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Anthony Harris

Broncos To Sign Anthony Harris, Planning Justin Simmons IR Stint

September 14th, 2022 at 2:47pm CST by Sam Robinson

After Anthony Harris sought a release from the Eagles’ practice squad to pursue another opportunity, the veteran safety found one. The Broncos are signing Harris, Ryan O’Halloran of the Denver Post tweets.

This is a practice squad agreement as well, but the Broncos’ current safety situation may prompt a Harris call-up soon. Nathaniel Hackett said Wednesday that top safety Justin Simmons will miss time due to a thigh injury. The team still has Kareem Jackson as a veteran back-line presence, but Simmons is one of the NFL’s premier safeties.

Hackett did not specify how much time Simmons would miss, though 9News’ Mike Klis tweets an IR stint is on tap. A four-game Simmons-less stretch would certainly deal a blow to a Broncos team that has sustained other injuries already. Denver lost Tim Patrick to an ACL tear early in training camp and played without starting linebacker Josey Jewell on Monday night. Right guard Quinn Meinerz sustained a hamstring injury against the Seahawks and is set to miss multiple games. Meinerz remains on Denver’s active roster.

Injury trouble on defense plagued the Broncos throughout Vic Fangio‘s tenure. From 2019-21, the team played only a handful of games with Von Miller and Bradley Chubb in the lineup together. Last season, the Broncos also played without starting linebackers Jewell and Alexander Johnson most of the way. Perhaps the best Broncos investment between the Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson periods, Simmons has been a constant for the team. Monday night marked his 66th straight appearance.

Simmons, 29, has not missed a game since December 2017, when he spent the final three weeks on IR. In the time since, the former third-round pick has ascended to the Pro Bowl level. In 2021, the Boston College alum’s second franchise tag led to a then-safety-record contract. Pro Football Focus rated Simmons as a top-10 safety from 2019-20 and placed him 15th last season. Simmons has intercepted five passes in each of the past two years. The team will turn to second-year safety Caden Sterns alongside Jackson. A fifth-round pick, Sterns saw sub-package work as a rookie and made two starts. He intercepted two passes last season.

Harris, 30, did not make the Eagles’ 53-man roster; the team’s C.J. Gardner-Johnson trade effectively bumped the veteran defender off the team. The Eagles signed Harris to one-year deals in both 2021 and 2022. While Harris spent last season as a Philadelphia starter, he is best known for his Minnesota run. Harris joined Simmons as a 2020 franchise tag recipient. The Vikings tagged the then-Harrison Smith sidekick after he intercepted a league-leading six passes in 2019. Second-year Broncos GM George Paton was in Minnesota throughout Harris’ Vikings stay.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/5/22

September 5th, 2022 at 5:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

As Week 1 practices begin, here are the latest updates to teams’ 16-man practice squads:

Atlanta Falcons

Carolina Panthers

Cincinnati Bengals

Dallas Cowboys

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

Jacksonville Jaguars

Kansas City Chiefs

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers:

Miami Dolphins

New England Patriots

New York Giants

Philadelphia Eagles

Pittsburgh Steelers

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Washington Commanders

A former Washington starter and the primary Atlanta cornerback opposite A.J. Terrell last season, Moreau has experience playing both the slot and outside. The former third-round pick signed with the Texans earlier this offseason but did not make their 53-man roster.

The Lions attempted to keep David Blough by offering the Hard Knocks cast member a spot on their practice squad, but the three-year Detroit backup opted to head to Minnesota. He is currently on the Vikings’ 16-man taxi squad. A previous Aaron Rodgers backup, Boyle signed with the Lions last year.

Despite being a former second-round pick, Blair did not make the Seahawks’ 53-man roster this year. Knee injuries have sidelined him for most of the past two seasons. Seattle had stopped using Blair as a nickel, his primary role when on the field with the team that drafted him, during training camp.

Included as part of a 2019 trade that sent Marcus Peters to Baltimore, Young was also traded from the Rams to the Broncos last year. He started all 13 games he played in 2021 — seven as a Ram, six as a Bronco — and helped Denver fill the void created by Alexander Johnson and Josey Jewell‘s season-ending injuries. Young spent most of this offseason with the Raiders but did not make their roster.

Eagles Release S Anthony Harris From Practice Squad

September 5th, 2022 at 12:05pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Eagles and Anthony Harris are parting ways. Philadelphia released the veteran safety from its practice squad. While these moves often precede need-based reunions, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets this is a mutual parting.

Harris seeks the opportunity to join another team’s active roster, per Schefter. Another team could have poached him off the Eagles’ practice squad, but that scenario would have limited Harris’ flexibility. Going into what would be his age-31 season, Harris is back on the market.

[RELATED: Offseason In Review, Philadelphia Eagles]

After the Vikings cuffed Harris with their franchise tag in 2020, a modest market for the veteran’s services formed the following year. Despite Harris having a six-interception season under his belt (2019), he only landed a one-year, $4MM offer from the Eagles last March. This year, Philly brought him back on a one-year, $2.5MM pact.

A former UDFA out of Virginia, Harris spent six seasons with the Vikings. He began a rise to becoming Harrison Smith‘s backend sidekick in 2018 and started 39 games with Minnesota from 2018-20. The Eagles used him as a full-timer last season, and Pro Football Focus — which had graded Harris as a top-three safety in 2018 and ’19 — assigned the seven-year veteran a middling grade (53rd among safeties) in his lone Eagles campaign.

This has been an interesting offseason for the Eagles at safety. They had re-signed Harris and added longtime 49ers safety Jaquiski Tartt, but after not being overly impressed with either’s performance during training camp, the team released both and made a trade for Saints nickel C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The latter is moving from the slot position to the back line with the Eagles. Marcus Epps had surpassed Harris as the top safety for the Eagles, and Harris’ former Vikings teammate will team with Gardner-Johnson as Philadelphia’s safety starters to open the year.

Latest On C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s Potential Extension With Eagles

August 31st, 2022 at 5:55pm CST by Ben Levine

C.J. Gardner-Johnson‘s contract isn’t expected to be an issue in Philadelphia, but it remains to be seen if the Eagles will extend the recently acquired defensive back. As Zach Berman and Bo Wulf write, while Eagles GM Howie Roseman didn’t specifically discuss Gardner-Johnson’s contract status today, he said he would “never want to rule anything out” when it comes to a potential extension.

[RELATED: Eagles Acquire DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson From Saints]

Gardner-Johnson was only available in the first place because his contract talks with the Saints hit an impasse. As Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com tweets, the player and the Saints were about $4MM apart in negotiations. New Orleans ultimately decided to prioritize other impending extensions and deal from a position of strength, leading to their trade with Philadelphia.

While the impending free agent was pushing for a deal in New Orleans, it’s still uncertain if he’ll get a new contract in Philly. As Berman and Wulf write, the Eagles have “consummated others deals contingent upon a new contract,” so it wouldn’t be shocking if a new deal suddenly materialized. On the flip side, the team also didn’t give up a significant haul (like they did for, say, A.J. Brown), so an extension wouldn’t appear to be a “necessity,” per the writers. Plus, while Gardner-Johnson was negotiating as a slot cornerback in New Orleans, he’s expected to play safety in Philadelphia, which could set him up for an even bigger pay day if he performs well at the position. As a result, the player may just prefer to just hit free agency next offseason.

With Gardner-Johnson now on the roster, the organization had to make some tough decisions at the position. The Eagles ultimately moved on from veteran Anthony Harris, who was released and later re-signed this summer. He was expected to serve as a starting safety, but with the emergence of Marcus Epps and the acquisition of Gardner-Johnson, Harris was ultimately eyeing a backup role. However, Roseman seemed to hint that a reunion could still be in order.

“We felt like since there was a possibility that his role had changed from when we had signed him, that because we were looking at options, he also deserved to kind of look at options himself,” Roseman said. “Obviously, you don’t want to close any doors on anyone or anything right now at this time.”

Wednesday NFL Transactions: NFC East

August 31st, 2022 at 2:53pm CST by Sam Robinson

Following the 53-man roster cutdown deadline Tuesday, many teams will make slight tweaks to their rosters. In addition to waiver claims, teams can begin constructing their 16-man practice squads today. These Commanders, Cowboys, Eagles and Giants moves are noted below.

Here are Wednesday’s NFC East transactions, which will continue to be updated throughout the day.

Dallas Cowboys

Signed to practice squad:

New York Giants

Signed:

Released:

Claimed:

Placed on IR:

Signed to practice squad:

Philadelphia Eagles

Claimed: 

Waived:

Signed to practice squad:

Washington Commanders

Released:

Claimed:

Waived:

Placed on IR:

Signed to practice squad:

Eagles Finalize 53-Man Roster

August 30th, 2022 at 10:52pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here is how the Eagles reached the 53-man limit Tuesday:

Released:

Waived:

Waived/injured:

Placed on IR:

The Eagles added two veteran receivers this offseason, with one of them (A.J. Brown) bumping Jalen Reagor down the depth chart. Zach Pascal, who has played for Nick Sirianni previously (in Indianapolis), may also be a factor. But the Eagles, despite their moves at receiver and offseason trade rumors that engulfed Reagor, still have the 2020 first-round pick rostered. The TCU product is also coming off a solid preseason.

Howie Roseman said the Eagles, who have two QBs on their active roster, are planning to add a third — either a practice squad arm or a legit third-stringer — soon, and The Athletic’s Zach Berman and Bo Wulf note running back remains on the radar. The team kept three — Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, Kenneth Gainwell — but Sanders has been dealing with a hamstring injury.

Philadelphia’s receiver setup and a long football layoff did not leave much room for Allen, who has a rather notable career on which to fall back. A two-time U.S. Olympian in the 110-meter hurdles, Allen came to Eagles training camp after a controversial false-start infraction denied the medal favorite the opportunity to vie for gold on his home track at the World Track and Field Championships. The Oregon alum, whose 12.84-second time at a meet this summer is the third-fastest clocking ever in the 110 hurdles, caught a deep touchdown during the preseason but may well move back to his primary sport soon.

Ward became needed during the Eagles’ injury-plagued receiver seasons of 2019 and ’20; he caught 53 passes in the latter campaign. The ex-college QB was not used as much last season, catching seven balls in 17 games. The Eagles kept three rookie UDFAs (cornerback Josh Jobe, safety Reed Blankenship and offensive lineman Josh Sills).

Eagles To Release S Anthony Harris

August 30th, 2022 at 10:09am CST by Sam Robinson

After cutting Jaquiski Tartt, the Eagles are moving on from their other experienced safety. The team is releasing Anthony Harris, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.

Harris started for the team last season and re-signed on a one-year deal worth $2.5MM this offseason, but a recent report indicated he might not be safe. The Eagles guaranteed Harris just $1MM.

The Harris cut came as the Eagles made a deal to acquire C.J. Gardner-Johnson from the Saints. While Gardner-Johnson played primarily in the slot in New Orleans, Philadelphia will use him at safety. The 24-year-old defender will replace Harris, who is going into his age-31 season.

Formerly Minnesota’s franchise player, Smith did not see that 2020 tagged season lead to big dollars in 2021. He signed with the Eagles for less than $5MM and took another pay cut this year. Harris has notched a six-interception season — 2019, leading to the Vikings franchising him — and has 61 starts’ worth of experience. He could find a new home soon

Eagles Looking For More Safety Help?

August 22nd, 2022 at 3:01pm CST by Sam Robinson

Jaquiski Tartt has worked as a starter for most of his career, lining up as a 49ers first-stringer 64 times since being taken in the 2015 second round. The veteran defender, however, has not shown enough to be an Eagles roster lock yet. The other Eagles veteran safety, Anthony Harris, may not be locked in as a starter. The team appears on the lookout for more help.

Marcus Epps looks to be the only Eagles safety who has secured a roster spot, Geoff Mosher of InsidetheBirds.com notes. Epps, 26, stands in front of Harris and Tartt (both 30), but the Eagles should be expected to seek a starter upgrade alongside the fourth-year player. This would be the one starting spot the Eagles try to upgrade between now and Week 1, Zach Berman of The Athletic offers.

Harris and Tartt each signed one-year deals with Philadelphia this offseason, the former doing so to stay with the team. Harris worked as a full-time starter last season for the Eagles, but Mosher adds the team’s lack of speed at this position is viewed as a concern. Pro Football Focus graded Harris just outside the top 50 at safety last season; Tartt slotted outside the top 70.

Once attached to the franchise tag in Minnesota, Harris re-signed with Philadelphia on a lower-cost deal (one year, $2.5MM; $1MM guaranteed) compared to his 2021 contract. Tartt signed a one-year, $1.12MM pact with no guarantees. The longtime San Francisco starter is on the outside looking in right now, Berman adds in a roster prediction that has former UDFAs K’Von Wallace, Josiah Scott and Andre Chachere cracking Philly’s 53-man squad instead of Tartt.

Epps has missed time recently because of a back issue as well. The former Vikings sixth-round pick has also never been a full-time starter, seeing just eight such opportunities in three seasons. The Eagles used Harris and Rodney McLeod as their back-line tandem last season; McLeod is now with the Colts. Epps rising to a starting role has been in the works for a bit now.

The Eagles exited the draft with safety as a position of need, but Tartt joining Harris and Epps quieted that noise. Training camp, however, has reignited the push for an otherwise-strong Philly roster to have more help at the position. The Eagles should be expected to make another move here, per InsidetheBirds.com’s Adam Caplan.

Contract Details: Armstead, MVS, Douglas, Peterson, Peppers, Butler, Barnett, Harris

March 31st, 2022 at 5:59pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here are the latest details from contracts recently agreed to around the NFL:

  • Terron Armstead, T (Dolphins): Five years, $75MM. In addition to a $12MM signing bonus, Armstead’s $43.37MM guarantee includes his 2022 and ’23 base salaries ($1.1MM, $9MM), Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com tweets. Armstead’s $13.25MM 2024 base salary is guaranteed for injury at signing. The deal includes $2.5MM-per-year incentives for playing time and Pro Bowl accolades, Wilson adds (on Twitter).
  • Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR (Chiefs): Three years, $30MM. Valdes-Scantling’s $18MM guaranteed includes a $6MM signing bonus and a fully guaranteed 2022 base salary ($2.56MM), Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk notes. The Chiefs have some flexibility in 2023. MVS has $6.4MM of his $8.6MM 2023 salary guaranteed for injury at signing; that shifts to a full guarantee if the wideout is on Kansas City’s roster on Day 3 of the 2023 league year. Valdes-Scantling’s $11.6MM 2024 base is nonguaranteed.
  • Rasul Douglas, CB (Packers): Three years, $21MM. The Packers gave Douglas a $5.3MM signing bonus and have him tied to base salaries of $1.1MM, $2.25MM and $6.25MM, Wilson tweets. Douglas will collect a $2MM roster bonus if he is on Green Bay’s roster on Day 3 of the 2023 league year.
  • Derek Barnett, DE (Eagles): Two years, $13.2MM. Barnett will see $7MM fully guaranteed, which includes $5.5MM in Year 1 and $1.5MM in Year 2, Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer notes (Twitter links). The Eagles guaranteed $1.5MM of Barnett’s 2023 salary and will guarantee $2MM more of that $7.5MM figure if he is on their roster on Day 3 of the 2023 league year. There are $9MM in incentives available, Wilson tweets.
  • Malcolm Butler, CB (Patriots): Two years, $9MM. The Patriots only guaranteed the recently unretired cornerback $750K, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe tweets. That comes via a $500K signing bonus and a $250K guarantee of Butler’s 2022 base salary. Butler’s cap numbers check in at $2.22MM and $2.75MM.
  • Patrick Peterson, CB (Vikings): One year, $4MM. In addition to the $3.5MM guaranteed Peterson will collect, Wilson notes the Vikings included $1MM in playing-time and playoff incentives (Twitter link). The team tacked a void year onto the deal.
  • Anthony Harris, S (Eagles): One year, $2.5MM. The Eagles are guaranteeing $1MM of Harris’ $2MM base salary, Wilson tweets.
  • Jabrill Peppers, S (Patriots): One year, $2MM. The Patriots are giving Peppers a $300K signing bonus and guaranteeing his $1.1MM base salary, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets. The deal includes $3MM in playing-time incentives.

Eagles To Re-Sign S Anthony Harris

March 18th, 2022 at 5:34pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Eagles will continue their partnership with Anthony Harris. The former Vikings safety agreed to a one-year deal to stay in Philadelphia, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.

This is the second consecutive year the Eagles and Harris have agreed on a one-year pact. Harris, who played the 2020 season on the franchise tag in Minnesota, started 14 games for the Eagles last season.

Both of Philly’s starting safeties from last season hit free agency this week. Longtime Eagles starter Rodney McLeod remains unsigned. Harris, 30, has not secured a long-term pact but did make good money on the tag two years ago. He played for $4MM last season. With McLeod not on the roster at this point, the Eagles’ payroll had little money devoted to the safety position entering Friday.

Harris intercepted six passes for the Vikings in 2019, leading to them tagging him the following year. He has one INT combined over the past two seasons but has proven to remain a reliable starter, lining up with the Vikes and Eagles’ first-string defenses in 30 games from 2020-21. Harris allowed a 68.7 passer rating when targeted last season, way down from the 118.1 figure he compiled in 2020. He allowed a 51% completion rate when targeted as well, with that figure also down considerably from his 2020 performance.

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