2016 April - Pro Football Rumors

South Notes: Texans, Jaguars, Saints

April 22nd, 2016 at 4:24pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

The Texans exercised the fifth-year option on receiver DeAndre Hopkins‘ contract last week and ensured he’ll be under their control through at least 2017. Not surprisingly, their focus now is to lock him up for the long haul, as Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle details. The 23-year-old Hopkins certainly seems open to an extension with Houston, having said in February that, “If I can play my whole career here, I would. I love this place.” No deal is imminent, a source told Wilson, but a new accord for Hopkins would surely make him one of the NFL’s highest-paid wideouts. After racking up 76 catches for 1,210 yards and six touchdowns in 2014, his second season, the 2013 first-rounder from Clemson improved his numbers across the board last year. Hopkins totaled 111 catches, 1,521 yards and 11 scores en route to his first Pro Bowl nod.

Here’s more on the AFC South and one NFC South club:

Texans general manager Rick Smith believes he could have ultimately traded Brian Hoyer for a draft pick, but he decided releasing the quarterback last week was the better option for both parties, writes Tania Ganguli of ESPN.com. “There may have been some value there for us organizationally, but we felt like this was the right time,” Smith said.
Hays Carlyon of Jacksonville.com came away from the Jaguars’ draft luncheon Friday convinced that UCLA linebacker Myles Jack will be their pick if he’s on the board at No. 5 overall. Jaguars brass, led by GM David Caldwell and head coach Gus Bradley, loves Jack’s blend of coverage and rush skills, according to Carlyon. Jack is seventh months removed from a torn meniscus, but CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora reported earlier this week that it shouldn’t hurt his draft stock.
Former Saints receiver Robert Meachem, who’s looking to make a comeback after missing all of last season, worked out for the club Friday, reports Nick Underhill of the New Orleans Advocate. The Saints used Friday to test Meachem’s speed and conditioning and will have him back in three weeks for on-field work, tweets Leslie Spoon of WWL-TV. New Orleans took Meachem in the first round of the 2007 draft and he went on to catch 141 passes and 23 touchdowns with the team before signing with the Chargers in 2012. After an unproductive season in San Diego, Meachem rejoined the Saints and amassed just 23 receptions and two scores in 26 games from 2013-14.

Minor NFL Transactions: 4/22/16

April 22nd, 2016 at 3:57pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Here are Friday’s minor moves from around the NFL:

The Patriots have signed linebacker Tony Steward and long snapper Christian Yount, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN. Steward, whom the Bills released earlier this week, appeared in seven games and made two tackles as a sixth-round rookie last season. Yount, on the other hand, has 60 NFL games under his belt, including 48 in a row with the Browns from 2012-14.
The Eagles have signed wide receiver T.J. Graham to a one-year contract, according to Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Graham, who worked out for the Eagles earlier this week, came into the league as a third-round pick of the Bills in 2012 and has also logged regular-season action with the Jets and Saints. The 26-year-old caught four passes in as many games for New Orleans last season, giving him 61 receptions in 47 career contests.
The Falcons have reached injury settlements with tight end Beau Gardner and guard Adam Replogle, both of whom had undisclosed injuries, writes D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Gardner joined the Falcons as an undrafted free agent from Northern Arizona last year, but he didn’t suit up in any games for the team. Replogle entered the league undrafted out of Indiana in 2013 and has spent his entire pro tenure with the Falcons, though he never appeared in a game with the organization.

Draft Rumors: Conklin, Stanley, Chargers, Elliott

April 22nd, 2016 at 3:33pm CST by Luke Adams

There’s growing buzz around Michigan State offensive tackle Jack Conklin, according to Matt Miller of Bleacher Report, who tweets that Conklin is getting top-10 consideration. Meanwhile, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link) suggests that there are some coaches around the NFL that prefer Conklin to Notre Dame’s Ronnie Stanley, who is generally considered the draft’s second-best tackle after Laremy Tunsil.

Still, while Tunsil is viewed as the top tackle – and perhaps even the top player – by many teams around the NFL, there’s not a complete consensus on that. NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock (Twitter link) suggests there has been some “momentum” for Stanley to go in the top 10, perhaps even before Tunsil. While that seems unlikely, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com adds (via Twitter) that teams aren’t all set yet.

Here are a few more draft rumors and updates from across the league:

Speaking today to reporters, including Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune (Twitter links), Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said that trade talks involving the No. 3 pick have “really slowed down” since Wednesday. The team will continue to explore trade opportunities and won’t make a final decision on the pick until next Thursday, but trade discussions have “quieted considerably.”
Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott could come off the board as high as No. 4 next Thursday, and likely won’t last beyond pick No. 13, says Jason Cole (video link). Cole suggests that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is very fond of Elliott, but as we saw a couple years ago when Dallas took Zack Martin over Johnny Manziel, Jones is willing to defer to other decision-makers in the team’s front office during the draft.
Bills officials are traveling to Alabama today to meet with defensive tackle Jarran Reed, multiple sources tell John Wawrow of The Associated Press. Reed had previously been scheduled to visit Buffalo, but had to cancel due to the birth of his child, says Wawrow. Since teams can no longer host players on pre-draft visits, the Bills will travel to Reed, rather than vice versa.
During an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio (Twitter link), Southern Utah safety Miles Killebrew said that he paid a visit to the Seahawks.

Jets Notes: Fitzpatrick, Hoyer, Wilkerson

April 22nd, 2016 at 2:57pm CST by Luke Adams

As they have insisted for the last month and a half, the Jets said again today that re-signing Ryan Fitzpatrick remains their top priority when it comes to adding a quarterback to the roster. As Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News tweets, general manager Mike Maccagnan said that the team’s visit with Brian Hoyer was “due diligence,” and that the club’s focus is Fitzpatrick.

Although the Jets want to bring back Fitzpatrick, the team won’t alter its draft plans based on whether or not the veteran is back under contract by next Thursday, according to Maccagnan (Twitter link via Rich Cimini of ESPN.com). The Jets GM said today that he’d consider selecting a QB “at any point in the draft” (Twitter link via Brian Costello of the New York Post).

Let’s round up a few more Jets-related items…

Maccagnan said today that the Jets aren’t actively shopping Muhammad Wilkerson. However as Cimini points out (via Twitter), this may simply be an issue of semantics. Cimini and Mehta (Twitter link) both believe Gang Green would like to trade Wilkerson.
One scenario that’s not in play for Wilkerson? His franchise tag won’t be rescinded like Josh Norman‘s was in Carolina, Maccagnan said today (Twitter link via Mehta).
Maccagnan acknowledged that he and the Jets did inquire about the No. 1 overall pick in the draft before the Titans sent it to Los Angeles (Twitter link via Costello).
The Jets have a solid starting duo at wide receiver, in Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, but the team uses plenty of four-wideout packages, and may explore adding to its receiving corps at some point during the draft, writes Cimini in an ESPN.com piece.

Falcons Pick Up Fifth-Year Option On Desmond Trufant

April 22nd, 2016 at 2:33pm CST by Luke Adams

The Falcons have become the latest team to formally exercise their fifth-year option on a 2013 first-round pick. The team announced today (via Twitter) that it has exercised cornerback Desmond Trufant‘s option for 2017. Trufant had indicated earlier this week that he wasn’t thinking much about his option, but that he hopes to remain in Atlanta for the long term.

“That’s just for my agent to handle,” Trufant told Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. “I’m here. I plan on being here a long time. And I’m just here working, bonding with the team. But I know, that’s my agent. They’re going to handle all that. But I’m just here ready to work.”

The Falcons’ decision to exercise Trufant’s 2017 option comes as no surprise. The 25-year-old cornerback, who hasn’t missed a game (or a start) in his three seasons in Atlanta, earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2015.

Trufant recorded 42 tackles, an interception, a sack, and a pair of fumble recoveries last season, and placed 13th out of 111 qualified cornerbacks according to Pro Football Focus’ grades. PFF also ranked Trufant as a top-five defender against the run, among corners.

Trufant’s 2017 option salary will be worth $8.026MM, though he and the Falcons could reach a long-term agreement at any time before or during the ’17 season.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Chargers To Exercise 2017 Option On D.J. Fluker

April 22nd, 2016 at 2:23pm CST by Luke Adams

The Chargers are picking up their 2017 option on offensive lineman D.J. Fluker, a source tells Albert Breer of the NFL Network (Twitter link). The move, which was confirmed today by GM Tom Telesco (Twitter link via Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune), extends Fluker’s rookie contract from four years to five, delaying his potential free agency until 2018.

After spending most of his first two years at right tackle, Fluker slid inside for the 2015 campaign, serving as the Chargers’ starting right guard for the majority of the season. Pro Football Focus wasn’t all that impressed with his play at the new position, however, ranking him 67th out of 81 qualified guards. His teammates, Kenny Wiggins and Orlando Franklin, placed 71st and 78th respectively.

Although Fluker perhaps hasn’t developed into the sort of dominant lineman the Chargers had hoped for, the 25-year-old has started 43 of 48 regular-season games for the team since entering the league, and figures to start again in 2016.

Because he was selected 11th overall in the 2013 draft, Fluker’s 2017 option salary is $8.821MM, $3MM+ less than it would have been if he had come off the board in the top 10. That salary also doesn’t become fully guaranteed until the first day of the 2017 league year. It’s guaranteed for injury only for now.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Justin Houston Expected To Play In 2016

April 22nd, 2016 at 12:54pm CST by Luke Adams

After undergoing a procedure on his ACL earlier in the offseason, star pass rusher Justin Houston had an uncertain outlook for the 2016 season. However, Chiefs general manager John Dorsey said today that the team fully expects to have Houston back in 2016, telling reporters that “our doctors have reassured us that Justin will be playing this season” (Twitter links via Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star).

Houston underwent postseason arthroscopic surgery on his knee, at which point his ACL was found to be “intact but not functioning.” While a separate procedure ensured that Houston’s ACL is now repaired, the original diagnosis suggested a recovery timetable of 6-12 months following the February surgery. When the club announced the news last month, head coach Andy Reid said he hoped Houston would be able to play in 2016.

While Dorsey sounded confident today that Houston will be back on the field in 2016, it’s not clear whether the club expects to have him for all 16 regular season games. Asked exactly when the 27-year-old would be back, the GM was noncommittal: “When is a good [question]. Not being a medical expert, I really can’t definitively tell you that answer” (link via Adam Teicher of ESPN.com).

Even if Houston only takes six months to recover, that would mean he’d return sometime in August — if he misses a portion of training camp and the preseason, it may take him a little extra time to get up to speed for the regular season. Still, it sounds like positive news for the Chiefs, whose pass rush would be significantly impacted by the loss of Houston for an extended period of time.

One of the league’s top outside linebackers, Houston inked a six-year, $101MM extension with the Chiefs less than a year ago, but was hampered by injuries in the first season of his new deal. After leading the NFL with 22 sacks in 2014, Houston still played very well in 2015, but totaled just 7.5 sacks in 11 games. The outside linebacker also showed some versatility by grabbing a pair of interceptions, including one for a touchdown.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Draft Notes: Jack, Raiders, Dolphins, Conklin

April 22nd, 2016 at 12:12pm CST by Luke Adams

Many teams believe that reported concerns about Myles Jack‘s knee issues have been overblown, but just in case he slips out of the top 10 as a result of those concerns, the Raiders are doing their homework on the linebacker. Matt Miller of Bleacher Report tweets that Oakland sent a contingent to UCLA on Thursday to work out Jack.

Here are several more draft updates from around the NFL:

The Dolphins have genuine interest in Michigan State offensive tackle Jack Conklin as a possible target at No. 13, a source tells Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (Twitter link). Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald indicated that Miami hasn’t ruled out the idea of drafting a tackle early and playing him at guard to start his NFL career, but I’d be surprised if the Fins actually went in that direction.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com (Twitter link) hears that the Steelers and Colts are among the teams that have been doing most due diligence on West Virginia safety Karl Joseph. Joseph, who is coming off a major knee injury, is viewed as a probable day two pick.
Cal wide receiver Kenny Lawler has worked out for the Saints, Falcons, Cowboys, Eagles, and Colts in the weeks leading up to the draft, writes Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Lawler is also believed to have met with the Titans and Jets last month.
The Patriots have displayed “steady interest” in South Florida defensive end Eric Lee, according to Aaron Wilson, who says Lee is working out for Texans linebackers coach Mike Vrabel today (Twitter links).

Dolphins Rumors: Draft, CBs, Jason Jones

April 22nd, 2016 at 10:23am CST by Luke Adams

Landing a cornerback – and perhaps more than one – is the Dolphins’ top priority in this year’s draft, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a lock to take one with the No. 13 pick, writes Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

According to Jackson, if Miami opts for the best player available in the first round, and that player is a non-cornerback, there’s a belief the team could still land a quality CB at No. 42 and/or No. 73. Jackson mentions Miami’s Artie Burns, Baylor’s Xavien Howard, and Virginia Tech’s Kendall Fuller as a few potential targets.

Here’s more on the Dolphins from Jackson, including several notes on their possible draft plans:

If running back Ezekiel Elliott or linebacker Myles Jack slip to No. 13, the Dolphins would have interest in both players. The team recently sent a contingent to Los Angeles for a private workout with UCLA’s Jack.
Some Dolphins scouting and front office people are resistant to the idea of drafting Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III if he’s on the board at No. 13, since the team would prefer a big, physical cornerback.
Miami is intrigued by Houston’s William Jackson III and Ohio State’s Eli Apple, but they may not be great value at No. 13, so trading down might be a consideration. Dolphins VP Mike Tannenbaum said today that there have been preliminary conversations about the No. 13 pick, tweets James Walker of ESPN.com.
The Dolphins have discussed the possibility of taking one of the top offensive tackles in the first round and moving him to guard – at least temporarily – but that seems to be an unlikely outcome.
On special teams, the Dolphins are keeping an eye out for help in the return game and potential competition for kicker Andrew Franks. Special teams coach Darren Rizzi has privately worked out multiple kicker prospects, including Nick Rose of Texas and Daniel Sobolewski of Albright.
The Dolphins continue to have conversations with free agent defensive end Jason Jones, and there’s mutual interest between the two sides in working something out.

Latest On Brian Hoyer

April 22nd, 2016 at 8:58am CST by Luke Adams

After visiting the Jets and Broncos this week, free agent quarterback Brian Hoyer doesn’t have any other visits lined up, says Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. A source tells Florio that Hoyer’s plan for now is to head home and let things “percolate” for a few days, while staying in touch with the Jets and Broncos.

ESPN’s Adam Caplan tweeted on Wednesday that Hoyer would likely find a new home quickly, and added yesterday that the veteran signal-caller has “at least six teams” interested in him. However, nothing is imminent at the moment, according to Florio, who suggests that Hoyer won’t rush into a deal.

The Jets and Broncos both have several balls in the air — Gang Green remains in a holding pattern with Ryan Fitzpatrick, who is still the team’s preferred option, while the Broncos are in a similar holding pattern with Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers. Both teams may also use the draft to add a quarterback.

Outside of New York and Denver, there aren’t many landing spots that would allow Hoyer to compete for a starting job right away, so it makes sense that he’d prefer to wait to see if either of those clubs wants to sign him. The alternative would be joining a team for whom he’d be the clear-cut backup, such as the Cowboys. Along with Dallas, the Bears and Steelers have also been mentioned as possible suitors for Hoyer, though it’s not entirely clear how serious those teams are about the ex-Texan.

Hoyer, 30, made nine starts and appeared in 11 total games for the Texans in 2015, and enjoyed his best season as a pro. The Michigan State product completed more than 60% of his passes, throwing for 2,606 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. Houston went 5-4 in Hoyer’s starts, but he he became expendable when the team went out and signed Brock Osweiler to a four-year, $72MM deal in free agency last month.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.