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Month: December 2024

Patriots Deal No. 43 Pick To Lions

April 27th, 2018 at 6:53pm CST by Sam Robinson

Former coworkers Bill Belichick and Bob Quinn have made a deal. The Lions have moved into the No. 43 spot, and the Patriots will slide down in the second round, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter).

New England will acquire picks 51 and 117, per ESPN.com’s Field Yates (Twitter link). The Pats entered the draft without a fourth-round pick; they now own one.

With the pick, the Lions drafted running back Kerryon Johnson. The Lions have struggled on the ground for a while now, and they’re bringing the Auburn-developed back to attempt to re-route their ground attack.

Johnson will join a backfield corps that includes Ameer Abdullah and LeGarrette Blount. He represents the franchise’s biggest investment at this position since Abdullah came to Detroit via 2015 second-round selection.

Titans Acquire No. 41 Pick From Raiders

April 27th, 2018 at 6:45pm CST by Sam Robinson

After trading up to land Rashaan Evans in Round 1, the Titans have moved up again. The Titans acquired the No. 41 overall pick from the Raiders, Jeff Howe of The Athletic tweets.

The Titans continued to add to their front seven, selecting Boston College pass rusher Harold Landry. Oakland now owns an additional third-round pick, No. 89, and moved into Tennessee’s No. 57 slot in the second round, per Field Yates of ESPN.com (on Twitter).

Landry was projected by most to go off the board on Thursday night, but some teams had concerns about the edge defender’s medical history. Landry missed nearly half of Boston College’s 2017 season with an ankle malady. This and a back issue concerned some teams. However, it looks to be clear the Titans were not one of them.

The Titans have added two players to their second level, with Landry likely slotting in at outside linebacker in Tennessee’s 3-4 set. Landry dominated as a junior, registering 16.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss.

Draft Notes: Penny, Chiefs, Jets, Jackson

April 27th, 2018 at 5:36pm CST by Sam Robinson

Excepting the Eli Manning-for-Philip Rivers exchange, NFL draft trades rarely unfold like NBA draft-night swaps, with teams making picks and then sending players elsewhere. But the Seahawks indicated such an offer emerged on Thursday night. After they’d made their somewhat surprising Rashaad Penny selection at No. 27, John Schneider said (via Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times) another team called them to try and acquire the running back. Schneider said that was the first time he’d seen such an offer as an NFL executive. Schneider said he would have authorized a Penny pick at No. 18, which would have been even more interesting since the San Diego State product was viewed as a fringe first-round prospect going into the night, and the Seahawks obviously held onto their new rookie after the surely strange phone call.

Here’s more from the draft world going into Night 2.

  • Despite talk connecting the Jets to Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen, and (to a lesser extent) Josh Rosen before the draft, Sam Darnold was the top quarterback on their board, Manish Mehta of the Daily News tweets. The Jets did not expect Darnold to be on the board at No. 3, hence the franchise’s late maneuvering to secure more face time with its top QB prospect.
  • The Chiefs made two blockbuster trades this offseason, and the team unloading Marcus Peters for second- and fourth-round draft choices deprives Kansas City of what was probably a top-three player on its roster. The now-Brett Veach-run franchise had discussions of moving up from No. 54 and all the way into the first round, and they’ve been reportedly considering a trade-up sequence in Round 2. Albert Breer of SI.com reports the Chiefs discussed moving into the Eagles‘ No. 32 spot last night before the Ravens did so and that a move north tonight will be with a cornerback acquisition in mind. The Chiefs traded for Kendall Fuller and signed David Amerson, but their defense — the No. 30 DVOA unit with Peters — still has a need at this spot.
  • Some evaluators think that Lamar Jackson‘s best position in the NFL would be at wide receiver, but don’t tell that to Ravens offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. When asked about his plans for the Louisville product, he said, “[Jackson] is a quarterback. Done.” (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero). He also emphasized that Joe Flacco will remain the team’s starter.

Rakeem Nunez-Roches Signs RFA Tender

April 27th, 2018 at 4:45pm CST by Sam Robinson

A rotational presence on recent Chiefs defensive lines, Rakeem Nunez-Roches signed his RFA tender, per Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (on Twitter), and will return to Kansas City for a fourth season.

The Belize native’s signing leaves Falcons safety Ricardo Allen as the only unsigned restricted free agent. Allen was given a second-round tender, while the Chiefs tagged Nunez-Roches with an original-round tender worth $1.9MM.

Nunez-Roches started 11 games for the Chiefs last season and five for the 2016 version. He played 390 snaps last season and registered a half-sack and made 24 tackles. Entering his age-25 season, he’ll rerejoin a Chiefs front that figures to see some augmentation in the draft. Kansas City, though, signed RFA Xavier Williams from the Cardinals and still has Allen Bailey to complement its Chris Jones-centered defensive line.

The deadline for RFAs to sign offer sheets elsewhere has passed, leaving Allen in limbo. The Falcons can withdraw their $2.9MM tender after June 15, so some action in this process should be expected by then.

Draft Rumors: Sutton, Chargers, Landry

April 27th, 2018 at 4:17pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Cowboys exited Round 1 without taking a wide receiver, but the team is aiming for one in the second round. Dallas is hoping SMU’s Courtland Sutton is available, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports tweets. La Canfora notes the Saints are also interested in Sutton, whom some mocks had going in Round 1. New Orleans’ interest is noteworthy due to the deep arsenal of wide receivers on its roster, with Cameron Meredith now in the fold and Brandon Coleman having re-signed. But Ted Ginn is now 33. The Cowboys, conversely, need a wideout now after cutting Dez Bryant. Coupled with the news of Jason Witten‘s rumored departure and it’s logical to assume the Cowboys will exit Day 2 with a pass-catcher. Dallas’ next pick is at No. 50, and rumors of a possible Earl Thomas swap have emerged. Should the Cowboys unload their second-round selection for the All-Pro safety, they will almost certainly miss out on Sutton being there. And they may even have to trade up to land him regardless.

Here’s the latest from the draft world as Day 2 looms:

  • The Chargers have not drafted a quarterback since 2013, but La Canfora tweets a lot of buzz has surfaced about the Bolts’ interest in Mason Rudolph. Viewed as this draft’s sixth-best quarterback prospect, Rudolph may require the Chargers to trade up. The Bolts did their homework on this draft’s quarterback prospects, and that included a workout with the Oklahoma State passer.
  • And the Bolts are indeed considering a trade-up from their No. 48 position, per La Canfora, who adds the Chiefs are inquiring about a move north as well (Twitter link). Kansas City considered moving into the back end of the first round but decided against, and Brett Veach said those talks weren’t too close to producing a deal. However, the Chiefs don’t pick until No. 54 and have several needs across their defense.
  • Boston College standout pass rusher Harold Landry is still be on the board entering Round 2, and injury concerns may be at the root of it. Some teams have flagged Landry for medical reasons, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports (on Twitter), adding knee and back issues have impeded a possible pick. Landry played in only eight games for Boston College last season, missing time with an ankle malady. However, he registered 16.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss as a junior in 2016. It may be up to a team that doesn’t view Landry’s issues as enough of an investment deterrent to take him off the board Friday night.
  • The Browns are high on Georgia running back Nick Chubb, La Canfora notes (via Twitter). Cleveland was linked to Saquon Barkley but didn’t have a chance to get him at No. 4. John Dorsey acquired the reigning NFL rushing champion, Kareem Hunt, in the third round last year. The Browns recently signed Carlos Hyde and have Duke Johnson entering a contract year.
  • Former Wichita State basketball player Shaq Morris has an interesting decision on his hands, it appears. Morris is determining if he will try to make an NBA push or, per Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (on Twitter), try his hand at an NFL career. The 6-foot-7, 270-pound athlete averaged a career-high 14.0 points per game last season for the Shockers and finished as the now-American Athletic Conference program’s all-time dunks leader. Garafolo reports Morris has hired NFL agent David Canter and will entertain interest from teams. Morris played high school football and may be attempting to follow in the footsteps of Antonio Gates, Julius Thomas and others whose college careers mostly commenced on basketball courts.

Chargers Won’t Re-Sign TE Antonio Gates

April 27th, 2018 at 3:50pm CST by Zachary Links

Antonio Gates’ time with the Chargers appears to be over. The Bolts informed the tight end this offseason that they do not plan to bring him back to Los Angeles, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. However, Gates wants to continue playing, so it sounds like he’ll finish his career elsewhere.

Gates will turn 38 in June, but he believes that he still has something left in the tank. The Chargers do not necessarily agree. Last year, he saw less targets than youngster Hunter Henry and finished out with just 30 catches for 316 yards and three touchdowns. Those were his lowest totals in each category since his 2003 season.

The NFL’s all-time leader in touchdown receptions among tight ends with 114, Gates served in a complementary role last season. He caught three TD passes to eclipse Tony Gonzalez in this category, but the 30 receptions and 316 yards marked significant production dips from his 2016 slate.

The eight-time Pro Bowl pass-catcher has only played for one team since coming into the league as a UDFA out of Kent State. But the Bolts look set to turn to Henry, who has emerged as their go-to tight end in his two seasons. Gates signed a two-year deal with the Chargers in 2016 and made $11MM. He’ll surely have to play on a one-year commitment if he lands elsewhere.

Jerry Jones: Jason Witten Might Not Retire

April 27th, 2018 at 2:54pm CST by Zachary Links

Jerry Jones said Friday he’s met several times with Jason Witten and that no decision has been made. The Cowboys owner said the future Hall of Fame tight end will take a few days before he makes an official decision, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Although, Rapoport adds Witten has made his decision to step away after 15 seasons.

ESPN.com’s Chris Mortensen reported earlier today that Witten plans to move into broadcasting, joining the revamped Monday Night Football crew for the 2018 season. If Witten follows through on his retirement plans, it stands to reason that the Cowboys will select a tight end in Round 2 or 3 of the draft on Friday night. However, Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones‘ comments indicate that might not happen.

“We feel really good about our tight ends,” Jones said on 105.3 (on Twitter). “With what we have on our roster with [Geoff Swaim, Blake Jarwin, and Rico Gathers], we got some really good football players. We don’t think we’re going into a season without a good tight end.”

The Ravens selected Hayden Hurst in the first round, but top tight ends Dallas Goedert, Mike Gesicki, and Mark Andrews remain available should the Cowboys look to fortify the position. Having just released Dez Bryant, the Cowboys are in need of wide receiver help as well. Both Witten and Bryant being out of the picture will signal a major changing of the guard in Dallas, creating key needs in the process.

49ers Sign Jaquiski Tartt To Extension

April 27th, 2018 at 2:07pm CST by Sam Robinson

The 49ers are operating in high gear on Friday, having already traded one starter. Now, they’ve signed another to an extension.

The team announced a two-year re-up for safety Jaquiski Tartt. This will pay Tartt $13MM and could max out at $15MM, Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets. With Tartt having one more year left on his rookie deal, he’s now under 49ers control through the 2020 season.

A second-round pick in 2015, Tartt has only been extension-eligible for a few months now. But the franchise has evidently seen enough from him to make a commitment.

“Since we arrived last year, Jaquiski has impressed us with his play, his work ethic and the kind of teammate he is,” GM John Lynch said. “We believe he’s a natural fit in our defensive system and his abilities will allow him to flourish. It is always exciting when we are able to extend our own young players like Jaquiski who are dedicated to their craft, this team and our community.”

A part-time starter for his first two seasons, Tartt broke into a full-time role in 2017. Although he suffered a forearm injury that ended his season after just nine games, the 49ers appear to have had this on their agenda for a bit now. The Samford product joins Jimmie Ward, tentatively since Ward consistently vacillates between cornerback and safety, as San Francisco’s starting safeties.

The 26-year-old defender has 167 career tackles and two interceptions. He now figures to have a big role on higher-profile 49ers defenses after playing his career thus far on rebuilding San Francisco teams.

West Notes: Bradford, Raiders, Chiefs

April 27th, 2018 at 1:55pm CST by Zachary Links

The Cardinals gave Sam Bradford a hefty deal to be their starting quarterback in 2018, but that’s no longer a certainty after their selection of UCLA’s Josh Rosen in the first round.

“We got Sam to be our starting quarterback and I would still say that is the case,” coach Steve Wilks said when asked if Bradford will be the starter (via Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic). “I’m very excited about Josh … what he can bring. Every position is open for competition.”

The selection of Rosen marked the first time in 12 years the Cardinals drafted a quarterback in the first three rounds. They also gave up third- and fifth-round picks in order to advance to the No. 10 pick for him.

Clearly, the Cardinals believe that the future is very bright for Rosen, but he is also regarded by some as the most NFL-ready of any QB from this draft class. For Rosen and Arizona, the future could be the present.

Here’s more from the West divisions:

  • The Raiders converted $7.085MM center Rodney Hudson’s 2018 base salary into a bonus, creating $5.668MM in cap space, a league source tells Field Yates of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The move had to be made in order to make room for the Raiders’ draft class as well as the acquisition of wide receiver Martavis Bryant.
  • Due to the Raiders already paying Seth Roberts his $2MM roster bonus, the slot target’s $2.25MM 2018 salary is fully guaranteed. Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal tweets there are also incentives in Roberts’ deal — $150K for 45 receptions and another $150K if he eclipses his career-high mark (43 grabs last season) by a bigger margin and reaches 65 — and adds that Roberts may not be easy to move despite this draft featuring a less-than-stellar wideout contingent. But Oakland is trying to do so. Roberts has been Oakland’s primary slot man since the 2015 season, but his work has been consistently maligned by Pro Football Focus.
  • The Chiefs did not have a first-round pick on Thursday, but they did try to trade into the back end of the first round, as Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star writes. “I was (tempted),” GM Brett Veach said. “We make calls. But if you were to ask me, what were the odds of getting into round one, I would have said they were very low. But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t going to try. We certainly had dialogue from (picks) 27 to 32. But it had to make sense for us, both now and in the future. It never got close.” The Chiefs traded their first-rounder to the Bills for the right to select Patrick Mahomes last year.

Sam Robinson contributed to this report.

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