2018 May - Pro Football Rumors

Cardinals Meet With Tre Boston

May 30th, 2018 at 2:30pm CST by Zachary Links

Boston to Arizona? On Wednesday afternoon, the Cardinals will meet with free agent safety Tre Boston, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (on Twitter). Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (Twitter link) first reported that Boston was en route to Arizona.

The Cardinals intend to use safety Budda Baker at nickelback in certain packages, helping to fill the void left by Tyrann Mathieu‘s departure. In those instances, Boston could help hold down the fort at safety.

The Raiders, Browns, and Giants expressed interest in Boston back in March, but we haven’t heard much on that front in recent weeks. The Colts met with Boston about two weeks ago, but he left Indianapolis without a deal.

The market has been painfully slow for free agent safeties this year. In addition to Boston, longtime starters Kenny Vaccaro and Eric Reid are also unemployed as of this writing.

Last year, Boston had to settle for a one-year deal with the Chargers. He was hoping to land a multi-year deal this year, but at this point it looks like he’ll have to settle for yet another platform contract.

In 2017, Boston started in 15 of his 16 games for the Chargers and totaled 79 tackles with eight passes defensed. Heading into the start of free agency in March, we had Boston ranked as the third-best safety available.

Derek Anderson Bids Farewell To Panthers

May 30th, 2018 at 12:38pm CST by Zachary Links

It appears the Panthers and quarterback Derek Anderson are going their separate ways. On Wednesday, Anderson wished farewell to the Panthers organization and its fans.

“I appreciated my time with the Panthers more than any of you know,” Anderson tweeted. “Charlotte is where our family started and grew to 5! So much love! I came to you guys when I needed you more than you needed me. Nothing but love for all my teammates and coaches that made me a better person! Can’t forget all of the great Panther fans as well and the many great memories our family will carry with us forever.”

It’s not immediately clear whether Anderson, who turns 35 in a couple of weeks, will look to continue his career. We haven’t heard Anderson’s name much in recent months, except for when Panthers GM Marty Hurney left the door open to his return in April. However, recent comments from head coach Ron Rivera suggested the Panthers would not be adding another player to the backup QB competition.

Anderson has 76 career NFL appearances under his belt, but he has not seen consistent action since his 2010 campaign with the Cardinals. He is best known for leading the 2007 Browns to a 10-5 record in 15 starts and serving as Cam Newton‘s backup for the last seven years.

Chargers Sign TE Austin Roberts

May 30th, 2018 at 12:14pm CST by Zachary Links

The Chargers have signed tight end Austin Roberts, according to a team announcement. Roberts will compete for a spot on the roster following the loss of starting tight end Hunter Henry.

Roberts, an undrafted free agent out of UCLA, is likely not viewed as a one-for-one replacement for the injured Henry. However, it is interesting that the team’s first tight end move was not a reunion with accomplished veteran Antonio Gates.

“Well, shoot, I’d always be excited if he walked back in the door obviously,” quarterback Philip Rivers said this week when asked about the idea of Gates returning to the Chargers. “That’s something that [GM] Tom [Telesco] and [owner] John [Spanos]and coach [Anthony Lynn] and those guys I’m sure will discuss and see about bringing anybody in for that matter, but certainly [Gates’ return] would get my vote.”

Rivers isn’t the only one who thinks signing Gates would be a logical move. In a recent poll, more than three-quarters of PFR readers said the Bolts should reunite with Gates.

Roberts, a 6’2″, 230-pound tight end, had 19 receptions for 220 yards and two scores last year for the Bruins. He appeared in 24 total games across three seasons at UCLA.

To make room on the roster for Roberts, the Bolts released long snapper Anthony Kukwa.

Broncos’ Deiontrez Mount To Miss Season

May 30th, 2018 at 12:01pm CST by Zachary Links

Deiontrez Mount‘s season has ended before it could even begin. The linebacker suffered a torn Achilles while rushing the quarterback during OTA practices and will have season-ending surgery this week, according to Mike Klis of 9News.

Mount played in the Broncos’ final seven games last season as a core special teams player and recorded six tackles in total. Before joining the Broncos’ practice squad last year (and eventually earning a promotion), Mount spent time with the Titans and Colts.

Mount’s injury could improve the chances of fellow linebackers Stansly Maponga, Marcus Rush, Jerrol Garcia-Williams, Joseph Jones, and sixth-round pick Keishawn Bierria as they look to make the final cut. The Broncos project to start Shane Ray, Brandon Marshall, Todd Davis, and Von Miller at linebacker in their 3-4 set with Shaquil Barrett, Zaire Anderson, and fourth-round pick Josey Jewell among their primary backups.

After a disappointing 2017, the Broncos retooled their team in hopes of getting back on track. This week, PFR readers were asked to vote on which team had the best offseason in the AFC West and the Broncos are not far from the lead.

Latest On Jeff Fisher

May 30th, 2018 at 11:43am CST by Zachary Links

Jeff Fisher has been out of the coaching world since being fired by the Rams in 2016. Apparently, he has had opportunities to come back to the sidelines as an assistant coach, but he is holding out for another head coaching gig.

“I’ve had opportunities to stay in it, but I don’t see myself coming back and coordinating,” Fisher told SiriusXM. “As we all know, success in the National Football League is built on a number of different things. And it starts with the quarterback and you’ve got to stay healthy and you’ve got to hit things running and you’ve got to have a good staff, all those things. So getting out for a year or two, I don’t think that should, by any teams, eliminate somebody.”

At 173-165-1, Fisher has the 12th-most wins in NFL history. However, a Fisher-led team has not made the playoffs since 2008 when he was with the Titans.

You can never say never on Fisher’s candidacy, but he would not be the most exciting hire for a team. Fisher has had five 8-8 seasons and four 7-9 seasons (plus one 7-8-1 campaign) as head coach, numbers that have largely overshadowed his success in Tennessee. In his nearly five year run with the Rams, Fisher went 31-45-1 with no playoff appearances.

Fisher says that he has been contacted by networks for broadcasting opportunities over the last couple of years, but he declined because he did not believe that former rivals like Seahawks coach Pete Carroll would give him information in pre-production meetings. But, if Fisher does not get the head coaching opportunity he’s after, he says he’ll reconsider television.

Fisher, who has the 12th-most wins in NFL history, celebrated his 60th birthday this past winter.

Cowboys To Sign RB Darius Jackson

May 30th, 2018 at 9:56am CST by Zachary Links

Darius Jackson is back in Dallas. On Wednesday, the Cowboys agreed to terms with their former sixth-round pick, according to Clarence Hill of the Star Telegram.

Jackson did not see the field with the Cowboys in 2016 as he was buried behind the likes of Ezekiel Elliott and Alfred Morris. In December, the team cut him to make room for Darren McFadden, who was returning from injury. The Cowboys were hoping to sneak him on to the practice squad, but the Browns claimed him, utilizing their top waiver priority to beat out the Eagles, Giants, and 49ers. Clearly, word had gotten out about Jackson’s impressive performance on the practice field.

Unfortunately, a knee injury cost Jackson all of 2017, which halted his momentum. He’ll now look to compete with Rod Smith, Trey Williams, and seventh-round pick Bo Scarbrough for a backup spot behind Elliott.

Jackson put himself on the NFL map in his senior year at Eastern Michigan. After spending his first three years as a part-time player, Jackson ran for 1,088 yards off of 208 carries, giving him an eye-popping 5.2 yards per carry average. He also had 14 rushing touchdowns plus 21 catches for 201 yards and two scores.

Packers To Sign Byron Bell

May 30th, 2018 at 9:32am CST by Zachary Links

The Packers have beefed up their offensive line. Veteran Byron Bell announced on Instagram that he has signed with the Packers.

Bell spent the first four seasons of his career with the Panthers before hooking on with the Titans in 2015. He missed all of 2016 with a foot injury, but returned in 2017 with the Cowboys where he appeared in 12 games at left tackle and made two starts. Bell’s 243 snaps last year were the lowest of any of his career seasons. All in all, he has started in 74 games across six years.

Bell has spent the bulk of his pro career at right tackle, but also offers experience at left tackle and left guard. With the ability to potentially play four positions on the line, Bell could be primed for a supersub role in Green Bay. And, with Bryan Bulaga and starting left guard Lane Taylor off the practice field as they recover from injuries, he’ll get plenty of reps this summer to show what he can do.

“I think it’s a heck of an opportunity for guys to rotate in there and do a lot of things now,” offensive line coach James Campen said last week (via Bill Huber of 247 Sports). “We’re getting (in the) team period 14 reps or 16 reps, but it’s the work we get to do on the side with them. Now, they get to have bags in front of them and those type of things. You move guys here and there. You use it as an advantage, because as we’ve seen before at times. You have to put guys in and move guys around. People get really comfortable with guys they’ve worked with. You try to rep a lot of that as well as looking at the evaluations. I look at it as a positive thing. Obviously, you’d love to have Bryan and everybody out there doing their thing, but be that as it may, even if everything was there, there’d still be some rotation and some things going on.”

In theory, Bell could even push for the starting right guard job as last year’s starter Jahri Evans remains in free agent limbo. As of this writing, Justin McCray projects as the team’s top RG option.

Extra Points: Kendricks, Eagles, McCain, Seahawks

May 29th, 2018 at 9:53pm CST by Ben Levine

Mychal Kendricks visited with the Vikings earlier today. While the free agent left without an offer, it sounds like he’d certainly welcome playing in Minnesota. After all, it’d provide the linebacker with an opportunity to play with his brother, Eric Kendricks.

“Oh, man, it’d be a dream come true. I’d be awesome. That’s my best friend,” the former Eagles defender told Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (Twitter link). “To strive for a championship (with Eric) would be awesome…Playing with my bro would be cool, and it’s a rare opportunity.’’

Predictably, Kendricks indicated that his brother is putting on the full-court press when it comes to recruiting.

“He’s doing all that he can,” Kendricks said (Twitter link). “He’s let me know what the team’s all about…But he knows in the end I’m going to make my decision based off the things that are presented to me.’’

Let’s take a look at some more notes from around the league…

Kendricks, who was released by the Eagles last week, said he wasn’t surprised by the transaction. “I didn’t ask to be released but I asked for a trade a year prior to this,” he told Tomasson (via Twitter). “[S]o, yeah, I’m trying to be in a situation where I can play big role and really contribute.’’
Dolphins‘ cornerback Bobby McCain had a breakout campaign in 2017, rating out as one of Pro Football Focus’ top players at the position. The former fifth-rounder finished the campaign having compiled 48 tackles, one sack, seven passes defended, and two interceptions. After such a productive season, reporters naturally asked the 24-year-old if he’s been approached about an extension. “I mean, I um, I mean I…” McCain stammered (via Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald). “No, I’m just going out and trying to play my best ball.” The defensive back is an impending free agent, but the Dolphins currently have little money to work with… until this weekend, when the team will free up $17MM in cap space due to the Ndamukong Suh move.
For what it’s worth, it sounds like McCain is more focused on helping his team succeed. “It’s a contract year,” McCain said. “There’s no secret at the end of the day, but me personally, I think just go out and play. If you go out and play ball, it will end up well for you at the end of the day. You win ballgames, everybody gets paid. Period. That’s just how it is. You go out, take a team to the playoffs, go deep in the playoffs, go to the Super Bowl, everybody gets paid.”
Players are starting to get used to Seahawks new offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer. It’s the first time for many of these players (including Russell Wilson and Doug Baldwin) playing under a new coordinator, but the offensive standouts are excited for the opportunity. “It has been a change, obviously,” Baldwin told John Boyle of Seahawks.com. “We’re excited about it though. There’s two ways you can go with the unknown: you can be fearful of it or you can be excited about it. With a lot of new faces, the young guys, a new system, a new, different energy, we’re excited about it. We’ve got an opportunity to put something special together again—I don’t want to say starting over—but kind of reloading if you will. It’s an exciting time for us.”

Latest On Cowboys DE Randy Gregory

May 29th, 2018 at 8:56pm CST by Ben Levine

Today, Cowboys Vice President Stephen Jones provided a brief update on Randy Gregory. While the executive didn’t have a lot of news regarding the suspended player’s reinstatement, he did indicate that the process was “proceeding.” This would provide some optimism that the defensive end could return in time for training camp.

“You know, I know it’s proceeding,” Jones told Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Dallas Star-Telegram. “We don’t have anything to report differently, other than that I know he’s wanting to move forward with the appeal. I don’t really have anything new to report on that front, other than that. I know he’s done the application process, but I’m pretty sure he hasn’t had the actual appeal. It’s in the league’s hands.”

The embattled 25-year-old applied for reinstatement last week, and the NFL has 60 days to approve the application. The 2015 second-rounder initially earned a pair of suspensions during his rookie campaign, forcing him to miss 14 total games. Gregory returned late in the 2016 campaign, but he was subsequently slapped with at least a full-year ban for a failed test and a missed test. The Nebraska product recently spent more than one month in intensive rehab for drug and alcohol use, and he’s also received counseling.

Gregory was a highly-touted prospect heading into the 2015 draft, but a failed marijuana test caused his draft stock to fall. In 14 career games, the defensive end has compiled 15 tackles and one sack.

Teams Have Asked Cowboys About Dez Bryant

May 29th, 2018 at 7:59pm CST by Ben Levine

Since rejecting the Ravens’ offer back in April, Dez Bryant hasn’t been able to generate a whole lot of reported interest from NFL teams. However, Cowboys’ Vice President Stephen Jones said plenty of teams have checked in on the team’s former star receiver.

“You know at the (NFL owners) meetings I have had different conversations about him,” Jones told Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Dallas Star-Telegram. “At the competition committee meeting, some of the coaches there speak to it. I’m sure other coaches have called our coaches and wanted input on him. The greatest thing about Dez is he is a fierce competitor. I think he is now more driven and more competitive than he has ever been. We wish him nothing but the best.”

After having spent eight years in Dallas, the Cowboys let go of the 29-year-old is mid-April. Bryant did get an offer from the Ravens, but the three-time Pro Bowler rejected the multiyear deal. Reports indicated that the receiver was seeking a lucrative one-year contract that would boost his value for next year’s free agency.

Despite his demands, Jones expressed surprise that Bryant still hasn’t caught on with a team.

“I am sure Dez is being thoughtful,” Jones said on Tuesday. ”I don’t know the details as to why he hasn’t picked a home. I am sure he is being very thoughtful about it. I am sure he has good people talking to him too. I am sure at the end of the day he is being thoughtful about what his next steps should be. I am sure he is working hard. No one is rooting for Dez more than we are.”

Of course, teams may be underwhelmed by Bryant’s 2017 season and are ignoring him entirely. The wideout played in 16 games for the first time since 2014, but he finished with only 69 receptions for 838 yards, and six touchdowns.