2016 December - Pro Football Rumors

2017 NFL Draft Order Through Week 16

December 26th, 2016 at 10:53am CST by Zachary Links

This weekend, the Browns got the best of both worlds when they won their first game of the 2016 season while the 49ers also found their way to victory. Now, the 1-14 Browns remain in the top spot as we head into the final week of the NFL season.

Here’s where we stand through Week 16. (Note: Ties are broken by strength of schedule):

Browns 1-14
49ers 2-13
Bears 3-12
Jaguars 3-12
Rams (pick belongs to Titans) 4-11
Jets 4-11
Chargers 5-10
Bengals 5-9-1
Panthers 6-9
Eagles (pick belongs to Browns) 6-9
Cardinals 6-8-1
Bills 7-8
Colts 7-8
Vikings (pick belongs to Eagles) 7-8
Saints 7-8
Titans 8-7
Ravens 8-7
Buccaneers 8-7
Broncos 8-7
Redskins 8-6-1

Terrell Suggs Won’t Retire This Offseason

December 26th, 2016 at 9:45am CST by Zachary Links

Even after a tough loss for the Ravens on Sunday, linebacker Terrell Suggs does not want to hear any retirement talk. Suggs seemed insulted when asked about the prospect of walking away from the game, as Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com writes.

“I don’t know what you heard — what the [f—] is wrong with him?– I was always planning to come back and doing this another year,” Suggs said.

Suggs, 35 in October, played through his second biceps tear in four years this season. Despite the injury, he has eight sacks, 33 total tackles, and three forced fumbles. The advanced stats aren’t as fond of him as you’d think, but he’s still rated as the 37th best edge defender in the NFL out of 110 qualified players by Pro Football Focus. Suggs may not be the player he once was, but he clearly has lots of football left in him.

Suggs is under contract through 2018 as a part of the multi-year extension he signed in 2014. He’ll carry a cap number of $6.95MM in each of the next two seasons.

AFC East Notes: Jets, Bowles, Bills, Ryan

December 26th, 2016 at 9:00am CST by Zachary Links

Is Jets owner Woody Johnson sending a message to coach Todd Bowles? The feeling around the Meadowlands has been that Bowles will keep his job in 2017, but Johnson, who never misses a game, no-showed the Jets’ blowout loss to New England, Brian Costello of the New York Post writes. Watching from wherever he was, Johnson couldn’t have been happy to see the Jets go down 41-3, giving them their latest embarrassing loss. Bowles is now 14-17 in two years as Jets coach and the game against Buffalo next week could be his last if Johnson is truly fed up.

Here’s more from the AFC East:

It’s hard to defend Bills coach Rex Ryan in the wake of Saturday’s overtime loss to Miami, Sal Maiorana of the Democrat & Chronicle writes. Late in the game, Ryan punted on fourth-and-3 from the Buffalo 41, exhibiting little faith in his offense to convert and perhaps putting too much trust in a defense that has not held up this year. With the loss, the Bills’ playoff hopes were extinguished and, perhaps, Ryan’s fate was sealed. On Friday, GM Doug Whaley declined to give Ryan a vote of confidence. Over the weekend, it was reported that the Bills could have extra motivation to dump Ryan because of their desire to keep offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn in the organization. Lynn is expected to be interviewed for coaching jobs this offseason.
When asked about the acquisition of wide receiver Michael Floyd, Patriots president Jonathan Kraft seemed to put the onus on coach Bill Belichick, as Phil Perry of CSNNE.com writes. “Bill decided, looking at all of the variables, that it made sense for our football team at this time of the year,” Kraft said. “That’s why Michael Floyd is here.” In Saturday’s rout of the Jets, Floyd wasn’t on the field a whole lot but he was cheered loudly by Patriots fans who were eager to see him. It will be interesting to see what kind of role he has the rest of the way.
Could Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill return for the postseason?

Extra Points: Raiders, Carr, Bills, Pats, Rowe

December 25th, 2016 at 9:25pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The latest from around the NFL as Christmas Day comes to a close:

Although the Raiders wanted quarterback Derek Carr to undergo surgery for his broken fibula today, that operation was unlikely to take place on Christmas Day because Oakland wants to use the best surgeons available, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter links). Most of those doctors were likely occupied due to the holiday, so the Raiders want to wait and secure the best crew before putting Carr under the knife. However, the operation will apparently take place in the very near future. Any chance Carr has of returning for a postseason run would clearly be aided by quick surgery and recovery.
While a Rex Ryan firing is a “near-certainty,” Ben Volin of the Boston Globe reports that Bills‘ general manager Doug Whaley‘s status remains up in the air. The Bills could finish with a .500-or-better record in consecutive seasons for the first time since Wade Phillips’ 1999-2000 stretch, but the Ryan era has produced major turmoil and seen the Buffalo defense regress considerably from the Jim Schwartz season in 2014. The 2015 Bills ranked 19th in total defense, and the ’16 version sits there as well. While not horrendous, Jay Ajayi‘s monster day to eliminate the Bills notwithstanding, it’s well off the pace of 2014, when the team ranked fourth defensively.
Patriots defensive tackle Malcom Brown was demoted during Saturday’s game against the Jets because he was late for a meeting last week, reports Mike Reiss of ESPN.com. Head coach Bill Belichick has dealt harshly with tardiness in the past, but Reiss notes that Brown is valued as a mature player who likely just made an “honest mistake.” Brown, a 2015, first-round pick, has started 13 games this season.
Under the terms of the trade that sent cornerback Eric Rowe from the Eagles to the Patriots earlier this year, New England will be forced to ship a 2018 third-round pick to Philadelphia if Rowe plays in 50% of the Patriots’ snaps in either 2016 or 2017. Rowe won’t meet that mark this season, per Reiss, although Rowe could still reach that threshold next year. If he doesn’t, New England will only be required to send a 2018 fourth-rounder to Philly.

Sam Robinson contributed to this post.

La Canfora’s Latest: Jaguars, Rams, Lions, Pats

December 25th, 2016 at 8:07pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Jaguars are expected to consider Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Mike Smith for head coach, a source tells Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, while Jacksonville could also express interest in a multitude of NCAA coaches, including Ole Miss’ Hugh Freeze. Previous reports have indicated that the Jaguars and GM Dave Caldwell could also look at New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Atlanta play-caller Kyle Shanahan, while Tom Coughlin will definitively interview for the job.

Here’s more from La Canfora:

The Rams aren’t only targeting high-profile names such as Jon Gruden and Josh McDaniels for their head coaching vacancy, according to La Canfora, who reports that Los Angeles will also look at lesser-known options as it seeks to replace Jeff Fisher. Rams management thinks highly of offensive coordinators Sean McVay and Shanahan, per La Canfora, and will probably be involved in LA’s hunt.
While several coaching jobs are expected to come open at season’s end, NFL front offices likely won’t see many changes, writes La Canfora. Aside from 49ers general manager Trent Baalke, most executives are on solid ground, as even clubs with poor records such as the Browns, Bills, Rams, and Jaguars are likely to opt for stability among its decision-makers.
Although his offensive has succeeded in Detroit, Lions play-caller Jim Bob Cooter could miss out on head coaching gigs because of his name, which doesn’t project a “corporate” image, reports La Canfora. Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia could also be denied jobs due to his shaggy look, which doesn’t fit the NFL’s CEO culture.

Ryan Tannehill Could Return For Postseason?

December 25th, 2016 at 5:27pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Dolphins are almost assured of making the playoffs as a AFC Wild Card team — FiveThirtyEight gives Miami a 92% chance of earning a postseason berth after yesterday’s win over the Bills — and quarterback Ryan Tannehill could potentially return in time for a Super Bowl run, according to Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald. Tannehill has shed his cast from his injured left leg, and there is “real reason for optimism” that the Dolphins signal-caller could come back “at some point” during the tournament.

Miami’s orginal plan was to consider Tannehill for Week 17 against the Patriots, but the Dolphins could clinch a playoff berth without beating New England — should the Broncos lose to the Chiefs tonight — so that would seemingly provide an extra week of rest while Miami prepares for what would be its first playoff game in eight years. However, news last week painted a grim picture for a Tannehill return, with his MCL injury being more severe than initially believed.

Backup quarterback Matt Moore has played well in two starts in relief of Tannehill, throwing six touchdowns against two interceptions while leading the Dolphins to consecutive victories. Still, Miami would surely prefer to turn back to Tannehill if he can return for a Wild Card weekend matchup against either the Steelers (the likely AFC North winner) or the Texans.

Sam Robinson contributed to this post.

49ers RB Carlos Hyde Has MCL Sprain

December 25th, 2016 at 4:23pm CST by Dallas Robinson

49ers running back Carlos Hyde sprained his MCL on Saturday against the Rams and will miss San Francisco’s game of the season, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). The Niners are set to close out the season on New Year’s Day against the Seahawks. Coach Chip Kelly has since confirmed the news.

Hyde will finish his age-25 campaign having played in 13 games and posted career highs in nearly every offensive category. On 217 rush attempts, Hyde managed 988 yards (4.6 yards per attempt) and scored six touchdowns, while adding another three scores through the passing game. Hyde is signed through 2017, and now that he’s finished three NFL seasons, the 49ers are now allowed to extend him this offseason.

With Hyde sidelined for San Francisco’s season finale, the club could conceivably add another running back to its roster in the next week. Raheem Mostert, currently on the 49ers’ practice squad, is one obvious candidate to join Shaun Draughn, DuJuan Harris, and Mike Davis on the active roster.

Chargers Likely To Begin Coaching Search Soon

December 25th, 2016 at 3:27pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Although the Chargers have not yet formally relieved head coach Mike McCoy of his duties, the club is fully expected to do so and will commence its search for a new coach in the near future, sources tell Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com.

Given that the Chargers are likely to relocate to Los Angeles, the team is now willing to expend resources in order to revamp its coaching search as it competes for talent with the Rams, who recently fired their head coach in Jeff Fisher. The Rams have already been linked to a number of candidates, including Jon Gruden, New Orleans head coach Sean Payton, and Atlanta offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, although Gruden has maintained that he is not interested in returning to coaching at this time.

McCoy, meanwhile, has led the Chargers to a 5-10 record this season, and yesterday lost to the previously winless Browns. During his San Diego run, McCoy has posted a career mark of 27-36, and recently confirmed that the club has not offered him an extension (he’s currently signed only through 2016). For what it’s worth, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe indicated this morning that McCoy was unlikely to be fired after the season.

5 Key Stories: 12/18/16 – 12/25/16

December 25th, 2016 at 1:59pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Quarterbacks — and postseason chances — go down. A week after the Dolphins lost QB Ryan Tannehill for an indefinite amount of time, both the Raiders and Titans saw their starting signal-callers fall victim to injury. Derek Carr suffered a broken fibula and is unlikely to return for a playoff run, meaning Oakland will head into the tournament with Matt McGloin under center. Marcus Mariota went down with the same injury, and Tennessee subsequently fell to Jacksonville — eliminating the Titans from the postseason — with Matt Cassel leading the way. The quarterbacks Tom Brady and the rest of the Patriots are likely to face in what now looks like an easy run through the AFC playoffs? Ben Roethlisberger, Alex Smith, Matt Moore, McGloin, and Tom Savage.

Jaguars fire Gus Bradley. After a three-plus year run with Jacksonville, head coach Gus Bradley was handed his walking papers after posting a 14-48 record (which translates to a .226 winning percentage, the second-lowest mark in league history). the Jaguars promoted offensive line coach Doug Marrone to interim head coach, and have seemingly already begun their search for a permanent solution. Both Tom Coughlin (link) and Kyle Shanahan (link) are thought to be candidates, while the club could also be interested in placing Coughlin in a front office role. Meanwhile, the next Jaguars head coach won’t be tied to quarterback Blake Bortles.

The search gets underway in LA. The Jaguars aren’t the only team on the hunt for a new coach, as the Rams are also looking for a new leader after firing Jeff Fisher. Los Angeles is reportedly focusing its efforts on ESPN commentator Jon Gruden, although Gruden said he has “no intention of coaching.” Kyle Shanahan is also possibly on the Rams’ list, while Saints coach Sean Payton reportedly has “sincere” interest in the position.

Legion of Boom to stay intact. All Pro safety Earl Thomas will return in 2017, dispelling any notion that he might instead opt for retirement after suffering a major injury a few weeks ago. Considered by many observers to be the key to Seattle’s defense, Thomas is among the best defensive players in the league, and his loss would have represented a significant blow to the Seahawks.

No Jamaal Charles for playoffs. The Chiefs opted to bring linebacker Justin March-Lillard off injured reserve last week, meaning that running back Jamaal Charles won’t be rejoining the club for a postseason run. Charles landed on IR in early November, but he likely would have been cleared for the playoffs had Kansas City decided to wait. But given the club’s lack of depth at linebacker, the Chiefs decided to go with March-Lillard instead.

Josh McDaniels Likely To Take HC Job?

December 25th, 2016 at 12:21pm CST by Sam Robinson

Although Josh McDaniels‘ first foray into the head-coaching ranks did not go well, he’s been a sought-after candidate in recent years. The Patriots OC has passed on such advances but, according to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, may have changed his mind this time around.

McDaniels is likely to accept a head-coaching position during this latest cycle of hires, Volin writes, and has already been linked to the two available positions — with the Rams and Jaguars.

Volin notes some talk has surfaced about McDaniels going with Jimmy Garoppolo in a package deal-type arrangement with the Patriots’ current backup quarterback, but that might not be too realistic. Instead, the 40-year-old OC values ownership, a team’s organizational structure and overall talent on a roster. The Jaguars and Cardinals — if 64-year-old Bruce Arians decides to move on after his health scare earlier this season — strike Volin as the best fits for McDaniels despite potentially neither having a long-term quarterback option on their respective rosters presently.

McDaniels was hesitant last year when his name surfaced on the coaching carousel, keeping a low profile during the Patriots’ playoff run, never interviewing for the Dolphins or Titans’ positions despite interest from those organizations. He said earlier this season he’d “love to be” a head coach again, citing the scarcity of these jobs. Volin, though, adds that it should not be expected McDaniels will take a job in the AFC East or with another Patriots rival, pointing to the Colts and their potential opening as likely being off the table.

Ruling out the Bills and Colts, the Bears, 49ers and Chargers — and McDaniels’ hometown Browns — may have openings. Although, Volin believes Mike McCoy will survive Black Monday and receive a fifth year with the Bolts. McDaniels has presided over most of Tom Brady‘s extensive late-career peak and would figure to be an option as Bill Belichick‘s successor due to having so much experience in New England, but nothing has linked the longtime Pats boss to retirement in the near future, so McDaniels will continue to come up in job searches as a coveted offensive mind.

The longtime OC went 11-17 with the Broncos in 2009-10, serving as a key personnel figure in that span as well before being fired in December of ’10.