HEADLINES

Month: November 2024

NFC Notes: Brees, Goff, Pettigrew, Giants

May 11th, 2016 at 1:50pm CST by Luke Adams

For most of the offseason, NFL observers have assumed that the Saints and Drew Brees will negotiate an extension that locks up the quarterback beyond the 2016 season and frees up some cap room for the team. However, agent Tom Condon said during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show that the Saints seem to be satisfied with Brees at his current cap number, per Joel A. Erickson of The Advocate.

According to Over the Cap’s data, New Orleans currently has less than $2MM in cap room, and that appears to be without factoring in the team’s draft picks. There are ways that the Saints could lock up all their picks and get through the 2016 season without reworking Brees’ deal, but it would almost certainly require adjusting another contract or two.

Brees, who is entering the final year of his deal, currently has a $30MM cap charge, with only one other player on the Saints’ books for a number larger than $6.35MM in 2016 — Jairus Byrd has a $10.9MM cap hit, which could be reduced via a restructure, if necessary.

As we wait to see whether New Orleans is serious about standing pat on Brees, here’s more from around the NFC:

  • Defensive lineman David Onyemata has been drafted for the second time in two weeks, writes Christopher Dabe of NOLA.com. After being selected in the fourth round of the NFL draft by the Saints, Onyemata came off the board in the fourth round of the CFL draft as well, snatched by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Of course, Onyemata went 120th overall in the NFL draft, as opposed to 35th in the CFL draft, and he would have gone higher in the CFL draft had the Saints not selected him last month — he was viewed as the No. 1 Canadian prospect for 2016, but the Roughriders won’t get him as he long as he remains with New Orleans.
  • The Rams don’t want to rush No. 1 pick Jared Goff into anything, but as Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com writes, there’s a good chance the former Cal quarterback will be under center for the team sooner rather than later — perhaps even by Week 1.
  • Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew, who suffered a torn ACL near the end of the 2015 season, said on Tuesday night that he expects to be ready to go for the start of training camp in July, tweets Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com.
  • When the Giants waived wide receiver Ben Edwards earlier this week, the team did so with an injury designation. As Jordan Raanan of NJ.com explains, the injury Edwards suffered was a torn ACL. Since the wideout went unclaimed he’ll revert to IR — Big Blue can either keep him there for the 2016 season, or negotiate an injury settlement if he has a chance to return before the end of the year.

2016’s Major NFL Coaching Changes

May 11th, 2016 at 12:01pm CST by Luke Adams

Because most NFL coaching changes happen in January, those moves can often be overshadowed by the postseason and – subsequently – by the major moves that teams makes in free agency and during the draft. However, those coaching changes shouldn’t be overlooked.

A year ago, more than half of the league’s 32 teams made changes at at least one of their head coach, offensive coordinator, or defensive coordinator spots, and many of these hirings turned into major stories throughout the 2015 season. New Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase was lauded for his work with Jay Cutler, and new Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter had similar success with rookie Jameis Winston. Both Gase and Koetter turned their one-year OC gigs into head coaching jobs.

Meanwhile, in Denver, Gary Kubiak and Wade Phillips enjoyed a ton of success in their first year as the Broncos’ head coach and defensive coordinator, respectively. Phillips’ impact on the defense, in particular, buoyed the Broncos to a Super Bowl win despite mediocre quarterback play.

Which new coaches could make a similar impact this year? We may have to wait to find out, but there are certainly plenty of candidates. The full breakdown of 2016’s major coaching changes from around the league is below. Interim coaches who were promoted to a permanent job, such as Mike Mularkey with the Titans, aren’t included.

Head coaches:

Offensive coordinators:

Defensive coordinators:

Special teams coordinators:

Other 2015 head coaches with new jobs:

  • Indianapolis Colts: Hired former Dolphins HC Joe Philbin as offensive line coach.
  • Minnesota Vikings: Hired former Eagles interim HC Pat Shurmur as tight ends coach.
  • New Orleans Saints: Hired former Dolphins HC Dan Campbell as assistant head coach and tight ends coach.
  • University of Illinois: Hired former Buccaneers HC Lovie Smith as head coach.

Other 2015 OCs, DCs with new jobs:

  • Baltimore Ravens: Hired former Buccaneers DC Leslie Frazier as secondary coach.
  • Miami Dolphins: Reassigned former DC Lou Anarumo to defensive backs coach.
  • Philadelphia Eagles: Hired former Browns OC John DeFilippo as quarterbacks coach.
  • San Diego Chargers: Hired former Jaguars DC Bob Babich as linebackers coach.
  • Tennessee Titans: Reassigned former OC Jason Michael to quarterbacks coach.
  • University of Cincinnati: Hired former Dolphins OC Zac Taylor as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
  • Washington: Hired former Colts DC Greg Manusky as outside linebackers coach.

Recap Of Undrafted Free Agent Signings

May 11th, 2016 at 10:38am CST by Luke Adams

Shortly after the 2016 NFL draft ended, teams begin to issue press releases announcing which undrafted players had agreed to – and subsequently signed – contracts with them. All 32 teams have now officially confirmed their undrafted free agent signings, and we’ve rounded them all up below to make it easier to find your favorite team’s UDFA class, along with whatever bonus info has been reported.

It’s worth noting that some of these announcements are now a little outdated, as many clubs made changes to their groups of undrafted free agents following their rookie minicamps, signing new rookies and cutting players that they’d just added a few days earlier. To catch up on those newer signings, you can check out our transactions page or go to a specific team’s page for all the latest news.

Here are the original 2016 UDFA classes for all 32 teams:

AFC East:

AFC North:

AFC South:

AFC West:

NFC East:

NFC North:

NFC South:

NFC West:

AFC Notes: Fitzpatrick, Conklin, Wake, Texans

May 11th, 2016 at 8:53am CST by Luke Adams

Several Jets players – two current and one former – have weighed in on the Ryan Fitzpatrick situation this week, including wide receivers Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall. As Rich Cimini of ESPN.com writes, Decker continues to believe Fitzpatrick is the right man for the starting job in New York, suggesting that Gang Green is “a team that’s ready to win now,” and one that requires a “veteran presence” at the QB position.

Marshall, on the other hand, sounds more willing to accept the possibility that Fitzpatrick may not be back, telling Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post that the Jets would survive with Bryce Petty or Geno Smith at QB: “Just seeing Bryce and Geno grow so much the last year is really encouraging, and I’m just proud of those guys. We’ll be OK.”

Meanwhile, former Jets linebacker Bart Scott has been less tactful about his opinion on the matter, as Brian Costello of the New York Post details. During an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Scott said that Fitzpatrick isn’t worth the money he’s seeking, suggesting he’s more of “a bridge guy,” who would be a backup for “20 teams in the league.”

As we wait to see whether the Fitzpatrick situation reaches a resolution in the near future, let’s round up some other Wednesday morning notes from around the AFC…

  • While new Titans general manager Jon Robinson may get his team’s draft class secured in a more timely manner than the team has done in the past, Tennessee’s negotiations with first-round tackle Jack Conklin are worth watching, writes Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com. In recent years, the Titans have pushed for offset language to be included in their first-rounders’ rookie contracts, and there are indications that trend will continue, according to McCormick.
  • Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake took a pay cut from $8.4MM to $7.125MM for 2016, but can make up the difference if he reaches certain sack incentives, says Tom Pelissero of USA Today (Twitter links). For 2017, Wake has another $7MM due, including $3MM fully guaranteed — he can also earn an extra $2MM in ’17 if he racks up 15 sacks this season, per Pelissero.
  • Peter King of TheMMQB.com takes a look at the Texans‘ approach to free agency and the draft within the last couple months, writing that the team has made it a priority to add speed to its offense. In King’s view, Houston’s offense rivals Jacksonville’s defense when it comes to teams that underwent the most significant changes on one side of the ball.

Rams’ T.J. McDonald Arrested For DUI

May 10th, 2016 at 9:26pm CST by Zachary Links

Rams safety T.J. McDonald was arrested on DUI charges on Tuesday morning, according to TMZ Sports. McDonald allegedly crashed into a parked car and, when police arrived, they noticed that McDonald seemed inebriated. "<strong

McDonald was eventually arrested for DUI, though TMZ hears that the incident was not alcohol related. Instead, police suspect that there was medication involved. The 25-year-old has been released on his own recognizance. Depending on where things go from here, McDonald could face discipline from the league office. If McDonald is suspended by the NFL, it will be yet another blow to a Rams secondary that has already lost star cornerback Janoris Jenkins and safety Rodney McLeod this offseason.

McDonald, a former third-round pick, has appeared in (and started) 37 games for the Rams since 2013. Last season, McDonald recorded 62 total tackles, one sack, one pass defended, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 11 games. McDonald’s season ended in December when doctors recommended surgery for his badly injured shoulder. McDonald graded out as just the 62nd best safety in the NFL amongst 89 qualified players, according to Pro Football Focus (sub. req’d).

McDonald is the son of six-time Pro Bowler Tim McDonald, a former NFL defensive back who enjoyed a 13-year career with the Cardinals and 49ers.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Draft Signings: Saints, Bell, Raiders

May 10th, 2016 at 9:19pm CST by Zachary Links

Today’s draft signings:

  • The Saints announced that the signing of second-round safety Vonn Bell, as Evan Woodbery of The Times-Picayune tweets. With Bell in the fold, fourth-round defensive tackle David Onyemata stands as the team’s only unsigned pick. When describing Bell’s game, Ohio State coach Urban Meyer once remarked, “He has the skill set of a corner. How many safeties can cover a No. 2 receiver?,” (link via NFL.com).
  • The Raiders have announced the signing of fifth-round draft pick DeAndre Washington, a running back from Texas Tech, as Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com writes. Washington was drafted to help give Oakland support behind leading rusher Latavius Murray. In a recent interview with KGMZ-FM in San Francisco, Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie had high praise for the tailback. “DeAndre, he’s more than just a third-down back,” McKenzie said, via the team’s website. “He can pound it up in there. The Raider Nation will find out fast just how physical he is.” Oakland has now signed four of its seven draft picks with only three to go: second-round defensive end Jihad Ward, third-round defensive end/outside linebacker Shilique Calhoun, and sixth-round outside linebacker Cory James.

Extra Points: Las Vegas Raiders, Short, Bills

May 10th, 2016 at 8:31pm CST by Zachary Links

Are owners getting more comfortable with the idea of the Las Vegas Raiders? One anonymous owner thinks that Mark Davis & Co. have a chance of getting NFL approval for the move. Las Vegas (vertical)

“I think it would be a tough sell, but I don’t think it’s impossible,” the unnamed owner told Gary Myers of the New York Daily News. “If they put such a good deal in front of the Raiders, it has a chance of getting support. I would prefer not to have the Raiders there. I would prefer they stay where they are. Oakland is a great market, but if there is no opportunity to put a stadium there, it would be hard to blame them for moving. I wouldn’t necessarily be opposed to it if it’s the best alternative. If it’s between Las Vegas and being stuck in an awful stadium, there is nowhere else to go.”

The owner added that it would be “a concern to have exposure to” gambling, however, and that aspect of it would have to be discussed until every owner was “comfortable with it.”

Here’s more from around the NFL:

  • Former agent Joel Corry spoke with USA Today about his expectations for a potential contract extension between the Panthers and defensive tackle Kawann Short. Corry feels that Short will seek a minimum of $15MM per year and $50MM overall in guarantees. He also expressed confidence that Short’s agent, Joel Segal, will aim high after negotiating Justin Houston‘s substantial deal with the Chiefs. An average salary of $15MM would place Short as the fourth highest defensive tackle in the league, behind Gerald McCoy, Marcell Dareus, and Ndamukong Suh. A $50MM guarantee would also place him at No. 4 at his position. Short, 27, enjoyed a breakout season in 2015, recording 11 sacks to go along with 55 tackles, three forced fumbles, and a pair of fumble recoveries.
  • Bills GM Doug Whaley thinks so highly of his draft class that he anticipates there will be three rookies in the team’s starting lineup to start the season. “At least three,” Whaley told NFL Network 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.”
  • Eric Stokes is in the mix for a high-level scouting position with the Panthers, Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports tweets. Carolina is looking to fill positions following the departure of Ryan Cowden. Stokes previously served as the Dolphins’ assistant GM and also had stints with the Bucs and Seahawks.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Matt Bryant Not Considering Retirement

May 10th, 2016 at 7:05pm CST by Zachary Links

Matt Bryant will celebrate his 41st birthday in a few weeks, but he’s not thinking retirement. The kicker says that he is looking forward to getting back to his old form in 2016 after a difficult 2015. Matt Bryant (vertical)

“I’m good,” Bryant said, according to ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure. “Rest and not pushing it was the best. I could have played the last two games but without being 100 percent mentally sure about it, I expressed and it was agreed that it wouldn’t be the best for the team or myself. I still have some good, productive years left. I won’t let one anomaly of a year get in the way of what I’ve done and what I’m still capable of.”

Of course, it’s not a given that Bryant will have the Falcons’ kicking job this year. The veteran made 14 of 18 field goals through ten games in 2015 before being placed on season-ending IR with a quad injury. Bryant avoided surgery on the injured quad, but Atlanta still wants to see if he has maintained strength in his kicking leg. As a Plan B for the veteran, the Falcons have signed undrafted kicker Nick Rose out of Texas. Rose made 13 of 17 field goals last season and also gained some internet notoriety when he nailed an 80-yard field goal in practice.

Bryant is scheduled to make $2.85MM in 2016, with a $1.3MM roster bonus. He’s also under contract for 2017 and he’ll carry a $2.833MM cap number in that season if he remains on the Falcons’ roster. Bryant’s current salary places him as the 14th highest paid kicker in the NFL, according to the data at Over The Cap.

Photo courtesy of USA Today of Sports Images.

Raiders Sign 13 Undrafted Free Agents

May 10th, 2016 at 5:32pm CST by Zachary Links

The Raiders announced that they have signed a baker’s dozen of undrafted free agents. The group, of course, is made up of mostly unheralded prospects, but there are a few notable names in the bunch, including Duke wide receiver Max McCaffrey. McCaffrey, the son of former Denver wide receiver Ed McCaffrey, posted a 4.46 second 40-yard dash at his pro day last month.

Here’s the full list of Oakland’s UDFAs:

  • WR K.J. Brent (Wake Forest)
  • C Ross Burbank (Virginia)
  • LB/DE James Cowser (Southern Utah)
  • DB Kenneth Durden (Youngstown State)
  • DB Antonio Hamilton (South Carolina State)
  • WR Johnny Holton (Cincinnati)
  • DL Drew Iddings (South Dakota)
  • DT Darius Latham (Indiana)
  • WR Max McCaffrey (Duke)
  • DB Tony McRae (North Carolina A&T)
  • TE Ryan O’Malley (Pennsylvania)
  • G Oni Omoile (Iowa State)
  • LB Kyrie Wilson (Fresno State) ($5K bonus, per Aaron Wilson)

Fletcher Cox Absent From Eagles Workouts

May 10th, 2016 at 5:13pm CST by Zachary Links

Sam Bradford‘s dispute with the Eagles has garnered all the headlines in recent weeks, but, as Michael David Smith of PFT notes, the quarterback is now back at work while Fletcher Cox‘s holdout continues. Cox is not required to report for the voluntary May workouts, but his absence is certainly notable as we close in on June’s mandatory three-day minicamp. As Joel Corry of CBSSports (on Twitter) points out, Cox will be out more than $76K if he is not in attendance for those practices. Fletcer Cox (vertical)

Eagles executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman says that Cox is a “huge part” of the team’s future, but the two sides will have to smooth out this contract situation for that to come to fruition. One report last month indicated that the two sides were closing in on a long-term deal that contains more than $52MM in guarantees while Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Inquirer heard that no deal was close. Roughly three weeks later, there’s still no agreement between standout defensive lineman and Philadelphia.

Cox, 25, enjoyed a career-year in 2015, setting a new career high with 9.5 sacks. He also racked up 71 tackles, three forced fumbles, and a pair of fumble recoveries. The performance earned the former first-round pick his first Pro Bowl nod, along with a top-10 spot on Pro Football Focus’ rankings of interior defenders — he placed ninth out of 123 qualified players.

The Mississippi State alum is scheduled to earn $7.799MM before hitting the open market after the 2016 season. The Eagles, of course, do not want to let Cox test the open waters.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Load More Posts