HEADLINES

Month: September 2024

Cardinals Make Three Roster Moves

July 22nd, 2022 at 6:58pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Cardinals made plenty of headlines yesterday by making quarterback Kyler Murray the league’s second-highest paid player. They have made some other, less substantial moves today. 

The team announced that tight end Maxx Williams has been placed on the active/PUP list. The 28-year-old suffered a season-ending knee injury in October, leaving a significant hole in Arizona’s offense. To fill the void, the Cardinals traded for Zach Ertz days later. Still, Williams did enough in his third year in the desert to earn a one-year contract this offseason.

The former second-rounder is no stranger to injuries. Williams has played a full season only once in his seven-year career, back in 2019. Since then, he has made just 14 appearances in total, prompting the Cardinals to retain Ertz and add Trey McBride in the draft. Williams will therefore have plenty of competition for playing time upon his return.

Meanwhile, the team also confirmed the signing of wideout Victor Bolden Jr. The five-foot-nine, 175-pounder played a pivotal role in helping the Birmingham Stallions win the USFL title. Overall, he ranked fourth in the spring league with 415 receiving yards, numbers which translated to the championship game (of which he was named MVP). In addition, he showcased his ability as a returner, with 794 yards on special teams. That was Bolden’s calling card during his previous stint in the NFL, which began by signing as a UDFA with the 49ers in 2017 and ended last summer when he was waived by the Lions.

Lastly, to make room for Bolden, the Cardinals released undrafted receiver Jared Smart. If Bolden can make Arizona’s roster as a returner in particular, he could round out the team’s WR corps, which already features the likes of DeAndre Hopkins, Marquise Brown, Rondale Moore, A.J. Green, Antoine Wesley and Andy Isabella at the top of the depth chart.

Ravens Place Six Players On PUP List

July 22nd, 2022 at 5:10pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Ravens’ 2021 season was derailed by injuries, and the team is still feeling the effects of it as training camp opens up. The team announced on Friday that six players have been placed on the active/PUP list. 

On offense, left tackle Ronnie Stanley is among the players listed. The former All-Pro has played in just one game since October of 2020 due to multiple ankle surgeries. The team has remained optimistic that, unlike last season, a more cautious offseason approach can keep him on the field permanently once the regular season begins. Baltimore has several options to replace him if he remains sidelined, including veteran Ja’Wuan James – himself no stranger to injury problems.

Not surprisingly, running back J.K. Dobbins is also on the list. It was reported earlier this week that the 23-year-old might not be fully recovered from his ACL tear in time for the regular season opener. The progress of his rehab will be worth watching closely during camp, as is the case for fellow back Gus Edwards. He, like Dobbins, missed the 2021 season in its entirety, putting his September availability in question. Free agent signing Mike Davis and sixth-round rookie Tyler Badie could be in line for significant reps in camp.

Two key defenders are on the list as well. Cornerback Marcus Peters was named as a PUP candidate earlier this month, as he continues to recover from a torn ACL suffered in the preseason. His return would be welcomed by the Ravens, who struggled mightily against the pass in 2021 and have a new-look CB room. The other member of the secondary on the list is safety Ar’Darius Washington, a former UDFA in contention for a backup role.

Finally, outside linebacker Tyus Bowser represents another unsurprising name on the list. The Ravens jack-of-all-trades edge rusher suffered a torn Achilles in the regular season finale, leaving his Week 1 availability in doubt throughout the offseason. With second-rounder David Ojabo dealing with the same ailment, Bowsers’ September health will be a key talking point in the build-up to the season.

Any of the above players can be activated at any time, though the chances of that happening in the near future is likely lower than that of many other PUP players previously announced, given the severity of many of these injuries.

Titans Sign Second-Round CB Roger McCreary

July 22nd, 2022 at 3:59pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Titans entered today with two significant members of their draft class still unsigned, but that number has now dropped to one. The team announced on Friday that second-round corner Roger McCreary has inked his rookie contract. 

McCreary steadily improved during his four years at Auburn. As a junior and senior in particular, he put himself on the radar as one of the 2022 class’ top corners. Between those final two seasons, he totalled 94 tackles (including nine for a loss), and five interceptions, showcasing his talent against both the run and pass. In 2021, he led the SEC with 14 pass deflections.

Those totals, coupled with his six-foot, 190-pound frame, made him a strong candidate to hear his name called on Day 1 of the draft. However, questions were raised about his relative lack of length, especially given the heavy usage of man coverage he was involved in with the Tigers, along with a slightly underwhelming 40-yard dash time at the Combine. At No. 35 overall, he was selected right around where many draft analysts projected him to go.

In Tennessee, McCreary will compete for a starting role right away. The Titans have Kristian Fulton penciled in as a starter, but 2021 first-rounder Caleb Farley could be the favorite at this point to line up opposite him. McCreary’s skillset lends itself to paying effectively on the inside as well, though, so a significant role early in his career is well within reach.

His deal – which is worth $9.165MM – includes a signing bonus of $3.845MM (Twitter link via Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson). That has been seen as a sticking point with many non-first rounders this year, and led to the distinct possibility of several Round 2 selections holding out of training camp. Such a scenario could now only take place in Tennessee with respect to quarterback Malik Willis, who is the lone unsigned member of the Titans’ class.

Dolphins Place CB Byron Jones On PUP List

July 22nd, 2022 at 1:58pm CST by Adam La Rose

The list of notable players beginning training camp on the active/PUP list continues to grow. The Dolphins announced on Friday that they will be without cornerback Byron Jones for at least the short term. 

The 29-year-old is still recovering from ankle surgery he had earlier this offseason. The procedure was aimed a remedying a lingering issue, one which wasn’t severe enough to limit his playing time in 2021. Given the fact that an estimated two month recovery period was reported at the time, it is somewhat concerning that the former Cowboy still hasn’t healed in full.

In two seasons with the Dolphins, Jones has totalled a pair of interceptions, 14 pass deflections and 95 tackles, repeating a similar level of play in terms of pass coverage across those campaigns. He has another three (non-void) years remaining on the free agent deal which sent him to Miami, a contract which Jones agreed to re-work not long after his injury. The move helped create cap space for 2022, making the additions of Tyreek Hill and Terron Armstead easier to absorb. It also raised his cap hits in 2023 and 2024 above $18MM, however, something made more significant by the new contract fellow corner Xavien Howard signed this offseason.

Jones can be activated at any time by the Dolphins, and there has been no indication that they will have to wait much longer to see him back on the field. Assuming he does return to full health in time for the season, Miami will once again have one of the better CB duos in the league, as the team’s secondary looks to help the team emerge as a postseason contender.

Browns Sign Round 4 DT Perrion Winfrey, Finalize Draft Class

July 22nd, 2022 at 12:52pm CST by Adam La Rose

The final member of the Browns’ 2022 draft class is officially on the books. Cleveland signed defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey to his rookie contract, per a team announcement. 

Winfrey had a brief but productive career at Oklahoma. He flashed his ability as a disruptor in the run game with 5.5 tackles for loss in 2020. He then took a step forward with 23 stops, along with 11 TFLs, in 2021. With 5.5 sacks, he also showcased his ability as a pass-rusher, an element which has become increasingly valuable in recent years.

With a jump in PFF grades from 59.7 to 71.3, many have projected significant growth in the next few years for the six-foot-four, 292-pounder. As a result, some felt that Winfrey would have to wait no longer than Day 2 of the draft to hear his name called. Instead, he could end up representing a value find in the fourth round for the Browns, who continue to add youth to the interior of their defensive front.

Winfrey will join the likes of recent mid-round draftees Jordan Elliott and Tommy Togiai as intriguing prospects in the middle of Cleveland’s d-line. His relative weakness defending the run will, in all likelihood, limit his playing time early on in his career, but he could make an impact on passing downs relatively quickly.

With Winfrey under contract for four years, here is the final breakdown of the Browns’ class:

Round 3: No. 68 (from Texans) Martin Emerson, CB (Mississippi State) (signed)
Round 3: No. 78 Alex Wright, DE (UAB) (signed)
Round 3: No. 99 David Bell, WR (Purdue) (signed)
Round 4: No. 108 (from Texans) Perrion Winfrey, DT (Oklahoma) (signed)
Round 4: No. 124 (from Eagles through Texans) Cade York, K (LSU) (signed)
Round 5: No. 156 (from Vikings through Ravens) Jerome Ford, RB (Cincinnati) (signed)
Round 6: No. 202 (from Cowboys) Mike Woods, WR (Oklahoma) (signed)
Round 7: No. 223 (from Lions) Isaiah Thomas, DE (Oklahoma) (signed)
Round 7: No. 246 (from Bills) Dawson Deaton, C (Texas Tech) (signed)

Lions To Sign DL Isaiah Buggs

July 22nd, 2022 at 12:01pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Lions have made a depth addition to their defensive line. Isaiah Buggs is signing in Detroit, reports NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (Twitter link).

The 25-year-old began his career with the Steelers in 2019. Over his three seasons in Pittsburgh, he grew into a larger role with each passing campaign, playing just over one-third of the team’s defensive snaps in 2021. Overall, his career in the Steel City comprised 29 games played (including seven starts), 31 tackles and one pass breakup.

The former sixth-rounder joined the Raiders in January as insurance for the playoffs, but has been on the lookout for a new home throughout the offseason. In May, he participated in the Vikings’ minicamp as a tryout, but that didn’t turn into a deal. One month later, he was among several players worked out by the Falcons.

In Detroit, Buggs will join a d-line with the likes of Michael Brockers, Levi Onwuzurike and Alim McNeill at the top of the depth chart. The six-foot-three, 295-pounder, will look to carve out a rotational role similar to the one he had last season in Pittsburgh, as the Lions transition to a 4-3 scheme. While his level of play (and PFF evaluations) to date indicates that could be his ceiling, his age and career arc could point to untapped potential for the Lions to benefit from as they look to take a step forward in 2022.

Patriots Finalize Coaching Staff Titles

July 22nd, 2022 at 10:09am CST by Adam La Rose

The numerous changes seen on the sidelines in New England this offseason have been a major talking point heading into an important year for the team. With training camp opening, the Patriots assistants’ job titles have been finalized, leaving plenty of unanswered questions. 

As noted by PFF’s Doug Kyed (on Twitter), official titles have been given to, among others, Joe Judge and Matt Patricia. The former is listed as an offensive assistant/quarterbacks, while the latter will serve as a senior football advisor/offensive line. The news confirms the roles for those two returnees, which had previously been reported.

Working with the team’s QBs will be new for Judge, who established himself as a HC candidate with his special teams work during his first stint with the Patriots. How quickly he adapts to the new role will be critical to New England’s success, as Mac Jones enters his all-important second NFL campaign. Likewise, Patricia will be in relatively unfamiliar territory; he hasn’t worked with the team’s o-line since 2005, and made a name for himself on the defensive side of the ball.

Also among the takeaways from this announcement is the fact that no coach is identified as an offensive or defensive coordinator. Play-calling duties have been up in the air on offense in particular, with Patricia initially tapped as the favorite for the role. Uncertainty isn’t new in this regard for the Patriots, however; as Kyed tweets, New England operated without an OC in 2010, and haven’t formally had a DC since 2017.

A great deal of attention will be paid to the ex-HCs in the return to the Patriots’ sideline in 2022. The exact duties of each, as they emerge throughout the season, will no doubt be subject to significant scrutiny.

Raiders’ Darren Waller Reports To Training Camp

July 22nd, 2022 at 9:07am CST by Adam La Rose

With training camps opening up, attention is naturally being drawn to players with potential motivation to stage a ‘hold-out,’ or more recently, a ‘hold-in.’ One such player is Raiders tight end Darren Waller, whose contract status has generated plenty of speculation this offseason. 

The 29-year-old has emerged as one of the league’s top players at his position, making him a logical candidate for an extension more in line with his recent production. The team wouldn’t necessarily be obligated to re-work his deal right away, though, as Waller has two years remaining on his current contract, with scheduled salaries of $6.25MM remaining.

That figure pales in comparison to the compensation many other, less accomplished TEs will be receiving in 2022. The position has seen a notable upward trend this offseason, especially as a result of the $54.75MM deal given to David Njoku of the Browns. That, coupled with the fact that there is no guaranteed money remaining on Waller’s deal, has led to some speculation that he could try to force the Raiders’ hand in contract talks in the build-up to camp.

Instead, the former sixth-rounder has indeed reported to camp, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (Twitter link). Part of the reason he was expected to do so, no doubt, is the extent to which contract talks have been ongoing for more than a month. A new deal was reported to be imminent in June, although Vegas’ preference could very well be to wait one more year to finalize an extension. To that point, Fowler adds that Waller and the team appear to be “all-in” on the 2022 campaign, one filled with high expectations on all fronts.

The Raiders currently rank third in the league in cap space, so a deal pushing some money upfront on a multi-year extension would be feasible for the team. How much progress is made in the coming weeks will likely dictate Waller’s short-term (and, potentially, long-term) financial future.

Falcons Place LB Deion Jones On PUP

July 21st, 2022 at 10:12pm CST by Ben Levine

Eventually, Deion Jones will likely emerge as a trade candidate. For the time being, the linebacker will sit on PUP. The Falcons announced that they have placed the veteran on the physically unable to perform list.

[RELATED: Trade Candidate: Falcons LB Deion Jones]

Jones underwent shoulder surgery earlier this offseason, but the procedure was reportedly a “cleanup.” It sounded like the linebacker could be back in time for training camp, but he’ll miss at least the first few days of practice thanks to today’s transactions. Jones can return to practice at any time, but that will require the Falcons to remove him from the PUP list.

A 2016 second-round pick, Jones has anchored Atlanta’s linebacking corps throughout his career. The 27-year-old had another productive season in 2021, finishing with 137 tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble. However, he hasn’t made a Pro Bowl since 2017, and with the Falcons facing a total rebuild, Jones would seem to be one of the next veterans on the block.

The problem is, moving on from Jones is easier said than done. Tied to a $20MM cap figure this year, Jones has two seasons left on his contract. Thanks to two 2021 restructures, the Falcons would be left with a whopping $18MM in dead money if they decided to release the linebacker, adding on to their $63MM in dead-money charges (much of that from the dead-money record ($40MM) on Matt Ryan‘s contract).

So, the more likely path is that Jones is moved via trade, and once the linebacker is able to show that he’s fully recovered from his shoulder surgery, there should be plenty of squads interested in adding him to their LB room. While teams might be leery of the $9.6MM (guaranteed) and $11.9MM (nonguaranteed) salaries he is due over the next two years, the LSU product is still just 27 and has missed only one game over the past three seasons.

For the time being, the likes of Rashaan Evans, Mykal Walker, Troy Andersen, and Nick Kwiatkoski should get some extra reps at inside linebacker with Jones sidelined.

Minor NFL Transactions: 7/21/22

July 21st, 2022 at 8:15pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor transactions:

Baltimore Ravens

Green Bay Packers

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers

New York Jets

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