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Giants Optimistic About Extending Manning

July 21st, 2015 at 8:54am CST by Luke Adams

With training camps fast approaching, it’s extension season in the NFL, and one notable extension-eligible player heading into a contract year is Giants quarterback Eli Manning. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (video link), the Giants would like to get something done with Manning before training camp begins, or early in camp.

As Rapoport reports, the Giants are confident about locking up Manning to a new contract at some point before he becomes eligible for free agency in 2016, and they “think and hope” it will happen this year. Rapoport also observes that a deal would make sense for both sides, giving the veteran quarterback some security beyond this season, and allowing the team to create a little cap flexibility.

Manning, 34, started off slowly in 2014 under new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, but eventually hit his stride, throwing for 4,410 yards and 30 touchdowns on the year. Those totals fell just short of his career highs, ranking as his second-best marks in 11 NFL seasons. With a year under his belt working with McAdoo and Odell Beckham Jr., and Victor Cruz on his way back from a season-ending knee injury, Manning looks poised for another strong season in 2015.

Manning is currently in line to earn a $17MM base salary in 2015, counting for $19.75MM against the cap. After averaging $16.25MM on his last contract, the two-time Super Bowl MVP figures to be in line for at least a modest raise this time around.

Ryan Tannehill, Cam Newton, and Ben Roethlisberger are among the signal-callers who have signed new deals in 2015 averaging between $19-22MM per year. Of those extensions, Roethlisberger’s pact, which averages $21.85MM annually, appears to be the most logical point of reference in the talks between Manning and the Giants — both QBs entered the league as first-round picks in 2004, have earned three Pro Bowl nods, and have won a pair of Super Bowls.

Extra Points: Rivers, Mathis, JPP

July 20th, 2015 at 9:23pm CST by Zachary Links

The Chargers hope that a new long-term deal with Philip Rivers will be in place before training camp, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. It doesn’t sound like there has been much movement on an extension between the two sides to date, though the quarterback has indicated that he would like to finish his career in San Diego.

Rivers, 33, started all 16 games for the Chargers last season, just like he has done in every season since 2006 when he broke in as the starter. The veteran threw for 4,286 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions. The advanced metrics at Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked Rivers as the seventh-best quarterback in the league last season, putting him ahead of Cam Newton, Andrew Luck, and Peyton Manning. Here’s more from around the NFL..

  • The Dolphins should sign guard Evan Mathis to cap their big offseason, Greg Cote of the Miami Herald writes. Miami’s most obvious weakness is at offensive guard and Mathis, released by the Eagles earlier this offseason, has been one of the league’s very best for years now. The 33-year-old also has Dolphins bloodlines – his uncle is Bob Baumhower, a five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle.
  • Retired offensive lineman David Diehl says Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul faces “an uphill battle” after having a finger amputated, Christian Red of the Daily News writes. “There’s no denying how important it is for offensive linemen and defensive linemen to be able to punch, to grab and to pull and do all those things,” Diehl said. “(Pierre-Paul) went with amputation because he felt that was a way for him to get back to the football field quicker. He’s passionate about what he wants to do, and he wants to get back.”
  • Washington will look at other outside linebackers, but it’s uncertain if they will add anyone before the final cuts after the preseason, John Keim of ESPN.com writes. Meanwhile, Trent Murphy and Preston Smith are duking it out for the starting outside linebacker job opposite of Ryan Kerrigan.
  • Now that Demaryius Thomas has signed, Mark Kiszla, Woody Paige and Les Shapiro of the Denver Post (video link) discussed their predictions for what kind of season the Broncos star wide receiver will have.

Offseason In Review: Detroit Lions

July 20th, 2015 at 7:54pm CST by Zachary Links

The Lions had 23 free agents and only $18.44MM worth of cap space this offseason, leading to some tough choices over the spring. Their limited space also meant saying farewell to a defensive superstar.

Notable signings:

The Lions had to kiss a lot of frogs before finding their kicking prince in 2014. Eventually, they settled on Matt Prater and locked him up to a three-year extension worth $9MM. Prater, 30, began the 2014 season by serving a four-game suspension in Denver for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, and was ultimately cut by the Broncos, ending a seven-year tenure with the club. After signing with the Lions, Prater was a little shaky in his first few games, but settled down and ended up making 21 of 26 field goal attempts. In 2013, he was a Pro Bowler, making all but one of 26 field goal attempts for the Broncos.

Back in February, Lions GM Martin Mayhew said that he would like to retain Mathis for the 2015 season and praised Mathis’ “position versatility.” In mid-March, he was able to check that off on his offseason to-do list. In 2014, Mathis started all 16 regular season games for the Lions, finishing with 54 total tackles, one interception for a touchdown, and two forced fumbles. The advanced metrics at Pro Football Focus (subscription required) placed him as the 12th best cornerback in the entire NFL last season with an overall score of 9.1. For reference, that posting put him ahead of such notables as Chris Culliver, Brandon Flowers, Aqib Talib, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

Before the start of free agency, the Lions locked up both of Matthew Stafford‘s backups – Dan Orlovsky and Kellen Moore. Orlovsky, 31, didn’t see game action in 2014, as Stafford stayed healthy for the whole season. The former Buccaneer last played in a regular season game in 2012 for Tampa Bay. Moore, 25, didn’t come close to appearing in a regular-season game for the Lions in 2014, and has yet to appear in a game during his three-year NFL career. However, the team was likely impressed by his performance during the preseason last year — Moore completed 35 of 51 passes for 361 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions during those exhibition games, with a passer rating of 108.4.

Isa Abdul-Quddus isn’t a big-name player, but as Birkett notes, he’s a valuable backup and a key player on special teams, where he racked up five tackles. He did end up starting four games last season, and posted 22 total tackles on the year. The Lions originally claimed the 25-year-old off waivers from the Saints last February.

Linebacker Josh Bynes, a restricted free agent, was not tendered an offer by the Lions, but he was re-signed at a lower rate. The 25-year-old appeared in 26 games for the Ravens from 2011 through 2014 and made nine starts along the way. He began the season on the Ravens’ taxi squad, but the Lions signed him to their active roster in late September.

Wide receiver Greg Salas, a fourth-round pick by the Rams in 2011, has bounced around the league a bit over the years but hopes to have a longer stay with the Lions. Over the course of his four-year NFL career, the 26-year-old has accumulated 43 receptions, including eight last year for New York — most of those catches came in Salas’ rookie season, when he hauled in 27 balls for the Rams.

Notable losses:

All season long, the possible departure of Ndamukong Suh hovered over Ford Field like a dark cloud. In March, what many viewed as the inevitable took place when Suh inked a lucrative free agent deal elsewhere. The good news for the Lions is that they won’t have to see a whole lot of their former start defensive tackle since he signed on with the AFC’s Dolphins. By PFF’s count, Suh racked up 72 total quarterback pressures in 2013, well ahead of any other DT besides Gerald McCoy, and he generated 57 quarterback pressures in 2014, tops in the league among defensive tackles. Another notable name, who we’ll get to in a bit, will now be charged with stuffing the run in Detroit.

Suh was the most notable defensive tackle to leave the Lions this offseason, but he wasn’t the only one. Nick Fairley inked a one-year deal with the Rams that will pay him a base of $5MM with incentives that can take him up to $7.5MM. Fairley had his 2014 season derailed by injuries, but he was very effective when healthy, as evidence by the widespread interest in him in March. A former 13th overall pick, Fairley had his best season in 2013, when he recorded 35 tackles and six sacks to go along with a pair of forced fumbles. Despite that impressive showing, the Lions elected not to exercise his relatively inexpensive ($5.477MM) fifth-year option for the 2015 season, allowing him to reach free agency.

Reggie Bush, 30, spent the last two seasons in Detroit. The former second overall pick had an excellent season in 2013, racking up more than 1,500 yards from scrimmage in just 14 games, establishing a new career high. However, he was plagued by injuries in 2014, and wasn’t overly effective when he did play. Overall, Bush accumulated just 297 yards on the ground and another 253 through the air in 11 games. Having inked a four-year, $16MM contract two years ago, Bush had been under contract through the 2016 season. A total of $3.556MM in dead money will now count toward the Lions’ cap in 2015.

Joining Suh in Miami will be defensive tackle C.J. Mosley, who hooked on just last month. Although he wasn’t as coveted a free agent as his ex-Lions teammate, Mosley was a solid contributor in Detroit last season as well. Pro Football Focus’ grades (subscription required) ranked him 26th out of 81 qualified defensive tackles, viewing him as slightly above average against both the pass and the run.

Over the years, Dominic Raiola became synonymous with two things: the Detroit Lions and dirty play. He’ll no longer be a part of the former in 2015 and it’s not clear if he’ll get a chance to show off the latter anywhere else. The veteran center was not re-signed as 2014 third-rounder Travis Swanson appears poised to take over the position.

Rob Sims, 31, helped give the Lions stability at left guard when he joined the team in 2010. Now, after his contract lapsed, he’s still looking for work. The veteran struggled early on in 2014 as he continued to recover from offseason injuries. He allowed two sacks against the Bills in Week 5 and garnered a negative grade from Pro Football Focus (subscription required) in half of the Lions’ first ten games. But once his injuries started to get behind him, Sims played well down the stretch. Starting in Week 11 against the Cardinals Sims earned a positive grade from PFF in every game.

Andre Fluellen, 30, spent nearly all of his career with the Lions since being drafted by the team in the third round back in 2008. However, he never played a significant role in Detroit, acting as a part-time contributor over the course of 77 career games (75 with Detroit). In 2014, Fluellen recorded 10 tackles, two sacks, and a fumble recovery in 183 defensive snaps. We’ll have to see if he takes on a bigger role with the Bills in 2015.

Trades:

  • Acquired DT Haloti Ngata and a 2015 seventh-round pick from the Ravens in exchange for a 2015 fourth-round pick and a 2015 fifth-round pick.
  • Acquired a 2015 fifth-round pick from the Buccaneers in exchange for DE George Johnson (RFA) and a 2015 seventh-round pick.
  • Acquired a 2015 first-round pick (No. 28; G Laken Tomlinson), a 2015 fifth-round pick (No. 143), a 2016 fifth-round pick, and OL Manny Ramirez from the Broncos in exchange for a 2015 first-round pick (No. 23; DE/OLB Shane Ray).
  • Acquired a a 2015 third-round pick (No. 80; CB Alex Carter) from the Vikings in exchange for a 2015 third-round pick (No. 88; DE Danielle Hunter) and a 2015 fifth-round pick (No. 143; TE MyCole Pruitt).
  • Acquired a 2015 fourth-round pick (No. 113; DT Gabe Wright) from the Eagles in exchange for a 2016 third-round pick.

The Lions lost the heart and soul of their defense to free agency this offseason but they moved quickly to find a replacement. The Ravens expressed optimism they would be able to retain the 31-year-old Haloti Ngata via some sort of contract restructure involving either an extension or a pay reduction, but that was not the case. On March 10th, Detroit received Ngata and a seventh-round pick while sending a fourth- and fifth-round pick to the Ravens. Ngata is reuniting with Teryl Austin, Detroit’s defensive coordinator, who previously coached in Baltimore. The Lions will assume Ngata’s base salary of $8.5MM for the upcoming season. The nine-year veteran has started 133 games in his career, accruing 25.5 sacks.

Defensive end George Johnson tried to make the case that he should be classified as an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but his battle fell short when the NFLPA eventually saw things Detroit’s way. As a restricted free agent, many expected that he would stay put in Detroit. The 27-year-old carved out a role for himself as the preferred bookend off of the bench in 2014 and the Bucs took notice, inking him to a three-year, $9MM deal. The pact included de-escalators for years two and three and the Lions initially disputed the offer sheet, saying that they were unclear on what exactly they had to match. Rather than get an arbitrator involved, the two sides agreed to a deal in which Detroit received a fifth-round choice for the defensive end.

Draft day was incredibly slow in terms of trades but the Lions made a move in the first round that armed them with multiple picks plus a veteran offensive lineman in Manny Ramirez. The Broncos were smitten with linebacker Shane Ray and when he fell to Detroit at No. 23, Denver came calling. The Lions grabbed guard Laken Tomlinson at No. 28.

Extensions and restructures:

Draft picks:

  • 1-28: Laken Tomlinson, G (Duke): Signed
  • 2-54: Ameer Abdullah, RB (Nebraska): Signed
  • 3-80: Alex Carter, CB (Stanford): Signed
  • 4-113: Gabe Wright, DT (Auburn): Signed
  • 5-168: Michael Burton, FB (Rutgers): Signed
  • 6-200: Quandre Diggs, CB (Texas): Signed
  • 7-240: Corey Robinson, T (South Carolina): Signed

By drafting Laken Tomlinson at No. 28, the Lions got themselves a very capable replacement for Rob Sims at left guard. The Duke standout started all four years in college and hasn’t allowed a sack in the last two seasons. Tomlinson was widely pegged as a second-round guy, but late in the first round was hardly a stretch for him. In his draft profile on Tomlinson, Mike Mayock of NFL.com cited his lack of range and athleticism as a concern.

In the second round, the Lions found someone to help replenish the running back chart and potentially overtake Joique Bell as the No. 1 guy. Last year, Bell ran for 860 yards and seven TDs and showed that he can move the chains, even with a weak offensive line. Bell will probably be the Week 1 starter, but Abdullah could see more carries come his way as the season goes on.

Other:

In March, Mayhew expressed some uncertainty about Riley Reiff’s option, but it would’ve been a huge surprise if the club had actually declined the option. In April, they did what we all knew they would do. By exercising Reiff’s fifth-year option, the Lions extended the 26-year-old’s rookie contract by one year, keeping him locked up through the 2016 season. In 2014, Reiff’s Pro Football Focus grade (subscription required) placed him in a tie for 23rd out of 84 qualified offensive tackles.

Top 10 cap hits for 2015:

  1. Calvin Johnson, WR: $20,558,000
  2. Matthew Stafford, QB: $17,721,250
  3. Ndamukong Suh, DT: $9,737,500 (dead money)
  4. Haloti Ngata, DT: $8,500,000
  5. Stephen Tulloch, LB: $5,800,000
  6. Golden Tate, WR: $5,350,000
  7. Ezekiel Ansah, DE: $5,071,228
  8. DeAndre Levy, LB: $4,500,000
  9. Jason Jones, DE: $3,983,334
  10. Chris Houston, CB: $3,900,000 (dead money)

After finishing 11-5 and securing a Wild Card in 2014, the Lions will look to take a step forward in 2015 and overtake the Packers for the divisional crown. The big question is, how will their defense fair without one of the league’s most tenacious lineman?

Contract information from Over the Cap and Spotrac was used in the creation of this post.

Bradford To Play Out Final Year Of Deal

July 20th, 2015 at 6:18pm CST by Zachary Links

Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford plans to play out the final year of his deal rather than signing an extension, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter) hears. The two sides began discussing an extension last month but there apparently won’t be a deal struck before the start of the season, or during it for that matter.

Bradford, 27, came to the Eagles in an offseason deal that saw Nick Foles shipped out to St. Louis. Bradford has battled injuries over the past two seasons, including an ACL injury that forced him to miss the entire 2014 season. In his last full season, the former first-overall pick threw for 3,702 yards, 21 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. During that 2012 campaign, Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked Bradford 21st among 38 quarterback candidates.

Recently, PFR’s Dallas Robinson looked at Bradford as a possible extension candidate. Within the piece, he reasoned that a short-term extension would have made the most sense for both sides. At 27, another three years on Bradford’s current deal would have resulted in him hitting the open market at 31, when he could net another big deal.

The Eagles likely had reservations about a long-term pact with Bradford due to his injury history, but with quarterbacks at a premium, it made sense for them to at least explore an extension. Bradford’s medical file includes two torn ACLs in his five-year career and he’s played in only 49 out of a possible 80 games since entering the league. By the same token, rumors of the Eagles offering him up in trade talks shortly after acquiring him could have given Bradford pause about joining up with them for the long run.

Meanwhile, the Rams are still working on an extension with Nick Foles, whom they acquired in exchange for Bradford earlier this offseason. On Sunday, PFR’s Connor Byrne looked at Foles as an extension candidate.

Titans’ Justin Hunter Arrested

July 20th, 2015 at 4:53pm CST by Zachary Links

4:53pm: The Titans issued a statement on Hunter’s arrest (via Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com on Twitter): “We are aware of the situation and are continuing to gather more facts.”

4:35pm: The incident took place on July 3rd, according to an article from News Channel 5. A victim was taken to the hospital for injuries sustained during the incident.

The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office arrested Hunter on allegations of “malicious intent, stabbing, cutting, and wounding,” according to the online report. Needless to say, those are allegations that could certainly lead to missed games. Hunter’s future with the Titans may also be in jeopardy.

4:26pm: Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter was arrested in Virginia and is currently in jail, according to News Channel 5 in Nashville (on Twitter). Police charged Hunter with one count of felonious assault in Virginia Beach.

Hunter, 23, was viewed as a potential breakout candidate entering the 2014 season, but struggled to put up big numbers in part due to the Titans’ revolving door at quarterback. Catching balls from Mettenberger, Jake Locker, and Charlie Whitehurst this season, Hunter recorded 28 receptions for 498 yards and three touchdowns. He suffered a lacerated spleen in a December contest against the Texans, ending his season early.

Details of the incident are unknown at this time, but the Titans could be down a receiver to start the year if the arrest warrants a suspension.

Russell Okung To Negotiate Own Deal

July 20th, 2015 at 3:59pm CST by Luke Adams

While Russell Wilson‘s contract situation receives most of the attention in Seattle, the Seahawks have a handful of other key contributors eligible for free agency after the 2015 season, with Bobby Wagner, Bruce Irvin, and Russell Okung among the players who could sign elsewhere if they’re not extended.

Okung, the team’s starting left tackle, will be representing himself in contract negotiations, explaining in a piece for The Players’ Tribune why he has parted ways with his agent. Formerly represented by Peter Schaffer, Okung intends to negotiate his own deal this time around, avoiding having to pay a 2.5% fee to his agent.

“I know my worth,” Okung explained. “I can look at the market and go directly to a team without an agent and tell that team my worth. And I can do so with confidence because I’ve done my research, I’ve educated myself and I’ve questioned the answers I’ve been given.”

While Okung alludes to the possibility of reaching the open market, it’s possible he and the Seahawks will work something out before he officially becomes a free agent next March. Of course, the veteran tackle’s worth might not be as clear to the team as it is to him, considering he has missed time with injuries in each of his five NFL seasons.

In 2014, Okung dealt with a labrum tear and a bruised lung after having undergone foot surgery in the offseason. The 27-year-old still managed to play 14 regular season contests and appeared in every offensive snap in the postseason, but his injury history may make the Seahawks wary of committing a significant chunk of money to him, particularly with Wilson and others also seeking new deals.

On the other hand, the offensive line has been one of Seattle’s weakest position groups in recent years, and the team will be without center Max Unger in 2015 — Unger, who went to New Orleans in the Jimmy Graham trade, was the only starting lineman to receive a positive grade from Pro Football Focus (subscription required) last year. As such, the prospect of locking up Okung, a former Pro Bowler who is reliable when he’s healthy, could appeal to the Seahawks.

For now, the former sixth overall pick ranks among the top 10 highest-paid left tackles in the NFL, with an annual average value of just over $8MM. He’ll count for $7.28MM against the cap in 2015.

Jaguars Waive Ace Sanders

July 20th, 2015 at 3:35pm CST by Luke Adams

MONDAY, 3:35pm: Sanders has gone unclaimed on waivers, making him a free agent, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

FRIDAY, 3:11pm: The Jaguars have parted ways with Ace Sanders, announcing today that they’ve officially cut the wide receiver (Twitter link via John Oehser of Jaguars.com). Assuming Sanders isn’t claimed by another team, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent next week when he clears waivers.

Sanders, 23, was selected 101st overall in the fourth round of the 2013 draft by the Jaguars. The South Carolina product had a decent rookie season, hauling in 51 balls, though he only averaged 9.5 yards per catch and reached the end zone just once.

However, Sanders wasn’t a major part of the offense last season, after Jacksonville used multiple 2014 draft picks to add receiving help. Sanders saw just seven targets in 2014, earning most of his playing time on special teams, where he returned 32 punts, averaging 7.1 yards per return.

Sanders’ remaining prorated bonus money totaled about $227K, so Jacksonville will continue to carry small cap numbers for him in 2015 and 2016. As Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union points out (via Twitter), Sanders now figures to be the only player drafted by the Jaguars’ current regime who won’t be at training camp this summer.

Community Tailgate: Who Will Win NFC South?

July 20th, 2015 at 3:09pm CST by Luke Adams

We’re still over a month and a half away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

As the 2015 season inches closer, we’re examining each NFL division, asking you which team you expect to finish atop the East, North, South, and West. Having already taken a closer look at the East and North divisions, we’re shifting our focus to the NFC South, home of 2014’s most tepid division race.

A year ago, it only took seven wins – and, of course, a tie – for the Panthers to snag the NFC South crown, and Carolina is bringing back most of its key players that contributed to that team. Armed with a handful of veteran additions, including offensive tackle Michael Oher, cornerback Charles Tillman, and return specialist Ted Ginn Jr., the Panthers will be looking to repeat as division champions.

The Saints entered 2014 as favorites in the South, but it never came together for Drew Brees‘ squad, and the disappointing season resulted in a major overhaul over the last few months. Jimmy Graham, Kenny Stills, Curtis Lofton, and Ben Grubbs are among the players who were traded or released, and while the team brought in some veteran talent like C.J. Spiller, Max Unger, and Brandon Browner, there will be more pressure on the club’s younger contributors to produce in 2015.

While Carolina and New Orleans could only muster seven wins apiece, the Falcons and Buccaneers combined for just eight in total. It’s not clear yet whether either team has a bounce-back season in store, but there are major changes afoot in both Atlanta and Tampa Bay — the Falcons hired former Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to be their new head coach, while the Buccaneers used the No. 1 overall pick in the draft to land a new quarterback, Jameis Winston. Quinn should help plug the leaks on the Falcons’ defense, and the Bucs could be an intriguing sleeper if Winston provides solid quarterback play.

What do you think? Does the NFL’s worst division from 2014 look any better in 2015? Which team do you expect to win the NFC South this season? Make your pick and let us know what you think in the comment section!

Jermaine Gresham To Visit Cardinals

July 20th, 2015 at 1:59pm CST by Rory Parks

MONDAY, 1:59pm: Gresham’s visit with the Cardinals is scheduled for Tuesday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). In addition to receiving interest from Arizona and New Orleans, Gresham also continues to draw some interest from the Raiders, per Rapoport. Oakland hosted the tight end for a visit at the start of the free agent period in March.

SUNDAY, 9:31am: Free agent tight end Jermaine Gresham will visit the Cardinals this week, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Gresham, one of the more intriguing talents still available on the free agent market, visited the Saints last month, and Schefter reports that New Orleans has offered the 27-year-old a contract. But Gresham, who underwent back surgery in March to repair a herniated disc, apparently now has a number of interested suitors after what had been a pretty quiet offseason. According to Schefter, Gresham also has other visits planned over the next two weeks and intends to sign with a team before training camps open.

The Saints are an obvious fit for Gresham, as they traded dynamic tight end Jimmy Graham to Seattle in March and would like an established veteran to fill his shoes. John Carlson was the Cardinals’ leading receiver at tight end last season, but he announced his retirement in May. Rob Housler, meanwhile, signed with the Browns, which leaves second-year man Troy Niklas at the top of Arizona’s depth chart. Though Niklas, a second-round pick in last year’s draft, has some upside, he played in just seven games in his rookie season, catching three balls for 38 yards.

Gresham, therefore, makes perfect sense for the Cardinals. The former Oklahoma product never lived up to the hype that surrounded him when he was selected by Cincinnati in the first round of the 2010 draft, but he has a history of consistent production, averaging about 56 catches, 544 yards, and five touchdowns per year. He is also a capable blocker, and although there is no chance he will return to the Bengals, he now has a handful of clubs to choose from as he enters the next stage of his career.

NFC East Notes: Bryant, JPP, Schofield

July 20th, 2015 at 1:27pm CST by Luke Adams

Let’s check in on a few Monday items from around the NFC East….

  • After all the talk about Dez Bryant potentially signing a contract that would make him a “Cowboy for life,” the wideout’s new deal will only run through 2019, and Bryant will be 31 when it expires. As Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com writes, the Cowboys are certainly hoping this contract isn’t Bryant’s last one — his next deal is more likely to be the one that makes him a “Cowboy for life.”
  • Appearing at a charity golf event on Monday, Justin Tuck confirmed that he has been in touch with his former Giants teammate, Jason Pierre-Paul. Despite his injury, JPP is in good spirits, according to Tuck. “He’ll be the first one to tell you he made a mistake,” Tuck said, according to Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. “He’s fine. He’s going to have a great year.”
  • In 2014, O’Brien Schofield and the Giants agreed to a two-year, $8MM contract. However, that deal never became official, as New York pulled its contract offer due to concerns with Schofield’s left knee. As he tells Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com, Schofield – who signed earlier this offseason with the Falcons – continues to use that rescinded offer as motivation as the 2015 season approaches.
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