2016 October - Pro Football Rumors

Month: November 2024

Giants Express Interest In Joe Thomas

October 30th, 2016 at 1:34pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Giants have expressed interest in acquiring Browns left tackle Joe Thomas, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com. However, Cleveland does not seem intent on trading Thomas, and New York would need to offer a substantial package in order to pique the Browns’ interest.

Thomas would certainly be an upgrade to a Giants’ offensive line that has been a mixed bag so far this season. Though New York ranks third in Football Outsiders‘ adjusted sack rate, it places just 27th in adjusted line yards, FO’s run-blocking metric. 2015 first-round pick Ereck Flowers has been adequate at left tackle, but a Thomas acquisition would allow Big Blue to move Flowers to the right side, where Bobby Hart has been overmathed through five starts.

The 31-year-old Thomas is in the midst of another excellent season, as he’s started all eight games and graded as the league’s No. 8 offensive tackle, according to Pro Football Focus. Thomas, a nine-time Pro Bowler, has never missed a contest during his 10-year NFL career, and is actually quite affordable from a cap perspective. Given that the Browns would absorb his remaining signing bonus money, Thomas would only count for $9MM in each of the next two years.

Thomas, a lifelong member of the Browns, has never been to the postseason. Still, he does not want to be traded. First-year coach Hue Jackson addressed reporters earlier this week and said that Thomas would not be dealt between now and the deadline. Despite that, rival GMs believe that top exec Sashi Brown could pull the trigger on a deal, especially since the team is going nowhere in 2016.

AFC Notes: Murray, Colts, RGIII

October 30th, 2016 at 12:37pm CST by Rory Parks

Let’s take a quick swing around the AFC:

Titans RB DeMarco Murray had an MRI on his toe after Thursday night’s victory over Jacksonville, and the prognosis is good, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Rapoport’s source indicated that Murray will be fine.
Kevin Bowen of Colts.com believes that Colts TE Jack Doyle has established himself as a starting-caliber tight end, and that his free agent platform year has come at a perfect time for him. Bowen says Doyle will be one of Indianapolis’ most important free agents this offseason and that he could pull down a contract with a $5MM average annual value.
Colts DE Kendall Langford, who has the the longest active games-played streak among all NFL defensive linemen (135), will see that streak come to an end, according to Andrew Walker of Colts.com. Langford continues to deal with a right knee issue that required minor surgery during training camp, and he will sit out an indeterminate amount of time to give that knee a chance to fully heal.
Neema Hodjat of OverTheCap.com examines what a potential extension for Raiders QB Derek Carr might look like. This is Carr’s third year in the league, so he will be eligible to receive an extension at the end of this season. Assuming he continues to play at a high level, Carr should command a five-year deal worth upwards of $110MM, according to Hodjat. And the Raiders, who have done a terrific job managing the salary cap in recent years, will be able to shell out that kind of money without much hesitation.
Browns QB Robert Griffin III does not need surgery at this time, so he could possibly return somewhere between the November 20 game against the Steelers and the Dececmber 11 matchup against the Bengals after the bye week, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cabot believes the Browns should get RGIII some action this year if possible, as they have to decide if they need to draft a quarterback in April.
Ben Volin of the Boston Globe opines that the Patriots‘ recent trades for Kyle Van Noy and Eric Rowe indicate that the team is preparing for significant free agent losses this offseason. Both players are under club control through at least 2017, and they are playing on fairly inexpensive deals. Van Noy will serve as insurance should one or both of Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower depart in free agency, and Rowe will offset the potential losses of Malcolm Butler and/or Logan Ryan.
Volin tweets that Jacoby Brissett could be the Patriots‘ one player to return from IR this season.

Latest On Rams, Jared Goff

October 30th, 2016 at 11:41am CST by Rory Parks

We learned a few days ago that Rams rookie quarterback Jared Goff has been taking more reps with the first-team offense in practice, which would seem to suggest that this year’s No. 1 overall pick could see the field for the first time in his NFL career sooner rather than later. Case Keenum‘s abysmal performance in last week’s loss to the Giants added more fuel to the Goff fire.

Steve Wyche of the NFL Network confirms that Los Angeles is indeed getting Goff ready to make his professional debut. After all, in the wake of the Rams’ three-game losing streak, why wouldn’t the Rams give the first-team reps that Goff has been poaching back to Keenum, unless LA were preparing to usher in the Goff era?

Wyche adds that Goff has made progress in terms of learning the offense, and that the team would have been comfortable inserting him into the game last week should Keenum have suffered an injury. And it’s not as if the Rams have anything to lose by inserting Goff now, as it is difficult to imagine the offense being more ineffective with the California product under center.

Plus, as Vincent Bonsignore in a column for the Orange County Register writes, head coach Jeff Fisher probably needs a strong finish to keep his job. It was not that long ago that an extension for Fisher was considered all but done, but the last three weeks have changed things in a big way. Fisher’s famous proclamation on the latest season of “Hard Knocks” that his team would not finish the 2016 campaign with a mediocre record not only established a baseline record for the Rams, but also set the standard by which Fisher’s future with the club should be measured.

At this point, the player that the Rams traded a king’s ransom to draft might be Fisher’s best shot to meet that standard.

Texans OT Derek Newton Undergoes Surgery

October 30th, 2016 at 10:59am CST by Dallas Robinson

SUNDAY, 10:59am: Wilson solicited the opinion of several highly-respected doctors on the severity of Newton’s injury. The entire piece is worth a read, but the upshot is that Newton should be able to resume his career and regain nearly full recovery of knee motion. Unsurprisingly, however, the injury could prevent him from reaching his former level of performance, although he should be able to at least come close to that standard.

THURSDAY, 7:50pm: After suffering a gruesome injury on Monday Night Football, Texans offensive tackle Derek Newton underwent surgery today to repair his two torn patellar tendons, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. Luckily, Newton did not tear either of his ACLs, but still faces a lengthy recovery that will include time in wheelchair. He’s unlikely to walk again for three months.

“I am not aware of an NFL athlete, who came back to play at a similar level after this injury,” said former Chargers doctor David Chao, per Wilson in a separate article. “The injury is very rare. It’s not a once-a-year injury. This is a once-every five years. This is harder to come back from than a torn ACL. To have two of them is devastating, but, yes, he should be walking in three months. There’s a big difference between walking and playing.”

Torn patellar tendons have derailed the careers of other NFLers — including defensive back Gary Baxter and wide receiver Wendell Davis — in the past, as Wilson notes. But the Texans reportedly are expressing “guarded optimism” about Newton’s ability to resume playing, thanks both to advances in injury science and Newton’s work ethic.

Newton, who will be replaced at right tackle by veteran Chris Clark, signed a five-year extension prior to the 2015 season that contained $10MM in guarantees. The 28-year-old Newton has been a full-time starter for the Texans since 2012, and has 82 career appearances under his belt.

Trade Rumors: T. Smith, Browns, Richardson

October 30th, 2016 at 10:41am CST by Rory Parks

We heard last week that the Eagles, who are desperate for wide receiver help, were discussing a potential trade for the 49ers‘ Torrey Smith, but both Philadelphia and San Francisco refuted those reports just several days later. However, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk said today that the Eagles are continuing to explore a trade for a receiver, and that the Smith talks are still alive. Florio added that it is unclear whether Philadelphia has its eyes on any other receiver at this point.

With Tuesday’s trade deadline fast approaching, let’s take a look at a few more trade-related notes:

Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that the Browns will indeed try to trade Josh Gordon prior to the deadline. We learned earlier today that Gordon was recently released from an inpatient rehab facility and that he is eligible to be traded despite the fact that he has not been reinstated by the NFL. Even if he is dealt, of course, he would need to be reinstated before suiting up for his new club.
We also learned earlier today that the Browns could look to move Joe Haden, who has been generating a fair amount of interest around the league, but that Joe Thomas will likely remain in Cleveland.
Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com says he would not be surprised if Eagles GM Howie Roseman at least made a call to the Browns to inquire about Josh Gordon.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that teams are calling the Jets about Sheldon Richardson. Such a trade would make plenty of sense, as Gang Green could move on from Richardson next year anyway, although Rich Cimini of ESPN.com does not believe the Jets would get enough in return for Richardson or Brandon Marshall to make trading either player worthwhile.
Although it appears as if the Buccaneers could be in the market for a wide receiver, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times does not believe the Bucs will swing a deal in advance of the trade deadline.

Latest On Ben Roethlisberger

October 30th, 2016 at 9:54am CST by Rory Parks

Ben Roethlisberger exited the Steelers’ contest against the Dolphins two weeks ago with a left knee injury, and he subsequently underwent arthroscopic surgery on that knee. There were conflicting reports as to when Big Ben would return to game action, with ESPN’s Chris Mortensen indicating that Roethlisberger would miss 4-6 weeks and CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora reporting that he could be ready for the team’s Week 9 matchup against Baltimore.

Another week has gone by, but we still do not have much clarity on the situation. La Canfora continues to stand by his initial report and says that Roethlisberger will suit up for the team’s pivotal showdown with the Ravens, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter is less optimistic.

Per Schefter, one source close to the situation said, “Ben always puts a premium on the Ravens game, but it’s awfully early. I’d be nervous about it. It could be Dallas [in Week 10] or even the week after. I would guess we’re still a few weeks out.”

Given the nature of the injury, and the fact that Roethlisberger still hadn’t gotten his stitches from the surgery removed as of last week, it seems as if Schefter’s report may be more accurate that La Canfora’s.

Josh Gordon Released From Rehab Facility

October 30th, 2016 at 9:24am CST by Rory Parks

Embattled Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has been released from an inpatient treatment facility, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, citing league sources. Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer confirms the report.

Schefter reports that Gordon was released last week after completing the 30-day program in New Hampshire, which is said to be the most intensive treatment that he has gone through. One league source added that Gordon is doing “a lot better.”

We heard late last month that the Browns plan to part with Gordon, and Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports that those plans have not changed, even though Cleveland controls Gordon’s rights for two more seasons. Both Ulrich and Schefter report that Cleveland would like to trade the Baylor product, and there is some question as to whether he can be dealt, since he remains suspended and there is no indication that he will be reinstated by the league prior to Tuesday’s 4pm trade deadline. Cabot, however, reports that the Browns can indeed try to trade Gordon by Tuesday, even if he is not reinstated.

Gordon was set to return from a four-game suspension on October 9 against New England, but he chose to enter rehab instead. He has been suspended for 35 of the Browns’ last 40 games because of recurring violation’s of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. If he is, in fact, eligible to be traded, the Eagles are one team that would seem like a perfect match on paper.

Now let’s take a quick look at several more Browns-related items:

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that cornerback Joe Haden has been the subject of trade talks, and if he can prove he’s healthy, Rapoport believes those talks could really heat up in advance of the trade deadline.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports confirms recent reports that LT Joe Thomas is unlikely to be moved, given that the Browns are seeking greater compensation than the market will bear.

Seahawks, Michael Bennett Talking Extension

October 30th, 2016 at 8:38am CST by Rory Parks

The Seahawks are talking with Michael Bennett‘s representatives about an extension for the star defensive end, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter report that Bennett will miss the next 2-3 weeks due to a cartilage issue that will require arthroscopic knee surgery (Twitter links). Rapoport adds that the surgery will likely take place tomorrow.

Surgery notwithstanding, Rapoport rightfully points out that Bennett–whose streak of 74 consecutive regular-season games played will end today–has more than proven his value to Seattle over the last several years, and he has shown no signs of slowing down in 2016. He has been perhaps the Seahawks’ most disruptive defensive lineman this year, racking up three sacks and a team-high four tackles for loss.

Bennett signed a four-year, $28.5MM deal with the Seahawks following the 2013 campaign, which puts him on track to hit free agency following the 2017 season. The Texas A&M product made some headlines when he began pushing for a new contract in the spring of 2015, just one year after he signed that team-friendly pact, but Seattle did not seriously entertain his complaints. Now, however, it makes sense for both player and club to enter into actual negotiations.

Olivier Vernon, of course, set a surprising standard for 4-3 defensive ends like Bennett when he signed a five-year, $85MM contract with the Giants this past offseason. Vernon, though, is four years younger than the 30-year-old Bennett, who will probably receive a contract more in line with the five-year, $55MM deal that Cameron Jordan inked with the Saints last year. Either way, Bennett is in line for the substantial raise that he has been seeking ever since he put pen to paper on his last contract.

AFC Notes: Jaguars, Marrone, Patriots, Sankey

October 29th, 2016 at 9:41pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Jaguars‘ decision to promote Nathaniel Hackett to offensive coordinator today would ease the transition in the event that Doug Marrone is promoted to head coach, as Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter links). Obviously, projecting the firing of current head coach Gus Bradley is putting the cart before the horse, and recent reports have indicated that Bradley is safe through the end of the season. But Hackett has a working relationship with Marrone — he called plays for Marrone both at Syracuse and with the Bills — and would certainly keep the OC job if Marrone were to take over.

Here’s more from the AFC:

Offensive line should be the priority for the Jaguars in 2017 free agency, opines Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com. Jacksonville signed left tackle Kelvin Beachum over the offseason, but otherwise stood pat on its offensive line. The unit has struggled to get the run game going, ranking 30th in Football Outsiders‘ run grading metric. Former No. 2 overall pick Luke Joeckel, who recently underwent surgery and is done for the year, could be an option to be re-signed, while T.J. Lang, Kevin Zeitler, and Riley Reiff will be the top options on the 2017 market.
The Patriots‘ trade for linebacker Kyle Van Noy could be the club guarding against free agent losses, writes Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, who points out that both Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins are headed for the open market next spring. New England made a similar move before the season, dealing for cornerback Eric Rowe, who can help protect against possible defections by Malcolm Butler or Logan Ryan.
The Patriots opted to promote running back Tyler Gaffney from the practice squad instead of fellow RB Bishop Sankey, and there could be several reasons for that decision, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com. Gaffney offers more a power-back look than Sankey, and also plays on special teams, a trait that head coach Bill Belichick values. Additionally, Gaffney could be easier to sneak back through waivers, whereas Sankey could be claimed.

NFL Trade Deadline To Be Active?

October 29th, 2016 at 7:24pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The NFL’s trade deadline occurs next Tuesday, and a NFL source tells Vincent Bonsignore of the Los Angeles Daily News (Twitter link) that the league could see a decent amount of activity. Since the NFL currently boasts “some bad teams and decent cap room league wide,” per the source, which could lead to several trades going down.

The most high-profile name that has reportedly been bandied about in talks over the past several days is that of Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas, whom most general managers believe will ultimately be dealt. Head coach Hue Jackson was adamant that Cleveland would not entertain offers for Thomas, and other reports have indicated weak league-wide interest in the tackle. But with the Colts, Vikings, and Seahawks looking for offensive line upgrades, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Browns ship out Thomas.

San Francisco has also been the source of conflicting reports, as talks had reportedly ignited between the 49ers and Eagles regarding wide receiver Torrey Smith, while Joe Staley is also thought to be on the block. However, Philadelphia head coach Doug Pederson shot down the notion that his club was aiming for receivers via trade, and subsequent reports have disputed that the Niners are shopping anyone.

Meanwhile, the Buccaneers are thought to be searching for a pass-catcher, and are willing to trade cornerbacks Alterraun Verner or Johnathan Banks in order to acquire one. The Chargers, who have already lost Keenan Allen and Stevie Johnson this season, are also in the market for a playmaker on offense. On the other side of the coin, the Panthers are unlikely to make a trade before next week’s deadline.

As a refresher, here’s a list of trades that have been completed since the 2016 season began (our full list of 2016 trades can be found here):

October 25

Broncos acquire TE A.J. Derby.
Patriots acquire a 2017 fifth-round pick.

October 25

Patriots acquire LB Kyle Van Noy and a 2017 seventh-round pick.
Lions acquire a 2017 sixth-round pick.

October 18

Packers acquire RB Knile Davis.
Chiefs acquire a conditional 2018 seventh-round pick.

September 7

Patriots acquire CB Eric Rowe.
Eagles acquire a conditional 2018 fourth-round pick.
Pick becomes third-rounder if Rowe plays 50% of snaps in either 2016 or 2017.

Load More Posts