HEADLINES

Month: January 2025

Browns Have Real Interest In Marcus Mariota

April 9th, 2015 at 9:54am CST by Luke Adams

When they traded up in the first round last year to snag Johnny Manziel, the Browns probably anticipated being able to use their two 2015 first-round picks on non-quarterbacks. However, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Cleveland has “real interest” in the possibility of trading up to draft Oregon signal-caller Marcus Mariota.

The Browns currently hold the 12th and 19th overall picks in this year’s draft, but according to Florio, it’s not clear if those selections alone would be enough to move high enough to land Mariota. As a point of reference, when the Bills moved up from No. 9 to No. 4 last year to nab Sammy Watkins, the Browns secured a fourth-rounder from Buffalo in addition to a pair of first-round picks.

Recent chatter has suggested that Mariota is a good bet to be drafted second overall, either by the Titans or by a team trading up to land him. If Cleveland has to move up that high, I think it would require more than just the 12th and 19th overall selections. It’s also worth considering that this year’s draft class is considered to have about nine or 10 top-tier players, with a drop-off coming after that. So teams in the top 10 may not be inclined to move too far down.

We’re still three weeks away from draft night, so a deal is unlikely to happen anytime soon, but it sounds like it’s worth keeping an eye on the Browns as a potential trade partner for teams in the top 10. Cleveland has already reportedly offered a first-round pick to both the Rams and the Eagles in exchange for quarterback Sam Bradford, suggesting the team may not be satisfied to head into the 2015 season with Josh McCown and Manziel atop its depth chart.

Le’Veon Bell Suspended Three Games

April 9th, 2015 at 8:39am CST by Luke Adams

Two days after we learned that LeGarrette Blount will be suspended one game for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports (via Twitter) that Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell will be suspended three games for his involvement in the same incident. Bell, who is appealing the ban, would also be fined an additional game check if the penalty is upheld.

While Blount was arrested for marijuana possession before the season got underway last summer, Bell was charged for both marijuana possession and DUI, which explains the more punitive discipline the Steelers back received from the league.

If Bell is indeed forced to sit out the first three games of the 2015 season, it figures to result in an expanded role for DeAngelo Williams, the only outside free agent signed by Pittsburgh so far this offseason. Dri Archer and Josh Harris also should be in the running back mix, though they’re unlikely to carry the majority of the load. The Steelers may consider adding a back in the draft as well.

Coming off a season in which he led the AFC with 1,361 yards, Bell looked poised to contend for the NFL’s rushing title in 2015, but missing three games would certainly put him at a disadvantage in that race. Assuming the penalty – including the fourth-game fine – holds up, the 23-year-old will forfeit $194,900, a quarter of his $779,600 base salary for 2015.

Dolphins Mulling Trade Into Top 10?

April 9th, 2015 at 8:29am CST by Luke Adams

The Dolphins have been one of the most aggressive teams in the league so far this offseason, landing No. 1 free agent Ndamukong Suh and sending a third-round pick to New Orleans in a deal for wide receiver Kenny Stills. And it doesn’t appear that the team is taking its foot off the gas quite yet. According to Rob Rang of CBSSports.com, the Dolphins have been reaching out to clubs picking in the top 10 in this month’s draft to gauge what it might cost to trade up.

Sources suggest to Rang that Miami seems to be targeting a playmaking wide receiver, perhaps Alabama’s Amari Cooper or – more likely – West Virginia’s Kevin White. Despite their trade for Stills and the presence of Jarvis Landry, the Dolphins have been actively seeking more help at the wideout position, having recently brought in free agents Michael Crabtree, Greg Jennings, and Wes Welker for visits.

Drafting 14th overall, the top 10 is within reach for the Dolphins, but they may have to leapfrog more than just a handful of teams if they want to have a shot at White, who is viewed as a potential top-five pick. Miami only has six 2015 picks with which to work, though as we saw a year ago when the Bills traded up for Sammy Watkins, giving up a future first-rounder is always a possibility if the Fins get serious about making a move.

Here are a couple more Dolphins-related links for Thursday morning:

  • Norfolk State edge defender Lynden Trail is making a pre-draft visit to Miami today to meet with the Dolphins, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Trail visited the Vikings earlier this week.
  • Maryland wideout Stefon Diggs, who has previously met with the 49ers and Patriots, is scheduled to visit the Dolphins as well, sources tell Wilson.
  • Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald takes a closer look at the Dolphins’ search for a receiver, arguing that the team should continue to look at veteran free agents, such as Reggie Wayne, Hakeem Nicks, and Lance Moore. With myriad options still on the market, it doesn’t look like the Dolphins are in a hurry to lock up any one player.

Extra Points: Tillman, Talib, Los Angeles, Peterson

April 8th, 2015 at 10:30pm CST by Luke Adams

Let’s take a look at some assorted notes from around the league as we wrap up this Wednesday night…

  • Former Bears cornerback Charles Tillman visited the Panthers earlier this evening, reports ESPN.com’s Jeff Dickerson (via Twitter). The reporter notes that the two sides have yet to discuss a contract.
  • Rebecca Lopez of WFAA-TV in Dallas reports (via Twitter) that Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib is being investigated for aggravated assault earlier this morning. The 29-year-old’s brother, Yaqub, is also being investigated by police. According to ESPN.com’s Jeff Legwold, the pair were questioned by police early Wednesday, but no one was arrested.
  • Addressing a rumor going around, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (Twitter link) dismisses the notion that the Eagles have any real interest in acquiring Johnny Manziel. According to Cole, the Browns tossed out the idea in a conversation with Philadelphia, but it didn’t gain any traction. Of course, Cleveland also reportedly offered the Eagles a first-round pick for Sam Bradford.
  • In an extensive and interesting piece, Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times examines nine potential outcomes for an NFL move to Los Angeles, including scenarios in which multiple teams relocate and scenarios in which just one of the Rams, Chargers, or Raiders makes the move.
  • The NFL submitted it’s appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court regarding Adrian Peterson, according to USA Today’s Tom Pelissero (via Twitter). Once it’s filed, the NFL Player’s Association will have 14 days to respond. As Pelissero notes (via Twitter), the appeal “has more to do with precedent than Peterson,” adding that the running back could realistically be reinstated regardless of the outcome.
  • Count Reggie Bush among those who are rooting for Australian rugby star Jarryd Hayne to make the 49ers. The running back expressed his confidence to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. “I’m sure he’ll make it, I don’t think there’s any doubt in anybody’s mind he’ll make the roster,” Bush said. “He has all the talents and athleticism to be able to play in this league and to be able to play at a high level in this league…I think making the team is actually the least of his worries.”

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

Draft Notes: Patriots, Browns, Titans

April 8th, 2015 at 9:20pm CST by Ben Levine

We’ve already passed along plenty of news pertaining to prospect workouts today, including those visiting the Buccaneers and Ravens. There have been some additional rookie visits reported throughout the evening, and you can find that information below…

  • Following his meeting with the Buccaneers, Marcus Mariota is in Tennessee to presumably meet with the Titans this evening, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). The reporter adds that the quarterback is set to meet with the Chargers a week from tonight.
  • Samford safety Jaquiski Tartt worked out for the Patriots today at South Alabama, sources tell Matt Miller of Bleacher Report (Twitter link). Tartt is considered a probable mid-round pick.
  • Defensive end/linebacker Andrew Hudson has scheduled a visit with the Browns, reports agent Brett Tessler (via Twitter). We learned earlier this evening that the former Washington Husky was also meeting with the Buccaneers.
  • Louisville outside linebacker Deiontrez Mount is set to meet with the Titans on Thursday and Friday, according to Terry McCormick of 247sports.com. As the writer notes, Mount was a versatile member of the Cardinals defense, playing outside linebacker, inside linebacker, defensive tackle and defensive end.
  • Miami offensive tackle Ereck Flowers will meet next week with the Browns, Panthers and Washington, according to Fox Sports’ Alex Marvez (on Twitter). There’s been speculation that Flowers could be the first tackle off the board during this year’s draft.

AFC Links: Ravens, Welker, Raiders, Patriots

April 8th, 2015 at 8:15pm CST by Ben Levine

Eric DeCosta is one of the hottest up-and-coming general manager candidates in the league. The Ravens assistant GM was asked to interview with the Jets and Bears this offseason, but the 43-year-old declined, just as he had previously with the Seahawks and Raiders. Why refuse an opportunity to become a general manager just to remain an assistant? DeCosta answered that question earlier today (via Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun):

“I get a chance to work with my friends. Every day, I come in and work with my friends. I think it’s a relationship business. In the end, personal ambitions aside, all you have is really your reputation and your friends and your enjoyment in life. And I love Baltimore, the community.

“My wife is from Baltimore. I’ve been here 20 years, my kids go to school here. It’s great. I sit with these guys every day and give everybody a hard time, get a chance to play jokes on everybody every day, and it’s just fun. I enjoy work. I enjoy coming in here. We have a great owner, awesome stadium and best fan base in the country. So, what more do you want?”

There may be another reason for DeCosta to stay put, as Wilson says the executive is “[d]esignated contractually as the Ravens’ general-manager-in-waiting behind Ozzie Newsome.”

Let’s take a look at some more notes out of the AFC…

  • Wes Welker‘s visit with the Dolphins ended without a deal, reports Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald (via Twitter). The 33-year-old spent three seasons in Miami prior to his tenure with the Patriots. He finished last season with 49 catches for 464 yards and two touchdowns, the lowest totals since his rookie campaign.
  • While it doesn’t come as much of a surprise, the San Francisco Chronicle’s Vic Tafur confirms (via Twitter) that Michael Crabtree wrapped up his visit with the Raiders without a contract. The former first-round pick met with the organization on Monday.
  • Stevan Ridley spurned the Dolphins and Washington to sign with the Jets earlier this evening. As the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe notes on Twitter, the Patriots didn’t make “a significant enough push” to retain their free agent running back.

Jets Sign Stevan Ridley

April 8th, 2015 at 6:30pm CST by Ben Levine

The Jets continue their offseason makeover, as they’ve reportedly added another piece this evening. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets that the Jets will sign free agent running back Stevan Ridley. Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports (via Twitter) that it’s a one-year deal.

The former Patriots’ season was cut short in 2014, as an ACL and MCL injury suffered in Week 6 ended the running back’s year. In six games, Ridley compiled 340 yards and two touchdowns on 94 attempts. The 26-year-old was attempting to boost his value after a dreadful 2013 campaign, when his role was diminished following continuous fumbling issues.

However, prior to that, Ridley was one of the brightest young running backs in the league. He rushed for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns during his sophomore campaign, earning him the 25th-best ranking among running backs from Pro Football Focus (subscription required). In his brief career, Ridley has averaged 4.3 yards per carry, which would place him 16th among active running backs.

Ridley was among the more intriguing offensive weapons still available via free agency, and interest in the former LSU standout had started to heat up recently. Besides meeting with the Jets, Ridley had also met with Washington and the Dolphins, and Rapoport confirms (via Twitter) that both teams had offered the running back a contract. According to Rapoport (on Twitter), the presence of offensive coordinator Chan Gailey certainly impacted Ridley’s decision. Furthermore, the player may have been enticed by the opportunity to compete for carries with the Jets, as neither Chris Ivory or Bilal Powell have ever topped 850 yards in a season.

Contract Details: Smith, Lowery, Moore

April 8th, 2015 at 6:29pm CST by Ben Levine

Here are details on some of the NFL’s most recently-signed contracts, all via the Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson on Twitter. We’ll make sure to update you on any other contract details as they become available…

Buccaneers Notes: Mariota, Winston, Draft

April 8th, 2015 at 5:27pm CST by Ben Levine

The Buccaneers have been busy the past couple of days, as they traveled to Oregon on Tuesday to work out quarterback Marcus Mariota before flying to Tallahassee, Florida to meet with Jameis Winston this afternoon. Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole provided some insight into the organization’s thinking, and he suggests an explanation for why the team may ultimately pass on Winston for Mariota:

“What the Buccaneers are attempting to do in this situation is to get as close a live look as they possibly can… to make sure that they have it as fresh in their minds what these two players look like, how they handle themselves, [and] how they conduct themselves. While the Buccaneers are still overwhelmingly expected to take Jameis Winston with the number one overall pick, there is some thinking and consideration about Marcus Mariota, and ultimately, whether off-field issues regarding Winston will eventually push the Buccaneers to take Mariota instead of Winston.”

Let’s take a look at some more draft notes out of Tampa…

  • Albert Breer of the NFL Network believes there’s a sense of support for Mariota within the Buccaneers organization (Twitter link).
  • Defensive end/linebacker Nate Orchard will meet with the Buccaneers, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). The former Utah standout, who recorded 18.5 sacks this past season, previously met with the Bills and Steelers.
  • Defensive end Andrew Hudson will also meet with the Bucs, according to Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times (via Twitter). The former Washington Husky recorded 12.5 sacks as a senior.

Minor Moves: Wednesday

April 8th, 2015 at 4:57pm CST by Luke Adams

Here are today’s minor transactions from around the NFL:

  • We learned yesterday that the Raiders have officially secured all five of their restricted free agents, and Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun tweets today that the team has locked up its exclusive rights free agents as well. Rival clubs couldn’t make a play for those ERFAs, so there wasn’t much suspense about whether or not they’d be returning to Oakland. Defensive end Denico Autry, tight end Brian Leonhardt, tackle Matt McCants, fullback Jamize Olawale, and cornerback Neiko Thorpe are now under contract.
  • Cornerback Antwon Blake, who received the low-end RFA tender from the Steelers last month, has officially signed that tender, according to Wilson (via Twitter). Blake will return to Pittsburgh on a one-year deal for 2015 worth $1.542MM.
  • Former Texans and Bears defensive lineman Amobi Okoye has been released by the Cowboys, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com. Okoye appeared in 87 games between 2007 and 2012 before he was sidelined by a medical issue, and had been attempting to make it back to the NFL — if he intends to continue his comeback attempt, it looks like it’ll have to happen with another team.
  • The Packers have cut tackle Aaron Adams with a failed physical designation, per Weston Hodkiewicz of the Green Bay Press-Gazette (Twitter link). The former Kentucky lineman tore his ACL and MCL during training camp last year and missed the entire 2014 season.
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