2016 April - Pro Football Rumors

North Notes: Lions, Bears, Ekpre-Olomu, Doss

April 2nd, 2016 at 6:05pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Matthew Stafford is locked in as the Lions‘ starting quarterback, but don’t be surprised if Detroit selects a signal-caller in this year’s draft. “I think it’s really good football business to acquire a young quarterback every year or every other year,” Lions general manager Bob Quinn told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “There’s such a value in the position and nowadays in college football there’s a lot of spread offenses, which means it’s a lot different than pro football. So it takes these young quarterbacks time to develop. So if you can add a young quarterback every year or every other year to your roster, it’s good football business in my mind.”

Let’s take a look at a few more items from the NFL’s two North divisions…

The Bears‘ mass signings to their offensive line signal uncertainty for the group, John Mullin of CSNChicago.com writes. Bobby Massie looks set at right tackle, but Kyle Long‘s move to right guard isn’t a lock, despite John Fox placing the Pro Bowler there in the meantime. Ted Larsen and Manny Ramirez could supplant Hroniss Grasu and Matt Slauson at center and left guard, respectively, per Mullin. Insiders inform Mullin the Dowell Loggains-led Bears will aim to run more than Adam Gase‘s group did, which was 47% of the time in 2015.
Cut by the Browns earlier today, Ifo Ekpre-Olomu told NFL.com’s Rand Getlin (Twitter link) he’s 100% healthy and is “certain he’ll be playing football at a high level this year.” Cleveland released the cornerback with an injury designation. An Oregon product and seventh-round pick of the Browns’ last year, Ekpre-Olumu hasn’t played since tearing his ACL prior to the 2015 Rose Bowl.
Former Ravens draft pick Tandon Doss was present at Indiana University’s pro day, catching passes as he tries to make his way back on an NFL roster, according to Tony Pauline of WalterFootball.com. Doss, 26, spent three seasons in Baltimore before latching on with the Jaguars for the 2014 season. He never appeared in a game for Jacksonville, however, and didn’t play in the league last year.

Sam Robinson contributed to this post.

Broncos, 49ers Closing In On Colin Kaepernick Trade Agreement?

April 2nd, 2016 at 4:43pm CST by Sam Robinson

4:43pm: The 49ers and Broncos have the parameters of a trade for Kaepernick in place, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter. Potentially the only thing standing in the way is the Broncos and Kaepernick agreeing on a restructured contract.

The teams are continuing dialogue regarding this trade, which will likely involve a Day 2 or Day 3 draft pick or a combination of the two, trying to bridge the financial divide, Schefter reports. However, what level of draft pick(s) the Broncos surrender in this prospective deal won’t be a stumbling block in completing the trade, according to Schefter.

1:40pm: The Broncos appear to still be interested in adding Colin Kaepernick to their undermanned stable of quarterbacks despite the 49ers locking in his $11.9MM salary for this season. John Elway and the sixth-year passer have met multiple times, including a summit on Thursday at the sixth-year GM’s Denver-area house, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Kaepernick and Elway have met at least twice since March 15, Branch reports, with the quarterback spending extensive time in Colorado rehabbing from three surgeries.

The 49ers have granted Kaepernick’s agents Jason Bernstein and Scott Smith permission to seek a trade, according to Branch, which clears the Broncos of tampering charges.

Elway and Kaepernick’s meetings have helped the parties become acquainted, and Kaepernick’s contract has come up during the meetings, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.

Elway’s Thursday visit with the 28-year-old quarterback came as Kaepernick’s $11.9MM base salary became guaranteed. The Broncos currently possess less than $2MM in cap space, and any deal for Kaepernick depends on the signal-caller agreeing to reduce his contract, Troy Renck of the Denver Post tweets.

We heard Thursday that the Broncos want Kaepernick at approximately $7MM this season. Branch reports that Denver’s brass has been at work trying to restructure Kaepernick’s contract, which calls for him to carry a $14.9MM cap number this season. Only Demaryius Thomas ($15.2MM) carries a higher figure going into the 2016 season on the Broncos’ roster.

If Kaepernick doesn’t agree to restructure, the 49ers would have to pick up part of his contract to facilitate a trade, Mike Klis of 9News reports. San Francisco’s quiet free agency has the team sitting at $53.8MM in cap room — the most in the league. Klis also writes that the 49ers’ sudden accelerated interest in allowing Kaepernick to seek a path out of the Bay Area stems from the team beginning its offseason program Monday; the Broncos don’t begin theirs until April 18.

Denver has a quick way to clear $8.9MM from its books by trading or releasing Ryan Clady. The sides have met multiple times since the Combine, Renck reports, with the longtime left tackle remaining on the Broncos’ cap sheet for $10.1MM.

Clady previously agreed to discuss a restructure, but nothing’s materialized. In the meantime, the Broncos added Donald Stephenson and Russell Okung, leaving Clady without a logical place on the team.

The Broncos have just Mark Sanchez and Trevor Siemian under contract at present, with the 49ers employing Blaine Gabbert at a much cheaper rate. Although money isn’t an issue for the 49ers right now, there appears to be a significant divide between the team and Kaepernick despite Chip Kelly‘s public overtures toward keeping him.

Despite quarterbacking the team to back-to-back playoff NFC championship games, Kaepernick was benched last season and hasn’t been able to consistently replicate the play that helped the 49ers reach those destinations over the past two seasons.

Photo courtesy USA Today Sports Images

Washington Signs Vernon Davis

April 2nd, 2016 at 3:48pm CST by Luke Adams

SATURDAY, 3:48pm: Davis’ deal is indeed a one-year accord worth $2.38MM, Mike Klis of 9News tweets. The 12th-year tight end receives $1.1MM in full guarantees, and Davis can earn up to $2.1MM more via incentives, per Klis. Despite disappearing from Denver’s offense down the stretch and in the playoffs, Davis presently resides as Washington’s highest-paid tight end.

THURSDAY, 4:22pm: The team has officially announced the signing.

THURSDAY, 11:05am: Free agent tight end Vernon Davis is headed home, having agreed to terms to sign with Washington, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link). In addition to being a homecoming for the D.C. native, the deal also reunites Davis with former 49ers executive Scot McCloughan, who was San Francisco’s VP of player personnel when Davis was drafted.

[RELATED: Anquan Boldin visits Washington]

The sixth overall pick back in ’06, Davis averaged 50 catches per season during his first eight years in the NFL, racking up 53 total touchdowns and earning two Pro Bowl nods during that stint. However, he has slowed down in recent years, with inconsistent quarterback play, injuries, and his increasing age all playing a part in that decline.

Although Davis, traded from the 49ers to the Broncos midway through the 2015 campaign, didn’t have his best season last year, he still managed to catch 38 passes, including 20 after moving to Denver. In Washington, the team has a clear-cut No. 1 tight end in Jordan Reed, so Davis shouldn’t be relied upon as more than a complementary option as long as Reed stays healthy.

Washington has apparently been on the lookout for additional pass catchers to join Reed, DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, and Jamison Crowder as Kirk Cousins‘ top targets for 2016. In addition to reaching a deal with Davis, the team also brought in veteran wideout Anquan Boldin for a visit earlier this week.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link), it’s a one-year contract.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

West Notes: Kaepernick, Chargers, Raiders

April 2nd, 2016 at 3:10pm CST by Sam Robinson

With the Broncos still assessing Colin Kaepernick‘s trade value despite the 49ers quarterback’s $11.9MM base salary becoming guaranteed, the Western divisions have led the way in headline-generating today. Here’s some more from the Kaepernick situation as well as news from other franchises in those divisions.

In examining the Broncos‘ options regarding Kaepernick, 9News’ Mike Klis mentions a sign-and-trade scenario that may help bridge the gap between the two teams. The longtime Broncos beat reporter mentions converting part of Kaepernick’s salary into a signing bonus, one the 49ers would pay in this instance while Denver would be on the hook for the base pay, could help bring the sides closer together in terms of financial and draft pick compensation. The 49ers possess a league-most $53.8MM in cap space, while the Broncos are carrying the game’s fewest at present at $1.6MM.
John Elway‘s meeting with Kaepernick could also have been regarding the 28-year-old passer’s progress from the three surgeries he’s undergone in recent months, Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee reports. Barrows also notes (on Twitter) the Broncos and the Steadman Clinic — where Kap’s undergone those procedures on his left shoulder, left knee and right thumb — have a good relationship. So, the Super Bowl champions would have a good idea of the signal-caller’s health prior to potentially pulling the trigger on a trade, Barrows notes.
The 49ers‘ offseason program begins Monday, and Kaepernick would earn $4MM by attending 90% of the team’s offseason workouts, Barrows reports.
A significant disagreement on where the Chargers should play long-term in San Diego has emerged between the team and the city after the team’s proposal for a 4% hotel tax hike surfaced earlier this week. City politicians and hotel owners are vehemently against the tax that would help the city contribute the $350MM in public money necessary toward constructing a long-term Chargers stadium, and as a byproduct are against the notion of a downtown Chargers site, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). This contingent still contends the Chargers should play in Mission Valley, where Qualcomm Stadium is located. The Chargers are against this from a revenue standpoint, because in their view a downtown stadium will increase the franchise’s value.
The Raiders‘ flirtation with Las Vegas continued Friday. Mark Davis made another trip to the city and posed for a photo with key UNLV personnel, Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com reports. Per Bair, the Raiders owner has now made several trips to Las Vegas to discuss a potential future for his franchise there. This visit put Davis directly in touch with UNLV brass after he previously met with local politicians and Las Vegas Sands hotel higher-ups.

Minor NFL Transactions: 4/2/16

April 2nd, 2016 at 2:16pm CST by Sam Robinson

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

The Browns released cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu with an injury designation, Tom Reed of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. A knee injury suffered before the 2015 Rose Bowl cost the seventh-round pick from Oregon his rookie season, and the Browns denied Ekpre-Olomu the chance to continue rehabbing it with the team. Prior to tearing his ACL and dislocating a bone in his right knee, Ekpre-Olomu was considered by some to be a first-round-caliber prospect.

Draft Notes: Browns, Seahawks, Saints

April 2nd, 2016 at 12:22pm CST by Ben Levine

Some assorted draft notes from around the NFL…

Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook had an official visit with the Browns, reports Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com. The writer notes that Cook could be an option towards the end of the first round. This follows news that the organization was planning on hosting Carson Wentz, who the team could theoretically select with the second-overall pick.
Alabama running back Derrick Henry is set to meet with the Seahawks, reports Sheil Kapadia of ESPN.com. “I have my own path. (Marshawn Lynch) did a great job; unbelievable job with the Seahawks,” Henry said. “But you know, I wanna have my own path and do my own thing.”
If teams are seeking help at defensive tackle, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah believes they won’t have to spend a first-rounder to secure one. “A lot of it has been said out there, but it’s one of the best defensive tackle drafts I can remember,” Jeremiah said (via Evan Woodbery of NOLA.com). “I started in 2003 in scouting, and I can’t remember this much depth of talent at that position.”
Meanwhile, while Ole Miss wideout Laquon Treadwell could be a logical pick for the Saints with the 12th pick, Jeremiah believes the team would be better off holding out. “We’ve been so spoiled the last two years with the depth of talent, I don’t think we quite have that this year in terms of that top-end talent (at receiver),” Jeremiah said. “But I do think in the middle rounds there is a lot of value to be found there.”

Chiefs Sign Stevie Brown

April 2nd, 2016 at 11:12am CST by Ben Levine

After having added a pair of defenders yesterday, the Chiefs have made another move to help solidify their defense. According to Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star, the team has signed safety Stevie Brown. The player’s agent was the first to report the news via Twitter.

The 28-year-old didn’t play a single snap last season after being cut by the Giants in early September. The 2010 seventh-round pick ultimately played two full seasons with New York, starting a total of 19 games. His 2012 campaign was easily the best of his career, as Brown compiled 76 tackles, 11 passes defended, and eight interceptions. That season saw him lead the NFL in interception return yards, and he earned a pair of NFC Defensive Play of the Week awards. The Michigan product has also spent time in the Raiders, Colts, Panthers, and Texans organization.

As Paylor notes, the Chiefs have had success inking defensive backs to “one-year, prove-it deals”, including Quintin Demps, Kurt Coleman, and Tyvon Branch.

The team signed safety Jimmy Wilson to a one-year deal yesterday, and they also added linebacker Andy Mulumba.

Scott Chandler Contemplating Retirement

April 2nd, 2016 at 9:31am CST by Ben Levine

It sounds like veteran tight end Scott Chandler may be hanging it up. The 30-year-old announced that his recent knee surgery will sideline him for at least one season, and according to ESPN’s Mike Rodak (via Twitter), the surgery will “probably” end his career. A tweet from his wife also indicated that the former Bills standout is considering retirement.

Before settling in with Buffalo, Chandler bounced around the league a bit. After being selected by San Diego in the fourth round of the 2007 draft, the Iowa product made brief practice squad cameos with the Chargers, Cowboys, and Giants.

Chandler got his first opportunity to play in 2010, when he joined the Bills. After an uninspiring first season in Buffalo, the tight end found his groove in 2011, hauling in 38 catches for 389 yards and six touchdowns. Chandler would establish himself as a reliable presence in the Bills offense, averaging 45 catches, 528 yards, and four touchdowns from 2011 through 2014.

The veteran joined the Patriots last offseason, and he finished the 2015 campaign with 23 receptions for 259 yards and four touchdowns. New England released Chandler in early March, and he reportedly visited the Colts.

Texans To Re-Sign Brandon Weeden

April 2nd, 2016 at 8:40am CST by Zachary Links

SATURDAY, 8:40am: The Texans have officially announced the signing.

FRIDAY, 6:09pm: Weeden’s deal contains base salaries of $800K and $1.55MM, per John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. It includes a $450K roster bonus for 2016 and a $37,500 bonus for each game he’s active in both seasons. The max value of the contract is $4MM (Twitter links).

3:13pm: It’s a two-year, $4MM deal for Weeden and the Texans, Rand Getlin of NFL.com tweets.

3:08pm: The Texans have re-signed quarterback Brandon Weeden, as Mark Berman of FOX 26 tweets. Weeden has been vocal about his desire to stay put in Houston and, after about three weeks of free agency, he has gotten his wish.

Weeden, 32, began the 2015 season with the Cowboys, stepping in and making three starts when Tony Romo went down with an injury. While Weeden lost all three of those starts, he was hardly a disaster — he completed 72.4% of his passes, throwing for 739 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Later in the season, having been cut by Dallas, Weeden got an opportunity to start again in Houston, and helped the Texans make the playoffs by completing 26 of 42 passes for 305 yards and three TDs over the span of two games (one start). Weeden won’t live up to the billing of being a first-round pick back in 2012, but he still looks the part of a capable backup. The veteran is likely going to serve as Houston’s No. 2 quarterback behind offseason acquisition Brock Osweiler.

Veteran Brian Hoyer is technically still on the roster, but the Texans are expected to part ways with him in the coming weeks. The Texans also have Tom Savage and B.J. Daniels under contract.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Extra Points: 49ers, Chiefs, Suggs, Pats

April 1st, 2016 at 10:02pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

We learned in late February that 49ers offensive tackle Anthony Davis was set to apply for reinstatement after taking a hiatus from football last season. That still hasn’t happened yet, but Davis tweeted Friday that he’ll file for reinstatement “later this year.” Interestingly, Davis added that “[d]ealing with Trent is giving me a headache.” That’s likely a reference to 49ers general manager Trent Baalke. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk wonders if Davis is trying to goad the Baalke-led Niners into releasing him. The 26-year-old is under 49ers control through 2019.

Here’s more from around the NFL:

The Chiefs announced a slew of changes to their coaching staff Friday, Terez A. Paylor of The Kansas City Star reports. One of the moves was to promote Britt Reid, head coach Andy Reid‘s son, to defensive line coach. Britt Reid was the Chiefs’ assistant D-line coach last season and will take over for Tommy Brasher, whom the team shifted to special projects. The Chiefs also elevated Al Harris from assistant defensive backs coach to secondary coach. He’ll mostly work with cornerbacks, per Paylor. Further, assistant quarterbacks coach Corey Matthaei will add offensive line assistant to his title and assistant linebackers coach Mark DeLeone will take on a greater defensive role. The club also hired Joe Bleymaier (offensive quality control), Taylor Embree (defensive assistant), Mike Smith (assistant defensive line coach), and Devin Woodhouse and Ryan Reynolds (strength and conditioning).
Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs pleaded not guilty Friday to a pair of misdemeanor charges stemming from a one-car accident last month, according to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun. Suggs was arrested by Arizona police and charged with driving on a suspended license and failure to notify after striking a fixture. He could face up to six months in jail if found guilty, though Zrebiec notes that this type of violation is usually handled with fines. Some form of punishment from the league is also a possibility for Suggs.
One of Suggs’ ex-teammates, free agent receiver Tandon Doss, ran routes and caught passes at Indiana’s pro day on Friday and is hoping to sign with a team, Tony Pauline of WalterFootball.com writes. Doss caught 26 passes in 29 games with Baltimore from 2012-13. He hasn’t suited up for a game since. Doss’ previous club, Jacksonville, cut him last summer.
In draft news, the Patriots observed two offensive linemen – tackle Clay DeBord and guard Aaron Neary – at Eastern Washington’s pro day, according to Phil Perry of CSNNE.com. Both figure to be Day 3 picks or undrafted free agents.