2016 February - Pro Football Rumors

Month: November 2024

Joe Thomas On Johnny Manziel, Browns’ Future

February 11th, 2016 at 6:57pm CST by Sam Robinson

Joe Thomas concedes the Browns are going to move on from Johnny Manziel, calling the 23-year-old quarterback’s latest drama “a sad ending to the story,” Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer tweets.

A six-time first-team All-Pro, Thomas said Manziel complained about concussion symptoms on Wednesday before Week 17 and didn’t see him at the Browns’ facility again, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal tweets. Thomas, however, tells reporters (including Cabot, via Twitter) he did not see Manziel the morning he was diagnosed with a concussion and only heard about the then-second-year signal-caller complaining about concussion-related symptoms.

Recent conflicting reports emerged on the nature of Manziel’s absence that week, with alcohol potentially residing at the root of his concussion diagnosis.

Manziel, seen in Las Vegas that weekend and absent from a concussion protocol-mandated check-in, started eight games in Cleveland in two seasons and finished with a 57.8 completion percentage in 2015. “It didn’t work out for Manziel in Cleveland for a lot of reasons. Hopefully he’ll get his life on track and be able to use talents,” Thomas told media, including Ulrich (Twitter link).

Manziel is under investigation by Dallas police for alleged domestic violence of his ex-girlfriend Jan. 30.

Thomas sees the Browns “probably” using their No. 2 overall pick on a quarterback, per Cabot (on Twitter). The 10th-year left tackle added (via Ulrich, on Twitter) the Browns have a bright future, as long as they “pick the right QB.”

Both Hue Jackson and Sashi Brown informed the 31-year-old Thomas he remains a key part of Cleveland’s future and the team’s new power structure doesn’t want to trade him. Thomas told media (via Cabot, on Twitter) he doesn’t think the Browns entertained the notion of trading him until the Broncos called at the trade deadline.

Jackson and Thomas met at Super Bowl 50, with Cleveland’s longtime left-edge protector telling Ulrich (on Twitter) the new Browns coach was the “No. 1 guy” he preferred in the team’s latest coaching search and that he’s “all in” (Twitter link) despite the team discussing him a trade last season.

Thomas would prefer the Browns retain free agent linemen Mitchell Schwartz and Alex Mack, calling them the best right tackle and center in the NFL, respectively, but knows such moves may not occur (Twitter link). Schwartz is an unrestricted free agent, and Mack can opt out of his Jaguars-created contract.

Photo courtesy USA Today Sports Images

Extra Points: Combine, Draft, Colts, Browns

February 11th, 2016 at 5:51pm CST by Sam Robinson

The NFL announced the 332 participants who will perform at the NFL Scouting Combine, with potentially high-value quarterbacks Jared Goff, Paxton Lynch and Carson Wentz among the prospects invited.

These quarterbacks figure to be jostling for the right to either go No. 1 overall, in the event the Titans trade their pick, or be the first signal-caller off the board.

Despite coming from Division I-FCS North Dakota State, Wentz looks to be out front right now, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report hears (video link). The 6-foot-6 Wentz’s rise to this point comes from being the only quarterback scouts have seen throw since the season ended, Cole notes, with Wentz impressing the scouting armada at last month’s Senior Bowl.

Sources told Cole, however, younger QBs Goff and Lynch may have higher ceilings due to their age and potential for physical growth and calls this race a fluid situation.

Here’s more from Cole and others from around the league.

Although Ronnie Stanley rates as the top tackle prospect by many outlets, GMs and other NFL sources are questioning the Notre Dame lineman’s work ethic, Cole reports (video link). Stanley’s decision to train for the Combine in Las Vegas resides the crux of this concern, one GM told Cole.
The Colts rearranged their coaching staff, shifting multiple assistants to different position groups, Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star tweets. Jim Hostler will shift from coaching the wide receivers to coaching the tight ends this coming season, and Tim Berbenich will transition to the assistant quarterbacks coach job after he served as a defensive assistant last season.
The Browns adjusted their analytics-geared front office again on Thursday, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal. Former director of football research Ken Kovash will now assist new player personnel VP Andrew Berry in running the scouting department. Kevin Meers, a source tells cleveland.com (via Ulrich), will now lead the research department. Meers and Berry will report to new football operations VP Sashi Brown, who has final say on the 53-man roster, Ulrich reports. Meers, Berry, Brown and new chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta are all Harvard graduates.

Raiders Announce New O.Co Coliseum Deal

February 11th, 2016 at 5:28pm CST by Luke Adams

5:28pm: Davis called the deal a “win-win situation,” according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. “It gives us an opportunity to work on a permanent facility here in Oakland,” Davis said. “It gives us some certainty for this season as well as flexibility for the next two seasons. . . . My heart is here in Oakland.”

Davis also hired real estate executive Larry MacNeil, per Smith, to assist in negotiations for a long-term stadium deal in Oakland. MacNeil previously aided the 49ers in their move into Levi’s Stadium

5:18pm: Options for 2017 and 2018 are part of this agreement, Bair reports (on Twitter). The Raiders have played on one-year options for the past two seasons. This furthers the team’s flexibility as it searches for a long-term stadium solution in the Bay Area and elsewhere.

5:13pm: The team announced the agreement, per Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com. Bair notes the Raiders will pursue other options for their long-term future during this span. Sources told the Bay Area reporter the team will take an extensive look at San Diego if the Chargers decide to join the Rams in Los Angeles.

3:58pm: The Raiders will announce a new one-year agreement with O.co Coliseum today, Albert Breer of the NFL Network confirms (Twitter link).

2:00pm: The Raiders will make an announcement on the future of the franchise later this afternoon, according to a press release issued today (Twitter link via Vincent Bonsignore of the Los Angeles Daily News). While it hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, the team is expected to announce – at 3:00pm pacific time – that it has reached an agreement to extend its lease for at least one year at Oakland’s O.co Coliseum.

Once the Rams’ Inglewood stadium project was approved, with the Chargers getting first dibs to join Stan Kroenke‘s team in Los Angeles, it left the Raiders in limbo for the time being. The Raiders will get the opportunity to join the Rams in L.A. a year from now if Dean Spanos and the Chargers turn down that option and remain in San Diego. But for the short term, Mark Davis doesn’t have many viable options outside of renewing his lease with O.co Coliseum and remaining in Oakland for now.

We heard a couple weeks ago that the Raiders were discussing a short-term lease with O.co Coliseum and the city of Oakland. However, the club has also been exploring possible relocation options. Davis recently paid a visit to Las Vegas, where a plan for an NFL stadium has been proposed, and San Antonio is said to be courting the Raiders as well. If the Chargers end up relocating to Los Angeles in 2017, the Raiders also figure to consider San Diego as a potential long-term home.

Assuming today’s announcement isn’t a total shocker though, it appears the Raiders will spend at least one more season in Oakland. If the team reaches a short-term lease agreement with O.co Coliseum, that deal will likely feature an option year or two, notes Bonsignore (via Twitter). That would give the franchise some flexibility in 2017 and beyond as Davis considers all his options, and would lock in the price of rent for the short term.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Minor NFL Transactions: 2/11/16

February 11th, 2016 at 4:33pm CST by Luke Adams

Here are Thursday’s minor signings, cuts, and other moves from across the NFL:

The Seahawks also signed running back Cameron Marshall, Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times tweets. An Arizona State product, Marshall played the past two seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League. The 24-year-old runner gained 992 yards from scrimmage and scored five touchdowns in 18 CFL contests last season. He initially spent time with the Dolphins in 2013 before debuting in Canada a year later.

Earlier updates:

The Lions have signed veteran linebacker Jerry Franklin, the team announced today. Franklin, who played his college ball at Arkansas, has spent time on the regular season rosters for the Bears, Chiefs, and Saints since 2012.
The Panthers have signed former CFL punter Swayze Waters to a one-year deal, the club announced in a press release. Waters, who missed most of the 2015 season due a hip injury, handled punting and kicking duties for the Toronto Argonauts, earning special teams player of the year honors in 2014.
Another CFL player, wide receiver Jeff Fuller, has a deal in place to join the Seahawks, according to Scott Mitchell of the Calgary Sun (Twitter link). In 13 games last season for the Calgary Stampeders, Fuller grabbed 47 balls for 619 yards and three touchdowns.

Latest On LeSean McCoy

February 11th, 2016 at 4:02pm CST by Luke Adams

4:02pm: Philadelphia’s District Attorney’s office is moving deliberately, not wanting to rush into anything, so a decision on possible arrest warrants for McCoy and his companions isn’t expected to happen until next week, sources tell John Gonzalez of NBC10 and CSNPhilly.com.

THURSDAY, 9:13am: A high-ranking Philadelphia police official tells ESPN’s Mark Schwarz that there may not be a decision or an announcement made on a possible arrest warrant for McCoy today. According to the official, the D.A.’s office wants to be thorough before determining potential charges.

Additionally, Jack McMahon tells ESPN that he has withdrawn as McCoy’s attorney, and that the running back will instead be represented by attorney Larry Krasner.

WEDNESDAY, 2:10pm: Bills running back LeSean McCoy, accused of assaulting off-duty Philadelphia police officers earlier this week, is expected to be charged within the next day or two for his involvement in the incident, according to 6 ABC Action News in Philadelphia. Sources tell Action News that arrest warrants related to the case will likely be issued either Wednesday or Thursday.

According to the Action News report, police investigators have sent the results of their investigation to the District Attorney’s office, and have recommended criminal charges, including aggravated assault. It’s not clear whether McCoy and all three of his companions will face the same charges, but the off-duty officers involved in the altercation are not expected to be charged, per Action News.

Depending on how the case plays out, McCoy could be facing discipline from the NFL, in addition to possible prosecution from the legal system. For the time being though, with the offseason underway, there’s no need for the league or the Bills to place the running back on paid leave, since all players are essentially on unpaid leave at this time of year.

If they want to, the Bills could cut McCoy, but based on how they’ve handled run-ins with the law before – such as the arrest of offensive line coach Aaron Kromer last summer – the team likely won’t rush into any decisions. McCoy’s $4.8MM base salary for 2016 is not yet fully guaranteed, but there’s still enough prorated bonus money left on his contract that his cap charge would increase significantly if the Bills were to release him this year.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

South Notes: Bucs, Cotchery, Hasselbeck

February 11th, 2016 at 3:00pm CST by Luke Adams

After watching Cam Newton and the Panthers win 15 games in his division in 2015, then seeing Newton run for his life against a fearsome Broncos pass rush in the Super Bowl, Buccaneers linebacker Kwon Alexander would like to see his team make an effort this offseason to add some more defensive players capable of wreaking havoc in opposing backfields.

“We need to get some more guys to, you know, to get some push on the quarterback,” Alexander said during an appearance on WDAE-AM 620 (link via JoeBucsFan.com). “I think that’s what we’re going to be drafting this year, defensive ends. We had great defensive ends this year, but we need a little more help. So whoever we can get, you know, we’re going to need that pressure to get Cam and, you know, try to get to the Super Bowl this season.”

As general manager Jason Licht takes Alexander’s recommendations under consideration, let’s check in on some other updates from around the NFL’s South divisions….

Thursday is the day that the contracts for Panthers wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery and safety Roman Harper void, so both players will officially become free agents when the new league year begins, tweets Joel Corry of CBSSports.com. For his part, Cotchery said this week that he’s not sure what his future holds, but he has only positive things to say about the two years he has spent in Carolina (link via Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review).
By the end of his 2015 campaign with the Colts, Matt Hasselbeck was pretty banged up, but the veteran quarterback said today during an appearance on 710 ESPN Seattle that he’s “strongly leaning toward” playing another season (Twitter link via Brady Henderson of 710 ESPN Seattle). Hasselbeck is an unrestricted free agent, so if he does continue his NFL career, there’s no guarantee that will happen in Indianapolis.
The agent for veteran guard Jahri Evans, who was released by the Saints this week, said on SportsRadio 94 WIP today that New Orleans asked Evans to take a pay cut to remain with the team, but his client wasn’t willing to do that for the second consecutive year (Twitter link via Matt Moscona of ESPN New Orleans). Evans signed a new contract last April that reduced his salary for 2016.

Vontaze Burfict’s Three-Game Ban Upheld

February 11th, 2016 at 1:03pm CST by Luke Adams

Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict‘s three-game suspension has been upheld, reports Dan Graziano of ESPN.com (Twitter link). According to Graziano, Burfict’s appeal was heard by appeals officer – and former Pro Bowl linebacker – Derrick Brooks. The hearing took place prior to the Super Bowl, tweets Jim Owczarski of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

We heard earlier today that Burfict was expected to meet with commissioner Roger Goodell sometime within the next week to discuss the discipline from the league. In fact, that meeting took place on Thursday, after the decision on the linebacker’s appeal had already been made, according to Graziano (Twitter links), who reports that Burfict’s agent, head coach Marvin Lewis, and NFL executive Troy Vincent were also present.

Since Brooks had already made his ruling on Burfict’s appeal, today’s meeting was more about discussing Burfict’s behavior, addressing how to avoid further problems and violations going forward, says Graziano.

Prior to receiving his suspension last month, Burfict was reportedly fined for safety-related violations four times in 2015, including a $50K fine for unnecessarily contacting an opponent who was out of the play in Cincinnati’s Week 17 game against the Ravens. That play, which can be viewed here, saw Maxx Williams run a route in the end zone and get drilled, even though the ball was nowhere near him.

The tipping point for Burfict came in Cincinnati’s Wild Card loss against the Steelers, when he committed a personal foul penalty on wide receiver Antonio Brown, hitting him in the head at the end of play late in the fourth quarter. The 15-yard penalty played a key part in the Bengals ultimately losing that game and being eliminated from the playoffs.

The Bengals’ schedule for the 2016 season isn’t yet known, but Burfict won’t be eligible to come off the reserve/suspended list until Week 4.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

AFC North Notes: Burfict, Browns, Suisham

February 11th, 2016 at 12:26pm CST by Luke Adams

Shortly after word broke a month ago that Vontaze Burfict would face a three-game suspension for repeated on-field safety violations, reports indicated that the Bengals linebacker would meet with commissioner Roger Goodell to discuss the penalty. That meeting, which Burfict hopes will help get his suspension reduced, hasn’t happened yet, but it’s set to take place within the next week, according to Coley Harvey and James Walker of ESPN.com.

Here’s more from out of the AFC North:

Browns director of football research Ken Kovash has received a promotion from the team, a source tells Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com (Twitter links). The team is still determining his new title, but Kovash is expected to help new VP of player personnel Andrew Berry run the Browns’ scouting department.
Chris Boswell converted 29 of 32 field goal tries for the Steelers in 2015, but veteran kicker Shaun Suisham, who spent the season on IR, fully intends to reclaim his job this year, as he tells Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “The first thing I need to do is get healthy,” said Suisham, who continues to recover from a torn ACL. “If I’m healthy, I think I will be in good position to get my old job back.”
Few NFL teams restructure contracts as frequently as the Steelers do, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com, who takes an in-depth look at why Pittsburgh is constantly moving around money, how it benefits the club, and how it can backfire as well.
Hue Jackson‘s first major challenge will be carrying out a culture change in the Browns‘ locker room, Bud Shaw of Cleveland.com writes. Shaw wonders if the Browns will now put more emphasis on character in the draft now that Jackson is part of the organization.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Justin Tuck Announces Retirement

February 11th, 2016 at 11:57am CST by Luke Adams

FEBRUARY 11: During an appearance on Big Blue Kickoff Live, Tuck said he plans to sign a one-day contract to retire as a Giant, tweets Lance Medow of the Giants’ Radio Network.

FEBRUARY 1: After playing 11 NFL seasons, veteran defensive end Justin Tuck has decided to call it a career, according to Mike Garafaolo of FOX Sports, who reports that Tuck will be retiring. The 32-year-old confirmed his decision on Facebook, and in comments to Garafolo.

“It’s been like a tug of war, and finally the rope broke,” Tuck said of his decision on whether or not to end his playing career. “And where I fell was retirement.”

Tuck’s final NFL season in 2015 was cut short due a torn right pectoral muscle, which landed him on the injured reserve list last October. Unlike Ravens wideout Steve Smith, who reconsidered his plan to retire once he suffered a season-ending surgery, Tuck isn’t determined to play one more healthy season before moving on to the next stage of his career — even though he thinks he’s capable of doing it.

“Physically, I feel like I can play with the best of them,” Tuck said. “It’s hilarious I got hurt on the most fluky play ever, but it’s part of it and maybe that was God trying to tell me something. I’m looking forward to being able to do something else.”

A third-round pick back in 2005, Tuck didn’t play much for the Giants during his first two seasons, but racked up 10 sacks as a part-time player in 2007, and then earned All-Pro honors in 2008, when he recorded 12 sacks and three forced fumbles. The Notre Dame product, who won two Super Bowls with the Giants, contributing to a pass rush that helped limit Tom Brady and the Patriots’ offense during those games, spent nine years in New York before spending the last two with the Raiders.

For his career, Tuck appeared in 147 total regular-season games, including 127 for the Giants. He totaled 66.5 career sacks, getting into double-digits in four separate seasons, including his final year with the Giants in 2013. The two-time Pro Bowler also picked up 5.5 sacks in the postseason, with four of those sacks coming in Super Bowls against the Pats.

Despite enjoying his time in Oakland, Tuck, who would have been a free agent this offseason, admitted that a return to the Giants might have been the only scenario in which he continued his career in 2016. However, the Giants made his decision easier when they made a coaching change at season’s end.

“If Coach (Tom) Coughlin would’ve come back another year, I probably would’ve (considered) coming back,” Tuck told Garafolo. “I didn’t even venture down that road. I think I would’ve given a lot of consideration to it.”

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Giants Hire Ex-Lions GM Martin Mayhew

February 11th, 2016 at 11:12am CST by Luke Adams

The Giants have added a former general manager to their front office today, announcing in a press release that they’ve hired Martin Mayhew as their director of football operations/special projects. It’s Mayhew’s first job since the Lions let him go from his GM position in November.

According to the Giants’ announcement, Mayhew will work closely with assistant general manager Kevin Abrams on cap issues and contract negotiations. Mayhew will also handle special projects assigned by GM Jerry Reese.

The Lions and Giants essentially completed a swap of front office executives, since Mayhew is replacing former Giants director of football operations Matt Harriss. The Lions signed Harris, who is expected to play a significant role in managing the team’s salary cap, as their VP of football administration last month.

Mayhew, who was named the Lions’ permanent GM in 2008, spent 15 years in total with the franchise, and had his ups and downs during his time in Detroit. The team earned postseason berths in 2011 and 2014, but never made it out of the first round during Mayhew’s tenure as GM, and finished below .500 in all of his non-playoff seasons.

Before he was hired by the Giants, Mayhew also interviewed for the Titans’ general manager job in January, and was reportedly considered for a football operations job in the Browns’ front office.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

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