HEADLINES

Andre Johnson

Browns Likely To Trade For Receiver?

May 28th, 2014 at 9:28am CST by Luke Adams

The odds are “better than 50-50” that the Browns will make a trade for a receiver at some point before the season, writes Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com. With Josh Gordon facing a lengthy suspension, Nate Burleson currently sidelined with a broken arm, and Greg Little having recently been cut, the team could use a little more depth at the position, even after signing veterans Miles Austin and Earl Bennett.

As Grossi notes, since 2008, no position has seen more trade action than wide receiver, where 27 players have switched teams. Grossi identifies Andre Johnson and Denarius Moore as two wideouts currently believed to be available on the trade market, though I’d be surprised if Houston decides to move Johnson this offseason. Moore is perhaps a more realistic target, after the Raiders signed James Jones in free agency and claimed Little off waivers from the Browns.

While there’s no guarantee that the Browns add a receiver of note in time for the season, general manager Ray Farmer certainly seems to be leaving the door open for that possibility. Earlier in May, Farmer downplayed the team’s need to pick a receiver in the draft, pointing to trades as one alternative route. And as Grossi points out, just last week the GM reiterated his willingness to explore all possible avenues for receiving upgrades: “We’re going to unearth every guy that’s available.”

Additionally, having picked up an extra first-rounder for 2015 in a trade with the Bills, the Browns could be more inclined to part with a later-round draft pick if it means acquiring a reliable veteran.

South Notes: Saints, Titans, Texans, Wharton

May 27th, 2014 at 2:18pm CST by Luke Adams

Chris Broadwater, a member of Louisiana’s House of Representatives and the sponsor of a piece of legislation which would have reduced compensatory benefits for Saints players injured during the offseason, has pulled his support for the bill, writes Emily Lane of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. The announcement comes mere hours before several Saints players were planning to show up at Louisiana State Capitol to express their opposition.

While the development is good news for the NFLPA, Broadwater still hopes that the Saints and the players are able to reach an agreement on workers compensation benefits on their own. As Lane explains, the legislation aimed to “calculate workers’ compensation benefits for professional athletes based only on weekly earnings at the time of the injury, rather than based on average weekly earnings over the entire year.” However, the Saints have indicated they’re willing to compromise on the matter, and discussions are already underway about a solution.

Here’s more from around the NFL’s two South divisions:

  • Veteran Titans tackle Michael Roos said today that he’s “here for one more year” in Tennessee, according to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean (Twitter link). That quote makes it sound like an extension isn’t on the horizon for Roos, which perhaps isn’t surprising considering the club signed Michael Oher to a four-year deal in free agency and selected Taylor Lewan 11th overall in the draft.
  • Also at Titans OTAs, Jake Locker said that he spoke to management before the draft and was assured that the club wouldn’t draft a quarterback early (Twitter link via Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com). In a follow-up tweet, ESPN.com’s Adam Caplan notes that the Titans looked at Zach Mettenberger in the fourth round, so perhaps that’s the earliest point that a signal-caller was considered. Tennessee ultimately landed Mettenberger in the sixth round.
  • As expected, Texans wideout Andre Johnson missed the club’s first OTAs today, writes Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle.
  • Travelle Wharton, a longtime Panthers offensive lineman who is currently a free agent, continues to sound as if he’s leaning toward retirement, says Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer, passing along quotes from Wharton’s appearance on a Panthers.com podcast.

Poll: Who Will Be Traded?

May 25th, 2014 at 9:15pm CST by Ben Levine

As a result of free agency and the draft, there are players around the league that now find themselves in a bit of roster limbo. Plenty of veterans could be on a team’s trading block, so NFL.com’s Chris Wesseling took a look at the top-ten trade candidates in the league.

The Vikings added Matt Cassel and rookie Teddy Bridgewater and as a result, incumbent quarterback Christian Ponder tops Wesseling’s list. The writer states that Ponder has higher upside than a typical backup, and lists the Saints, Packers, Panthers and Falcons as potential trading partners. Fellow quarterback Ryan Mallett of the Patriots was second on the list, with Wesseling suggesting the Texans and Cowboys as landing spots.

Michael Roos‘ contract (and the addition of rookie Taylor Lewan) makes the Titans offensive tackle a definite trade option. Roos is number-four on Wesseling’s list, with the Panthers and Ravens listed as destinations. 49ers running back LaMichael James, Cardinals tight end Rob Housler and Raiders wideout Denarius Moore round out Wesseling’s offensive options.

On defense, Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers leads the way at number-four. The team is reportedly open to trading the Pro Bowler, and Wesseling suggests the Texans, Titans and Colts would be interested. Defensive end/linebackers Brandon Graham (Eagles) and Dion Jordan (Dolphins) come in at five and six, followed by Titans defensive end Derrick Morgan.

Wesseling mostly focused on players that were squeezed out of their team’s plans following the offseason. That means he omits Texans wideout Andre Johnson, who would clearly top the list if included. The Pro Bowler has been the subject of trade rumors for the past month.

Which player do you think is most likely to be traded? Is there somebody that you think should have been included? Let us know in the comments.

Andre Johnson Links: Texans, Patriots, Chiefs

May 24th, 2014 at 8:29pm CST by Ben Levine

We heard earlier this week that Texans’ head coach Bill O’Brien and GM Rick Smith are attempting to alleviate star Andre Johnson‘s concerns about the direction of the team. While some may assume Johnson’s frustrations are attributed to the lack of quarterback talent on the team, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport points to something else.

“Johnson’s frustrations are not about the Texans‘ decision to not draft or sign a marquee quarterback,” writes NFL.com’s Dan Hanzus. “It is Rapoport’s understanding that the frustrations are the product of a deeper concern about whether Johnson wants to be part of another rebuilding process in Houston.”

Following the news of the disgruntled Johnson’s concerns, plenty of NFL writers offered their opinions on the matter. Here are some of them…

  • Trading Johnson would “make no sense” for the Texans, opines CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora. While Johnson is the most popular player in team history and will certainly have a positive impact on young quarterbacks, La Canfora says a trade would send a negative message to the team.
  • Meanwhile, Stephen Forsha of ToroTimes.com says that Johnson and the Texans should cut ties now. Forsha believes that the longer the saga is drawn out, the more of a distraction it will become.
  • Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News ranks the five likeliest teams for Johnson next season. His top team is, of course, the Texans. Iyer cites the difficulty in moving such a large contract as a reason why Johnson will stick around. The Jets, Browns, Colts and Patriots round out his top-five.
  • The Patriots should absolutely be interested in the wideout, says CSNNE’s Danny Picard. Meanwhile, colleague Steve Buckley compares the situation to that of another wideout in 2007. “You can apply everything you just said, just scratch out that name and put in Randy Moss,” said Buckley. “It was different, he was trying to resurrect his career, but he was also looking to play with a good quarterback.”
  • The opportunity to add Johnson to the Chiefs should be taken “very seriously,” writes Josh Michaels of KCKingdom.com. The salary makes a deal difficult, and Michaels says the team would likely need to include players that cut a similar number against the cap (he suggests Eric Berry and Brandon Flowers). Still, while it all may be speculation, Michaels believes the team’s decision to not draft a wideout may be an indication that the team is interested.

South Notes: Andre Johnson, Texans, Saints

May 22nd, 2014 at 3:55pm CST by Luke Adams

In a series that has been running for several weeks, former agent Joel Corry and former Jets executive Ari Nissim have been conducting mock negotiations between J.J. Watt‘s reps and the Texans, giving National Football Post readers an idea of what real extension discussions might look like. In the fifth installment of the series, the two sides ultimately decide to table negotiations, having failed to reach a middle ground that works for both sides. It should be interesting to look back at these hypothetical talks if and when Watt and the Texans actually do agree on a new deal to see how the numbers compare.

Here’s more from out of the NFL’s two South divisions:

  • The Texans don’t have interest in trading Andre Johnson, and it would be difficult financially anyway, so head coach Bill O’Brien and GM Rick Smith are working with and talking to the standout receiver in an effort to alleviate his concerns about the club’s direction, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter links). Johnson voiced some frustration with his role and his future last week.
  • Drew Brees, who missed the Saints‘ summer practice sessions and workouts two years ago before signing a long-term deal in July, is familiar with Jimmy Graham‘s current position, as Mike Triplett of ESPN.com details. “It’s a leverage game and it’s back and forth. And the team has a job to do and the player has a job to do in regards to their contract,” Brees said. “And so you just understand that that’s the way it is, and you live with it. And when he’s here, I know he’ll be ready to play. I know he’ll be staying in good shape and all those things. I’m not worried about Jimmy Graham. When he comes back, he’ll be ready.”
  • In pieces for ESPN.com, Triplett, David Newton, Vaughn McClure, and Pat Yasinskas wrap up the offseason moves for the Saints, Panthers, Falcons, and Buccaneers, respectively.

AFC Notes: Clary, Johnson, Archer, Pats

May 17th, 2014 at 10:08am CST by Matt Feminis

During Chargers rookie minicap, third-rounder Chris Watt was working at right guard, “the same position of Jeromey Clary, who is to make $4.55 million in total compensation in 2014,” writes ESPN’s Eric D. Williams. “Watt lining up at right guard probably is not a coincidence.”

This comes on after an ESPN Insider piece (subscription required) about veterans whose jobs are in jeopardy in which Nathan Jahnke put the magnifying glass on Clary: “Thanks to the drafting of D.J. Fluker in 2013, Clary was moved from right tackle to right guard last year. The move didn’t work out well for Clary, who had the third-lowest run-block rating for all guards per PFF. In addition, the Chargers’ running backs averaged 4.6 yards per carry when running to the left compared to 3.6 yards per carry when running to the right, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Clary had something to do with that large difference.”

Here’s a few more AFC news and notes:

  • Any rumors of Andre Johnson being reunited via trade with Gary Kubiak in Baltimore were quashed by ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.
  • Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com passed along a few Patriots tidbits: The team will carry three quarterbacks (Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo and Ryan Mallett), but Mallett is expected to depart via free agency at year’s end; Shane Vereen could earn a contract extension with a healthy, productive season; and 2013 fourth-rounder Josh Boyce, who struggled with the “mental aspect” as a rookie, will “compete for the kickoff return job while also vying for a role as a No. 3-5 option on the depth chart.”
  • Free agent linebacker James Anderson, who started all 16 games for the Bears last season, tried out for the Patriots, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (via Twitter).
  • On third-rounder Dri Archer, Steelers GM Kevin Colbert told Post-Tribune writer Alan Robinson, “We think we got the fastest player in the draft.” The Steelers hope to take advantage of Archer’s versatility, according to Colbert, who says the rookie could be used as a kick returner, in the slot, in the backfield and maybe as an H-back.
  • When asked about potential surprise cuts depending on how many rookies/young players make the Jaguars, ESPN’s Michael DiRocco mentioned Tyson Alualu, Denard Robinson and Ricky Stanzi as bubble players.
  • With the Jets adding Daryl Richardson via waivers, Mike Goodson is not expected to be with the team, reports Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (via Twitter).

Extra Points: Johnson, Williams, Green, Mack

May 16th, 2014 at 10:02pm CST by Rob DiRe

Texans‘ star receiver Andre Johnson and head coach Bill O’Brien have spoken this offseason, writes Tania Ganguli of ESPN.com. “We’re going to continue to communicate and we’ve had good discussions, we’ve had good talks,” O’Brien said. “We’ve spoken quite a bit and will continue to do that.”

Johnson has voiced his frustration with the team’s direction. Despite his comments, O’Brien spoke highly of the franchise’s career leader in receiving yards, touchdowns, and receptions.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Andre and his career here in Houston. The conversations that Andre and I have had have been very positive about what we’re doing here as a team and, obviously offensively, what we’re doing here,” said O’Brien. “As far as what Andre said, I’ll let him speak for himself. I can only tell you from my end we’ve had good, positive communication.”

Here are a few more notes to round out the day in the NFL:

  • The Cowboys brought in former Cardinals‘ running back Ryan Williams for a workout, reports Carlos Mendez of the Star-Telegram.com. Williams was cut by the Cardinals after the draft. He was a second-round pick out of Virginia Tech in 2011, after being one of the top collegiate running backs in the nation. The Cowboys did not draft a running back in this past draft, but have two veterans on the roster behind starter DeMarco Murray, and brought in two undrafted free agent options to compete as well.
  • Jets‘ running back Alex Green finds himself the odd man out in the team’s backfield, reports Brian Costello of the New York Post (via Twitter). The Jets claimed and were awarded Daryl Richardson after he was cut from the Rams. Green tweeted “Time to officially move on, life goes on regardless. #blessed.”
  • Raiders‘ first-round pick Khalil Mack wanted to sign his rookie contract as quickly as possible so he could focus on football, writes Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com. With the new rookie scale basically setting the terms in stone, Mack saw no reason to wait. “I’m only focused on football and being the best player I can be,” Mack said. “I’m glad that process is done, and I’m ready to go play football.” 
  • Embattled Oregon tight end Colt Lyerla has a tryout with the Packers, reports Chase Goodbread of NFL.com. He will be one of 58 rookie players that will be competing at the team’s rookie training camp this weekend. Lyerla fell off draft boards after a litany of off-the-field incidents, including a cocaine-related offense.

Extra Points: Finley, Texans, Hurst, Falcons

May 15th, 2014 at 1:12pm CST by Luke Adams

A Tuesday report on ESPN.com suggested that when the NFL announces its new drug policy, it will include relaxed rules involving the use of marijuana, but a source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that’s not necessarily the case. While adjustments to the rules regarding marijuana use were discussed, a change was never formally proposed by other side and isn’t slated to be part of the tentative agreement that hinges on a solution for HGH testing.

Florio concedes that the current proposal could be modified to include an increase in the threshold required for a positive marijuana test or a decrease to the penalties for a violation, but for now, such an adjustment isn’t part of the deal.

Here’s more from around the NFL:

  • Following the draft, Packers GM Ted Thompson suggested the team hadn’t ruled out the possibility of bringing back tight end Jermichael Finley, and head coach Mike McCarthy echoed those comments yesterday in an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio, as Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com details. “[Finley] is going through a tough medical situation,” McCarthy said. “I think we all recognize that it was a serious injury. My understanding is he is doing everything and beyond to get himself ready. We’ll continue to watch that.”
  • In Mike Florio’s view, the Texans are more likely to trade or release disgruntled receiver Andre Johnson during the 2015 league year than to do anything with him this year. Florio cites an increasing base salary, though I believe by reaching escalators in previous seasons, Johnson’s 2014 salary is now $10MM, up from $6.5MM. In any case, I’m inclined to agree with Florio, since it would be much easier to find a potential trade partner when teams haven’t already addressed the receiver position, and Houston would be on the hook for less dead money in 2015.
  • North Carolina offensive tackle James Hurst went undrafted, but he certainly had no shortage of teams interested in him. Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun writes that Hurst chose to sign with the Ravens as a rookie free agent over 17 competing offers.
  • Catawba quarterback Danny O’Brien is among 24 players being invited to the Falcons‘ rookie minicamp to audition for a roster spot this week, the team announced today in a press release.
  • Buffalo receiver Fred Lee will participate in the Bills‘ rookie minicamp this week, tweets ESPN.com’s Mike Rodak.

Andre Johnson Frustrated With Texans

May 13th, 2014 at 3:13pm CST by Luke Adams

3:13pm: Retirement isn’t an option at this point for Johnson, according to Smith, who says (via Twitter) that the receiver plans to play for three more seasons, which is also how long his current contract runs.

2:35pm: No player has been with the Texans longer than wide receiver Andre Johnson, who was selected by the franchise with the third overall pick in 2003. Still, after 11 seasons in Houston, Johnson sounds like he may be ready to move on, asking reporters today, “Is this still the place for me?” (link via Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle).

Appearing at a charity event in Houston, Johnson expressed his frustrations publicly for the first time, revealing that he doesn’t plan to attend the team’s OTAs or minicamp. Although the longtime standout receiver says he hasn’t requested a trade, he acknowledged that the offseason has been “very frustrating,” as the club continues to cycle through new coaches and quarterbacks.

The Texans may be hard-pressed to find a trade partner now that many teams have filled their rosters and no longer have cap space to take on a player who is set to earn a $10MM base salary in 2014. Still, with three years left on Johnson’s deal, it sounds like resolution will need to happen at some point in the near future, and ’14 is the first year in which the Texans could actually create a little cap room by releasing or trading the receiver.

Although he has racked up over 3,000 receiving yards in the last two seasons, earning Pro Bowl berths in both years, Johnson will turn 33 this summer, so it’s fair to wonder how many more productive years he has left in him. 2011 and 2012 were the first two playoff seasons in Houston since Johnson joined the team, but after a significant regression in 2013, the longtime Texan sounds concerned about being part of another rebuild.

“We’ve talked. They understand how I feel,” Johnson said of the club. We’ll have to wait and see if the Texans are able to do anything about it before the 2014 season gets underway.