th, 2014 at 8:32pm CST by Rory Parks

Cardinals linebacker John Abraham was arrested for DUI in Atlanta last month, writes Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic. Abraham was absent for the third straight day of training camp today, and he did not report for the team’s conditioning test on Friday. At that time, head coach Bruce Arians noted that Abraham was excused for “personal reasons” but would not elaborate further. It is unknown whether Abraham’s DUI arrest is related to his absence from camp.

This is not Abraham’s first brush with the law. In October 2003, while with the Jets, he was charged with DUI after crashing his vehicle into a fire hydrant and light pole in Long Island. He ultimately pled guilty to the lesser included charge of DWI and avoided jail time. He was also arrested for two counts of misdemeanor obstruction several years ago–in Atlanta–when he failed to leave an area that had been blocked off by police.

Abraham, a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All Pro, picked up 11.5 sacks for the Cardinals last season, his first in Arizona after spending six years with the Jets and seven years with the Falcons. His pass rushing ability was a critical component of the Cardinals’ resurgent defense, rated by Football Outsiders as the second best unit in the league last season. If he is convicted of the DUI, or a related count, he would of course face a fine or suspension. Given that he already has an alcohol-related conviction from the 2003 incident, a suspension may be more likely.

Cardinals’ GM Steve Keim stated earlier this morning that he was unconcerned with Abraham’s absence from camp and noted that he expected the linebacker to report “at some point.”

49ers Sign Alfonso Smith

July 28th, 2014 at 7:46pm CST by Dallas Robinson

It appears the 49ers have signed veteran running back Alfonso Smith; the 27-year-old published a photo of the 49ers logo on Instagram, along with the caption “I’m A Niner [Baby !]” (h/t to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com). Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group tweeted earlier today that he expected San Francisco to sign a ball-carrier soon, and it looks they’ve done so.

Smith is entering his fifth NFL season after going undrafted out of Kentucky in 2010. He spent the past four years with the Cardinals, working as a backup. For his career, Smith has 48 carries for 156 yards and two touchdowns. In 2013, he played on nearly 50% of Arizona’s special teams snaps, and he’ll likely be asked to contribute in that capacity in San Francisco.

Earlier this year, it seemed the Niners were well-stocked with RB talent — second-round rookie Carlos Hyde was set to join Kendall Hunter, LaMichael James, and a rehabbing Marcus Lattimore behind starter Frank Gore. However, Hunter will miss the season after tearing his ACL on Saturday, James has a dislocated elbow, and Lattimore is still dealing with a multitude of injuries. Smith will presumably battle with Hyde for backup duties while the rest of the corps gets healthy.

North Notes: Keisel, Gordon, Franklin, Suh

July 28th, 2014 at 7:23pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Steelers have not ruled out re-signing veteran defensive end Brett Keisel, general manager Kevin Colbert told Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “We haven’t eliminated any players from consideration…because we don’t know what’s going to happen over the preseason, even into the season,” Colbert said. “There have been times when we’ve brought back veteran players due to injury. We won’t eliminate anybody. If we eliminated a player, we always tell a player don’t keep us in your thought process.” A reunion between Keisel, 35, and the Steelers has always seemed likely, even if doesn’t come until the end of training camp.

Browns Sign Marlon Moore

July 28th, 2014 at 6:28pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Browns announced they have signed free agent receiver Marlon Moore (Twitter link via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal). Terms of the deal aren’t yet known, but I’d guess it’s a one-year deal with little to no guaranteed money. Moore will have to wait until Week 2 to debut for Cleveland, as he is suspended for the first game of 2014.

Moore, 26, signed with the Dolphins in 2010 as an undrafted free agent out of Fresno State. He joined the 49ers after reaching unrestricted free agency in 2013, but was released following Week 7. He subsequently returned to Miami for the final six games of last season. Moore has always played a small role on offense — his seven receptions last year were a career high. However, as Brian McIntyre notes (on Twitter), Moore is regarded as a special teams ace, and will likely fill that role in Cleveland.

With the Browns, Moore joins a receiver depth chart that looks barren behind Josh Gordon, who is expected to be suspended for a large part (if not all) of 2014. Andrew Hawkins was an intriguing addition through restricted free agency, but Nate Burleson, Miles Austin, and Anthony Armstrong are uninspiring options.

West Notes: Lynch, Boone, Smith, Bradford

July 28th, 2014 at 5:54pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Though Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch seems intent on holding out for a new contract, his financial incentive to show up for training camp ramps up tomorrow, writes Terry Blount of ESPN.com. Lynch is currently being fined $30K for each missed practice session, but the more serious penalties can begin Tuesday, the sixth day of Lynch’s absence. The 28-year-old is subject to losing 15% of his signing bonus, which would amount to $900K. For his next 10 absences (starting Tuesday), Lynch could be fined an additional 1% per day. In total, Lynch could lose 25% of his signing bonus, or $1.5MM.

Blount adds that Lynch could lose one regular season game check (for Lynch, roughly $313K) for each preseason game that he misses. However, as Joel Corry of CBS Sports tweets, this particular rule only applies to players who signed as unrestricted free agents. Lynch, whose contract was signed about a week before free agency began in 2012, won’t be affected by this stipulation.

More from the NFL’s two West divisions:

Like Lynch, 49ers guard Alex Boone is in the middle of a holdout, and Bill Williamson of ESPN.com doesn’t expect Boone to show to camp any time soon. The two sides are “far apart” in talks, and because San Francisco isn’t inclined to deal with Boone until he reports to practice, this battle could go on for awhile.
Alex Smith is only signed through 2014, but the Chiefs are hoping to a new deal can be worked out soon. “…[T]here’s communication going on,” head coach Andy Reid told reporters, including the Kansas City Star’s Terez A. Paylor, at a press conference. “They’re working through it so we’ll see what happens. These things take [time]. You know how the game goes. Alex isn’t worried about it and I’m not not worried about it.”
Sam Bradford is facing yet another “make or break” season with the Rams, per USA Today. St. Louis can save almost $13MM by cutting Bradford after 2014.

Jets Sign Jason Babin To Two-Year Deal

July 28th, 2014 at 5:50pm CST by Luke Adams

JULY 28, 5:50pm: Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap has more details on Babin’s contract: 2015 will be an option year, with the exercise date coming at the end of the 2014 league year. Babin’s 2015 base salary will be $1.35MM, and it can increase based on his performance.

JULY 27, 10:05pm: Babin will receive $3.25MM over two years, reports ESPN.com’s Field Yates (via Twitter). The veteran will have a base salary worth $1.1MM in 2014, with another $500K in roster bonuses.

JULY 23, 12:21pm: The Jets have officially announced their agreement with Babin, indicating that cornerback Lowell Rose has been cut to make room (Twitter link).

10:36am: After visiting the Jets earlier this week, veteran free agent Jason Babin has agreed to terms with the team, reports Kimberly Jones of the NFL Network (via Twitter). According to Jones, it’ll be a two-year deal for the former Jaguars edge rusher.

Babin, who turned 34 in May, played in all 16 games last season for the Jaguars, racking up 31 tackles, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two passes defended. However, after re-signing with Jacksonville in March, the former first-round pick was released by the team last month, making him an unrestricted free agent. While Babin has always been a fairly one-dimensional player, his value has declined as his ability to rush the passer has slipped from elite to simply above average.

With experience in both 4-3 and 3-4 defenses, Babin figures to compete for a roster spot and playing time at outside linebacker for Rex Ryan‘s team. The club’s projected OLB starters – Calvin Pace and Quinton Coples – and top reserve Garrett McIntyre all graded better against the run than as pass rushers last season, according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required).

Terms of the agreement aren’t yet known, but when Babin signed with the Jaguars earlier in the offseason, his three-year contract had a total base value of just $7.275MM with only $500K guaranteed. When I examined his free agent stock a couple weeks ago, I suggested that a salary in the $1.5-2MM could be about right for Babin — a deal that includes a modest base salary with several incentives may also make sense, as Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap tweets.

The Jets were believed to have a full 90-man roster, so a corresponding move will be necessary to clear room for Babin.

Patriots Claim Tyler Gaffney, Cut Josh Hull

July 28th, 2014 at 4:39pm CST by Luke Adams

4:39pm: In order to make room for Gaffney, the Patriots have cut linebacker Josh Hull, according to Brian McIntyre (via Twitter). Hull, primarily a special-teamer over the last few seasons, had signed with New England back in April.

4:20pm: Former Stanford running back Tyler Gaffney has become the first 2014 draftee to switch teams, having been claimed by the Patriots a day after the Panthers waived-injured him, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter). After Gaffney suffered a season-ending knee injury, Carolina had hoped to sneak him through waivers and move him to the injured reserve list, but the Pats stepped in to prevent that.

Prior to the final cutdown date in training camp, injured players with fewer than four years of service time cannot be placed on injured reserve until they pass through waivers, so the Panthers either had to hold onto Gaffney for a few more weeks or hope that he went unclaimed.

As Darin Gantt of Pro Football Talk observes, the league’s so-called unwritten rules dictate that this type of waiver claim doesn’t occur often, but Bill Belichick and the Pats are no strangers to such a move. Two years ago, the club did the same thing when the Giants waived-injured tight end Jake Ballard, snatching him off waivers, much to the chagrin of Tom Coughlin. At the time, the Pats head coach dismissed the idea that there was anything wrong with the practice:

“I don’t know what unwrittens you’re talking about,” Belichick said. “Any time you put a player on waivers, you know there are 31 teams out there that can take him if they want him. We all know that. There is no secret about that.”

Jeromey Clary Accepts Pay Cut

July 28th, 2014 at 4:04pm CST by Luke Adams

Chargers offensive lineman Jeromey Clary has accepted a pay cut, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com, who reports (via Twitter) that Clary’s base salary has been reduced from $4.55MM to $1.6MM, creating $2.95MM in cap savings for the club. It doesn’t seem that the veteran will be able to earn back some of that money via bonuses or incentives, but according to Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune (via Twitter), his salary is now fully guaranteed.

Clary, who turns 31 this fall, has been a full-time starter on San Diego’s offensive line for the six seasons, appearing in 93 games (all starts) over that time. Per Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required), the longtime Charger struggled last season playing primarily right guard rather than right tackle, recording a -20.8 grade for the season.

Currently on San Diego’s PUP list, Clary will be eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2015.

Extra Points: Ridley, Cameron, Freeney, Irsay

July 28th, 2014 at 3:17pm CST by Luke Adams

It’s been an up-and-down three years in New England for running back Stevan Ridley, who followed up a breakout 2012 season with a 2013 campaign in which he struggled with fumbles and ceded carries to LeGarrette Blount, among others. As he enters a contract year though, Ridley recognizes that he controls his fate and is looking forward to rebuilding his stock on the field, writes Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. Per Howe, no negotiations have taken place between Ridley and the Patriots, so the 25-year-old back appears likely to reach free agency in 2015 — how much he earns on his next deal will depend in large part on how he performs this year.

Let’s round up a few more odds and ends from across the NFL:

The Browns and tight end Jordan Cameron have discussed a possible contract extension, but aren’t close to getting anything done, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. As La Canfora observes, Kyle Rudolph‘s agreement with the Vikings could help bolster Cameron’s negotiating position.
As Alex Marvez details in a piece for FOX Sports, Dwight Freeney’s Chargers teammates weren’t sure he’d be back in 2014 after tearing his quadriceps last year, but the veteran pass rusher is healthy and ready to contribute in the last year of his contract.
Based on the buzz he’s hearing, Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole (video link) expects Colts owner Jim Irsay to receive a longer suspension than the one doled out to Ray Rice, as well as a hefty fine.
Retirement decisions like Sidney Rice’s and Travelle Wharton’s carry a bit more weight this year, since the NFL likely won’t fight the inclusion of recently-retired players in the pending concussion settlement, a source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
There aren’t many team-friendly veteran contracts on the Panthers’ books, according to Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap, who reluctantly picks Nate Chandler as the club’s best deal, for its upside. Fitzgerald identifies Jonathan Stewart’s contract as Carolina’s worst.

Patrick Peterson, Cardinals Nearing Extension

July 28th, 2014 at 2:29pm CST by Luke Adams

4:29pm: Significant roadblocks still must be overcome before Peterson and the Cardinals strike a deal, but the two sides have made progress, a source tells Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic (Twitter link).

3:42pm: The Cardinals and Patrick Peterson are close to reaching an agreement on a new long-term contract for the cornerback, sources tell Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports (Twitter link). Getlin adds (via Twitter) that there are still hurdles to clear before anything is official, but there’s a good chance the two sides will work something out soon.

Peterson, who turned 24 earlier this month, hasn’t missed a game during his three years with the Cardinals so far, earning Pro Bowl nods in all three seasons, as well as a spot on the NFL’s All-Pro squad twice. The former fifth overall pick has exhibited a knack for big plays since entering the league in 2011, returning four punts for touchdowns in his rookie season and producing 21 career turnovers on defense (12 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries).

If Peterson were to finalize a multiyear pact with Arizona, it would make him the first 2011 first-round pick to ink a contract extension, two years away reaching free agency. The Cardinals exercised their fifth-year option for 2015 on the standout cornerback earlier this offseason, ensuring that he’s already locked up for a salary of $10.081MM in ’15. Those fifth-year options have reduced the leverage of 2011 first-rounders in contract talks, but as we heard earlier today from Peterson and GM Steve Keim, it hasn’t stopped either side from actively pursuing a new deal ahead of the 2014 season.

Fellow star cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Joe Haden secured new contracts of their own this year, and as I wrote when I examined Peterson as an extension candidate in May, the LSU product will likely push to exceed the $14MM annual salary Sherman got on his four-year extension and the $22MM in fully guaranteed money that Haden received on his five new years.

Considering he’s still two years away from free agency and doesn’t have quite the same track record of elite play as Sherman and Haden, per Pro Football Focus’ metrics (subscription required), Peterson may be hard-pressed to top either player’s deal, but he has youth on his side, as well as his big-play ability. Any deal he signs should place him among the NFL’s highest-paid cornerbacks, albeit perhaps not at the very top of that list.