2020 April - Pro Football Rumors

Month: January 2025

NFC Notes: Hill, Saints, Giants, Herbert, Long, Falcons, Reiff, Vikings

April 20th, 2020 at 4:24pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Saints used a first-round RFA tender on Taysom Hill. However, the gadget player/backup quarterback is not expected to sign it in the near future, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports. Hill will, however, participate in New Orleans’ virtual offseason program, per Florio. RFAs have until June 15 to sign their tenders or teams can rescind them and pay 120% of their 2019 salaries. No noise on a potential Hill offer sheet surfaced this offseason, but Drew Brees‘ backup did say he was open to leaving New Orleans if he felt the Saints would not give him an opportunity to start. Despite coming into the league in 2017, the BYU alum will turn 30 this year. It’s been widely reported that the Saints intend to have Hill take over whenever Brees hangs up his cleats. Hill stands to make $4.7MM this year on the first-round tender.

An NFL exec called the Giants‘ belated (and somewhat bizarre) Justin Herbert interest “a smokescreen that isn’t working,” Matt Lombardo of NJ.com notes. A report surfaced Monday indicating the Giants had done a lot of work on the Oregon product, but another pointed to the obvious: the team will not use its No. 4 overall pick on a quarterback. Only twice in the past 38 years has a team drafted QBs in back-to-back first rounds — the 1982-83 Baltimore Colts and the 2018-19 Cardinals. Instead, the Giants are believed to want to trade down, per the anonymous exec, but are not finding enough interest.
Had Chris Long not signed with the Patriots in 2016, the Falcons would have been his choice, the recently retired defensive end said during an appearance on FS1’s First Things First (via NBC Sports Boston). Chris Long visited the Falcons during an offseason that saw other teams pursue him as well. However, Long’s father, Hall of Famer Howie Long, advised him to choose the Patriots because of their winning pedigree. The Patriots ended up beating the Falcons in overtime in Super Bowl LI. Chris had spent his first eight seasons with the Rams and never been to the playoffs. With the Patriots in 2016 and Eagles in 2017, Long ended up winning two Super Bowls.
Rumored as a potential cap casualty, Riley Reiff remains on the Vikings. However, the team could look to find another left tackle early in this draft, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press writes. Former Vikings coach Mike Tice does not think much of Reiff at left tackle, his primary NFL position. Reiff did, however, play guard at Iowa before moving outside during his Hawkeyes tenure. The Vikings have an opening at right guard, having released Josh Kline earlier this offseason. Minnesota holds two first-round picks — Nos. 22 and 25 — but without a trade-up will not be in range to land a top-tier left tackle. The team also features bigger needs at cornerback and wide receiver.

Dolphins, Chargers Considering Non-QBs At Nos. 5-6?

April 20th, 2020 at 3:17pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Dolphins have been linked to a first-round quarterback in this draft since before the 2019 draft. After a 5-11 season preceded Philip Rivers‘ departure, the Chargers have been mentioned as a prime QB landing spot as well. But it may not be a lock both teams pull the trigger near the top of the draft.

Buzz has swirled about both Miami and Los Angeles passing on quarterbacks at Nos. 5 and 6 overall, Albert Breer of SI.com notes, adding that tackle may be each team’s fallback choice. Both franchises possess a need at tackle, and each would be in line to land one of the draft’s coveted prospects at this position.

For the Dolphins, this would be a fascinating strategy. They also hold the Nos. 18 and 26 overall picks, which would fall in Jordan Love territory. The team brought Love in for a visit — before the NFL nixed that process — and other teams believe the Dolphins’ interest in the Utah State product is genuine. A Monday report also indicated Justin Herbert — whom the Dolphins have done extensive work on — is not in consideration at No. 5. Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline pointed to the Fins picking Tua Tagovailoa or a non-quarterback there.

The Bolts are believed to be fans of both Herbert and Tagovailoa, and their timetable is further along than the Dolphins’. Los Angeles signed three 30-something starters — Chris Harris, Bryan Bulaga and Linval Joseph — this offseason and have a veteran group of skill-position players. For what it’s worth, Breer mocks Herbert to Miami and Tua to L.A. But if the teams go elsewhere, that would open the door to craziness atop the draft. Anthony Lynn has spoken highly of Tyrod Taylor as a legitimate starting option. Taylor has not been a full-time starter since his time in Buffalo, where Lynn coached him for part of his tenure.

Additionally, Breer notes that 49ers running back Tevin Coleman and Colts cornerback Quincy Wilson have surfaced as potential trade candidates. With Matt Breida also emerging as a possible trade chip, it seems this might be an either/or setup alongside Raheem Mostert next season in San Francisco. One year remains on Coleman’s two-year, $8MM deal. Wilson has not panned out for the Colts, who took him in the 2017 second round. One year remains on his contract. Indianapolis, which has not used Wilson as a starter since 2018, added both Xavier Rhodes and T.J. Carrie this offseason.

Technical Issues During NFL’s Draft Rehearsal

April 20th, 2020 at 2:34pm CST by Zachary Links

The NFL did a dry run in advance of its first “fully virtual” draft and experienced some snags. In fact, there was a technical glitch right from the get-go during the Bengals’ simulated No. 1 pick, according to one source who spoke with ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter).

Meanwhile, multiple coaches and GMs told Dianna Russini of ESPN.com (on Twitter) that bandwidth issues were also causing problems. This does not bode well for the NFL’s attempt at a fully virtual draft this weekend.

The major issue of the virtual draft appears to have occurred near the beginning. After what appears to be a notable hiccup, the mock draft went smoothly, per John Elway (via The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala, on Twitter).

The COVID-19 pandemic induced the league to commit to a virtual selection event, and Roger Goodell put the kibosh on criticisms of this decision. GMs, head coaches and other execs will be stationed separately across the country. The NFL initially had stipulated that teams could assemble war rooms of up to 10 staffers — so long as they followed social distancing guidelines. However, the league quickly pivoted to the fully virtual format.

While the league plans to be flexible with issues that may crop up beginning Thursday night, it is not a good sign the trial run produced them so early. Teams have 10 minutes to make picks in the first round. The NFL opted not to extend that clock.

NFL Draft Rumors: Falcons, Steelers, Cowboys

April 20th, 2020 at 2:32pm CST by Zachary Links

The Falcons could be the most aggressive team in the NFL Draft, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen (on Twitter). Of course, this wouldn’t be the first time that GM Thomas Dimitroff went big on draft day – he gambled, and hit the jackpot, with his move up for Julio Jones in 2011. This time around, he could be looking to land one of the draft’s premier cornerbacks. As Mort notes, the Falcons will have to play against the likes of Tom Brady and Teddy Bridgewater this year. An elite defender like Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah or Florida’s C.J. Henderson could give them the artillery they need to keep up in the NFC South.

More draft rumblings from around the league:

The Steelers don’t have a first-round pick, but head coach Mike Tomlin says he isn’t “fretting at all” (Twitter link via Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com). The Steelers turned that selection into Minkah Fitzpatrick back in September and the former Fins cornerback rewarded them with a first-team All-Pro season. Pittsburgh will have to make the most of their remaining picks, especially since they rank near the bottom of the league in available cap room.
Despite the Steelers featuring Joe Haden, Steven Nelson and Mike Hilton, they have drafted a cornerback in ten of the past eleven drafts. They also used a third-round pick on Justin Layne last year. Pittsburgh is slated to hold the No. 49 overall pick. After that, a compensatory selection landed in Round 3 (at No. 104). Should the Steelers feel compelled to further bolster this position, however, that move would more likely come on Day 3, per The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly (subscription required).
The Cowboys have done “a ton of work” on Penn State defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com hears. After racking up 17.5 sacks and 37 hurries over the last two seasons while providing solid work against the run, Gross-Matos is in demand.

“Very Positive” Talks For Cowboys, Prescott

April 20th, 2020 at 2:03pm CST by Zachary Links

The Cowboys and Dak Prescott have had “very positive” contract talks within the last two weeks, according to a source who spoke with David Moore of the Dallas Morning News (Twitter link). Apparently, things are trending in the right direction for the Cowboys and their franchise quarterback, regardless of whether he joins the Cowboys for the start of their online (and voluntary) OTAs.

[RELATED: Prescott Won’t Do Virtual OTAs This Week Without New Deal]

Prescott was kept out of free agency by way of a one-year, $31MM+ exclusive franchise tag. It’s a handsome sum, no doubt, but the QB is aiming for something in the neighborhood of Russell Wilson‘s contract. That deal, worth $35MM per annum, is the richest in the NFL.

This saga has surpassed the one-year mark. Prescott turned down a $33MM-per-year offer last year and has held firm on that front. It has now affected his offseason participation. While that ordinarily would not be a major issue, the Cowboys figure to have new wrinkles offensively after hiring Mike McCarthy. Kellen Moore remains OC, but Dallas’ offense will surely incorporate some of McCarthy’s concepts next season.

The latest on the Prescott contract front indicated he wanted a shorter-term deal. The Cowboys, as their 2019 extension spree most recently indicated, are proponents of longer contracts. A short-term pact would give the 26-year-old quarterback a chance at another monster payday in his early 30s or possibly before then. Given the events of the Prescott negotiation timeline to this point, his camp holding firm on this preference adds up.

The Cowboys have until July 15 to sign their quarterback to an extension. That would help the team’s cap situation; Prescott’s $31.5MM cap figure is anchoring Dallas’ payroll at the moment.

Jaguars To Release Marqise Lee

April 20th, 2020 at 1:52pm CST by Zachary Links

The Jaguars are releasing Marqise Lee, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. With that, the accomplished wide receiver will hit the open market just before the 2020 NFL Draft. The Jaguars will save $4.8MM by cutting Lee.

Lee signed a four-year, $38MM deal with the Jaguars in 2018 but did not do well to justify the team’s investment. A knee injury sidelined him for all of the ’18 season, and Lee battled ankle and shoulder injuries last season. The Jags placed him on IR. This cut was expected, but the team did Lee no favors by releasing him over a month after free agency’s outset.

The former Jags second-round pick caught just three passes last season. However, Lee was a reliable contributor in Jacksonville before his 2018 absence. He totaled 1,551 receiving yards between 2016-17, leading all Jags targets in that span. Despite the team still employing its GM and head coach from that span, it has parted ways with most of the talent responsible for the run to 2017’s AFC championship game.

While the Jags still feature D.J. Chark, Dede Westbrook and Chris Conley, they could be in the market for a wide receiver in the first round. Thanks to the Jalen Ramsey trade, the team holds two first-rounders. With the first of those picks coming at No. 9 overall, Jacksonville could be a landing spot for one of this draft’s top wide receivers. Barring another team trading in front of the Jags, they could be a threat to have their pick of the wideouts in this receiver-stacked draft.

49ers Shopping Dee Ford, Kwon Alexander

April 20th, 2020 at 1:12pm CST by Zachary Links

The 49ers are shopping several notable names in advance of the draft, according to Mike Lombardi of The Ringer (on Twitter). Execs around the league tell the former GM that edge rusher Dee Ford, linebacker Kwon Alexander and safety Jaquiski Tartt have all been made available for the right price. Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin, who was dangled earlier this year, also remains on the block.

The level of interest in those four players isn’t immediately clear, but the Niners are exploring every avenue in advance of the draft. Ford is set to enter his second season with San Francisco, just one year after coming over via trade with Kansas City. He’s in the midst of a five-year, $85MM contract and coming off of an injury-riddled season.

Thanks to knee, quadriceps, and hamstring issues, Ford was limited to just eleven regular season contests. And, when he was on the field, the 49ers had to ease the 29-year-old into action. All in all, he played on just 22% of the defensive snaps.

Alexander, 26 in August, has three seasons left on his four-year, $54MM deal. The off-ball ‘backer is remarkably tough – he suffered a torn pectoral muscle in November and somehow managed to return for the Niners’ playoff run. Alexander also battled a biceps injury that required surgery in February. These maladies emerged after he missed much of the 2018 season with an ACL tear. They will also drop his potential trade value.

The 49ers used rookie Dre Greenlaw for much of the season in Alexander’s place but reinstalled the highly paid outside linebacker in the starting lineup in the playoffs. Greenlaw has three years left on his rookie deal.

San Francisco had initially constructed Alexander’s contract to make it easier for the franchise to move on from him after 2019. But after a November restructure, that becomes more difficult. The 49ers added void years to Alexander’s contract to create cap space. Because of this, Alexander does not become a realistic cut candidate until 2022. But it appears the 49ers are trying to offload the former Buccaneer’s contract on another team and move forward with a younger player at the position.

Yannick Ngakoue Lashes Out At Jaguars

April 20th, 2020 at 12:53pm CST by Zachary Links

Yannick Ngakoue is getting restless. On Monday, the defensive end took to Twitter to express his frustration with the Jaguars and their reported lack of momentum on trade talks.

“Tired of the back and forth @Jaguars,” Ngakoue wrote. “Let’s get this s— done.”

The 25-year-old also tweeted at team co-owner Tony Khan, telling him to “stop hiding.”

“I’m not in hiding sir, I’m in isolation getting ready for the draft,” Khan replied. “I’ve been pretty active on social media in isolation, but you wouldn’t know that since you unfollowed me (again).”

After that, Ngakoue challenged Khan to “let the world in on the truth.” The truth, he says, is that the two men agreed that the December game against the Chargers would be Ngakoue’s last in a Jaguars uniform. After that, Ngakoue accused Khan of trying to “backdoor the situation” while avoiding calls from his camp.

Khan went on to say that tweeting insults at him wouldn’t get Ngakoue traded any faster, thereby implying that the team is indeed willing to deal its disgruntled star. And according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, that’s news to rival teams. Though other clubs have talked trade with the Jags, no offers have been made to date, perhaps because Jacksonville was making it clear that it was not really serious about moving Ngakoue. If that was the case, it now seems as if the Jags really are open for business.

If it wasn’t obvious before, the barbs make it crystal clear: Ngakoue absolutely wants out of Jacksonville and the relationship seems to be broken beyond repair.

The former third-round pick engaged in extension discussions last year, but a Jaguars short-term offer helped lead to Ngakoue skipping the team’s offseason program. Shortly before the Jags cuffed him with the franchise tag this offseason, Ngakoue announced he had no intentions of signing a long-term deal with the team. It’s been bumpy ever since.

Jacksonville has parted ways with most of the players that played key roles for its 2017 AFC championship game-qualifying team. The Jags traded Jalen Ramsey, A.J. Bouye and Calais Campbell since October. They released Malik Jackson last year and cut Marcell Dareus to save money in March. The team has shopped Leonard Fournette as well.

Latest On Jaguars, Yannick Ngakoue

April 20th, 2020 at 12:38pm CST by Zachary Links

The Jaguars haven’t gotten any real bites on running back Leonard Fournette and they’re in a similar boat with Yannick Ngakoue, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com hears (on Twitter). The franchise-tagged defensive end has been discussed, but there have been no offers.

Ideally, the Jaguars would like to find a deal for Ngakoue before Thursday night, allowing them to add picks in this year’s draft. But, to get a deal done, they may have to scale back their asking price. At last check, the Jaguars were asking for a first-round pick, plus more.

Every team in the league would love to add Ngakoue, a 25-year-old edge rusher with a long track record of getting to the quarterback. Still, any club trading for him would have to cough up serious draft capital and sign Ngakoue to a whopping new deal. So far, that’s proven to be too rich for everyone’s blood. Meanwhile, Ngakoue says he’s not interested in moving forward with the Jags.

“The Jaguars are aware I no longer have interest in signing a long term contract in Jacksonville,” tweeted Ngakoue after he was franchise tagged “Duval, I love you and gave you guys everything I got. I’m thankful for the journey and look forward to continuing my career elsewhere.”

With at least eight sacks in each of his four NFL seasons – including 12.5 sacks in 2017 – the former third-round pick has outperformed expectations by every measure. But, for what it’s worth, the advanced metrics called his value into question last year. Instead of trading an early round choice for Ngakoue, teams in need of edge help could hold on to their picks and sign the likes of Jadeveon Clowney.

Chiefs Eyeing Henry Ruggs?

April 20th, 2020 at 11:52am CST by Zachary Links

With the final pick in the first round, most analysts expect the Chiefs to prioritize their need at cornerback. However, Peter King of NBC Sports has heard that the Chiefs could also explore a move up for Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III if he falls into the twenties.

The Chiefs already have a loaded group of receivers, headlined by Tyreek Hill, Mecole Hardman, Sammy Watkins, and tight end Travis Kelce. They’re also short on ammo for a trade up the board, so a leap for Ruggs would be truly shocking.

It’s not hard to see why the Chiefs might be drawn to Ruggs, of course. He’s one of the very best receivers in a historically deep class for the position, alongside Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb and teammate Jerry Jeudy. He also has the blazing speed that the Chiefs can’t get enough of – his 4.4 second 40-yard-dash shows that he has the moves to burn any corner in the pros.

While they don’t need another dynamic wide receiver, the Chiefs may view Ruggs as a long-term replacement for Watkins. The veteran re-upped with KC on a one-year deal earlier this month, which means that he probably won’t fit into their budget if he has a monster season. And, while the cornerback position is a must, they might be content to pass on CBs in the first round once Jeff Okudah and C.J. Henderson are spoken for.

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