DeAndre Levy - Pro Football Rumors

North Notes: Finley, Levy, Robinson, Pitta

October 21st, 2015 at 3:01pm CST by Luke Adams

In an interview with Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com, former Packers tight end Jermichael Finley discussed his decision to retire, explaining that some time away from the game helped him put things in perspective.

“Just watching games, the game is getting violent,” Finley said. “Every week you see something. In high school, you see a kid dying in a football game. I see someone in the NFL getting another neck injury or an ACL. Outside looking in, it’s not all that it’s made it to be. We’re so locked in as football player, it started to become our reality in life.”

While Finley wouldn’t confirm whether he was able to collect the $10MM insurance policy he took out before suffering his 2013 neck injury, he said he’s in a good place financially.

Here’s more from around the NFL’s North divisions:

Lions head coach Jim Caldwell told reporters today that linebacker DeAndre Levy underwent surgery on his hip and is doing fine. However, the team has yet to make a decision on whether or not Levy will go on IR, ending his season (Twitter link via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press).
Vikings cornerback Josh Robinson, who opened the season on the physically unable to perform list, is returning to practice this week, which means the club will have a three-week window in which to activate him, tweets Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Another player who opened the year on the PUP list, Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta, returned to practice today, as Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun tweets. Baltimore now has a three-week window to either activate Pitta and shut him down for the year, so the tight end – who admits that some people have urged him not to play again – will see how his hip feels and consult with family and doctors before making a decision (Twitter links via Zrebiec).

Lions Notes: Stafford, Caldwell, Megatron

October 14th, 2015 at 7:36pm CST by Zachary Links

The Lions are 0-5 and they need to make some changes in 2016. Should Detroit to a full on rebuild, or just re-tool around their core pieces? A look at the latest from Ford Field..

The Lions need change, but now is not the time for them to start their face lift, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press writes. It’s easy to forget now, but the Lions are just one year removed from an 11-win season in which Matthew Stafford had cut down on his turnovers and Jim Caldwell looked like a strong coach. Five games is not enough to tear those conclusions apart, Birkett argues. Of course, with Stafford regressing, the Lions might opt to drop him after the season. Doing so would not result in any financial penalty for the Lions.
Don’t tell that to Jason Fitzgerald of the Sporting News, who says that it’s time for the Lions to clean house by trading both Stafford and star wide receiver Calvin Johnson. Johnson, he estimates, could be traded in-season this year for a third-round pick that could escalate to a second-round choice based on his roster status for 2016. Meanwhile, he thinks Stafford could fetch a first- and a second-round pick thanks to the dearth of quality QBs out there.
The Lions will wait 2-3 weeks before making a call on DeAndre Levy, who is having hip surgery, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Levy could return for a month or more but could also be placed on IR. It was reported earlier this week that the Lions were giving thought to shutting the linebacker down for the season. The Lions signed Levy to a four-year, $33MM contract extension in August that, at the time, made him the highest-paid 4-3 outside linebacker in the league. In 2014, he established a new career high in tackles, racking up 155 stops to go along with 2.5 sacks, five passes defended, and an interception.

Lions Could Shut Down DeAndre Levy

October 14th, 2015 at 11:57am CST by Zachary Links

WEDNESDAY, 11:57am: Levy will undergo surgery on his hip, but the Lions have yet to make a decision on whether or not he’ll be placed on IR, tweets Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. The team has already used its IR-DTR slot this year on cornerback Alex Carter, so it’s not an option for Levy.

MONDAY, 3:46pm: Lions coach Jim Caldwell acknowledged that the team could shut down linebacker DeAndre Levy with an eye toward 2016, as Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press writes.

“Yeah, I think, obviously, the doctors will make that final determination on that,” Caldwell said. “They’ll look at him closely. They’ll make some evaluation and see where he is.”

Levy left the second quarter of Sunday’s blowout loss to the Cardinals after aggravating the hip injury that sidelined him for nearly seven weeks. He said after the game that he didn’t think this injury was as bad as the strained muscle he suffered in August, but he is meeting with doctors on Monday to find out exactly how bad it is.

The Lions signed Levy to a four-year, $33MM contract extension in August that, at the time, made him the highest-paid 4-3 outside linebacker in the league. As their leading tackler last year, it wasn’t a surprise to see Detroit give such a mammoth deal to the 28-year-old. Levy has developed into one of the Lions’ most important players on either side of the ball since joining the franchise in 2009 as a third-round draft pick. In 2014, he established a new career high in tackles, racking up 155 stops to go along with 2.5 sacks, five passes defended, and an interception.

According to Pro Football Focus, only one 4-3 outside linebacker played more snaps last season than Levy’s 1,072, and only two players at the position received better grades from PFF than the standout Lion. Levy performance was particularly strong against the run, earning him a +21.1 grade in that category.

Latest On DeAndre Levy

September 18th, 2015 at 6:53pm CST by Sam Robinson

A rumor that made its way into Jim Caldwell‘s Friday press conference has no bearing on why DeAndre Levy will miss his second straight game Sunday, according to the linebacker’s agent.

Caldwell declined to address a report that Levy, who’s been out for over three weeks due to a muscle strain in his hip, contracted a parasite while vacationing in Chile this summer, per Kyle Meinke of MLive.com. DetroitSportsRag.com originally reported the parasite rumor that Levy’s agent, Joe Panos, told NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter) the report was “100 percent false.”

The Lions don’t expect Levy to be out much longer, using their IR-DTR slot on rookie cornerback Alex Carter instead of their newly extended outside backer.

Caldwell, however, also offered no clarity as to when Levy will return. Josh Bynes will again start in his place. The Lions’ schedule strength increases in the next two weeks, with the Broncos and Seahawks on the docket.

Meinke notes the Lions would face stiff sanctions for doctoring an injury report, meaning the second-highest-paid 4-3 outside linebacker is almost certainly dealing with a hip malady.

Levy, who hadn’t missed a game since 2012, signed a four-year deal worth $33.74MM last month.

Lions Sign DeAndre Levy To Extension

August 8th, 2015 at 9:45am CST by Luke Adams

SATURDAY, 9:45am: Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press has the details on Levy’s extension (via Twitter):

The linebacker’s 2015 base salary will be worth $1MM, followed by base salaries of $5.25M (2016), $5.75M (2017), $6.25M (2018) and $6.75 (2019). The 2016 and 2017 salaries are only guaranteed for injury, but the years will become fully-guaranteed on the third day of the league year.

As Birkett notes, Levi’s cap hit for 2015 was lowered to $4.4MM (down from the previous $4.5MM cap hit), and the writer adds that the signing bonus cap will be worth $2.4MM each season.

THURSDAY, 12:35pm: Levy’s deal, which is now official, will be worth $33.72MM over four years, with $20MM in guaranteed money, tweets Rapoport. It’s unlikely that the whole $20MM will be fully guaranteed at signing, but the annual average on the contract is $8.43MM, making Levy the highest-paid 4-3 outside linebacker in the league by a comfortable margin.

WEDNESDAY, 1:40pm: Levy’s extension will be for four years, according to Rand Getlin of the NFL Network (via Twitter).

1:25pm: The Lions have reached an agreement on a contract extension for linebacker DeAndre Levy, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Locking up Levy to a long-term deal had been a priority this offseason for general manager Martin Mayhew, who said this week that he has also been in discussions about a new contract for Haloti Ngata.

Levy, 28, has developed into one of the Lions’ most important players on either side of the ball since joining the franchise in 2009 as a third-round draft pick. In 2014, he established a new career high in tackles, racking up 155 stops to go along with 2.5 sacks, five passes defended, and an interception.

According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), only one 4-3 outside linebacker played more snaps last season than Levy’s 1,072, and only two players at the position received better grades from PFF than the standout Lion. Levy performance was particularly strong against the run, earning him a +21.1 grade in that category.

While Bobby Wagner‘s new contract with the Seahawks, worth $43MM over four years, may have paved the way for the Lions to get something done with Levy, it would be a little surprising if he matched or exceeded Wagner’s per-year salary of $10.75MM. Middle linebackers like Wagner are typically paid better than 4-3 outside linebackers like Levy.

According to Over The Cap’s data, the top contract for an outside linebacker on a 4-3 team belongs to another Seahawk, K.J. Wright, who is earning $27MM over four years, for an average of $6.75MM per season. Levy should easily exceed that figure, though it remains to be seen if he’ll be paid like a top inside linebacker — I expect he will.

With Levy’s contract agreed to, the Lions can focus on locking up Ngata, which will be a priority for a defense that lost Ndamukong Suh earlier in the offseason. Like Levy, Ngata is entering the final year of his contract, and is on track to earn a salary of $8.5MM in 2015. Levy had been set to earn just $3.5MM, though he’ll likely make much more than that now, assuming his new deal includes even a modest signing bonus.

The Buccaneers also figure to be keeping a close eye on the details for Levy’s extension, since they have a similar player – Lavonte David – eligible for a new deal of his own. Since David is nearly three years younger than Levy, he may land an even bigger contract when the Bucs are ready to finalize something with him.

Extra Points: Sam, CJ2K, D-Jax, Ravens

August 6th, 2015 at 9:40pm CST by Luke Adams

The Montreal Alouettes are feeling very good about Michael Sam‘s progress and Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link) would be very surprised if he doesn’t make his CFL debut Friday night. Sam left the CFL team for personal reasons over the summer but recently returned to practice. Here’s more from around the NFL..

Despite talk and speculation to the contrary, there’s nothing going on between the Texans and running back Chris Johnson, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com (on Twitter) hears from a source. Johnson, who survived a drive-by shooting earlier this year, has gone unsigned so far this offseason.
Following a collision with a blocking sled, DeSean Jackson has been diagnosed with a separated shoulder, and the Washington wideout is expected to miss “a few weeks,” per Dianna Marie Russini of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Jackson should be ready to go for the regular season, so he figures to remain on the active roster.
The Ravens didn’t immediately sign ex-Niner Chris Cook following his workout with the team today, but it’s clear Baltimore is still considering adding a veteran cornerback, tweets Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun.
Bears rookie wide receiver Kevin White could start the year on the PUP list, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). White, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2015 draft, reportedly expects to begin running on his injured shin early next week.
Joel Corry of CBSSports.com passes along a couple more details on DeAndre Levy‘s extension with the Lions, tweeting that the deal drops the linebacker’s base salary to $3.5MM in 2015, but he’ll receive a $12MM signing bonus.

Extra Points: Rivers, Ravens, Levy, Mingo

August 6th, 2015 at 11:43am CST by Luke Adams

Multiple reports, including one earlier this week from the San Diego Union-Tribune, have suggested that Philip Rivers and the Chargers have established a deadline for their contract extension negotiations, with the quarterback set to play out the final year of his contract if no deal is reached by next Thursday. However, Rivers downplayed the notion that there’s a hard deadline to get something done, as Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com writes.

“My mentality has been the same since March, which is I’m playing this season right here,” Rivers said. “Like I said a few weeks ago, if something happens, it does. But I don’t think you should hold your breath for an update any time soon.”

As we wait to see whether Rivers and the Chargers can work something out this month, let’s round up a few more odds and ends from across the league…

Having been released yesterday by the 49ers, cornerback Chris Cook already has his first meeting lined up. According to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (via Twitter), Cook will visit John Harbaugh and the Ravens after playing for Jim Harbaugh in San Francisco last year.
Financial details of DeAndre Levy‘s extension with the Lions still aren’t available, but Levy acknowledged that the deal will make him the highest-paid 4-3 outside linebacker in the NFL, writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. That means Levy’s deal will be worth more than the $6.75MM per year K.J. Wright is earning.
Browns linebacker Barkevious Mingo is undergoing arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee today, and is expected to be sidelined for about a month, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. If all goes well, Mingo figures to remain on the active roster and should be able to return for the team’s Week 1 game.
It’s time for Ray Rice to be given a chance to return to the NFL, Christine Brennan of USA Today opines. Brennan feels that the former Ravens tailback has been more contrite in his apology and more aware of the ramifications what he did than the likes of Greg Hardy or Adrian Peterson. Several teams have question marks in their backfield at this time, so it’s not hard to imagine someone at least considering Rice, though the general consensus is that the veteran has lost a step.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Lions Notes: Ihedigbo, Levy, Ngata, DTs

August 4th, 2015 at 7:08pm CST by Luke Adams

After not reporting to the Lions at the start of the team’s offseason workouts, safety James Ihedigbo rejoined his team in the spring, and shut down any talks about his contract situation at training camp this past weekend. However, as Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press writes, while Ihedigbo may be focused on football, he’s clearly still a little unhappy about his contract.

“I know how I feel and how I stand, and you see it across the NFL, teams, they take care of their guys and some teams have their other way of doing it,” Ihedigbo said. “I just leave it as it is. We said we’re not going to talk about it.”

Ihedigbo, who recorded 80 tackles and four interceptions in 13 regular season contests for the Lions in 2014, will make a base salary of $1.1MM this season after getting a $500K roster bonus earlier in the year.

Here’s more on the Lions:

General manager Martin Mayhew said today that he has been in contact with a number of GMs around the league recently about possible trades, but there’s nothing currently in the works, tweets Birkett.
Speaking to reporters, including Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com (Twitter link), Mayhew also confirmed that the team has engaged in negotiations on potential contract extensions for linebacker DeAndre Levy and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata.
The Lions are expected to add veteran depth at the defensive tackle position at some point during camp, so Birkett identifies some potential targets in a piece for the Free Press. Tony McDaniel, Barry Cofield, and Mike Patterson are among some free agent options cited by Birkett.

Sunday Roundup: Levy, Incognito, Fitzpatrick, Pryor, Bowers

August 2nd, 2015 at 8:43pm CST by Rob DiRe

While Lions linebacker DeAndre Levy is working on his own extension, Bobby Wagner‘s new contract has set a new bar for non-pass rushing linebackers in the NFL. Despite that big number, Levy remains focused on football, writes Justin Rogers of MLive.com.

“My agent is the negotiator, I’m the football player. I even try to stay out of it now. If something significant happens, send me a text or something,” said Levy. “My focus has never been on that, it’s about getting ready for the season, year in and year out. Whatever happens, happens.”

Here are some more notes from around the NFL this Sunday evening:

The Bills have had their share of issues along the offensive line over recent years–including this offseason–but hopefully a player with his own baggage can help solidify things as head coach Rex Ryan has announced Richie Incognito will start at left guard for the Bills, reports Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald (via Twitter).
Staying with the AFC East, Ryan Fitzpatrick is playing well despite watching as Geno Smith takes the majority of first-team reps for the Jets, writes Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com. “The thing we stress every day and Coach [Todd] Bowles stresses is he going to put the best guys on the field to help the team win,” Fitzpatrick said. “That is what we are all here for, to win football games.”
One of the most interesting storylines in Browns’ camp this offseason is whether or not Terrelle Pryor can complete the position change to wide receiver. The 6’4″ former quarterback has roughly a 50/50 chance of making the team as a wideout, according to Tony Grossi of ESPN.com.
Buccaneers defensive lineman Da’Quan Bowers has played both defensive end and defensive tackle in previous years in Tampa Bay, but head coach Lovie Smith says he will be locked in as an interior lineman in 2015, writes Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com (via Twitter).

NFC Notes: Beauharnais, Dockett, Lions, Unger

August 2nd, 2015 at 6:00pm CST by Rob DiRe

With training camps going on throughout the NFL landscape, players are beginning to stand out and injuries are starting to shift depth charts already. Here are a few veterans who could be looking at new roles or new contracts as the season draws near:

The 49ers worked out linebacker Steve Beauharnais yesterday, per John Middlekauf of 95.7 The Game (via Twitter). Beauharnais was on Washington’s active roster last season after being selected by the Patriots in the seventh round of the 2013 draft.
Coming off a torn ACL, Darnell Dockett wasn’t seen much during the beginning of the 49ers training camp. Coach Jim Tomsula said that the reason he wasn’t in there was because he might not factor into the base defense early on with all the double teams he’ll be facing, writes Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. “We’re not going to have him in there doing that,” Tomsula said. “I don’t want him in there. . . He’ll be doing more of the nickel stuff, the sub stuff. You’ll see that stuff.” That could mean more work for Ian Williams, Quinton Dial, and Glenn Dorsey.
In his latest mailbag, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com says the Lions could extend standout linebacker DeAndre Levy soon, and he adds that Ryan Broyles has a “decent chance” of making the team’s roster provided he can stay healthy.
James Ihedigbo, who skipped the Lions‘ early spring workouts due to frustration over his current deal, declined to talk about his contract on Sunday, simply saying that it is not time to negotiate once the season starts (Twitter link via Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press).
Jimmy Graham was the biggest name traded this offseason, but it is easy to forget that Max Unger was moved in that deal as well. He is currently getting accustomed to being the starting center for the Saints, and readying himself for the season in New Orleans, writes Evan Woodbery of NOLA.com. “Regardless of the reason I’m here, I’m being asked to do a job that I’ve been doing for a while,” said Unger. “I just get on the field and do it, keeping the things that I’ve been doing to get this point in my career.”

Rory Parks contributed to this post.