C.J. Spiller - Pro Football Rumors

Extra Points: Welker, Spiller, Concussions

November 3rd, 2014 at 10:20pm CST by Dallas Robinson

While they’re surely focused on the regular season after losing 43-21 to the Patriots yesterday, the Broncos are going to have to make several difficult decisions during the offseason. Most importantly, Denver will need to figure out how to retain both Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas, meaning that fellow pass-catcher Wes Welker‘s impending free agency might be put on the back burner. A team source tells Jason Cole of Bleacher Report that Welker is the odd man out in regards to a new contract, and that the 33-year-old will likely be playing somewhere else in 2015. Welker, working under the final year of a two-year, $12MM deal, has just 22 receptions for 212 yards and one touchdown this season. Though he currently earns $6MM per year, Cole speculates that Welker will be lucky to find $2-3MM on the open market.

Despite being placed on IR-DTR after breaking his collarbone, C.J. Spiller tells Mike Rodak of ESPN.com (Twitter link) that he isn’t worried about his free agent stock. “I think I’ve laid a great foundation,” says the Bills running back, who will be part of a free agent running back class that could include DeMarco Murray, Mark Ingram, Shane Vereen, and Frank Gore.
220 former NFL players have opted out of the proposed concussion agreement, per an ESPN report. The league has agreed to pay in excess of $765MM in order to cover health risks associated with concussions. The retired players, or their families, who opted out of the settlement have the option of suing the NFL individually.
Colts defensive end Ricky Jean-Francois has hired Drew Rosenhaus as his new agent, according to Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports (Twitter link). It’s probably not a signal that the 27-year-old is looking for a new contract, as he signed a four-year, $22MM deal with Indianapolis just last year. He’ll count $6.125MM against the cap in 2015, and though the club could save $4.875MM by cutting him, it’s presumably pleased with his production, as he graded out positively, especially against the run, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

Bills Sign Phillip Tanner; Spiller To IR-DTR

October 21st, 2014 at 12:58pm CST by Luke Adams

1:58pm: The Bills have officially signed Tanner, announcing that Spiller has been placed on injured reserve with the designation to return, meaning his season isn’t necessarily over yet.

1:06pm: With C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson sidelined due to injuries, the Bills will sign running back Phillip Tanner to help fortify their banged-up backfield, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link). The team has yet to announce the signing or the corresponding move, but Spiller looks like a candidate for the injured reserve list, assuming Buffalo doesn’t expect him to return this season.

Tanner, 26, recorded 149 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 56 carries during three years with the Cowboys, along with 93 receiving yards on nine catches. The Middle Tennessee State product, who also contributed on special teams in 2013, spent time with the Colts and Cowboys this summer, but was ultimately waived by Dallas during roster cutdowns at the end of the preseason.

For the Bills, Spiller is expected to miss most or all of the season, while Jackson will likely be sidelined for the next three or four weeks. In their absence, Anthony Dixon and Bryce Brown figure to carry the majority of the load for the team, but perhaps Tanner can insert himself into that mix as well if he looks good in practice.

As Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean tweets, the Bills had interest in signing running back Antonio Andrews off the Titans’ practice squad. However, Andrews wanted to remain in Tennessee and the team decided to promote him to its active roster to avoid letting him get away, forcing the Bills to look elsewhere.

Bills Notes: Spiller, Jackson, Hoffman

October 20th, 2014 at 3:02pm CST by Luke Adams

While it looks like running back C.J. Spiller will be sidelined for the rest of the season after breaking his collarbone on Sunday, the team is holding off on any injured reserve decision until after his surgery, head coach Doug Marrone indicated today (Twitter link via Joe Buscaglia of WGR 550). Buffalo has yet to use its designated to return slot, so that could be an option for Spiller if the club feels as if he has a a chance to return by December, though placing him on season-ending IR appears more likely.

Here’s more on the Bills:

Spiller earns a spot on Jason Fitzgerald’s weekly “Stock Down” list at OverTheCap.com, since his injury will likely result in a one-year, prove-it type contract for 2015.
The Bills are still working through their options when it comes to adding a running back to the roster in the wake of injuries to Spiller and Fred Jackson, tweets Mike Rodak of ESPN.com.
Jackson confirmed today that the recovery timetable for his injury is typically four weeks, though he won’t require surgery and hopes to return sooner than that (Twitter links).
The Bills are working out former BYU wideout Cody Hoffman today, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).
As Rodak tweets, the Bills will soon have to start considering contract extensions for Jerry Hughes and Marcell Dareus, who have combined for 12.5 sacks so far this year. Hughes is eligible for free agency at season’s end, while Dareus had his fifth-year option for 2015 exercised.

NFC West Notes: Rams, Seahawks, Spiller

October 20th, 2014 at 9:11am CST by Luke Adams

Things are getting interesting in the NFC West after the Rams‘ upset win of the Seahawks yesterday, as last year’s Super Bowl champs now sit at 3-3, two games behind the division-leading Cardinals. Besides playing catch-up to Arizona, the Seahawks will also have to deal with the 4-3 Niners, who have been up and down so far this season but should have defensive reinforcements, including NaVorro Bowman and Aldon Smith, returning in the second half.

As we look forward to seeing how one of the league’s most competitive divisions plays out, let’s round up a few items from out of the NFC West…

While the Chargers and Raiders are viewed as candidates to move to Los Angeles, the Rams are considered the favorites to relocate, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, who writes that Stan Kroenke‘s piece of land at Hollywood Park would become the most likely location for a new stadium if the Rams were to head west. Florio also adds that the Chargers’ concerns about splitting the Los Angeles market could likely be resolved if the Rams or Raiders moved to L.A., perhaps by giving San Diego a larger piece of the relocation fee.
The Percy Harvin trade, which was reported less than 48 hours before the Seahawks‘ game on Sunday, played a part in Seattle’s loss to the Rams, according to wideout Doug Baldwin (link via Terry Blount of ESPN.com). “Obviously the shock of the transaction and what took place there made for a bit of an emotional roller coaster,” Baldwin said. “When something that drastic happens, right before we get on the bus [to go to the airport for the trip], there is going to be an emotional impact. I felt we handled it to the best of our ability, but I think it might have been a factor in some way.”
There had been whispers around the league that the Seahawks had worked out a deal to acquire running back C.J. Spiller from the Bills, but a “well-placed source” tells Tim Graham of the Buffalo News (Twitter link) that’s not true. Of course, now that Spiller has suffered a broken collarbone and will miss the rest of the season, it’s a moot point anyway.

C.J. Spiller Breaks Collarbone, Out For Season

October 19th, 2014 at 5:56pm CST by Dallas Robinson

5:56pm: A source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (via Twitter) that Spiller will miss the rest of the season.

4:53pm: Spiller will have surgery on Monday, per Adam Caplan of ESPN (link via Caplan’s colleague, Mike Rodak). Bills head coach Doug Marrone says Spiller will be out “an undetermined [amount] of time.”

2:17pm: The Bills have had success in recent years by employing a two-headed approach at running back, utilizing the talents of both C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson. The duo may have played together for the final time in 2014, however, as both RBs were injured during the second quarter of today’s game against the Vikings. According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter), the initial diagnosis for Spiller is a broken collarbone. Jackson will have an MRI tomorrow to determine the severity of his injury, but Ian Rapoport of NFL.com hears (Twitter link) hears the ailment is “serious.”

It’s unclear how much time Spiller will miss, as clavicle injuries often result in varying degrees of absence. For example, Aaron Rodgers broke his collarbone during Week 9 of the 2013 season, and was able to return for the season finale and playoffs. However, Tony Romo suffered the same injury in mid-October of 2010, and missed the remainder of the year. I would guess that Buffalo’s performance will play some role in a potential Spiller return — if the Bills are out of the playoff picture if and when Spiller gets healthy, there’s probably no reason to bring him back.

Spiller, 27, carries a $5.917MM cap charge in what is effectively the final season his rookie contract. The Clemson product has a 2015 player option that will pay him $2.197MM in base salary. While it had seemed readily obvious that he would void that year, it’s fair to wonder if this injury might force him to reconsider. Spiller had been the subject of trade rumors as of late, given that he was seemingly being phased out of the Bills’ offense; clearly, he won’t be dealt now. For the season, the 2010 first-rounder has 68 carries for 234 yards, along with one kick return touchdown.

The Bills are down to one healthy running back — fifth-year player Anthony Dixon — in addition to fullback Frank Summers. Bryce Brown, who was acquired from the Eagles during the offseason, was a healthy scratch for today’s game; he figures to be active next week. Buffalo could look to add an external option either through free agency or trade — the trade deadline is October 28.

East Notes: Foles, Cousins, Mayo

October 19th, 2014 at 12:33pm CST by Rory Parks

As the games get underway, let’s take a look at some notes from the league’s east divisions:

Although the Eagles are currently sitting pretty with a 5-1 record, Bob Ford of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes that Nick Foles has been neither very good nor very bad in the team’s first six games, and he wonders “[w]hether [head coach Chip] Kelly is fine with Foles as the long-term guy.”
Speaking of NFC East signal-callers, John Keim of ESPN.com writes that the Redskins have not lost confidence in QB Kirk Cousins, but he has to prove that he can handle adversity better.
We heard earlier today that the Cowboys may have interest in dealing for Bills RB C.J. Spiller in advance of the October 28 deadline, but Dan Graziano of ESPN.com writes that it makes no sense for the Giants to consider adding Spiller to their backfield.
Although Jerod Mayo‘s injury certainly hurts the Patriots on the field, it may actually help Mayo financially, according to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. Volin writes, “Per [Mayo’s] contract…$4.5 million of his $6.25 million base salary is guaranteed for injury only. If he had stayed healthy this year and through the offseason, Mayo would have $0 in guarantees in 2015. But if he can’t fully return from the injury and the Patriots decide to move on, he’ll have recourse to still collect a fat check.”
We learned earlier that the Patriots may be targeting offensive line, defensive line, and linebacker help prior to the trade deadline.
Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork has a few more notes on new Jets wideout Percy Harvin.

Trade Rumors: Thomas, V-Jax, Spiller

October 19th, 2014 at 11:35am CST by Rory Parks

As we already pointed out earlier today, the Seahawks, who are in need of a tight end, reportedly asked for Browns TE Jordan Cameron in a potential Percy Harvin deal before ultimately sending Harvin to the Jets. As it turns out, Seattle aimed even higher by asking the Broncos for emerging star Julius Thomas, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). Although Denver promptly rebuffed the Seahawks’ proposal, Joel Corry tweets that these tight end inquiries are not good news for Zach Miller‘s long-term prospects in Seattle. This is despite the fact that Miller has already cut $3MM and $2MM from his 2014 and 2015 salaries, respectively.

Let’s take a look at some other trade notes from around the league. Remember, the trade deadline is October 28:

Citing his colleague Ian Rapoport, Kevin Patra of NFL.com writes that two other big-name players who are generating significant trade interest are Buccaneers‘ WR Vincent Jackson and Bills‘ RB C.J. Spiller. Rapoport says Tampa Bay is receiving a “ton of calls” on Jackson and would be open to anything. The Cowboys, meanwhile, were interested in Spiller last season, and given that Buffalo has been unable to effectively utilize his skill-set–in addition to the fact that he is in his contract year–Spiller could be on his way out of Buffalo within the week.
Joe Buscaglia of WGR 550 tweets that, unless Spiller accepts a “fair offer” from the Bills in the offseason, Buffalo will not re-sign him. That explains why trade talks surrounding Spiller may intensify.
Noting that the Patriots are “usually active” at the trade deadline, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe tweets that New England is targeting help on the offensive and defensive lines and at linebacker.
We learned earlier that the Bengals may deal Jermaine Gresham if the price is right.

AFC East Notes: Spiller, Revis, Jets, Bills

October 16th, 2014 at 8:56am CST by Luke Adams

Bills running back C.J. Spiller is off to a slow start this season, having averaged a career-worst 3.4 yards per carry and failed to reach the end zone so far. However, as he looks to turn things around, Spiller insists that his looming free agency isn’t what’s affecting his performance.

“It has nothing to do with this being the final year of my contract,” Spiller said, according to Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News. “It’s just overthinking and trying to make that play when I should have just taken what they’re giving us … and kept us out of the negative plays.”

Spiller has also been the subject of trade rumors and speculation, but tells Skurski he’s been able to block out that talk. Although the former first-round pick would adjust to a new team if Buffalo decides to move him and recognizes that’s “part of the business,” he says he wants to remain a Bill going forward.

Here’s more from around the AFC East:

Cornerback Darrelle Revis and the Patriots haven’t yet spoken about a new contract or an in-season extension, a source tells Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. With Revis and the Pats focused on winning games and reaching the Super Bowl, the two sides aren’t expected to address the cornerback’s contract situation until after the season, writes Howe.
After signing Michael Vick as a free agent this offseason and making him one of the highest-paid backups in the NFL, the Jets and head coach Rex Ryan should’ve been willing to turn to him earlier in the season to replace the struggling Geno Smith, says Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.
Bills long snapper Garrison Sanborn has been limited in practice with a knee injury, prompting the club to take a look at free agents at the position just in case. According to Mike Rodak and Field Yates of ESPN.com (Twitter link), Charley Hughlett and Kevin McDermott worked out for Buffalo yesterday.
While the Dolphins didn’t get a great haul when they traded Brandon Marshall to the Bears, it was the right move philosophically for the organization, writes Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.

Bills Rumors: Spiller, Pegula, Bon Jovi

September 9th, 2014 at 4:18pm CST by Zachary Links

Bills GM Doug Whaley has had a sit-down meeting running back C.J. Spiller‘s representatives and he’s interested in keeping him in Buffalo long-term, according to the team’s Twitter account. “He’s a playmaker, and we’re trying to keep as many playmakers as possible,” Whaley said (link). Recently, the tailback joined up with agent Chad Speck as he looks towards his next deal. Here’s more out of Buffalo..

While a consultant hired by the state has been identifying potential sites – and reportedly narrowed the list to four locations in Erie County – the search for a new stadium site has been hindered by the uncertainty over who would win the bidding for the team. Things should start clearing up now that Terry Pegula is set to take over the Bills, according to David Robinson of The Buffalo News. Pegula has kept mum on the matter, but his pending purchase of the team likely gives a leg up to potential stadium sites downtown, near the First Niagara Center, where Pegula’s Buffalo Sabres play, according to sources. That would also put the stadium near the HarborCenter hotel and hockey complex that now is under construction.
A source close to the Jon Bon Jovi bidding group, who spoke to Tom Precious of The Buffalo News, said the group bid $1.05 billion for the Bills and could have gone higher. The source also said media reports that the New Jersey native had split apart from the two Toronto investors were incorrect. That doesn’t matter much now as the Pegulas are slated to be the new owners of the franchise.
Donald Trump issued a statement on the sale of the Bills to the Pegulas and Tim Graham of The Buffalo News has the goods. “It was my great honor to have the opportunity to bid on the Buffalo Bills football team. A large part of the reason for my bid was to ensure that the team remained in Buffalo. I would like to congratulate the Pegula family on what will be, I am sure, a wonderful purchase. I would also like to congratulate the fans of the Buffalo Bills in that, I have no doubt, that the team will now remain in your wonderful city,” Trump wrote, presumably on gaudy gold paper.
The stadium site report should be out in the next week and will recommend three sites for the new stadium, tweets Daniel Kaplan of the Sports Business Journal.

AFC Notes: Texans, Broncos, Jags, Spiller

September 5th, 2014 at 3:33pm CST by Luke Adams

With Ryan Mallett no longer in the Patriots‘ plans, the Texans were able to acquire Tom Brady‘s former backup last weekend on the cheap, parting ways with just a sixth- or seventh-round pick, depending on how much playing time Mallett sees in Houston. According to Lance Zierlein of Sports Talk 790 in Houston though, Mallett wasn’t the only signal-caller the Texans explored trading for. Zierlein tweets that Houston also targeted Matt Barkley of the Eagles before landing Mallett.

Here’s more from around the AFC:

The Broncos‘ contract talks with receiver Demaryius Thomas and tight end Julius Thomas aren’t dead but they’re not active either, writes Mike Klis of The Denver Post. Demaryius Thomas‘ agent Todd France probably wants to see a resolution to Dez Bryant‘s contract talks before striking a deal. Meanwhile, the Broncos have exchanged proposals with Orange Julius’ agent Frank Bauer but those talks appear to have stalled.
The Jaguars worked out kickers Derek Dimke and Alex Henery and even though they liked what they saw, they sent them home now that Josh Scobee is recovering from his groin injury, tweets Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.
Bills running back C.J. Spiller, who could hit the open market this offseason, is signing on with agent Chad Speck, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (on Twitter).
When Tom Brady and the Patriots part ways, former Pats center and CSNNE analyst Dan Koppen says it will be Bill Belichick‘s call, not Brady’s. “As long as Bill is here, he will make those decisions,” said Koppen. “If Tom is not carrying his weight or he’s in a decline Bill’s going to bring him in the office and have a little speech. “Maybe he gets a hug at the end, but I guarantee it’s going to be, ‘Tom, we’re going to release you. Thanks for coming. We appreciate everything You’ve done, but I’ve got to do what’s best for the football team.'”
In his latest piece for NFL.com, Albert Breer examines the quarterback situations for the Jaguars, Chiefs, Raiders, and Bills, including a look at the rookies in Jacksonville and Oakland, as well as Kansas City’s investment in Alex Smith.
People around the league believe that Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith has plenty of good football ahead of him, writes Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. “Steve’s getting up there in age, but he hasn’t changed his tenacity and physicality,” said former Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, an NBC analyst. “He’s still able to impose his will. When you talk about his style of play, pairing up with the Baltimore Ravens, the two go hand in hand. He brings that toughness to the offense they haven’t had since Anquan Boldin was playing for them.”

Zach Links contributed to this post.