Month: January 2025

Trade Rumors App For iOS/Android

As free agency winds down and the 2015 NFL draft approaches, you can follow all the latest news and rumors with the Trade Rumors app for iOS and Android devices! Here are some of the features of the app:

  • Customize your home screen. The app has feeds for Pro Football Rumors, MLB Trade Rumors, and Hoops Rumors by default, but if you’re more of a one- or two-sport person, you can easily remove and reorder feeds. You can also add a feed for any of the 92 MLB, NFL, or NBA teams, as well as the thousands of players in the archives of our three sites. Please note that the default ordering puts MLB Trade Rumors on your home screen, but you can easily go into Settings to reorder and add or remove feeds.
  • In addition to customizing your feeds, you can also set up notifications at the sport, team, or even player level, and receive a notification as soon as a new article is posted on that topic.
  • We’ve also allowed for filtering of all stories versus top stories, for what is shown on the home screen as well as for notifications. This allows you to limit yourself to just the most important news for a feed, if you prefer.
  • Article sharing options are plentiful: choose Facebook, Twitter, email, and text message.
  • Once you’ve clicked an article in a feed, you can swipe to read the next article in that feed.

Best of all? The Trade Rumors app is free! Download it today for iOS or Android.

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Bengals Re-Sign Emmanuel Lamur

Linebacker Emmanuel Lamur has officially signed his one-year contract tender and will return to Cincinnati for the 2015 season, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer (Twitter link). Lamur, who received a second-round RFA tender from the Bengals, will be in line for a $2.356MM salary.

In over 900 defensive snaps for the Bengals last season, Lamur graded as a below-average player in pass coverage, run defense, and as a pass rusher, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), which ranked him 39th out of 40 qualified 4-3 outside linebackers. However, the team clearly viewed the 25-year-old’s performance more favorably, with his 97 tackles and two interceptions earning him more than just the low-end RFA tender.

If Lamur, who went undrafted out of Kansas State, had received that low-end RFA offer, which doesn’t come with any draft pick compensation, he may have drawn interest from rival suitors. However, because the Bengals assigned him the $2.356MM tender, any team interested in signing Lamur would’ve had to surrender a second-round pick to land him, which likely diminished any outside interest.

Lamur had been the only Bengals’ restricted free agent who remained unsigned.

Ravens Notes: Peters, DGB, Collins, Draft

Speaking to reporters today at the team’s pre-draft press conference, Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome confirmed that Baltimore has hosted cornerback Marcus Peters and wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham on visits, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link). Both Peters and Green-Beckham were dismissed from their college teams, so despite last year’s Ray Rice saga – and a handful of other Baltimore players being arrested – it appears the Ravens aren’t removing players from their draft board solely based on potential character red flags.

Here’s more on the Ravens:

  • According to Wilson (via Twitter), LSU cornerback Jalen Collins has visited the Ravens. Collins is considered a probable second-day selection.
  • Discussing the possibility of trading up in the draft, Newsome didn’t sound overly enthusiastic about the idea, but also didn’t rule it out, suggesting that he doesn’t like to “pigeonhole” himself (Twitter link via Wilson).
  • Newsome said today that the Ravens won’t hesitate to draft an offensive lineman, even though the team is already fairly deep at that spot, tweets Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun. The GM pointed out that Kelechi Osemele and Marshal Yanda are entering the final year of their respective contracts.
  • Assistant GM Eric DeCosta echoed a comment made by John Harbaugh at the NFL meetings last month, indicating that drafting a wide receiver is a possibility for the Ravens in virtually any round (Twitter link via Zrebiec).
  • Joe Hortiz, Baltimore’s director of college scouting, said today that this year’s tight end class is on the “lighter side,” but added that there are potential targets for the Ravens in the middle and late rounds (Twitter link via Zrebiec).

Draft Visits: Titans, Jags, Steelers, 49ers

Having hosted receiver Kevin White for a visit already, the Titans are scheduled to meet with Alabama wideout Amari Cooper next week, according to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean (via Twitter). While the two players are considered the top two prospects at their position, it would still be a surprise to see either player go as high as No. 2 to Tennessee, so perhaps the team is doing due diligence in case it trades down. Of course, I’d argue that the Titans have multiple positions that are bigger holes than wide receiver, but there’s no harm in exploring every potential option.

Here are more updates on upcoming draft visits, as well as some that have already happened:

  • Another top-five team keeping its options open is Jacksonville, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, who reports (via Twitter) that the Jaguars have hosted Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon and Georgia’s Todd Gurley for pre-draft visits. Third overall is almost certainly too high to draft a running back, so the Jags could be doing their homework in case they make a draft-day trade.
  • Rapoport also passes along an update on wide receiver DeVante Parker, tweeting that the former Louisville Cardinal has visits with the Jets, Titans, and Bears on his schedule. Parker has also visited the Jaguars and is meeting with the Vikings today.
  • Virginia edge rusher Eli Harold, Ole Miss cornerback Senquez Golson, Utah defensive end Nate Orchard, and Auburn tight end C.J. Uzomah all visited the Steelers today, tweets Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
  • Speaking of Harold, according to Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports (Twitter link), the Virginia product has visited or worked out for 14 teams, including the Bears, Jaguars, Saints, and Jets.
  • The 49ers and Steelers will host Auburn receiver Sammie Coates for visits next week, sources tell Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Coates has also visited the Browns and, as previously reported, the Dolphins.
  • Per Wilson (via Twitter), USC tight end Randall Telfer has visited the Eagles, will visit the Patriots, and has a private meeting lined up with the Falcons.
  • Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee reports (via Twitter) that that Sacramento State wide receiver DeAndre Carter worked out for the Cardinals this week, and will attend local pro days for the Raiders and 49ers next week.

NFC Notes: Peterson, Vikings, 49ers, Draft

In his latest mailbag at TheMMQB.com, Peter King examines a potential trade for Adrian Peterson, suggesting that the Cardinals and Cowboys remain “the leaders in the clubhouse.” However, King doesn’t think either team will do anything rash to acquire the former MVP from the Vikings, pointing out that with the second-round pick it might take to trade for Peterson, potential suitors might be better off simply drafting a much younger, cheaper back.

Let’s check out a few more notes from around the NFC, with a focus on pre-draft visits:

  • The Vikings are taking a closer look at a ton of draft prospects this week, and we can add at least a couple more new names to the list today. Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net tweets that Mississippi State defensive end Preston Smith is in Minnesota to meet with the team, while Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune says (via Twitter) that Virginia safety Anthony Harris is also in town.
  • Oregon defensive lineman Arik Armstead, who grew up in Sacramento, is making a pre-draft visit to meet with the 49ers, writes Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. The Niners added Darnell Dockett in free agency but could be in the market for more defensive line help if and when Justin Smith decides to retire.
  • Utah cornerback Eric Rowe, who is viewed as a first- or second-day pick, is visiting the Lions today, says Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. Rowe, a four-year starter at Utah, is a versatile defensive back, with experience at safety as well.
  • Tight end Nick O’Leary was among the players to have a private workout with the Buccaneers, a source tells Alex Marvez of Fox Sports (Twitter link).
  • The Packers are hosting Pittsburgh offensive lineman Matt Rotheram for a visit today, tweets agent Jeff Jankovich.

East Notes: Eagles, Peerman, Jets, Mays

Having signed DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews already this offseason, the Eagles are apparently still considering running backs. Adam Caplan of ESPN.com reports (via Twitter) that the team hosted former Bengals back Cedric Peerman for a visit on Tuesday.

Of course, unlike Murray and Mathews, Peerman contributes much more on special teams than on offense — he racked up an impressive 18 regular season tackles in kick and punt coverage last season, per Pro Football Focus.

Let’s check in on some other items out of the NFL’s two East divisions….

  • If running back has been the focus of the Eagles‘ offseason on the offensive side of the ball, they’ve been keying in on cornerbacks on the defensive side. Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com writes that the club is hosting Connecticut defensive back Byron Jones for a pre-draft visit after taking a look at Jalen Collins yesterday. Philadelphia has signed cornerbacks Byron Maxwell, Walter Thurmond, and E.J. Biggers within the last month.
  • According to Caplan (via Twitter), the Jets have some interest in signing free agent linebacker Joe Mays, who visited the Chargers after being cut by the Chiefs. New York appears to be working on addressing its linebacker depth this week, having agreed to terms with Erin Henderson yesterday.
  • Earlier today, we learned that free agent wide receiver Wes Welker will be paying a visit to the Dolphins.

Wes Welker Visiting Dolphins

Nearly a month after the 2015 free agent period officially got underway, veteran wideout Wes Welker has finally been linked to a potential suitor, and it’s a team he has played for in the past. According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, Welker is paying a visit to Miami today to meet with the Dolphins.

It appeared through the first few weeks of free agency that Welker’s age (34 next month) and injury history might be scaring off potentially interested teams, and there was some uncertainty about whether or not he’d continue his playing career. However, the Dolphins are one club in need of a veteran receiver. Miami parted ways with Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline, and Brandon Gibson this offseason, and has hosted Michael Crabtree and Greg Jennings for visits recently, as the team considers potential complements for Jarvis Landry and Kenny Stills.

According to Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald, Jennings – who visited the Dolphins yesterday – left the club’s facility without a contract, though an agreement between the two sides remains “very much a possibility.” Of course, the Fins may not return to negotiations with Jennings until they talk to Welker and get a sense of the former Bronco’s asking price.

Welker, an 11-year veteran, spent some time with the Dolphins near the start of his career, before the team sent him to New England in a 2007 trade. Since that deal, Welker has racked up 794 receptions in eight seasons for the Patriots and Broncos, and earned five Pro Bowl nods. 2014 was by far his worst season during that stretch, however, as injuries limited him to 14 games, in which he totaled 49 catches and just 464 receiving yards.

Per Salguero, the Texans showed “mild interest” in Welker prior to the start of free agency, but the Dolphins are believed to be the first team to host him for a visit.

Extra Points: Peterson, Jimbo, Mariota, Draft

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is not expected to face any further discipline when he comes off the commissioner’s exempt list, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. For Peterson, being clear of any more punishment was a key goal of today’s meeting with league officials in New York, per Rapoport. Peterson is eligible to be reinstated next Wednesday.

Here’s more from around the NFL:

  • Appearing on Pro Football Talk Live, Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher told Mike Florio that he’s received interest from NFL teams in the past, allowing that he “would never say never” to a pro opportunity. With a NCAA title under his belt, and a history of developing quarterbacks, it’s unsurprising that NFL clubs would inquire as to Fisher’s availability.
  • Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, having already worked out for the Titans privately, will meet with Tennessee again on Thursday, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com (Twitter link).
  • The Dolphins are assessing collegiate linebackers, writes Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, going as far as to send linebackers coach Mark Duffner to spend private time with Clemson’s Stephon Anthony. Miami has also met with Georgia’s Ramik Wilson and Anthony’s teammate, Vic Beasley, and have had several conversations with Utah State’s Zach Vigil, a potential late-round pick, says Jackson.
  • Purdue tight end Gabe Holmes, who has already drawn interest from the Cardinals and Raiders, will work out for the Dolphins on Friday, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
  • Searching for a replacement for Mike Iupati, the 49ers have scheduled an official visit for Utah guard Jeremiah Poutasi which will take place later this month, writes Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.
  • Both the city and county of San Diego independently voted to pay the cost of hiring consultants with stadium experience as they look for a new home for the Chargers, according to David Garrick of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Vikings Interested In Tony Carter

We’ve already seen one restricted free agent defensive back sign an offer sheet with another club earlier today, as Packers safety Sean Richardson inked a (possible) deal with the Raiders. Another RFA — Broncos cornerback Tony Carter — could also draw interest from around the league in the coming weeks, and the Vikings have the 28-year-old on their “radar,” according to Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN (Twitter link).

Carter, who spent some time on the Vikings’ offseason roster in 2011, has been the subject of acquisition rumors before, as he generated trade interest leading up to last year’s trade deadline. He ultimately stayed in Denver, but he’s see his role on the club’s defense greatly reduced behind Chris Harris, Aqib Talib, and Bradley Roby. An undrafted free agent in 2009, Carter is certainly capable of posting high-quality production, as evidenced by his 2012 season, when he posted two interceptions and earned a +6.9 grade from Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

The Broncos tendered Carter at the lowest level (a salary of $1.542MM), meaning that while they’ll have the right to match any offer that Carter receives, they won’t be entitled to compensation if they don’t match. Given that they’re already paying large salaries to both Harris and Talib, I doubt they’d be willing to match any significant offer sheet that Carter might sign. Along with the Vikings, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Ravens were also interested in Carter, as they discussed the corner with Denver prior to last year’s trade deadline.

Wolfson stresses that nothing is imminent between Minnesota and Carter, adding that Carter could become an option for the club if they don’t select a corner in the draft. As such, this is a situation which could play out over several weeks.

Minor Moves: Tuesday

Let’s take a look at today’s minor moves:

  • 49ers defensive tackle Tony Jerod-Eddie has signed his exclusive rights tender, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (Twitter link). The 25-year-old Jerod-Eddie was active for all 16 games last season — starting two — and posted 12 tackles. Maiocco adds that although fellow San Francisco ERFA Michael Wilhoite has not yet signed his contract, he is participating in the club’s offseason program.
  • Rams running back Chase Reynolds has also signed his ERFA contract, Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun tweets. Reynolds didn’t log a single carry in 2014, but did contribute on special teams, where he played more than 60% of the snaps.
  • The Buccaneers signed tackle Ben Gottschalk, per Wilson (Twitter link). The Southern Methodist product went undrafted in 2014 before spending a brief time on the Chiefs’ practice squad. He originally worked out for Tampa Bay last Thursday.