2015 June - Pro Football Rumors

AFC East Notes: L. Williams, Dolphins, Pats

June 4th, 2015 at 7:57pm CST by Zachary Links

Here’s a glance at the AFC East..

Brian Heimerdinger, the Jets‘ new director of player personnel, told a Nashville radio station that he was “surprised and excited” when defensive lineman Leonard Williams was available for the Jets to take at No. 6, Brian Costello of the New York Post writes. “It’s like getting your favorite Christmas present when you walk down the stairs on the 25th of December,” Heimerdinger said on 104.5 The Zone. “Very excited. He’s a big, strong, athletic guy. Usually, you like to have those guys.” Many analysts regarded the USC product as the top overall talent in this year’s class, so the Jets were undoubtedly happy with how things turned out.
Dolphins kicker Caleb Sturgis‘ quadriceps injury occurred during a team-organized kickball event, three sources tell Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Sturgis will resume activity in two to three weeks, once his non-kicking leg heals up. Jackson writes that Miami badly needs Sturgis to heal up for this season since the accuracy of rookie Andrew Franks is shaky.
James White, a rookie fourth-round pick last season out of Wisconsin, could step in as the Patriots‘ third-down back after Shane Vereen signed with the Giants, Phil Perry of CSNNE.com writes. Offseason acquisition Travaris Cadet could also get a look, but he didn’t do a whole lot of pass blocking with the Saints.

West Notes: Bowlen, L.A., Kaepernick, Seahawks

June 4th, 2015 at 7:16pm CST by Sam Robinson

Broncos owner Pat Bowlen‘s son John Bowlen Jr. was released on a $1,000 bond after being arrested on suspicion of third-degree assault and harassment stemming from a domestic violence incident Wednesday night, reports Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post.

Bowlen Jr. allegedly pushed his girlfriend against a wall as she was trying to call the police as a result of his “erratic behavior,” per Jhabvala. She told police he was under the influence of nitrous oxide and alcohol.

“This is the owner of the Denver Broncos. I am sorry. Nothing is wrong,” Bowlen Jr., 29, said when he picked up the phone, according to the police report.

The Broncos placed him on an indefinite leave of absence. Bowlen Jr. works as an administrative employee with the team but is a candidate to take over when Pat Bowlen, 71 and stricken with Alzheimer’s, decides to cede ownership to one of his seven children. Per Jhabvala, Bowlen Jr. had drug charges dismissed and was arrested under suspicion of alcohol-induced driving in 2003 and 2005, respectively.

Here are some (lighter) notes from the Western divisions.

The Rams may have adjusted contracts with seasonal contractors to coincide with the NFL’s February 2016 deadline for relocation bid submissions, reports Brian Feldt of the St. Louis Business Journal. According to Feldt, these contracts typically run from May to May, but with owner Stan Kroenke securing land in Inglewood, Calif., for a possible $2 billion stadium, he likely plans on posting a bid between Jan. 1 and Feb. 15, 2016. Two Rams contractors told Feldt their contracts were changed, with the Rams saying telling one it’s to coincide with the end of the season.
The NFL will hold a special owners meeting Aug. 11 in Chicago on the topic of the three-team Los Angeles relocation derby, according to Daniel Kaplan of the Sports Business Journal (via Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch). Miklasz notes this date is important for St. Louis in its effort to securing a site and funding for a new stadium on the north Mississippi riverfront. The Post-Dispatch columnist also notes the NFL is expected to let teams apply for relocation starting this fall.
League executive Eric Grubman, who’s serving as the NFL’s point man on the Los Angeles efforts, told reporters the special meeting will determine if the NFL needs to provide an “expedited timetable” for teams looking to move, meaning the Feb. 16 deadline could indeed be moved up, according to Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com. For San Diego’s prospects, Williams reports Chargers and NFL officials think the $1.1 billion proposal put forth by a local advisory group for a stadium in Mission Valley, Calif., is “nowhere near enough” to bring about an actionable plan to keep the Chargers in the city they’ve played in since 1961.
The Rams appear to have more zone-blocking concepts in store this season under new offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr., reports Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com. And though Todd Gurley remains a ways away from full practices, the rookie runner worked on some straight-line speed with Rams trainer Byron Cunningham and caught passes from rookie quarterback Sean Mannion, although those weren’t at full speed.
After working at EXOS training facility in Phoenix from January to April, Colin Kaepernick appears to have a quicker release, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. Entering his third full season as the 49ers QB, Kaepernick is expected to return to the facility to finish up his offseason work in July.
Albert Wilson joined Dontari Poe in leaving early from Chiefs OTA practice, exiting Thursday’s workout due to a hamstring injury. Poe departed Wednesday’s workout with a back ailment, reports Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star.
Speaking at a town hall meeting with fans, Pete Carroll noted this team’s depth may be the best it’s been in his tenure. Of course, town hall addresses aren’t exactly hard-hitting reports, but offensive line coach Tom Cable said the competition to replace Max Unger could soon be down to two or three players, according to the Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta. Lemuel Jeanpierre is leading that competition — or at least receiving the first opportunity to do so by trotting out with the starters in OTAs.

Galette Considering Surgery After Injury

June 4th, 2015 at 6:05pm CST by Sam Robinson

Saints linebacker Junior Galette suffered a pectoral injury recently and is contemplating surgery, sources informed Mike Garafolo and Ross Jones of Foxsports.com.

Galette, 27, sustained the injury away from the team’s facilities. Should the sixth-year veteran opt for surgery, he could be out as long as six months, report Jones and Garafolo. The Saints’ top sack artist watched OTA practice from the sidelines Thursday but did not participate, according to NOLA.com’s Evan Woodberry.

Prior to extending fellow pass-rusher Cameron Jordan earlier this week, the Saints locked down Galette, who has 22 sacks the past two seasons, to a four-year, $41.5MM contract before last season.

The Giants lost left tackle Will Beatty to a torn pectoral recently, and their top edge protector will miss five to six months. It’s unclear whether Galette has a torn muscle at this time.

Jordan recorded 7.5 sacks last season after a Pro Bowl-garnering 12.5 in 2013, leading to his new deal but may be on his own for a while this season, with teams planning protections to stop him. Outside linebacker Parys Haralson recorded three sacks last season. The team also signed Anthony Spencer earlier this offseason. Each would have amplified roles for a defense that ranked 31st last year in yards allowed per game if Galette misses regular-season time.

Minor Moves: Thursday

June 4th, 2015 at 5:30pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here are today’s minor transactions from around the league.

The last fifth-round draft pick to sign, long snapper Joe Cardona inked his rookie deal with the Patriots, reports Ben Volin of the Boston Globe (on Twitter). Only first-round pick Malcom Brown remains unsigned among the Patriots’ draft contingent.
The Raiders made several moves today, including the waiving of tight end Scott Simonson, who was on Oakland’s practice squad last season, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Caplan (via Twitter). Caplan also reports of the Raiders waiving linebackers Jacoby Hale and Miles Burris, the latter being waived off injured reserve with an injury settlement. Hale will head to injured reserve if unclaimed and could reach an injury settlement as well.
Chase Williams, the son of Rams defensive coordinator Greg Williams, signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent, reports Rams media information manager Casey Pearce (on Twitter). Chase Williams started at inside linebacker last season with Virginia Tech.
The Buccaneers removed 24-year-old tight end Emmanuel Ogbuehi from their injured reserve with an injury settlement, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link). Ogbuehi has resided on the Dolphins’, Browns’ and Ravens’ rosters and/or practice squads the past two years.

Lawrence Timmons Willing To Renegotiate Deal

June 4th, 2015 at 4:54pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Steelers have an unusual amount of draft capital tied up at linebacker, with four homegrown first-round picks at the position. Their most accomplished performer there, Lawrence Timmons, is due to be paid more than any inside linebacker in football the next two seasons, which complicates matters for his future in Pittsburgh.

But the 29-year-old Timmons told ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler he’s “of course” willing to work with the Steelers about a potential renegotiation to remain with the team for the rest of his career, be it on a restructured or extended contract.

Modest cap numbers of $3.95MM and $5.82MM accompanied the one-time Pro Bowler in the first two years of the five-year, $47.8MM extension he signed in 2011, but Timmons earned $11.82MM last season and has the Steelers on the hook for $12.56MM and $11.82MM cap figures in 2015 and 2016, respectively. He’s set to be the second-highest-paid player on the team this season, behind the newly extended Ben Roethlisberger. But Timmons, who rated 11th among ILBs last season on Pro Football Focus’ scale, doesn’t have the leverage Roethlisberger does.

“I’ve been here for nine years; I’ve got a house here; I’d like to keep that house,” said Timmons, 29, according to Fowler. “I’ve got a family here that loves it.”

The Steelers added first-round backers in each of the past three drafts — Jarvis Jones, Ryan Shazier and Bud Dupree — but Timmons remains the team’s premier second-level player, collecting 28 sacks despite lining up inside. For a linebacking corps that lost Jason Worilds to retirement, Timmons’ presence will be vital this season, which is set to be his seventh as a full-time starter.

NFC Notes: Crowder, Panthers, Seahawks

June 4th, 2015 at 4:00pm CST by Luke Adams

Rookie wide receiver Jamison Crowder, selected by Washington in the fourth round of this year’s draft, was allegedly involved in a domestic dispute, according to Alex Marvez of FOX Sports. As Marvez details, a since-deleted Instagram post appears to accuse Crowder of domestic violence (Twitter link).

“The Washington Redskins are aware of an off-field situation involving Jamison Crowder,” the team said in a statement to FOX. “We have been in touch with the NFL office and will continue to follow proper League protocol and assist them in any way we can to gather all of the facts. We will not be making any further comment at this time.”

As we wait to see what comes of the investigation into Crowder, here are a few other Thursday items from across the NFC:

“The biggest thing it does for us is it gives us a fixed cost,” Panthers GM Dave Gettleman said of Cam Newton‘s new extension, per Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. “And we’ve been very intentional and thoughtful about how we’re spending our money, and we’ll continue to do that. We’ve been planning for this.” As Person notes, the team has also been planning for a new contract for linebacker Luke Kuechly, which should happen eventually, and the Panthers want to extend linebacker Thomas Davis as well.
Addressing Jermaine Gresham‘s visit to New Orleans, Saints head coach Sean Payton said the tight end’s meeting went well, and that he thinks Gresham could be a good fit (Twitter link via Evan Woodbery of the Times-Picayune).
The Seahawks announced a handful of promotions in their front office today, including elevating Scott Fitterer and Trent Kirchner to co-directors of player personnel. Both Fitterer and Kirchner drew interest from other teams this past winter, as Fitterer interviewed with the Eagles and Kirchner met with the Jets.
Speaking of those Seahawks, Jason Fitzgerald of The Sporting News takes a closer look at the salary cap situation in Seattle, where the team must make decisions on a number of players eligible for contract extensions and one notable contributor (Michael Bennett) who wants to rework his deal.
The Lions have moved Xavier Proctor from the defensive line to the other side of the ball, and will try him as an offensive tackle, per Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com (Twitter link).

Broncos Sign Heuerman, Lock Up Draft Class

June 4th, 2015 at 2:58pm CST by Luke Adams

The Broncos have signed third-round tight end Jeff Heuerman, locking up their entire 2015 draft class, tweets Troy Renck of the Denver Post. The team signed top pick Shane Ray earlier this week, after securing second-rounder Ty Sambrailo and its other six draftees in May.

Heuerman, the 92nd overall pick in this year’s draft, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during rookie camp last month and is expected to miss the entire 2015 season. The former Ohio State Buckeye won’t go on the injured reserve list quite yet, since he’d have to pass through waivers to be placed on IR at this point, but he’ll likely land there eventually.

“I feel terrible for Jeff and this is a very unfortunate situation,” said Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak, after Heuerman’s ACL injury. “Jeff was going to be a big part of our team this year, and he’s still going to be a big part of our team and organization in the future.”

Heuerman, who is expected to make a full recovery in time for the 2016 season, will get a signing bonus worth just under $621K on his rookie contract, which will be worth about $2.9MM over four years. While he recovers from his ACL tear, the Broncos will have to make do with a stable of tight ends led by offseason signee Owen Daniels.

Extra Points: L.A., NFLPA, Stacy, QB Market

June 4th, 2015 at 1:54pm CST by Luke Adams

The NFL’s owners typically don’t meet in August, but Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports that the owners have scheduled an extra meeting this year to discuss the prospect of relocation to Los Angeles. Per Rapoport, the additional owners meeting will take place on August 11 in Chicago.

The purpose of the August meeting isn’t to make any major decisions, according to Rapoport, who indicates no major news is expected to come out of the session. But the NFL believes there needs to be some sort of update between May’s and October’s meetings, particularly to focus on the progress of stadium plans in the St. Louis, San Diego, and Oakland markets.

Let’s round up a few more odds and ends from around the league….

The NFL Players Association’s executive committee is pushing for the performance-based pay pool for 2015 and beyond to rise by at least $1MM per team, according to Alex Marvez of FOX Sports, who notes that the union and the league are still negotiating the parameters of the program for 2015. Per Marvez, the NFLPA’s executive committee also wants only a single “payee” to appear as the representative on a player’s contract, which would protect players from being sued for commission if multiple agents couldn’t agree on a split.
Don Banks of SI.com delves into the back story behind the one-word tweet (“Yikes”) that Zac Stacy published after the Rams drafted Todd Gurley in April. Stacy was traded to the Jets two days later, but the running back and Rams COO Kevin Demoff both insist the since-deleted tweet wasn’t meant to be read negatively, and didn’t immediately lead to Stacy being shipped out of St. Louis.
In the wake of Cam Newton‘s new extension, Joel Corry of CBSSports.com takes a look at what it will mean for Russell Wilson, Philip Rivers, Eli Manning, Joe Flacco, and Andrew Luck. Interestingly, Corry suggests Newton’s contract could have more of an impact on Manning’s and Flacco’s negotiations than Luck’s.
Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports identifies six players drafted in the first round in 2012 who will be under the microscope this season. These players, including linebacker Bruce Irvin and defensive backs Morris Claiborne and Mark Barron, didn’t have their fifth-year options exercised for 2016, so they’re eligible for unrestricted free agency at season’s end.

Rams To Waive Bud Sasser

June 4th, 2015 at 12:43pm CST by Luke Adams

The Rams typically announce the signings of their entire draft class at the same time, generally at the end of the team’s OTAs, so it was a bit of a surprise when the club locked up sixth-round wideout Bud Sasser this week. Two days after word broke of Sasser’s signing, we have an explanation for why the Rams completed the deal early.

According to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com, the Rams will waive Sasser later today after he was unable to get cleared physically, due to a heart condition. By signing him this week, the Rams ensure that Sasser, the No. 201 pick in the draft, still receives his signing bonus, worth just under $114K. However, it appears the former Missouri receiver won’t play a game for the club that drafted him.

As Wagoner notes (via Twitter), Sasser wasn’t invited to this year’s scouting combine, where prospects typically undergo extensive physical examinations. Had Sasser’s condition been identified at that point, it would’ve saved the Rams a draft pick, but it also would’ve cost the wideout his NFL signing bonus.

We saw a situation similar to Sasser’s play out a year ago, with a player selected at nearly the same spot in the draft. Offensive lineman Garrett Scott, picked 199th overall by the Seahawks, signed his rookie contract and was cut a day later due to a heart condition. Scott landed on Seattle’s non-football injury/illness list for the 2014 season, and Sasser will get a similar designation when his release becomes official.

AFC Notes: Colts, Houston, Dolphins

June 4th, 2015 at 11:28am CST by Luke Adams

The Colts now have a wealth of wide receivers after the offseason additions of Andre Johnson and first-round pick Phillip Dorsett, but Dwayne Allen seems to think that their presence will help out the team’s tight ends, not hurt them.

“I think just having the threat of those guys outside, meaning the wide receivers, is going to open things up for the tight ends a ton,” Allen said, according to Stephen Holder of the Indy Star.

Here’s more on the Colts and a couple other AFC teams:

Colts head coach Chuck Pagano believes that his team’s passing attack will result in fewer “crowded boxes” for newly-acquired running back Frank Gore, as Mike Chappell of Indy Sports Central writes. No running back in the NFL dealt with more stacked boxes in 2014. Of his 255 rushing attempts, 30% of them came against eight- and nine-man fronts. Teams presumably won’t play that heavily against the run when dealing with Andrew Luck and his aerial weapons.
A source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that, while Justin Houston and the Chiefs have been talking about a contract extension, significant process “has not yet been made” between the two sides.
It may have seemed this offseason that the Dolphins‘ new decision-makers undid practically all of former GM Jeff Ireland‘s significant moves, but plenty of acquisitions and draftees from Ireland’s stint with the team are still playing key roles in Miami, writes Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.
Over at FOX Sports, Alex Marvez’s list of the top 10 best offseason additions is headed by a pair of AFC East free agent signings.

Zach Links contributed to this post.