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Lions To Table Suh Talks Until Offseason

July 28th, 2014 at 2:25pm CST by Luke Adams

The Lions have opted to table contract negotiations with Ndamukong Suh and his representatives until after the 2014 season, according to team president Tom Lewand (Twitter link via Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com). Lewand remains optimistic that an agreement can be reached between the two sides in the offseason, per Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com (via Twitter), while GM Martin Mayhew says it was the team’s choice to put talks on the back burner (Twitter link).

Suh, 27, will earn a base salary of $12.55MM this season, but the prorated bonus money left on his contract increases his overall cap hit to about $22.41MM. Although an extension could’ve reduced that number a little, the Lions managed to make all their offseason moves without needing the added flexibility.

Postponing further extension discussions until after the season means Suh may have the opportunity to hit the open market, though the Lions will have a couple months between season’s end and March’s free agency date to work something out with the standout defensive tackle. According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (via Twitter), Lewand didn’t rule out the possibility of the team using its franchise tag on Suh. However, that would be a pricey and impractical move — as Brian McIntyre tweets, Suh’s franchise salary would be $26.7MM. In any case, trading the star defender isn’t something the club is considering, according to Mayhew (Twitter link).

Entering his fifth NFL season, Suh has established himself as one of the league’s top defensive linemen, having earned three Pro Bowl berths and two First-Team All-Pro nods. Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required) have ranked the former second overall pick among the NFL’s top four defensive tackles in each of the last two seasons, primarily on the strength of his ability to rush the passer. By PFF’s count, Suh racked up 72 total quarterback pressures in 2013, well ahead of any other DT besides Gerald McCoy.

With an extension for Suh now on the docket for the offseason, the Lions will face decisions on both of their starting defensive tackles at that point. The team declined its fifth-year option on Nick Fairley for 2015, meaning he’ll also be eligible for unrestricted free agency in March.

Team Facebook/Twitter/RSS

July 28th, 2014 at 1:30pm CST by Luke Adams

We’ve detailed how you can follow Pro Football Rumors on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or using an RSS reader to ensure that you receive all of our updates, 365 days a year. If you prefer to only receive news about your favorite NFL team, PFR has you covered. Below are links to our Facebook, Twitter, and RSS pages and feeds for all 32 teams.

AFC East

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NFC East

NFC North

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Transactions only: Twitter / RSS

Latest On Ben Roethlisberger

July 28th, 2014 at 11:06am CST by Luke Adams

Steelers president Art Rooney II indicated last week that his team intends to postpone contract talks with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger until after the 2014 season rather than addressing the situation while Big Ben still has two years left on his deal. After initially suggesting he’d be happy to “concentrate on football,” Roethlisberger spoke to Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review at greater length this weekend about his current and future contracts with the team.

“Playing this year at my current salary, it’s kind of taking a hometown discount,” Roethlisberger said. “I’ve played seven years on my current contract, which is the most of any (NFL) player or any quarterback. … It is kind of taking a discount compared to maybe where it could be compared to other quarterbacks.”

Although Roethlisberger didn’t express any discontent with what he perceives to be a “hometown discount,” he noted that he’ll have to “do what’s best for [his] family” when it comes to signing a new contract, which could indicate he’ll pursue an annual salary more in line with the league’s highest-paid signal-callers. The longtime Steeler has the league’s second-highest cap number for a quarterback in 2014, but the ’14 cash value of his deal ranks outside the top 10 QBs.

Addressing Roethlisberger’s upcoming extension negotiations, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com wrote that the 32-year-old will inevitably make more than $20MM per year on his next deal, which the Steelers will have to realize is unavoidable. In La Canfora’s view, there’s no way that Roethlisberger won’t finish his career in Pittsburgh, and GM Kevin Colbert echoed that sentiment today while speaking to reporters, including Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Twitter link).

North Notes: Rice, Pinkston, Suh, Steelers

July 28th, 2014 at 10:02am CST by Luke Adams

In an unsurprising decision, Ravens running back Ray Rice has elected not to challenge his two-game suspension and fine, allowing the three-day window to pass without an appeal, as Jamison Hensley details at ESPN.com. Given the reaction to Rice’s two-game ban, which was widely considered a light penalty by Roger Goodell and the NFL, it makes sense that the Ravens and the running back would accept the punishment without a fight.

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

  • The Browns issued a statement today along with the reps for Jason Pinkston announcing that the offensive lineman has not been medically cleared for football activities, which helps to explain why he has been absent from training camp thus far (link via Ohio.com).
  • Although contract extension talks for Ndamukong Suh have dragged on longer than expected, Lions head coach Jim Caldwell remains confident that the two sides will reach an agreement, according to Dave Birkett and Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press.
  • Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said today that his club is open to the idea of extending its four starters whose contracts will expire after the 2014 season, tweets Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  • The Steelers are only paying about $5.68MM this year to their top three cornerbacks, and the performances from those players could go a long way to determining what sort of season the team has, writes Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
  • With tight end guru Norv Turner now running the offense, the Vikings expect a big year for Kyle Rudolph, which is why the team decided to lock him up to a long-term extension now, as Ben Goessling of ESPN.com explains.

Travelle Wharton To Retire

July 28th, 2014 at 8:49am CST by Luke Adams

Veteran offensive lineman Travelle Wharton will officially announce his retirement this week, according to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. Wharton isn’t currently on an NFL roster, after becoming a free agent in March, but he has spent nearly the entirety of his career with the Panthers.

Wharton, 33, entered the league in 2004 as a third-round pick, and immediately became a fixture on Carolina’s offensive line. Over the course of his 10-year career, he appeared in 115 games for the club, starting 111, primarily at left guard or left tackle. Wharton becomes the second veteran Panthers lineman to retire this offseason, and is expected to join longtime teammate Jordan Gross as a regular guest on Gross’ weekly TV show on the Panthers’ new channel, according to Person.

Having played his college ball at South Carolina, Wharton was keen on remaining in the Carolina area if he continued his career, though he had been mulling retirement for most of the offseason. Based on Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required), the veteran ranked fifth among guards in 2013, including third among left guards, so he won’t be easily replaced for the Panthers, who will have multiple new starters protecting Cam Newton this season.

Redskins Sign Everette Brown

July 28th, 2014 at 8:36am CST by Luke Adams

The Redskins didn’t waste much time filling the roster spot vacated when the team waived Brandon Jenkins over the weekend. According to John Keim of ESPN.com (via Twitter), Washington’s new 90th man is veteran defensive end Everette Brown, who has signed with the team.

Brown, who will turn 27 in August, was selected 43rd overall by the Panthers in 2009, and recorded 47 tackles, six sacks, and three forced fumbles for the team as a part-time player during his two years in Carolina. Since then, the Florida State product has seem limited regular season action with the Chargers and – most recently – the Cowboys.

As Zac Boyer of the Washington Times notes (via Twitter), new Redskins outside linebackers coach Brian Baker was on Carolina’s staff in 2009 and 2010 when Brown was a Panther.

Colts Waive Chris Rainey

July 28th, 2014 at 8:17am CST by Luke Adams

8:17am: The Colts’ decision to cut Rainey wasn’t performance-based, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link), who says the running back was waived for violating team rules.

8:05am: The Colts have parted ways with running back Chris Rainey, waiving him this morning, according to Craig Kelley of Colts.com (via Twitter). As several Indianapolis beat writers pointed out on Twitter, the timing of the move is unusual, since head coach Chuck Pagano raved about Rainey’s play just days ago.

Besides the fact that Rainey seemed to be impressing Pagano and the staff in the early stages of training camp, the Colts are also down a running back after losing Vick Ballard to a season-ending injury. As Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star tweets, the team intends to eventually place Ballard on injured reserve, but can’t do so until later in the summer due to a CBA technicality. Indianapolis recently signed Davin Meggett to help provide backfield depth, but it’s still surprising that the team would cut one of its incumbent backs at this point.

Rainey, 26, is a former Steelers fifth-round pick who joined the Colts last season and appeared in two games for the club, exclusively as a kick and punt returner. He’ll have to clear waivers before getting a chance to become an unrestricted free agent and sign with any team,

AFC Links: Browns, Ravens, Titans, Broncos

July 27th, 2014 at 10:48pm CST by Ben Levine

Fourth-year guard Jason Pinkston has been absent from Browns training camp, and no one in the organization will say why. The 26-year-old played sparingly in 2013 but was expected to stick around for at least one more season. The guard was set to make about $1.4MM in 2014, but based on the quotes from those in the organization, money doesn’t seem to be the issue.

“Pinkston’s unavailable to practice and, due to his circumstances, I cannot comment on it any further,” coach Mike Pettine said, per NFL Media’s Aditi Kinkhabwala (via NFL.com’s Mark Sessler). “I want to give you more, but just given the circumstances, I can’t. That’s where we are with Jason.”

General manager Ray Farmer didn’t add much: 

“I think coach addressed it the best way we could … right now there’s really no comment from our prospective, and when there is time to make a comment then that comment will be made.” 

Finally, Pinkston weighed in on Twitter: 

“I can assure you I’m in no legal trouble & retiring hasn’t came up. As far as my situation I’ll leave it to them to explain.”

While we try to figure out what’s going on in Cleveland, let’s take a look at some more notes from around the AFC…

  • Former San Jose State cornerback Brandon Driver tried out for the Ravens on Sunday, tweets Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun. The workout went well, but Driver was not immediately signed to a deal.
  • A year ago on Sunday, Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta fractured and dislocated his right hip in practice. After a year of recovery, the veteran believes he’s back to 100 percent. “I feel good,” Pitta said (via Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun). “I’m out here not thinking about it. It’s not giving me an issue at all. I feel 100 percent. I’m encouraged with where I’m at.”
  • Titans safety Daimion Stafford made the majority of his impact as a rookie on special teams, but Terry McCormick 247Sports.com writes that the player will now be looking to make an impact on defense. “I just try to build every day. That’s our big message,” Stafford said. “That’s what I’m looking to do every day. I’m always trying to get better, whether it’s on special teams or moving up into a bigger role on defense.”
  • Kyle Rudolph‘s new deal with the Vikings will likely affect the negotiations between the Broncos and tight end Julius Thomas, tweets Joel Corry of The National Football Post.

NFC Links: Cowboys, 49ers, Suh, Cardinals, Redskins

July 27th, 2014 at 10:30pm CST by Ben Levine

Let’s see what’s happening around the NFC on this Sunday evening…

  • Cowboys owner Jerry Jones acknowledged that the team nearly selected Browns rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel, tweets NFL.com’s Dan Hellie. The owner added that he will rethink the decision “for the rest of (his) career.” Jones did clarify that he ultimately made the correct pick in offensive tackle Zack Martin (again via a tweet from Hellie).
  • 49ers running back LaMichael James dislocated his elbow in practice and will miss a month, writes Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee. With Kendall Hunter out for the season with a torn ACL, the team only has rookie Carlos Hyde and Jewel Hampton as backup options for Frank Gore.
  • With a depleted running back group, ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson can envision the 49ers placing Hunter on the IR and adding a free agent running back (Twitter link). ESPN’s Adam Caplan tweets out a list of possibilities: Willis McGahee, Felix Jones, Michael Bush, Kahlil Bell, Bernard Scott, LaRod Stephens-Howling and (in a separate tweet) fullback Brian Leonard.
  • Count Lions head coach Jim Caldwell among those who believe a contract extension will get done between the team and Ndamukong Suh. “I’m always optimistic,” Caldwell said to ESPN.com’s Michael Rothstein. “I think you know me by now, and I think without question they are working at it, and I think something will be done at the appropriate time.”
  • The Cardinals used Robert Hughes as a fullback during practice, and ESPN.com’s Josh Weinfuss says the player is a “strong possibility” to be the team’s fourth running back.
  • The Redskins’ release of linebacker Brandon Jenkins should allow some younger players to shine, writes ESPN.com’s John Keim. “We like the play of the guys behind him,” head coach Jay Gruden said. “We thought the earlier we make that move to give Brandon a chance to go somewhere else would be beneficial to him.”

Vikings Sign Kyle Rudolph To Extension

July 27th, 2014 at 9:30pm CST by Ben Levine

The Vikings and tight end Kyle Rudolph have agreed to a five-year, $36.5MM deal, reports Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer (via Twitter). The player will receive a practical guarantee of $19.4MM and his new money average is $7.3MM, according to a tweet from NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. ESPN.com’s Ben Goessling tweets that Rudolph will receive a $6.5MM signing bonus and a $960K guaranteed salary for 2014, with the remaining $12MM being guaranteed for injury only. Goessling also tweets that the deal could be worth as much as $40MM.

Rudolph discussed his new extension on Vikings.com:

Kyle Rudolph“I’m extremely excited to get this extension completed and continue my career with the Minnesota Vikings. I’ve said all along I wanted to stay in Minnesota. I love the fans, the community and, most importantly, I’m excited about where this team is going. I’m looking forward to the 2014 season and helping this organization reach our ultimate goal.”

General manager Rick Spielman also addressed the new contract:

“I’m very excited to get this extension done with Kyle. We drafted him, he’s done a tremendous job since he’s been here. Our whole focus on moving forward in this organization is to draft our players, develop them and keep them here. He’s one of our young guys who is going to be a building block as we go forward in the future and just very excited to get this behind us so we can look forward to seeing him produce over the coming years.”

Rudolph, a former second-round pick, battled through a foot injury last season and only appeared in eight games, but he was on track to surpass his previous career-highs. The Notre Dame product ultimately caught 30 passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns. As PFR’s Dallas Robison noted in our Extension Candidate series, Rudolph ranked among the top-15 tight ends in both 2011 and 2012, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). However, his DYAR (a Football Outsiders metric that ranks players based on only receiving) placed 43rd, 28th, and 27th over his three-year career.

As Brian McIntyre notes (on Twitter), the tight end was set to make a bit over $956K next season. Now, Rudolph will be among the highest-paid tight ends in the league. According to OverTheCap.com, the total value of the contract ranks fifth (between Vernon Davis and Antonio Gates) while the estimated $7.4MM guaranteed would rank 12th (between Tyler Eifert and Jermaine Gresham).

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