HEADLINES

Andre Roberts

Washington Sends Andre Roberts To IR

December 21st, 2015 at 4:38pm CST by Sam Robinson

Washington placed wide receiver Andre Roberts on season-ending injured reserve with a torn meniscus, ESPN.com’s John Keim reports.

A former sought-after free agent who signed with the team in March 2014, Roberts has missed the past three games with this knee injury and saw his role reduced prior to going down.

Roberts will undergo surgery to repair this issue, which flared up in practice last week.

The 27-year-old target’s mired through his worst season as a pro, catching only 11 passes (Roberts’ previous career low was 24 as a Cardinals rookie in 2010) and playing behind Pierre Garcon, DeSean Jackson and rookie Jamison Crowder.

Keim suggests Roberts, who signed a four-year contract worth $16MM last year, could wind up as a post-June 1 cut in the offseason. He occupies cap numbers of $5MM apiece in 2016 and ’17 and would cost Washington just $1MM in dead money if released after June 1.

 

NFC Notes: Roberts, Saints, Ebron, 49ers

October 7th, 2015 at 11:36am CST by Luke Adams

Responding to a suggestion from Peter King of TheMMQB.com that Washington wide receiver Andre Roberts could be a logical trade target for the Ravens, Rich Tandler of CSNMidAtlantic.com writes that such a deal wouldn’t make much financial sense for Baltimore — or, presumably, any other team. Roberts is guaranteed a $2.75MM salary in 2015, the second season of a four-year contract, which is a significant amount of money for a player who has been banged up and unable to earn much playing time lately. That means Roberts is probably sticking in D.C. for now.

Here’s more from around the NFC:

  • Kai Forbath‘s workout tour continues in New Orleans, according to Mike Triplett of ESPN.com, who reports (via Twitter) that Forbath and Randy Bullock will be among the kickers auditioned by the Saints. Forbath has tried out for several teams in recent weeks, and was said to be the runner-up for clubs like the Texans and Eagles.
  • Lions tight end Eric Ebron tells ESPN’s Josina Anderson (all Twitter links) that it could take up to three weeks for him to recover from the knee injury he sustained on Monday night, but he’s relieved that it won’t require surgery.
  • Falcons head coach Dan Quinn hasn’t spoken to Roddy White yet about the receiver’s desire for more touches and a bigger role in the offense, but stressed that White is an important part of the team moving forward, says Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com.
  • Coming off a 17-3 loss, the 49ers trading an offensive player for a defensive player – as the team did yesterday – might not make much sense on the surface, but Kevin Lynch of the San Francisco Chronicle thinks it was a good move.

NFC Mailbags: Panthers, Washington, Lions

February 7th, 2015 at 12:01pm CST by Ben Levine

We took a look at ESPN.com’s AFC mailbags earlier this morning. Let’s now check out notes from the NFC…

NFC East Notes: Thurmond, Eagles, Cowboys

August 9th, 2014 at 10:19am CST by Matt Feminis

When asked about the most impressive player he’s seen in Giants camp, ESPN’s Dan Graziano identified cornerback Walter Thurmond, saying the free-agent acquisition has been “making life miserable for slot receiver Victor Cruz in practice. Thurmond could be a difference-maker at that nickel corner position for the Giants this year.” Thurmond, 26, signed a one-year, $3MM deal in March, at which time ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, a former director of pro personnel for the Eagles, lauded the signing as a potential steal: “If he can stay healthy and out of trouble, it’s a tremendous value signing. . .He’s a dynamite press corner, who is as good with his technique as [Seattle’s] Byron Maxwell, as [Seattle’s] Richard Sherman. Walter is very good. He can play in the nickel because he’s big enough, because he can tackle, because he’s a good blitzer. And he can play on the outside. Not only can he press, he can play them all.”

The numbers back up Riddick’s assessment. Despite starting just three of 12 games played last season for the Super Bowl champion Seahawks, Thurmond tallied 24 tackles, six pass breakups, an interception (29-yard TD) and a forced fumble. Additionally, his 5.7 coverage rating was higher than teammate Brandon Browner, who signed for three years and $16.8MM in New England.

So why did the Giants land such a good player at such an affordable deal? He’s been plagued by injuries since entering the league, and was popped for a four-game suspension last season for violating the substance-abuse policy. Nevertheless, he brings supreme confidence to the Giants secondary. In April Thurmond proclaimed himself the best slot corner in the league. By July, he was drawing praise from teammates and coaches, including head man Tom Coughlin, who likes Thurmond’s attitude. Now, a week into August, he’s established himself as the ‘Quiet Assassin.”

Here’s a few more NFC East links:

Maryland Notes: Canty, Leach, Roberts

July 1st, 2014 at 11:34am CST by Ben Levine

Ravens defensive end Chris Canty isn’t too worried about the NFL ban on “non-standard and overbuilt face masks,” writes Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun. Canty is required to wear a special facemask following a 2005 bar fight that resulted in a detached retina. The veteran will be allowed to apply for medical approval to wear “The Big Grille” (as it’s affectionately called).

“Not sure what the memo or new policy is, but it’s simple for me,” Canty said. “No eye shield and custom mask means I can’t play. Eye would be at risk.

“I invented it. It’s that simple. I can’t play without it. I can’t help it that other guys think it’s cool and they want to wear it, too. It’s a necessity for me.”

Let’s check out some more Ravens news, as well as some tidbits from the other team that plays in Maryland…

NFC East Notes: Giants, Benn, Roberts

June 14th, 2014 at 3:08pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Giants‘ wideouts will have some adjustments to make as they adapt to new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s offensive system, writes Kieran Darcy of ESPNNewYork.com. The group is optimistic about how they will fit in to the new scheme.

“I’m liking it, it’s going to be pretty exciting,” said Rueben Randle. “Coach [Ben] McAdoo has done a great job putting us in positions to make plays and using our abilities. We still have a lot of work to put in out there on the field, but as far as now, we’re in a good spot.” 

“I think it’s an offense that fits my game,” Jerrel Jernigan said, “And also spreads the ball out to everyone and gives everybody the chance to make plays.” 

“It’s actually not that bad once you get into it and you break it down by formation and things like that,” said first-round pick Odell Beckham Jr. “It’s really not that bad. It’s just a lot of memorization.” 

Here are some other notes from around the NFC East:

  • On the Eagles‘ depth chart, veterans have the slight edge over their younger teammates, writes Matt Giraldi of InsideTheIggles.com. Former Jet Mark Sanchez has the inside track to the backup quarterback job over fellow USC Trojan Matt Barkley, and although the team has promising young players in the secondary and at receiver, those players will have to prove themselves before they see significant playing time.
  • New Eagles‘ receiver Arrelious Benn is looking to bounce back from a torn ACL, writes Chris McPherson of PhiladelphiaEagles.com. McPherson says that Benn knows he is going to have to compete for a roster spot, but that the receiver is ready to work for his job.  “I embraced it. You’ve got to embrace that type of stuff,” said Benn. “I’m not one to shy away from competition. I love competition. My life has been competition. I compete in everything that I do. The thing for me, when these younger guys come in, I want to help them out. If there’s any way to teach them so they can learn from my mistakes, something I could have done better, should have done better, I definitely tell them. The biggest thing for me honestly is I’m competing against myself.”
  • While star pass rusher Brian Orakpo and new addition Jason Hatcher will be hogging the attention for the Redskins’ defense this season, head coach Jay Gruden sees importance in the performance of two other defensive linemen, reports Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington.com. Chris Baker and Jarvis Jenkins still figure to play key roles in the team’s defense this season. “We expect big things out of Chris and Jarvis,” Gruden said. “Baker’s going to be a major part of our nickel pass rush also, as is Jarvis Jenkins at some point.”
  • The Redskins are looking for help returning both punts and kickoffs, and new receiver Andre Roberts wants to fill both positions, writes Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com. “I feel like I’m one of those players who when he gets the ball in his hands he can make some big plays,” said Roberts. “That’s what I want to bring to this team as well, not just as a receiver but also on special teams.”
  • If Tony Romo continues to play at a high level, the Cowboys will not prioritize quarterback until the 2016 NFL Draft, writes Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com. However, if Romo struggles with performance or health this year, the team could target someone early in the upcoming draft.

NFC East Notes: Eagles, Jordan, Redskins

April 11th, 2014 at 9:31am CST by Luke Adams

Earlier this morning, we heard that free agent signal-caller Josh Freeman will work out for the Giants this week. There are a few more NFC East items to round up though, so let’s dive right in….

  • When Dion Jordan‘s name surfaced in trade rumors earlier in the offseason, the Eagles were immediately identified as a potential trade partner for the Dolphins, given Chip Kelly‘s connection to the defensive end. And according to at least one report, from Bob Grotz of the Delaware County Daily Times, Philadelphia did make an offer for Jordan — according to Grotz, the Eagles’ offer is believed to have included a second-round pick and edge defender Brandon Graham.
  • Following up on Grotz’s report, Tim McManus of PhillyMag.com says he has heard “similar whispers” about an Eagles offer for Jordan, and suggests that offering a first-round pick rather than a second might be enough to get it done if Philadelphia really wants Jordan. For what it’s worth, the Dolphins denied shopping Jordan when rumors first started to swirl, but I’d imagine the team would have to strongly consider any offer that includes a first-rounder.
  • Although the team didn’t immediately sign Austin Collie or Anthony Armstrong after hosting them for visits this week, the Redskins are looking to add more competition and depth to their receiving corps, says Mike Jones of the Washington Post.
  • Speaking of that receiving corps, Andre Roberts, who initially signed with the Redskins expecting to be the team’s No. 2 wideout, will have to reconsider his role in Washington after the club signed DeSean Jackson, as he admitted on ESPN 980 in Washington yesterday (link via John Keim of ESPN.com).

Contract Details: Verner, Griffen, Mitchell

March 12th, 2014 at 11:10am CST by Zachary Links

As part of the 4-year, $26.5MM contract Alterraun Verner will sign with the Buccaneers, $1MM of the total value comes as a Pro Bowl incentive, tweets Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean. Here are the latest contract details from around the NFL..

  • Everson Griffen‘s $19.8MM of guaranteed money in his new deal with the Vikings comes from a $6MM signing bonus and fully guaranteed $6.9MM base salaries in 2014 and 2015, tweets Joel Corry of CBSSports.com. Griffen has a $8.2MM cap number in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 and his cap number rises to $9.7MM in 2018, Corry tweets.If the Vikings cut Griffen after the 2015 season, they owe him nothing and take just a $3.6M cap hit, tweets Tom Pelissero of USA Today.
  • Michael Mitchell‘s five-year, $25MM deal with the Steelers calls for him to earn $6MM in the first year followed by a $2MM roster bonus due on the fifth day of 2015 league year, tweets Tom Pelissero of USA Today.
  • Toby Gerhart gets a $3MM roster bonus and $1MM base in the first year of his three-year, $10.5MM deal with the Jaguars, tweets Tom Pelissero of USA Today. He also has a $500K roster bonus guaranteed for skill/injury in ’15.
  • Tyson Jackson gets $9.5MM in first year of his five-year, $25MM pact from the Falcons, Pelissero tweets. He has another $1.5MM in 2015 guaranteed for injury only until next year. Jackson has $11MM guaranteed in total with an $8MM signing bonus, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
  • Wilson (on Twitter) has the goods on Darrell Stuckey‘s deal with the Chargers. It’s a four year, $7.6MM deal with $1.735MM guaranteed and salaries of $730K, $1MM, $1.235MM, and $2.9MM.
  • Earl Mitchell‘s deal with the Dolphins is as follows, according to Wilson (Twitter link): It’s a four-year, $19MM with $8MM guaranteed and a $2MM bonus. The salaries are $3MM, $4MM, $2.975MM, and $3.975MM .
  • In the Chiefs‘ two-year deal for Husain Abdullah, he’ll get $2.27MM in total with a $750K signing bonus, Wilson tweets. His salaries are $725K in 2014 and $745K in 2015.
  • Andre Roberts‘ four-year contract with the Redskins includes a $4MM signing bonus, tweets Zac Boyer of the Washington Times. He’ll count $2.25MM against the cap in 2014.

Redskins To Sign Andre Roberts

March 11th, 2014 at 9:43am CST by Luke Adams

9:43am: Roberts will sign a four-year deal worth about $16MM, with half of that money guaranteed, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter).

9:14am: The Redskins and free agent wide receiver Andre Roberts have agreed to a deal, a source tells Mike Jones of the Washington Post (Twitter link). Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com had reported earlier this morning (via Twitter) that the Redskins, along with the Browns, were among the teams interested in signing Roberts.

Since Roberts remains under contract with the Cardinals for at least a few more hours, nothing can be made official yet, but it sounds like the 26-year-old and the Redskins have an agreement in principle. It’s no surprise that Roberts will be heading somewhere besides Arizona, as he indicated last month that he thought there may not be “enough balls to go around” with the Cardinals. In that same interview, Roberts said he’d like to sign a four- or five-year contract, expressed a willingness to sign a one-year, make-good deal, so we’ll have to see what the terms look like on his new pact with Washington.

Roberts, who spent the first four seasons of his career with the Cardinals, had his best year in 2012, hauling in 64 balls for 759 yards and five touchdowns. With Roberts in the mix, it’s unclear if the Redskins will still consider other free agent receivers to whom they were linked, such as Kenny Britt and Andrew Hawkins.

Extra Points: Roberts, Fitzpatrick, Steelers

February 19th, 2014 at 2:58pm CST by Luke Adams

Andre Roberts doesn’t sound bullish about the possibility of returning to the Cardinals for 2014, suggesting during an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio that there may not be “enough balls to go around out here” (link via Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com). Roberts will be looking for a four- or five-year contract this offseason, but will be willing to sign a one-year, make-good deal, according to Weinfuss. The receiver also sounds like he’s looking forward to testing the open market.

“I’m pretty excited about the whole free-agency process,” Roberts said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what’s coming for the rest of my career.”

Here’s more from across the NFL:

  • Titans backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick could be cut this offseason if the team wants to create a little cap flexibility, but he tells John Glennon of the Tennessean that he’s not worried about that possibility.
  • Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk believes there’s at least an outside chance that a grievance over Jimmy Graham’s franchise-tag position could result in the Saints star becoming an unrestricted free agent, as he explained in a piece this morning. Taking that possibility into account, Florio thinks the Saints ought to tag Graham and push for resolution sooner rather than later.
  • With a grievance over Graham’s position likely looming, Pat Kirwan of CBSSports.com takes a look at how the NFL could make franchise-tag positional designations more logical. In Kirwan’s view, the league and the NFLPA should agree on several adjustments to the system, including adding new designations for fullbacks and kick returners, and dividing offensve linemen and wide receivers into multiple groups.
  • Appearing on 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh, Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert echoed comments made by team president Art Rooney II last month, suggesting that the franchise wants to re-sign Ben Roethlisberger and ensure that he remains a Steeler for the rest of his career. ESPN.com’s Scott Brown has the quotes and the details.
  • In an interesting piece for the National Football Post, Jack Bechta explains how agents help their clients prepare for the draft combine.
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