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Brian Hoyer

AFC Notes: Gordon, Hoyer, Broncos, Bills

July 29th, 2014 at 2:22pm CST by Luke Adams

Josh Gordon‘s appeal hearing is scheduled to take place this Friday, and the Browns receiver appears to have a pretty decent case for having his suspension reduced from the looming one-year penalty, as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports. Florio goes into detail on Gordon’s failed test, which only constituted a failure by the narrowest of margins, and which the wideout would have passed had the “A” and “B” labels on his two urine samples been flipped.

It’ll be interesting to see what the NFL decides on Gordon, especially after Roger Goodell and the league came under so much scrutiny for what was viewed as a light punishment for Ray Rice. As we wait to see how the case plays out, let’s check in on a few items from across the AFC, including one more note out of Cleveland….

  • The Browns and quarterback Brian Hoyer haven’t had any discussions about a contract extension since exchanging numbers earlier in the offseason, says Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter). La Canfora adds (via Twitter) that perhaps if Cleveland were to include bonuses or incentives based on team or individual performance, something could get done, but that’s not all that likely. Hoyer’s agent suggested a month ago that he and his client would probably wait to see how the season played out, perhaps re-assessing the situation in November or later.
  • While an incumbent option like Ronnie Hillman or C.J. Anderson might win the No. 2 running back job for the Broncos behind starter Montee Ball, that role could ultimately be assumed by a player plucked off waivers before the season starts, writes Mike Klis of the Denver Post.
  • Donald Trump will submit a bid in an attempt to purchase the Bills, but he doesn’t expect his bid to be the winner, as he tells Fox News. Meanwhile, Jon Bon Jovi isn’t making many friends in Buffalo by having aligned himself with Toronto-based investors, writes Eric Edelson of Yahoo! Sports.
  • With this afternoon’s deadline for initial bids on the Bills approaching, New York Senator Charles E. Schumer said today in a statement that he has spoken to several prospective owners who would be committed to keeping the team in Western New York. Jerry Zremski of the Buffalo News has the details and quotes.
  • Asked by Shalise Manza Young of the Boston Globe (TwitLonger link) about the pay cut he took this offseason, Patriots defensive lineman Tommy Kelly said he didn’t mind reworking his deal, since the changes weren’t too drastic. “Coach asked me for a favor and I obliged,” Kelly said. “I didn’t have no problem with it. At this point in my career, I’ve made a whole lot of money. Money ain’t the problem.”

Sunday Roundup: Mauga, Peppers, AFC North

July 20th, 2014 at 12:42pm CST by Rory Parks

More and more beat writers are providing season previews, roster breakdowns, position battles, etc. as training opens (for one team, at least) in just a few hours. So let’s have a look at some links from around the league:

AFC North Notes: Steelers, Browns, Gordon

July 9th, 2014 at 1:20pm CST by Luke Adams

The Steelers have been a perennial playoff contender in the AFC for the better part of the last 15 years, finishing below .500 just once during the 2000s, and winning two Super Bowls during that period. However, they’re one of a few AFC clubs, along with the Patriots and Broncos, whose title windows could conceivably close within the next three years or so, writes Field Yates of ESPN.com. In his Insider-only piece, Yates digs deeper on the three AFC teams, specifically focusing on Ben Roethlisberger‘s role in determining whether or not Pittsburgh remains in the Super Bowl hunt going forward.

Here’s more from around the AFC North:

  • The Browns would like to extend the contracts of quarterback Brian Hoyer and tight end Jordan Cameron, but given the complicated nature of the negotiations, there’s a good chance talks will continue into training camp and beyond, writes Tom Reed of the Northeast Ohio Media Group.
  • Sources tell Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report that Josh Gordon may ultimate receive a singular punishment from the NFL for his alleged failed drug tests and DUI, though it’s not clear yet whether that suspension will be for a full season. In any case, while some of Gordon’s Browns teammates feel betrayed after the wideout promised last year that he wouldn’t be in trouble again, every league official that spoke to Freeman believes Gordon will play in the NFL again, either in Cleveland or elsewhere.
  • ESPN.com’s Jamison Hensley examines some former Ravens who are still counting against the team’s cap in 2014, including Titans safety Bernard Pollard and Giants linebacker Jameel McClain.

Browns Interested In Extending Brian Hoyer

June 30th, 2014 at 3:45pm CST by Luke Adams

3:45pm: Linta tells Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com that November 1 would be the earliest that the two sides could assess Hoyer’s value. It seems like this story is likely to play out into the season, so stay tuned.

1:18pm: Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal also talked to Linta, and the agent implied that Hoyer may just hold out for free agency. Via Twitter…

“Had a couple of conversations with [the Browns]. Very difficult to move forward until we see how the season plays out.”

If Hoyer inked a contract prior reaching free agency, he’d certainly be looking to protect himself. Former agent (and current CBSSports.com writer) Joel Corry details a potential contract on his Twitter, stating it “must contain” escalators or incentives and “possibly a way to void.”

10:57am: Linta confirmed to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com that discussions have taken place with the Browns about an extension for his client, but said it’ll be a “difficult deal” to negotiate. As I pointed out earlier this month, it’s hard to assess Hoyer’s true value when his role for the coming season and beyond isn’t yet clear — the Browns could push for a modest backup-type contract based on the presence of Manziel, while Hoyer’s camp could pursue a larger extension based on the fact that the veteran is currently atop the depth chart.

“We’re always open to talking with the Browns, but we’re content to wait and see what happens down the road,” Linta said.

If the two sides attempt to reach an agreement this summer, a bridge deal like Henne’s two-year, $8MM pact with the Jaguars could be a point of comparison. As an executive from another team tells Rapoport though, Hoyer’s value could shift by as much as about $7MM per year depending on whether he establishes himself as a starter or backup.

9:26am: The Browns may have used a first-round pick on their potential quarterback of the future in Johnny Manziel last month, but that doesn’t mean the quarterback of the present is necessarily going anywhere. According to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter, Cleveland is trying to extend the contract of QB Brian Hoyer, who is entering the final season of a two-year deal with the club.

Hoyer, who started three games for the Browns last year before suffering an ACL injury, is penciled in as the team’s No. 1 quarterback heading into training camp, though Manziel is expected to challenge for that job. Whether or not Hoyer hangs on to the starting role in 2014 or beyond, it makes sense that the Browns are interested in pairing a veteran they like with the inexperienced Manziel.

On his current two-year contract, Hoyer is only making a total of about $2MM, so even if he receives a sizable raise, the Browns wouldn’t necessarily need to commit to paying him more than backup money. Many top-end backups or borderline starters around the league, such as Chad Henne, Matt Moore, Matt Hasselbeck, and Kyle Orton, are making between $3.5-4MM per year.

A deal in that range for Hoyer wouldn’t break the bank for the Browns, and would represent a nice payday for the signal-caller, whose salaries in his first few NFL seasons have been modest. Cleveland could also push for a smaller base value on a contract that includes incentives for playing time and production, which would allow Hoyer to earn bonuses if he sees the field more than expected.

Earlier in June, Hoyer’s agent, Joe Linta, told Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com that, if all other factors are equal, his client would prefer to remain in Cleveland with the Browns.

“I think if it’s backup to backup, I think he would (want to stay),” Linta said. “If you’re comparing apples to apples, it’s always Cleveland. If it’s backup in Cleveland vs. starter somewhere else, I’m sure he’d like to start.”

No Contract Talks For Brian Hoyer, Browns

June 6th, 2014 at 8:54am CST by Luke Adams

Johnny Manziel will undoubtedly make more headlines, but it’s Brian Hoyer who enters the summer as the Browns’ No. 1 quarterback. Still, with Hoyer entering the final year of his contract, there haven’t been any real talks between agent Joe Linta and the Browns about a new deal, as Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com writes.

“Nothing of substance,” Linta said. “It’s too hard of a deal to do. I think (Browns GM) Ray Farmer realizes it’s too hard of a deal to do, too. The best thing for both sides is let the water seeks its own level. I can do a deal much better in September than I can do now. I can do a better deal in January.”

As Linta suggests, an extension for Hoyer is tricky since it’s not clear what his role will be for the Browns a year from now. The team didn’t draft Manziel to sit on the bench indefinitely, but there’s no guarantee he’ll have established himself as a productive starter by the end of the 2014 season either. Even if Hoyer isn’t Cleveland’s quarterback of the future, if he starts and plays well for much of the ’14 season, he’ll certainly be in line for a significant raise on his current two-year, $1.965MM pact. On the other hand, if Manziel wins the starting job sooner rather than later, Hoyer’s next contract may only be slightly larger than his current deal.

One point of comparison for Hoyer may be Chad Henne in Jacksonville. Henne posted respectable numbers during his stint as the Jaguars’ starter in 2013, and while Blake Bortles was drafted to be the team’s future starter, Henne still landed a two-year, $8MM extension in March. That sort of contract is inexpensive enough that even if Henne ultimately slides into the backup role, his salary won’t break the bank.

For what it’s worth, Linta says Hoyer “definitely” wants to remain with the Browns, his hometown team, for the long term. However, if the signal-caller reaches free agency in 2015 and receives an offer to start somewhere else while Cleveland is only offering a backup role, that would alter the equation.

“I think if it’s backup to backup, I think he would (want to stay),” Linta said. “If you’re comparing apples to apples, it’s always Cleveland. If it’s backup in Cleveland vs. starter somewhere else, I’m sure he’d like to start.”

AFC North Notes: Steelers, Miller, Hoyer

May 31st, 2014 at 4:25pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Steelers are returning all of their offensive lineman, including Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey who was lost last season to a torn ACL. No one is more excited than Ben Roethlisberger, who believes that continuity on the offensive line could be the key to success, particularly in the no huddle offense, writes Kim Myers of NicePickCowher.com. “That’s a big part of being able to run the no-huddle because those guys are up there and they’re comfortable, they’re familiar. They’ve got another offseason in training of continuity and learning from each other,” said Roethlisberger. “I tell them before each game that they are what is going to drive this team and this offense. As long as they stay healthy and can play every game we’ll be good.”  Here are some other notes from around the AFC North:

  • Steelers‘ tight end Heath Miller bounced back well from a torn ACL in 2013, catching 58 passes for 593 yards and a touchdown, writes Matt Shetler of CityOfChampionsSports.com. However, he had posted career highs in yards and touchdowns the previous season, and is looking to re-establish himself as one of the league’s top tight ends. “Last year was about trying to find a new normal for myself and I’m a creature of habit, so that wasn’t easy for me,” said Miller. “I’m fully confident by the time the season rolls around I’m going to be feeling much better than the start of last year just from a confidence perspective.”
  • The Bengals have a deep bench at the running back position, and it is unclear how many the team will keep on the 53-man roster, writes Coley Harvey of ESPN.com. Harvey says that both BenJarvus Green-Ellis and undrafted free agent Jeff Scott are on the bubble, with Giovani Bernard and second-round pick Jeremy Hill looking to take a bulk of the carries. However, Green-Ellis’ veteran presence and Scott’s versatility could keep them on the roster this season.
  • The Browns still plan to let first-round pick Johnny Manziel start as a backup, and if veteran Brian Hoyer plays well the team could extend him, writes Pat McManamon of ESPN.com. With Manziel on his rookie contract for four years (with a fifth-year option), the team could afford to keep both players.

AFC Notes: Titans, Ravens, Browns, Revis

May 26th, 2014 at 2:27pm CST by Rob DiRe

Let’s take a Memorial Day look around the AFC:

  • There a number of Titans who may see their starting jobs, and even roster spots in general, in jeopardy come training camp, writes Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean. Shonn Greene, Michael Oher, and Jake Locker are among the notable names who may not see as much action as expected for the Titans in 2014.
  • The Ravens selected quarterback Keith Wenning in this month’s draft to compete with Tyrod Taylor to be the backup to Joe Flacco, writes Clifton Brown of CSNBaltimore,com. However, Brown writes that he is unsure if the Ravens will devote three roster spots to the position, meaning the two might not only be battling for a backup job, but a spot on the roster.
  • Ravens defensive lineman Brandon Williams is determined to come back in 2014 with more success after a toe injury kept him out of nine games as a rookie, writes Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Williams, a third-round pick in 2013, has dedicated himself to being in better shape this season. “I’ve had a good offseason, I’ve been working out doing cardio and a bunch of other stuff,” Williams said. “I’m lighter and leaner. I’ve gotten a little stronger.”
  • Tom Reed of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer speculates that neither Brian Hoyer nor Johnny Manziel will win the Browns‘ quarterback job until later this summer. Reed thinks that while Hoyer is perhaps the favorite to start to open the 2014 season, if Manziel performs like he did at Texas A&M during the preseason, it will put significant pressure on the Browns’ organization to start the former Heisman Trophy winner.
  • Darrelle Revis will have a positive impact on the Patriots‘ offense this upcoming season, writes Brent Sobleski of USA Today. Tom Brady told Peter King of The Monday Morning Quarterback that he’s already tired of throwing against Revis in practice everyday. The former first-round pick out of Pittsburgh has been described by former teammate Jim Leonard as “the best practice player” he’s ever seen. Sobleski thinks that having such a worthy practice adversary will only serve to improve Brady’s game.

David Kipke contributed to this post.

Browns Notes: Bortles, Watkins, Bridgewater

May 3rd, 2014 at 8:01pm CST by Peter Sowards

Currently armed with the No. 4 and 26 overall picks, the Browns are primed to come away from Thursday’s first round of the NFL Draft with two potential difference makers. And, considering the team’s recent offensive woes — 27th in points scored last season — many have already written “quarterback to the Browns in the first round” in permanent ink.

Central Florida’s Blake Bortles, who led the Knights to a 12-1 season behind 25 touchdowns and 3,581 passing yards, has been described by Browns head coach Mike Pettine as an ideal quarterback, writes Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal.

“He has all the measurables,” Pettine said in late March at the NFL owners meetings in late March. “If you look at him, if you said, ‘Draw me an NFL quarterback,’ that’s probably who you’d draw. I think the thing that’s impressive about him is his ability in crunch time in a lot of tight games, a lot of come-from-behind wins, you can see he’s confident, can make all the throws. I think he’s a better athlete than some people give him credit for.”

Ulrich writes that Pettine “made it clear” last week during minicamp that he’d prefer to sit a rookie quarterback behind incumbent starter Brian Hoyer as opposed to throwing the rookie’s feet to the fire immediately. This jived with what ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said on a recent conference call, noting that Bortles needs another year to develop.

If the Browns do end up selecting Bortles with the No. 4 selection, being able to sit him behind Hoyer would be a nice luxury, as well as having Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron to throw to when he does get handed the reins. As touched on by PFR’s David Kipke in this enlightening piece on the Browns’ quarterback draft options, next week could prove to be a watershed event in the team’s history.

More draft notes from Cleveland Browns camp…

  • Responding to a question as to whether the Browns could grab Sammy Watkins at No. 4 and then possibly trade up from No. 26 for Teddy Bridgewater, Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer said she just doesn’t know if the team likes him enough to make the move. She does think it’s likely the team selects a QB with its second first-round pick if they do go with Watkins with the fourth selection.
  • Asked who the Browns are legitimately considering at No. 4, Cabot gave three names: Watkins, Buffalo edge rusher Khalil Mack and Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson.
  • Cabot said she’d go with Fresno State’s Derek Carr if she were GM of the Browns and had to select a quarterback with the No. 4 pick.
  • Joe DeLamielleure, a 2003 Hall of Fame enshrinee who played five season on the Browns offensive line in the ’80s, said he would take Watkins and Johnny Manziel, via Bill Landis of cleveland.com.

AFC North Links: Steelers, Dalton, Hoyer

March 31st, 2014 at 3:04pm CST by Ben Levine

LeGarrette Blount joined the Steelers this past weekend, but that may not prevent the team from selecting a running back in the draft. Scott Brown of ESPN.com takes a look at some draft options at the position, and opines that it’d be tough for Pittsburgh to pass on 2000-yard rusher Andre Williams. Still, Brown adds that he can’t see the team taking a back before the fifth round, and suggests the team looks at speedy runners like Kent State’s Dri Archer.

Let’s take a look at some more Steelers and AFC North notes…

  • The Steelers run of success at snagging talented receivers later in the draft may continue this year, Brown mentions in the same article. The depth of the position in the draft means Pittsburgh could wait until after the first round to select a wideout.
  • Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton confirmed on SiriusXM NFL Radio that contract negotiations with the team are underway (via Chris Wesseling of NFL.com). Dalton is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
  • Brian Hoyer‘s recovery from knee surgery is very significant to the Browns, writes Pat McManamon of ESPN.com. The team has already released two quarterbacks and haven’t signed any via free agency. If the team drafts a quarterback, McManamon believes that Hoyer will still be the favorite to start.

Extra Points: McRath, Price, Hoyer, Taylor

March 30th, 2014 at 8:53pm CST by Peter Sowards

It’s been a relatively slow Sunday around the league, but there are still plenty of worthwhile stories to read. We’ve parsed through an assortment of them and bring you the most pertinent bits:

  • Linebacker Gerald McRath, who played 40 games for the Titans from 2009 through 2011, has been signed by the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the Winnipeg Free Press reports.
  • Former University of Washington quarterback Keith Price wrote in this first-person piece for USA Today Sports he will make “close to 60 throws” in his upcoming pro day on Wednesday.
  • The Titans will welcome former Vanderbilt receiver Jordan Matthews on Monday for a pre-draft visit, The Tennessean’s Jim Wyatt reports (via Twitter).
  • Brian Hoyer is eager for the upcoming quarterback competition in Browns training camp, he told Daryl Ruiter of CBS Cleveland.
  • USA Today Sports’ Jim Corbett tackles the issue of finding the right fit for a team in Los Angeles.
  • Former general manager Phil Savage, now the executive director of the Reese’s Senior Bowl, spoke with Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and talked about the evolution of the tight end position: “In the classic sense of the term ‘tight end,’ you’re not going to see as many of them in college football now as you would have 15 years ago,” Savage said. “You don’t see the Mark Bavaros in the college game as much as you did 25 years ago. But I do think that teams in the NFL are looking for these guys who can play in space and give you a threat down the middle of the field.”
  • Ravens quarterback Tyrod Taylor knows his standing on the depth chart and understands he’ll have to compete for the backup job, writes The Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson.
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