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Month: September 2024

Colts WR Chester Rogers On Roster Bubble

June 8th, 2019 at 5:33pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

Chester Rogers played a large role in the Colts’ offense last season, but that doesn’t look like it’ll be the case again in 2019. In fact, Rogers might not even be on the team.

Rogers’ status on Indianapolis’ roster is “very, very tenuous,” according to Stephen Holder of The Athletic. The Colts had T.Y. Hilton last year, but not much behind him. They rotated a series of lesser-known options as their number two, including Rogers. They made upgrading the receiving corp behind Hilton a priority this offseason, signing Devin Funchess to a big contract and draft Parris Campbell in the second round.

With Hilton, Funchess, Campbell, and Deon Cain looking like locks, Holder notes it’ll be an all-out battle for just one or two spots. Meanwhile, Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star writers that Rogers is competing with Zach Pascal for the punt-returning job and that whoever wins that competition will make the roster while the other could be cut.

While Rogers won’t have an easy path, he’s not going down without a fight. Holder writes that he was arguably “the best player on the field during Tuesday’s practice open to reporters,” and that “whether it was his diving sideline catch or his leaping, fingertip grab later in the workout, Rogers’ presence was felt throughout.” Rogers was often productive last year, so he’d likely draw a lot of interest on the open market if he were cut loose.

Back in March the Colts tendered him at the second-round level, showing they were worried about losing him to another team. Because of that he’s set to make $3.1MM in 2019, which could work against him when it’s time to trim rosters. In 16 games and ten starts last year, Rogers put up 53 catches for 485 yards and two touchdowns.

Texans To Interview Ray Farmer For GM Job

June 8th, 2019 at 4:07pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Texans started their latest GM search quickly. Less than 24 hours after Brian Gaine‘s firing, the Texans are interviewing former Browns GM Ray Farmer, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. This meeting is indeed occurring Saturday, per Fox 26’s Mark Berman (on Twitter).

This is the first known GM interview Farmer has received since the Browns fired him after the 2015 season. He spent two years running Cleveland’s front office, and like most modern Browns proceedings, it was a messy tenure. But the Fritz Pollard Alliance named Farmer one of its GM candidates entering the 2018 offseason.

Farmer, 44, spent one season as Cleveland’s assistant GM before Jimmy Haslam promoted him — after February 2014 ousters of the previous regime. The 2014 draft, which featured first-round picks of Justin Gilbert and Johnny Manziel (neither having played since the 2016 season), preceded a rocky two years. Farmer was not believed to be on board with either pick, with Haslam and Mike Pettine interceding. In 2015, the NFL suspended Farmer four games for texting coaches during games in 2014. This makes for an interesting start to Houston’s latest round of GM interviews.

A former NFL linebacker, Farmer spent seven seasons as Chiefs director of pro personnel before moving to Cleveland. He also worked as a Rams consultant since his Browns dismissal. While Farmer is the first known candidate, and one who was not connected to the Texans’ 2018 GM search, it is likely the franchise will soon involve executives who have been candidates for GM jobs in recent years in its interview process.

Latest On Redskins, Trent Williams

June 8th, 2019 at 3:59pm CST by Sam Robinson

For the first time in 10 years, the Redskins’ left tackle spot features uncertainty. Trent Williams has not been with the team for OTAs and minicamp and is reported to be unhappy with the organization, to the point he wants to leave.

While the 10th-year blocker’s dissatisfaction with the Redskins regarding their handling of his most recent medical situation — having a growth removed from his head — may not be the driving force of his absence.

Williams may be upset with the team over the recent medical developments, but J.P. Finlay of NBC Sports Washington notes the seven-time Pro Bowler’s holdout stems from his contract. This was the initial view of Williams’ minicamp absence, and the medical component in this situation may have made it worse.

The Redskins extended Williams in 2015. The five-year, $66MM deal made him the NFL’s highest-paid tackle. From a AAV standpoint, his contract has not been significantly diminished by recent tackle deals. The soon-to-be 31-year-old lineman still sits seventh among tackles at $13.2MM per year, and $24MM remains on the contract. However, the contract the Raiders gave Trent Brown did change the marketplace a bit. The $16.5MM-AAV pact for a non-Pro Bowler was eye-opening, but the Raiders had plenty of cap space and spent it wildly this offseason.

Redskins president Bruce Allen addressed the situation but declined to go into detail. The longtime Washington executive did say he has spoken with Williams a few times this year.

“I know what Trent told me so I know what the truth is,” Allen said, via Finlay. “I’ll leave my conversation with Trent between the two of us. Trent has been a valuable player for us and that’s why we signed him to the contract he has.”

An argument against a new contract would be Williams’ injury trouble in recent years. He missed three games last season and six in 2017 and has not played 16 games since the 2014 season. A four-game substance-abuse suspension interrupted his 2016 slate. But the Redskins did not address their tackle situation much this offseason. They signed Ereck Flowers, who has been moved to guard, and did not draft a tackle. They did attempt to claim 2018 Browns starter Desmond Harrison, but the Cardinals beat them to it.

Cowboys, Dak Prescott Far Apart In Talks

June 8th, 2019 at 2:38pm CST by Sam Robinson

Plans for the 2016 quarterback class’ extensions became clearer this week, with the Eagles extending Carson Wentz and the Rams appearing set to approach a Jared Goff re-up next year. The Cowboys do not have as much time, as Dak Prescott is entering his first contract year.

The Cowboys and Prescott began negotiations weeks ago, and a report of progress emerged last month. The parties seem to have hit a standstill in talks. Prescott and the Cowboys are “really far apart” on terms at this point, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com notes (video link) — to the point they will likely press pause on these discussions. This process looks set to drag into training camp, Garafolo adds.

Wentz’s $32MM-per-year deal (with $66MM fully guaranteed) likely raises Prescott’s floor. While he may not ultimately receive what the Eagles passer did, the likelihood of the 2016 offensive rookie of the year accepting much less is not high. The Cowboys may not be fazed by a deal worth approximately $30MM AAV, but executive VP Stephen Jones bringing up the prospect of a team-friendlier deal (because of the marketing opportunities that come with Prescott’s role) may complicate matters — especially with the Cowboys having several high-profile extension candidates.

Like Russell Wilson four years ago, Prescott faces the prospect of earning a mid-rounder’s salary for a fourth straight year. Considering the Cowboys’ effusive praise for their fourth-round find, it’s likely they and Prescott will find a middle ground. But the team has some leverage in Prescott’s $2.025MM base salary this season. Conversely, the value of being a contract-year quarterback on a team that has other key priorities — like deals for Amari Cooper and Ezekiel Elliott — stands to work in the soon-to-be 26-year-old passer’s favor.

Jets Notes: Douglas, Powell, Darnold

June 8th, 2019 at 12:41pm CST by Ben Levine

We learned earlier today that NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah wouldn’t be joining Joe Douglas‘s staff in New York, but the Jets’ new GM could look to another TV analyst. ESPN’s Todd McShay told ESPN’s Rich Cimini that he’s under consideration for a front office role (Twitter link).

“Joe is considering multiple options and I’m one of the options,” McShay said.

The two go far back, as Douglas and McShay were teammates at the University of Richmond. The ESPN draft analyst is expected to meet with the general manager later this week.

Let’s check out some more notes coming out of New York…

  • Count Sam Darnold among those who are excited to have Bilal Powell back in green. The Jets announced yesterday that they re-signed the veteran running back to a one-year deal. “Great to have BP back,” Darnold told Cimini (Twitter link). “Can’t wait to get to work with him. I haven’t seen him in a while, so it’s going to be nice to just be able to see him. BP is a great guy and obviously a great player, so it’s great to have him back.” Cleared from a scary neck injury that was believed at one point to be a career-threatening malady, Powell will now be preparing for his ninth season in New York. The 30-year-old finished the 2018 season with 11 receptions for 110 yards and one touchdown in seven games (seven starts). He also added 343 rushing yards on 80 carries.
  • Darnold was also optimistic about the team’s hiring of Douglas. “I know that he’s done great things with the Eagles,” Darnold told Cimini (Twitter link). “Every other place he’s been, he’s done a great job, as well. Looking forward to working with him and seeing what he can do for our team.” It’s worth noting that Darnold and Douglas are both represented by agent Jimmy Sexton (along with head coach Adam Gase).
  • Eagles executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman released a statement regarding the hiring of the Eagles’ former vice president of player personnel. “We want to thank Joe Douglas for his contributions to our organization,” Roseman said. “We will miss Joe personally and professionally…He’s a tireless worker who played an integral role in helping to construct our Super Bowl-winning roster. He deserves this opportunity and the Jets are lucky to have him as their GM just like we were to have him in Philadelphia.”
  • It sounds like Gase will already have a task for Douglas. The head coach told Brian Costello of the New York Post that the team is thin at cornerback. “I think we’re thin at more than just corner,” Gase said. “There’s some other spots where if we have some injuries, it could be an issue. That’s why we have to keep finding ways to create competition.” Trumaine Johnson, Darryl Roberts and Brian Poole are currently slotted in as the team’s starting cornerbacks.
  • Either way, Gase is confident that the organization can find another defensive back as other teams begin trimming their rosters. “You kind of get in the middle of June and all of a sudden some guys get cut free due to salary issues, you get the waiver wire, you’ll just always comb that thing, see if you can create competition whether it’s a corner or at any other position,” Gase said. “That’s why the pro department’s got to do a great job going through, you know, when we get closer to those cuts and training camp, of just keeping their eyes open, and then you always have to be alert for if any trades pop up. I mean, you just never know the amount of phone calls that go in and out between organizations. It’s a lot more than what people realize sometimes, and we just have to be ready to be aggressive if we need to be.”

Reactions, Notes On Carson Wentz’s Extension

June 8th, 2019 at 11:45am CST by Ben Levine

Earlier this week, the Eagles and Carson Wentz agreed to a four-year extension that would keep the quarterback in Philly through the 2024 season. The new-money figures include $128MM, with more than $107MM in total guarantees and $66MM guaranteed at signing. The contract can ultimately escalate to $144MM in new money.

Predictably, there have been plenty of notes and reactions pertaining to the extension. We’ve compiled the latest below:

  • While Wentz recently became eligible for an extension, the quarterback could have waited to see if he’d boost his earnings ceiling. However, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network tweets that the 26-year-old was content with the more than $100MM in guaranteed money (along with the injury protections). Furthermore, if Wentz finds that his contract is a bargain in a few years, the quarterback is content knowing that the Eagles will have some extra money to spend elsewhere.
  • The extension locked up Wentz for the foreseeable future, and it also means that Eagles have a lot more clarity going forward. Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie echoed this sentiment while talking with Dave Spadaro of the team website (Twitter link). “We found a wonderful quarterback and person a few years ago,” Lurie said (via Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com). “He’s everything you want in a franchise quarterback. To be able to plan ahead and know exactly that he’s going to be with us and build the roster in just the way that we want to do it, it means everything. It allows you to make smart decisions. We always wanted a terrific quarterback and a terrific person, and he embodies it in every way.”
  • While Lurie sounds excited about the Wentz extension, the owner is also pleased with the front office’s ability to lock up many of his teammates. “We’ve got a great young core, and we’ve got a great core that we’ve been able to extend,” Lurie said (via Williams). “It gives you the best chance to win. . . .I can’t be more excited about our season. I wish September were here now.”
  • Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes that pundits could make an argument that it would have been better for the Eagles to wait a year before extending Wentz. After all, the quarterback has suffered injuries in each of his three NFL seasons. On the flip side, even if Wentz were to suffer another injury, McLane opines that he would have still garnered a lucrative contract. Furthermore, the organization may have saved some dough by extending Wentz ahead of Jared Goff and Dak Prescott.

Latest On Cam Newton’s Recovery

June 8th, 2019 at 10:54am CST by Ben Levine

Cam Newton is set to make another major step in his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery. Max Henson of the team’s website writes that the Panthers franchise quarterback will participate in quarterback drills during the team’s upcoming three-day minicamp.

“This is all part of the rehab process,” said head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion. “Cam has worked extremely hard this offseason with his rehabilitation and his preparation.

“He’s going to continue the throwing program Tuesday and we’ll advance it as we monitor his progress. He’s achieved every milestone we’ve set out for him so far in preparation for this.”

Shortly after the 2018 season came to an end, Newton underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his throwing shoulder. There’s been plenty of optimism that the quarterback would be ready for training camp. We learned in early May that his rehab was “unbelievable,” and we last heard that Newton was throwing a regulation-size football at the end of May. During the upcoming minicamp, Newton will be executing a “limited number of throws to stationary targets,” and it sounds like he probably won’t participate in team drills.

The Panthers started the 2018 campaign with a 6-2 record, but everything went downhill when Newton popped up on the injury report with his shoulder issue. The team went 1-7 the rest of the way, and Newton was shut down for the final two games of the season. Despite the injury, Newton’s numbers were still impressive; he ultimately finished the campaign having completed a career-high 67.9-percent of his passes for 3,395 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. The 30-year-old also ran for 488 yards and four touchdowns on 101 carries.

If Newton takes a step back and is forced to miss any time, Taylor Heinicke, Kyle Allen, or rookie Will Grier would temporarily step up as the team’s number-one quarterback.

Reactions, Notes On Joe Douglas Hiring

June 8th, 2019 at 9:39am CST by Ben Levine

Yesterday, the Jets succeeded in hiring their top GM target, as the organization inked Joe Douglas to a six-year contract. Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News tweets that their new GM will earn $3MM per year. This is a significant increase over the team’s initial $1.5MM offer, but Douglas’ refusal to immediately accept the gig forced the Jets to up the ante.

The $3MM salary isn’t outrageous for a first-time general manager, as top executives usually take in around $4MM annually. On the flip side, it isn’t chump change, and the modest monetary investment implies that Jets ownership is willing to give their new GM a relatively long leash.

Let’s check out some more notes out of New York…

  • We heard yesterday that Douglas had turned down multiple Jets overtures, but the organization continued to be aggressive. According to SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano, the negotiations took several days, and there was some pessimism that Douglas would end up returning to the Eagles. Ultimately, the Jets were apparently willing to meet their new GM’s monetary demands.
  • However, it sounds like money wasn’t the only factor that gave Douglas some pause. Mehta reports that the executive also had some concerns about Jets ownership and “control/reporting elements of the job.” Ultimately, Douglas was enticed by the presence of Sam Darnold, an up-and-coming roster, and enough money to add talented front-office executives. Mehta notes that the signing also “completed a hat trick” for agent Jimmy Sexton. The agent represents Douglas, Darnold, and head coach Adam Gase.
  • Speaking of front office candidates, Jason La Canfora points to former Browns general manager Phil Savage and Ravens exec Chad Alexander as executives who could join Douglas’s staff. NFL.com’s Gil Brandt tweets that Douglas wanted NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah to join him in New York, but that won’t end up happening.
  • ESPN’s Rich Cimini believes this is “a very good hire” by the team, but the writer also questions whether the executive is “ready for the Jets.” Cimini points to the organization’s lack of stability, inexperienced ownerships (with CEO Christopher Johnson is charge), and “backroom politics.” However, the most important factor will be the relationship between Douglas and Gase; if the GM and head coach clash, Cimini believes the Jets will have “no chance” at succeeding.

Vikings, DE Stephen Weatherly Discussing Extension

June 8th, 2019 at 8:30am CST by Ben Levine

A former seventh-rounder could be eyeing a significant pay raise. Chris Tomasson of TwinCities.com reports that the Vikings and defensive end Stephen Weatherly have started to discuss a contract extension.

The 25-year-old is set to make $720K in the final year of his contract, but both sides are hoping this won’t be Weatherly’s final season in Minnesota.

“There’s only one more year left,’’ Weatherly told Tomasson. “If that’s what they want, by all means I’ll be down for (an extension). If they think I’m good enough to keep around, then that would be amazing. I was drafted in the seventh round and worked my way up. That would be a pretty good story to tell my kids one day.’’

Agent Blake Baratz acknowledged that the two sides have discussed a possible extension, but he also noted that there are some hurdles to overcome.

“We’ve had some discussions,’’ Baratz said. “He definitely would like to be here. I know the Vikings want him here. They don’t have the most cap room in the league, so who knows if it will happen before this season, during this season, after this season? I don’t think there’s a timetable on it, but I think it makes sense for both parties. A lot of things have got to play out first, but I think it’s a desire on both parties.’’

As the agent notes, the Viking aren’t working with a whole lot of cap space, as they’re currently sitting with around $612K in room. Further complicating matters are impending extensions for cornerbacks Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander. As Tomasson notes, moving tight end Kyle Rudolph and his $7.625MM cap number should provide the Vikings with some wiggle room.

The Vikings selected Weatherly in the seventh round of the 2016 draft, although the Vanderbilt product rarely played during his rookie campaign. The defensive end saw more playing time during the 2017 campaign, and that led to him having a breakout season in 2018. Weatherly finished last season establishing career-highs across the board, compiling 35 tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble in 16 games (six starts).

Fallout From Texans’ Brian Gaine Firing

June 7th, 2019 at 9:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

While Brian Gaine had little chance to showcase his roster-building vision through the draft, the since-fired Texans GM was in charge of significant extension talks. A lack of development on the Jadeveon Clowney front may have factored into his firing. The 17-month GM made “zero” progress on a Clowney extension, Charles Robinson of Yahoo.com tweets. Gaine also called the Chiefs about a Clowney deal before the draft, per Robinson, and continued calling teams after Clark was traded to Kansas City. Clowney has been extension-eligible since the start of 2017. After word of prospective 2018 talks emerged, not much transpired on that front last year. The 2014 No. 1 overall pick is attached to a $17.1MM franchise tag. Houston’s next GM will have to deal with this situation, along with likely another J.J. Watt contract. The five-time All-Pro’s $16.7MM-AAV deal now looks remarkably team-friendly, given where the market has ventured.

Here is the latest out of Houston:

  • While this firing stunned the NFL-following world, it surprised many key Texans staffers as well. Some personnel people did not know this was on tap until moments before the organization released its statement, Robinson tweets. The Texans wrapped up their OTAs this week but still have their minicamp next week. That will almost certainly be conducted without a general manager. Of the GMs hired in advance of the 2018 season, Gaine was the only one whose team made the playoffs. Both Brian Gutekunst and Dave Gettleman oversaw sub-.500 seasons.
  • Despite joining the Texans this offseason, Jack Easterby looks set to have influence on who the team’s next GM will be. The recently appointed executive vice president of team development (a position the Texans recently created) has become a key figure in Houston’s front office, Albert Breer of SI.com tweets. Hired after a six-year run as the Patriots’ character coach, Easterby has become a close confidant of Bill O’Brien‘s, per Breer. This seems pivotal considering O’Brien will now be coaching alongside a third GM. Easterby is also close friends with Patriots VP of player personnel Nick Caserio, per the Houston Chronicle’s John McClain. Caserio is back on the Texans’ radar.
  • Another potential name to watch: Scott Pioli. The longtime Falcons exec and former Chiefs GM recently stepped down from his Atlanta post, but an NFL personnel man floated him as a prospective candidate to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports (Twitter link). Pioli, of course, ascended as a Patriots front office bastion. His and O’Brien’s New England stays overlapped by two years, from 2007-08.
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