2020 July - Pro Football Rumors

AFC East Notes: Oliver, Dolphins, Thuney

July 22nd, 2020 at 3:19pm CST by Sam Robinson

Montgomery County (Texas) authorities are dropping charges against tackle Ed Oliver, Mark Berman of Fox 26 reports (on Twitter). The Bills defensive tackle was arrested on charges of DWI and unlawfully carrying a weapon in May. Attorney Gary Patterson said, via Berman, a lack of evidence prompted the charges to be dropped. Oliver may still face NFL punishment, but the 2020 CBA limited Roger Goodell‘s disciplinary powers on personal conduct issues. It is now certainly possible Oliver will be available for the Bills in Week 1.

Here is the latest from the AFC East:

The NFL gave teams the option of having rookies report to training camp Tuesday, but Dolphins first-year players are set to arrive at the team’s facility Thursday, Barry Jackson and Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald note. Florida has become a global hot spot for the coronavirus, and the NFLPA had expressed concerns about teams opening up camp in certain areas. South Florida, Houston, Phoenix and Los Angeles were the locales the union mentioned, per Jackson, and it called for an emergency meeting of team doctors whose franchises reside in the most-affected areas. But the medical experts did not indicate camps in those places needed to be moved.
Minutes before the legal tampering period began in March, the Patriots surprisingly used their franchise tag to keep Joe Thuney off the market. The Patriots joining 11 other teams in opting not to sign a franchise-tagged player to an extension last week could point to Thuney being on the trade market. But the post-Tom Brady Pats are only carrying a $4.4MM combined cap charge at quarterback — a league-low figure, and Mike Reiss of ESPN.com writes this will allow for more flexibility to carry Thuney’s $14.78MM tag number this season. While some major changes occurred in New England, the Pats are set to return five starting offensive linemen.
While Bills, Giants and Jets players will not have to quarantine for 14 days upon returning to the tri-state area, Patriots players who have spent their offseasons outside the New England region will need to do so upon arrival in the state where they work.

Vikings, Mike Zimmer Finalizing Extension

July 22nd, 2020 at 2:19pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Vikings are eyeing a long-term future with Mike Zimmer. They are finalizing a multiyear extension with their seventh-year head coach, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports (on Twitter).

Zimmer, 64, and the Vikings previously agreed on a new deal just last year, but that came in the form of an exercised option for 2020. He was again set to enter a lame-duck season.

Although Zimmer waited a long time to become a head coach, he has been Minnesota’s most successful leader since Dennis Green. The Vikings have consistently deployed a high-end defense under the longtime NFL defensive coach, and they have continued to make playoff appearances despite Zimmer’s team having yet to use the same starting quarterback in three straight seasons.

Zimmer has led the Vikings to playoff berths with three different signal-callers — Teddy Bridgewater, Case Keenum and Kirk Cousins — and has overseen five straight top-10 scoring defenses. Minnesota has never ranked below 11th in points allowed under Zimmer.

While the Vikings spent the past several seasons building around a similar nucleus, Zimmer will be tasked with leading a reshaped contender this year. Minnesota cut Xavier Rhodes and Linval Joseph, let Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander walk in free agency and traded Stefon Diggs. They also appear to be set to move on from 10-year defensive end Everson Griffen, who remains a free agent. The Vikings are counting on their longtime leader to keep the team’s playoff window open with some younger pieces.

Only six teams — the Patriots, Saints, Steelers, Ravens, Seahawks and Chiefs — have longer-tenured HCs than the Vikings. Zimmer is 57-38-1 in his six-season run. He is the third-winningest coach in the franchise’s 59-season history.

Ravens Sign Patrick Queen, Wrap Draft Class

July 22nd, 2020 at 1:59pm CST by Zachary Links

That’s a wrap on the Ravens’ 2020 NFL Draft class. On Wednesday, the club announced deals with first-round linebacker Patrick Queen and third-round wide receiver Devin Duvernay, the final stragglers in their ten-man group.

Queen put himself on the radar as a sophomore at LSU, but he saved his best for last. In 2019, Queen registered had 85 tackles last season, 12 tackles for loss, and three sacks. A three-down ‘backer with solid coverage skills, GM Eric DeCosta says Queen is a “guy that plays like a Raven.”

While the Ravens address the LB need early, they sat back while this year’s big-name wide receivers came off the board. Towards the end of Round 3, they nabbed Duvernay, a short and speedy receiver with the ability to stretch the field.

“The No. 1 priority for us was to get a fast guy,” John Harbaugh said earlier this year (via The Baltimore Sun). “We just wanted to get another fast guy in the offense, a speed guy. One, you got a guy that caught 106 balls. In his career, he had over 160 catches with one drop. That’s what we had in our count. I didn’t see a drop on tape this last year…He’s only 5-[foot]-10, [but he’s a] strong, tough, real competitive guy. He has a little chip on his shoulder.”

Here’s the full rundown of the Ravens’ frosh:

1-28: Patrick Queen, LB (LSU): Signed
2-55: J.K. Dobbins, RB (Ohio State): Signed
3-71: Justin Madubuike, DT (Texas A&M): Signed
3-92: Devin Duvernay, WR (Texas): Signed
3-98: Malik Harrison, LB (Ohio State): Signed
3-106: Tyre Phillips, OL (Mississippi State): Signed
4-143: Ben Bredeson, G (Michigan): Signed
5-170: Broderick Washington Jr., DT (Texas Tech): Signed
6-201: James Proche, WR (SMU): Signed
7-219: Geno Stone, S (Iowa): Signed

NFL: Mandatory Masks For Fans

July 22nd, 2020 at 1:43pm CST by Zachary Links

Fans who attend NFL games this season will be required to wear face coverings, per an announcement from the league’s public relations department. The rule will apply for all 32 teams, and every stadium, even if local laws do not call for it.

Several teams have already announced a mask requirement for fans, so the league-wide motion doesn’t come as a major surprise. Given the potential safety hazard, legal liabilities, and public optics involved, this is, realistically, the only way for the league to have fans in the stands this season.

Without fans in the seats, the NFL expects to lose somewhere between $2 billion and $4 billion in revenue. In theory, some of that could be offset by company-branded banners covering the empty seats, but the rest of the league’s usual advertising and sponsorship streams will be greatly depressed until the economy rebounds. In short – only fans in the seats can help to fill that gap.

The owners are pushing players to absorb a proportional amount of the hit, but the NFLPA is pushing back. Even as the players fight for the safest work environment possible, they also recognize the fiscal importance of gate attendance.

The mask mandate, coupled with limited capacity seating, may improve the chances of fans being able to attend games, but it guarantees little. Ultimately, the COVID-19 case rates, ICU numbers, and local laws will have final say over what the NFL can and cannot do.

Vikings, Justin Jefferson Agree To Deal

July 22nd, 2020 at 10:55am CST by Zachary Links

The Vikings have agreed to terms with first-round pick Justin Jefferson, as Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets. His four-year deal is worth $12.122MM in total, including a $7.1MM signing bonus. Beyond that, the Vikings will hold a fifth-year option on the wide receiver.

The Vikings selected the LSU standout with the No. 22 overall pick – the choice they received in the Stefon Diggs trade with the Bills. Jefferson might not be ready to produce like Diggs right off the bat, but he could develop into a top-end receiver before long.

Heading into the draft, most had Jefferson ranked as the fourth-best wide receiver in this year’s class, behind Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb and Alabama standouts Henry Ruggs and Jerry Jeudy.When the Eagles went for TCU’s Jalen Reagor at No. 21 overall, the Vikings pounced on the chance to nab Jefferson.

Last year, Jefferson led the nation with 111 catches and registered 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns. With size, speed, good hands, and solid route-running ability, scouts say the sky is the limit.

Even with Jefferson signed, the Vikings still have some more paperwork to get through before they wrap their entire 15-man draft class.

Dolphins Sign Robert Hunt, Wrap Draft Class

July 22nd, 2020 at 10:44am CST by Zachary Links

On Wednesday morning, the Dolphins struck a deal with second-round guard Robert Hunt, sealing the deal on their full 11-man draft class (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Field Yates). Here’s the full rundown, via PFR’s tracker:

1-5: Tua Tagovailoa, QB (Alabama): Signed
1-18: Austin Jackson, T (Miami): Signed
1-30: Noah Igbinoghene, CB (Auburn): Signed
2-39: Robert Hunt, OL (Louisiana): Signed
2-56: Raekwon Davis, DL (Alabama): Signed
3-70: Brandon Jones, S (Texas): Signed
4-111: Solomon Kindley, OL (Georgia): Signed
5-154: Jason Strowbridge, DT (UNC): Signed
5-164: Curtis Weaver, DE (Boise State): Signed
6-185: Blake Ferguson, LS (LSU): Signed
7-246: Malcolm Perry, WR/RB (Navy): Signed

Per the terms of his slot at No. 39 overall, Hunt is set to earn $8.065MM on his four-year deal. Hunt was first-string for his full run at Louisiana-Lafayette, including stints at left guard, left tackle, and, most recently, right tackle. In his final year, he missed significant time with a groin injury – if it wasn’t for that, the versatile blocker could have been in the first round mix.

At 6’5″ and 323 pounds, Hunt already has the bulk to hang with the pros. The Dolphins have suggested that Hunt could begin his pro career on the inside or the outside, though he’s a logical fit to backstop Michael Dieter at right guard.

Devonta Freeman Hires Drew Rosenhaus

July 22nd, 2020 at 10:34am CST by Zachary Links

Devonta Freeman has hired Drew Rosenhaus as his new agent, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Freeman’s free agency has dragged, but Rosenhaus seems to think that the running back will sign in time for training camp.

“We want to work out a deal in the immediate future, and we are open to any team,” Rosenhaus said. “He’s healthy, he’s in shape, and I’m on a mission to have him give a team a lift in late July.”

Freeman was dropped by his former rep, Kristin Campbell, earlier this month. Reading between the lines, it’s possible that Campbell wanted the veteran to take the one-year, $3MM offer he received from the Seahawks. Freeman said no, believing that he could land something better.

At this point, the longtime Falcons star will probably have to ease his expectations. Freeman’s last deal was set to pay him about $8MM in 2020 before the Falcons released him. It’s hard to imagine him doing much better than $3MM in base comp at this stage of the offseason, especially in this economic climate.

The Buccaneers could be one landing spot for Freeman, if they want to solidify their group behind Ronald Jones. The Eagles – who have young talent in Miles Sanders and Boston Scott – could also give him a look. We haven’t heard much on either front lately, however.

80-Man Rosters Expected For Training Camp

July 21st, 2020 at 6:04pm CST by Sam Robinson

The long-rumored roster reductions ahead of what will be historically unusual training camps look set to ensue. The NFLPA expects rosters to be reduced from 90-player maximums to 80 by camp, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. The NFL has now proposed an 80-player limit for training camp rosters, ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano tweets.

The NFL management council, however, has not yet signed off on the reduction, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com adds (on Twitter). Discussions veered toward allowing teams the option of carrying 90 players but classifying 10 as standby players, who would wait to replace someone (likely in the event of a COVID-19 contraction), but the NFLPA wanted more clarity here.

Should the expected 80-man max become reality for this year, it will mean upwards of 300 players will be cut in the coming days in order for teams to move down to the new expected limit. A roster reduction to 80 or 75 players, for the purposes of social distancing amid the COVID-19 pandemic, has been rumored for several weeks.

The NFL agreeing to the NFLPA-preferred zero-preseason-game arrangement lessens the need for 90-man rosters, and Tuesday’s NFLPA call confirmed there will be no exhibition contests this year, per NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero (on Twitter).

Although this will mean fewer jobs, the NFLPA proposed an 80-man roster max earlier this month. With teams’ onsite offseason work being nixed because of the pandemic, rookies are set to have a greater degree of difficulty acclimating to the NFL. While Tuesday’s news will not affect most (if any) 2020 draft choices, rookie UDFAs will likely represent the brunt of the forthcoming cuts. Select players signed to reserve/futures deals last winter stand to be vulnerable as well.

With the in-season workout circuit also set to be heavily impacted by COVID-19, Tuesday’s news promises to be a key point in many players’ careers. Teams do not have to trim their rosters to 53 players until early September, so UDFAs and other bottom-end players would have enjoyed several weeks of work attempting to carve out spots on rosters or practice squads. But the pandemic looks set to change this, which would stand to remove numerous players from teams’ rosters in the next week. Teams are slated to report to training camp July 28.

Texans Complete Draft Class Deals

July 21st, 2020 at 6:01pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Texans signed three draft picks Tuesday, finalizing the contracts for their five-man 2020 draft class.

Houston agreed to terms with second-round defensive tackle Ross Blacklock, fourth-round cornerback John Reid and fifth-round wide receiver Isaiah Coulter.

One of the teams that traded away its first-round pick, doing so in last summer’s Laremy Tunsil deal, Houston led off its draft with Blacklock at No. 40 overall. The TCU product will be in line to replace D.J. Reader, a 2019 breakout performer whom the Bengals poached in free agency.

Coulter will join a new-look Texans wideout corps that could see another change before the regular season begins. The Texans traded DeAndre Hopkins, acquired Brandin Cooks‘ $16.2MM-per-year salary and signed Randall Cobb to a three-year, $27MM deal. They already have Will Fuller on a fifth-year option salary and Kenny Stills on a $7MM 2020 cap number. It would seem the latter is a trade candidate (again).

Here is the Texans’ 2020 draft class:

2-40: Ross Blacklock, DT (TCU)
3-90: Jonathan Greenard, LB (Florida): Signed
4-126: Charlie Heck, OL (North Carolina): Signed
4-141: John Reid, CB (Penn State)
5-171: Isaiah Coulter, WR (Rhode Island)

NFL Cancels 2020 Preseason Slate

July 21st, 2020 at 5:50pm CST by Zachary Links

At least one gap has been closed in negotiations between the NFL and the NFLPA. The NFL has offered to wipe out the 2020 preseason entirely, as Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. The NFLPA informed its constituents there will be no preseason games this year, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle tweets.

Previously, the league offered to reduce the schedule from four games to two. The union, meanwhile, wanted zero games. The NFL tried to meet the union in the middle with just one game – to be held on what would usually be Week 3 of the exhibition schedule – but the NFLPA wasn’t having it. Now, owners are willing to do away with the whole thing, but they’re likely expecting the players to cave on other matters.

Key issues that are still TBD: finances, the overall return-to-work acclimation period, and testing procedures. On the safety front, the league has agreed to daily COVID-19 testing for players. If the positive rate for players (plus coaches, staffers and select execs) dips below 5% over the first two weeks of camp, the league will move to every-other-day tests.

Meanwhile, other measures are being considered to bolster rosters. Earlier this week, the NFL proposed an expansion of the practice squad. Currently, each team has a maximum of ten spots.