Arrelious Benn - Pro Football Rumors

Workout Notes: Friday

December 19th, 2014 at 1:42pm CST by Rob DiRe

Here is a list of the players working out with clubs, hoping to join a roster for the season’s home stretch:

The Jaguars worked three players, including former second-round pick Arrelious Benn, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). The team also worked out Tim McCornett and Chidera Uzo-Diribe.
The Raiders worked out former Saints’ receiver Joe Morgan earlier this week, but have also looked at Vernon Kearney and Marvin McNutt, reports Wilson (via Twitter).
The Dolphins tried out kicker Dustin Hopkins, reports Wilson (via Twitter)
The Falcons have worked out Lavelle Westbrooks, according to Wilson (via Twitter).
The Chiefs worked out Travis Chappalear, writes Wilson (via Twitter).
The Vikings worked out two players, Jordan McCray and Greg Van Roten, reports Wilson (via Twitter).
The Lions brought in Dejon Gomes for a workout, according to Wilson (via Twitter).
The Steelers brought Ronald Patrick in for a visit, writes Wilson (via Twitter).
Wilson doesn’t get to have all the fun, as Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports that the Broncos have worked out two defensive backs on Wednesday (via Twitter). They brought in Delvin Breaux and Jalil Carter, who played in the Canadian Football League.

NFC West Notes: Brooks, Smith, Seahawks

November 4th, 2014 at 10:07pm CST by Dallas Robinson

49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio doesn’t put much stock into a recent report that San Francisco almost dealt linebacker Ahmad Brooks to the Browns before last week’s trade deadline, writes Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. “It was never mentioned to me before the trade deadline ended and I would think that if there was any seriousness going on along those ways that [general manager] Trent [Baalke] would have mentioned it to me,” Fangio told KNBR in San Francisco. “And he never did. So I think those reports are way out of line.” Fangio’s reasoning is valid, but I outlined in the link above why the idea of the Niners shopping Brooks wouldn’t be too far-fetched. Here’s more from the NFC West.

49ers pass-rusher Aldon Smith‘s suspension won’t be reduced (as was rumored), according to Ed Werder of ESPN, meaning Smith will be allowed to return to the field on November 16 against the Giants. The linebacker, who was banned for the first nine games of the season, should provide a nice boost to a 4-4 San Francisco team.
The Seahawks worked out several players today, report Adam Caplan of ESPN (several Twitter links) and Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link), who identify receivers Austin Pettis, Arrelious Benn, Tim Benford, and Michael Preston, and quarterback Brad Sorensen as the players who auditioned for Seattle. Pettis is a former Rams third-round pick who was waived two weeks ago, while Benn, a second-round pick in 2010, has played for the Buccaneers and Eagles.
Missouri governor Jay Nixon will hold a media conference call tomorrow to discuss the Rams’ stadium situation and how to keep the team in St. Louis, writes Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Amid rumors of the franchise moving to Los Angeles, Nixon’s comments should shed some light on the state’s commitment to retaining the team.

East Notes: Vick, RGIII, Benn, Patriots

September 25th, 2014 at 6:29pm CST by Zachary Links

Some people are calling for Michael Vick in New York, but Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg sounds like he’s sticking with Geno Smith, writes Brian Costello of the New York Post. “We’re right in the middle of developing a young quarterback,” Mornhinweg said. “We’ve discussed this. We’re going to go through some ups and downs now. When you go through a little dip, you’ve got to motor through it now.” Even if Smith’s struggles continue, it sounds like Vick will remain at No. 2 on the depth chart. Here’s more from the AFC and NFC East..

Sources tell Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network (on Twitter) that there’s no guarantee that the Redskins will hand Robert Griffin III his job back when he returns from injury. Down the line, if Kirk Cousins plays well, one has to imagine that RGIII could become trade fodder for Washington. Of course, Cousins will have to continue to build off of his strong Week 3 showing.
Former Eagles and Buccaneers wide receiver Arrelious Benn (back) has fully recovered from his back injury and will begin working out for teams soon, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The Eagles cut Benn with an injury settlement earlier this month. In 37 career NFL games, Benn has 59 catches and 862 receiving yards to his credit.
The Patriots and Bears are looking at former Redskins safety Bacarri Rambo, according to Howard Balzer of USA Today (on Twitter).

FA Workouts: Kickers, Seahawks, Chiefs, Bills

September 8th, 2014 at 4:23pm CST by Luke Adams

A pair of veteran kickers, David Akers and Rob Bironas, have been working out together in Tennessee and hope to continue their NFL careers this season, a source tells Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (Twitter link). While there are no openings at the position around the league for now, it’s probably just a matter of time until a kicker gets hurt or loses his job after missing a few field goals, and Akers and Bironas look like two of the most reliable options available. I expect we’ll see them on NFL rosters at some point this season.

Here’s more on free agents looking for new teams:

On the lookout for some help at cornerback after placing Jeremy Lane on injured reserve, the Seahawks worked out Mike Harris and Keith Lewis today, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.
The Chiefs will also be looking for some reinforcements on defense after seeing two key players go down with major Achilles injuries on Sunday. Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com tweets that defensive end Jerel Worthy, who was recently cut by the Patriots, was among the players auditioning for Kansas City today.
Defensive end James Davidson, a UTEP alum who was in camp with the Bengals, is working out for the Bills today, according to Caplan (via Twitter).
Caplan also provides an update (via Twitter) on ex-Eagles wideout Arrelious Benn, who isn’t trying out for any teams yet, but received a six-week injury settlement from Philadelphia and hopes to be ready to return to action even earlier than that.

Minor Moves: Saturday

September 6th, 2014 at 8:49pm CST by Ben Levine

As most of the team’s prepare for their season-debut tomorrow, some minor moves are likely to be made. We’ll keep track of the day’s transactions right here, with the most recent moves being added to the top:

Defensive lineman Garrison Smith has been dropped from the Dolphins‘ practice squad in order to make room for the previously-reported addition of Brandian Ross, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
Wilson also clarifies (via Twitter) that Quinton Pointer‘s release from the Buccaneers, which is noted below, was an injury waiver.

Earlier updates:

The Buccaneers are expected to add receiver Solomon Patton to the 53-man roster, reports Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune (via Twitter). The team released cornerback Quinton Pointer and former University of Florida receiver Louis Murphy to make room for Patton and Dixon.
The Seahawks have waived wide receiver Phil Bates, reports Terry Blount of ESPN (via Twitter). Blount believes this will open room on the roster for a cornerback.
The Chargers have waived Vincent Brown after reaching an injury settlement, reports Adam Caplan of ESPN (via Twitter). Brown will be eligible to be claimed on Monday at 4 P.M. ET.
The Dolphins have re-signed safety Brandian Ross to their practice squad, reports Caplan (via Twitter).
The Eagles have released receiver Arrelious Benn from IR with an injury settlement, reports Caplan (via Twitter).
The Ravens have promoted running back Fitz Toussaint from the practice squad to the active roster, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Toussaint will replace the recently released Derek Cox.
The Patriots have added defensive lineman Kelcy Quarles to their practice squad, according to the team’s official website. They released tight end Allen Reisner to make room.
Buccaneers cornerback Brandon Dixon, a sixth-round pick by the Jets this past year, will be activated from the practice squad, tweets CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora.
The Bengals have waived defensive end Christo Bilukidi, reports ESPN.com’s Coley Harvey (via Twitter). The team signed cornerback Onterio McCalebb off the practice squad.
Brandon Barden, a tight end who previously spent time with the Titans, was removed from the Jaguars injured reserve with an injury settlement, reports Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).
Cornerback Damond Smith was removed from the Chiefs injured reserve with an injury settlement, tweets Wilson.
Panthers tight end D.C. Jefferson was placed on the team’s reserve/suspended list, tweets Wilson. Jefferson was previously on the team’s injured reserve list.

Eagles Begin Trimming Roster Down To 53

August 29th, 2014 at 8:48pm CST by Zachary Links

The Eagles released offensive lineman Josh Andrews, according to his agent Brett Tessler (on Twitter). Tessler adds that his client won’t be “unemployed for long.” Meanwhile, the Eagles have informed quarterback G.J. Kinne that he’ll be released, tweets Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com. Kinne played well in the preseason but there was simply no room for him with Mark Sanchez and Matt Barkley set to back up starter Nick Foles. We’ll keep track of all of the Eagles’ cuts here:

Emmanuel Acho (LB) (via Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter, 8:48pm)
Josh Andrews (OL)
Arrelious Benn (placed on injured reserve, via Aaron Wilson on Twitter, 2:23pm). Benn will be placed on the short-term IR, according to Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com (Twitter link).
Henry Josey (RB) (via Adam Caplan on Twitter, 1:58pm)
G.J. Kinne (QB)
Travis Long (LB) (placed on injured reserve, via Shorr-Parks on Twitter, 8:48pm)
Ifeanyi Momah (WR) (via Zach Berman on Twitter, 1:58pm)
Quron Pratt (WR) (via Berman on Twitter, 2:43pm)

NFC East Notes: Benn, Helu, Garrett, Giants

August 16th, 2014 at 4:34pm CST by Rob DiRe

Eagles‘ wideout Arrelious Benn was far from guaranteed a roster spot, but he is working as hard as possible to make the team, writes Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com. Benn showed that he can contribute on special teams by blocking a punt in their preseason game against the Patriots. He also caught a touchdown in the game, on a ball that was intended for another receiver but came loose in the air as Ifeanyi Momah fell to the ground in the end zone.

Here are some other notes from around the NFC East:

Cowboys‘ head coach Jason Garrett has been a popular choice to the question of first coach to be fired in 2014, but Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com doesn’t see owner Jerry Jones pulling the trigger during the season. Despite being listed with 2/1 odds according to Bovada, Archer believes the team is more likely to ride out the season with Garrett without a potential successor.
Redskins‘ running backs have struggled in pass protection drills, with Roy Helu, Lache Seastruck, and starter Alfred Morris each having their own problems, writes John Keim of ESPN.com. The drill is supposed to favor the defense, however, and Helu still has the edge on the role of third-down back. “It’s a somewhat superficial drill,” Helu said. “But it’s a harder drill than game situations. The first thing we have to do is be physical because it’s one-on-one and second we are going to win with technique.”
The Giants had a lot of problems with their quarterback play in 2013, but there is currently a competition going on for the backup spot on the team, writes Dan Graziano of ESPN.com. Curtis Painter will take the backup reps this week, after Ryan Nassib was given them previously.

NFC East Notes: Watkins, Linehan, Orton

June 21st, 2014 at 1:52pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Eagles have concluded their OTA period, and Jimmy Kempski of Philly.com has highlighted five players who impressed during spring practices. Among those who left a good impression were Arrelious Benn and Darren Sproles. Benn has an uphill battle for one of the roster spots at receiver, and his injury history hurts has chances, but he looks to have recovered from the ACL injury that caused him to miss all of 2013. Sproles however looks custom fit for the Chip Kelly offense, and could be dangerous in the passing game.

Here are some other notes from around the NFC East:

Fourth-round pick Jaylen Watkins has wowed the Eagles‘ coaching staff with his football IQ, especially defensive backs coach John Lovett, reports Jake Kaplan of Philly.com. Watkins, who played corner and safety at Florida, has been tasked with learning both cornerback and nickelback in the new defense, even though he is only a rookie. “When you talk to him about his defense at Florida, he knew what everybody did,” Lovett said. “I talked to the defensive coordinator [D.J. Durkin] down there. They put him in at positions that he hadn’t even practiced that week because he knew what everybody was doing. He’s really got a great football IQ.”
Scott Linehan will be running the show for the Cowboys‘ offense in 2013, and that should mean a lot of throwing the football, writes Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. In three years with the Lions, Matthew Stafford averaged 42 pass attempts per game under Linehan. Tony Romo averaged only 36 last year.
Although Cowboys backup Kyle Orton has already accrued over $150,000 in fines and de-escalators for the time he has missed, but Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com still believes the veteran quarterback will return to the team and play out the season. Archer predicts Orton could skip the first week of training camp, before reporting around July 27th of 28th.
Redskins‘ outside linebacker coach Brian Baker has been working hard to teach fundamentals to his position group, writes John Keim of ESPN.com. He also worked on tackling drills during special teams, and the teams has put a special emphasis on that phase of the game, using all their coaches’ skills to benefit their special teams.
The Giants have also concluded their OTAs, so Jordan Raanan and Connor Orr of NJ.com have put together their best guess at the depth chart. A lot can happen during training camp and the preseason, but they have penciled in a presumed lineup for the upcoming season.

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.

Minor Moves: Benn, Steelers, Bucs, Chapas

May 19th, 2014 at 9:35am CST by Matt Feminis

As expected, the Eagles have re-signed receiver Arrelious Benn days after releasing him. Terms of the deal weren’t announced, but Benn’s contract was reworked in order to avoid the $1.1MM he was due this season, writes Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com. Benn, who missed last season because of a torn ACL, is not guaranteed a roster spot, however, as the Eagles added a pair of rookie receivers — second-rounder Jordan Matthews and fifth-rounder Josh Huff — to groom behind veterans Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper.
The Steelers have inked sixth-round nose tackle Daniel McCullers (all 6-7, 350 pounds of him) and seventh-round tight end Rob Blanchflower, per Pro Football Talk. McCullers in particular has a realistic chance of carving a niche with the team, as the mammoth nose tackle with exceptionally long arms is an ideal, two-gapping anchor if he plays to his potential. He’s underachieved to this point, however, and was drafted lower than his ability dictates for a reason.
Meanwhile, the Steelers will have to wait until June 2 to free up money to sign their top three draft picks, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (via Twitter).
The Buccaneers announced they’ve signed fifth-rounder Kevin Pamphile, an offensive tackle out of Purdue.
The Ravens will sign ex-Jaguars fullback Shaun Chapas, per Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Chapas, 26, was a seventh-round pick of the Cowboys in 2011. He had a brief stint with the Lions in 2012 and spent time on Jacksonville’s practice squad and active roster last season.