HEADLINES

Month: November 2024

This Date In Transactions History: Broncos, Panthers Swap Punters

May 19th, 2021 at 7:25pm CST by Ben Levine

It’s not everyday we get a punter trade; per ProFootballReference, there have been four trades involving punters since 1994. On May 19, 2005, we hit the jackpot of punter-centric trades, as a pair of punters were LITERALLY TRADED FOR EACH OTHER.

That’s right: on this date 16 years ago, the Panthers sent Todd Sauerbrun to the Broncos, with Denver sending Jason Baker and a future seventh-round pick to Carolina (a selection that eventually turned into defensive end Stanley McClover).

At the time, this move seemed like a clear win for Denver. Sauerbrun, a former second-round pick, earned three-straight All-Pro nods between 2001 and 2003, and he set a number of Panthers punting records during his four years with the organization. However, by 2005, the veteran had worn out his welcome in Carolina. During the 2004 campaign, he publicly complained about his contract’s weight-limit clauses, he was cited for driving under the influence, and he was investigated for allegedly receiving steroids. So, by May of 2005, it wasn’t some giant revelation that Sauerbrun was on the trade block; the team had even made it clear that they’d just cut the punter in June.

Considering the Broncos special teams struggles, they emerged as a clear suitor. However, in the days leading up to 5/19/2005, there was some doubts that a deal would get done. Sauerbrun requested that the Broncos convert some of his base salary into a signing bonus, something that stalled the trade negotiations between the two front offices. However, the two sides ultimately pulled off the transaction.

While the Broncos proceeded to go 13-3 in 2005, Sauerbrun didn’t necessarily provide the consistency they were seeking. The veteran’s 43.8 yards per punt and touch back percentage were among the worst of his career, although he somewhat redeemed himself in the postseason when he forced a fumble on an Ellis Hobbs‘ kickoff return. The punter didn’t see the field for Denver during the 2006 season, and following a two-game stint with New England, he rejoined Denver in 2007 before calling it a career.

While the Panthers let go of a Pro Bowler in the trade, they ended up acquiring a future standout in the process. After having spent time with five different teams during his first four seasons in the NFL, Baker would proceed to spend the next eight seasons in Carolina following the trade. During that time, Baker set a number of his own franchise records, including punts (570) and punting yards (25,064). Baker also briefly held the distinction of being the NFL’s highest-paid punter.

We know, we know: punters don’t elicit a whole lot of excitement. However, when it comes to punter trades (especially a punter-for-punter trade), this one is hard to bear.

Broncos Add Kelly Kleine, Roman Phifer To Front Office

May 19th, 2021 at 6:20pm CST by Ben Levine

The Broncos have been busy adding to their front office in recent days. Earlier this week, the organization announced that they’ve hired Kelly Kleine as Executive Director of Football Operations/Special Advisor to the General Manager and Roman Phifer as Senior Personnel Executive.

In her new role, Kleine is expected to be involved in every aspect of the organization’s day-to-day operations, especially in regards to pro and college scouting. She will also be “the primary liaison for the team’s football operations,” and she’ll oversee the video and equipment departments. As the team website notes, Kleine is believed to be the “highest ranking female in scouting in the history of the league.”

Kleine had spent the previous 10 years with the Vikings, including the past two as Manager of Player Personnel/College. Albert Breer of SI.com writes that Vikings GM Rick Spielman wanted to retain Kleine, but the opportunity was too good to reject. In Denver, she will report directly to George Paton, with the two having previously worked alongside each other during their stints in Minnesota. Tory Renck of Denver7 tweets that the GM had been looking to hire Klein since January.

Phifer won three Super Bowls during a 15-year NFL career. Following his retirement, he spent some time as a Broncos coach before joining UCLA as the football program’s director of player development. Phifer had been with the Detroit Lions since 2018, serving as the team’s West Coast Area Scout. In Denver, the 53-year-old is expected to split his time between Denver and the road.

Colts WR Parris Campbell: ‘I’m 100 Percent’, Fully Cleared

May 19th, 2021 at 4:43pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

Parris Campbell has had a tough time in the NFL since the Colts drafted him 59th overall in 2019. The Ohio State product is blazing fast and has flashed a lot of potential during his brief time on the field, but has been unable to stay healthy.

In his rookie season, he was limited to seven games due to a myriad of injuries, including a hernia, broken hand, and broken foot. This past season, he went down with a serious knee injury in Week 2 and never returned. That came on the heels of a promising Week 1 showing where he had six catches for 71 yards.

2021 is shaping up to be a make or break season for the third-year pro, and fortunately Campbell is saying he’s all systems go for the offseason. “I’m 100 percent,” Campbell said Wednesday, via Stephen Holder of The Athletic (Twitter link).

Campbell told reporters that he finally received full clearance from the medical staff this week. It wasn’t a torn ACL that sidelined him, but rather PCL and MCL injuries. Campbell also said that changing his jersey number to one was part of a hope for a fresh start.

The Colts didn’t add much at receiver this offseason and T.Y. Hilton will be 32 in November, so Campbell should have a big role if he can stay available. A healthy Campbell to go along with Hilton and second-year wideout Michael Pittman Jr. would make life a lot easier on Carson Wentz in his first year in Indy.

NFL Draft Pick Signings: 5/19/21

May 19th, 2021 at 3:57pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

The Colts have now officially signed every member of their draft class. We’ll keep track of all the new draftees signing their rookie deals today here:

Indianapolis Colts

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Washington Signs Joe Walker, Cuts Josh Harvey-Clemons

May 19th, 2021 at 3:02pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

Washington is shuffling their linebacking depth chart. They’ve signed free agent linebacker Joe Walker and cut Josh Harvey-Clemons, the team announced Wednesday afternoon.

Walker spent 2020 with the 49ers where he was a core special teamer and reserve, playing over 60 percent of the special teams snaps. He didn’t play much on defense, but the year before in 2019 he started 11 games for the Cardinals. That year in Arizona, he finished with 65 tackles, five for a loss, and a forced fumble.

He was originally a seventh-round pick of the Eagles in 2016, and started three games for Philly in 2017. Washington drafted Harvey-Clemons in the seventh-round back in 2017. He played a real role in 2018, when he had a sack and three passes defended, but his playing time was reduced in 2019.

Harvey-Clemons then opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19. Linebacker was a weakness for Washington’s strong defense last season, and they just used their first-round pick on Jamin Davis from Kentucky.

Antonio Brown Has Knee Surgery, Bucs Not Concerned

May 19th, 2021 at 1:41pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

There was some brief concern earlier this morning when it was reported that Buccaneers receiver Antonio Brown hadn’t actually signed his contract yet. Head coach Bruce Arians said Brown still needed to pass his physical, and it appeared for a second his return to Tampa could be in some doubt.

That doesn’t appear to be the case. The oft-embattled wideout did in fact have knee surgery on Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network tweets. Rapsheet says the procedure was a success, and that it was just “a clean-out after some issues last season.” Fortunately for the friend of Tom Brady, it’ll apparently only be “a few weeks of recovery, then he’ll be ready to go.”

Bucs GM Jason Licht also confirmed that it’s no big deal. “No, not concerned. The plan all along is to have him come in — I think he is coming in Monday to sign,” Licht told Ira Kaufman of JoeBucsFan.com.

Brown attracts drama like a magnet, but it doesn’t seem like this is going to be a lingering issue. He might be more concerned about the new lawsuit he just got hit with a few days ago.

Eagles To Sign Le’Raven Clark

May 19th, 2021 at 12:31pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

Nick Sirianni is reuniting with a familiar face. The Eagles are signing free agent offensive lineman Le’Raven Clark, a source told Mike Garafolo of NFL Network (Twitter link).

Terms of the deal weren’t immediately disclosed, but it’s safe to assume it’s a cheap short-term deal. It is in fact a one-year pact, Tim McManus of ESPN tweets. The Colts drafted Clark 82nd overall back in 2016, and Sirianni was his offensive coordinator in Indianapolis the past three seasons.

Philly wasn’t the only team to express interest, as we heard that Clark met with the Bills back in early April. Clark was never a full-time starter with the Colts, but usually ended up starting at least a few games per year. He was inserted into the starting lineup at tackle last year, but unfortunately went down with an Achilles tear himself in December after starting three games.

With the injury coming so late in the season, it’s unclear if he’ll be ready for Week 1 this year. Clark started at least three games in four of his five seasons with the Colts, but never more than five. He started five at guard in 2017, so he’s got some versatility.

The Eagles’ offensive line was really banged up last year, so it’s not surprising they’re looking for additional insurance. Andre Dillard and Lane Johnson currently project as the two starting tackles.

Lions Sign Penei Sewell

May 19th, 2021 at 11:31am CST by Zachary Links

The Lions have their first-round pick in the fold. On Wednesday, offensive tackle Penei Sewell agreed to terms on his rookie contract (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). 

Per the terms of his slot, the No. 7 overall pick will receive a four-year, $24.1MM fully guaranteed deal. That guaranteed sum includes a hefty $14.9MM signing bonus. There was little doubt that Sewell would sign — rookie contracts are fairly cookie-cutter, thanks to the slotting system. Still, agents and execs will sometimes haggle over the finer points, such as offset language.

Sewell opted out of Oregon’s 2020 season, but the 6’6″, 330-pound prospect was absolutely stellar in 2019. He surrendered zero sacks in the previous year and gave up just seven quarterback pressures in total. The advanced metrics at Pro Football Focus were also fond of his work. In 2019, Sewell finished No. 1 in the country with a run-blocking grade of 95.3 while placing third in pass-blocking (91.1).

The Outland Trophy winner was absent from the Lions’ rookie minicamp after testing positive for COVID-19. Fortunately, it sounds like he’s okay and will be able to join the rest of his teammates soon.

NFLPA Exec Bashes Bills GM For Vaccine Comments

May 19th, 2021 at 9:06am CST by Zachary Links

Back in May, Bills GM Brandon Beane said that he would release players who refused to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Soon after, the league office got in touch with Beane to let him know that teams cannot cut players solely for that reason. Now, NFLPA chief exec DeMaurice Smith has weighed in with his thoughts. 

[RELATED: NFL Says Teams Can’t Cut Players For Refusing Vaccine]

“When a general manager speaks out and says something that is not only inconsistent with league policy, but just has a rank disregard for the rights of our players, I don’t know any other way of characterizing that other than just the stupidity that underlines it,” Smith said (via Liz Mullen of Sports Business Journal.)

Given the NFL’s clarification, Smith probably doesn’t have much to worry about on this front. Still, his comments show that the players’ union will be keeping a watchful eye on the waiver wire for any questionable cuts.

Beane’s comments raise a number of questions about a player’s personal right to say no to the vaccine. Beyond that, one has to wonder how the NFL would handle this type of situation in practice. What happens if a team cuts someone for refusing the vaccine while citing their performance as the reason for the release? In that case, the union would face an uphill battle.

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