2016 May - Pro Football Rumors

NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Elliott, Romo, Eagles

May 26th, 2016 at 10:38pm CST by Zachary Links

Are expectations too high for Cowboys rookie Ezekiel Elliott? ESPN.com’s Todd Archer fears that the bar is being set a little high as Elliott is already being considered a frontrunner for the offensive rookie of the year award. The hype, of course, is understandable. Elliott was taken with the No. 4 overall pick in the draft thanks to his well-rounded skill set and body of work at Ohio State. Now, he’s entering a near perfect situation with a killer offensive line and a passing game led by Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, and Jason Witten that will keep defenses honest. Still, Elliott isn’t even old enough to drink (he turns 21 in July) and plenty of talented rookies have faltered out of the gate.

Here’s more from the NFC East:

This offseason, there was pressure on the Cowboys to select Romo’s successor. However, after whiffing on Paxton Lynch, they didn’t exactly find their quarterback of the future. While some fans may fret over Dallas’ situation under center, Romo says that he probably has four or five years left in the tank. “I’m not in my mid-20s anymore, but I do think based on what my situation has been like the last three or four years, I do think this [offseason] is drastically different,” Romo said (link via Archer). Romo missed 12 games last season because of a broken left collarbone. He also has had a pair of operations on his back.
Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz believes that newcomer Rodney McLeod and Malcolm Jenkins could form the best safety tandem in the NFL, as Josh Paunil of Philadelphia Magazine writes. “That was money well spent,” Schwartz said. “I’m sort of violating my rule with judging too much into this time of year, (but Jenkins and McLeod) are veteran players and you can see that right away. They’re both multi-dimensional. They communicate very well. They can cover a lot of ground. They can blitz, they can play man, they can play zone. I’d be very surprised as the year went on if they’re not one of the better safety tandems in the NFL. They’ve been very impressive so far.” In February, Jenkins and the Eagles agreed to a four-year extension worth $35MM that will keep him in Philly through the 2020 season. In his two seasons with the Eagles, Jenkins has averaged 92 tackles per season, grabbed five total interceptions – including two for touchdowns – and earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2015. McLeod, meanwhile, inked a five-year, $37MM with the Eagles in March.
Cowboys offensive lineman Ronald Leary is abstaining from OTAs and reportedly wants to be traded. Leary started at left guard for Dallas in 2013 and 2014 and opened the 2015 season in the same capacity. However, he was eventually leapfrogged by rookie La’el Collins.

Extra Points: Browner, Cowboys, Foster

May 26th, 2016 at 8:34pm CST by Zachary Links

Some assorted notes from around the NFL on this Thursday evening…

Brandon Browner told Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (via Twitter) that returning to the Seahawks was a “no-brainer.” The veteran also acknowledged that he had received an offer from the Redskins.
Cowboys CEO Stephen Jones says the team has faith in Kellen Moore as the team’s No. 2 QB, Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram tweets. Jones’ comments indicate that the team will not be looking for outside help to support starter Tony Romo.
Free agent running back Arian Foster says he’s getting closer to being 100% healthy, though he says that he needs some more time before he can look like his old self. “I probably need another month to get where I am, the person everyone is use to seeing,” Foster told David Nuno of ABC13. “I can definitely play, but I need another month to be where I want to be and be at that Pro Bowl level I can be at.”
Former Duke quarterback Anthony Boone is still in the hospital recovering from hands and hip surgeries following a weekend car crash, writes Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson was operating the vehicle, and while cops said the 22-year-old had been drinking, sobriety tests proved that he was not impaired. Boone, 24, spent time with the Lions last season.

AFC Notes: Ravens, Jets, Hightower, Broncos

May 26th, 2016 at 7:35pm CST by Ben Levine

Following an NFL investigation into the Ravens‘ use of full pads during their rookie minicamp, ESPN.com’s Jamison Hensley reports that the team has been forced to cancel a week of organized team activities. The organization was fined $343,057, while coach John Harbaugh was fined $137,223.

The team reportedly put players in pads for a single five-minute stretch. However, the league believes the organization wasn’t actually ignorant to the rule, thus explaining the hefty punishment.

Harbaugh took full responsibility for the violation earlier today:

“It’s on me,” Harbaugh said. “It’s completely me. It was my decision. That’s the situation that we’re in and we’ll adjust and we’ll adapt. We’ll still become the best football team that we can be.”

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

Jets owner Woody Johnson told Bob Glauber of Newsday that the team had considered Mike Holmgren for the team’s previously vacant head coach opening. “This was for coaching, just coaching,” Johnson said. “It wasn’t for general manager or anything else. That setup doesn’t work normally. You get too many jobs for one person. But I was flattered he took the call. It’s Mike Holmgren we’re talking about. He’s a legendary figure, a great coach. I enjoyed talking to him.”
Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower is set to be a free agent at the end of this season, but the 26-year-old isn’t anxious to discuss his contract situation. “I don’t have anything to do with any of that,” Hightower told Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. “I’m just out here trying to get better with my teammates.”
Broncos offensive tackle Russell Okung sounds like he’s content with his decision to join the organization. When asked if he received the best deal for himself this past offseason, the veteran said he got the “best deal in the best place” (via Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post on Twitter).
After not having his fifth-year option picked up, Broncos defensive tackle Sylvester Williams views the slight as motivation. “I have to go out there and prove myself again,” he said (via Jhabvala). “I look at it as it benefited me.”

Draft Pick Signings: Browns, Texans

May 26th, 2016 at 5:37pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s draft pick signings:

The Browns announced that they have signed second-round pick Emmanuel Ogbah. The deal is worth $6.6MM (including a $3MM signing bonus) over four years. The six-foot-four linebacker earned the Big 12 co-Defensive Player of the Year last season, and he compiled 28 sacks during his three-year tenure at Oklahoma State. With the signing, the Browns have now signed half of their record 14 draft picks.
The Texans announced the signing of third-round wide receiver Braxton Miller. Miller began his Ohio State career as the team’s starting quarterback but transitioned over to the wide receiver position in 2015. Last year, Miller caught 26 passes for 341 yards and three scores across 13 games. He also rushed for 260 yards off of 42 carries.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Minor NFL Transactions: 5/26/16

May 26th, 2016 at 5:24pm CST by Zachary Links

Today’s minor moves:

The Buccaneers have signed former FSU cornerback Javien Elliott and safety Kimario McFadden, as freelance reporter Jenna Laine tweets.
The Raiders announced that they have waived wideout Robert Herron. The 23-year-old has also spent time with the Buccaneers and Dolphins, compiling 58 yards and one touchdown with Tampa Bay in 2014.
Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle tweets that the Packers have cut quarterback Ryan Williams and replaced him with Marquise Williams. The team’s new 6-2 signal-caller out of North Carolina will join a quarterback grouping that includes Aaron Rodgers, Brett Hundley, and Joe Callahan.
Bengals kicker Jonathan Brown has been transferred to the injured reserve, tweets Wilson. The former Kentucky soccer standout went unclaimed after having been waived-injured.

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

AFC East Notes: Patriots, Fitzpatrick, Smith, Misi

May 26th, 2016 at 4:43pm CST by Ben Levine

About a year ago, ESPNBoston.com’s Mike Reiss focused on Tom Brady‘s praise for unheralded Patriots running back Dion Lewis. The career journeyman’s pass-catching skills were clear, but the running back was also commended for his ability to take “a teaching point that was covered in morning meetings…and [execute it] on the field.”

We all know how that experiment ended up working. Lewis compiled 622 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns in seven games.

Today, Reiss decided to highlight some “under-the-radar” OTA participants who could play a significant role on this year’s squad. Among the candidates were cornerback V’Angelo Bentley (who adds versatility via the return game), receiver DeAndre Carter (played on last season’s practice squad), running back D.J. Foster (undrafted free agent received personal phone called from Bill Belichick to join team), and cornerback Jonathan Jones (most guaranteed money among undrafted players).

While the Patriots determine whether they’ve landed on any hidden gems, let’s see what else is happening around the AFC East…

We have conflicting reports as to whether Brandon Marshall‘s absence from Jets OTAs is related to the team’s contract talks (or lack thereof) with Ryan Fitzpatrick. One source tells Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (on Twitter) that there is “no story” with regards to Marshall not being in practice with his teammates. Eric Decker, however, is reportedly staying home to make a statement about his feelings on the Fitzpatrick situation.
Jets quarterback Geno Smith says that he is OK with his teammates voicing their support for Fitzpatrick, as Brian Costello of the New York Post writes. “When I’m out there on the field no matter who I’m with my job is to score points,” he said. “I have the utmost confidence in my abilities and myself. When the time comes when I’m out there, I’ll go out there and perform. As of right now, it’s about what we’re doing here and taking care of business.”
Dolphins linebacker Koa Misi was detained (but not arrested) by police following a fight outside a Fort Lauderdale nightclub on Sunday morning, according to a police report obtained by the Miami Sun-Sentinel. The report also indicated that the 29-year-old attempted to “flee a police officer” following the altercation. Misi could be in line for a team suspension, and it’s notable that the organization disciplined former defensive end Derrick Shelby following a fight outside the same club.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Knile Davis Wants To Remain With Chiefs

May 26th, 2016 at 3:13pm CST by Zachary Links

This offseason, the Chiefs doled out multi-year extensions to Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware, the two running backs who serve as Jamaal Charles‘ primary backups. Those deals left Knile Davis in limbo, but the 24-year-old says that he wants to stay in KC.

“I hope so, but that’s not up to me,” Davis said about the possibility of remaining with the Chiefs (link via Adam Teicher of ESPN.com). “This is my team. I’m under contract. I’m here until I’m not.”

There were rumblings that the Chiefs were trying to shop Davis this spring, but the tailback claims that he never asked for a trade. Davis, meanwhile, reportedly requested a trade prior to the new extensions for West and Ware. The Dolphins also called the Chiefs about acquiring a running back in March and asked about all four tailbacks on KC’s depth chart, including Davis.

Last season, Davis’ main contribution came in the Wild Card playoffs when he opened up the contest against the Texans with a 106-yard kick return touchdown. Unfortunately, Davis faltered one week later against when his third quarter fumble allowed the Patriots to put the game away. In the regular season, Davis had just 28 total carries for 72 yards and one score. Over three seasons for the Chiefs, the former third-round pick has carried the ball 232 times for 777 yards, good for a 3.3 yards-per-carry average.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

AFC West Notes: Chargers, Slauson, Raiders

May 26th, 2016 at 1:10pm CST by Zachary Links

The Chargers had to build their offensive line by piecemeal in previous years, but they have some stability now thanks to the presence of Matt Slauson, Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego writes. Slauson will now hold down the center position after the team was faced with multiple injuries there, including the knee injury of third-round selection Max Tuerk. And while Slauson may have more starts at guard than center, he’s doing just fine as Philip Rivers’ batterymate.

“You’d think he’d been playing center his whole career,” Rivers said. “He’s got way more starts obviously at guard. He reminds of a couple guys who have been here in the past — (Jeromey) Clary, Hardwick, (Kris) Dielman — with his personality, just the little I’ve been around him. I know he’s a heck of a player. I think he’ll bring a little of that, too.”

The Chargers‘ inked Slauson to a two-year deal this spring on a deal which carries a $3MM base. The veteran can earn another $1.25MM in bonuses and escalators via playing time.

Here’s more from the AFC West:

It sounds like the Raiders are ready to walk the walk when it comes to the Las Vegas talk, Jarrett Bell of USA Today writes. Davis, who inherited the ownership role after his father passed in 2011, has flirted with other cities, most notably San Antonio. However, the Las Vegas project would come with a larger share of public financing, making it the kind of deal that appeals strongly to teams and the league office. Click here for the very latest on the Raiders’ possible move to Sin City.
The Chargers should experiment with versatile rookie Joey Bosa, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com writes. Bosa is making a transition to a new position as a 3-4 defensive end, and also has been spotted as an edge and interior rusher in passing situations in practice. Beyond that, however, there’s a case to be made that Bosa could be tried out as a 3-4 outside linebacker. “See if he can play 3-4 outside linebacker. You might be surprised,” ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen said. “I’m not saying he’s going to be Von Miller, or a guy with that type of high-level athleticism that can drop, or run with a running back down the field or cover a tight end down the field. But it’s a perfect time to experiment with that.”
Recently, PFR’s Sam Robinson examined Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall as an extension candidate.

Cowboys Not Interested In Dwight Freeney

May 26th, 2016 at 12:30pm CST by Zachary Links

As Dwight Freeney continues to make the free agent rounds, we know one team that will not be making a play for him. Cowboys COO Stephen Jones says the Cowboys are not in the market for a veteran defensive end like Freeney (Twitter link via Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram). Instead, Dallas wants to see what they have in their young bookends.

The Cowboys are currently projected to start Demarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory at defensive end with Ryan Russell, David Irving, rookie Charles Tapper, Jack Crawford, and offseason pickup Benson Mayowa in support. One would think that the Cowboys would like to add a veteran presence to that group of bookends, particularly since Lawrence and Gregory are facing four-game bans for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, but they’re apparently content with what they have.

Freeney met with the Bengals earlier this week but left Cincinnati without a deal. Now, the 36-year-old is slated to meet with the Falcons next week. In Dallas Robinson’s recent rundown of the best defensive free agents left on the board, he also pointed to the Ravens, Bengals, Panthers, Jets, Patriots, Lions, Chiefs, and Bills as logical destinations for the multiple-time Pro Bowler.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Lions’ Ameer Abdullah Has Shoulder Surgery

May 26th, 2016 at 11:02am CST by Zachary Links

11:02am: Abdullah should be cleared by the end of the month, a source tells Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com.

10:58am: Lions running back Ameer Abdullah underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in January, according to a source who spoke with Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. As of this writing, Abdullah “could miss the rest of the offseason” and it is not clear whether this injury could sideline him for the start of the regular season.

The running back hurt his shoulder in the Lions’ December win over the Saints but toughed it out and played in the team’s final two games against the 49ers and Bears. After the season was over, he went to famed surgeon Dr. James Andrews for his operation. Abdullah is said to be ahead of schedule in his rehab, but the Lions intend to proceed cautiously until training camp, Birkett writes.

Last year, the Lions selected Abdullah in the second round and it didn’t take long for his hype train to pick up steam. Ultimately, however, Abdullah found himself in a time share and did not put up the kind of gaudy numbers that some fans expected. In total, the 22-year-old (23 in June) ran for 597 yards off of 143 carries (4.2 yards per carry) with two rushing touchdowns. He also got involves in the passing game, recording 25 catches for 183 yards and one score. Abdullah’s highest rushing total (77 yards) came during his ill-fated performance against the Saints in December.

Abdullah is slotted in as the Lions No. 1 running back with Theo Riddick, Stevan Ridley, and Zach Zenner in support. The team also has seventh-round pick Dwayne Washington fighting for playing time.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.