HEADLINES

Month: January 2015

Eagles Announce New Roles For Kelly, Roseman

January 2nd, 2015 at 5:48pm CST by Luke Adams

5:48pm: Roseman’s extension runs through the end of the decade, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link), who says Lurie was adamant about keeping him in Philadelphia.

5:32pm: Amidst whispers that “something big” could happen in Philadelphia, the Eagles have announced changes to the roles of their top two football executives, GM Howie Roseman and head coach Chip Kelly. According to a team release, Roseman has been elevated to the role of executive vice president of football operations, while Kelly will now officially oversee the player personnel department, and will lead efforts to hire a new personnel executive.

After the team parted ways with Tom Gamble earlier this week, there was speculation that there was a power struggle emerging between Kelly and Roseman, with the GM winning the latest round. In a second press release, team owner Jeffrey Lurie dismissed any notion of unrest in the front office, and reiterated his trust in the Eagles’ head coach.

“You have heard me say many times that I want strong leaders who feel free to express their opinions. And that is what happened here,” Lurie said. “Chip will now lead this process going forward with the continued full support of Howie, Don [Smolenski] and myself…. I have a very good relationship with Chip that continues to grow stronger and stronger. When we spoke, he was thoughtful, thorough and professional. There were no demands, no threats – quite the contrary – he was passionate, engaged and articulated a dynamic and clear vision on how this fully integrated approach will work. We look forward to seeing it come to life over time.

“Let me also stress that Howie will continue to play a vital role in our operation,” Lurie added. “He has been elevated to the role of Executive Vice President of Football Operations and received a contract extension.”

The tweaks to Kelly’s and Roseman’s positions should be enough to satisfy both parties, despite the fact that Roseman’s role in personnel decisions has been reduced. Kelly now has a position similar to the one Andy Reid held in Philadelphia before he left the team, with control over draft and roster decisions, and the opportunity to lead the search for Gamble’s replacement. As for Roseman, along with his extension, he’ll continue to direct “contract negotiations, salary cap management and NFL strategic matters,” according to the team’s statement.

It remains to be seen whether the Kelly/Roseman marriage will be a long-term one for the Eagles, or if this latest move will just serve as a band-aid solution. For now though, it appears Kelly, Roseman, and Lurie are happy with the team’s arrangement, and neither the head coach nor the new VP of football operations is going anywhere.

Minor Moves: Friday

January 2nd, 2015 at 5:12pm CST by Zachary Links

Here are today’s minor transactions from around the NFL, with any additional moves added to the top of the list throughout the day:

  • Wide receiver Damian Williams has signed a futures deal with the Rams, per Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (via Twitter). A former third-round pick, Williams spent some time on both St. Louis’ and Miami’s 53-man rosters this season.
  • Washington has signed strong safety Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith and nose tackle LaKendrick Ross to reserve/futures contracts, according to Zac Boyer of The Washington Times (via Twitter). Cromartie-Smith was with Washington in training camp, while Ross, whose signing was reported earlier in the week, worked out for the club late in the regular season.

AFC Links: Rinehart, Bills, DeCosta, Dolphins

January 2nd, 2015 at 4:27pm CST by Luke Adams

Over the course of a 2014 season in which the Chargers were plagued by injuries – particularly on the offensive line, where the team shuffled through five centers – only one player appeared in every offensive snap. As Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune observes (via Twitter), that player was left guard Chad Rinehart, who triggered a $900K escalator by playing more than 85% of the club’s snaps. Rinehart’s base salary for next season is now $3.15MM, up from $2.25MM, per Gehlken.

Here’s more from around the AFC:

  • Had Bill Polian come to the Bills, former Chargers GM A.J. Smith would have been considered for a front office job, according to John Clayton of ESPN (via colleague Mike Rodak on Twitter). Meanwhile, Tim Graham of the Buffalo News (Twitter link) has an update on a chain of Polian-related front office gossip out of Buffalo.
  • Addressing his continuing reluctance to interview for any general manager openings, Ravens assistant GM Eric DeCosta explained his stance: “It’s not [a fear of becoming a GM]. I have a great owner and work with my best friends. What else could you want?” (Twitter link via Jason Cole of Bleacher Report).
  • Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald examines five issues the Dolphins must address in the offseason. Among the items on Salguero’s checklist: getting a new defensive coordinator and some offensive line help to better protect quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
  • As we heard earlier this week, Browns GM Ray Farmer expects Josh Gordon‘s reps to challenge his suspension so that he gets an accrued NFL season in 2014. Pat McManamon of ESPN.com takes a look at where the Gordon situation currently stands.
  • The Jaguars will be one of the more interesting teams to watch over the next few months, as they head into the winter armed with a ton of cap space and not many of their own free agents to re-sign. Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap previews the club’s offseason.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Coach Notes: Saints, Kelly, 49ers, Jets

January 2nd, 2015 at 3:35pm CST by Zachary Links

The Saints are making some changes to the coaching staff underneath head coach Sean Payton, as Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network tweets (via these links). New Orleans is parting ways with wide receivers coach Henry Ellard, tight end coach Terry Malone, and defensive backs coach Andre Curtis.

The question now is whether the team will retain defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, who is highly respected around the league and in the Saints’ locker room despite the team’s recent struggles. Rapoport personally wouldn’t be surprised to see the Saints keep him and build around his scheme.

Let’s check in on a few more coaching situations around the league….

  • Despite speculation that Eagles head coach Chip Kelly may be unhappy in Philadelphia following Tom Gamble’s dismissal, John Middlekauff of 95.7 The Game (Twitter link) hears that Kelly isn’t going anywhere. Tim McManus of PhillyMag.com tweets that a move is likely forthcoming, but it won’t involve the departure of Kelly or GM Howie Roseman.
  • The 49ers will interview Pats offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels tomorrow, a source tells Albert Breer of NFL.com (on Twitter).
  • The Jets‘ contingent of Woody Johnson and consultants Ron Wolf and Charley Casserly will meet with Tom Cable today, according to Rapoport (via Twitter). The former Raiders head coach currently serves as the Seahawks’ offensive line and assistant head coach.
  • A source familiar with the Bears’ coaching search told Adam Jahns of the Sun-Times the team remains steadfast in its desire to find a GM before their next coach, but the Bears couldn’t miss their permitted opportunities to meet with Adam Gase and Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn this week.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

NFC East Notes: Eagles, Washington, Giants

January 2nd, 2015 at 2:07pm CST by Luke Adams

In the wake of Tom Gamble‘s departure from the Eagles, a plugged-in league source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (Twitter link) that “something big” could be going on in Philadelphia. Considering Gamble’s dismissal was viewed as a loss for head coach Chip Kelly in a possible power struggle with GM Howie Roseman, it’s fair to wonder if that supposed “big” development could involve Kelly.

In his latest piece for the Philadelphia Daily News, Sam Donnellon suggested that Roseman and owner Jeffrey Lurie need to tread carefully with Kelly, who would have plenty of options at both the NFL and college level if he were to leave Philadelphia. For now, speculation about Kelly following Gamble out the door may be premature, but there definitely seems to be a sense of unease surrounding the Eagles.

Here are a few more Friday items from out of the NFC East:

  • Washington is expected to offer an enhanced front office position to former Chargers GM A.J. Smith, according to John Clayton of ESPN.com. Clayton suggests that while Bruce Allen will remain Washington’s GM and president, Smith – who is currently a senior executive for the club – will likely become more involved in making football decisions.
  • Even if the Eagles decide they can win a Super Bowl with Nick Foles as their quarterback, the team will almost certainly provide insurance by bringing in a veteran signal-caller in free agency or drafting one early, writes Paul Domowitch of the Philadelphia Daily News. A 2012 draftee, Foles is now eligible for a contract extension as he enters the final year of his rookie deal, but the Eagles likely aren’t quite ready to commit to him for the long term.
  • The Giants don’t plan to be as aggressive in free agency this year as they were during their spending spree last offseason, and that’s because there’s still time for those signings – many of which were disappointing in year one – to pay off, says Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News. Vacchiano points to Rashad Jennings, Geoff Schwartz, and Jon Beason, among others, as free agent signees who had injuries derail their first season with the Giants.

Ravens Activate Haloti Ngata, Put Brown On IR

January 2nd, 2015 at 1:17pm CST by Luke Adams

The Ravens have activated standout defensive lineman Haloti Ngata from the reserve/suspended list in preparation for tomorrow night’s game against the Steelers, per Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Wilson adds that linebacker Arthur Brown has been placed on the injured reserve list to accommodate the move.

Ngata, who had been named to five consecutive Pro Bowls coming into this season, was his usual effective self on defense in his first 12 games, playing well against both the run and the pass. The longtime Raven has even grabbed a couple interceptions this season, as well as defending a career-high seven passes. However, he missed the club’s last four games after being suspended for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. According to Ngata, his failed test came as a result of taking Adderall.

The Ravens had a roster exemption for Ngata that lasted until Monday, but in order for him to play in Pittsburgh on Saturday, a player needed to be removed from the 53-man unit. That player is Brown, who had a disappointing sophomore season in which he failed to play a defensive snap all year. A second-round pick in 2013, Brown doesn’t seem to be in Baltimore’s plans following C.J. Mosley‘s breakout rookie campaign, and figures to be a trade candidate this offseason.

Maxx Williams Declares For NFL Draft

January 2nd, 2015 at 1:08pm CST by Ben Levine

JANUARY 2: Williams formally announced today that he’ll enter the draft, tweets Joe Christensen of the Star Tribune.

DECEMBER 27: The tight end depth in next year’s draft just got a bit deeper, as Darren Wolfson of 1500ESPN.com reports that Minnesota sophomore Maxx Williams is expected to enter the NFL draft. Wolfson notes that an official announcement is expected sometime following the Golden Gophers’ Citrus Bowl contest against Missouri.

Williams has already spent the three required years in college, where he’s caught 54 passes for 888 yards and 12 touchdowns. His 2014 season earned him a collection of accolades, including a second team All-American selection, the Big Ten tight end of the Year award, and first-team All-Big Ten honors. He was also a finalist for the Mackey Award, which goes to the nation’s top tight end.

According to Wolfson, Williams’ family is already seeking an agent with the belief that he’ll be a first or second-round selection. While Wolfson notes that his career numbers are not eye-popping, the player’s 6-foot-4, 250 pound frame will make him an instant contributor in the NFL. His father, Brian Williams, spent ten years in the NFL as the Giants center.

NFC South Notes: Bucs, Falcons, Saints

January 2nd, 2015 at 12:44pm CST by Luke Adams

The Buccaneers had been hoping to interview Titans tight ends coach Mike Mularkey for their open offensive coordinator job, but that won’t happen, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Rapoport tweets that Tampa Bay has been denied permission to speak to Mularkey.

NFL teams aren’t allowed to block assistant coaches from interviewing for – or accepting – a job as a head coach, but that rule doesn’t apply to other jobs, including coordinator positions. In this case, the Buccaneers’ job would qualify as a promotion for Mularkey, but the Titans are within their rights to deny the Bucs the opportunity to talk to him.

Here’s more from around the NFC South:

  • The Falcons will interview Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels for their head coaching opening today, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, by way of his colleague Vaughn McClure (Twitter link).
  • Rex Ryan has also scheduled his interview with the Falcons — it’ll happen on Tuesday, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. While Ryan could be a good fit in Atlanta, some observers believe the ex-Jets coach is talking to NFL teams in order to squeeze more money out of ESPN, says Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (Twitter link).
  • Examining the reserve/futures contracts signed by the Saints, Evan Woodbery of the Times-Picayune points out that kicker Dustin Hopkins inked the longest deal, a three-year pact that keeps him under team control through 2017.
  • Saints defensive backs Stanley Jean-Baptiste and Corey White had somewhat frustrating 2014 seasons in New Orleans, and aren’t quite sure what the team has in store for them in 2015, writes Mike Triplett of ESPN.com.

AP Announces 2014 NFL All-Pro Team

January 2nd, 2015 at 11:40am CST by Luke Adams

The Associated Press announced its All-Pro teams for 2014 today, with Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt and Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski earning unanimous selections. Here’s the complete first team, via NFL.com:

Offense:

QB: Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
RB: DeMarco Murray (Cowboys), Le’Veon Bell (Steelers)
FB: John Kuhn (Packers)
TE: Rob Gronkowski (Patriots)
WR: Antonio Brown (Steelers), Dez Bryant (Cowboys)
T: Tyron Smith (Cowboys), Joe Thomas (Browns)
G: Marshal Yanda (Ravens), Zack Martin (Cowboys)
C: Maurkice Pouncey (Steelers)

Defense:

DE: J.J. Watt (Texans), Mario Williams (Bills)
DT: Ndamukong Suh (Lions), Marcell Dareus (Bills)
OLB: Justin Houston (Chiefs), Elvis Dumervil (Ravens)
ILB: Luke Kuechly (Panthers), Bobby Wagner (Seahawks)
CB: Darrelle Revis (Patriots), Richard Sherman (Seahawks)
S: Earl Thomas (Seahawks), Eric Weddle (Chargers)

Special teams:

K: Adam Vinatieri (Colts)
P: Pat McAfee (Colts)
KR: Adam Jones (Bengals)

Bucs Sign Seven Players To Futures Deals

January 2nd, 2015 at 9:43am CST by Luke Adams

The Buccaneers have officially signed seven players to reserve/futures contracts for the 2015 season, according to Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times. Three of those agreements had been previously reported, while five of the seven players come from off Tampa Bay’s practice squad. Here’s the full list:

Of the players that finished the season on the team’s practice squad, defensive back Varmah Sonie, quarterback Mike Kafka, linebacker Denicos Allen, and linebacker Ka’Lial Glaud have not been signed to new deals. Meanwhile, Auman says that the club still intends to sign former Nevada punter Chase Tenpenny to a futures contract, as had been reported last month.

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