C.J. Anderson - Pro Football Rumors

AFC East Notes: Cousins, Jets, Dolphins,

February 19th, 2018 at 9:54pm CST by Micah Powell

The Jets are reportedly ready to pay quarterback Kirk Cousins all he could want to be the team’s franchise quarterback. The team could get creative in a deal, offering him as much as $60 MM guaranteed in the first year of the deal, a league source told the New York Post’s Brian Costello.

The thinking is similar to what the 49ers did when they signed Jimmy Garoppolo. With a projected $73.2 MM in cap space, according to overthecap.com, the Jets could front-load the contract when the team has plenty of money to work with. That would set up friendlier cap numbers for the ensuing years when the team is expected to have less cap space.

Costello projects the $73.2 MM in cap room could grow to as much as $92 MM if the team cuts DL Muhammad Wilkerson and RB Matt Forte, as expected. Even with $60 MM in guaranteed money going Cousins’ way, the Jets would still have $30 MM to work with in free agency.

Money won’t be the issue with New York trying to lure Cousins to town. It will be if they can sell him on the idea of winning quickly.

Here is more from around the AFC East:

Sticking with the Jets, the team reportedly offered tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins an $8 MM deal over two years but was turned down, Ralph Vacchiano of SportsNet New York reports. The reported deal is well below the expected $9.8 MM expected annual salary for tight ends on the franchise tag.
The Dolphins would be interested in bringing in C.J. Anderson if the Broncos cut him, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes. Miami attempted to sign Anderson following the 2016 season but the Broncos matched their offer. The Dolphins recently hired former Broncos running backs coach Eric Studesville for the same position. Anderson was very critical of the team’s decision to let Studesville go.
Dolphins DL coach Craig Kuligowski left the team to pursue other opportunities, Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times reports (Twitter link). That other opportunity is expected to be as the new Alabama DL coach, Fox Sports’ Bruce Feldman reports (Twitter link).

West Notes: Broncos, Seahawks, 49ers

January 15th, 2018 at 10:00pm CST by GregGoldstein

The Broncos have fallen quite a ways from their Super Bowl 50 win about two years ago. The team’s biggest question mark is obviously at quarterback, but there are a number of questions that John Elway and company will have to answer over the course of the offseason, explains Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post.

Jhabvala mentions that the Broncos wide receiver position could really change over the next few months depending on how the front office approaches some of the playmakers that could enter free agency. The big name she mentions is Demaryius Thomas who could test the open market should Denver decline his $4MM option. He’s controllable for non-guaranteed salaries for the next two seasons, but the team could save some money or re-negotiate a new contract before a decision has to be made about that option. In addition to Thomas, Cody Latimer is an unrestricted free agent, Bennie Fowler is a restricted free agent and Emmanuel Sanders is a controllable veteran that could hit the trade block if the team rather invest in Thomas long-term.

Jhabvala also focuses on veteran cornerback Aqib Talib. She notes how he’ll turn 32 in February and is set to make $11MM in 2018. Although, the Broncos would only be responsible for $1MM if he were to be released. With Chris Harris and Bradley Roby under contract as well, it’s unlikely the team would hold onto all three for next season.

The article finally keys in on Denver’s starting running back, C.J. Anderson. Anderson is paid well for his position as he’ll make $4.4MM next season. However, his last two years of his original four-year deal that he signed in 2016 are non-guaranteed, so there is definitely significant money to be saved should the team move onto the likes of Devontae Booker, De’Angelo Henderson or potentially a another running back that they draft in April.

Here’s more from the NFL’s West divisions:

Denver has to deal with an off-the-field problem at receiver as well. Their 2017 third-round draft pick, Carlos Henderson, was arrested this afternoon for possession of marijuana, per Brad Cesak of NBC6News (Twitter link). The 23-year-old was placed on the injured reserve with a thumb injury in the preseason, but could face league discipline for his most recent incident. This would be his first offense, but it’s not encouraging for a Broncos team potentially looking for steady contributors on that side of the ball.
The news that Pete Carroll would be replacing Darrell Bevell with Brian Schottenheimer as Seattle’s next offensive coordinator was met with some skepticism across the football world. However, Seahawks backup quarterback Austin Davis thinks that the change will bring some positivity to the team’s offense in 2018, reports Brady Henderson of ESPN.com. Schottenheimer coached Davis for three seasons while the two were in St. Louis. “We were very creative in St. Louis,” Davis told 710 ESPN Seattle. “We threw a lot of things at the defense, whether it was drop-back, whether it was play-action, whether it was quarterback movement, we had it all. And we were a really good screen team. If there was one thing I could pick out from last year, we couldn’t run screens.” The Seahawks offense was carried by Russell Wilson last season and is in need of a new identity as the team looks to get back into the postseason.
49ers promising rookie linebacker Reuben Foster recently got in trouble with the law for having possession of marijuana, which is likely to effect his paycheck in the years to come. The 2017 first-round pick had about $2.5MM in guaranteed money from 2018-2020, but that will probably be voided because of specific wording in his contract, according to Joel Corry of CBS Sports (Twitter link). Corry explained that Foster had a clause in his contract that if he were to be fined for a violation of the NFL’s drug policy, that money would lose its guaranteed status. The former Alabama defender fell down the draft board a bit last year because of some personality issues, and his immaturity has now clearly cost him in terms of his wallet.
Current 49ers starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo made some extra cash after the Patriots beat the Titans to advance to the AFC Championship, according to Corry in another tweet. Corry reports that Garoppolo received an extra $51k in playoff money for the victory because he was with New England for at least eight games this past regular season.

AFC Notes: Eifert, Edelman, Charles

October 1st, 2017 at 11:55am CST by Rory Parks

Let’s take a quick swing around the AFC as the early afternoon slate of games gets underway:

Bengals TE Tyler Eifert‘s most recent injury has further clouded his free agent case, as Paul Dehner, Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer writes. Eifert, who is in a contract year, is again experiencing back problems, and it is uncertain when he will return to the field. As Dehner observes, the Notre Dame product is in something of a catch-22. He either suits up at less than full health, which could hurt his performance and therefore his next contract, or he could wait until he is 100% healthy but not be on the field at all, thereby reinforcing his injury-prone reputation. Dehner says the franchise tag could still be in play for Cincinnati, as it would come at a relative bargain ($9-10MM) considering Eifert’s ability, but even a one-year deal at that value might be too much for the Bengals to stomach in light of Eifert’s health concerns. He may ultimately have to settle for a one-year “prove-it” deal to reestablish his value in 2018.
Julian Edelman underwent surgery to repair his torn right ACL within the past week, as Mike Reiss of ESPN.com writes. Reiss adds that everything went according to plan for the Patriots wideout, who expects to return at full strength in 2018.
Jamaal Charles had his best game with the Broncos last week, rushing nine times for 56 yards and a score, and his surprising success, along with the imminent return of Devontae Booker, have created a good problem for the Broncos, as Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post writes. Denver OC Mike McCoy said all three of his top backs — C.J. Anderson, Charles, and Booker — will get their fair share of reps, and there will not be a set number of carries for any of them.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (video link) says Ravens RB Alex Collins will get an increased workload in the team’s contest against the Steelers today. Collins, who was promoted off Baltimore’s taxi squad several weeks ago, has looked like the most explosive back on the roster in his limited reps, so he will get an opportunity to show what he can do in a more featured role.

AFC Notes: Broncos, Raiders, Fins, Bengals

December 21st, 2016 at 8:48pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Broncos running back C.J. Anderson, out since going to injured reserve in late October with a torn right meniscus, is unlikely to come back this season, head coach Gary Kubiak said Wednesday (via Cameron Wolfe of the Denver Post). “I’d say he’s probably on course (to return) sometime in February,” stated Kubiak. Super Bowl LI is Feb. 5, but it doesn’t appear the reigning champion Broncos will be in position to defend their crown. Denver (8-6) has just a 17 percent chance to make the playoffs, according to Five Thirty Eight. One reason for the team’s slim postseason hopes is a running game that ranks 28th in yards per carry (3.6). Anderson was at 4.0 yards per attempt and five touchdowns (four rushing, one receiving) before going down Oct. 24. Fourth-round rookie Devontae Booker (3.4 YPC on 155 attempts) hasn’t picked up Anderson’s slack.

Extra Points: Anderson, Branch, Logan, Lions

November 18th, 2016 at 9:33pm CST by Zachary Links

Broncos running back C.J. Anderson is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn meniscus, tweets Troy Renck of Denver7. Anderson was placed on injured reserve in late October, but Denver could choose to designate him as their IR returner if it so chooses. Anderson must miss a minimum of eight games, meaning he could come back for important late-season divisional contests against the Chiefs and Raiders, then presumably stay on the roster for a potential playoff run.

Here’s more from around the NFL:

Andre Branch is enjoying a career resurgence with the Dolphins and he says he would like to continue in Miami beyond this year. “One hundred percent,” the pending free agent told Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald when asked if he wants to re-sign. “We got something going here, and it’s fun. I wake up every morning, and you have a reason to wake up. It’s not just, ‘I woke up to another one.’ The coaching staff brings energy each and every day. The players bring energy each and every day. And if anyone’s slacking, you’re going to know. I’m my biggest critic, and I never want to let my brothers or my coaches down. So for me, it’s starting to feel like family. It’s a lot of things that when you wake up, I haven’t felt in a very long time. So I’m happy here.” After playing out his one-year, $2.75MM deal, Branch will be seeking a pay bump and a longer commitment on his next deal. While there will be (presumably) mutual interest between him and the Dolphins, money may be a factor.
When asked about a potential extension for defensive tackle Bennie Logan, Eagles executive Howie Roseman said he “would love to keep Bennie, ” according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer (Twitter link). Logan, 27 next month, will become a free agent next spring. Through six starts this season, Logan ranks the No. 44 interior defender among 122 qualifiers, per Pro Football Focus.
Kai Forbath‘s contract with the Vikings is for two years at minimum salary, according to Ben Goessling of ESPN.com (Twitter link). However, the deal contains no guaranteed money, so Minnesota will easily be able to escape the pact if Forbath struggles to close the 2016 campaign. Forbath was signed to replace Blair Walsh, who was finally waived after missing several kicks this season.
The Lions worked out wide receiver Tyler Murphy today, according to a source who spoke with Aaron Wilson of he Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). Murphy, a 2015 undrafted free agent, was waived off Miami’s injured reserve list in August and hadn’t been heard from since.

Broncos To Place C.J. Anderson On IR

October 29th, 2016 at 12:40pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

SATURDAY, 12:40pm: It’s official. The Broncos have place Anderson on the IR (via Klis on Twitter). The team has also officially promoted Thompson to the active roster (via Klis).

FRIDAY, 4:12pm: The Broncos will place running back C.J. Anderson on injured reserve and promote fellow rusher Juwan Thompson from their practice squad, reports Mike Klis of 9News. Anderson will be eligible to come back in eight weeks, and the 25-year-old announced on Twitter that he’s aiming for a playoff return if the 5-2 Broncos make it that far.

Over the Broncos’ first seven games, Anderson easily led the team in carries (110), ground yards (437) and rushing touchdowns (four). He also added 16 catches and another score. Anderson tore his right meniscus in the first quarter of the Broncos’ win over the Texans on Monday and underwent surgery Thursday.

With Anderson down, rookie Devontae Booker will take over as the Broncos’ go-to rusher. The fourth-rounder from Utah is the only back other than Anderson on Denver’s roster who has accrued double-digit carries this year. Booker has averaged an impressive 4.8 yards per attempt and found the end zone once on 51 carries. That score came versus the Texans, against whom Booker notched career highs in carries (17) and yards (83).

Broncos RB C.J. Anderson Likely Going On IR

October 27th, 2016 at 12:33pm CST by Zachary Links

C.J. Anderson has torn the meniscus in his right knee, Mike Klis of 9NEWS tweets. He is likely headed to IR. He’ll have arthroscopic surgery today to determine whether it’s a full or partial tear, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.

There has been a roller coaster of reports on Anderson with some indicating that he could be out a few weeks while others hinted at a longer stint on the sidelines. Now, we know that Anderson will be out for at least two months.

It’s not immediately clear whether Anderson could conceivably make a late season return. Anderson’s timetable will likely hinge on the severity of the tear. A partial tear of the meniscus could allow for a faster recovery. However, a “bucket handle tear” of the meniscus like the one suffered by Adrian Peterson would rule him out for a lot longer.

Earlier today, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter) reported that Anderson told people close to him that he is done for the year. Anderson issued a denial of his own on Twitter, but later deleted it.

No ACL Tear For C.J. Anderson

October 27th, 2016 at 9:00am CST by Zachary Links

UPDATE: Anderson did not suffer an ACL tear, but he is likely headed to IR after tearing his meniscus. Click here for more.

C.J. Anderson’s worst case scenario has been ruled out. Tests have confirmed that the Broncos running back does not have an ACL tear, as Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. More should be known about the full extent of Anderson’s injury later on today when the Broncos provide an update.

Anderson suffered his knee injury in the first quarter of Monday night’s game against the Texans. Showing tremendous heart, Anderson stayed in the game. Afterwards, the Broncos took a closer look at the injury and feared significant damage. Anderson isn’t totally out of the woods and could still miss multiple games, but it doesn’t sound like his injury is a season-ender.

Yesterday, it was reported that Anderson is expected to be out at least a few weeks. That still sounds like the most likely outcome for the the 25-year-old, but we should know more about his timetable this afternoon.

Broncos’ C.J. Anderson To Miss Time?

October 26th, 2016 at 2:47pm CST by Zachary Links

C.J. Anderson is expected to be out at least a few weeks with a knee injury, a source tells Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (on Twitter). He’s getting a second opinion today to see if he could be out for even longer than that.

Anderson suffered his injury early on in Monday night’s game. The running back held his knee while on the ground though he was not hit anywhere near the knee. Usually, non-contact knee injuries are the most severe. Anderson proved his toughness by staying in the game, but he’s now at the point where he’ll probably have to rest up for a little while.

So far this year, Anderson has 437 yards on the ground, making him Denver’s leading rusher. While Anderson is out, the Broncos are expected to slot Devontae Booker in as the starter while bumping Kapri Bibbs up the depth chart. The team may also explore adding a running back to hold them over. That addition could come within by promoting Juwan Thompson from the taxi squad.

FA Rumors: Bolden, Bears, Morris, Larsen

March 25th, 2016 at 2:21pm CST by Luke Adams

The free agent contracts for players like Brock Osweiler, Olivier Vernon, and Malik Jackson dominated NFL discussions when the new league year opened earlier this month, but Field Yates of ESPN.com wants to make sure that some of this year’s less heralded deals don’t fly entirely under the radar.

In an Insider-only piece, Yates identifies the Panthers‘ one-year deal with defensive end Charles Johnson, the Seahawks‘ three-year agreement with wide receiver Jermaine Kearse, and three other signings as moves that perhaps didn’t get the attention they deserved.

Here’s more on 2016 free agency:

Omar Bolden‘s previously-reported visit to the Bears is set to happen next Wednesday, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, who tweets that Chicago is the favorite to land the versatile defensive back, special-teamer, and return man.
Sean Stellato, the agent for Alfred Morris, appeared on 105.3 FM-KRLD The Fan in Dallas to discuss why his client was ready to move on from Washington, and why he wanted to sign with the Cowboys. The Dallas Morning News has the key quotes from Stellato, who said Morris was seeking “a fresh start.”
Free agent guard Ted Larsen continues to consider his options and isn’t expected to sign a contract today, but his visit with the Falcons went “great,” a source tells Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com.
As Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com details, new Jets running back Matt Forte wasn’t thrilled with the Bears‘ willingness to pursue C.J. Anderson in free agency after announcing they were moving on from Forte. Despite comments from head coach John Fox suggesting the team was happy with its young, in-house backs, the Bears reportedly made Anderson an offer higher than the one he signed with Miami.