HEADLINES

Month: November 2024

Raiders Set To Jettison OL Vadal Alexander

July 30th, 2018 at 7:51pm CST by Sam Robinson

Despite being a seventh-round pick, Vadal Alexander served as a key depth piece for the Raiders during his first two NFL seasons. He started five games as a rookie and four last season.

But he appears to be on his way out of Oakland. Jon Gruden said Monday (via Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, on Twitter) the Raiders are likely to move on from the third-year blocker in the next few days.

In addition to being suspended for four games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances, Alexander did not report to Raiders camp. The Raiders also made significant additions to their offensive line this offseason, using a first-round pick on Kolton Miller and a second-round selection on Brandon Parker.

With two years remaining on his contract, the 24-year-old Alexander would be placed on waivers if the Raiders indeed cut ties with him.

North Rumors: Rodgers, Vikings, Browns

July 30th, 2018 at 7:26pm CST by Sam Robinson

Amid a months-long negotiating process with the Packers, Aaron Rodgers confirmed several types of contracts have surfaced during these talks. The two-time MVP has been linked to wanting a deal structure that provides more freedom for him, and the Packers may not be on board with that just yet. But Rodgers remains intent on spending his entire career in Green Bay.

“We’ve talked about a number of different types of deals. There’s obviously mutual interest on both sides in keeping me in Green Bay for the duration,” Rodgers said, via Albert Breer of SI.com. “That’s definitely what you want as a player. You see the rarity of it in sports, and you think about guys like Kobe (Bryant), guys like Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, who spent entire career with one organization, Tommy (Brady) in New England. It’s very rare. That would be the goal.”

The 14th-year quarterback broached the subject of his contract being a trend-setting agreement.

“As far as setting a trend or breaking down things, it’s great for the game and its players, for sure, when Kirk (Cousins) does a deal like he did,” Rodgers said of Cousins’ fully guaranteed Vikings deal. “The reality is, there’s not many teams that would do that, first of all. And there aren’t many teams that would do it for more than three years. So at some point, there are going to be contracts that will continue to extend that, and there’s been guys who’ve done it over the years, who’ve done monumental things, whether it’s Reggie White in free agency, that make a difference for the next generation. That’s something you can have as part of your legacy.”

  • Brian Gutekunst made a more concerted effort to bring in veterans to help the Rodgers-centered team win now, but Breer doesn’t get the sense the Packers believe time is running out to maximize this rare window. “I’d say this: He’s a young 34,” Mike McCarthy told Breer. “He had the first three years to sit behind Brett (Favre), and if you look at him physically, the last three, four years, he’s clearly in the best shape of his career.” Rodgers reiterated playing until he’s 40 is the “minimum” in terms of longevity he’s seeking, and he specified the baseline (as of now) he’d consider as his last year would be 2024 — when he’d turn 41 late that season.
  • Don’t expect the Vikings‘ kicker battle to end early. Minnesota will put incumbent Kai Forbath and fifth-round rookie Daniel Carlson in pressure situations during camp and will assess their standing during the early portion of preseason play, per Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (on Twitter), before considering jettisoning one of them.
  • Giovani Bernard profiles as an under-the-radar extension candidate, Jim Owczarski of the Cincinnati Enquirer writes. The Bengals already have their passing-down back signed through 2019 and drafted Joe Mixon in Round 2 last year, but Owczarski could see the Bengals approaching the 27-year-old Bernard with an extension proposal before the running back market reshapes after the Todd Gurley re-up.
  • The Browns worked out offensive lineman Jordan McCray over the weekend, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com tweets. Jordan is the twin brother of Packers lineman Justin McCray.

Packers Fear Serious Injury For Jake Ryan

July 30th, 2018 at 5:30pm CST by Sam Robinson

Jake Ryan enjoyed a breakout 2017 season, but the fourth-year linebacker may not have a chance to build on it. At least, not right away.

While it’s not certain just yet, the Packers fear one of their starting inside linebackers suffered a “significant and potentially season-ending” right knee injury, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports. Pro Football Focus’ No. 19 overall linebacker last season, Ryan suffered this setback during an 11-on-11 drill at Packers practice Monday.

The former fourth-round pick, who’s entering a contract year, has started 27 games with Green Bay since his rookie season. If it’s determined Ryan will miss time, Demovsky notes third-round rookie Oren Burks could be thrust into action alongside Blake Martinez. The Packers have also been impressed with rookie UDFA Greer Martini, per Demovsky.

Ryan played 506 snaps last season, and although his 79 tackles were well off Martinez’s league-leading 142, PFF preferred his coverage to Martinez’s work as Green Bay’s other primary linebacker.

Safety Kentrell Brice, whom Demovsky writes may be the leading candidate to replace Morgan Burnett, was also carted away from practice Monday. Brice was running with Green Bay’s first-string defense. Josh Jones, a 2017 second-round pick, replaced Brice with the starting defense.

Minor NFL Transactions: 7/30/18

July 30th, 2018 at 5:10pm CST by Zachary Links

Today’s minor moves:

Atlanta Falcons

Cleveland Browns

Jacksonville Jaguars

Oakland Raiders

Seattle Seahawks

AFC East Notes: Darnold, Pats, Patterson

July 30th, 2018 at 5:03pm CST by Sam Robinson

Sam Darnold ended his holdout on Monday, leaving Roquan Smith as the final unsigned rookie. But the Jets made some concessions to bring their long-term quarterback investment into camp. Offset language, bonus payments and guarantees served as sticking points for Darnold’s camp, and the Jets bent on two of these items. Darnold’s deal includes offsets, but he will receive his $20MM signing bonus payment within 15 days, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports (on Twitter). The Jets also agreed agreed to keep Darnold’s guarantees intact in the event he is fined in the future, per PFT (on Twitter). Florio notes the lump-sum bonus payment represents a rarity, and this surely indicates how badly the Jets wanted their QB in camp.

The Jets continue to believe Darnold can make a strong push to unseat Josh McCown from the starting job, Ralph Vacchiano of SNY.tv notes. A Jets official categorized Darnold as not being “hopelessly behind” by missing the first few days of camp. Jets officials have gushed about the USC-developed passer’s potential all offseason, so it’s unlikely he’ll be out of the running because of this holdout.

Here’s the latest from the AFC East:

  • Despite being a two-time All-Pro return man, Cordarrelle Patterson‘s been a specialist on special teams. The former Vikings and Raiders returner has specialized in kick returns. Bill Belichick hinted at the possibility of Patterson being a punt returner with the Patriots as well, but Mike Reiss of ESPN.com notes that hasn’t been the case in camp yet. Rookies Braxton Berrios and Riley McCarron have joined veterans Julian Edelman, Patrick Chung and Chris Hogan as the punt returners in Pats camp. Patterson has fielded precisely one punt in his five-year NFL career, so it shouldn’t surprise the Patriots confine him to kickoff returns.
  • Rookie Corey Bojorquez could push five-year incumbent Patriots punter Ryan Allen, per Reiss, who notes the New Mexico product probably has more natural talent than Allen. The sixth-year veteran has one year and $2MM remaining on an extension he signed in 2015.
  • Second-round Pats pick Duke Dawson is in the mix to win the nickel cornerback job, Reiss tweets. Florida’s seen several corners warrant high draft choices in recent years, and this one has a chance to play alongside Stephon Gilmore on passing downs. Reiss tabs Eric Rowe as being slightly ahead of Jason McCourty for work as the other starting corner.
  • The Jets worked out defensive lineman Drew Iddings over the weekend, Jourdan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer tweets. Iddings has bounced around the league for a couple of years, with the Panthers being the most recent team to cut him by doing so last week, but has yet to play in a regular-season game.
  • Former Cardinals tight end Troy Niklas latched on with the Patriots this spring, but New England released him last week. He’s still dealing with a sore knee stemming from a 2017 injury, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports (subscription required). However, Howe adds his New England’s depth chart at tight end also contributed to the move.

Colts Sign OT J’Marcus Webb

July 30th, 2018 at 3:22pm CST by Zachary Links

The Colts have signed offensive tackle J’Marcus Webb, according to a club announcement. To make room, the Colts waived-injured fellow offensive tackle Jared Machorro. J'Marcus Webb

Webb, 29, signed a two-year deal worth $6.25MM with the Seahawks prior to the 2016 campaign, a pact that contained nearly $2.5MM in guarantees. Slated to serve as Seattle’s right tackle, Webb made only three starts — and appeared in just eight total games — before being waived in November of ’16. In that half of a season, he earned a substantially below-average grade of 38.2 from Pro Football Focus. He has not seen the field since then.

Webb’s stop in Seattle wasn’t much to write home about, but he does offer 46 games of NFL experience, including 44 starts. With the Colts, he’ll work to become a reserve behind starting tackles Anthony Castonzo and Austin Howard.

NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Elliott, Eagles

July 30th, 2018 at 2:14pm CST by Zachary Links

Todd Gurley‘s new deal with the Rams is great news for Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott, Charean Williams of PFT writes.

“I think it’s great for running back position which has been devalued in the past couple of years,” Elliott said. “You have seen a trend of running backs being picked high, and after they have been picked high, their team has gotten better. So I think the league is finally noticing the value of the running back.”

Gurley’s new four-year, ~$60MM deal includes $45MM guaranteed and may set a new standard for talented running backs like Elliott. The Cowboys will have to shell out more money than previously anticipated to lock up Elliott for the long term, but the good news is that they don’t have to worry about a new deal right away. Barring something unexpected, the Cowboys will pick up Elliott’s fifth-year option for 2021. After that, they’ll have to address his next contract.

Here’s more from the NFC East:

  • Cowboys rookie wide receiver Cedrick Wilson is believed to have torn the labrum in his shoulder in practice, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). If the sixth rounder misses significant time, it’ll be a blow to the Cowboys’ WR depth. A timetable has not been determined, but owner Jerry Jones confirmed that he’ll be out for a while (Twitter link via Jon Machota of the Dallas News).
  • After participating fully in training camp, quarterback Carson Wentz looks like a good bet for the Eagles‘ opener, Les Bowen of the Philly News writes. The Eagles won’t put a timetable on Wentz, but offensive coordinator Mike Groh admits that he is encouraged by what he’s seen. “He looks comfortable,” Groh said. “Just settled right back into the saddle … to have Carson there — in some people’s minds ahead of schedule, but I know that was his target date — we’re excited to have him out there and working. It’s only going to make everybody better.”
  • Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer wonders if Michael Bennett is willing to take a lesser role with the Eagles‘ defensive line. Bennett, who came over from the Seahawks this offseason, says that he is angling to be the leading defensive producer for the Eagles. Meanwhile, hi usage and production will likely dictate his long-term future with the team. Bennett is under contract with the team through 2020, but he has no guaranteed cash remaining on his deal after 2019. If he stays with the team on his current pact, he’ll carry a $7MM cap number in 2019 and an $8MM figure in 2020.

Bengals’ Tyler Eifert Passes Physical

July 30th, 2018 at 1:52pm CST by Zachary Links

Great news for the Bengals. Tight end Tyler Eifert has passed his physical and has been removed from the offseason PUP list, the team announced on Monday. 

Eifert has been recovering from back surgery and his status for training camp was unclear. During voluntary offseason team activities, he was limited in his participation, but it sounds like he’s on the right track for summer practices and playing in Week 1.

When he’s on the field, Eifert is among the best tight ends in the game. Unfortunately, injuries have defined his career. The 2015 Pro Bowler has missed 51% of the Bengals’ regular season games since 2013. He missed 14 games last season and eight in 2016.

In March, Eifert re-signed with the Bengals for $5.5MM on a one-year deal. Needless to say, this is a pivotal season for Eifert’s future with the Bengals and his overall future in the league.

Falcons, Ricardo Allen Discussing Extension

July 30th, 2018 at 1:43pm CST by Zachary Links

After reaching a compromise with Julio Jones and locking up left tackle Jake Matthews, the Falcons are moving on to other offseason priorities. With that in mind, the Falcons are meeting with agent Drew Rosenhaus in Atlanta to discuss an extension for safety Ricardo Allen, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. 

The Falcons retained Allen this offseason by assigning the $2.914MM restricted free agent tender to him. He took his time before signing the deal, waiting until June to ink the contract. Allen took a small gamble by waiting to sign his tender, but the Falcons were unlikely to pull the given his past performance.

In four seasons with the team, Allen has played in 46 games, including 45 starts. All in all, he has made six interceptions, ten deflected passes, one fumble recovery, and 158 tackles. Allen has made it clear that he wants to play in Atlanta beyond the 2018 season and the interest in mutual.

Still, there are a couple of factors working against Rosenhaus and Allen. First, Rosenhaus will have to fight something of an uphill battle given the weakness of this year’s free agent market for safeties. The Falcons also must leave enough flexibility in the cap for a new deal with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett.

Panthers’ Ross Cockrell Suffers Broken Leg

July 30th, 2018 at 1:22pm CST by Zachary Links

More bad news for the Panthers. After key offensive lineman Daryl Williams dislocated his knee and tore his MCL yesterday, they were struck with another serious injury to a player expected to have a big role. Cornerback Ross Cockrell broke his leg, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). There’s no timetable for Cockrell’s recovery just yet, but the injury will certainly cost him regular season games. 

Cockrell, 27 in August, was sent to the Giants in a September 2017 trade that netted the Steelers a conditional seventh-round draft pick. A former fourth-round pick, Cockrell went on to start nine games for Big Blue, collecting three interceptions and grading as the NFL’s No. 39 cornerback among 120 qualifiers, per Pro Football Focus. This offseason, the Panthers signed him to a two-year, $6.8MM contract.

In 2017, Cockrell finished first in Football Outsiders’ success rate, which measures cornerbacks on their ability to consistently stop opposing wideouts short of the sticks. In fact, Cockrell was one of only eight defenders who stopped a receiver short of a successful gain on over half their tackles a season ago, as FO’s Aaron Schatz tweeted earlier this year. The league has consistently undervalued him and his skillset, but the Panthers recognized his ability and were looking forward to what he could contribute this year.

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