2017 February - Pro Football Rumors

Latest On Jets CB Darrelle Revis

February 17th, 2017 at 8:37pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Darrelle Revis has formally turned himself into Pittsburgh police and is set to make his initial court appearance tonight after being charged with four felonies stemming from a weekend altercation, according to Coley Harvey of ESPN.com (Twitter link).

The police report on the incident has shed more details on Saturday night’s affair, which seemingly began when Revis objected to being videotaped by two men, writes Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. Sometime after Revis attempted to grab of one the men’s phone, the two victims ended up unconscious — exactly who punched the men is unclear.

A witness says Revis approached the tandem with “fists clenched,” but is unsure who actually threw a punch. The entire situation is extremely murky, and as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk notes, the details of the case make it unlikely Revis will ever serve jail time. Indeed, the charges against Revis are likely to be lessened as the legal system won’t want to invest “significant prosecutorial and judicial resources,” per Florio, who it should be noted is a former lawyer.

Even if Revis doesn’t face legal consequences, he could still face a suspension levied by either the NFL or the Jets. The more pressing question for New York at the moment is Revis’ contract, which contains $6MM guaranteed in 2017 base salary and a $2MM roster bonus due on March 10.

The Jets are investigating whether they can recoup that $6MM, according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, but Revis’ contract doesn’t appear to contain language allowing the club to void the deal in the event of a felony charge. The details of Revis’ pact are just as complicated as the particulars of the criminal case, as Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com points out (Twitter link), so Gang Green’s best move may be to not wait for a legal resolution and simply proceed with business as usual, Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap opines.

West Notes: Broncos, 49ers, Raiders, Vegas

February 17th, 2017 at 8:11pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Broncos could express interest in left tackle Branden Albert and defensive tackle Earl Mitchell, each of whom played for the Dolphins in 2016, per Mike Klis of 9NEWS (Twitter links). Mitchell was released on Thursday and could be a fit with Denver thanks to his relationship with Broncos head coach Vance Joseph and defensive line coach Bill Kollar. Albert was also thought to have been released, but Miami is now close to trading the 32-year-old to Jacksonville. It’s unclear if Denver would still be interested in Albert if forced to sacrifice draft compensation.

Here’s more from the NFL’s two West divisions:

In addition to confirming several previously-reported hires, the 49ers announced another wave of coaching staff additions tonight. The list of new coaches includes Jeff Hafley (defensive backs), Johnny Holland (linebackers), Jason Tarver (senior defensive assistant) and Bobby Slowik (defensive quality control). Tarver, a former coordinator at the NFL level, is a holdover but is shifting away from LBs coach in order for San Francisco to add Holland, a former Cleveland coach.
The Broncos have granted the 49ers permission to interview John Benton for their vacant offensive line position, as Klis reports in a separate piece. Denver hired Benton as its assistant offensive line coach last month, but obviously he hasn’t actually worked with any Broncos players as of yet. Benton has worked with new San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan in the past, as the pair was employed by Houston from 2006-09.
Although previous reports have indicated the Raiders‘ plan to relocate to Las Vegas is “dead,” Oakland executive Mark Badain recently told the NFL the club has financial backing from two banks willing to loan the Raiders money for their move, tweets Jason Cole of Bleacher Report. The Raiders last month lost the support of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, who was planning to put $650MM towards a Vegas stadium, but reportedly still had “high hopes” of moving to Nevada.

49ers Not Searching For Short-Term QB

February 17th, 2017 at 7:22pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The 49ers have been mentioned as a possible landing spot for veteran quarterbacks such as Jay Cutler and Matt Schaub, but had coach Kyle Shanahan said today that he’s not interested in simply acquiring an interim solution.

“When you make a decision on a quarterback, you don’t want that to just be a short-term fix,” Shanahan told reporters, including Cam Inman of the Mercury News. “You want to make a commitment to somebody. In order to do that, you better make sure you’re on the same page with everyone else and you put the time in, you talk to people who’ve been with these guys.”

Shanahan’s view would seemingly rule out pursuits of aging players like Cutler and Schaub (unless one was brought into to serve as a bridge quarterback while a younger passer developed), but it wouldn’t eliminate Kirk Cousins or Jimmy Garoppolo from San Francisco’s radar. Linked to both players, the 49ers would have to commit both draft compensation and financial capital in order to acquire either Cousins or Garoppolo, which is essentially the definition of Shanahan’s “commitment.”

Holding the second overall pick in the draft, the 49ers also have the option of selecting a collegiate quarterback. UNC’s Mitch Trubisky, Clemson’s Deshaun Watson, and Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer could be in consideration with the No. 2 pick, while San Francisco could took a look at Patrick Mahomes (Texas Tech) or Brad Kaaya (Miami) on Day 2. The Niners won’t force a quarterback pick, however, as Shanahan stated in a separate interview on KNBR that his club will take the best available player.

“If there is a quarterback there that we believe can match that criteria and we believe he can be a franchise quarterback for us, of course, you don’t hesitate on that,” Shanahan said, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. “But if you don’t see that and there are other good players – if there’s a pass-rusher, a linebacker, if there’s an O-lineman, whatever it is – you need to get the best player possible who can help your team for the next 10 years.”

Jaguars Re-Sign OL Josh Wells

February 17th, 2017 at 6:20pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Jaguars announced that they’ve re-signed offensive lineman Josh Wells, who was set to become a restricted free agent this offseason. Terms of the deal were not announced.

Given that he that he hasn’t accrued four NFL seasons, Wells could have simply been retained via an RFA tender, which means the Jaguars likely signed Wells for a cost cheaper than the original round level value (worth roughly $1.75MM). Hindered by thumb injuries during the past two seasons, Wells has only managed to appear in only five games since 2015. Last year, the 26-year-old played on just 26 total snaps — 11 on offense, 15 on special teams.

Jacksonville has been relatively active this week, as they’ve re-signed defensive tackle Abry Jones and wide receiver Arrelious Benn, restructured the contract of quarterback Chad Henne, declined left tackle Kelvin Beachum‘s option, and are close to a trade for veteran offensive lineman Branden Albert.

Draft Rumors: Garrett, Williams, McKinley

February 17th, 2017 at 5:24pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Texas A&M pass rusher Myles Garrett is beginning to “pull away” from the rest of the 2017 draft class, an unnamed NFL general manager tells Matt Miller of Bleacher Report, adding Garrett is becoming just as clear a No. 1 pick as quarterback Andrew Luck was in 2012. The Browns hold that first overall selection and reportedly have an “astronomical grade” on Garrett, so Cleveland likely agrees with one director of player personnel who believes using the No. 1 pick on someone other than Garrett would be a mistake. “Passing on Garrett is like passing on a young Bruce Smith,” the executive told Miller. “You don’t pass on a kid like that.”

Here’s more from the 2017 draft:

Alabama edge rusher Tim Williams could end up slipping to the second round, as one NFL scout tells Miller. “We’re worried about [his] weight and love of the game,” said the evaluator. “His combine weigh-in will be really huge.” Citing questions about “character and decision-making,” Miller writes Williams could fall to Day 2 even though he flashes top-20 ability. Williams, who was arrested on a gun charge in September, posted 18.5 sacks over the past two years in Tuscaloosa, but doesn’t rate among Miller’s top 50 prospects (though other analysts, such as Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN.com, rank Williams as the draft’s second-best outside linebacker).
The 2017 quarterback class is widely considered the worst since at least 2013, and one area scout indicated to Miller that he wouldn’t feel comfortable with any of Mitch Trubisky, Deshaun Watson, DeShone Kizer, or a host of others leading his franchise. “All the quarterbacks … [are] terrible,” said the scout. “I wouldn’t want to put my job on the line for any quarterback in this class. And to think about taking one in the first round? No way. I’m sure someone will do it, but it’s mind-blowing.”
UCLA linebacker Takkarist McKinley could require shoulder surgery following the combine, according to Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst.com, who adds no “definitive determination” has been made in regards to McKinley’s health status. McKinley, a two-year starter for the Bruins, racked up 10 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and 3 forced fumbles in 2016. A projected first-round pick, McKinley ranks as the best available outside linebacker in the 2017 class, per Todd McShay of ESPN.com.
NFL teams are frustrated that red-flag players such as Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly and Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon were not invited to the combine, according to Tim Graham of the Buffalo News (Twitter link) and Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. “Any of these guys with question marks need to be vetted,” one source told Florio. Kelly, for what it’s worth, may still travel to Indianapolis, perhaps with the hope of meeting with clubs outside of the combine structure, as Mike Rodak of ESPN.com writes.

RB Trent Richardson Arrested

February 17th, 2017 at 3:00pm CST by Zachary Links

Trent Richardson‘s latent dream of reaching the Hall of Fame has hit another roadblock. The running back was arrested Thursday night in Alabama on a domestic violence charge, as Carol Robinson of AL.com writes.

Upon responding to a 911 call from a hotel, police found Richardson and an adult female in a loud, heated argument. After interviewing both parties, cops ascertained that the dispute began at a local Walmart and eventually turned physical. The female involved had scratches and bruises on her face.

Richardson, 26, was “cooperative” and “arrested without incident,” according to police, but he potentially faces a world of legal trouble, not to mention sanctions from the NFL. Even if he avoids legal/league punishment, he has tipped his risk/reward ratio so far that it’s hard to imagine any team going near him this year. Although he was the No. 3 pick in the 2012 draft, he has never produced at the NFL level. He appeared in 46 games for the Browns and Colts, but he has not seen NFL action since 2014.

Last summer, Richardson was in camp with the Ravens before undergoing arthroscopic surgery. Months after his release, he had a fruitless audition with the Chiefs. Today’s unfortunate news is the first we’ve heard from Richardson since November.

Patriots’ Michael Floyd Pleads Guilty To DUI

February 17th, 2017 at 1:51pm CST by Zachary Links

Wide receiver Michael Floyd has pleaded guilty to extreme DUI relating to his December arrest, Jonathan Roy of FOX 10 tweets. As part of the deal, six other charges against Floyd have been dropped. The Patriots receiver will serve 120 days in jail with 24 of those days in a Maricopa County facility. The other 96 days will be done under house arrest. He’ll also have to do 30 hours of community service and pay a $5K fine.

Floyd’s blood alcohol content level was remarkably high when he was arrested late last year in Arizona, putting him into the state’s “Super Extreme DUI” territory. That level of DUI typically calls for 180 days in jail. Soon after the incident, the Cardinals cut ties with Floyd. The Patriots, seeing an opportunity to add a once-promising receiver for relatively little, claimed Floyd. The Pats were 11-2 at the time and were tied for the best record in the NFL, meaning that just about every other team in the league passed on the troubled talent.

Next up for Floyd, in all likelihood, will be discipline from the league. Ben Volin of The Boston Globe tweets that Floyd will face a potential two-game suspension in 2017, or possibly longer. The smart money is on Floyd serving a longer ban given that this is his second arrest for driving under the influence.

Floyd will be eligible for free agency in March. There is mutual interest in a return to New England, but it’s noteworthy that Floyd was a healthy scratch for Super Bowl 51, meaning that the team opted to have just four receivers in uniform.

Cards’ Tony Jefferson To Test Free Agency

February 17th, 2017 at 11:46am CST by Zachary Links

The Cardinals have been in serious negotiations with the representative for safety Tony Jefferson, according to an NFL source who spoke with Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic. However, according to a pair of reports, it won’t be enough to keep Jefferson from exploring the free agent waters in March.

Jefferson will hit the free agent market, Matt Miller of Bleacher Report (on Twitter) hears. League sources indicate to him that he’ll be in line for $7MM+ per season on his next deal. Furthermore, a return to Arizona is not in the cards, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (on Twitter). La Canfora speculates that Jefferson will be the second-highest paid safety in free agency after Eric Berry.

The timing of these reports does not seem coincidental. I would speculate that Somers was informed of the ongoing contract talks from Cardinals sources. Moments later (Note: still speculating), Jefferson’s reps likely got on the horn with a pair of national reporters to let them know that the two sides are still very far apart.

With that said, deadlines tend to spur action and things can always change between now and March 9.

Panthers Sign G Amini Silatolu

February 17th, 2017 at 11:38am CST by Zachary Links

The Panthers announced they have re-signed guard Amini Silatolu. It’ll be a one-year deal for Carolina and the former second-round pick.

After being selected early in 2012, Silatolu started 15 games during his rookie season and looked the part of a future cog for the Panthers. Unfortunately, injuries have slowed him ever since. He suffered torn ACLs which ended both his 2013 and 2015 seasons and calf and knee injuries plagued him in 2014. Silatolu slid down the depth chart and the team showed little (if any) interest in re-signing him after the 2015 season. He hooked on with the Bears prior to the 2016 season, but he was cut before Week 1.

Now, he returns to the Panthers to try and recapture the spark he had in 2012.

Dolphins, Jags Nearing Branden Albert Trade

February 17th, 2017 at 11:30am CST by Zachary Links

On Thursday, the Dolphins decided to release tackle Branden Albert. That is, until at least one team phoned them with trade interest. For now, Albert remains on the roster as the Dolphins explore trade possibilities. Apparently, it didn’t take long for serious talks to materialize. The Jaguars and Dolphins have talked trade, according to Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald. A source tells Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (on Twitter) that the Jaguars are the “primary destination” for Albert at this time.

The Jaguars are in need of a starting left tackle after declining Kelvin Beachum‘s contract option on Thursday. At this time, Salguero writes that the Jaguars could be the only team to have expressed interest in an Albert trade. In addition to an agreement of terms between the two Florida teams, the Jaguars will presumably want the blessing of Albert. Albert may not have explicit no-trade rights, but there’s little sense in bringing him on board if he does not want to be there. Albert will turn 33 in November and he might not be gung-ho about joining a team that went 3-13 in 2016.

The Dolphins want draft compensation, though it won’t necessarily have to be an early pick, Salguero writes. Miami will want a pick in the 2017 draft but Jacksonville might push it to be a conditional 2018 pick based on Albert’s performance. If they can’t agree on proper draft considerations, Salguero writes that the two teams might move on to players.

One player who might not figure into the Jags’ plans for 2017 is tight end Julius Thomas and Salguero raises him as a trade candidate, though it’s not clear whether that is speculative or based on direct knowledge. The versatile Thomas would fill a need for Miami and a trade would allow the Jags to get off the hook for the remaining three years of his deal, including his guaranteed base salary. The Dolphins willingly absorbed Byron Maxwell’s contract this time last year, but I’m skeptical as to whether they’d do the same with Thomas after two disappointing years.