2017 December - Pro Football Rumors

Month: January 2025

Cowboys’ Jason Witten Discusses Future

December 25th, 2017 at 4:34pm CST by Zachary Links

The Cowboys won’t be going to the playoffs this year, but Jason Witten hopes to help Dallas find redemption in 2018. The tight end says he intends on returning for a 16th NFL season, as Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News writes.

“I see too much positive,” Witten said. “I really do. I feel too good to think that would end, so my intentions are to keep playing.”

Witten had five catches for 39 yards in Sunday’s 21-12 loss to Seattle, giving him a total of 61 grabs for 543 yards and five touchdowns so far this year. This wasn’t Witten’s greatest season, but he was still extremely productive and durable.

In his decade-and-a-half with the Cowboys, Witten has yet to play in a conference championship game. Although he is hugely disappointed, Witten said that he has much to look forward to this weekend.

“It’s hard,” said Witten. “You put everything you got into it, for a long time, man. It’s a game. It is. But you go let them see Santa Claus tomorrow. I got a great family. I got a great support system. The next half hour just take a few deep breaths, try to process it and enjoy the moment, devour the strawberries, so to speak. I wish I could tell you that it would be easy. Having a good wife helps. I’ve been fortunate. I’ve lived the dream here for the last 15 years with this organization. Great ownership, great coaches, great opportunity. Disappointed that we couldn’t get it done this year.”

West Notes: Broncos, Fitz, Mahomes, Rams

December 25th, 2017 at 4:19pm CST by GregGoldstein

The Broncos my have lost their 10th game of the season on Sunday, but they also got a glimpse at a potential quarterback target in Washington signal caller Kirk Cousins. Playing on his second straight franchise tag, the 29-year-old posted close to 300 yards and tossed three scores against a very formidable Broncos defense. It was a performance that made Mark Kiszla of The Denver Post ask, “is Cousins worth $30MM?”

In fact, many Broncos defenders seemed to think that he could be worth that type of investment this offseason.

“A lot of teams would literally kill to have a quarterback like that,” Broncos linebacker Von Miller said.

“He’s the real deal as a quarterback,” Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall added.

Kiszla proclaimed that Cousins is unlikely to get another franchise tag given just how detrimental a guaranteed cap number like that would be on the Redskins roster. This would mean that Denver would have the opportunity to invest a lot of money in the soon-to-be free agent QB.

Denver clearly needs to address their quarterback situation this offseason. It’s clear that Trevor Siemian and Brock Osweiler are more backups, with Paxton Lynch still needing major development even when he gets healthy.

There’s a lot of QB needy teams in the NFL, but the Broncos got a personal look on Sunday of what Cousins could bring to a team that’s been craving any sort of offense since Peyton Manning retired after their Super Bowl 50 run.

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

Even though Cardinals star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald signed a one-year contract extension during the season, that does not mean it’s a guarantee he will return to the football field in 2018. However, Fitz looks to be in a much better position to return than a year ago, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Rapoport suggests that the 34-year-old is much healthier than at the conclusion of the 2016 regular season. He’s also on track to post better numbers this year, as he’s just slightly behind his 2016 totals in receptions and yards, while just needing another touchdown to surpass his six scores from a season ago. Fitzgerald is a surefire Hall of Famer as well, but could also be motivated to surpass Terrell Owens on the all-time receiving list. He sits just a few hundred yards behind T.O. and would assuredly pass him if he remains healthy in 2018. Fitz has clearly shown that he can continue to play at a high level in his mid-30’s, so there’s hope from Cardinals fans he could return for another season in Arizona.
With their win yesterday, the Chiefs have clinched the AFC West and the fourth seed in the AFC. This means that rookie quarterback Patrick Mahomes could get the start or at least see a lot of playing time in a meaningless Week 17 game against the Broncos. But as expected, head coach Andy Reid wasn’t tipping his hand about how the team will approach the QB position next week. “We’ll get through Christmas and then we’ll get on with that,” Reid said. There had been some speculation that Reid may turn to Mahomes during the team’s midseason losing streak, but veteran Alex Smith has bounced back in a big way and led Kansas City to their second straight division title. Mahomes has been playing with the scout team and would probably be well served in getting some actual playing time in his first professional season.
While it was a very good day for a Rams franchise that clinched their first division title since 2003, the team was forced to deal with injuries to a pair of starters, reports Aiden Gonzalez of ESPN.com. Left guard Rodger Saffold was forced to exit the game with a rib injury, but head coach Sean McVay said after the victory that, “I think he’s OK.”. Gonzalez added that Saffold was “seen in good spirits” in the postgame celebration as well. However, linebacker Mark Barron‘s achilles injury could be worse than expected. The 28-year-old was a suprise inactive in Week 16 and has dealt with a variety of minor ailments throughout the season, according to Gonzalez. McVay wasn’t as clear with how his prognosis looked for the remainder of the season. “We’ll have some updates on that moving forward,” said the Rams head coach. If Barron should miss time, backup Cory Littleton would likely be forced into the starting lineup.

James Harrison Goes Unclaimed On Waivers

December 25th, 2017 at 3:46pm CST by GregGoldstein

The Steelers made the relatively surprising decision to release longtime linebacker James Harrison a few days ago. Now we have learned that the 39-year-old went unclaimed on waivers and is free to sign with any team, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (Twitter link).

Yates does point out that if both sides are willing, the Steelers and Harrison could work out another agreement so the veteran could play with the team in the postseason. However, that is certainly not a given because of how sparingly the veteran defender played in Pittsburgh.

Harrison only appeared in five games with the Steelers, as the team opted to go with more of a younger linebacker group in Ryan Shazier, T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree and Vince Williams.

But with Shazier sadly out for the season as he deals with his devastating back injury, the defense could use Harrison’s leadership during postseason play.

It’s unusual to see players as old as Harrison find a role in today’s NFL. But he’s known for his incredible workout regimen and passion for football, which could be of great value for any team that’s looking for an extra spark on defense in the playoffs.

Falcons TE Levine Toilolo Sprains MCL

December 25th, 2017 at 3:20pm CST by GregGoldstein

The Falcons face a win and in scenario in Week 17 when they take on the Panthers at home. However, they be could be without one of their tight ends going into the contest. Second-string tight end Levine Toilolo sprained his MCL in the team’s loss to the Saints on Sunday, making his status for next week’s game “in doubt”, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).

Toilolo, 26, has been mostly a complementary piece in a dynamic Falcons offense over the past few seasons. He’s caught a combined 15 balls and scored three touchdowns in the last two years. Second-year tight end Austin Hooper has been one of the team’s best receiving threats after the Falcons drafted him in the third round in 2016.

The Falcons are just a win away from their second straight postseason appearance, although beating Carolina, who’s still in the running for the NFC South title, will be no walk in the park. Should Toilolo be unable to play in Atlanta’s regular season finale, third-string tight end Eric Saubert could see increased snaps. The team could also bring in a free agent tight end if the coaching staff is uncomfortable going into the contest with just two players available at the position.

Jags WR Jaelen Strong Tears ACL

December 25th, 2017 at 2:16pm CST by GregGoldstein

An encouraging comeback game turns out to be the final one of the 2017 season for wide receiver Jaelen Strong. After catching his first touchdown pass of the season against the 49ers, the 23-year-old wideout revealed on his own personal Instagram that he has torn his ACL, effectively ending his third professional season.

“I was cut in September by the Texans. Jags claimed me a day after. 14 weeks later I am finally active. My first reception goes for a TD. IM SO EXCITED to finally be out here w GANG grinding w my dogs and then I tear my ACL. I walked off on my own power cause i immediately thought of who was watching me, our youth! Let this be a testimony for you. No matter what knocks you down you gotta pull ya self back up and what better way to show you then this… can’t wait to watch my dogs in the OFFS! Love everybody who been in my corner.”

Strong had spent his first two seasons in the NFL with the Texans, who had selected him in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Strong was cut by Houston in September, but was signed by the Jaguars after the team needed wide receiver depth. Strong was activated for the first time this season as Jacksonville dealt with injuries to starters Marqise Lee and Allen Hurns.

Strong responded by catching three balls and a game tying touchdown at the end of the first half. It’s a cruel turn of events for what was looking to be a nice turn around story. Now the Jaguars will have to hope for the likes of Lee and Hurns to return for the postseason. Rookies Keelan Cole, Dede Westbrook and Jaydon Mickens have stepped up admirably for quarterback Blake Bortles over the past few weeks, but Jacksonville would certainly like their more veteran playmakers to get back in the lineup with the playoffs just two weeks away.

DeMarco Murray May Not Play In Week 17

December 25th, 2017 at 1:25pm CST by GregGoldstein

The Titans dropped their third game in a row when they fell late to the Rams in Week 16. However, that was not the only bad news that came from their defeat. Starting running back DeMarco Murray was helped off the field after suffering a knee injury in the fourth quarter of the contest, according to the team’s official website.

While there was no immediate diagnosis, Titans head coach Mike Mularkey did not like what he saw when Murray went down.

“We’re going to get an MRI on him and see the extent of it,” Mularkey said. “Didn’t look good. He’s a pretty tough guy, watched him walk off, and it didn’t look good.”

Murray will be 30 years old next month and has not looked as dynamic as he did a season ago. The veteran back has averaged just 3.6 yards per carry in 2017, which is a notable step down from his 4.4 yards per carry mark from last year.

If the injury turns out to be as bad as it appeared on the field, Tennessee would lean heavily on backup running back Derrick Henry to help carry them to the postseason.

The 23-year-old has clearly been the more effective back this season and has seen his workload increase in his second full year in the NFL. Henry has totaled double-digit carries seven times in 2017, but would be in-line for at least 20 touches should Murray be forced to sit.

He’ll, obviously, he’ll get a bigger load,” Mularkey said. “It’s good for him, I’m glad we have him. That’s what he’s here for, and (David) Fluellen as well. And again, that’s me speaking right after the game. I’ve seen him before come back pretty strong. He’s about as tough a player we got.”

The Titans are still in a prime position punch their postseason ticket for the first time since the 2008-09 season. All Tennessee needs to do is beat a Jaguars team that could have nothing to play for should the Steelers win their game this afternoon. Nevertheless, the prospect of losing another playmaker for a franchise that has stumbled mightily towards the finish line is not an ideal situation entering the final week of the 2017 regular season.

Cam Robinson Injured, Expected Back for Playoffs

December 25th, 2017 at 12:20pm CST by GregGoldstein

The Jaguars suffered a surprising defeat at the hands of the 49ers on Sunday, but it looks like the AFC South champs avoided what would be a critical blow to their offensive line. Rookie offensive tackle Cam Robinson was forced to leave the game with an abdominal injury, but it will likely not keep him out for the team’s first postseason appearance in ten years, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

Rapoport further describes the injury as more of a “nuisance”, so it is something the young offensive lineman can play through in January. Jacksonville will be locked into the three seed in the AFC should the Steelers win one of their final two games. If Pittsburgh were to win today vs. Houston, the Jags could rest Robinson to make sure that he is as healthy as possible heading into the Wild Card round.

Robinson, 22, has not been graded kindly by the likes of Pro Football Focus, as he ranks as the 79th best tackle in football, according to the website. Although, Robinson has only given up two sacks on the season as the blindside protector of quarterback Blake Bortles.

The Jaguars invested highly in the former Alabama lineman when they selected him in the second round of last year’s draft. The team has veteran Josh Wells available as the immediate backup should Robinson miss time. He would join what’s been a productive offensive that includes Patrick Omameh, Brandon Linder, A.J. Cann and Jermey Parnell.

Jets Notes: Wilkerson, Bowles, QB’s

December 25th, 2017 at 11:07am CST by GregGoldstein

Jets embattled defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson was inactive for the second game in a row in the team’s loss to the Chargers in Week 16. While Wilkerson did sign a lucrative $86MM contract extension about a year and a half ago, it’s unlikely that the former first round pick will be back in New York next season, opines Rich Cimini of ESPN.com.

Heach coach Todd Bowles was unsure whether the healthy scratch trend would continue for Wilkerson in the final week of the regular season, noting to reporters simply that “We’ll see.” Cimini also points out that the decision to keep Wilkerson off the field appeared to come directly from Bowles himself and not the front office.

“I made him inactive,” Bowles said. “Coach’s decision.”

Wilkerson did practice during the week, but notably arrived late for a team meeting, which may have ultimately titled Bowles’ decision to sit his highest-paid player. Cimini further reports that the Jets plan on cutting the 28-year-old before his $16.8MM salary becomes guaranteed in March.

The Jets decided to extend Wilkerson after a 12.5 sack performance in 2015. But he’s disappointed since then, collecting just eight sacks in 28 games, including only 3.5 sacks this season.

Here’s more stories surrounding Gang Green:

In another story from Cimini, he passes along that while the Jets will finish under-.500 for the second season in a row, Bowles should still be the team’s head coach come Week 1 next year based on what Jets ownership has said throughout this season. Acting owner Christopher Johnson emphasized early on the word “progress” over “playoffs” and it seems like the team has made a lot of strides in Bowles’ third go around with the franchise. The Jets have been in nearly every game this year without the talent you expect from a at least a mildly competitive team. “You just keep your head down and just keep working,” Bowles said. “We’re in every game. We’re not closing them out. We’re not finishing them. For whatever reason, we’re not making plays in the fourth quarter to finish these games. You keep working and you keep trying to find a solution.” Cimini only sees the Jets ownership firing Bowles if there is a dramatic shift in philosophy, even though there’s be nothing to signal that there is a change in the way Johnson is thinking about the future of the organization.
Former fourth round pick Bryce Petty continues to struggle in a starting role for the Jets. Cimini notes that since he made his first start in 2016, the former Baylor quarterback has thrown at least one interception and no more than one touchdown in every start he’s made. Without veteran QB Josh McCown, the team has taken a major step back with Petty under center, which has caused a lot of frustration around the team, according to Brian Costello of the Brian Costello of the New York Post. “Bryce needs to work his way through things,” Bowles explained. “It’s only his second game starting this year. He needs to go through that.” However, it’s clear that after two separate tryouts in the past two seasons, Petty doesn’t look like he’s going to be a major factor on the Jets QB depth chart moving forward.
Costello also reports that backup quarterback Christian Hackenberg was close to relieving Petty at some point in the second half, but Bowles ultimately decided to keep him on the sideline. “Bryce is the backup quarterback,” Bowles explained. “He won it in the summer. You put the backup in. You don’t put a three over a two. Christian is not that bad. Bryce did not have a good ballgame. It’s only his second start. I’m not going to sit here and condemn the guy because he didn’t play well in week two of starting this year after not playing all year.” Hackenberg has been notably absent from the quarterback conversation since he was drafted by New York in the second of the 2016 NFL Draft. Many pundits understood that he was raw coming out of Penn State, but it’s been surprising that he has gotten zero snaps in what’s been two lost seasons for the franchise. The lack of playing time certainly points to the Jets looking for another long-term option either in the draft or the free agent market for next year’s team.

Coach Notes: Jackson, Patricia, Coordinators

December 25th, 2017 at 10:01am CST by GregGoldstein

Hue Jackson has accumulated a stunningly poor 1-30 record in almost two seasons as the head coach of the Browns. However, despite his poor performance, he looks to be safe for next season. Other factors such as a lack of talent and a disfunctional front office certainly play a big role in the team’s failures, but basic logic must win out in determining his coaching future, opines Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.

La Canfora notes that while Jackson appears to be “immune to review” at the moment, the team should be thinking about moving on from their second-year head coach. It’s not ideal for a franchise that has shuffled through many coaches in the past, but La Canfora argues that the job is more attractive then some may think when just observing this season.

New general manager John Dorsey has a track record of success and the team could be bringing in a young franchise QB with the number one pick, even though Josh Rosen has reportedly had some reservations about going to Cleveland.

La Canfora notes that finding a better replacement to Jackson shouldn’t be hard, even if the team is unlikely to do so given most of the reports coming from Browns ownership.

Here’s more notes from around the coaching carousel:

The Lions have stood behind head coach Jim Caldwell for the past four seasons, despite not winning a playoff game. However, it may be time for the franchise to move on after the team lost to the Bengals on Sunday. Patriots defense coordinator Matt Patricia may be a prime candidate if the job opens up because of his relationship with current Lions general manager Bob Quinn, according to Alex Marvez of Sporting News (Twitter link). The two men worked together in New England when Quinn was a high level decision maker in the Patriots front office, so the hire would be a natural fit.
The Redskins missed the playoffs for the second straight season, but could still lose their quarterback coach Kevin O’Connell to another opportunity. O’Connell is reported to be a “top target” for the UCLA offensive coordinator post, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). New Bruins head coach Chip Kelly is looking for another offensive mind to add to his staff and the offensive coordinator job would be a difficult position to turn down if O’Connell was offered, according to Rapoport. Under O’Connell’s guidance, Kirk Cousins has continued to produce solid numbers in 2017, which has certainly helped make him more sought after for promotions at the collegiate level.
There’s a number of attractive coordinators who will be free agents this offseason. Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL.com run down a list that includes defensive coordinators: Gus Bradley, Paul Guenther, Vic Fangio and George Edwards. They mention that Bradley in particular is an odd situation because he signed just a one-year deal with the Chargers last offseason and has a great track record as a defensive coordinator with the Seahawks as well. At the moment, the Chargers have the third ranked scoring defense in the league, which should help make him in high demand for open defensive coordinator jobs after this season is over. Guenther on the other hand has been mentioned has a potential replacement for longtime Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, although he would be free to look at other opportunities should the team opt to go in a different direction. The article also makes note that popular Eagles quarterback coach John DeFilippo and Cowboys passing game coordinator Matt Eberflus would bring widespread interest as well if they move on from their current teams.

Bills RB Travaris Cadet Out For The Season

December 25th, 2017 at 9:23am CST by GregGoldstein

The Bills are still alive in the playoff race, but will be without backup running back Travaris Cadet for the rest of the season because of a dislocated ankle he suffered vs. the Patriots, reports Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link).

Wilson adds that the 28-year-old will have is ankle reset on Wednesday and should be on track to make a full recovery in 12 weeks. The former undrafted free agent had carved out a bit of a role in Buffalo as the change of pace back when LeSean McCoy was off the field. Cadet was cut by the Jets back in October, but quickly caught on with division rival Bills for the past six games.

In his sixth season in the league, Cadet caught 16 balls for over 100 yards, while also averaging over four yards per carry during his time in Buffalo.

Without Cadet, head coach Sean McDermott will likely rely even McCoy even more to create offense out of the backfield in Week 17. Veteran running back Mike Tolbert is the only backup at the position on the roster, so expect the Bills to either promote practice squad running back Marcus Murphy or bring in a free agent to provide some depth in the backfield.

Buffalo must win on the road in Miami next week to keep their playoff hopes alive. Though they also need some help from the likes of the Ravens, Titans and Chargers.

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