Ben Tate - Pro Football Rumors

NFC West Notes: Seahawks, Bowman, Cards

November 18th, 2014 at 1:21pm CST by Luke Adams

In what’s been a busy day for NFL news so far – particularly for running backs around the league – let’s catch up on a few items from out of the NFC West….

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll confirmed that center Max Unger will likely miss three or four weeks with ankle and knee injuries, meaning the team will likely have to add a center to the mix to complement Patrick Lewis, as Curtis Crabtree of Pro Football Talk details. Crabtree and Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times both cite former Seahawk Lemuel Jeanpierre as a probable free agent addition for the club.
Within Condotta’s article, he also passes along a tweet from defensive tackle Travian Robertson, who had been on the Falcons‘ practice squad. Robertson announced that he’s on his way to Seattle, a signal that the Seahawks will be signing him away from Atlanta.
49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman will begin practicing today, starting the clock on a three-week window during which the team will have to move him to the active roster. If he’s not made active in three weeks, Bowman will be ruled out for the season, and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio acknowledges that’s a possiblity, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
Tight end Garrett Celek, defensive tackle Kaleb Ramsey, and cornerback Keith Reaser will also begin practicing for the 49ers today, triggering their three-week countdowns, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
Cardinals reporters Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic and Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com (Twitter links) agree that running back Ben Tate is an unlikely target for Arizona, even if he makes it through waivers unclaimed.

Browns Waive Ben Tate

November 18th, 2014 at 10:14am CST by Luke Adams

Less than a year after signing him to a multiyear deal in free agency, the Browns announced today (Twitter link) that they’ve released running back Ben Tate. Assuming Tate passes through waivers unclaimed, he’ll be free to sign with any team later this week.

Viewed as one of the top options on the open market back in March, Tate joined the Browns after backing up Arian Foster in Houston for the duration of his rookie contract. While it initially appeared that Tate would be the No. 1 back in Cleveland, a combination of injuries and the emergence of rookies Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell has relegated Tate to a complementary role. The 26-year-old, who has been frustrated by his lack of playing time, received just two carries for minus-nine yards during Sunday’s loss to the Texans.

None of Tate’s salary for the 2015 season is guaranteed, though a prorated portion of his $1.5MM signing bonus will remain on the team’s cap. The club will gain nearly $3MM in ’15 cap room by cutting him, reducing his hit from $3.7MM to just $750K in dead money.

As for Tate’s next team, Indianapolis is the first club that comes to mind, considering Ahmad Bradshaw is believed to have fractured his ankle and will likely be sidelined for the season. However, as Jason Cole of Bleacher Report observes (via Twitter), the team’s offense is “exceptionally complex” for running backs, which is one reason Trent Richardson has struggled. As such, the Colts may not be interested in bringing aboard a back who’s not familiar with their system, particularly one who griped about a lack of touches with his previous team.

Injury Notes: Lions, Raiders, Browns, Cowboys

September 10th, 2014 at 9:50am CST by Luke Adams

We don’t cover every single injury here at Pro Football Rumors, but we’ll always keep tabs on the more significant ones that may force a team to make a roster move or two to add reinforcements. Let’s round up the latest injury news that falls into that category…

Lions offensive lineman Corey Hilliard is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the season with a foot injury, reports Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (via Twitter). That helps to explain why the club re-signed Garrett Reynolds this morning, and it means Hilliard will likely head to IR. Having already added a lineman to the 53-man roster today, the Lions could fill Hilliard’s roster spot by signing a cornerback, since the secondary is a little short-handed as well.
Raiders special teams ace Taiwan Jones became the first 2011 draftee to sign a contract extension earlier this offseason, but now he’s set to miss a month or two of action. According to Bill Williamson and Adam Caplan of ESPN.com, the recovery timeline for Jones’ foot injury will be about four to eight weeks. If Oakland believes the timeline will be closer to eight weeks than four, Jones could be a candidate for the team’s IR-DTR spot.
The Browns expect running back Ben Tate to be out for two to four weeks with a knee sprain, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter links). Cleveland might add another back to the active roster or practice squad for depth purposes, but I doubt any major move is coming, since Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell played well after Tate left Sunday’s game.
Having already lost Sean Lee for the season, the Cowboys saw another linebacker go down on Sunday, as Justin Durant figures to miss the next three or four weeks with a groin injury, a source tells David Moore of the Dallas Morning News. An outside addition is possible for Dallas, though the club could also turn to in-house options like Kyle Wilber or the recently-claimed Korey Toomer.

AFC North Links: McCarron, Ravens, Archer

August 9th, 2014 at 11:37am CST by Matt Feminis

With one preseason game down, Bengals website editor Geoff Hobson provides a position-by-position roster rundown. Of note, rookie quarterback’s A.J. McCarron’s 2014 prognosis is unknown because of his shoulder issue, and Hobson says “it looks like he’s not coming off PUP anytime soon and that the Bengals think he needs a long rehab.”

Keep reading for more NFC North links…

The Ravens’ selection of Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley 17th overall was universally praised, and the rookie is justifying the pick and the praise, writes Aaron Wilson in the Baltimore Sun.
Ravens 2013 fifth-rounder Rick Wagner, expected to take over the right tackle job, played well in the team’s first preseason game, according to Wilson, who quoted head coach John Harbaugh: “I think someone wrote it earlier, you don’t notice him much. That’s a good thing for a right tackle, and he seemed like he played that way. And at the end of the day, he was solid and on his targets, and footwork was good. He’s a good, solid football player.”
Asa Jackson has taken an early lead over Chykie Brown for the Ravens’ third cornerback job, according to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. Jackson, 24, is a 5-10, 182-pound third-year pro out of Cal Poly who was drafted in the fifth round of the 2012 draft. Jackson has a skill set, including ball skills, to cover slot receivers, but he’s yet to play a defensive snap thanks, in large part, two a pair of Adderall-related suspensions totaling 12 games.
Steelers veterans are anxious to see rookie Dri Archer put his rare speed on display, writes TribLive.com’s Mark Kaboly. Says Ike Taylor: “He is going to be a matchup problem for a lot of teams. He just has it. Dri just has it. Anytime he touches the ball or anytime you know he’s getting the ball, you kind of stand up and pay attention.”
Everyone will be tuning into the Browns-Lions preseason contest to watch Johnny Football, but Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot provides four other things to watch, including the competition for carries between Ben Tate and rookie Terrance West.

Browns Sign Ben Tate To Two-Year Deal

March 30th, 2014 at 1:58pm CST by Rob DiRe

MARCH 30: The specifics of Tate’s contract have come in, and it appears that the deal’s actual value has been “puffed up,” writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Tate gets a $1.5MM signing bonus, a fully-guaranteed 2014 base salary of $1MM, and a 2015 base salary of $2.2MM. He can earn up to $750K each season in roster bonuses, but he will only earn that money on a per-game basis for each contest for which he is active. So, as Florio notes, if Tate is injured or struggles, this could easily become a one-year, $2.5MM contract, far from the two-year, ~$7MM deal that was originally reported.

MARCH 18: The base value of Tate’s deal is $6.2MM, with $2.5MM in guaranteed money, tweets Albert Breer of the NFL Network.

MARCH 15, 2:08pm: Tate’ deal is worth $7MM over two years, reports Ian Rapaport of NFL.com (via Twitter). For being one of the top young players at the position on the market, it is a relatively cheap deal, especially compared to the other recently signed tailbacks.

1:38pm: Ben Tate and the Browns have agreed to terms on a two-year deal, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN (via Twitter). The Browns announced that the deal has been signed (via Twitter).

Tate has been stuck behind Arian Foster for his short career so far, but was able to put together a nice season as a secondary ball carrier and injury replacement, amassing 771 yards and four touchdowns last season. His career average of 4.7 yards per carry, along with his relatively fresh legs have made him a potential breakout star for his next team.

The former Texan had been considered the top free agent running back on the market, but the position has been ignored this offseason. Toby Gerhart, Rashad Jennings, and Darren McFadden all received modest deals so far, and other veteran running backs have yet to find a home.

Browns Expected To Sign Ben Tate

March 15th, 2014 at 10:34am CST by Matt Feminis

Free agent running back Ben Tate is expected to sign with the Browns today, according to John Telich of Fox 8 News in Cleveland. The deal, contingent on Tate passing a physical, is reportedly performance-based, says Telich (via Twitter).

Tate, 25, has played 40 games over three seasons (nine starts in place of injured starter Arian Foster) and totaled 421 carries for 1,992 yards (4.7 yards per carry) and 10 touchdowns with 58 receptions for 287 yards (4.9 yards per catch) and zero touchdowns. However, he has been on IR twice in his young career. He missed 2010 because of a broken ankle and dealt with foot, hamstring and rib injuries in 2012.

Tate would join a crowded, albeit undistinguished, Cleveland backfield which includes Edwin Baker, Dion Lewis, Chris Ogbonnaya and Fozzy Whittaker.

FA Rumors: 49ers, Tate, Rams, Melton, Bills

March 14th, 2014 at 11:47am CST by Luke Adams

News of signings and visits is gradually slowing down as we approach the 72-hour mark of free agency, but there are plenty of players still seeking contracts, and it wouldn’t be surprising if a number of those free agents find deals today. Here’s the latest on a few available players:

The 49ers are comfortable heading into 2014 with Chris Culliver and Tramaine Brock as their starting cornerbacks, but are willing to offer Tarell Brown a three-year, $10MM deal to return, tweets Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.
Free agent running back Ben Tate‘s visit with the Browns is continuing into today, reports Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com (Twitter link).
The Rams “aren’t quite done” in free agency, according to head coach Jeff Fisher (Twitter link). Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com notes that the team remains interested in free agent guards Daryn Colledge and Davin Joseph.
Speaking of Fisher, the Rams will host one of his former players from Tennessee, as wide receiver Kenny Britt is scheduled to visit St. Louis, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
Earlier today, we heard that Henry Melton was en route to Seattle to visit the Seahawks after spending the night in Minnesota. After his Seattle meeting, Melton will visit the Cowboys, tweets Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
The Bills have confirmed that free agent running back Anthony Dixon and linebacker Brandon Spikes are visiting the team today, according to Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com.
Chris Russell of ESPN Radio (Twitter link) hears that cornerback Walter Thurmond is no longer scheduled to visit the Redskins.
Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star explores the Colts‘ signing of Phil Costa and their rumored interest in Alex Mack, suggesting that Costa represents a solid fallback starting option at center if the team is unable to land Mack.

Browns In Lead For Ben Tate?

March 12th, 2014 at 10:14am CST by Luke Adams

It looks like the Browns’ pursuit of wide receiver Andrew Hawkins will fall short, as the Bengals plan to match Cleveland’s offer sheet. However, the Browns are eyeing another offensive weapon and may be the favorites to land him, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Rapoport reports that Cleveland seems to be in the lead to sign Ben Tate, with a visit planned for the free agent running back.

In his first four NFL season, Tate has been limited to just 421 total carries due to injuries and his spot on the Texans’ depth chart. Playing behind Arian Foster, the former second-round pick has yet to receive an extended run as a team’s feature back since entering the league. However, he has certainly exhibited the ability to be a No. 1 back — those 421 carries have yielded 1,992 yards, good for an average of 4.7 yards per carry. While he doesn’t have the track record of other running backs available this offseason, Tate may have the most upside of the group.

The Browns are in the market for a running back this winter after sending former starter Trent Richardson to Indianapolis last fall in exchange for a first-round pick.

Ben Tate Says Return To Texans Unlikely

March 8th, 2014 at 3:21pm CST by Rob DiRe

Texans running back Ben Tate appeared on Sirius XM NFL Radio today to talk free agency. On the show, he mentioned that his chances of returning to Houston for the 2014 season are “less than a 2% chance” (via Twitter).

Tate has been stuck behind Arian Foster on the depth chart in recent years, but as our own Luke Adams wrote in his piece on the market for free agent running backs, Tate is thought to possess the skills to become a starter for another team. Adams placed him as a second-tier running back in this free agent class, writing that the longtime Texan could be a low-risk, high-reward player for a team in need of a playmaker in the backfield.

In a poll of Pro Football Rumors readers on who the best running back available is, Tate is tied with Knowshon Moreno as the top back in this free agent class. If our readers are correct, he will make some NFL team very happy as he will likely be an affordable option to carry the football.

Extra Points: Saints, Bears, Gore, Eagles

March 7th, 2014 at 10:35pm CST by David Kipke

Earlier tonight, franchise player Jimmy Graham tweeted that he’s “shocked and disappointed” about everything that’s happened in New Orleans this offseason. Graham is likely referencing the Saints’ decisions to cut offensive weapons Lance Moore and Darren Sproles. According to John Breech of CBSSports.com, there’s a chance the team could release running back Pierre Thomas as well. Albert Breer of the NFL Network tweeted that the decision to cut Moore and Sproles likely stemmed from the large cap numbers of Jahri Evans, Ben Grubbs, Marques Colston, and Brodrick Bunkley.

Let’s look at some other news tidbits from this Friday evening…

Lance Briggs expressed similar frustrations to Graham with the Bears‘ front office on Friday, saying that if he ran the team, he would “trade all the draft picks and bring my brothers back.” Briggs was presumably referencing players like Charles Tillman, Devin Hester, and Brian Urlacher. While Urlacher retired after last season, the team seems ready to cut ties with Hester and Tillman. It is widely expected that the Bears will also part ways with Julius Peppers due to the eight-time Pro Bowler’s huge cap figure.
49ers GM Trent Baalke has said that, considering Frank Gore “had a A++ season” in 2013, the team doesn’t feel it needs to restructure the five-time Pro Bowl running back’s contract this offseason, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (via Twitter).
Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer thinks that the Eagles should pursue safety Malcolm Jenkins in free agency. McLane argues that the new free agent would be a better schematic fit for the Eagles than more prominent free agent safeties such as Jairus Byrd and T.J. Ward. He thinks the Eagles could also pursue the Panthers’ Michael Mitchell and the Dolphins’ Chris Clemons, among others.
Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune (via Twitter) thinks that because of the departures of Sproles and Moore, the Saints will be looking for a return specialist this offseason. Duncan speculates that the team could address this void by targeting Devin Hester, New Orleans native Jacoby Jones, or perhaps even a prospect like LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham.
Desmond Bryant, defensive end for the Browns, says he’s been medically cleared to play after a health scare, according to Marc Sessler of NFL.com and Bryant’s personal Twitter account.
Tom Reed of the Northeast Ohio Media Group identifies six free agent offensive lineman that could interest the Browns, including San Diego’s Chad Rinehart and Kansas City’s Geoff Schwartz.
Ravens defensive tackle Terrence Cody, whose contract situation is currently up in the air, has signed with Authentic Athletix NFL agent Peter Schaffer, according to a tweet by Liz Mullen of Sports Business Journalism. Cody had been previously represented by Athletes First.
Ben Tate told Mark Berman of FOX 26 in Houston that he can become an “elite” running back next season. Tate has not been shy about his plans to test free agency and finally step into a starting role on another team.
Darnell Dockett called free agent tackle Branden Albert his teammate in a tweet earlier today, according to Joel Thorman of Arrowhead Pride. While Albert’s response to the tweet, which was quickly deleted, deflected Dockett’s comments, it did not directly dispute the teammate comment.