2017 August - Pro Football Rumors

Jay Cutler Interested In Dolphins

August 3rd, 2017 at 6:43pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

After encountering a tepid market for his services in free agency this year, longtime quarterback Jay Cutler elected to walk away from football in May and pursue a career in broadcasting. Three months later, the 34-year-old is having second thoughts. If Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill‘s left knee injury proves to be major, Cutler would be willing to sign with the team as a full-time starter, reports Jeff Darlington of ESPN.com.

Miami is the only team for which Cutler would consider resuming his NFL career, and he’s not coming back if it means sitting on the bench, per Darlington. The Dolphins haven’t considered signing him yet, adds Darlington, but Cutler already has a good relationship with head coach Adam Gase. The two worked together to positive results in 2015, Gase’s only season as the Bears’ offensive coordinator. That year will go down as Cutler’s last productive campaign if he doesn’t leave the FOX broadcasting booth to return to the gridiron.

A potential Cutler pursuit will be moot if Tannehill’s knee doesn’t end up being a problem. Since he left practice Thursday, optimistic and pessimistic reports have surfaced regarding Tannehill’s status. The 29-year-old missed the tail end of last season with a partially torn left ACL, and while the severity of the injury he suffered Thursday in the same knee is unknown, Dolphins officials do regard it as a setback, writes Darlington. Moreover, there are some within the organization who believe Tannehill should go under the knife to fully repair his knee once and for all. If that were to happen, Tannehill likely wouldn’t play at all in 2017, which could set up a Cutler-Gase reunion and leave FOX short a color commentator.

AFC Notes: Ravens, Fins, Texans, Bolts

August 3rd, 2017 at 6:29pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

In the wake of John Urschel‘s retirement and Nico Siragusa‘s season-ending knee injury, the Ravens’ top priority is to add to their offensive line, according to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun. General manager Ozzie Newsome has discussed trades with other teams, reports Zrebiec, who points out that free agency could be a tough route to take because the Ravens don’t have much cap room. Further, while the Ravens showed interest in free agent center Nick Mangold during the offseason, there are questions as to whether the 33-year-old is committed to continuing his career, relays Zrebiec. Notably, Mangold indicated in May that he could retire.

Minor NFL Transactions: 8/3/17

August 3rd, 2017 at 5:35pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Thursday’s minor NFL moves:

The Saints claimed offensive tackle Jerry Ugokwe off waivers from the Colts, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. In a corresponding move, the Saints waived fellow tackle Martin Wallace with an injury designation, per Nick Underhill of the Advocate (on Twitter). Ugokwe is an undrafted free agent from William & Mary who was with the Colts from May until Wednesday. Wallace, who joined the Saints in late July, has bounced around the league since going undrafted in 2013. He appeared in one game with Cleveland that year.
Defensive end Rufus Johnson agreed to a deal with the Raiders, relays Rapoport (on Twitter). Johnson was involved in a “serious” car crash on Wednesday, notes Rapoport. The 26-year-old was previously with the Saints, Patriots and Redskins. His sole appearance came with New England in 2015.
The Jaguars signed long snapper Matt Overton to replace Carson Tinker, who suffered a torn right ACL. The team also added guard Malcolm Bunche. The headliner is Overton, who was the Colts’ long snapper from 2012-16. He appeared in 16 games in each of those seasons and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2013.
The Seahawks signed receiver Jamel Johnson and waived wideout Rodney Smith, per Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. This is the second Seattle stint for Johnson, who was previously with the organization from late January through early May. Johnson went undrafted back in 2014 and has also been a member of the Green Bay organization. Smith, who signed with the Seahawks in January, combined to appear in eight games with the Vikings and Browns from 2013-14.
The Packers waived-injured cornerback Herb Waters with a shoulder issue, reports Michael Cohen of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Waters came into the league last year as an undrafted receiver from Miami before shifting to corner. He made enough progress on the practice squad for the team to promote him during the playoffs.
Defensive back Stefan McClure agreed to a deal with the Redskins, per his reps at Uso Sports (on Twitter). McClure went undrafted from California last year and spent some time on the Colts’ practice squad.
The Buccaneers reached an injury settlement with receiver Thomas Sperbeck, according to Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times (Twitter link). The club waived the undrafted rookie from Boise State after he suffered a hamstring strain last weekend.
The Texans announced they have moved outside linebacker Davon Pratt to the active roster and waived defensive end T.J. Daniel. Pratt, from East Carolina, joined the Texans as an undrafted free agent in May. So did Daniel, who went to Oregon.
The Chiefs placed undrafted rookie Jordan Sterns on waivers. Sterns is a safety from Oklahoma State.
The Panthers signed tight end Bryce Williams and waived-injured safety Travelle Dixon. The Panthers are the fourth team for Williams, who has also spent time with the Patriots, Rams and Seahawks since going undrafted out of East Carolina last year. Dixon, undrafted from Washington two years ago, first joined the Panthers in January 2016.
The Bears added running back Josh Rounds and waived-injured fellow RB Joel Bouagnon. Both players went undrafted this year (Rounds from Tulane, Bouagnon from Northwestern).
The Rams signed receivers Justin Thomas and C.J. Germany. They also waived fullback Zach Laskey (Twitter links via Rapoport and Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com).
The Chargers signed center Barrett Gouger, who worked out for the team Thursday, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. Gouger’s an undrafted rookie from Vanderbilt.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Surgery Possible For Ryan Tannehill

August 3rd, 2017 at 4:46pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

While there was a hopeful report on Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill‘s injured left knee earlier Thursday, he’s not in the clear yet, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. An MRI on Tannehill’s knee came back inconclusive, writes Salguero, who hears that “all options remain on the table” – including surgery. Tannehill will go for a second opinion, adds Albert Breer of The MMQB (Twitter link).

Tannehill departed practice Thursday on the heels of a non-contact injury, after which the Dolphins feared the worst, per Salguero. If the 29-year-old’s knee issue actually does require him to miss time, it would force Miami to check into free agent options – whether they’re low-profile types or more polarizing options such as Colin Kaepernick, Robert Griffin III, Jay Cutler and Tony Romo. While Cutler and Romo are retired, the Dolphins could still kick the tires on either should Tannehill’s injury prove serious. Cutler, Chicago’s longtime starter, has a connection to Dolphins head coach Adam Gase, who was the Bears’ offensive coordinator in 2015.

As of now, the only healthy QBs on the Dolphins’ roster are Matt Moore, David Fales (one of Cutler’s ex-Chicago teammates) and 2016 seventh-round pick Brandon Doughty. Moore, to his credit, is a better reserve option than most – he stepped in late last season after Tannehill succumbed to a partial ACL tear and helped the Dolphins to a 2-1 finish en route to a 10-6 record. Moore completed 55 of 87 passes, averaged 8.3 yards per attempt and tossed eight touchdowns against three interceptions in his four appearances (three starts). The 32-year-old was also at the helm for the Dolphins’ wild-card round game against the Steelers, and while he fared OK statistically (29 of 36 for 289 yards with a touchdown and a pick), his club was on the wrong end of a 30-12 decision.

Ted Larsen May Have Torn Biceps

August 3rd, 2017 at 4:13pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill wasn’t the only Dolphin to suffer an injury Thursday. Guard Ted Larsen left practice with what the team fears is a torn biceps, reports Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald (on Twitter). The likelihood is that Larsen will miss “several” regular-season games, per Jackson.

The Dolphins signed Larsen as the outset of free agency in March, and he immediately became a strong contender to start at left guard for the club. The 30-year-old brings plenty of experience to the table, having combined to start in 65 of 102 appearances as a Buccaneer, Cardinal and Bear from 2010-16. In Chicago last year, Larsen posted the fifth 16-game slate of his career and logged eight starts, during which he ranked a respectable 37th in performance among Pro Football Focus’ 75 qualified guards.

As they brace for a prolonged Larsen absence, the Dolphins will go forward with Anthony Steen, Kraig Urbik and fifth-round pick Isaac Asiata as potential options opposite No. 1 right guard Jermon Bushrod. Steen started seven games at center in 2016 while Mike Pouncey was on the shelf. Fortunately for Miami, there’s hope that the hip issues which have troubled Pouncey in the past won’t cause problems this year.

Latest On Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill

August 3rd, 2017 at 3:09pm CST by Zachary Links

The Dolphins got a scare on Thursday morning when Ryan Tannehill exited practice after a non-contact injury. We’re still waiting on the full diagnosis, but the early word this afternoon is positive. There is no structural damage in Tannehill’s knee, a source tells Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL.com (on Twitter).

The lack of structural damage indicates that Tannehill can probably avoid surgery, which should cut down on recovery time. Tannehill missed the last three games of the 2016 season and the team’s wild-card loss in the playoffs and they’re hoping to avoid a similar fate with the latest knee ailment.

Last year, Tannehill graded out as the league’s 16th best quarterback, per the advanced metrics at Pro Football Focus. His 80.9 score was a career-low and a step back from his peak years in 2013 and 2014.

Eagles Sign S Corey Graham

August 3rd, 2017 at 1:31pm CST by Zachary Links

The Eagles have agreed to terms with safety Corey Graham on a one-year contract, the team announced.

Graham has been on the market since being released by the Bills back in March. He initially joined the team on a four-year, $16MM deal in 2014 and even though he restructured his pact in 2015, he wasn’t allowed to finish out the deal.

Graham didn’t fit into the Bills’ plans, but he has shown that he is still productive. The veteran didn’t miss a game during his three years in Buffalo, and he started 16 games in each of the past two seasons. Last year, he turned in another solid campaign, compiling 62 tackles, one sack, and nine passes defended.

Graham won’t start in Philly, but he can offer veteran support for starters Rodney McLeod and Malcolm Jenkins. He can also be expected to contribute on special teams.

The veteran has history with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz thanks to their time together in 2014.

Dolphins Considering Colin Kaepernick

August 3rd, 2017 at 12:59pm CST by Zachary Links

Doctors are still looking into the extent of Ryan Tannehill‘s knee injury, but the Dolphins are already weighing some outside options. Colin Kaepernick‘s name was raised within the Dolphins’ front office as potential insurance, Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (on Twitter) hears.

Of course, Kaepernick’s name has probably been internally “raised” by a number of teams this offseason, but that alone doesn’t mean much considering that he has gotten only one workout all offseason long. What Kaepernick does have going for him, however, is that owner Stephen Ross has vocalized his support for him in the past.

“I would sure hope not,” Ross said recently when asked whether Kaepernick is being blackballed from the league. “I know a lot’s been written about it, but you know owners and coaches—they’ll do anything it takes to win. If they think he can help them win, I’m sure—I would hope they would sign him.”

Last year, Kaepernick’s 49ers put up a solid effort against the Dolphins in a late November game in Miami. The QB completed 29 of 46 passes for 296 yards and three touchdowns and one interception, but the Dolphins ultimately won by a score of 31-24.

After Tannehill, the Dolphins’ top backups are Matt Moore and David Fales.

Dolphins Fear Worst For Ryan Tannehill

August 3rd, 2017 at 12:50pm CST by Zachary Links

On Thursday morning, Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill left the practice field after a non-contact injury, sparking speculation everywhere that he might have suffered a serious ligament tear. We’re still waiting on an update, but right now the Dolphins are “fearing the worst,” according to Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald (on Twitter).

At minimum, Tannehill is dealing with a hyperextended left knee, Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald hears. Beyond that, it’s possible that Tannehill has suffered anything from a PCL sprain (two to eight weeks recovery) to an ACL tear (a season ender).

The Dolphins abstained from making major QB additions this offseason, potentially out of respect for Tannehill. If Tannehill is injured, it seems likely that the team will look for outside help. As of this writing, the next two QBs on the roster are 33-year-old Matt Moore and 26-year-old David Fales.

Colin Kaepernick is the biggest name left on the free agent board and there has been a great deal of focus on former Redskins standout Robert Griffin III as well.

In theory, Tony Romo and Jay Cutler are also available, but they both say that they are likely done playing.

“There is zero doubt in my mind that there is going to be some regret,” Cutler, a new member of FOX’s NFL broadcast team, said earlier this year. “I have no doubt in my mind come the middle of August, September there is going to be that itch to play. There is going to be part of me that I know I can still do it. But that’s not how the cards played out, and that’s not where we are at. I just don’t feel comfortable with a situation in August or September of jumping back into it, even if that situation arises, which I don’t think it’s going to.”

Tannehill also injured his knee in Week 14 of last season, but he was able to avoid surgery for his partially torn ACL and Grade 2 MCL sprain.

Seahawks Place Malik McDowell On NFI List

August 3rd, 2017 at 12:44pm CST by Zachary Links

As expected, the Seahawks have placed rookie Malik McDowell on the non-football injury list. It was the team’s only real recourse after the defensive tackle suffered injuries in an ATV crash earlier this summer.

McDowell’s injuries are not career- or life-threatening, but his status for the 2017 remains murky. The youngster is dealing with a number of head injuries that could keep him from seeing the field for a while.

The 6’6″ lineman was the Seahawks’ first selection in the draft and the No. 35 overall pick. Originally holding the No. 25 selection, the Seahawks moved down three times — adding lots of extra draft capital in the process — before selecting McDowell at the top of the second round.

The Seahawks were use McDowell as a feature player on the defensive line, potentially having him start next to Jarran Reed at defensive tackle. If he’s out for an extended period, the team will have to turn to the likes of Jarran Reed and Ahtyba Rubin for support. The Seahawks may also be inclined to take a look at available options.