HEADLINES

Month: November 2024

Minor NFL Transactions: 8/13/24

August 13th, 2024 at 7:42pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

Buffalo Bills

  • Waived-injured: WR Bryan Thompson

Carolina Panthers

  • Released from IR (with injury settlements): OT J.D. DiRenzo, TE Curtis Hodges

Denver Broncos

  • Re-signed: LB Alec Mock

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

  • Signed: LB Chris Russell
  • Released from IR (with injury settlement): CB Don Callis

Los Angeles Chargers

Minnesota Vikings

New Orleans Saints

  • Signed: CB Kaleb Ford-Dement
  • Waived: RB Zander Horvath
  • Released from IR (with injury settlement): WR Jermaine Jackson

New York Jets

Pittsburgh Steelers

Seattle Seahawks

  • Released from IR (with injury settlement): NT Matthew Gotel

Raiders Sign QB Nathan Peterman

August 13th, 2024 at 5:51pm CST by Ben Levine

Nathan Peterman‘s NFL journey has landed him back with the Raiders. The organization announced today that they’ve signed the veteran quarterback. In a corresponding move, the team waived/injured wide receiver Keelan Doss.

Peterman is most known for tossing five interceptions during the first half of his NFL debut, but he’s since garnered a reputation as a steady backup QB. He had a nearly four-year stint with the Raiders, making only brief cameos in relief of Derek Carr. He also had a two-year stay with the Bears between 2022 and 2023. In total, Peterman has gone 1-4 in his five career starts.

The veteran signed with the Saints back in March but was cut loose earlier this month. The Raiders will now take a chance on a player who’s not only familiar with the organization, but also the playbook. As Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal observes, Peterson played the last two seasons in Chicago under new Raiders OC Luke Getsy, so it shouldn’t take the QB long to get his feet wet.

Bonsignore notes that Peterman might have simply been added to soak up preseason snaps. However, he could also provide an upgrade at QB3 over the likes of Anthony Brown Jr. and UDFA Carter Bradley (and behind Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell).

Doss has bounced around the NFL since going undrafted in 2019, including a handful of stints with the Raiders. He most recently spent two years with the Chargers, hauling in six catches for 33 yards.

WR Tavon Austin Retires

August 13th, 2024 at 4:38pm CST by Adam La Rose

Tavon Austin‘s time in the NFL has come to an end. The veteran receiver and returner announced his retirement on Tuesday.

The 34-year-old has not played since 2021, but he continued to draw interest over the past two years. Workouts in October 2022 as well as last September did not produce agreements, however. With the start of the 2024 campaign approaching, Austin will turn his attention toward his post-playing days.

“I wasn’t sure if I was ready to give up football,” the former first-rounder’s statement reads in part, “and it has been one of the most challenging decisions I’ve ever made. But after an incredible ten years, I’m retiring from the NFL… Football didn’t always love me back, but it will always be my first love! I will forever cherish the time I spent in the NFL… Just like my seasons, they come to an end, and it’s time for me to enter my next chapter in life.”

Austin entered the league with high expectations as a No. 8 overall pick of the Rams. His most productive season as a receiver came in 2016 when he posted 509 yards and three touchdowns. While his output on offense did not live up to expectations, he did carve out a notable role as an impactful returner. His third phase contributions helped land him on the PFWA’s All-Rookie team in 2013.

The West Virginia alum racked up at least 1,009 all-purpose yards in three of his first four seasons, returning one punt for a touchdown each season from 2013-15. Austin was dealt to the Cowboys ahead of the 2018 season, but his two-year tenure with the team did not produce a regular role on offense. That remained the case in 2021 during his stint with the Jaguars.

Austin caught on with the Bills in the summer of 2022, but he did not survive roster cutdowns. That resulted in a brief period on the team’s practice squad, but in October he was let go. Free agency has not produced a deal since that time, marking an end to his NFL tenure. Austin will depart the league with 118 combined regular and postseason games to his name and roughly $41MM in career earnings.

Jaguars Activate DL Arik Armstead

August 13th, 2024 at 4:01pm CST by Adam La Rose

Arik Armstead missed the beginning of training camp while recovering from a torn meniscus suffered midway through the 2023 campaign. The veteran defensive lineman is now able to return to practice, however; Armstead was activated from the PUP list on Tuesday, per a team announcement.

[RELATED: Recapping Jaguars’ Offseason]

The longtime 49er spent his first nine seasons in the league with San Francisco. Armstead was set to play out the final year of his deal in 2024, but the 49ers’ efforts to have him accept a pay cut were unsuccessful. As a result, the team moved forward with his release, setting up a notable free agent spell. Armstead drew interest from multiple teams, but he ultimately decided to join the Jaguars.

The 30-year-old landed a three-year, $43.5MM deal featuring $28MM in guarantees. Armstead will thus be expected to play a key role along the defensive interior for his new team. Jacksonville is set atop the depth chart on the edge with Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, but the team sought out a D-lineman to pair with DaVon Hamilton when negotiating with Armstead. The latter is a veteran of 97 starts.

Armstead recorded five sacks last season despite being limited to 12 games. That was the third time in his career he posted at least five sacks, and making an impact in the passing game would be key in the Jaguars phase of his career. The former first-rounder has posted between 11 and 18 quarterback hits in five of the past six seasons; duplicating that production should be expected provided he can remain healthy.

With two preseason games remaining, the Jaguars will have multiple opportunities to have Armstead see game reps before the campaign kicks off. Even if he is limited to training camp work, though, he will have time to get up to speed in time for Week 1.

Cowboys OL Chuma Edoga Likely To Miss Regular Season Time

August 13th, 2024 at 2:36pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Cowboys’ depth along the offensive line could be tested early in the season. Veteran Chuma Edoga is dealing with a toe injury suffered in the preseason opener, David Moore of the Dallas Morning News reports.

As a result, Moore notes Edoga is likely to begin the season on injured reserve. In that event, the 27-year-old would be forced to miss at least the first four weeks of the campaign. First-round rookie Tyler Guyton will be on track to handle starting duties on the blindside, and losing Edoga (who will not need surgery, per Moore) for a stretch will add more pressure on Guyton to perform right away.

Head coach Mike McCarthy noted on Tuesday that Guyton, to little surprise, will work with the starters in the wake of Edoga’s injury. He added (via Moore’s colleague Calvin Watkins) that Matt Waletzko will continue at right tackle with Asim Richards getting backup reps on the blindside. The latter will prepare for the swing tackle role to begin the season as Edoga begins a lengthy rehab process.

Dallas saw Tyron Smith depart in free agency, ending his 13-year tenure with the franchise. The 2010s All-Decade member served as an effective left tackle when healthy, but the addition of Guyton set up a short- and long-term investment at the position. Guyon primarily played at right tackle during his time at Oklahoma, but his athletic upside led many to expect he would be capable of making the move to the left at the NFL level.

Of course, Guyton succeeding at left tackle would allow for 2022 first-rounder Tyler Smith to remain at guard. The Cowboys prefer to keep the Pro Bowler on the inside, and strong play at left guard would help ease the acclimation period for Guyton and fellow rookie Cooper Beebe, who is set to take over from Tyler Biadasz at center. Losing Edoga could increase the chances of Smith moving back to tackle if needed, though.

Edoga played in all 18 regular and postseason games for the Cowboys in 2023, his debut campaign in Dallas. That included six starts, and the 27-year old saw time at left tackle and left guard. He drew a 61.4 PFF grade, roughly in line with his previous evaluations. That level of play landed Edoga a new one-year Cowboys deal, but his 2024 debut will likely be delayed.

Eagles Activate DB Cooper DeJean

August 13th, 2024 at 1:50pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Eagles’ new-look secondary should be at full strength in time for the start of the regular season. Second-round rookie Cooper DeJean was activated from the active/NFI list on Tuesday, per a team announcement.

Philadelphia’s ability to improve against the pass compared to 2023 will be key factor in the team’s success this season. DeJean figures to have a role in that regard, even if he does not earn a starting gig right away. The Iowa product has experience at both corner and safety dating back to his college career, one which ended with a fractured fibula. That ailment delayed his pre-draft workouts but it did not do much damage to his stock. He had been rehabbing a hamstring injury prior to today’s activation.

DeJean was selected with the No. 40 pick, Philadelphia’s second selection (and one which the team traded up to acquire). The first was used on cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, who is likely to handle first-team duties during his rookie campaign. Mitchell is capable of playing on the boundary opposite Darius Slay or in the slot, a spot typically reserved for Avonte Maddox. James Bradberry remains in the fold, but he is transitioning from corner to safety.

The Eagles brought back C.J. Gardner-Johnson this offseason, and he is set to log a heavy workload at safety. Philadelphia also has Mekhi Garner and Sydney Brown at that spot, although they are all dealing with injuries for the time being. Caden Sterns was added this weekend, so DeJean will have plenty of competition for playing time if he is used at safety upon returning to action.

The All-American racked up seven interceptions and 13 pass breakups over the past two years, demonstrating his production when healthy. DeJean will now have a brief stretch to prepare himself for his NFL debut in Week 1. He indicated (via PHLY’s Zach Berman) the Eagles’ third preseason game is a realistic target to return to action in advance of playing at full health in September.

Browns DT Mike Hall Jr. Arrested

August 13th, 2024 at 12:40pm CST by Sam Robinson

12:40pm: A follow-up report from Oyefusi provides further details on the incident. The police report alleges Hall engaged in a violent confrontation with his fiancée which included pointing a handgun at the woman’s head and saying, “I will f—ing end it all. I don’t care.”

Hall’s bond has been set at $10K. He has a court hearing scheduled for September 10, two days after Cleveland’s regular season opener. The Browns and the NFL will have a short period to issue any discipline before that time; the parties could, alternatively, allow Hall’s legal process to play out before making a final decision.

10:00am: The first draft pick the Browns made this year, Mike Hall Jr. has run into legal trouble early in his Cleveland tenure. The rookie defensive lineman was arrested Tuesday morning, according to ESPN.com’s Daniel Oyefusi.

A domestic violence charge is likely. The Athletic’s Zac Jackson and Jason Lloyd reported earlier Tuesday that Hall was expected to be booked after a domestic dispute occurred Monday night. This incident is believed to have occurred in Avon, Ohio, a West Cleveland suburb.

Lacking a first-round pick for a third straight year (due to the Deshaun Watson trade), the Browns led off their draft by choosing Hall at No. 54. The Ohio State product has impressed during Browns training camp. This arrest certainly represents a key deterrent early in the early-round draftee’s career.

“We are aware of the incident involving Mike Hall Jr. last night,” a Browns statement read. “Mike and his representatives have been in touch with the appropriate authorities. We are in the process of gathering more information and will have no further comment at the time.”

Although the exact charge(s) are not known, Hall would be subject to a suspension — even if no conviction ends up coming to pass — under the NFL’s personal conduct policy. It should not be considered a lock Hall will be banned, as facts are not yet public, and no suspension is guaranteed to occur this season.

The Browns have big plans for the in-state product, who played at nearby Streetsboro High School. The team has Dalvin Tomlinson on a four-year, $57MM deal but has not seen him practice during training camp. Tomlinson is one of a few Cleveland starters on the active/PUP list. The Browns also re-signed Shelby Harris and Maurice Hurst Jr., adding veteran D-lineman Quinton Jefferson to the mix as well. Through a long-term lens, however, Hall joins Tomlinson as centerpiece DTs in Jim Schwartz’s defense. The Browns will wait on more information coming out about their top 2024 prospect.

BetterHelp 101: Understanding Online Therapy And How To Find Support (Sponsored)

August 13th, 2024 at 11:08am CST by Tim Dierkes

This is a sponsored post from BetterHelp. As a BetterHelp affiliate, MLB Trade Rumors receives compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

As society’s knowledge of mental health grows, more treatment opportunities are available to a more significant number of people living with mental health challenges. One such option is online therapy, which allows individuals to receive mental health support from a device with an internet connection from any location.

What Is BetterHelp?

BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that works with a database of over 30,000 counselors, therapists, social workers, and psychologists from all 50 US states and some countries worldwide. This platform aims to break down barriers that often keep people from seeking help, such as financial burdens, a rural location with limited options for therapy, or a lack of accessibility in one’s area.

Understanding BetterHelp

BetterHelp may work differently than meeting with a traditional therapist. Below are some ways individuals can use online therapy via this service.

Signing Up

Signing up for BetterHelp often takes a few minutes. The initial sign-up process is a questionnaire which asks prospective clients about the following:

  • Reasons for seeking therapy and goals
  • The individual’s diagnosis or mental health challenge
  • Therapist gender preferences
  • Whether they’d like to meet with an LGBTQ+, Black, or Asian therapist
  • Preferences for individual, couples, or teen therapy
  • Gender, age, sexuality (optional), pronouns, and relationship status
  • Spiritual identity
  • Past experience in therapy
  • Intimacy challenges
  • Substance use habits

After filling out the questionnaire, which may take around five to ten minutes, prospective clients will be directed to fill out their name, email, and password. Then, they will be sent to the payment page, where they can choose a plan. After the payment has been processed, it often takes around 48 hours for a therapist to be matched with them.

Payment

BetterHelp plans are charged monthly for four weeks of therapy. The overall monthly cost covers four sessions with the therapist (one per week) and access to all of BetterHelp’s other resources, such as support groups and classes. Cost ranges from $65 to $100 per week, which can be more affordable than traditional therapy.

The match process

Therapists are matched with clients based on the client’s responses to the questionnaire upon signing up. The only limitation is that a therapist must be licensed to practice in the state the client lives in to be able to work with them. Clients can change providers at any time for any reason.

Using the platform

Individuals can log in through the app or website to use the BetterHelp platform. There, they can find their messages with their therapist, a journaling feature, options to schedule appointments, and extra resources. Through the settings section, clients can check their billing information, change their therapist, and edit their profile. Weekly sessions with a therapist can be held via phone, video, or live chat, all through the app or website.

Extra resources

BetterHelp offers resources that might not be offered by in-person providers, such as the following:

  • Weekly support groups
  • Online classes by mental health experts
  • Goal tracking options
  • Journaling and journal prompts
  • Worksheets

All features are included in the platform’s weekly price, so clients can access them without paying extra.

BetterHelp’s outreach

BetterHelp works with the broader community to offer support to non-profit organizations and individuals in need. They have given over 65 million dollars in discounts and financial aid to cover therapy for low-income individuals and donated over 95,000 months of free therapy to communities in need. BetterHelp partners with over 100 non-profit organizations.

Who might benefit from an online therapy platform?

Online therapy is often more flexible and convenient than in-person options. This option might benefit people with a busy schedule, such as parents, full-time workers, and athletes, who may not have the time to commute to an extra appointment. Many of the most evidence-based modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), are available online.

Is online therapy effective?

Since 2021, four out of ten US adults have used this option. One study reported that over 71% of participants believed it was more effective than face-to-face therapy. Another study found that online therapy often led to increased quality of life for clients with anxiety and depression and was more affordable.

Takeaway

By seeking support online, financial, locational, and accessibility barriers can be removed, allowing more people to receive the support they seek. To get started, consider working with a platform like BetterHelp.

Steelers Expected To Start Troy Fautanu At Right Tackle

August 13th, 2024 at 10:51am CST by Sam Robinson

The Steelers have used back-to-back first-round picks on tackles, aiming at a long-term foundation. The team, however, is believed to have rated Troy Fautanu as a higher-end prospect compared to Broderick Jones. That assessment looks to have been reflected during training camp.

Fautanu is currently battling an MCL sprain, but he is expected back for the Steelers’ regular-season opener. When Fautanu returns, it appears he will do so as a starter. The No. 20 overall pick has already done enough to be considered the team’s first-string right tackle, per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac.

This quick anointment represents an important development for the Steelers, who moved on from multiyear RT Chukwuma Okorafor this offseason. The team had benched Okorafor to install Jones at RT midway through last season. Jones kicked over to left tackle this offseason but is back on the right side, per Dulac, while Fautanu is on the mend.

Although the Steelers are transitioning away from Dan Moore Jr. as a starter, Dulac adds the 2025 free agent-to-be will eventually compete for the LT job with Jones. The latter held that position for the past three years, but his inconsistent play helped lead to the Steelers prioritizing tackles over the past two drafts.

Moore held off Jones for the LT job last year, but Pro Football Focus graded him outside the top 60 among tackles. The advanced metrics site has never viewed the former fourth-round pick as a top-50 tackle, and Dulac indeed indicates Jones probably has the edge. Moore as a swingman would stand to hurt his 2025 FA market, but young tackles with extensive starting experience are not regularly available. The 49-game starter also would stand to be an important depth piece — assuming Jones and Fautanu are indeed Pittsburgh’s first-string tackles — this season.

Fautanu came into camp in a backup role, though it has not taken much time for the Steelers to decide the Washington product is ready. Fautanu did allow two sacks in his preseason debut, which the MCL injury shortened, but the team has evidently seen enough during practice to make this early call. Now, the Steelers will wait until the point it can place its preferred tackles back on the field together.

Dolphins To Release DT Teair Tart

August 13th, 2024 at 9:08am CST by Sam Robinson

Zach Sieler‘s presence notwithstanding, the Dolphins will feature a new-look defensive line this season. Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis exited in free agency, opening two starting jobs. In a surprising early decision, the Dolphins moved on from a competitor for one of those posts.

Miami released veteran D-tackle Teair Tart on Tuesday, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter. The Dolphins are the second team to bail on Tart since December, when the Titans cut the former starter. Tart was one of many free agent D-line options Miami added this offseason, and after being waived in December, the now-vested veteran will head straight to free agency.

The Dolphins will eat $568K in dead money (due to guarantees) after this release. They had signed Tart to a one-year deal worth $1.75MM in early April.

The Titans placed a second-round RFA tender on Tart last year but bailed on the 36-game starter after 11 games last season. The Texans claimed the former fifth-round pick but used him as a backup in two late-season contests. Tart generated interest beyond Miami this offseason, and the 27-year-old run stuffer will need to find a new home. Though, his value has dipped since his 16-game run as the Titans’ nose tackle starter back in 2022.

Pro Football Focus graded Tart as a top-25 interior D-lineman in 2022; this came after he had started 10 games for a 2021 Titans team that claimed the AFC’s No. 1 seed. Operating as more of a run defender on a D-line with Jeffery Simmons and Denico Autry, Tart still did well coming from a fifth-round draft slot. Despite playing in only 11 Titans games last season, he registered a career-high eight tackles for loss. It would stand to reason another team will give the Florida International alum another shot soon.

A recent report pointed to Tart competing with Benito Jones for Miami’s NT job. Tuesday morning’s news obviously strengthens Jones’ standing, and the Dolphins made several adds post-Wilkins this offseason. The team signed Calais Campbell this summer and added recent Broncos part-time starter Jonathan Harris. Former Cowboys third-round pick Neville Gallimore is on the roster, as is ex-Tart Titans teammate Da’Shawn Hand. As it stands now, Jones is positioned as a starter alongside Campbell and Sieler, in Anthony Weaver‘s defense.

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