HEADLINES

Clinton McDonald

Cardinals Activate Max Garcia, Cut Zach Brown

November 6th, 2019 at 12:27pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Cardinals have announced a series of roster moves including the activation of guard Max Garcia from the physically unable to perform list. Arizona has also placed defensive tackle Clinton McDonald on injured reserve and released linebacker Zach Brown.

Garcia, a fourth-round pick of the Broncos in 2015, signed with the Cardinals this offseason while still recovering from an ACL tear. A regular starter during his time with Denver, Garcia is expected to become a reserve for Arizona. Per the club, Garcia will likely act as the Cardinals’ top backup interior lineman on Sunday.

McDonald, 32, is now in the midst of his ninth NFL campaign. The Memphis product spent time with the Bengals, Seahawks, Buccaneers, Broncos, and Raiders before landing with the Cardinals this offseason. McDonald had appeared in every game for Arizona this year, typically playing 20% of the club’s defensive snaps. He’s going on IR with a neck injury.

Arizona had just signed Brown last week to add depth to its linebacker unit, but he’s already out of a job. Brown inked a one-year, $3MM deal with the Eagles in May after being released by the Redskins in March, but was cut after six games in Philadelphia.

Cardinals Sign Clinton McDonald

August 29th, 2019 at 12:57pm CST by Zachary Links

The Cardinals have signed defensive tackle Clinton McDonald, according to a tweet from his agents. McDonald should help provide depth on the defensive line as the club prepares for a switch back to a 3-4 scheme.

[RELATED: Cardinals To Place WR Hakeem Butler On IR]

It’s a one-year, $1.25MM deal, according to Adam Caplan (on Twitter). The pact includes just $120K fully guaranteed with a base salary of $930K.

The Cardinals already added defensive tackle help with their trade for Bruce Hector, but they’re leaving no stone unturned, especially after cutting former first-round pick Robert Nkemdiche. The well-traveled McDonald, who spent time with the Seahawks, Bengals, Buccaneers, and Broncos before joining the Raiders last year, could fit the bill.

McDonald is perhaps best known for his work with the Seahawks in 2013 in their lead-up to the Super Bowl. In that season, McDonald compiled 35 tackles and 5.5 sacks.

Cardinals Worked Out DT Clinton McDonald

August 19th, 2019 at 7:54pm CST by Ben Levine

Clinton McDonald isn’t looking to hang up his cleats just yet. The veteran defensive tackle worked out for the Cardinals today, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). However, the two sides “could not agree to terms.” Schefter notes that the 32-year-old wants to continue playing.

The 2009 seventh-rounder spent the first two years of his career with the Bengals organization before getting traded to Seattle in 2011. He developed into a reliable rotation lineman for the Seahawks, and he compiled 35 tackles and 5.5 sacks during the team’s 2013 run to the Super Bowl.

He ended up earning a somewhat lucrative four-year deal with the Buccaneers following that season, and he managed to get another two-year deal with Denver last offseason. However, he was released by the Broncos following the preseason, and he proceeded to play in 15 games for the Raiders in 2018.

The Cardinals have moved on from a handful of defensive lineman over the past few months. Former first-rounder Robert Nkemdiche and free-agent addition Darius Philon were both released following their respective arrests.

West Rumors: Chiefs, Hawks, Rams, Tryouts

September 17th, 2018 at 6:58pm CST by Sam Robinson

With Patrick Mahomes being arguably the NFL MVP through two weeks, the Chiefs are exiting a tough two-game stretch — road assignments against the Chargers and Steelers — at 2-0. They’ve done this without their defensive centerpiece. Eric Berry‘s been bothered by a nagging heel injury and hasn’t practice since early August. However, the three-time All-Pro safety is improving in his recovery and may be ready to practice this week, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. The cancer survivor was already trying to surmount his second severe NFL injury, having also missed most of the 2011 season prior to tearing his Achilles’ tendon in Week 1 of last year, and is important for a Chiefs defense that’s struggled in shootout wins.

Here’s the latest out of the Wests entering the Seahawks-Bears Monday tilt.

  • Mychal Kendricks will play plenty in his Seahawks debut Monday night, John Schneider said (Twitter link via Stacy Jo Rost of ESPN 710). Austin Calitro will be Seattle’s middle linebacker in place of the injured Bobby Wagner, Schneider said, and Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times expects Kendricks to primarily play on the weak side (Twitter link). He’s working with the starters in warmups, per Condotta (on Twitter). Kendricks is facing an NFL suspension for his insider trading charge but is appealing and is thus allowed to play tonight.
  • Rams practice squad center Aaron Neary‘s run into trouble. He was arrested Sunday for suspicion of DUI and hit and run charges, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com reports. Neary’s blood-alcohol level of .17 was more than twice the legal limit, and Thiry adds he was booked into the Ventura County Jail. Neary came to the Rams recently, after being waived by the Browns to create roster space for Anthony Zettel. He spent most of last season on the Rams’ practice squad, playing in one 2017 game, but may have trouble keeping that spot.
  • Clive Walford ventured to Kansas City for a Chiefs workout on Monday, Rapoport tweets. The former Raiders tight end was a Jets cut this summer. After being a regular in Oakland’s passing game in 2015-16, the one-time third-round pick only caught nine passes for 80 yards last season.
  • The Raiders‘ affinity for 30-somethings this offseason should be well known, and Jon Gruden said the team would have signed Clinton McDonald in March had a medical issue not intervened, per Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal (on Twitter). McDonald signed with the Broncos, but they reworked his contract because of an injury. He’s now with the Raiders, having made his Raider debut in Denver.
  • Joe Callahan was among a contingent that worked out for the Raiders on Monday, Gehlken tweets. The now-well-traveled backup quarterback was most recently with the Eagles during the preseason. Quarterback Kyle Allen, tight end Billy Brown, running back Orleans Darkwa, wide receivers Roger Lewis and Hunter Sharp also auditioned for the Silver and Black, per NFL reporter Howard Balzer (on Twitter). The Colts, Jets, Bills, Patriots (twice) and Redskins have brought in Darkwa for workouts this year.
  • Former Broncos backup inside linebacker Zaire Anderson will work out for the Cardinals on Tuesday, Mike Klis of 9News tweets. Anderson spent three years with the Broncos — 2015-17, being on Denver’s practice squad during its Super Bowl season — before being a post-preseason cut. Also working out for the Cardinals: linebacker Nigel Harris, per Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times (on Twitter).

AFC Notes: Jets, Johnson, Patriots, Michel, Cannon Raiders, Hankins

September 15th, 2018 at 5:41pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

When Jets owner Woody Johnson accepted the role as ambassador to the U.K., he left the team under the leadership of his brother Christopher. Given the relative success and cultural improvements the organization has seen under Christopher’s watch, there’s been a lot of speculation about what will happen when Woody returns from his political appointment.

Christopher himself is being quite open about the fact that he wants to stay on with the Jets, saying “no question, I’m hoping to have a larger role” even after his brother returns according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (Twitter link). He added that he thinks Woody will be receptive to it, saying “I think he’d welcome that. I know that he would. I think that I have a new perspective at this point that would be valuable for the franchise.” Whatever happens, it’ll be interesting to watch it unfold as Christopher is reportedly well liked by the players.

Here’s more from around the AFC:

  • It looks like Sony Michel could be making his NFL debut this week. The first round pick of the Patriots missed most of the offseason and Week 1 due to a knee ailment, but has “made a lot of progress this week” and “the progress has been encouraging” for his Week 1 prospects according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic (Twitter link).
  • Speaking of Patriots injuries, starting left tackle Marcus Cannon is looking unlikely to play and the team has “prepared LaAdrian Waddle this week to start” according to Howe (Twitter link). It’d be a big blow to the Patriots’ offensive line against Jacksonville’s dominant defensive front.
  • The details are in for the Raiders’ two recent defensive tackle signings. Johnathan Hankins will get $2MM for the season and Clinton McDonald will get $1.75MM according to Tom Pelissero (Twitter link). Pelissero notes that almost every other recent veteran signing has been for the veterans minimum.

Raiders To Sign DT Clinton McDonald

September 12th, 2018 at 3:44pm CST by Sam Robinson

Add another 30-something to Jon Gruden‘s offseason haul. Clinton McDonald will join the Raiders, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (on Twitter).

Cut by the Broncos after the preseason, McDonald appeared on the Raiders’ radar Wednesday. Despite the team visiting with 26-year-old Johnathan Hankins, one of the NFL’s top interior defenders in 2017, they’ll go with the 31-year-old McDonald for the time being.

A Hankins addition may not be off the table, but McDonald will attempt to fill the void created by Justin Ellis‘ foot injury. McDonald has served as a starter for two seasons, with the 2016 Buccaneers and NFC champion Seahawks in 2014, but has mostly been a backup contributor. He recorded five sacks for the Bucs last season, despite starting only three games. McDonald’s posted three five-plus-sack seasons, the other two coming with both recent NFC champion Seattle teams.

In addition to Ellis having strained multiple foot ligaments, rookie interior defender P.J. Hall was wearing a walking boot at Wednesday’s practice, per Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com (Twitter link). He suffered an injury during the first series of the Raiders’ loss to the Rams.

West Rumors: Prosise, Cards, Rams, Raiders

September 12th, 2018 at 3:34pm CST by Sam Robinson

After a promising flash as a rookie, C.J. Prosise has not contributed much to the Seahawks‘ cause. He’s picked up 17 touches since December 2016 and is behind Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny and Mike Davis on the Seattle running back depth chart. However, the team is discussing a position change for the third-year back. Pete Carroll said (via Pro Football Talk) his coaching staff is examining a possible Prosise switch to wide receiver, citing his background at the position in college. Prosise was a wideout at Notre Dame before being switched to the backfield. He caught 29 passes for 516 yards in 2014. The Seahawks are down Doug Baldwin for perhaps multiple weeks, and they have just four healthy wide receivers.

Here’s the latest from the West divisions, shifting to a running back who is also quite adept at the receiver role.

  • David Johnson is now the NFL’s second-highest-paid running back, holding a substantial lead over the No. 3 player in this hierarchy, and ranks close to the top in terms of fully guaranteed money, too. Johnson’s three-year, $39MM Cardinals extension will come with $24.682MM fully guaranteed at signing, Joel Corry of CBS Sports tweets. Adding in the amount guaranteed for injury increases the deal’s guarantees to $31MM, per Corry, who adds offset language is included in this contract. Johnson’s $24MM-plus full guarantee leads all running backs on veteran contracts, surpassing Todd Gurley‘s $21.9MM in guarantees.
  • Martavis Bryant is indeed back with the Raiders, as Jon Gruden suggested he could be. An illness and general inconsistency during camp led to Bryant being a preseason cut, Gruden said (via Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic, on Twitter). Gruden said the perpetual suspension risk, who may or may not be facing another ban, is more focused and may suit up for the team on Sunday in Denver.
  • In addition to the Raiders’ interest in signing top free agent Johnathan Hankins, Gruden said they’re also interested in adding Clinton McDonald, per Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Hankins is visiting the Raiders on Wednesday. The Broncos released McDonald after the preseason slate. If signed, McDonald would add yet another 30-something to Gruden’s free agency haul. He’s 31.
  • The Raiders are in need of help at defensive tackle because of a Justin Ellis injury. The fifth-year veteran defensive tackle strained ligaments in his foot, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. He’s week-to-week, prompting Oakland to pursue outside help.
  • Adam Jones signed with the Broncos late in the preseason, appearing to represent an upgrade at punt returner and No. 4 cornerback. However, the 35-year-old defender appears to have usurped Tramaine Brock for the nickel job, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com notes. Brock didn’t fare poorly in the preseason and graded as an upper-echelon corner during his last season of full-time work, with the 2016 49ers, but Jones has more experience in Vance Joseph‘s defense from their time together in Cincinnati. If he’s been demoted, it would mark a second straight season the 30-year-old defender’s resided out of a nickel picture. The Vikings carried Brock as a depth piece in 2017.
  • The Rams are going to need a new return man. Pharoh Cooper suffered an ankle injury and will be out for “some time,” Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com notes. Backup return man Michael Thomas is out for a few weeks, Sean McVay said, to prompt Los Angeles to seek alternative options. Cooper served as the Rams’ kick- and punt-return man last season, soaring to All-Pro honors.

Broncos Make Roster Moves

September 1st, 2018 at 6:53pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Broncos have trimmed their roster to 53 players by making the following moves:

Waived:

Waived/injured:

Released:

Placed on injured reserve:

Placed on PUP:

Broncos To Release Clinton McDonald

September 1st, 2018 at 11:55am CST by Sam Robinson

Despite being one of the Broncos’ first free agent additions this offseason, Clinton McDonald will not be part of the Broncos’ 53-man roster.

They’ve released the former Seahawks and Buccaneers defensive lineman, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic tweets.

McDonald signed a two-year, $7MM deal with Denver but restructured it because of an injury he was recovering from at the time. By converting $3MM in salary into per-game bonuses, McDonald did not receive any guaranteed money. It won’t cost the Broncos anything in dead money to part with the veteran defender.

Denver has slowly built some depth on its defensive line, with players like Shelby Harris and Zach Kerr in line to see time as second-stringers ahead of McDonald. The 31-year-old interior defender started for the 2014 NFC champion Seahawks and 2016 Buccaneers but otherwise has mostly functioned as an NFL reserve.

The Raiders, who have signed an NFL-high number of players in their 30s this offseason, were previously interested in McDonald, Mike Klis of 9News notes (on Twitter).

AFC West Notes: Raiders, Mack, Broncos

August 8th, 2018 at 1:24pm CST by Zachary Links

Could the Raiders conceivably trade Khalil Mack? Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com feels that they would be wise to listen if another team blows them away with an offer of, say, two first-round picks for the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year.

Within the blurb, Gutierrez also references an exchange in March with GM Reggie McKenzie in which he asked (perhaps jokingly) if the writer had an extra $100MM on hand to help pay Mack. That may be an indication that the Raiders do not have the cash necessary to make Mack one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the NFL, though there is no direct evidence of financial trouble in Oakland at this time.

Here’s more from the AFC West:

  • Former Raiders wide receiver and current NFL Network analyst James Jones hears that wide receiver Martavis Bryant is having trouble picking up the team’s playbook (via PFT). In a conversation with Jones, Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Olson indicated that Bryant has impressed with his natural talent, but his inability to grasp the team’s playbook has been a source of frustration for the club. Despite the hiccups, the Raiders traded a third-round pick for Bryant earlier this year, so it would be a shocker if he is not on the Week 1 roster.
  • Broncos defensive tackle Clinton McDonald is dealing with a shoulder issue that may be related to his previous shoulder woes, Mike Klis of 9News hears. It’s a source of concern for the Broncos, though the team is awaiting further tests to get a complete understanding of the situation. McDonald, who signed a two-year deal with Denver earlier this year, missed the club’s entire offseason program while recovering from an infection. He was also forced to accept a pay cut as a result of the issue, although he can earn the $3MM he gave up by appearing in all 16 games for the Broncos this year.
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