HEADLINES

Month: November 2024

South Notes: Brissett, Colts, Falcons, Saints, Bucs

March 2nd, 2019 at 7:22pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

When Andrew Luck missed the entire 2017 season, Jacoby Brissett ended up becoming the Colts’ starter after they acquired him from New England, and he filled in admirably. He’s remained in Indianapolis since then, despite trade rumors swirling ever since. Colts GM Chris Ballard said in January that the team viewed Brissett as a starter in the league, and that they’d have to be blown away to trade him.

We now have more details on their thinking, as sources at the combine told Tony Pauline of Draftanalyst.com that the Colts “would demand a second-round choice ” for Brissett. Pauline further explained their process, writing that if Brissett walks in free agency after this season the Colts think “they would likely receive a compensatory third-round pick based on the contract he’s likely to sign; hence the second-round price tag.” This could all just be posturing to elicit better offers for Brissett, but it definitely seems like the team is high on him.

Here’s more from the league’s southern divisions:

  • The Falcons have repeatedly expressed confidence that they’d be able to get a new deal done with Julio Jones, but there’s “not much going on” between the two sides, a source told Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Jones is locked into a contract that is one of the best bargains in the NFL, and isn’t happy about it. He briefly held out last offseason before the team sweetened his deal with some incentives to draw him back. As McClure points out, GM Thomas Dimitroff has said the team is optimistic against getting a deal done, but there’s apparently been no progress. Jones could hold out again this summer, and it’ll be something to keep an eye on.
  • There were some rumors online that the Buccaneers could be shopping linebacker Lavonte David at the combine, but those apparently are false. Multiple sources told Jenna Laine of ESPN.com that David “is going nowhere.” David is still only 29 and received very good marks from Pro Football Focus last year, so it makes sense that the Bucs would want to keep him in the fold as they rebuild their porous defense.
  • The Saints are hiring former NFL linebacker Michael Wilhoite to their coaching staff, according to Josh Katzenstein of NOLA.com. Wilhoite will be a special teams assistant in New Orleans. Wilhoite played six seasons in the NFL from ’12-17, spending time with the 49ers and Seahawks.

NFC East Notes: Beckham Jr., Giants, Eagles, Cowboys

March 2nd, 2019 at 5:45pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

There’s been a lot of renewed discussion about the possibility of an Odell Beckham Jr. trade recently. Beckham Jr. was shopped last offseason, but a mega-extension he signed just before the season seemed to put any trade talk to rest. Just a year into his new record breaking deal however, the rumors have popped up again after Beckham Jr. clashed with his new coaching staff this past weekend. Speaking at the combine this week Giants GM Dave Gettleman didn’t completely shut the door on a potential trade, but said the team “didn’t sign Odell to trade him.”

To that end, Ralph Vacchiano of SNY says the Giants won’t get serious about trading him “unless they are overwhelmed with an offer.” On the other hand, Vacchiano also says head coach Pat Shurmur was “furious” with him at times last year over his antics, particularly when he gave an interview to ESPN where he openly questioned the team’s quarterback situation. Vacchiano also writes that the Giants “are often closer to the breaking point than they may publicly appear” with Beckham Jr. It’ll be a fascinating situation to monitor as the offseason unfold.

Here’s more from the NFC East:

  • After flirting with retirement, Eagles center Jason Kelce ended up signing an extension with the team today. We now have details on the extension, as the new deal will make Kelce the highest paid center in the league, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link). Rapoport notes that the remaining three years on KElce’s contract will now pay him an average of $11MM per year. Kelce received Pro Football Focus’ top grade among all centers, so it makes sense why he’s being paid like it. Kelce is 31 now, and should have at least a couple more years left at an elite level.
  • Speaking of retirement, we have more details on Jason Witten‘s role with the Cowboys in his return. While we’ve already heard Witten won’t be playing a full allotment of snaps, owner “Jerry Jones does not believe the veteran will be a bit piece in the offense,” according to Todd Archer of ESPN.com. Per Archer, Jones said this week that he doesn’t think Witten’s “a progress stopper”, and that he’ll be “well worth the roster spot.” It sounds like Witten could play a meaningful role in the offense even after taking the year off.
  • The Eagles plan on having backup quarterback Nate Sudfeld back in camp next year coach Doug Pederson said from the combine, according to Les Bowen of The Philadelphia Inquirer (Twitter link). Sirius XM’s NFL Insider Adam Caplan tweeted in response that Sudfeld, who is a restricted free agent, is an “interesting player who could draw strong interest from other teams if they use the low tender.” Pederson did say that the team doesn’t “just go around and give out jobs,” but they wanted Sudfeld to compete to be Carson Wentz‘s backup. Assuming another team doesn’t steal him away with an offer sheet, it sounds like Sudfeld should slide in and replace Nick Foles as the primary backup in Philly.

Dolphins Contacting Teams On Tannehill

March 2nd, 2019 at 4:40pm CST by Sam Robinson

Set to be replaced as the Dolphins’ starting quarterback, Ryan Tannehill has surfaced in trade talks at the Combine, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. However, this may be the franchise’s last-ditch attempt to gain value for its soon-to-be former starter.

These talks can be categorized as the Dolphins reminding teams Tannehill is available, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. The Dolphins are initiating the conversations on the 30-year-old passer, per Salguero, who adds the talks are believed to be preliminary.

The Redskins have discussed Tannehill with the Dolphins, Salguero adds. Washington was connected to a potential Josh Rosen pursuit as well. The latter would be a much better option, financially speaking, being owed barely $6MM in base salary through 2021. Tannehill is attached to an $18.73MM 2019 base.

Odds appear to be against the Dolphins moving Tannehill, whom teams are regarding more as a backup option rather than a player to install as a stopgap starter, Salguero adds, noting also that the 2012 first-rounder is, understandably, believed to want to go to a team that would give him a chance to compete for a starting job. Tannehill started for six seasons, missing all of 2017 because of the most severe of his knee injuries.

There are not as many teams in need of bridge starters as there were last year, with five quarterbacks going in the 2018 first round. Washington and Jacksonville, which kicked the tires on Tannehill, are the main candidates. And the Jaguars are the Nick Foles frontrunners.

It will cost the Dolphins more than $13MM to release Tannehill. He is one of many veterans the team plans to release in the coming days. Miami cut Andre Branch earlier on Saturday.

Chiefs To Tag Dee Ford, Plan To Listen To Trade Offers

March 2nd, 2019 at 3:58pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Chiefs are set to place their franchise tag on Dee Ford, as expected. The unexpected news: they are going to listen to trade offers for the sixth-year pass rusher, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter).

Kansas City is shifting to a 4-3 defense under new DC Steve Spagnuolo, and although Ford played defensive end at Auburn, the Chiefs are evidently willing to explore trading one or both of their edge defenders. Justin Houston trade rumors emerged this week as well.

This would change the pass rusher market, which is set to see its top prizes, per usual, receive franchise designations. DeMarcus Lawrence, Jadeveon Clowney and Frank Clark are set to be tagged by Tuesday’s deadline. None of the other three have been mentioned as tag-and-trade candidates. Ford is the first to officially be tagged, and Schefter adds the Chiefs do plan to use him as an end this season. This may be contingent on the franchise not being blown away with a trade offer in the meantime.

Ford has not enjoyed a consistent career, failing to see the field much as a rookie and being an injury replacement for Houston for a period during his second season. In 2016, Ford broke out with 10 sacks, and the Chiefs picked up his fifth-year option. However, an injury ended Ford’s 2017 season early, and that option vested because he was not healthy enough to pass a physical last year.

The soon-to-be 28-year-old pass rusher, though, delivered his best season in his contract year, registering 13 sacks and forcing seven fumbles. He is now in line for a $17MM payment, once he signs his franchise tender, and when healthy has produced more than the pass rushers likely to hit the market.

It seems unlikely both Ford and Houston would be traded, with the Chiefs — who already have major questions on defense — not having surefire replacements on a Super Bowl-contending roster.

The duo played well together as 3-4 outside linebackers last season, their first extensive run as a starting tandem. Both were key components of the Chiefs’ run to the AFC championship game. While Ford’s neutral-zone infraction allowed the Patriots to escape with a victory, denying the Chiefs their first Super Bowl berth in 49 years and placing the Pats in position to claim another Super Bowl title, he earned his first Pro Bowl berth during the regular season.

Houston is two years older than Ford and has a $15.25MM salary in 2019. He has enjoyed the better statistical career, but injuries have limited him since he signed that six-year, $101MM contract. Two years remain on that deal.

Neither Chief comes with too much certainty, but both figure to draw extensive interest on the trade block. Kansas City also has significant contracts to authorize soon, in Chris Jones and Tyreek Hill. And Patrick Mahomes is on track for an NFL-record deal come 2020. It appears unlikely the Ford-Houston tandem will be in place by then, and it might be broken up in the coming weeks.

Seahawks Waive DT Malik McDowell

March 2nd, 2019 at 3:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

A 2017 second-round pick, Malik McDowell saw an ATV accident change his NFL fortunes. And the Seahawks are finally moving on from the one-time well-regarded defensive tackle prospect.

The Seahawks waived McDowell on Saturday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. This marks the end of the Michigan State product’s run in Seattle.

McDowell reverted to Seattle’s IR list last year upon being waived. He’s now unattached, but Rapoport adds the 22-year-old lineman hopes to continue his career. One of the top-rated defensive lineman two years ago, McDowell tallied 24.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 32 games at Michigan State.

Redskins Considering Josh Rosen Offer?

March 2nd, 2019 at 3:33pm CST by Sam Robinson

While the Cardinals were emphatic last month that Josh Rosen will be their quarterback of the future, plenty of smoke has emerged during Combine week of a Kyler Murray-Arizona fit.

That would make Rosen an attractive commodity, and one team is considering making a run at the 2018 first-round pick. The Redskins, per DraftAnalyst.com’s Tony Pauline (Twitter link) “have spoken openly” in Indianapolis about making a run at Rosen — if the Cardinals make him available.

Washington’s quarterback situation profiles as one of the most unique in years, with Alex Smith still on the team’s payroll (at a $20MM-plus 2019 cap figure) but possibly having thrown his last NFL pass. He is out for the 2019 season. The Redskins are open to the idea of Colt McCoy being their stopgap this season, and the idea of them spending big to bring in a veteran doesn’t appear likely.

They hold the No. 15 overall pick, and player personnel VP Doug Williams said if the organization likes a quarterback who is on the board at that point, that would be the way they would likely go about addressing this unusual situation.

“I think where we are at this point, and like I said earlier, if there’s a quarterback there that we like at 15, 9 out of 10 we’ll go that route,” Williams said, via NBC Sports Washington. “If it’s not somebody we like, we’ll go with Colt and if we got to go out and get a veteran to work with him until that time comes, that’s probably what we’ll do.”

Williams, though, did not sound like a trade-up scenario was in the cards. The Cardinals landed Rosen via trade-up, and considering the circumstances, did not have to part with much draft capital to make that move to No. 10 last year. Rosen struggled as a rookie but was not dealt a great hand, with the Cardinals’ offensive line in shambles and OC Mike McCoy fired midway through the season.

Rosen would also help solve the franchise’s financial concerns. The Cards paid their current starter a $10.88MM signing bonus, which would leave another team on the hook for less than $7MM through 2021.

The 22-year-old signal-caller was the fourth quarterback taken last year. However, ex-Redskins GM Scot McCloughan does not rate any of this year’s quarterback prospects higher than him, via Robert Klemko of SI.com. McCloughan and NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah place Rosen above both Murray and Dwayne Haskins, and the Redskins are unlikely to be in position to land either of those prospects at 15.

Kliff Kingsbury has been connected to Murray for years, having attempted to recruit him at Texas Tech and saying in advance of last year’s Texas Tech-Oklahoma game he would draft him No. 1 overall if he had the chance. And it appears the Combine has not done anything to cool off this connection.

Jake Fisher Attempting Move To Tight End

March 2nd, 2019 at 2:33pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Bengals’ tackle-tackle start to the 2015 draft, which produced Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher, did not pan out. Both are free agents coming off mediocre tenures in Cincinnati. The latter, however, is planning an interesting rebranding strategy.

Fisher has been running routes with NFL quarterbacks this offseason, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link), and is trying to start anew as a blocking tight end. Teams have shown interest and want to put him through workouts come free agency, RapSheet adds. Fisher, 25, has dropped down to 285 pounds.

This sounds like a wild experiment, but Fisher does have a tight end background. Prior to his days at Oregon, he was an acclaimed tight end in high school. He was a full-time offensive lineman, going from guard to tackle, with the Ducks.

With the Bengals, Fisher only saw one season as a primary starter — 2017, which featured a season-ending injury after eight games. He ended the 2018 season on IR as well, which stands to limit his options in free agency. But it looks like the 6-foot-6 blocker will try to show teams another feature of his game when the market opens.

Seahawks, Frank Clark Progressing On Deal

March 2nd, 2019 at 2:13pm CST by Sam Robinson

One member of the free agent pass rusher contingent that will not be permitted to reach the market, Frank Clark may be on the verge of reaching a long-term agreement with the Seahawks.

The sides are making progress on a new deal, according to CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora (on Twitter). The Seahawks have until 3pm Tuesday to determine whether Clark will be their franchise player.

Pete Carroll said this week Clark will be a Seahawk in 2019, so the team will tag the 25-year-old standout if no agreement is reached by Tuesday afternoon. The long-rumored tag scenario — officially worth $17.128MM — would eat into Seattle’s $49.8MM in cap space.

Clark joins Jadeveon Clowney, Dee Ford and perhaps Grady Jarrett and Trey Flowers as candidates for that $17MM-plus figure. DeMarcus Lawrence‘s tag will be worth just more than $20MM. Clark has been more consistent than Ford and produced a better statistical season than Flowers or Clowney has, though the latter is a higher-profile player because of his all-around game and draft pedigree. It may take a $20MM-plus-AAV pact to keep him long-term.

The Seahawks did not authorize even a $10MM-per-year pact with Michael Bennett or Cliff Avril, so it would be interesting to see how far the team goes for Clark — who backed up this duo for much of his first three years in the league.

Todd Gurley Dealing With Arthritis In Knee

March 2nd, 2019 at 1:44pm CST by Sam Robinson

Although both Todd Gurley and the Rams downplayed his knee injury, it was clearly an issue during the NFC champions’ stretch run. More clarity emerged on that front to help explain the two-time All-Pro’s limited postseason usage.

Gurley has arthritis in his left knee, according to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe (on Twitter). This is the same knee on which Gurley underwent ACL surgery in 2014, his final season at Georgia.

Sean McVay said this week surgery is “definitely” not in the cards but added during an interview with CBS Sports the Rams were examining “new methods” to help their ailing superstar. But it appears some form of rehab will be forthcoming, and the major investment the Rams made in Gurley does not look quite as good as it did last summer.

Still just 24, Gurley has posted three 1,000-yard rushing seasons and was on pace to push for a 25-plus-touchdown campaign in 2018. He missed the final two games of the regular season, scuttling that prospect and causing concern for his playoffs availability. Gurley was a key presence in the Rams’ ground-centered gashing of the Cowboys in the divisional round, but C.J. Anderson remain a big factor throughout the playoffs. Gurley averaged 5.3 yards per carry in the playoffs but totaled just 160 in Los Angeles’ three games, ceding time to Anderson and not frequently resembling his explosive pre-injury version.

Anderson, who made a seamless transition to McVay’s offense that is somewhat similar to the Gary Kubiak-based attack in which the Broncos’ former starter operated, is a free agent but would make sense as a longer-term Gurley insurance option.

Gurley’s gargantuan contract calls for $34.5MM in fully guaranteed money going forward. Another $9.5MM is guaranteed for injury. His status will obviously be something to monitor throughout the offseason.

Texans Discussing Kevin Johnson Trade

March 2nd, 2019 at 1:13pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Texans are shopping Kevin Johnson at the Combine. In advance of his fifth-year option season, Johnson has become the subject of trade conversations this weekend, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.

Johnson, who played just one game last season due to a concussion, is due $9.1MM in 2019. Having dealt with other injuries in the past, Johnson is certainly a release candidate. He will have to pass a physical by March 17 for that to occur, however.

Houston has plenty of cap space ($80.9MM — third-most in the league) but has not seen Johnson live up to his draft slot. The Texans do not exactly feature a stable cornerback situation, though. Stalwart Johnathan Joseph will turn 35 this year, and Shareece Wright is a free agent. Aaron Colvin missed extensive time last season.

The No. 16 overall pick in 2015, Johnson has missed 29 games. If another team does not make a move to land him, on a cornerback market that isn’t especially strong, it appears likely the Texans would release him.

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