HEADLINES

Month: October 2024

Texans Sign S Tyvis Powell, LB B.J. Bello

July 27th, 2019 at 12:57pm CST by Ben Levine

The Texans have added a pair of defenders. Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports (via Twitter) that the team has signed safety Tyvis Powell. Meanwhile, Mark Berman of Fox 26 in Houston tweets that the Texans also added linebacker B.J. Bello.

Powell went undrafted out of Ohio State back in 2016, and he’s bounced between five different teams (including separate stints with the 49ers) over his three years in the league. The 25-year-old has appeared in 18 career games, including seven this past season with the 49ers. He finished 2018 with six tackles and one forced fumble.

Bello went undrafted out of Illinois State in 2017. After spending his entire rookie campaign with the Browns, he spent 2018 with the Cardinals and Eagles. The 24-year-old has appeared in 19 career games (including 16 games during his rookie year), compiling eight total tackles.

The Texans are currently dealing with a handful of injuries on their defense. J.J. Watt is sitting on the active/physically unable to perform list, while Jamal Davis and Walter Palmore are on the active/non-football illness list and active/non-football injury list, respectively.

Reactions, Notes On Golden Tate’s Suspension

July 27th, 2019 at 11:50am CST by Ben Levine

Shortly after the news broke that Giants wide receiver Golden Tate was set to be suspended for four games, the veteran took to Twitter to offer an explanation.

“This past April, during the off-season, my wife and I decided to see a specialist for fertility planning. I started the treatment prescribed to me and just days later I discovered it contained an ingredient that is on the league’s banned substance list. I immediately discontinued use, I reported the situation to the Independent Administrator of the NFL Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances, and I spoke with my coaches and general manager. I did all of this well before a failed test was even confirmed.

Per NFL protocol, an initial suspension was imminent, but myself and the Giants organization are confident in the facts, and eagerly await my appeal to put this behind us.

During the entirety of my 10 year career I have taken great pride in playing this game the right way, have been an ambassador for the NFL and have never had any issue with the league’s policy. The treatment this past April had no effect on the upcoming season, and I did not, and could not have undergone this treatment in April for any competitive advantage. I deeply appreciate the support from the New York Giants Organization, and will continue to hold the highest level of character and integrity, while being a leader in the locker room.

In respect to the team and my teammates I won’t be speaking on this again until after the appeal. I’m focusing on football, and will not let this be a distraction.”

Tate surely sounds confident in his argument, and we heard earlier that the receiver had high hopes for the appeals process.

Let’s check out some more notes and reactions following Tate’s ban:

  • Speaking of the appeal, the meeting is set to take place in early August, tweets ESPN’s Adam Schefter. That means the team will have some clarity on Tate’s availability for the start of the regular season.
  • If the suspension is upheld, Tate would lose around $1.75MM in 2019 money, tweets Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Perhaps more importantly, the receiver would forfeit his $7.975MM in 2020 guarantees. Tate signed a four-year, $37MM deal with the Giants this past winter.
  • Last offseason, the Giants signed defensive end Josh Mauro with the understanding that he was facing a four-game suspension. That wasn’t the case this time around, as Ryan Dunleavy of NJ.com tweets that the Giants only learned of the impending suspension after inking Tate in March (which makes sense considering the timeline detailed in Tate’s tweet).
  • We learned earlier today that the Giants would be hosting a workout for free agent wideouts, and it sounds like a signing is pending. Head coach Pat Shurmur said the team would likely be added a receiver at some point today (via NFL.com’s Adam Maya). Following Tate’s suspension and injuries to Sterling Shepard and Corey Coleman, the Giants current depth chart consists of of Cody Latimer, BennieFowler, Russell Shepard and Darius Slayton.

Giants WR Golden Tate Suspended 4 Games

July 27th, 2019 at 9:59am CST by Ben Levine

The Giants are down another receiver. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that wideout Golden Tate has been suspended four games for violating the NFL’s Performance Enhancing Substance policy. Schefter notes that the veteran will appeal the suspension and “believes he has a legitimate case.”

It’s been a tough week for Giants receivers. Former Browns first-rounder Corey Coleman tore his ACL yesterday, ending his season early. Meanwhile, top wideout Sterling Shepard will be out for the foreseeable future after fracturing his thumb. The Giants are still rostering the likes of Cody Latimer, Bennie Fowler, Russell Shepard and Darius Slayton, but the team will surely be looking for some reinforcement.

In fact, Greg Joyce and Jared Schwartz of the New York Post write that the Giants are set to host a workout for free agent receivers this weekend. That initial grouping of players included rookie Flynn Nagel and veteran Kelvin Benjamin, although ESPN’s Jordan Raanan tweets that Benjamin wasn’t among those auditioning this morning.

The Giants signed Tate to (partly) replace the production of traded wideout Odell Beckham Jr.. Between the Lions and Eagles, Tate hauled in 74 passes for 795 yards and four touchdowns in 2018. It was the first time he failed to crack 800 yards since the 2012 season. In New York, he’ll likely be one of Eli Manning‘s preferred targets alongside Shepard, tight end Evan Engram, and running back Saquon Barkley.

CB Orlando Scandrick To Visit Eagles

July 27th, 2019 at 9:54am CST by Ben Levine

After working out for the Vikings earlier this week, cornerback Orlando Scandrick is now heading to Philly. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo tweets that the Eagles will be hosting the veteran on a visit today.

The Eagles are certainly familiar with the defensive back, as the veteran had a 10-year stint with the division-rival Cowboys. Scandrick inked a two-year, $10MM deal with the Redskins last offseason. However, the defensive back didn’t even make it through the preseason, and he was scooped up by the Chiefs after being released by Washington.

Scandrick ultimately appeared in 15 games (seven starts) for Kansas City, compiling 44 tackles, 13 passes defended, and an interception. While his counting stats were solid, the Chiefs secondary was not. Kansas City finished the season as one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL, allowing 4,374 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Considering the 32-year-old’s drop in production, there’s a good chance that the Eagles would only be eyeing him for a depth role. Jalen Mills and Ronald Darby haven’t been cleared to play, so Scandrick could at least provide a healthy body during the preseason.

Lions Release RB Theo Riddick

July 27th, 2019 at 8:24am CST by Ben Levine

The Lions have moved on from one of their longest-tenured players. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that the team has released running back Theo Riddick. His roster spot will be taken by defensive lineman Mike Daniels, who signed with Detroit yesterday.

The Notre Dame product has been with the Lions since he was drafted in the sixth round of the 2013 draft. The running back soon became one of Matthew Stafford‘s favorite targets, as Riddick has finished with at least 50 receptions per season since 2015. Actually, as our own Dallas Robinson pointed out, the 28-year-old has garnered more pass targets than rush attempts in half of his NFL seasons, and his career 3.6-yards-per-carry indicates that he’s much more dangerous in the passing game.

Despite his production, there was some speculation that the Lions could move on from the veteran. Riddick agreed to a three-year, $11.5MM extension with Detroit back in 2016, and he was set to count for $4.625MM on the team’s 2019 salary cap. Now, the Lions will only be left with ~$963K in dead cap.

Furthermore, the running back had one of his worst NFL seasons from a statistical standpoint, and the Lions added veteran C.J. Anderson and rookie Ty Johnson to pair with Kerryon Johnson and Zach Zenner. While none of those players possess the pass-catching prowess of Riddick, it was clear that the veteran was the odd man out.

Riddick is still relatively young, and plenty of teams could use a top-notch third-down back. It wouldn’t be shocking to see the running back quickly catch on with a brand-new organization.

NFC Notes: Thomas, Saints, Elliott, Cowboys, Nkemdiche, Cardinals, Daniels

July 26th, 2019 at 9:30pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

We heard earlier today that the Saints were close to getting a deal done with receiver Michael Thomas, but it apparently hasn’t been the smoothest process. Saints GM Mickey Loomis has been frustrated with the negotiations, sources told Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link). “The Saints have offered to make Thomas the highest paid wideout in the NFL, with a contract that solidly exceeds Odell Beckham Jr. Loomis feels it’s a great offer w/ great structure,” Robinson writes. Loomis seems to feel like an agreement should’ve been reached by now, but Thomas’ camp is clearly still holding out for something more. Meanwhile, Thomas will continue to stay away from training camp as he awaits his new contract.

Saints coach Sean Payton addressed the media after practice today, and said he isn’t worried about the fact Thomas isn’t at camp (Twitter video link). Payton seemed confident that he’ll be back before too long, saying he’s “optimistic it’ll get done soon.” The most recent reporting suggests the Ohio State product will be getting $19-20MM annually. Thomas has established himself as one of the league’s best receivers the past couple of years, and New Orleans’ offense relies on him heavily. Thomas has the most receptions ever for a player through his first three years, and it sounds like it’s only a matter of time before the Saints break the bank for him.

Here’s more from around the NFC:

  • Speaking of players looking to get paid, Ezekiel Elliott is remaining away from the Cowboys as he seeks a new deal. Head coach Jason Garrett had said he expected Elliott to show up on time, but then he didn’t. The good news is the two sides are apparently still talking. The Cowboys “held contract discussions with Elliott’s agent” on Thursday night, a source told Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News. Unfortunately the conversation didn’t lead anywhere, as Watkins reports that “talks remain stale.” Elliott is reportedly looking to eclipse the deal Todd Gurley got from the Rams, and it’s unclear if the Cowboys are going to meet that asking price. Dallas has a lot on their plate with extensions due for several players, and it’ll be interesting to watch how this unfolds.
  • Former first-round pick Robert Nkemdiche doesn’t appear to be making a good impression with the Cardinals’ new coaching staff. The 29th overall pick in the 2016 draft is coming off an ACL tear, and head coach Kliff Kingsbury said the Ole Miss product showed up to camp out of shape, per Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic (Twitter link). Somers adds that Nkemdiche “apparently neglected his overall physical condition while rehabbing from ACL.” Nkemdiche is already on thin ice, and this certainly isn’t going to help his case. We’ve heard that he’s likely to be cut, and he’s also facing a likely suspension for a June arrest. He’s only started six games in his three years in the league, and is looking like a bust.
  • Mike Daniels signed with the Lions after visiting Detroit and Cleveland, and those were far from the only two teams interested. 13 teams called about the former Packer, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link). Daniels got a $9.1MM deal from the Lions, and Rapsheet reports that four other teams “were willing to do that deal or better,” but that Daniels wanted to play for Matt Patricia as well as the opportunity to play against Green Bay twice a year. Daniels is still only 30, and could prove to be a nice addition for Detroit’s defense.

Minor NFL Transactions: 7/26/19

July 26th, 2019 at 8:13pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

A batch of minor transactions on a busy day across the league:

Atlanta Falcons:

  • Signed: LB Richie Brown
  • Waived: OT Lanard Bonner
  • Placed on IR: DL Michael Bennett

Denver Broncos

Green Bay Packers

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

  • Signed: LB Drew Lewis
  • Waived: LB Tre Thomas

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

  • Signed: OL J.J. Dielman

Philadelphia Eagles

  • Claimed off waivers from 49ers: CB Alex Brown

San Francisco 49ers

 

Seahawks Extend LB Bobby Wagner

July 26th, 2019 at 7:16pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

The Seahawks have locked up one of the best defensive players in football. Seattle is signing linebacker Bobby Wagner to a three-year extension worth $54MM, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link).

In a follow-up tweet, Rapoport notes that Wagner will get $40.2MM in guaranteed money. At $18MM annually, Wagner is now the highest-paid inside linebacker in the game, eclipsing the $17MM that C.J. Mosley got from the Jets earlier this offseason. Wagner made it clear a few days ago he would attend training camp on time even though he didn’t have the new deal he wanted yet, as he wanted to be a good leader and locker room presence.

Wagner has been standing off to the side and observing practice at the first few days of camp, clearly waiting for this deal to get done. The Utah State product had been set to enter the final year of a four-year, $43MM extension he signed back in 2015. There’s now a huge gap between Wagner and Mosley at the top and the rest of the inside linebackers. Deion Jones is in third place with the extension he recently signed with the Falcons, which will pay him a tick over $14MM annually.

Wagner originally entered the league as a second-round pick back in 2012. He’s since firmly established himself as the league’s best off-ball linebacker, making the Pro Bowl in each of the last five seasons and being named a first-team All-Pro in each of the last three. One of the last remaining pieces of the Seahawks’ Super Bowl winning defense, Wagner is the team’s next most important player after Russell Wilson. He’s been a rock for them, starting at least 15 games in each of the past four seasons.

Latest On Chargers, Melvin Gordon

July 26th, 2019 at 7:01pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

Chargers camp is underway, and it doesn’t sound like running back Melvin Gordon is particularly close to coming back. Gordon has said he won’t report until he gets a new deal, and it doesn’t seem like there’s been much progress.

There is now “mounting pessimism” that Gordon “will be reporting anytime soon and his holdout threatens to go into the regular season,” sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Chargers GM Tom Telesco did say a couple of days ago that he offered Gordon a contract extension, but wouldn’t say how much he offered. Whatever Telesco offered he’s apparently set on, as a source told Josina Anderson of ESPN that the Chargers “are not willing to move off a certain number” (Twitter link).

Gordon has said he wants to stay with the team, but both sides don’t look like they’re backing down any time soon. Gordon, a 2015 first-round pick is set to enter the final year of his rookie deal. Gordon has said he’s willing to sit out as long as it takes, but this is the first real news we’ve heard that he’s apparently in danger of missing regular season time.

If Gordon were to miss time, Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson would be asked to pick up the slack in his place. Gordon had by far the most efficient year of his career last season, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Gordon is also an asset in the passing game, and is likely looking for one huge payday before he’s deemed over the hill.

Gordon, who will be 27 in April, is apparently looking for something comparable to what Todd Gurley, David Johnson, and Le’Veon Bell have recently gotten on their deals. Another thing to keep an eye on is the fallout from comments Philip Rivers made at training camp today. Gordon apparently objected to Rivers saying the team was “deep” at running back and was happy with the group they had, per Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com.

Redskins To Sign OT Corey Robinson

July 26th, 2019 at 6:27pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

The Redskins are adding some offensive line depth. The team is signing offensive tackle Corey Robinson, according to John Keim of ESPN.com (Twitter link). 

Trent Williams didn’t report to training camp and his status with the team is uncertain at best, so it makes sense why they made the move. It’s unclear if this will impact their interest in free agent tackle Donald Penn, who we heard yesterday they planned on working out. In a separate tweet, Keim writes that sources told him there’s “still a chance” the team signs Penn.

Robinson originally entered the league as a seventh-round pick of the Lions back in 2015. He spent the next three seasons with Detroit, and started eight games for them between 2016 and 2017. He got traded to the Panthers just before the start of last season, but was released a few weeks later. He was picked up by the Jaguars in November, and ended up starting a game for them.

The Redskins lost swing tackle Ty Nsekhe in free agency this offseason, which makes the Williams situation all the more unsettling for them. Williams is apparently seeking a new contract, and hopefully they can get him back in the fold soon. Ideally, Robinson won’t be seeing the field very much.

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