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Daryl Washington

Cards GM Talks Dockett, Roster, Washington

September 2nd, 2014 at 3:05pm CST by Luke Adams

Over the weekend, Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic published a Q&A with Steve Keim, in which the Cardinals GM talked about how the team responded to Darnell Dockett‘s injury, the strategy of giving more snaps to young players, and Daryl Washington‘s season-long suspension. Keim made a number of interesting comments, so let’s dive right in and check out some of the highlights….

On the team’s reaction to Dockett’s torn ACL:

“The first thing that comes to mind is, what does this do to us from a depth standpoint? I know we have other guys who can help us and step up, whether it’s Frostee Rucker, Kareem Martin and Ed Stinson. I know we have guys who can play. I know we can’t replace Darnell’s emotional leadership, but are we good enough to sustain another injury, and where can we go for help next?

In my mind there is no reason to bring in another Ed Stinson or Kareem Martin. Those are two guys, all they need to do is continue to play and get quality reps. We need to find out if Isaac Sopoaga is the kind of guy who can help us? Is Tommy Kelly the kind of guy we can bring in to help us? Bring in veteran leadership and experience.”

On being patient about bringing in veteran help when an injury occurs:

“In years past, before Coach [Bruce] Arians, I felt like there was always trepidation in terms of playing younger guys. And in my opinion, you never know until you throw them out there and give them a chance. A lot of times I think you can be pleasantly surprised that these guys have ability, and if you ask them to do what caters to their strengths, they’ll have some success. To me, whether it’s a young quarterback or positional player, you don’t get better practicing.”

On Washington’s suspension:

“I would say of all our losses that Daryl Washington hurts the most. You can accept a player being injured because that’s going to happen, but when off-field issues come about, those are unacceptable. You certainly can’t plan for them, and I’ll never be able to get over those kinds of consequences. Because one of the things we’ve tried to do over the years is to create a filter – whether it’s in drafting or signing free agents – that we’ll not only draft good players but good people, guys who carry themselves the right way off the field. If you’re getting suspended in the NFL anymore, it means that you’ve been in trouble multiple times. And really at the end of the day, you’re hanging out your teammates as much as anybody.”

On whether the door will be open for Washington to return if and when he’s reinstated:

“You know what? We haven’t even gotten into that discussion yet. The one thing I do know that’s happened, since the suspension, we haven’t talked about him for a minute. Out of sight, out of mind.”

Latest On Daryl Washington

June 2nd, 2014 at 2:01pm CST by Luke Adams

Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington is facing a year-long suspension from the NFL, but the team doesn’t intend to cut ties with him at this point, says ESPN.com’s Ed Werder. According to Werder, there are two reasons the Cards won’t release Washington: The acceleration of dead money would increase the linebacker’s 2014 cap hit (from $6MM to $11.5MM) and the team would no longer be in position to recoup a portion of his $10MM option bonus.

As Werder explains, even though a prorated portion of that bonus applies to the cap in 2014, none of the $10MM has actually been paid yet. By keeping Washington on the roster through March, Arizona triggered that bonus, but Joel Corry of CBSSports tweets that it’s scheduled to be paid in three separate future installments. As such, the Cards will be looking to at least avoid paying the first $2.5MM installment which applies to the 2014 season, though it remains to be seen what happens with the rest of the bonus.

While the Cardinals attempt to recoup some of the money owed to Washington, the team will place the 27-year-old on the reserve-suspended list, writes Werder. In addition to potentially forfeiting $2.5MM in option bonus money, Washington is also expected to lose his $2.9MM base salary, $100K in workout bonuses, and about $457K in prorated signing bonus money.

NFC West Notes: 49ers, Finley, Rams

June 1st, 2014 at 6:06pm CST by Ben Levine

The 49ers have had some wildly successful draft classes in recent years, and Sports On Earth’s Dan Pompei has a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at the team’s 2014 draft. The author explains the strategy and thinking that went into each selection.

The team’s first-round pick, safety Jimmie Ward, wasn’t necessarily expected to be an early pick. While some teams focused on his injury and size, the 49ers focused on a strategy used by former Jets’ duo Bill Parcels and Dick Haley. General manager Trent Baalke said he learned that there are “few players who can perform at a high level regardless of system.” As a result, a coach should draft a player who fits nicely into their scheme.

“I learned that a long time ago,” said Baalke. “Coach Parcells was the guy I looked at and learned the most from, he and Dick Haley. That was always the question with them, how do they fit what we are going to ask him to do? For us, it’s critical.”

The author has other interesting insight, including the team’s selection of basketball player Bruce Ellington and trade for Steve Johnson.

Let’s take a look at some more notes from the NFC West…

NFC Notes: Saints, Washington, 49ers

May 30th, 2014 at 10:53pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Saints have a few positions battles that might not be decided until late in training camp, according to Rachel Whittaker of NOLA.com. She mentions options at starting center, as well as the overhaul of the receiving corps.

Here are some other notes from around the NFC:

  • Another position on the Saints that is left in limbo is the defensive backfield, writes Katherine Terrell of NOLA.com. The team knows who the starting safeties should be, but they have a deep group of cornerbacks behind Keenan Lewis fighting for the second corner job. The team gets Patrick Robinson back from injury, in addition to Corey White, free agent veterain Champ Bailey, and second-round pick Stanley-Jean Baptiste, among others. There are 11 cornerbacks on the 90-man roster, when only five made the final roster last season.

  • Recently suspended Cardinals‘ linebacker Daryl Washington stand to lose a lot of money due to his most recent transgressions, writes Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com. Washington will forfeit his 2014 base salary of $2.9MM and his prorated signing bonus of nearly $500,000, but will still have almost $13MM of potential earnings upon his return, as his current contract runs through 2017.
  • 49ers‘ linebacker Michael Wilhoite and third-round pick Chris Borland will fight for a starting job at inside linebacker to begin 2014, writes Eric Branch of SFGate.com. The position is open due to NaVorro Bowman‘s injury at the end of the NFC Championship Game, and one of those two players could be lining up next to Patrick Willis at times in the upcoming season.
  • Jeremy Maclin is back with the Eagles, and head coach Chip Kelly is excited to have another weapon in his offensive arsenal, writes Andy Jasner of ESPN.com. “Mac’s doing a really good job, just getting back familiar with it. I was really excited about how he would fit into what we do because of what he can do. And then to lose him that early in camp was disappointing. You got a taste of him,” said Kelly. “But having him out there full speed running out there right now, he’s doing a really good job.”
  • The Falcons have a long list of expiring contracts on their roster, and as they move to more 3-4 opportunities on defense, they could be in store for a major overhaul in talent, writes David Choats of TheFalcoholic.com. They put together a list of these players who will be free agents in 2015.

NFC Notes: Cousins, Robinson, Davis, Brown, Dotson, Maxwell, Washington

May 30th, 2014 at 7:00pm CST by Matt Feminis

Redskins backup quarterback Kirk Cousins was regarded as a prospect with starter-caliber potential coming out of Michigan State in 2012, and despite posting lackluster numbers in eight career games (four starts), his name surfaced in trade rumors earlier in the offseason. In an article by Mark Maske in the Washington Post, Cousins acknowledges he was aware of the speculation, but “never really got a whole lot of information.” Said Cousins: “I didn’t know what was truth and what was rumors, what was speculation. So it was hard for me to really read into anything because you didn’t know how true it was. So I think for the most part it was smart for me just to stay out of it.”

In other NFC notes. . .

  • ESPN’s Redskins reporter John Keim did an interview on 890 AM in which he said receiver Leonard Hankerson, who is recovering from a torn ACL/LCL injury, is questionable for the start of training camp. After witnessing Hankerson barely going half-speed in minicamp, Keim said he wouldn’t be surprised if Hankerson begins the season on the PUP list.
  • Keim also singled out third-year linebacker Keenan Robinson, whose speed and range were on display during minicamp. According to Keim, the team has been high on Robinson for two years, envisioning him as London Fletcher‘s replacement at middle linebacker. However, torn pectoral muscles landed Robinson on IR 11 games into his 2012 rookie season and sidelined him for all of 2013. Robinson’s time might be now, adds the Washington Post’s Mike Jones, who says Robinson “has done well in classroom sessions and on-field workouts this offseason” and “appeared at ease on Thursday as he made the defensive calls, and matched the tempo of the returning starters…”
  • Vernon Davis, who is seeking a new contract, was coy when asked if he’ll be at the 49ers’ involuntary minicamp, according to Eric Branch at sfgate.com: “I might be there,” [Davis] said, smiling. “I might not. It’s mandatory. I probably should be there. We’ll see.”
  • Through a series of unforeseen events, Stevie Brown is once again working as one of the Giants’ first-team safeties alongside Antrel Rolle, writes ESPN’s Dan Graziano. Brown, who missed last season because of a torn ACL, is on a one-year, $2.75MM deal.
  • The Buccaneers’ offensive line struggled last season, but college basketball player-turned-defensive lineman-turned-practice squad flier-turned-offensive tackle starter Demar Dotson could be developing into a star, according to Michael Renner at Pro Football Focus. Dotson, playing on a three-year, $4.5MM deal that runs out after 2016, “is far and away one of the best values at his position,” believes Renner.
  • Despite losing Brandon Browner and Walter Thurmond in free agency, the Seahawks vaunted secondary “shouldn’t skip a beat” in the estimation of Pro Football Focus’ Pete Damilatis, who believes third-year cornerback Byron Maxwell is the team’s “Secret Superstar.”
  • In the wake of Cardinals star linebacker Daryl Washington‘s one-year suspension, Darren Urban of azcardinals.com explains why it doesn’t make sense to cut Washington.

Daryl Washington Suspended For Season

May 30th, 2014 at 1:01pm CST by Luke Adams

1:01pm: Washington has released a statement through agent Jordan Woy (Twitter link), confirming that his suspension was related to failing a drug test for marijuana.

“I am committed to making changes in my life that will allow me to return to the NFL as soon as possible,” Washington said, apologizing to his teammates, coaches, and the rest of the Cardinals for his actions.

12:17pm: Linebacker Daryl Washington has been suspended for at least a year, the Cardinals confirmed today in a press release. Mike Jurecki of Fox Sports first reported earlier today that Washington was facing a suspension that would last the entire 2014 season. According to the club, Washington’s suspension is a result of another violation of the league’s substance abuse policy, and is unrelated to the linebacker’s recent plea bargain for an assault charge.

“It’s completely unacceptable that Daryl has once again put us in this position,” said Cardinals GM Steve Keim in a statement. “We all know what the consequences are and will deal with them. From a personal standpoint, our hope is that this suspension will give Daryl the opportunity to accept the necessary help and guidance to get his life back on track and we will certainly support him however we can.

“As it pertains to our team, our approach is the same as it’s always been: next man up,” Keim continued. “We talk a lot about how critical depth is to a team because situations always arise where you lose players, whether by injury or other circumstances such as this one. One player’s absence is another’s opportunity. That approach has served us well in the past and we will rely on it now.”

Washington, who was previously suspended four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, will forfeit his $2.9MM base salary and $100K in workout bonuses for the 2014 season. The Cardinals also appear likely to attempt to recoup a portion of the signing and option bonus money they’ve paid out to the 27-year-old.

With Washington out of the picture, free agent signee Larry Foote seems to be the likeliest candidate to assume a starting role at inside linebacker. The club also figures to consider adding another veteran to the roster, having recently worked out Ernie Sims. As our list of free agents shows, Pat Angerer, Jonathan Vilma, and Dan Connor are among the other inside linebackers still available.

NFC West Notes: Washington, Sims, Baldwin

May 30th, 2014 at 10:30am CST by Luke Adams

After being arrested and charged with aggravated assault as a result of an altercation with the mother of his child, Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington is facing a season-long suspension, according to Mike Jurecki of Fox Sports (Twitter links). The reported suspension is lengthier than had been expected, but considering the nature of the incident, and the fact that Washington was previously suspended for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, it’s hard to argue that the punishment is too severe.

I’d expect an appeal from Washington, but it’s still a huge blow for the Cardinals, who figure to be without the former Pro Bowl linebacker for a good chunk of the season. As Arizona considers how to replace Washington’s production, let’s check in on a few other items from out of the NFC West….

  • One potential replacement on the Cardinals‘ depth chart could be free agent linebacker Ernie Sims, who visited the team this week, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com. Sims, who spent the last two seasons with the Cowboys, has experience as both an outside and inside linebacker.
  • Joel Corry of CBSSports.com passes along the year-by-year breakdown on Doug Baldwin‘s new contract, tweeting that the deal includes a $4.8MM signing bonus, a fully guaranteed $1.4MM salary for 2014, a $2.3MM 2015 salary guaranteed for injury only, and a $4MM salary for 2016. In a second tweet, Corry adds that there are also $2.3MM worth of incentives for 2015 and 2016, and the lowest thresholds to reach those incentives are 55 receptions, 1,000 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns. The cap hits for the next three years for Baldwin and the Seahawks will be $3MM, $3.9MM, and $5.6MM, for an average of about $4.333MM per season.
  • Appearing on KNBR’s Murph and Mac Show, 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh acknowledged that Alex Boone and Vernon Davis are absent from the team’s offseason workouts due to contract issues. However, he declined to go into any real detail, as Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com notes. “If they want to talk about it publicly, and they think it’s beneficial to talk about it publicly, then they’ll choose to do that,” Harbaugh said. “Certainly, you could have Vernon or Alex on the show and ask them or talk to their agent, if they think that’s something that’s beneficial. I choose to not do it.”

NFC West Notes: ’Hawks, 49ers, Cards, Rams

March 24th, 2014 at 8:49pm CST by Matt Feminis

Achieving dynasty status is very, very difficult in today’s parity-driven NFL where salary cap restraints dictate constant roster fluctuation. The Seahawks are equipped to defy the odds, however, believes ESPN.com’s Jeffri Chadiha, who says, “What the Seahawks have working in their favor is the knowledge that they’ve put themselves ahead of their competition with creative scouting and innovative management.”

In other NFC West division notes:

  • The 49ers, who already boast one of the league’s deepest rosters, now possess six of the first 100 picks in the upcoming draft. Accordingly, the team has the currency to be very aggressive, writes ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson.
  • Cardinals GM Steve Keim will travel to Montreal on Thursday to be on hand for the pro day of Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, an ascending Canadian offensive tackle prospect, according to John Kryk of the Ottawa Sun. Duvernay-Tardif shares some similarities to the Cardinals’ new left tackle Jared Veldheer, who signed a five-year deal earlier this month. Like Veldheer, who was drafted in the third round of the 2010 draft out of Hillsdale College, Duvernay-Tardif is an under-the-radar, relatively raw prospect with intriguing tools to coach up. He also has outstanding intangibles, an element of the scouting report that helped land Veldheer in free agency, as Keim explained in a brief video interview with CBS Sports. Duvernay-Tardif, who will also fly to meet with the Cardinals, has other visits scheduled with the Seahawks and Browns, says ESPN’s Adam Caplan (via Twitter).
  • Meanwhile, Cardinals standout linebacker Daryl Washington pleaded guilty to aggravated assault stemming from a domestic violence incident last year, reports Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic. Washington, who received the first installment of a $10MM bonus option earlier this month, could face up to two years in prison when he is sentenced late next month.
  • Offensive tackle is the top draft need for the Rams, according to NFL.com, and they’d be in position to draft Auburn’s Greg Robinson at the top of the first round.

NFC Notes: Cowboys, 49ers, Cardinals

March 16th, 2014 at 10:22pm CST by Ben Levine

A couple of notes from around the National Football Conference to end your weekend…

Extra Points: Cousins, Hood, Graham, Saffold

March 13th, 2014 at 2:03pm CST by Luke Adams

A Kirk Cousins trade remains unlikely for the Redskins, write Mike Jones and Mark Maske of the Washington Post. There was talk that Washington would be open to moving the quarterback since he would like to start and he is stuck behind Robert Griffin III on the depth chart. For his part, Cousins has said that he will be professional and won’t demand a trade.

Here’s more from around the NFL:

  • Before he agreed to sign with the Jaguars, defensive lineman Ziggy Hood received interest from the Redskins, Raiders, and Chiefs, tweets Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. Meanwhile, Chris Clemons said the Raiders and Falcons reached out to him before he agreed to sign with the Jaguars, according to O’Halloran (via Twitter).
  • Cornerback Corey Graham, who signed with the Bills, told reporters today that he was preparing to go to dinner with the Redskins when he got the call from his agent about Buffalo’s offer (Twitter link via Joe Buscaglia of WGR550).
  • Wide receiver Jacoby Jones had a similar story to Graham, as Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun details in a pair of tweets. Jones says he was in New York, about to have dinner with the Giants, when he realized he wanted to stay with the Ravens and headed for the airport instead.
  • Safety Mike Mitchell is extremely happy to be with the Steelers and tells reporters, including Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (on Twitter) that he wanted to come to Pittsburgh more than the club wanted him to be there.
  • As expected, the Cardinals have paid Daryl Washington his option bonus, tweets Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic. There was some talk that they wouldn’t pay out his bonus due to legal issues.
  • Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle provides a look at the Raiders‘ perspective on why their deal with Rodger Saffold fell apart yesterday.
  • Wide receiver prospect Marqise Lee is drawing significant interest from the Jets and had a private meeting with the team, according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.
  • Georgia tech outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu, a projected second- or third-round pick tells Matt Zenitz of the Carroll County Times (Twitter links) that six teams have shown strong interest in him. Those clubs are the Ravens, Eagles, Titans, Redskins, Chargers, and Steelers.

Zach Links contributed to this post.