2021 July - Pro Football Rumors

Month: September 2024

No Players Planning To Opt Out Of 2021 Season?

July 2nd, 2021 at 11:31am CST by Sam Robinson

Nearly 70 players opted out of the 2020 season, with some of the high-profile opt-outs’ decisions affecting teams’ plans going into that uncertain campaign. A more stable backdrop exists a year later, and the NFL may have its full workforce available as a result.

No buzz has emerged on a player opting out of the 2021 season, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk notes. Last week, the NFL and NFLPA came to an agreement that secured another COVID-19 opt-out provision. Only players deemed high risks for developing complications from the coronavirus are eligible for the $350K payout, but with vaccines now in the equation, it is possible no player opts out by Friday’s 3pm CT deadline.

Several key players opted out in 2020. Dont’a Hightower and Patrick Chung were among the Patriots’ league-high seven opt-outs; the Bears lost nose tackle Eddie Goldman; the Chiefs lost longtime guard starter Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and starting running back Damien Williams; the Vikings lost recent nose tackle signee Michael Pierce; Giants left tackle Nate Solder sat out as well. This group, save for the now-retired Chung, has returned. (Goldman did not show for Bears minicamp, but the team expects him back for training camp.) However, many of the lower-profile players ended up being cut after their respective opt-out decisions. With effective vaccines now available, teams will likely be less understanding of players’ decisions to skip the season.

While a few players have expressed vaccine hesitancy, at least 65% of NFL players have received at least one vaccine dose. The Broncos, Dolphins, Saints and Steelers were close to or had surpassed the 85% mark late last week, according to ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler (on Twitter). The Jaguars and Panthers saw a spike in vaccines after the NFL announced this year’s virus protocols, which provide considerably more freedom for vaccinated players.

A few hours remain for players to notify teams they will skip this season, but opt-outs — decisions that cannot be changed after this afternoon’s deadline — do not look like a major issue for NFL franchises in 2021.

Details On Ryan Ramczyk’s Saints Extension

July 2nd, 2021 at 9:59am CST by Sam Robinson

The Saints now have a third offensive lineman signed to a high-end extension, with Ryan Ramczyk joining Terron Armstead and Andrus Peat as well-paid starters on a team with five first-rounders on its starting O-line. Multiple interesting details surfaced about Ramczyk’s deal Friday.

This five-year, $96MM pact will reduce Ramczyk’s 2021 cap number by $5.55MM, according to ESPN.com’s Field Yates (on Twitter). Previously set to play on a fifth-year option salary worth just more than $11MM, Ramczyk’s cap number is down to $5.5MM. The Saints now have $11.4MM in cap space, according to OverTheCap, putting them 15th in the NFL in early July. They have come a long way from being more than $100MM over the cap earlier this year.

One component of Ramczyk’s deal generates intrigue about New Orleans’ future at the tackle position. The contract includes a $1MM bonus should Ramczyk be named a first- or second-team All-Pro at left tackle, Yates tweets. If Ramczyk earns this bonus, his salary balloons by $1MM in each subsequent year. He has earned first- or second-team All-Pro honors three times in four seasons at right tackle. While $6MM in incentives would be available, it would seem Ramczyk would not have a chance to trigger this escalator until at least 2022. Armstead is a free agent next year.

The Saints drafted Ramczyk in the 2017 first round, after he started 14 games at left tackle for Wisconsin. The former Division III recruit played one season of Division I football and has started all 63 games of his career at right tackle. Although the Saints invest highly in O-linemen and have consistently found ways to skirt salary cap trouble, having both Ramczyk and Armstead on top-tier tackle contracts would be an interesting scenario.

Armstead’s $13MM-per-year deal voids in March 2022, making him a free agent. The longtime Saints left tackle will turn 30 later this month, but Trent Williams just set a tackle record with a $23MM-per-year deal just ahead of his 33rd birthday. A Pro Bowler in each of the past three years, Armstead will be aiming high on his third contract. Williams is one of four left tackles whose deals surpass Ramczyk’s.

Regardless of which tackle position Ramczyk will settle at long-term, he is tied to the Saints through 2026. A $19MM signing bonus is part of Ramczyk’s $60MM in guarantees, and Yates adds the first two salaries on this backloaded deal will be $1.7MM (2021) and $10.5MM (’22). Ramczyk will make $14MM in base salary in 2023, with the rest of his salaries being north of $17MM. The deal’s final two years are non-guaranteed, with Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk noting the 2023 and ’24 seasons feature partial guarantees.

WR Cameron Meredith Lands CFL Deal

July 2nd, 2021 at 9:10am CST by Sam Robinson

Cameron Meredith has not played since November 2018, but the former Bears and Saints wide receiver will have a comeback opportunity after this lengthy hiatus. The CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers added Meredith to their roster Thursday.

The time off may have been necessary for the 28-year-old wideout, who suffered multiple career-altering knee injuries while in the NFL. Coming off a breakout 2016 season, Meredith suffered left ACL and MCL tears during a 2017 preseason game. He then encountered more damage to that knee in 2018, when his season ended early because of arthroscopic surgery.

A UDFA out of Illinois State, Meredith led the 2016 Bears in receiving with 888 yards — during a season in which Jay Cutler, Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley all started at least five games with Chicago. After Meredith’s injury, the Bears gave him an original-round RFA tender in 2018. This invited interest from multiple teams. The Saints signed him to a two-year, $9.6MM offer sheet, with $5.4MM guaranteed, but that pact only led to a nine-catch, 114-yard abbreviated season. The Patriots signed Meredith in 2019 but cut him ahead of the regular season.

“I’ve taken the last couple of years to sit back, enjoy time with my family and do the necessary therapy and treatment. I’ve been doing like the lifting, the massages, everything,” Meredith said, via Ed Tait of BlueBombers.com. “It’s been a nonstop 2½-year grind. I’d like to say it wasn’t for nothing because now I’ve got this opportunity to do something with it.”

After the COVID-19 pandemic nixed the 2020 CFL season, the league will return this year. The 2021 CFL season begins August 5, when the Blue Bombers face the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Former Jets wideout ArDarius Stewart and ex-Giants backup receiver Quadree Henderson are also on Winnipeg’s preseason roster.

Former Seahawks UDFA Tamorrion Terry Indicted On Felony Murder Charge

July 1st, 2021 at 10:48pm CST by Ben Levine

We heard yesterday that the Seahawks cut wideout Tamorrion Terry, and we’re now learning the startling details that led to the transaction. Per court records obtained by the Miami Herald’s Adam H. Beasley, the former FSU receiver was among 11 defendants named in a grand jury indictment regarding the killing of a 21-year-old woman in 2018.

In June of 2018, a gang-related shooting took place at a nightclub in Ashburn, Georgia, leading to at least seven people getting shot. One of those seven individuals was the murder victim, and the 11 defendants have each been charged with with “felony murder, a charge applicable when a death, even accidental, occurs in the commission of a felony” (per Beasley).

ESPN’s David Hale writes that Terry is expected to turn himself in to authorities. The 23-year-old had reportedly cooperated throughout the investigation, and his camp is confident that he’ll ultimately be cleared.

The shooting took place the summer before Terry’s redshirt season at FSU. He ended up having a standout collegiate career at Florida State, hauling in 118 receptions for 2,221 yards and 18 touchdowns. He was known for his speed and YAC-prowess, holding an FSU record for most touchdowns of 70+ yards (five). His nine touchdowns of 50+ yards was tied for the second-highest ACC mark in more than a decade.

Terry joined the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent, but the wideout was limited at minicamp and OTAs with a hip injury. It was a bit of a surprise when the receiver wasn’t cut with an injury designation, but today’s developments obviously provided an explanation. The Seahawks clearly moved quickly when they learned of the indictment.

Latest On WFT Owner Dan Snyder, NFL Investigation

July 1st, 2021 at 7:46pm CST by Ben Levine

Earlier today, we learned that the NFL slapped the Washington Football Team with a $10MM fine following the league’s investigation into sexual harassment allegations. Following the announcement, commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement:

“I want to thank Beth Wilkinson and her team for conducting a thorough and independent review of the Washington club’s workplace culture and conduct and providing both the club and me with a series of thoughtful recommendations based on her findings,” Goodell said (via NFL.com). “Beth and her team performed their work in a highly professional and ethical manner. Most importantly, I want to thank the current and former employees who spoke to Beth and her team; they provided vital information that will help ensure that the workplace environment at the club continues to improve. It is incredibly difficult to relive painful memories. I am grateful to everyone who courageously came forward.”

We also learned that while the NFL didn’t suspended owner Dan Snyder, his wife, co-CEO Tanya Snyder, will now oversee the organization’s day-to-day operations. The decision to replace Dan Snyder with Tanya Snyder was “voluntary” and wasn’t mandated by the league, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. However, Mark Maske of the Washington Post clarifies (on Twitter) that Dan Snyder can only return to his day-to-day role following approval from Goodell. In the meantime, while Dan Snyder won’t be responsible for the team’s day-to-day operations, he’ll still play a role in getting the organization a new stadium (per Garafolo).

Meanwhile, Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com tweets that the NFL won’t unveil any specific findings, as the league promised multiple interviewees that their “confidentiality would be protected.” Later, Florio shared that lawyers of the WFT employees blasted the league’s lack of transparency.

DL Steve McLendon Not A Lock To Make Buccaneers Roster?

July 1st, 2021 at 6:56pm CST by Ben Levine

The Buccaneers may have re-signed Steve McLendon earlier this offseason, but that doesn’t mean the defensive tackle is a lock to make the roster. As Greg Auman of The Athletic writes, Tampa Bay’s defensive line depth could lead to an “interesting battle for roster spots.”

Ndamukong Suh, Vita Vea, and William Gholston are locked in as starters on the defensive line, leaving space for only three (maybe four) of Rakeem Noches-Nunez, special team ace Patrick O’Connor, 2020 sixth-round pick Khalil Davis, veteran Jeremiah Ledbetter, and a handful of others. McLendon could find himself in that “others” category, especially considering his age (35) and his minimal signing bonus ($137.5K). While the veteran is “well-liked and respected” by teammates, McLendon could still find himself on the way out of Tampa Bay thanks to his minimal cap charge and/or the organization’s decision to pivot towards youth.

The Jets traded McLendon and a 2023 seventh-rounder to the Bucs last October in exchange for a 2022 sixth-round choice. It amounted to a virtually no-cost pickup for Jason Licht & Co., providing them with an accomplished run-stuffer to fill in for Vita Vea. After reuniting with Todd Bowles, McLendon notched 17 tackles and two tackles for loss in the regular season. In the playoffs, he tallied five tackles and three quarterback hits en route to a Super Bowl ring.

McLendon started at least 14 games in each season between 2017 and 2019. Last year, he was first-string with the Jets for six games, but came off of the bench for the Bucs in the latter half of the year. Now, he’ll reprise his role in the rotation, providing steady support on the interior.

Minor NFL Transactions: 7/1/21

July 1st, 2021 at 6:38pm CST by Ben Levine

We’ll keep track of today’s minor moves here:

Pittsburgh Steelers

Signed: K Sam Sloman
Waived: DE Demarcus Christmas

Sloman was selected by the Rams in the seventh round of the 2020 draft, and he saw time in seven games for Los Angeles before they let him go. The 23-year-old ended up catching on with the Titans, where he ultimately made a single appearance. In total, Sloman converted 10 of his 13 field goal attempts and 23 of his 26 extra point tries.

Sloman will likely provide the Steelers with an extra leg as they look to keep starter Chris Boswell fresh. However, barring an injury or a drastic drop in performance from the veteran, Sloman likely won’t crack the Week 1 roster.

Mike Gesicki Extension Not On Dolphins’ Radar

July 1st, 2021 at 3:25pm CST by Sam Robinson

Mike Gesicki broke through with a solid third season. Only three tight ends’ receiving yardage outputs exceeded his 2020 production, giving the former second-round pick some momentum going into his contract year.

The Dolphins have already extended two members of their 2018 draft class — linebacker Jerome Baker (Round 3) and kicker Jason Sanders (Round 7) — but Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald notes the team does not have a Gesicki extension on its radar going into training camp.

Like most tight ends, Gesicki took a bit of time to develop. Following an unproductive rookie year, however, the Penn State product has totaled 1,273 yards over the past two seasons. Last season, only Travis Kelce, Darren Waller and T.J. Hockenson outpaced Gesicki’s 703 yards among tight ends. That total nearly led the Dolphins, with DeVante Parker only accumulating 793 in his 14-game campaign.

The 6-foot-6 pass catcher added six receiving touchdowns. Gesicki will be tasked with further aiding Tua Tagovailoa‘s development this season, though his role in the aerial pecking order may change after the Dolphins signed Will Fuller and used the No. 6 overall pick on Jaylen Waddle. The Dolphins also drafted Boston College tight end Hunter Long in the third round. That could well impact Gesicki’s status.

Kelce and George Kittle have raised the bar for tight end salaries, after they had stagnated for several years in the late 2010s. Austin Hooper and recently signed Patriots Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry are also earning eight figures on average. It will be interesting to see if the Dolphins move to extend Gesicki before his contract year begins. Another productive season will make him one of the top free agent pass catchers available come March. The Dolphins would have the franchise tag in play in 2022 as well, though the tight end tag number will certainly be higher than it was this year ($9.6MM).

NFL Fines Washington Football Team $10MM

July 1st, 2021 at 2:46pm CST by Sam Robinson

A lengthy investigation into the sexual harassment allegations of 15 former Washington Football Team employees led to a financial penalty Thursday. The NFL fined the WFT $10MM, according to a league announcement. The fine will be donated to charity.

Washington will not be docked draft picks or see executives suspended, but independent counsel Beth Wilkinson’s investigation will result in this fine and what the NFL calls “other remedial measures and penalties.” It will also impact owner Dan Snyder‘s role.

The NFL did not suspend Dan Snyder, but his wife — co-CEO Tanya Snyder — will now oversee the franchise’s day-to-day operations, according to the league’s announcement. Tanya Snyder will also represent the WFT at NFL owners meetings for the next several months. The WFT announced Tanya Snyder as co-CEO last month. Dan Snyder will remain involved with the team, though it is not known when he will resume day-to-day control.

The accusations, which included “unwelcome overtures or comments of a sexual nature” and “exhortations to wear revealing clothing and flirt with clients to close sales deals” stemmed from 2006-19. Three former members of Dan Snyder’s inner circle and previous members of the team’s personnel department were among those accused.

Washington’s workplace featured an unprofessional environment, for women in particular, for many years, according to the NFL-overseen investigation, which noted that bullying and intimidation occurred. Wilkinson also concluded senior WFT execs were indeed among the perpetrators and that ownership rarely acted to intervene.

“I have learned a lot in the past few months about how my club operated and the kind of workplace we had,” Dan Snyder said in a statement. “It is now clear the culture was not what it should be, but I did not realize the extent of the problems or my role in allowing that culture to develop and continue.”

Stephon Gilmore Not Expecting Trade

July 1st, 2021 at 1:08pm CST by Sam Robinson

The subject of trade rumors at multiple junctures over the past year, Stephon Gilmore remains tied to the Patriots contract he signed in 2017. A resolution will need to take place fairly soon, with training camp beginning in less than a month and the former Defensive Player of the Year set to earn just $7MM in base salary.

Nothing has emerged indicating Gilmore and the Pats have made progress on another deal. While stalemates often lead to exits, this situation is not expected to produce a trade. During this months-long issue, the All-Pro cornerback has not expected to be dealt, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com noted during a SportsCenter appearance (h/t Bleacher Report). The most recent Gilmore trade rumors surfaced in March, but the Patriots’ moves since point to them planning for their No. 1 corner to be around in 2021.

New England deviated from its usual free agency pattern by acquiring several high-priced veterans. Adding the likes of Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry, Matt Judon, Kyle Van Noy and Trent Brown (via trade) illustrates the Pats’ plans for the 2021 season fairly well, and Gilmore has taken notice the team did not make a major cornerback addition, per Fowler. The Pats did sign Jalen Mills and have moved him back to corner from the safety role he played in 2020. But Gilmore should still be expected to head up New England’s coverage corps. New England did not draft a corner.

Although Gilmore did not reach his dominant 2019 level in 2020 — an 11-game season for the nine-year veteran — and will be 31 this season, he represents a key piece for the Pats’ playoff chances. The contract issue is not going away, however. Gilmore skipped minicamp and recently made reference to the cornerback salary landscape — in a since-deleted tweet, via ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss.

Gilmore’s average annual value is no longer especially relevant, since he is in Year 5 of a five-year contract, but the new cornerback market certainly will pertain to his next deal. And the four-time Pro Bowler has certainly noticed several less accomplished players pass him in recent years. Gilmore’s $13MM AAV ranks tied for 13th among corners. His camp having pointed to Darius Slay‘s three-year, $50MM deal as a comparable contract suggests he is willing to be flexible with the Pats, with Slay’s $16.7MM AAV off the Jalen Ramsey–Marlon Humphrey top tier.

As Jason McCourty‘s recent run shows, the Pats are willing to deploy thirtysomething corners. It remains to be seen if they will pay big money for Gilmore’s early-30s seasons, however.

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