2016 December - Pro Football Rumors

Minor NFL Transactions: 12/29/16

December 29th, 2016 at 6:48pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Thursday’s minor moves from around the NFL:

The Panthers placed wide receiver Devin Funchess on injured reserve and promoted wideout Damiere Byrd from their practice squad, according to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. Funchess has a knee issue that won’t require surgery, but it will cut his second NFL season a bit short. With just 23 catches on 58 targets, the 2015 second-round pick from Michigan had an unspectacular year, but he did average 16.1 yards per reception and add four touchdowns.
The Cowboys cut receiver Vince Mayle, who went without a catch for the second year in a row. Most of Mayle’s work (94 of 130 snaps) came on special teams.

NFC Notes: Vikings, Eagles, Barwin, Panthers

December 29th, 2016 at 6:28pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

It’s unclear whether Sam Bradford or Teddy Bridgewater will be the Vikings’ starting quarterback next year, but the former has a clear advantage based on health. Moreover, Bradford’s performance has impressed head coach Mike Zimmer, who heaped praise on the 29-year-old Thursday. “I think, honestly, if you sat back and looked at all the things — being traded, trying to learn a new system, having a new coach, having to learn teammates — all these things that he’s had to deal with. Injuries on offense. I thought he’s done an unbelievable job,” said Zimmer (via Ben Goessling of ESPN.com).

Minnesota paid a high price to acquire Bradford from Philadelphia in early September after Bridgewater suffered a catastrophic knee injury. Now a disappointing 7-8, the Vikings won’t replicate their playoff-bound 2015 campaign under Bridgewater, though Bradford has nonetheless fared respectably despite having little help from his offensive line or running game. With a 71.3 percent completion percentage, the seventh-year man is on track to surpass the single-season record of 71.2. He has also amassed 17 touchdowns against just four interceptions and posted a career-best 98.3 passer rating in 14 starts. Those numbers are somewhat the product of a conservative offense, though, as Bradford ranks last in the league in air yards per attempt (6.24), notes Goessling.

Browns Notes: Pryor, RG3, McCown, Erving

December 29th, 2016 at 5:14pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Contract-year wide receiver Terrelle Pryor made it clear multiple times earlier this season that he wants to remain with the Browns going forward. However, with free agency looming, Pryor acknowledged Thursday that he could on the cusp of playing his final game with the team. “I love to play for [Hue Jackson] and I enjoy playing for him this year and I’d love to play for him longer,” Pryor told Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com. “But at the end of the day, it’s got to come down to what my agents think is right for me.” Those agents, Drew and Jason Rosenhaus, have tabled extension talks with the Browns until after the season and likely want their client to test the market off a breakout campaign, per Cabot. The 27-year-old Pryor, a former quarterback, leads the Browns in targets (129), receptions (70), yards (913) and touchdowns (four).

More from Cleveland, which is no longer in danger of enduring a winless season as Week 17 nears:

Quarterback Robert Griffin III cleared concussion protocol after suffering a head injury last week and is on track to start Sunday in Pittsburgh, writes Cabot. Health has been a problem throughout the season for Griffin, who has not revived his career since signing a two-year deal with Cleveland last winter and could end up on the chopping block this offseason. In four appearances this year, Griffin has completed a meager 54.2 of his 107 passes and hasn’t thrown a touchdown. Moving on from the former Redskin would free up $7.5MM in spending space for the Browns, who would incur $1.75MM in dead cap.
Fellow signal-caller Josh McCown hinted at retirement last week, but the 37-year-old declared Thursday that he aims to return in 2017. “My plan is to play,” he said (via Pat McManamon of ESPN.com). “I have another year left on my deal. So right now, that’s the plan.” It’s unclear whether McCown will be open to continuing his career if the Browns release him, which looks like a distinct possibility. By cutting McCown, Cleveland would save $4.375MM on its cap against roughly $667K in dead money next year. If McCown’s playing career does conclude, he could have a place on Jackson’s staff next year. “I told him already if he ever wanted to coach, he could coach for me anytime he wants,” said Jackson.
Jackson revealed nearly two months ago that the Browns would try second-year man Cameron Erving at tackle if his play didn’t turn around at center. Erving was then Pro Football Focus’ worst-rated center, which hasn’t changed. As a result, the Browns will try the 2015 first-rounder at right tackle Sunday, per Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com. Erving hasn’t fared well along the interior in the NFL, though he was an accomplished left tackle at Florida State and is eager to serve as a bookend again. “It’s definitely a little exciting, just to be able to potentially have that opportunity to go out and play tackle again,” Erving said.

Pats To Place High Asking Price On Garoppolo

December 29th, 2016 at 4:10pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Even though quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is only a year from hitting free agency, the Patriots are going to place a high asking price on Tom Brady‘s backup if they shop him during the offseason. In order to move the 25-year-old Garoppolo, New England is likely to want at least a first- and fourth-round pick in return, ESPN’s Adam Schefter told WEEI on Wednesday.

In the latest high-profile trade involving a signal-caller, the Vikings sent a first- and fourth-rounder to the Eagles for Sam Bradford last September. Bradford came with two years of team control, but his recent track record at the time wasn’t as impressive as Garoppolo’s work early this season.

In two games filling in for a suspended Brady, Garoppolo completed 42 of 59 passes for 496 yards and four touchdowns as the Patriots racked up wins over Arizona and Miami. The plan was for Garoppolo to start all four games of Brady’s season-opening Deflategate ban, but that changed when Dolphins linebacker Kiko Alonso knocked the 2014 second-rounder out with a shoulder injury in Week 2.

With Brady entrenched under center in New England, it’s possible Garoppolo’s Week 2 start will go down as his last with the organization. While it would ideal for the Patriots to retain Garoppolo for the long haul as the successor to Brady, that looks unrealistic. The soon-to-be 40-year-old Brady hasn’t waned in 2016 from his typical MVP-level form and is under Patriots control through the 2019 campaign. So is third-stringer Jacoby Brissett, with whom the Pats went 1-1 when Brady and Garoppolo were unavailable in Weeks 3 and 4.

With the Redskins’ Kirk Cousins likely a poor bet to become a free agent, Garoppolo could end up as the top potential long-term solution available at QB in the offseason. Speculatively, teams like the Browns, Bears, 49ers, Texans, Jaguars, Bills and Jets could be among those to chase Garoppolo, which might lead to a bidding war and enable the Pats to receive their desired compensation. New England could otherwise keep the ex-Eastern Illinois star at an $820K salary in 2017 and, should Garoppolo sign elsewhere after next season, potentially receive a compensatory third-rounder in the 2019 draft.

Dolphins Extend TE MarQueis Gray

December 29th, 2016 at 3:21pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

A day after awarding offensive lineman Sam Young a short-term extension, the Dolphins have re-upped tight end MarQueis Gray to a two-year deal, tweets Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Gray is now under the Dolphins’ control through the 2018 season.

The Dolphins are the fifth NFL organization for the 27-year-old Gray, who entered the league with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2013. The former Minnesota Golden Gopher debuted that year with the Browns and then spent parts of the 2014 and ’15 campaigns with the Vikings and Bills. All told, he appeared in 29 games, made seven starts and caught 12 passes in that span.

In Miami, which he joined on a one-year deal in March, Gray has given the team a useful option behind Dion Sims by setting career highs in appearances (15), starts (seven), targets (17) and receptions (14). In terms of overall performance, Gray ranks a respectable 28th among Pro Football Focus’ 64 qualifying tight ends.

Tyrod Taylor Not Looking To Leave Bills

December 29th, 2016 at 1:41pm CST by Zachary Links

Tyrod Taylor will be benched for the Bills’ season finale in an effort to protect him from injury and protect the team from being saddled with his guaranteed salary for 2017. It doesn’t seem like Taylor is too pleased about what is going on in Buffalo, but he tells Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News (on Twitter) that he isn’t looking to leave the team in the wake of the surprising decision.

The Bills effectively hold an option on Taylor that would kickstart a new five-year deal worth more than $80MM. Now that advocate Rex Ryan has been fired and E.J. Manuel is starting ahead of him, it seems unlikely the Bills will exercise that clause. Still, in theory, Taylor could circle back to the Bills for a lesser deal. GM Doug Whaley may have other things in mind, but Taylor wants to keep all options open.

Meanwhile, for the past month, Taylor has been fighting through a severe groin injury that could need more attention in the offseason (Twitter link). If that means surgery for Taylor, that will be a situation to watch as he heads towards free agency.

Jets Audition RB Bernard Pierce

December 29th, 2016 at 1:20pm CST by Zachary Links

Bernard Pierce, who spent time with the Jets in training camp, worked out for them on Wednesday, as Rich Cimini of ESPN.com tweets. The Jets are banged up at running back with injuries to Matt Forte and Bilal Powell. Pierce could help fill the gap for the team’s season finale and, theoretically, this could be an opportunity for him to audition for the 2017 roster.

Pierce also auditioned for the Jets on Dec. 13, but that tryout didn’t lead to a deal. Same goes for his workouts for the Seahawks and Broncos. All year long, the veteran has been looking for an NFL home, but he has not seen the field in 2016.

The 25-year-old showed potential as a rookie in 2012 with the Ravens, averaging 4.9 yards per carry on 108 attempts. He spent another two seasons with Baltimore but his performance was up-and-down in his reserve role. In 2015, he hooked on with the Jaguars and totaled just six carries for 11 yards. It remains to be seen whether he can still be a contributor in the NFL.

Eagles, Nolan Carroll Talking Extension

December 29th, 2016 at 12:28pm CST by Zachary Links

Nolan Carroll is scheduled to reach free agency in March, but the Eagles are already working to lock him up for 2017 and beyond. The cornerback says that extension talks are underway.

“They’re starting,” Carroll told Mark Eckel of NJ.com. “I have a new agent so we’ll see how it goes.”

Last year, Carroll suffered a fractured fibula and found a weak market for his services. Unable to scare up a significant deal, he re-signed with Philly on a one-year deal worth roughly $2MM. After a healthy season in which he has 51 total tackles, one interception, and 14 pass breakups, Carroll has put himself in a much better position.

If re-signed, the Eagles may ticket Carroll for a reserve role rather than a starting job. Still, he can provide rotational depth and he’s plenty familiar with the playbook.

Through 15 games, Carroll is Pro Football Focus’ No. 91 ranked CB in the NFL this year. Leodis McKelvin is the team’s top-ranked corner this year and he is ranked as just the 82nd best player at the position.

Jags Haven’t Made Offer To John Cyprien

December 29th, 2016 at 11:50am CST by Zachary Links

John Cyprien‘s rookie contract expires after Sunday’s season finale, but the Jaguars have yet to discuss an extension with him, Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union writes. The Jaguars are likely to let him hit the open market in March.

“There’s not too much to think about, really,” Cyprien said. “My contract is up here with the Jags. The Jags will have the opportunity to try and keep me here, but other teams will [have the chance to sign him]. I’m not even sure what other teams will be interested.”

Strong safeties don’t command as much money as free safeties, but Cyprien should still be in line for a decent payday. Teams looking for strong safety help this spring may be able to shop in a free agent class including Cyprien, Barry Church (Cowboys), Tony Jefferson (Cardinals), and T.J. McDonald (Rams). As of this writing, Cyprien is ranked as the No. 8 safety in the NFL this year by Pro Football Focus, slotting him ahead of the aforementioned players.

In his contract year, Cyprien is second on the team in tackles (120), behind only linebacker Paul Posluszny (127). Although Posluszny is under contract through 2017, it’s possible that neither defender will be back in Jacksonville next year.

NFC Notes: Saints, 49ers, Smith, Jackson

December 28th, 2016 at 9:57pm CST by Sam Robinson

Drew Brees does not expect to be playing for a different Saints coach in 2017 despite Sean Payton‘s name again being a constant in the coaching rumors section of the NFL news cycle. The quarterback who signed a one-year extension just before this season “absolutely” expects Payton to stay in New Orleans for what would be his 12th year with the franchise.

“I’ve heard some of the same stuff that I heard last year, and I felt like I had a pretty good feeling last year,” Brees said, via Josh Katzenstein of NOLA.com. “And I don’t see why it would be any different this year.”

Payton has been connected with the Rams after a report emerged indicating the 52-year-old having “sincere interest” in acquiring the veteran coach in a trade. A report pegged the Saints as being open to exploring a Payton trade, with another denying the team was thinking of shopping him. The Saints have made the playoffs just once in the past five seasons, although the 2012 absence came without Payton due to the Bountygate suspension.

Here’s more from the NFC as teams make Week 17 preparations.

Saints outside linebacker Michael Mauti underwent surgery for a large intestine issue, leading to the Saints placing the fourth-year player on their NFI list in November. But the Penn State product revealed he hopes to play in 2017, Katzenstein reports.
The Saints tried out linebackers Frank Beltre and Deon Lacey, a source tells Nick Underhill of The Advocate (on Twitter). Earlier today, they signed linebacker Brian Blechen to their practice squad.
Carlos Hyde described the MCL sprain he sustained as being worse than the one that sidelined him at Ohio State in 2012, Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News reports. The 49ers‘ backfield starter will enter a contract year in 2017. He’s expected to return, injury problems notwithstanding, but Inman projects Trent Baalke and DC Jim O’Neil to be fired at season’s end. However, the reporter expects Chip Kelly and OC Curtis Modkins to stay, citing some sense of continuity is needed to avoid having four head coaches in four years. Inman also anticipates none of the 49ers’ three quarterbacks to be back but points to both Torrey Smith and Jeremy Kerley staying in what should be a turbulent offseason.
Tyron Smith expects to be ready to go by the time the Cowboys are due to play their divisional playoff game, Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. The cornerstone left tackle said he did not have knee problems before spraining an MCL on Monday night.
After drafting wideouts the past two years, the Redskins figure to let DeSean Jackson walk, Elliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com reports. This would open the door for the deep threat to reunite with former teammates on the receiver-starved Eagles. This would make sense from a need standpoint, and there have been multiple connections between D-Jax and his former team, but Philly is projected to be $800K-plus over the cap in 2017 after signing numerous players to extensions this offseason. The Eagles would need to shed salary to make room for Jackson. For his part, the 30-year-old wideout said he’s “intrigued” about being a free agent.