2017 July - Pro Football Rumors

Minor NFL Transactions: 7/24/17

July 24th, 2017 at 8:06pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

The Vikings have signed tackle Arturo Uzdavinis, bringing their roster back up to the 90-man max. The former undrafted rookie out of Tulane has bounced around since joining the league, previously spending time with the Texans, Bears, Jaguars, and Lions. The Vikings are currently rostering six other offensive tackles in Riley Reiff, Mike Remmers, Jeremiah Sirles, T.J. Clemmings, Rashod Hill, and Willie Beavers.
The Broncos have waived linebacker Josh Banderas with a non-football injury designation, reports Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post (via Twitter). The former Nebraska standout joined the organization as an undrafted free agent earlier this offseason. The defender earned All-Big Ten Coaches and Media honors in 2016 after compiling 93 tackles.
The Eagles announced (via Twitter) that they have signed tight end Adam Zaruba to a three-year contract. Zaruba, who played rugby in Canada, is coming off of a successful audition with Philly. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound player is set to compete with Zach Ertz, Trey Burton, Brent Celek, Anthony Denham, and Billy Brown for a spot on the roster. According to Zach Berman of The Philadelphia Inquirer (on Twitter), despite working out with the team on Sunday, Zaruba can’t return to the Eagles until he is granted a visa.

Michael Mauti Re-Signs With Saints

July 24th, 2017 at 7:13pm CST by Ben Levine

Michael Mauti will be back with the Saints next season. According to Josh Katzenstein of NOLA.com, the linebacker and special teams ace has signed a one-year contract with the team. The 27-year-old will earn a $775K base salary, with $125K guaranteed and a $80K signing bonus.

Throughout the offseason, it sounded like that Mauti would ultimately return to New Orleans. Back in April, head coach Sean Payton said that he expected the linebacker to be fully recovered from offseason surgery by the time training camp came around, even though Mauti was still a free agent at the time. Despite the optimism, Mauti worked out for the Texans late last week (via Katzenstein), but a workout with the Saints earlier today ultimately led to a new contract.

Mauti was forced to undergo three surgeries (including one to remove his large intestine) over the past year to fix his ulcerative colitis, a disease that forced him to end his 2016 season prematurely. The former seventh-round pick had to get back into football shape before securing an offer, perhaps explaining why it took so long for the organization to re-sign him.

Following two underwhelming seasons with the Vikings, Mauti has caught on with the Saints over the past two years. The linebacker has compiled 46 tackles and one forced fumble in 24 games (two starts) with New Orleans, and his special teams prowess earned him a role as a captain last season. Mauti will presumably continue to contribute on that unit, as the Saints are currently rostering nine other linebackers.

Robert Griffin III To Work Out For Chargers

July 24th, 2017 at 6:29pm CST by Ben Levine

Robert Griffin III has finally secured that elusive work out. According to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter), the quarterback is set to work out for the Chargers tomorrow.

The former second-overall pick seemingly hasn’t generated any interest this offseason, as this is the first reported workout for the 27-year-old. The Seahawks previously expressed interest in the former Rookie of the Year, but the team ultimately opted for Austin Davis. Reports from earlier this month indicated that there was “mild interest” in the embattled quarterback, and it was believed that several teams would be willing to give him an opportunity during training camp. While he’s waited for an invite, Griffin has been training in Florida with former Browns assistance coach Pep Hamilton.

Teams are presumably wary of Griffin’s extensive injury history, as the quarterback has yet to make it through one of his NFL seasons unscathed. After not appearing in a single game during the 2015 season, Griffin made five starts for the Browns last year before succumbing to a shoulder injury. The quarterback completed only 59.2-percent of his passes in 2016, throwing for 886 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. He still showed the ability to run the ball, as he compiled 190 rushing yards and two touchdowns on only 31 carries.

Besides starter Philip Rivers, the Chargers are currently rostering three quarterbacks in veteran Kellen Clemens, Mike Bercovici, and undrafted rookie Eli Jenkins. ESPN’s Eric Williams tweets that coach Anthony Lynn has been on the look out for a mobile backup quarterback, and Griffin would certainly fit the bill.

Cowboys Release WR Lucky Whitehead

July 24th, 2017 at 6:04pm CST by Ben Levine

Earlier today, there were reports that Lucky Whitehead missed his arraignment date for a previously unknown shoplifting charge. Now, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport is reporting (via Twitter) that the Cowboys have released the wide receiver.

Back in June, the 25-year-old was arrested for misdemeanor petty larceny in Virginia, and he was scheduled for arraignment in mid-July. However, the wideout was a no-show, and now there’s a warrant out for his arrest. Whitehead is accused of taking less than $200 worth of items from a convenience store, according to Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com. ESPN.com’s Todd Archer tweets that the organization was prepared to move on from the wideout whether or not he was involved in the incident.

Considering the Cowboys’ depth at receiver, there were already questions about whether Whitehead would even earn a spot on this year’s squad. The former undrafted free agent out of Florida Atlantic proved to be a capable return man during his first two seasons in the league, averaging 25.6 yards per kick return and 6.9 yards per punt return between 2015 and 2016. However, in that same span, the receiver only hauled in nine catches for 64 yards. Following today’s news, it’s looking like the team will be relying on Ryan Switzer, Brice Butler, and Noah Brown to serve as back ups for Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams, and Cole Beasley.

Earlier today, Rapoport spoke to agent Dave Rich, who claimed his client wasn’t in Virginia during the time of the alleged incident. According to police, the theft took place at 1:30 in the morning, but Whitehead landed at Dulles International Airport in Virginia at 7:30. The organization, agent, and player weren’t aware of the arrest, and Whitehead “claims it wasn’t him” (all via Twitter). It sounds like the player is citing a case of mistaken identity, but the Cowboys apparently weren’t willing to see how the ordeal plays out.

The Cowboys have endured a number of off-the-field incidents this offseason, and the team is currently waiting for clarity on the availability of Ezekiel Elliott and Damien Wilson.

Panthers TE Greg Olsen Won’t Hold Out

July 24th, 2017 at 5:19pm CST by Ben Levine

The Panthers are set to report to training camp tomorrow, and Greg Olsen will reportedly be among the attendants. According to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer, the Pro Bowl tight end will not be holding out and is planning on reporting to Wofford College.

Olsen has been one of the most productive tight ends in the NFL over the past several years, and he recently became the only player at his position to post three consecutive 1,00o-yard seasons. Despite this production, the 32-year-old will be relatively underpaid, as he’s set to earn base salaries of $6.5MM over the next two seasons (along with a $10.35MM cap hit in 2017 and $9.75MM cap hit in 2018).

Olsen recently discussed his contract situation, and he didn’t reject the possibility of a hold out. Agent Drew Rosenhaus echoed this sentiment, but he cautioned that players shouldn’t “exercise” their “leverage” unless it’s necessary. The Panthers have seen plenty of front office turnover this offseason, but it sounds like the changes will have little impact on negotiations. Olsen made it clear that talks with former general manager Dave Gettleman were never contentious, although some tend to think that negotiations with interim general manager Marty Hurney may lead to a quick agreement.

The Panthers might be inclined to extend the tight end instead of reworking the final two years of his contract. This would provide the organization with additional control over the tight end’s upcoming cap hits, and it’d also let Olsen earn some extra cash.

Saints WR Willie Snead Signs ERFA Tender

July 24th, 2017 at 4:56pm CST by Ben Levine

With training camp set to open this week, it sounds like Saints wideout Willie Snead won’t be among those who are holding out. According to ESPN’s Field Yates (via Twitter), the receiver has signed his exclusive rights free agent tender. The receiver will now be playing on a one-year deal that pays him $615K. According to Josh Katzenstein of NOLA.com, the wideout has confirmed that he will not be holding out and will be on the practice field this Thursday.

There were whispers throughout the offseason that Snead and the Saints were working on a long-term contract. Due to the tender, Snead didn’t have the ability to sign with another team, clearly limiting his options. However, the wideout sounded optimistic that the Saints front office and agent Drew Rosenhaus (who he hired in June) would agree on a new contract.

“I think the guys upstairs are working on it,” Snead said. “I’m hopeful, and I just have to keep worrying about myself and staying healthy and doing all the right things. I know it’s going to be a handled, it’s going to take time, but I feel like we’ll get it done sooner or later.”

Snead, an undrafted free agent out of Ball State in 2014, has established himself as one of Drew Brees‘ top targets over the past two season. Between 2015 and 2016, the 24-year-old has appeared in 30 games (12 starts) and compiled 141 receptions for 1,879 yards and seven touchdowns. Following the Brandin Cooks trade, Snead figures to start alongside Michael Thomas and Ted Ginn Jr..

Broncos, John Elway Agree To Extension

July 24th, 2017 at 3:58pm CST by Zachary Links

The Broncos and John Elway have agreed to a new five-year contract, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter tweets. The new deal ties him to Denver through the 2021 season. Terms of the deal are not yet known, but it is expected to make him the NFL’s highest paid GM (Twitter link).

Elway, one of the franchise’s all-time great players, has furthered his legacy as Denver’s GM. Since taking over as executive vice president of football operations of the Broncos in 2011, the team has gone 67-29 in the regular season with five playoff appearances, two Super Bowl appearances, and a championship following the 2015 season.

“During these last six seasons, John’s clearly established himself as one of the best general managers in all of sports,” President and CEO Joe Ellis said in a statement. “He’s demonstrated impressive football instincts, a strong business acumen and a consistent ability to build competitive teams…There’s no doubt John means a great deal to the Broncos, our fans and the entire community. It was important for us to reach this long-term agreement, and we’re all excited to now turn our full attention toward the 2017 season.”

In total, Elway has won three titles for the Broncos – two as a player and one as an executive. The 1983 first-overall pick spent his entire 16-year career in Denver, and the Hall of Famer holds at least 30 franchise records. He finished his career with 51,475 passing yards (sixth all-time), 300 touchdowns (10th all-time), and 226 interceptions. Following the Broncos’ 2016 Super Bowl victory, Elway became the first person to win a ring as a player and as a general manager.

Since Elway joined the Broncos’ front office in 2011, the team has selected only three Pro Bowlers in linebacker Von Miller, tight end Julius Thomas, and cornerback Chris Harris (undrafted), although he did draft a number of capable NFL starters. Elway has seen the majority of his success in free agency, where he’s brought in a number of Pro Bowl veterans, including Peyton Manning, DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib and Emmanuel Sanders. This past offseason was highlighted by the hiring of Vance Joseph, who becomes the third head coach during Elway’s tenure (following John Fox and Gary Kubiak). The organization also signed running back Jamaal Charles and offensive linemen Ronald Leary and Menelik Watson.

Panthers Fire Executive Mark Koncz

July 24th, 2017 at 3:52pm CST by Zachary Links

After the Panthers fired GM Dave Gettleman, there was speculation that longtime pro personnel director Mark Koncz could be the man to take over. Now, Koncz also finds himself out of work after being fired by interim GM Marty Hurney, sources tell Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer.

Koncz, 50, started with the Panthers as an intern in the ticket office in 1994. He became the team’s pro scouting director in 2000 and he was just promoted to his latest role in May. Besides Gettleman, Koncz joins a list of executives who have departed the organization this offseason. Former president Danny Morrison left the team back in February, and Brandon Beane later went to Buffalo to become the Bills general manager. Despite all of the turnover, a report from earlier this month indicated that owner Jerry Richardson remains high on coach Ron Rivera.

If Gettleman lands a GM job in the next offseason cycle, it’s a good bet that Koncz could follow him. In the meantime, Koncz finds himself on the unemployment line at an awkward time on the NFL calendar.

Cardinals To Meet With CB Brandon Flowers

July 24th, 2017 at 3:00pm CST by Zachary Links

Former Chargers and Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers is visiting the Cardinals on Wednesday, a league source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Flowers has also been talking with the Patriots, Schefter adds.

Flowers was released by the Chargers just prior to the start of free agency. The Steelers expressed some interest in Flowers that week, but this is the first time that we’ve heard of other teams reaching out.

Flowers parlayed a strong 2014 season into a lucrative four-year deal with the Chargers before the 2015 season. He was unable to repeat that success in his first year with San Diego and his 2016 season was marred by concussion issues. Assuming that he is clear of any symptoms of brain trauma, he could be a valuable addition for teams in need of secondary help.

The Cardinals are presently without an established option to start at right cornerback opposite star Patrick Peterson. Justin Bethel and Brandon Williams have been battling it out for the job, but it’s possible that Bruce Arians is underwhelmed by what he’s seen so far this summer.

The Patriots have a lethal 1-2 combo of Malcolm Butler and Stephon Gilmore at cornerback, but they’re always on the lookout for additional depth. Eric Rowe, Justin Coleman, Cyrus Jones, and Jonathan Jones are among the other cornerbacks on the 90-man roster.

Bills Meet With Devon Still, Others

July 24th, 2017 at 2:47pm CST by Zachary Links

The Bills didn’t just meet with Anquan Boldin on Monday. The Bills also spent the day looking at defensive linemen Roy Miller, Leger Douzable, and Devon Still, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter).

Still, 28, only played 25 defensive snaps for the Texans in 2016 before going down with a Lisfranc injury which required surgery. A former second-round pick, the defensive tackle has never lived up to his draft billing, as he’s never started a game during his career due to health issues and lack of effectiveness. Of course, Still has dealt with plenty in his off-field life, as his daughter Leah battled cancer until announcing in 2015 she was cancer-free.

Miller recently worked out for the rival Dolphins, but left Miami without a deal. Like Still, he also was slowed by injuries in 2016 and he’s also looking to prove to teams that he’s back to 100% health. In 2015, he had 4.0 sacks and 40 total tackles for the Jaguars. From 2013 through 2016, he appeared in 50 games at defensive tackle for Jacksonville. He started in all but one of those games.

Douzable’s biggest champion, Rex Ryan, is no longer in Buffalo, but the new regime still wants to see what he has to offer. The 31-year-old defensive lineman appeared in every game for the Bills last season and made five starts. He had 43 total tackles and 1.5 sacks.