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Minor NFL Transactions: 5/2/23

May 2nd, 2023 at 4:41pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here are Tuesday’s minor moves:

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

New Orleans Saints

The Colts added Evans, a former Titans third-round pick, earlier this offseason. The team still has Zack Moss and Deon Jackson on its roster behind Jonathan Taylor; Indianapolis also drafted Evan Hull in the fifth round. Gillespie, who was briefly with the Titans last summer, is only a Colts agreement away from the AFC South cycle.

Luton spent last season with the Saints, residing both on their practice squad and active roster. A former sixth-round pick, the Oregon State product’s last game action came with the Jaguars in 2020. Gore gained 256 rushing yards for the Chiefs in 2021; he joined Luton on the Saints’ P-squad for the second half of last season. The Saints have since signed Jamaal Williams and used a third-round pick on TCU’s Kendre Miller. Veteran special-teamer Dwayne Washington and Eno Benjamin also reside on New Orleans’ roster.

Flowers, a 6-foot-2 receiver out of Montana, joins the team’s UDFA class. The Division I-FCS product holds the Big Sky conference record for kick-return yards, averaging 28.9 per return. Flowers finished his college career with an eye-popping seven kick-return touchdowns. The seven TDs match current Saint wideout Rashid Shaheed‘s FCS record.

2023 NFL Draft Results: Team By Team

April 29th, 2023 at 10:35pm CST by Sam Robinson

As the 2023 NFL Draft gets underway, we will keep track of each team’s haul here:

Arizona Cardinals

Round 1, No. 6 (from Rams through Lions): Paris Johnson, OT (Ohio State) (signed)
Round 2, No. 41 (from Titans): BJ Ojulari, DE (LSU) (signed)
Round 3, No. 72 (from Titans): Garrett Williams, CB (Syracuse) (signed)
Round 3, No. 94 (from Eagles): Michael Wilson, WR (Stanford) (signed)
Round 4, No. 122 (from Dolphins through Chiefs and Lions): Jon Gaines II, G (UCLA) (signed)
Round 5, No. 139 (from Broncos through Lions): Clayton Tune, QB (Houston) (signed)
Round 5, No. 168 (from Cardinals through Lions): Owen Pappoe, LB (Auburn) (signed)
Round 5, No. 180: Kei’Trel Clark, CB (Louisville) (signed)
Round 6, No. 213: Dante Stills, DT (West Virginia) (signed)

Atlanta Falcons

Round 1, No. 8: Bijan Robinson, RB (Texas) (signed)
Round 2, No. 38 (from Colts): Matthew Bergeron, T (Syracuse) (signed)
Round 3, No. 75: Zach Harrison, DE (Ohio State) (signed)
Round 4, No. 113: Clark Phillips III, CB (Utah) (signed)
Round 7, No. 224 (from Raiders): DeMarcco Hellams, S (Alabama) (signed)
Round 7, No. 225: Jovaughn Gwyn, G (South Carolina) (signed)

Baltimore Ravens

Round 1, No. 22: Zay Flowers, WR (Boston College) (signed)
Round 3, No. 86: Trenton Simpson, LB (Clemson) (signed)
Round 4, No. 124: Tavius Robinson, LB (Ole Miss) (signed)
Round 5, No. 157: Kyu Blu Kelly, CB (Stanford) (signed)
Round 6, No. 199: Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, OT (Oregon) (signed)
Round 7, No. 229 (from Browns): Andrew Vorhees, G (USC) (signed)

Buffalo Bills

Round 1, No. 25 (from Giants through Jaguars): Dalton Kincaid, TE (Utah) (signed)
Round 2, No. 59: O’Cyrus Torrence, G (Florida) (signed)
Round 3, No, 91: Dorian Williams, LB (Tulane) (signed)
Round 5, No. 150 (from Commanders): Justin Shorter, WR (Florida) (signed)
Round 7, No. 230 (from Buccaneers through Jets, Texans, Eagles and Bills): Nick Broeker, G (Ole Miss) (signed)
Round 7, No. 252 (from Buccaneers through Rams): Alex Austin, CB (Oregon State) (signed)

Carolina Panthers

Round 1, No. 1 (from Bears): Bryce Young, QB (Alabama) (signed)
Round 2, No. 39: Jonathan Mingo, WR (Ole Miss) (signed)
Round 3, No. 80 (from Steelers): D.J. Johnson, DE (Oregon) (signed)
Round 4, No. 114: Chandler Zavala, G (North Carolina State) (signed)
Round 5, No. 145: Jammie Robinson, S (Florida State) (signed)

Chicago Bears

Round 1, No. 10 (from Saints through Eagles): Darnell Wright, OT (Tennessee) (signed)
Round 2, No. 53 (from Ravens): Gervon Dexter, DT (Florida) (signed)
Round 2, No. 56 (from Jaguars): Tyrique Stevenson, CB (Miami) (signed)
Round 3, No. 64: Zacch Pickens, DT (South Carolina) (signed)
Round 4, No. 115 (from Saints): Roschon Johnson, RB (Texas) (signed)
Round 4, No. 133 (from Eagles): Tyler Scott, WR (Cincinnati) (signed)
Round 5, No. 148 (from Patriots through Ravens): Noah Sewell, LB (Oregon) (signed)
Round 5, No. 165 (from Saints through Eagles): Terell Smith, CB (Minnesota) (signed)
Round 7, No. 218: Travis Bell, DT (Kennesaw State) (signed)
Round 7, No. 258: Kendall Williamson, S (Stanford) (signed)

Cincinnati Bengals

Round 1, No. 28: Myles Murphy, DE (Clemson) (signed)
Round 2, No. 60: DJ Turner, CB (Michigan) (signed)
Round 3, No. 95 (from Chiefs): Jordan Battle, S (Alabama) (signed)
Round 4, No. 131: Charlie Jones, WR (Purdue) (signed)
Round 5, No. 163: Chase Brown, RB (Illinois) (signed)
Round 6, No. 206: Andrei Iosivas, WR (Princeton) (signed)
Round 6, No. 217 (from Chiefs): Brad Robbins, P (Michigan) (signed)
Round 7, No. 246: DJ Ivey, CB (Miami) (signed)

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Colts QB Anthony Richardson To Start In 2023?

April 29th, 2023 at 4:59pm CST by Ely Allen

The beginning of the 2023 NFL Draft saw what many thought to be the top two quarterback prospects immediately taken off the board. The Colts were, apparently, unfazed. Not only were they able to fill a position of need when drafting Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson, they were able to get the exact guy they wanted, as well.

In a press conference after selecting Richardson No. 4 overall, Colts owner Jim Irsay confirmed that and more. According to a number of quotes provided by The Athletic’s Zak Keefer, Irsay claimed he had had a feeling that Richardson would be their guy “even back in February,” going as far as calling the 20-year-old three hours before the first round to inform him of the team’s intentions. Irsay was so bullish on Richardson that he told the media that “even if (they) had the first pick in the draft, (they) would’ve probably taken” Richardson.

Not only was Irsay sure that Richardson would be a Colt, according to Judy Battista of NFL Network, he went as far as to say that Richardson “will start this season.” Richardson has the same ideas in his head, according to Keefer. The former-Gator is ready for the immense pressure of becoming the Colts’ next franchise quarterback, following in the steps of Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck.

It’s not a necessity, though. Despite being a top five pick, Richardson does have the luxury of time, if necessary. Indianapolis has a trio of passers with starting experience it can depend on before forcing the rookie into the starting lineup.

Veteran Gardner Minshew was reunited with head coach Shane Steichen after signing with the Colts two weeks ago. Minshew hasn’t been a consistent starter since his days in Jacksonville, but he does have two starts in each of the past two years with the Eagles. The team also rosters Nick Foles, perhaps the greatest backup quarterback in the history of the NFL, who also hasn’t started consistently since 2020. The Colts have Sam Ehlinger, as well, who started three games for Indianapolis in his sophomore season last year.

After back-to-back-to-back seasons with one-year rentals at the quarterback position, there is certainly an expectation that Richardson will be the quarterback of the future for Indy. Along with that expectation and his draft position come the pressure for Richardson to take the reins of the starting job. With only 13 starts at the college level, starts in the NFL may be exactly what Richardson needs in order to advance his development.

Despite the anticipation of Irsay and Richardson himself, though, the youngster has time. With Minshew, Foles, and Ehlinger all on roster, there’s absolutely no need to force Richardson into a situation he isn’t ready for. If he’s ready, though, it sounds like both parties are ready to see the first-round pick under center with the first-team offense in 2023.

Colts Trade No. 38 To Falcons

April 28th, 2023 at 6:41pm CST by Adam La Rose

Rumored as a team interested in trading up earlier Friday, the Falcons are joining the Titans and Raiders in following through early in Round 2.

Atlanta sent Indianapolis Nos. 44 and 110 for the right to move into the No. 38 slot. The Falcons are taking Syracuse tackle Matthew Bergeron. This move comes shortly after the Colts sent the Raiders No. 35 overall. Indianapolis is stockpiling picks to start the second round.

The first of a number of Canadians expected to hear their names called in this year’s draft, Bergeron established himself as one of the top members of a top-heavy tackle class. Notably, Bergeron was announced as a guard, and he could be a candidate to move inside for at least the early part of his pro career.

It was reported not long ago that Atlanta was interested in adding a lineman capable of doing just that with their first pick. The team went a much different direction, of course, selecting running back Bijan Robinson at No. 8. He will boost their rushing game, something also made possible by an offensive line which has few openings at the moment. Bergeron will look to establish a role for himself as at least a backup along the interior.

Atlanta has left tackle Jake Matthews under contract through 2026, but Bergeron could been seen as a potential long-term successor on the blindside depending on his development path. The Falcons’ RG situation is shored up with Chris Lindstrom, who became the league’s highest-paid guard earlier this offseason. Bergeron’s run blocking strength could allow him to compete for snaps opposite him in the short- and long-term future if he is to remain on the interior.

Raiders Move Into Colts’ No. 35 Slot, Draft TE Michael Mayer

April 28th, 2023 at 6:31pm CST by Adam La Rose

Trades are coming swiftly to start Round 2. The Colts are sending No. 35 overall to the Raiders in exchange for Nos. 38 and 141, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets.

With the pick, the Silver and Black drafted tight end Michael Mayer. The Notre Dame product hovered as a potential first-rounder, and he did not last long on the board tonight.

Only one member of this year’s vaunted TE class was selected on Thursday (Dalton Kincaid, by the Bills). Mayer is already the second to hear his name called tonight, though, joining Lions addition Sam Laporta. Mayer was considered by many to be the most well-rounded option at the position, and he will have the opportunity to showcase his skillset with the Raiders.

The 6-4, 249-pounder had two years of high-end production with the Fighting Irish. Between 2021 and ’22, he totaled 16 touchdowns while operating as a dependable red zone threat. He earned consensus All-American honors last year after posting 67 catches and 809 yards while serving as an effective blocker in the run game.

The Raiders traded away Darren Waller earlier this offseason in a move which has left a vacancy at the position, one which was the source of considerable production when he was available. Vegas added veterans Austin Hooper and O.J. Howard, but Mayer should be able to carve out at least a backup role early on in his rookie season. Over the long-term, he could develop into an impactful starter.

In the build-up to the draft, the Packers and Cowboys were named as suitors for Mayer on Day 1. Both teams elected to add on the defensive side of the ball last night, however, leaving them in the market for a seam-stretcher at some point in the remainder of the weekend. Plenty of options will be available given the depth of the class, but Mayer will be well-positioned in his new home to put together a successful NFL career.

Colts Select QB Anthony Richardson With No. 4 Pick

April 27th, 2023 at 7:40pm CST by Adam La Rose

Leading up to the draft, the Colts were sending out signals that they had their eye on Kentucky QB Will Levis. The organization was apparently hiding their true intentions, as it has selected Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick.

It seemed inevitable that the Colts would use their No. 4 selection on a signal-caller, and Richardson was apparently their guy. Richardson represented the largest wild card in this year’s class and was considered the rawest QB among the draft’s top players at the position. On the flip side, many evaluators believed Richardson also had the highest upside among the draft’s quarterbacks, and the Colts are clearly hoping that the Florida product will reach his potential.

Richardson put himself on the NFL radar with a strong 2022 season. The one-year Gators starter finished the campaign having completed only 53.8% of his passes for 2,548 yards, 17 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. However, he also showed off his game-changing running skills, compiling 654 rushing yards and nine more scores. Those figures were followed up with an historic Combine performance. Richardson also put together a monster Combine, further attracting interest ahead of this top-five selection.

Colts owner Jim Irsay made it very clear throughout the offseason that the team’s cycle of adding short-term QBs via free agency or trade would be coming to an end in 2023. The presence of the Panthers (who have selected Bryce Young) and Texans (C.J. Stroud) led to questions being raised about who would be available for them at No. 4, but the choice of Levis vs. Richardson has been made. The latter will have competition to see the field as a rookie.

The Colts signed Gardner Minshew in free agency, giving them a potential bridge starter familiar with new head coach Shane Steichen. The former Eagles offensive coordinator was brought in largely due to his success in developing quarterbacks, and Richardson represents his latest challenge. There may not be urgency for the 6-foot-4, 244-pounder to play right away, but his development will be a crucial storyline for the Colts in the years to come as they look to put an end to their search for Andrew Luck‘s long-term successor.

AFC South Notes: Colts, QBs, Texans, Titans

April 26th, 2023 at 3:44pm CST by Sam Robinson

While the Texans may be torn on a quarterback pick, the Colts are a near-lock to select a passer with their first choice. It is now possible every passer but Bryce Young will be available for Indianapolis at No. 4, which would put the retooling team to a decision. The Colts-Will Levis connection may be this draft’s second-strongest tie — after the Panthers-Young match — but Albert Breer of SI.com notes assistant GM Ed Dodds is high on C.J. Stroud. Dodds has been with Indy since 2017, becoming Chris Ballard‘s top lieutenant soon after the GM’s arrival.

Ballard, whom Breer adds was high on Levis beginning back in the fall, also is believed to place value on the increasingly popular S2 cognition test; Stroud’s low score has been leaked. Another team moving into the Texans or Cardinals’ spots could end up making the decision for the Colts, but if no trades emerge, Indy might have a fascinating Stroud-or-Levis decision on its hands. The two seem to be trending in opposite directions, but the Ohio State prospect has received higher grades — by scouting outlets and anonymous evaluators — as a prospect.

Here is the latest from the AFC South:

  • With the Texans set for a complex call at No. 2 overall, not much has emerged regarding their No. 12 choice. But Houston, in the wake of the latest Brandin Cooks trade, may be targeting receiving help. Of the receivers, the Texans prefer Jaxon Smith-Njigba, per the Washington Post’s Jason La Canfora. Despite missing almost all of his junior season, Smith-Njigba has regained momentum and has the best chance to be the top wideout of the board. With the Packers (No. 13) and Jets (No. 15) connected to the one-year Buckeyes wonder, the Texans could outflank their potential competition. John Metchie is back at work for the Texans, after missing 2022 following a leukemia diagnosis, but the team dealt Cooks to the Cowboys and did not do too much — the Robert Woods pickup notwithstanding — to replace him. The Texans are also considering moving down from No. 12, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who adds teams are not too interested in moving to 2.
  • One of the teams lurking as a trade-up candidate to outflank the Colts, the Titans are now being linked to trading back and accumulating picks. Both La Canfora and ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler indicate buzz has emerged tying Tennessee to a trade-down effort from No. 11. Yes, with a few exceptions, most teams are willing to move up or down in each draft. But the Titans do have a decision to make regarding their QB future. The team toured prospects’ pro days but did not exhaust “30” visit resources at the position. Stroud is believed to be the Titans’ preference — assuming Young is out of the equation — and La Canfora views Titans trade-down talk as a smokescreen effort. Tennessee is believed to have dangled Ryan Tannehill in trades.
  • Although Jeffery Simmons staged a minicamp hold-in effort last year and lobbied for a new deal, Breer writes the Titans did not consider trading the standout defensive lineman. Ownership also assured Simmons, who since-fired GM Jon Robinson drafted in the 2019 first round, he was a long-term priority despite Robinson’s ouster, TitanInsider.com’s Terry McCormick tweets. The Titans made Simmons the NFL’s second-highest-paid defensive tackle, at $23.5MM per year, and gave him the highest D-tackle guarantee. Simmons is also coming off ankle surgery; the fifth-year standout said he underwent a cleanup procedure this offseason.
  • Jimmie Ward‘s issues with a return to cornerback last season became well known, but the longtime 49ers defender — after being moved to nickel corner again in-season — said he told DeMeco Ryans he expected last season to his his San Francisco finale. But Ward said (via KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson) Ryans communicated to him he would be interested in bringing the veteran defender to his HC destination. Ryans followed through on that, with the Texans signing Ward to a two-year, $13MM deal. Ward is back at safety.
  • Jaguars fourth-year cornerback Chris Claybrooks faces misdemeanor charges of domestic assault with bodily injury and vandalism under $1,000 stemming from an arrest earlier this month in Nashville, Jacksonville.com’s Gerry Smits reports. Claybrooks allegedly grabbed his ex-girlfriend’s arm and threw her cellphone to the ground.

QB Draft Notes: Patriots, Seahawks, Lions

April 25th, 2023 at 7:15pm CST by Ben Levine

We’ve heard several times that the Colts have interest in Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, and Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com reiterated today that the organization is a fan of the prospect (via Pat McAfee Show on Twitter). However, one surprising suitor has emerged in the Levis sweepstakes.

According to Mike Giardi (on Twitter), the Patriots have “real interest” in Levis, While there isn’t “universal” interest in the quarterback within the organization, there are some “important folks in that building” who believe in the player’s ability and potential. Giardi also cautions that the prospect hasn’t “blown anyone away” during his workouts, a surprising remark considering Levis’ draft stock seems to be climbing each day.

While Bill Belichick and co. have a penchant for moving back in the first round, the organization would surely have to move up the board if they hope to get their hands on Levis. The Patriots are currently sitting with the No. 14 pick in the draft, and if the Colts’ interest is for real, New England would have to jump into the top-three to get their hands on the signal-caller.

That would be a shocking development after the Patriots used a first-round pick on Mac Jones only two years ago. Jones took a step back during his sophomore season in the NFL, leading some to wonder if the coaching staff could be eyeing a quarterback competition heading into training camp. While that competition was assumed to feature Jones and Bailey Zappe, the Patriots could shock the NFL world by adding another player to the mix.

More QB draft notes…

  • ESPN’s Todd McShay writes that he’s getting a “strong sense” that the Seahawks won’t leave the first round without a quarterback. McShay wonders if the front office could be eyeing Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud or Florida’s Anthony Richardson with the fifth-overall selection, noting that either prospect would make sense as a long-term developmental option behind Geno Smith. McShay also notes that the Seahawks could skip over the position at No. 5 before targeting Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker at No. 20.
  • As we’ve heard previously, the Titans are in the mix for a quarterback, with McShay noting that they’re contenders to trade up from No. 11 to select Stroud or Levis. If the organization is unable to pull off a trade up the board, McShay writes that the front office would likely pivot and trade back, in which case they could select Hooker later in the first round.
  • McShay says the Lions could be a surprising suitor for a quarterback prospect at No. 6. If Stroud does fall down the board, the writer opines that he won’t fall any further than Detroit, where he could serve as a temporary backup to Jared Goff. Meanwhile, while the Raiders previously sniffed around at a trade for Alabama’s Bryce Young, they’re unlikely to take a quarterback with the No. 7 pick, per McShay.

AFC South Rumors: Pittman, Leonard, Texans

April 23rd, 2023 at 9:56pm CST by Ely Allen

After trading away one half of their outstanding cornerback duo in Stephon Gilmore, the Colts expressed some interest in adding to the position room, according to Bobby Kownack of NFL.com. The team still has Isaiah Rodgers, who ranked as the NFL’s fifth-best cornerback last season, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), but across from him is Kenny Moore, who ranked at 96th.

Indianapolis is unlikely to use the No. 4 overall pick to select a cornerback in the draft, but there is likely to be some strong options at 35th overall at the front of the second round. Mississippi State’s Emmanuel Forbes and Georgia’s Kelee Ringo are projected to be borderline first-round players who could fall just outside. If not, Michigan’s DJ Turner and Utah’s Clark Phillips III are expected to last into Day 2.

Colts general manager Chris Ballard also mentioned free agency as a possible route to address the position, claiming that “there’s still some free agents out there, too, that could help…if need be.” He’s not wrong. Even if the Colts don’t want to reunite with Rock Ya-Sin, veterans Shaquill Griffin, Marcus Peters, and Ronald Darby are all still available on the free agent market.

Here are a few other rumors from around the AFC South:

  • After sitting out his entire rookie season with an Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia diagnosis, Texans wide receiver John Metchie is hoping to make his NFL debut in 2023. According to Texans TV host Drew Dougherty, Metchie has been involved since Houston began offseason conditioning earlier this month. They plan to continue to take it one day at a time, but it’s a promising sign for a young player who is overcoming tremendous adversity to get back to the football field.
  • The Colts have a few young offensive players’ contracts expiring after the 2023 season, and earlier this month, one of those players, wide receiver Michael Pittman spoke on the topic of an extension, according to Colts staff writer JJ Stankevitz. “I wouldn’t say it’s a goal,” Pittman said. “I think that happens naturally with performance. And if it doesn’t happen this year, that’s no big deal. I mean, it’ll happen eventually. I just kind of…leave that to my agent.”
  • Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard missed making an All-Pro team for the first time in his career last season due to a combination of a concussion and the recurrence of a back injury that kept him out of 14 games. New head coach Shane Steichen gave a minor update on the situation, according to Nate Atkins of the Indianapolis Star, saying that Leonard is “progressing well,” but Steichen did not give a timetable for when Leonard might return. Indianapolis is staying optimistic but patient, something that is crucial when dealing with the tricky nature of back injuries.

Colts’ Jonathan Taylor Addresses Potential Extension, Recovery

April 22nd, 2023 at 1:56pm CST by Adam La Rose

The 2022 season was one to forget for the Colts, especially on the offensive side of the ball. An underwhelming year from running back Jonathan Taylor has led to questions about his standing with the team beyond 2023, but he remains squarely focused on the immediate future.

The 24-year-old was limited to 11 games this past season and ended the year on IR due to an ankle injury. He underwent surgery to address the issue, which should help his chances of rebounding in 2023. Taylor posted 1,004 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns in his relatively brief action in 2022, but he was held to a career-worst 4.5 yards per carry.

That marked a disappointing step back from his performance the year prior. Taylor led the league in rushing yards (1,811) and touchdowns (18) in 2021, which seemed to put him on track for a major extension as early as this offseason. His inability to replicate that success – not to mention his injury problems, and the lack of positional value for tailbacks around the league – could hurt the value of his second contract, however. When asked if extension talks have taken place yet, the former second-rounder declined to get into specifics.

“I don’t even know that goes,” Taylor said, via Joel Erickson of the Indy Star, adding, “I’ll keep you posted.” The Wisconsin product has one year remaining on his rookie contract, and a fifth-year option won’t be in play since he was selected after the first round. Given his status as one the team’s best young performers, a new deal would likely be a priority, but the possibility of heading into 2023 without an extension isn’t seen as a detriment at this point.

“It wouldn’t be a distraction to me,” he said. “I’m under contract here for four years, I put the pen to the paper, so that’s where I’m at right now. I have an obligation to them, and an obligation to me, but things will happen naturally.”

As expected, this year’s free agent RB class was unable to land much in the way of lucrative deals on the open market. While Taylor (when healthy) is in a class above those who didn’t receive franchise tags in March, he could be hard-pressed to secure a second contract placing him amongst the highest-paid backs in the league. In the absence of an extension, a strong 2023 campaign would help his bargaining position, something which would be possible with a return to full health.

On that point, Taylor noted that he has yet to be fully cleared to resume all football activities as his recovery continues. He described his surgery as a “perfect success,” though, and remains confident that he will be at 100% by the time the 2023 season kicks off. If the team matches that optimism, a new deal may be in place by that point keeping him on the books for years to come.

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