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Minor Moves: Sunday

July 27th, 2014 at 8:10pm CST by Rory Parks

We will post any and all “minor moves” right here over the course of the day:

  • The Colts have signed undrafted rookie tackle Matt Hall, the team announced. Hall originally signed with the Vikings in May, but was cut by the team on Friday.
  • The Redskins have waived 2013 fifth-round draft pick Brandon Jenkins, and activated Mo Hurt after he passed his physical, reports Mike Jones of the Washington Post (via Twitter). Moving on from Jenkins was not a surprise, as John Keim of ESPN.com, Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington, and Jones all took to Twitter to comment on the player’s struggles and inability to contribute.
  • The Panthers have signed former Brown Fozzy Whittaker to replace the injured Tyler Gaffney, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Whitaker can contribute both as a tailback and kick returner.
  • The Bears have waived guard James Dunbar out of TCU, reports Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com (via Twitter).
  • The Dolphins have signed offensive tackle Steven Baker, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).

Earlier updates

  • The Colts have waived tackle Jack Breckner, tweets Craig Kelley of Colts.com.
  • The Panthers have signed safety Tom Nelson, tweets David Newton of ESPN.com. Newton adds that the club still has a roster spot to replace injured RB Tyler Gaffney.
  • The Patriots have waived wide receiver Greg Orton, tweets Jeff Howe of The Boston Herald. Howe adds that Orton will revert to IR once he clears waivers. Shalize Manza Young of The Boston Glove tweets that the team has signed wideouts Cole Stanford and Brian Tyms and that the 90-man roster is once again full.
  • The Colts have signed running back Davin Meggett, tweets Matt Zenitz of The Baltimore Sun. Meggett, who has spent time on the practice squads of four different NFL clubs since leaving the University of Maryland in 2011, signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League in June but was released by the team earlier this month. Meggett provides backfield depth in the wake of Vick Ballard‘s season-ending injury. Prior to the signing, Stephen Holder of The Indianapolis Star examined the different options the Colts might pursue to replace Ballard, options that still may be on the table after acquiring the unproven Meggett.
  • In a corresponding move, the Colts have place LB Aaron Morgan on IR, tweets Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun.

Rob DiRe and Ben Levine contributed to this post.

AFC East Notes: Ridley, Bills, Vick

July 27th, 2014 at 7:59pm CST by Ben Levine

Patriots running back Stevan Ridley should have plenty of motivation heading into the season. After struggling with fumble issues for much of last year, the former third-rounder was replaced by veteran LeGarrette Blount towards the end of the regular season and playoffs. With Blount gone, Ridley has a great opportunity to reestablish himself as a premier back. The opportunity to regain his starting gig isn’t the 25-year-old’s only motivation, however – Ridley is also entering the final year of his contract.

The fourth-year player addressed the situation and acknowledged that a future contract is certainly on his mind (via Phil Perry of CSNNE.com)…

“I have to be honest about it, it’s there,” Ridley said. “But it’s not my first concern. My first concern is going out there and being the best player for this team. If I go out there and have a productive year and do what I need to do, the contract will take care of itself.

“I’m not really gonna put too much thought into it. As you guys know, if I start thinking about that, it can easily be a distraction. I can’t worry about that. I’m gonna have some good days, have some bad days, I’m just gonna keep working, keep grinding, keep my head in the dirt and keep grinding it out.”

As the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe tweets, the Patriots haven’t had any discussion with Ridley’s camp regarding a new contract. Howe doesn’t expect any type of action until after the season, “if at all.”

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

  • The Bills lost another tight end to injury as starter Scott Chandler left the field on Sunday with a groin injury, writes Joe Buscaglia of WGR 550. The team was already without Tony Moeaki and Chris Gragg, but coach Doug Marrone indicated that the Bills would rely on their own players to fill the void. The only healthy tight ends on the roster are Lee Smith and Dominique Jones, and Buscaglia suggests that fullback Evan Rodriguez could get some reps.
  • Michael Vick had an impressive weekend at Jets training camp, but the veteran quarterback is aware of his position on the depth chart behind Geno Smith. “It’s a very fine line,” he said (via USA Today Sports’ Jarrett Bell). “I accept this role and I embrace it and I appreciate it. But I know this is not my football team. So that’s why I’m able to deal with it. At the same time, I feel like I’m one of the best quarterbacks in the league. That’s the way I feel.”
  • During the 2013 season, only one Jets starter (Demario Davis) played more than 29 percent of the team’s snaps on special teams. As Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com writes, that will certainly change in 2014 as the team looks to improve a lackluster unit. “We’re going to use a bunch of those guys on all of our special teams,” said head coach Rex Ryan. “We think we have to get better on ‘teams.’ We want to be one of the best special teams units in the league. It’s really all hands on deck, especially the punt team. We want to have a great punt team.”

PFR Originals: 7/20/14 – 7/27/14

July 27th, 2014 at 6:40pm CST by Rob DiRe

The original content produced by the PFR staff during the past week:

  • We continued our Offseason in Review series, as Ben Levine covered the Eagles, David Kipke covered the 49ers, and Zach Links evaluated the Giants and the Cowboys.
  • As we finished up our Offseason in Review series in the NFC East and NFC West, PFR took to the polls to see who our readers thought would win each division. The Eagles took a good lead in the East and the Seahawks barely edged out the 49ers in the West.
  • Our Extension Candidate series plugged along, as Dallas Robinson examined the case for 49ers guard Mike Iupati.

Week In Review: 7/20/14 – 7/27/14

July 27th, 2014 at 6:26pm CST by Rob DiRe

The headlines from the past week at PFR:

Extended:

Signed:

Released:

Suspended:

Retired:

Other:

  • Broncos’ owner Pat Bowlen steps down from his position with the team due to his struggle with Alzheimer’s disease (link)
  • Seahawks‘ RB Marshawn Lynch holds out of training camp (link)
  • 49ers‘ TE Vernon Davis reports to training camp despite contract dispute (link)
  • Texans‘ WR Andre Johnson reports to training camp despite trade demand earlier this offseason (link)

Panthers’ De’Quan Menzie To Retire

July 27th, 2014 at 5:36pm CST by Rob DiRe

Panthers cornerback De’Quan Menzie has decided to retire from the NFL, reports Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer (via Twitter).

Person noted that Ron Rivera had announced the decision earlier today, and that Menzie’s Twitter account posting “Officially done…” all but confirmed the report.

Menzie was drafted by the Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He was released by the team during the following offseason, when he was claimed off of waivers by the Lions. The Panthers signed him to a reserve/future contract early this past January.

NFC East Notes: McClain, Williams, Beckham

July 27th, 2014 at 5:10pm CST by Rob DiRe

Cowboys‘ wideout Terrance Williams is going to have a chance to improve on his 2013 campaign, writes Jon Machota of DallasNews.com. The second year receiver is looking to avoid a sophomore slump by emerging as a dependable number two receiver and the third option in the passing game after Dez Bryant and Jason Witten. Bryant is even more optimistic about Williams’ chances.

“Terrance done blew up,” Bryant said. “He’s lightning fast, outstanding hands, probably one of the best route runners I’ve ever seen. He’s going to do some big things.” 

Head coach Jason Garrett said that Williams would have an increased opportunity to show off his talents. 

“I think he has a little confidence based on how he played and he’s going to have a big role for our football team,” said Garrett. “He earned a bigger role on our football team last year. We’re excited to see him play.”

Here are some other notes from around the NFC East:

  • New Cowboys‘ linebacker Rolando McClain is being given every opportunity to win a starting job with middle linebacker Sean Lee out of the season, writes Tim McMahon of ESPNDallas.com. McClain has been working mostly with the second team, but showcased his natural talent during his first practice with the team.
  • If McClain does earn that spot on the Cowboys‘ defense, he will be part of a unit trying to go from worst in the NFL in 2013 to the best in 2014. At least that is the goal cornerback Morris Claiborne has set for the defensive squad, write Machota. “We were last in the league in defense and we’re trying to be No. 1,” said Claiborne. “That’s our goal. We’re not shying away from it.”
  • Giants‘ head coach Tom Coughlin is frustrated with his first-round pick’s absence from training camp, as Odell Beckham Jr. is sidelined with a hamstring injury, writes Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. Coughlin said that he was disappointed not to see Beckham on the field. “It would be nice to get him back practicing,” Coughlin said. “He actually looks pretty good out there. He’s moving around, catching the ball, he doesn’t favor anything. I’m just hoping it’s a real short amount of time.”
  • The Eagles have a shot to really hurt defenses in the passing game with their backfield in 2014, writes Jimmy Kempski of Philly.com. LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles are talented receivers out of the backfield, and could find some intriguing mismatches in the defense.
  • The two most important statistics of training camp for the Eagles thus far are a pair zeros, zero injuries and zero interceptions, according to Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com. The team has managed to get through camp unscathed so far, and none of the four quarterbacks has turned the ball over through the air. Of course, while this is a positive for the team’s offense, the linebackers and secondary are not so happy with their part in that second zero.

Cardinals Notes: Peterson, Massie, Fanaika

July 27th, 2014 at 3:32pm CST by Rob DiRe

Cardinals’ star cornerback Patrick Peterson is preparing to reel in a huge payday with only two years left on his rookie contract, one of which is his fifth-year team option the Cardinals have already picked up. Peterson understands the situation, and is not letting it distract him from his job, according to Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com (via Twitter).

“Those guys are still talking. … I’m here to play football. I have 2 yrs left on my deal and I want to do the best I can to help this team win,” said Peterson. “I haven’t been to the playoffs since I’ve been here & that’s my 1st goal.”

Peterson said he is not unhappy with his contract situation at the moment, and that the new deal will happen when it happens (via Twitter).

Here are some other notes from around the Cardinals camp:

  • Head coach Bruce Arians said Peterson will not be used at all on offense this season, reports Kent Somers of AZCentral.com (via Twitter). Arians major reason for the declaration is that the team has more speed on the roster at wide receiver this year.
  • Peterson will also be relieved of his punt returning duties, according to Somers (via Twitter). Peterson says this will make him a better cornerback, and Somers notes that Peterson already claims to be the best.
  • Arians is also preparing to solidify his offensive line, noting that the right tackle job is Bobby Massie‘s to lose, reports Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com (via Twitter). He did add the disclaimer that the team hadn’t put pads on yet.
  • Arians also added that the right guard job is Paul Fanaika‘s to lose, according to Weinfuss (via Twitter).

Randall Cobb On Possible Extension

July 27th, 2014 at 2:45pm CST by Rob DiRe

After Jordy Nelson received his contract extension yesterday, all eyes turned to Randall Cobb as the next logical extension candidate for the Packers.

Cobb however, is not yet focused on his own future with the Packers, or at the very least, is being shy about his value to the team, according to Jason Wilde of ESPN Wisconsin.

“I don’t believe I’ve done enough, and I think that’s on me,” said Cobb “My job is … to work hard and hopefully my time will come.” (via Twitter)

Cobb has never had a 1,000 yard season as a receiver, but brings tremendous value and versatility on special teams and running the football, both out of the backfield and on trick plays. Even still, he is looking to continue to earn his next contract.

“I feel I have a lot to prove. I know the player I’m capable of being,” said Cobb. “It’s just … showing that on a day-to-day basis.” (via Twitter)

The receiver is still a few weeks shy of his 24th birthday, but is exhibiting tremendous patience on his next deal, and hasn’t begun extension talks with the team as of yet, writes Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

“There’s nothing been said that I know of,” said Cobb. “I’ve told my agent don’t even come to me until he feels that we’re at a good spot.” (via Twitter)

However, the budding star who caught that famous fourth down touchdown from Aaron Rodgers to put the Packers in the playoffs last season has his eyes on what Nelson just signed for, and was supportive of his teammate.

“I’m beyond excited for him,” said Cobb. “He deserved every penny he got and more.” (via Twitter)

Cobb’s willingness to wait for his next contract may not be due to the humble attitude he is displaying. Cobb knows that a slow start as a rookie and an injury last year has significantly cut his value. Despite a lack of huge statistical numbers, Cobb and his agent are aware that he is thought of as one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the league, due to his skill as a receiver and a jack of all trades playmaker.

The Packers would have the best chance to lock him in to a long-term but team-friendly deal if they act before the season starts. If he does play out the season and performs to his potential, he could be in line for a contract in the mold of Percy Harvin, he could price himself off the Packers entirely.

That being said, look for the two parties to continue to try to come to a compromise that will allow Cobb to remain with the Packers through his next deal.

49ers Links: Camp Reports, Lynch, Martin

July 27th, 2014 at 2:03pm CST by Rob DiRe

There is no shortage of information to consume for 49ers’ fans, as training camp reports have emerged from a number of sources. Tom Pelissero’s report for USA Today highlights the improved receiving group, with a healthy Michael Crabtree and a still able Anquan Boldin leading the charge.

Here are some more notes from around the 49ers’ camp:

  • Pelissero also notes that with Anthony Davis recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, former Dolphin Jonathan Martin has been filling in at right tackle with the first team offense.
  • The team has been intent on re-signing Crabtree, but Bill Williamson’s camp report for ESPN.com also notes that the team also plans to re-sign right guard Mike Iupati. Iupati has been one of the best interior linemen in the league, and was thought as possibly too expensive for the team to retain.
  • One note from that report that needed to be highlighted further was general manager Trent Baalke’s assertion that the team only had four or five roster spots open this camp. Williamson highlighted that statement on his Twitter account.
  • Williamson also highlighted a number of players who had been particularly impressive thus far in a separate report. Among those players who had been performing well were former Bills’ receiver Stevie Johnson and rookie tailback Carlos Hyde.
  • Head coach Jim Harbaugh also pointed out two players who were standouts at their position in cornerbacks Tramaine Brock and Chris Culliver, reports Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (via Twitter). They separated themselves from the other corners on the roster.
  • Harbaugh also complimented defensive lineman Lawrence Okoye after his first padded practice, according to Maiocco (via Twitter).
  • The team has activated two rookies from the physically unable to perform and non-football injury lists in Aaron Lynch and Marcus Martin, respectively, reports Maiocco of (via Twitter).
  • Although both players are now active and will participate in walk throughs, Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee points out that this does not necessarily mean they will be joining padded practices just yet (via Twitter).

Sunday Roundup: Nelson, Robinson, Browns

July 27th, 2014 at 12:56pm CST by Rory Parks

Let’s look at some links from around the league as training camp rolls along and ruminations over hot-button issues like the color of Johnny Manziel‘s cleats consume far too much of everyone’s time:

  • Jets‘ rookie safety Calvin Pryor does have a concussion, tweets Brian Costello of The New York Post. We learned earlier this morning that Pryor, who suffered the injury Saturday, was absent from practice today.
  • Jordy Nelson‘s new deal might be a bargain for the Packers, writes Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com.
  • Saints‘ cornerback Patrick Robinson, who missed most of 2013 with an injury and who has seen Champ Bailey take most of the reps as the team’s No. 2 corner thus far, is flashing the ability that made him a first-round pick in 2010, writes Mike Triplett of ESPN.com.
  • Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com does not expect the Jaguars to make a play for a veteran receiver, adding that the team’s focus is in developing rookies Allen Robinson and Marqise Lee.
  • Newly-signed TE Ed Dickson has shown flashes of his impressive athletic ability in Panthers camp, writes Joseph Person of The Charlotte Observer. Dickson, who struggled with drops during his tenure with the Ravens, is looking for a fresh start in Carolina.
  • Safety Dashon Goldson, who underwent ankle surgery following the 2013 season, is being brought along slowly by the Buccaneers, writes Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com.
  • The Texans worked out former Raiders’ outside linebacker Eric Harper at the same time they auditioned Quentin Groves and Lawrence Sidbury, writes Aaron Wilson of The National Football Post. Houston ultimately signed Sidbury and Groves.
  • Texans‘ guard Cody White suffered a torn Achilles tendon during yesterday’s practice, tweets John McClain of The Houston Chronicle.
  • Although it seems unlikely that Johnny Manziel will beat out Brian Hoyer as the Browns‘ starting quarterback to open the season, Ben Volin of The Boston Globe believes that Cleveland’s schedule “sets up well” for Manziel to assume the starting role early in the season. The Browns have a bye in Week 4 and then a series of “easy” games against teams like the Titans, Jaguars, and Raiders.
  • Speaking of the Browns‘ quarterback dilemma, Lindsay Jones of USA Today Sports tweets that Hoyer will continue to take reps with the first-team offense through Tuesday’s practice, and then Cleveland’s coaching staff will reevaluate the team’s situation under center. Wednesday’s practice, then, may be a telling one.
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