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Rams To Work Out Dominique Easley

May 17th, 2016 at 3:36pm CST by Zachary Links

Former Patriots first-round pick Dominique Easley is working out for the Rams today, sources tell Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Easley was waived by the Pats back in March and has been looking for employment ever since. Dominique Easley (Featured)

Easley, 24, was selected 29th overall in the 2014 draft by the Patriots, despite the fact that he was recovering from a torn ACL at the time. Although he made it back to the field for his rookie season, he was limited to just 11 games, and played in only 11 more in 2015, having been plagued by hip, knee, and ankle issues.

Before he landed on injured reserve in December of 2015, Easley picked up 15 tackles and two sacks in his sophomore NFL season, and received a solid Pro Football Focus grade. Given his decent play when he was healthy, his first-round pedigree, and the fact that he still had guaranteed money remaining on his contract, Easley’s release came as a bit of a surprise, despite his injury woes.

Reportedly, there wasn’t one incident that led to Easley’s release, but rather a confluence of factors. Easley and the team reportedly butted heads over “philosophical differences on following injury programs.” The defensive tackle is also facing a lawsuit in Palm Beach County from a man alleging that he was bit by Easley’s dog and that might not be the only dog-related lawsuit in the pipeline.

According to one report, multiple sources have labeled the 24-year-old as “unreliable and immature,” and an unnamed former teammate referred to him as a “locker room cancer.” One team source told The Boston Globe that Easley built a pretty disastrous reputation for himself during his time in New England.

“I think he rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. He comes across as an entitled kid. He reneges on everything. He thinks he’s invincible.”

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Eagles Pondering Darren Sproles Trade?

May 17th, 2016 at 12:25pm CST by Zachary Links

12:25pm: The first-year Eagles coach denied the report of a potential Sproles trade, telling media (including Berman, via Twitter) “We had no decisions to do that. I want Darren Sproles on this football team. … He’s a big part of this team.”

11:57am: Doug Pederson has been in direct contact with Sproles this offseason and insists the veteran scatback is not unhappy, Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer tweets. The first-year coach’s stance on this matter is that Sproles wants to spend time with his family and preserve his legs, Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News tweets. Sproles will enter his 12th season and age-33 campaign. 

10:16am: The Eagles received calls of trade interest on running back Darren Sproles during the draft, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Right now, it sounds like the Eagles are considering some of those offers. For now, Rapoport says, he’s staying away from OTAs until it’s all sorted out.

Sproles came to the Eagles in a 2014 trade with the Saints. At the time, Sproles was brought in to be a key part of the team’s backfield. Later on, however, the entire backfield was remodeled and Sproles found himself as the No. 3 tailback on the list behind DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews. Now, Chip Kelly is out of the equation in Philadelphia, but the Eagles are still not sure if they feel the diminutive back is essential to their offense.

The Eagles once again overhauled their backfield this offseason when they shipped Murray to the Titans in a surprising trade. That deal left the Eagles with Mathews as their lead back and Sproles as the No. 2.

Sproles, 32, saw time in every game last season and made four starts. In that span, the veteran ran for just 317 yards off of 83 carries but also contributed 55 receptions for 388 yards. For his contributions in the rushing, receiving, and return game, Sproles earned his second-straight Pro Bowl nod in 2015.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Projected First-Rounder Cam Robinson Faces Felony Charge

May 17th, 2016 at 11:38am CST by Sam Robinson

Alabama starting left tackle Cam Robinson has encountered a potentially significant obstacle in his path toward first-round draft status next year. A two-year starter on the left side of the Crimson Tide’s line, Robinson faces a felony weapons charge after being arrested in his hometown of Monroe, La., early Tuesday morning.

Police arrested Robinson and Alabama defensive back Laurence Jones on the felony charge of illegal possession of stolen firearms, a misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled substance and an additional charge of carrying a weapon in the presence of illegal narcotics, Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk reports.

Robinson and Jones, a passenger in the vehicle Robinson was driving, remain in custody. The police report describes a bag of marijuana and a handgun resided in plain sight, with a stolen handgun found under the passenger seat, ESPN.com’s Alex Scarborough reports.

This could be a big blow to not only Robinson’s draft stock, but also to his standing on the defending national champions. The 6-foot-6, 327-pound junior-to-be ranks as Mel Kiper Jr.’s No. 7 overall prospect for the 2017 draft despite not set to turn 21 until October. Pro Football Focus tabs Robinson going off the board at No. 14.

One of two returning starters for the Tide last season, Robinson has blocked for second-round pick T.J. Yeldon and Heisman winner — and subsequent second-rounder — Derrick Henry, helping guide those respective ball-carriers to 17 100-yard rushing performances in 2014-15.

Jones is not a starter but is someone who could be an NFL option down the line, per Smith. He’s facing the same misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance charge, along with the carrying a weapon in possession of illegal narcotics charge, but doesn’t have a potential felony charge in his path like Robinson.

Jets Notes: Wilkerson, Hackenberg, Fitzpatrick

May 17th, 2016 at 11:09am CST by Zachary Links

Jets players hope to see Muhammad Wilkerson soon, but they shouldn’t count on it, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com writes. “He’s the leader of the D-line,” linebacker David Harris said.

“Actually, he’s one of the leaders of the defense. He’s a tremendous talent. He’s one of the best D-ends in the league, hands down. I hope he’s here.”

However, Wilkerson would hurt his leverage for a long-term deal if he were to show up before July 15, his deadline to sign the franchise tag tender. Furthermore, he’s still rehabbing his surgically repaired broken leg and it’s not necessarily guaranteed that he’ll be with his teammates in July. Some people believe that the Pro Bowl defensive end could consider not reporting to training camp, which would put some additional tension between the player and the team.

Here’s more on Gang Green:

  • Many view Jets rookie Christian Hackenberg as a developmental quarterback, but offensive coordinator Chan Gailey says the Penn State product could be closer NFL-ready than you might expect. “He retained a great deal from the pro style of offense that [former Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien] had,” Gailey said, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post. “He’s ahead in that respect, but he’s behind in seeing what’s going to happen to him defensively in the NFL.”
  • Ryan Fitzpatrick and the team’s receivers are missing out on valuable time to grow together, Manish Mehta of the Daily News writes. Last year, Fitzpatrick’s chemistry with Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker made everyone wonder about the damage they could do if they all had a full offseason to work with each other. Now, Mehta feels that the Jets are hurting their cause by not having a deal done with the veteran.
  • Recently, Decker expressed his desire to see Fitzpatrick back with the team ASAP. Marshall, meanwhile, said that the team will “be OK” with Geno Smith, Bryce Petty, and Hackenberg.

Mike Neal Won’t Rule Out Packers Return

May 17th, 2016 at 9:36am CST by Zachary Links

During the draft, linebacker Mike Neal made some waves when he took to Twitter and expressed his feeling that the team’s third-round selection of Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell would spell the end of his time in Green Bay. Soon after, team director of player personnel Eliot Wolf said that the veteran free agent has “moved on” from the team. However, Neal tells Michael Cohen of the Journal-Sentinel that his infamous tweet was meant to be sarcastic and the veteran still won’t rule out a return to the Packers. 

“I’m not here to throw anyone under the bus,” Neal said, while adding that he “definitely” wants to continue playing football. “I love Green Bay. They’ve started my life off great, so how can you ever be mad at that? You know what I’m saying? You can never be mad at that. That’s just a business, that’s what they choose to do. I’m in a good place. I couldn’t be in a better place.”

Neal visited the Seahawks and Lions earlier this offseason but it doesn’t appear that either visit lead to a realistic contract offer. The linebacker also says that the Packers never made him a contract offer to return. During the opening stages of free agency, the Packers informed Neal’s agent that they would circle back once they had explored other targets of interest. After that time lapsed, Green Bay execs never called, and Neal, whose feelings were admittedly hurt, instructed his agent not to go chasing them.

Neal has been a key player for the Packers for years now, having recorded at least 4.0 sacks in each of the last four years. On paper, there’s little reason as to why he would be without a team in mid-May. However, Neal feels that the Al Jazeera report from 2015 has “heavily, heavily, heavily, heavily, heavily” influenced his free agency process. For what it’s worth, it doesn’t sound like the 28-year-old will face discipline over the PED accusations as he says the NFL has not contacted him about the documentary.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Bengals, Shawn Williams Agree To Extension

May 17th, 2016 at 9:18am CST by Zachary Links

9;18am: It’s a four-year extension worth $19.5MM, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). The deal includes $4MM guaranteed.

8:39am: The Bengals announced that they have signed safety Shawn Williams to a four-year extension running through the 2020 campaign. Wlliams was originally slated to hit the open market after the 2016 season. Financial terms of the deal are not yet known."<strong

The former third-round pick took on his largest role yet in 2015, appearing in all 16 games and making four starts in the secondary. Williams recorded two interceptions, five passes defensed, and 28 total tackles in the regular season. Now, Williams will take on his biggest role yet in Cincinnati following Reggie Nelson‘s departure in free agency.

“Shawn is one of our bright, young players, and we’re excited to have him as part of the team moving forward,” head coach Marvin Lewis said in the team’s press release. “He has been a physical player, and he has increased his value as a playmaker on the ball. This is just one more part of our plan, which is to draft the right players, develop them and retain them.”

Williams graded out as the 43rd best safety in the NFL last season out of 89 qualified players, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). Williams’ 73.7 overall grade put him just behind Jairus Byrd of the Saints and ahead of players like Will Allen (Steelers), Quintin Demps (Giants), and Dwight Lowery (Chargers). The advanced metrics were high on Williams’ coverage abilities but were less favorable for his pass rush and run defense.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Bills’ Shaq Lawson To Have Shoulder Surgery

May 17th, 2016 at 7:28am CST by Zachary Links

TUESDAY, 7:28am: The expectation is that Lawson is going to start the preseason on the PUP list and miss 4-5 games, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.

MONDAY, 5:40pm: ESPN’s Adam Schefter passes along some details on the injury via Twitter. Lawson “aggravated” the shoulder as he was making a “swim move” on a tackling dummy during a non-contact drill.

2:00pm: Bad news for the Bills as first-round pick Shaq Lawson will have to undergo shoulder surgery (link via team website). Lawson is capable of playing right now, the team says, but the surgery is being done to avoid a larger problem down the road. Shaq Lawson (vertical)

The Bills have not announced a timetable for the Clemson product’s recovery, though a report last month indicated that shoulder surgery would sideline him for four-to-six months. Buffalo took Lawson with the No. 19 overall pick in this year’s draft while many other teams were said to have moved him down their boards due to his ailment.

Lawson’s surgery is a big blow for Buffalo as they anticipated giving him a major role on defense right from the get go. Recently, Bills GM Doug Whaley said that he was anticipating three rookies in the team’s starting lineup to start the season.

“At least three,” Whaley said when asked how many of his rookies will be on the field in Week 1. “[First-round defensive end] Shaq Lawson is going to walk in off the bus starting. [Second-round linebacker] Reggie Ragland, and then [third-round defensive tackle] Adolphus Washington— all three of those guys will start right off the bus. And we’re excited for some guys from the fourth through sixth rounds that will contribute for us.”

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Extra Points: Baldwin, Ravens, Saints

May 16th, 2016 at 8:34pm CST by Ben Levine

Doug Baldwin had the best season of his career in 2015, finishing with 78 catches for 1,069 yards and 14 touchdowns (all career-highs). Despite the breakout season, the 27-year-old will be playing on only a $4MM base salary in 2016, the final year of his three-year, $13MM deal signed in 2014.

However, the wideout isn’t stressing an extension. In fact, he has faith in general manager John Schneider and the Seahawks front office to get a deal done in a timely manner. If it doesn’t? Baldwin’s still ready to perform.

“If I continue to work hard, if I continue to strive to get better and not focus on things money oriented, it’s eventually going to come,” he told ESPN.com’s Jim Trotter. “And even if it doesn’t, I’m fine with that, too, because at the end of the day, I’m controlling what I can control. That’s all God gave me, was the tools to control what I can control. If it doesn’t work out the way that I want it to work out, that to me is just God telling me that He has a better plan.”

Of course, Baldwin hinted that a deal could be coming soon.

“John pretty much told me that the offer was going to come after the draft,” he said. “Even if it doesn’t come, I’m not worried about it. Why not? Because there are other things I value in life. I don’t value worrying about that.”

Let’s check out some more notes from around the league on this Monday evening…

  • The NFL will investigate the Ravens use of full pads at a recent rookie minicamp, reports ESPN.com’s Jamison Hensley. While one team official said they were unaware of the reports, they did note that rookies used pads for a “non-contact punt protection drill,” which would seemingly contradict the collective bargaining agreement. However, the team official said the organization believed those rookie minicamp rules did not apply to OTAs.
  • Ravens star Terrell Suggs‘ pre-trial conference for his March one-car accident in Arizona was held today, tweets Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun.
  • Ravens outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith will now be represented by SportsTrust Advisors, according to Liz Mullen of SBJ (on Twitter).
  • Undrafted Oregon quarterback Vernon Adams is likely on his way to the CFL, as John Keim of ESPN.com writes. “I could be like a Warren Moon or Doug Flutie,” he said of former NFL quarterbacks who played in the CFL. “All I need is a chance. … If they can stop looking at my height and give me a chance they’d get a teammate with a lot of energy and a great leader.” Adams’ rights are owned by the B.C. Lions.
  • The Saints asked linebacker Chris Weatherd to participate in the team’s veteran’s minicamp in June, tweets Evan Woodbery of NOLA.com. The Tennessee product participated in the organization’s rookie minicamp this past weekend.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

AFC Notes: Amendola, Sanchez, Mettenberger

May 16th, 2016 at 7:26pm CST by Ben Levine

Patriots receiver Danny Amendola underwent a pair of surgeries this offseason, reports Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. The 30-year-old had surgery on his injured left knee, and he also had an operation to remove a bone spur in his ankle. Despite these ailments, Amendola still managed to play 14 games last season, compiling 65 catches for 648 yards and three touchdowns.

There is hope that Amendola will be healthy enough for training camp, but the organization is not planning on rushing him back. Since it’s so early in the process, Howe notes that there is “no guarantee” that the wideout will be ready for Week 1.

Let’s check out some more notes from around the AFC…

  • Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez injured his left thumb in the weight room last week, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). The 29-year-old underwent surgery on Saturday, but he is only expected to miss “a few OTAs.”
  • Broncos tight end Jeff Heuerman says he’s back to 100% on his knee, as Cameron Wolfe of The Denver Post tweets. Heuerman, the 92nd overall pick in last year’s draft, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during rookie camp last year and missed the entire 2015 season.
  • Indianapolis castoff Bjoern Werner could be another late bloomer for the Jaguars, Hays Carlyon of The Florida Times-Union writes. Buffalo struck gold in the 2013 offseason when they traded with Indy for defensive end Jerry Hughes, a player who many had written off. Since then, Hughes has racked up 25 sacks for Jacksonville over the last three seasons. Werner has yet to produce in the NFL, but he is still just 25 years old and could theoretically turn things around with a change of scenery. The Jaguars signed Werner to a prove-it deal late last week.
  • The Titans released Zach Mettenberger today in order to give him a chance to do his OTAs and minicamp with a team and learn their system, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Minor NFL Transactions: 5/16/16

May 16th, 2016 at 6:36pm CST by Zachary Links

Today’s minor moves:

Earlier Updates:

  • The Broncos have signed linebacker Dekoda Watson to a one-year deal, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com tweets. Watson appeared in three games for the Patriots last year as he was yo-yo’d on and off of the team’s roster.
  • Eagles guard/tackle Matt Tobin has signed a two-year deal with the team, a source tells Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (Twitter links). Tobin was previously set to play out this year on his one-year restricted free agent tender. Now, his new deal will lower his base salary for this season.
  • Washington waived linebacker Reggie Northrup, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. Interestingly, Northrup is represented by rapper Lil Wayne.
  • More Washington signings via the team’s website: tackle Al Bond, guard Nila Kasitati, linebacker Mike Wakefield and running back Kelsey Young. Guard Dominick Jackson was waived.
  • The Seahawks have waived/injured linebacker Christian French and signed fellow linebacker Khairi Fortt to take his place on the 90-man roster, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times tweets.
  • The Bengals are set to sign former University of Buffalo quarterback Joe Licata, as Tyler Dunne of The Buffalo News tweets. To make room, rookie quarterback Matt Johnson has been waived.
  • The Browns signed defensive back Eric Patterson, Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle tweets. The 23-year-old entered the NFL last year as a UDFA with New England. The Ball State product appeared in two games for Indianapolis and one with St. Louis.
  • The Bears announced they have signed Donovan Williams, an offensive lineman from Louisiana-Lafayette (Twitter link via Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune). The Bears have also released center Dan Buchholz, wide receiver/tight end Marcus Lucas, and wide receiver Nathan Palmer (link).
  • The Bears waived defensive end Bruce Gaston, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com writes. Demovsky suggests that Gaston, who made Green Bay’s opening day roster last season, could get another look from the Packers.
  • The Chargers have signed former Arizona State guard Vi Teofilo to a three-year deal, a source tells Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego. The 6’3″, 205-pound lineman will look to compete for a practice squad spot. The Chargers waived guard Sebastian Johansson, an undrafted rookie guard from Marshall, in a corresponding move. They also waived-injured linebacker Brock Hekking.
  • The Saints waived safety Michael Caputo and quarterback Griffin Neal after this weekend’s rookie minicamp, Evan Woodbery of The Times-Picayune tweets. According to Wilson (on Twitter), the team has also cut receiver Shane Wynn.
  • In a related move, the Saints inked linebacker Tony Steward (Twitter link via Woodbery). Steward played at Clemson and was a fifth-round pick of Buffalo in 2015.
  • The Saints signed Jake Lampman, Wilson tweets. The Ferris State product caught 52 passes for 731 yards and eight touchdowns last season.

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

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