DeMeco Ryans - Pro Football Rumors

Eagles Extend DeMeco Ryans Through 2016

March 30th, 2015 at 2:21pm CST by Luke Adams

2:21pm: Ryans’ two-year deal can be worth up to $10.5MM, with a base value of $7.5MM, including $6.25MM in guaranteed money, tweets McLane. McLane adds (via Twitter) that Ryans got a $2.5MM signing bonus to go along with a $2MM base salary for 2015.

1:52pm: The Eagles have agreed to terms on a one-year extension for veteran linebacker DeMeco Ryans, the team announced today in a press release. Ryans previously had one year remaining on his contract, so the new deal keeps him locked up through the 2016 season.

With Mychal Kendricks emerging as a reliable inside linebacker for the Eagles, and Kiko Alonso coming aboard in the LeSean McCoy swap, there was some uncertainty surrounding Ryans heading into the 2015 season, particularly since his cap hit for the coming year was $6.9MM.

The specific terms of the new agreement have yet to be reported, but the extension reduces Ryans’ salary for the coming year, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer (via Twitter). The move should lower the longtime Eagle’s cap number and create some additional flexibility for the team.

Ryans’ 2014 season came to an early end when he suffered a torn Achilles and landed on the injured reserve list. In the eight games he played for the Eagles, he logged 45 tackles, recovered a fumble, and grabbed an interception.

NFC Notes: Ryans, Mariota, Rolle

March 4th, 2015 at 10:25pm CST by Zachary Links

Cardinals GM Steve Keim is determined not to let emotions dictate his free agent decisions, as Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com writes. “The problem is you can’t get too emotionally attached to players,” Keim said. “When the time comes to make another decision, you make a poor business decision and try to overpay for players that might not deserve it.” Here’s more from the NFC..

DeMeco Ryans is coming off of Achilles surgery, but Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter) expects him to stay on with the Eagles. However, Rapoport could see the two sides re-working Ryans’ $7MM salary before the start of the season.
There’s a limit to how many picks the Eagles (or any team) can trade, but the rules change once the 2015 draft opens, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes. According the the league office, trades conducted before the draft begins can include draft picks in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Once the draft starts, trades can include picks from 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. If the Eagles want to make a deal for Marcus Mariota, they’ll have much more flexibility once the Bucs are officially on the clock at No. 1.
Pending free agents safety Antrel Rolle took to Twitter to let everyone know that he hasn’t had discussions with any teams yet, including the Giants.
D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution looked at players that the Falcons might be interested in adding in free agency, including Chiefs free safety Ron Parker, Titans defensive end Derrick Morgan, and outside linebacker Jason Worilds.
Bob Sturm of The Dallas Morning News looked at what the Cowboys defense has to seek out this offseason.
Cutting Pierre Thomas only makes sense if the Saints really plan to spend on a running back, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com writes.

FA Notes: Weatherspoon, Thomas, Houston, Forsett

February 28th, 2015 at 12:28pm CST by Ben Levine

As we heard yesterday, Falcons head coach Dan Quinn is hoping the organization can keep linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, citing the player’s athleticism and attitude.

“With him, it’s that toughness and the speed that he can play with so, yes, definitely someone that we’re talking to,” Quinn said (via Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com). “I know he’s got that kind of attitude. And you know me, just from watching our style of defense, it’s fast and physical. And that’s what Sean is. So, we’re certainly hoping that he can be a big part of it moving forward.”

However, the coach acknowledged that he is worried about the veteran’s past injuries, including an Achilles tear last season.

“I think you always are,” he said. “But at the same time, what’s the rehab like? You can tell when a guy is going for it in that way, too. All that factors in.

“By the same token, he hit a string of bad luck. Can he come back and play at a level that he’s capable of? That’s what we’re excited to find out.”

Let’s take a look at some more notes pertaining to this year’s free agent class…

As expected, the Broncos will likely slap receiver Demaryius Thomas with the franchise tag. Sources tell Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com that it’s a “safe bet” the team will place the tag as they try to work on a longterm deal. Meanwhile, Florio wonders if Peyton Manning‘s rumored restructuring could mean a return for tight end Julius Thomas.
Following news that the Chiefs and Justin Houston were working on a multi-year deal, Florio says such a deal is unlikely at this point. Instead, the All-Pro linebacker seems destined for the franchise tag, and Florio notes that the 26-year-old’s leverage will rise when similar free agents start receiving lucrative deals.
For the time being, Reuben Frank and Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com believe the Eagles shouldn’t invest money in a linebacker like Brandon Spikes. However, if the team decides to move on from DeMeco Ryans, the team would be in the market for a starting linebacker, in which case Spikes could be a viable option.
Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome made it clear that he’d like to keep running back Justin Forsett in Baltimore. “We would like to retain Justin,” Newsome said (via Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com). “I’ve learned something since the end of the season about Justin that I didn’t really know. He has mentored some very good, young backs, starting with Arian Foster,Marshawn Lynch, Maurice Jones-Drew when he was in Jacksonville. Having Justin here — and with the opportunity [of] also bringing in hopefully another young running back — to have Justin be around that guy would be an asset also. So, we will work to try to retain Justin.” If the team loses out on Forsett, Hensley suggests free agents Frank Gore, C.J. Spiller, and Mark Ingram as potential replacements.

Eagles Sign Prosinski, Put Ryans On IR

November 3rd, 2014 at 4:40pm CST by Luke Adams

4:40pm: The Eagles have officially announced the pair of roster moves.

4:19pm: The Eagles will officially place linebacker DeMeco Ryans on season-ending injured reserve after the team’s defensive leader tore his Achilles tendon during Sunday’s game against the Texans, GM Howie Roseman confirmed today. With the empty spot on the active roster vacated by Ryans, the team will sign former Jaguars safety Chris Prosinski, according to Roseman (Twitter links).

Prosinski, 27, spent the first three seasons of his NFL career with the Jaguars, starting nine of the 45 contests he played for the team between 2011 and 2013. He saw his role reduced this season, however, and has been shuffled on and off the roster during the season’s first two months. The former fourth-round pick worked out for the Eagles last week, and the team apparently liked what it saw during that audition.

While Ryans will land on injured reserve, an MRI on the Eagles’ other notable injured player from this weekend, Nick Foles, revealed that the quarterback won’t require surgery — he’ll remain on the active roster and is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

NFC East Links: Ryans, Sanchez, Washington

November 2nd, 2014 at 7:34pm CST by Rob DiRe

Eagles‘ inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans will miss the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon earlier today. The team will have trouble replacing him, but if they are looking for help from outside the roster, Adam Caplan of ESPN lists a few of the top inside linebackers available (via Twitter). His best options are Jonathan Vilma, Erin Henderson, Paris Lenon, Marvin Mitchell, and Nick Barnett.

Here are some other notes from around the NFC East:

Eagles‘ head coach Chip Kelly was happy with the performance of backup quarterback Mark Sanchez, saying that the offense “didn’t miss a beat,” reports Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer (via Twitter). The team had total confidence in his ability to lead the offense, and that was evident in his first pass where he connected on a deep post with Jeremy Maclin.
Eagles‘ top receiver Maclin had high praise for Sanchez after his first game action with the team, according to Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com. “I don’t know the extent of [Foles’ injury], but we’ve got a guy in Mark who can step up and win some games,” Maclin said. “I’m excited about him being back there.”
Sanchez returned the favor, noting that Maclin “picked a great year to sign a one-year deal.” Maclin took the one-year deal this offseason with hopes to receive a larger extension either during or after the season.
Prior to the start of Washington’s matchup against the Vikings, thousands gathered to protest the team’s racially insensitive nickname, including Minneapolis Mayor Betsey Hodges, writes Nolan Feeney of Time Magazine.
Washington’s coach Jay Gruden has addressed a report that Robert Griffin III has alienated his teammates, reports Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post. Steinberg writes that the players were responding to the team’s PR allowing more reporters in the locker room.

Injury Updates: Sunday

November 2nd, 2014 at 5:57pm CST by Dallas Robinson

While we don’t cover every injury here at PFR, we will detail health concerns that could force teams to make significant roster moves. We’ll keep a running list of such injuries here, with the newest updates being added to the top:

Cowboys’ defensive lineman Tyrone Crawford suffered a troubling knee injury that involves MCL damage, reports Tim MacMAhon of ESPNDallas.com (via Twitter).
Texans‘ running back Arian Foster suffered a groin injury during the loss to the Eagles earlier today, but fortunately it does not look to be serious, reports Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports (via Twitter).

Earlier Updates

Eagles quarterback Nick Foles left today’s contest against the Texans and will not return, the team announced. A source tells Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports (Twitter link) that the club fears Foles may have a clavicle injury. Mark Sanchez is on in relief of Foles at QB.
Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph will not return today after suffering a concussion, tweets John Clayton of ESPN. Meanhwhile, running back Arian Foster headed to the locker room with a head injury, per Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link).
Jets quarterback Michael Vick also went to the locker room after suffering an injury against the Chiefs, reports Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (on Twitter). With Geno Smith inactive, Matt Simms has taken over at QB.
Eagles linebacker DeMeco Ryans suffered a non-contact injury, and had to be carted off the field, according to Tania Ganguli of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
Dolphins running back Lamar Miller suffered a shoulder injury against the Chargers and is questionable to return.

DeMeco Ryans Tears Achilles, Out For Season

November 2nd, 2014 at 3:31pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Eagles escaped with a 31-21 victory over the Texans this afternoon, but in doing so, they lost a key defender for the remainder of the season. Per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, linebacker DeMeco Ryans ruptured his left Achilles tendon, and is out for the rest of 2014.

Ryans, 30, injured the same Achilles as a member of the Texans in October 2010, and missed the remainder of that season, as well. Philadelphia acquired Ryans in 2012 in exchange for a fourth-round pick, and he’s been a stalwart for them ever since. He’s started 39 games during his time with the Eagles, racking up 219 tackles and five sacks while stabilizing the middle of a Philly defense that’s often been suspect.

The Eagles still have Mychal Kendricks, one of the best young ‘backers in the league, playing inside in their 3-4 defense, but the club will need to find someone to play next to him. Casey Matthews and Emmanuel Acho are the backup ILBs on Philadelphia’s roster, but both are uninspiring options. The trade deadline has obviously passed, but I’ll be surprised if the Eagles don’t bring in a veteran option at linebacker. Ex-Saint/Jet Jonathan Vilma is available, for one, and has experience in a 3-4 scheme.

Quarterback Nick Foles was also injured in today’s contest, and while we’re awaiting word on the severity of his injury, it sounds like the team will be without its leaders on both offense and defense for some time. As Eliot Shorr-Parks of the New Jersey Star-Ledger notes (on Twitter), the loss of Ryans could be more impactful than the potential loss of Foles, as Mark Sanchez is at least a capable backup at QB, while the backup LBs leave much to be desired.

Extra Points: Colts, Houston, Chiefs, Ryans

June 16th, 2014 at 7:48pm CST by Dallas Robinson

In his latest mailbag, John Clayton of ESPN.com writes that sub defensive packages are now the new normal in the NFL, as teams continue to add more versatile defenders on passing downs in an effort to stop high-powered offenses. Clayton labels the Seahawks as the “gold standard” in the sub department, pointing out that defensive linemen Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett, paid $6.5MM and $4.8MM respectively in 2013, only “started” a combined five games, yet were key cogs on the league’s most dominant defense. He lists the Buccaneers, who added Michael Johnson in free agency, and the Texans, who drafted Jadeveon Clowney, as teams who could vastly improve in nickel and dime situations in 2014.

Safety Jordan Pugh tried out for the Colts today, reports Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. The 26-year-old was a 2010 sixth-round pick by the Panthers, and spent the past two seasons with the Redskins.
Justin Houston is looking for a contract extension with the Chiefs, and as such, head coach Andy Reid isn’t sure if the pass rusher will be attending minicamp, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. “I don’t know that,” said Reid. “I expect them all to be here and then whoever is here, we’re going to coach them. If they don’t show up, I understand the profession. I’ve been around it a long time and I just move on. That’s how it works. You coach who you have, and you coach them like crazy.”
Speaking of the Chiefs, Jeffri Chadiha of ESPN.com examines the team’s defense in the wake of Brandon Flowers‘ release, and writes that defensive coordinator Bob Sutton might be part of the reason for Kansas City defensive woes. Sutton, whose scheme might have expedited Flowers’ departure, seemed unwilling to make adjustments in 2013 even when it was apparent his defense was flailing.
Eagles middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans played 96% of the team’s defensive snaps last season, and defensive coordinator Billy Davis intends to reduce that number, writes Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com. “We want DeMeco for the long haul this season, and so many times when you overwork a veteran — and he takes great care of his body — but it’s a lot of games,” said Davis. “I think we have more depth than we had and more experience and more people who can play versatile roles in the defense. I think it’ll help.”
We learned earlier today that the Cowboys don’t expect Kyle Orton to show up for the team’s minicamp this week, and ESPN.com’s Calvin Watkins says a team source has confirmed that view (via Twitter).

Eagles Notes: Foles, Kendricks, OTAs, Casey

June 10th, 2014 at 8:52am CST by Luke Adams

The Eagles likely kept a close eye on negotiations between Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers and the new contract that eventually emerged from those talks, since it’s just a matter of time until Philadelphia will have to discuss an extension with its own quarterback. But for his part, Nick Foles insists he’s not thinking about cashing in, as Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com details.

“The most important thing is you get a contract like that because you’ve played well and you’ve shown that you can be that guy for the franchise, whereas I have to continue to prove that each and every day,” Foles said. “I have a lot of guys on this team that look to me to go out here and work hard. When I’m playing out there, there’s no dollar sign on me when I’m throwing the ball.”

As Foles continues to focus on proving his worth to the Eagles, let’s check in on a few other updates out of Philadelphia….

Linebacker Mychal Kendricks has been playing a vocal role on defense for the Eagles this spring, calling plays and taking on other responsibilities that are typically assigned to DeMeco Ryans, writes Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. McLane isn’t sure exactly why the club is leaning more heavily on Kendricks, but wonders if the Eagles are preparing for a time when Ryans is no longer on the roster.
McLane also passed along several observations from the Eagles’ latest practice sessions, including updates on Mark Sanchez, Matt Barkley, and Jordan Matthews.
Although tight end James Casey will accept whatever role the Eagles hand him, he hopes to prove his value on offense in addition to special teams this season, as he tells Kevin Rossi of CSNPhilly.com. Casey, who has two years left on his deal, is slated to earn $3.985MM in 2014.

Eagles Rumors: Ryans, Mathis, Brown, FAs

February 25th, 2014 at 2:43pm CST by Luke Adams

DeMeco Ryans finished the 2013 season as the 54th-ranked inside linebacker of the 55 that qualified, according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required). But despite the subpar grades from PFF and a $6.9MM cap number in 2014, the Eagles linebacker isn’t going anywhere, writes Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Even asking Ryans to take a pay cut is unlikely, according to McLane, who says that the veteran commands more respect than virtually any other player in the locker room, and that “forcing” him to accept a reduced salary wouldn’t go over well with his teammates.

McLane also provided several other Eagles-related tidbits from the combine in Indianapolis, so let’s round them up….

All-Pro guard Evan Mathis figures to barely crack the top 15 highest-paid guards in the NFL next season, but don’t expect Philadelphia to increase his salary, says McLane, adding that a holdout from Mathis isn’t likely either.
Head coach Chip Kelly may prefer running back Chris Polk to Bryce Brown as LeSean McCoy‘s primary backup. That makes Brown a trade candidate this offseason, and there’s a “healthy market” for him, according to McLane. However, reaching a deal won’t be easy, due to the increasing salary cap.
According to McLane, several agents asked him at the combine if there was any chance of cornerback Brandon Boykin and linebacker Mychal Kendricks leaving their current reps. In other words, both players, who will enter their third seasons in 2014, are viewed as hot commodities. Boykin and Kendricks will be eligible for contract extensions after the ’14 season.
McLane can’t see the Eagles going into the 2014 season with Matt Barkley as the primary backup behind starting quarterback Nick Foles. Multiple scouts at the combine told McLane that they’ve seen enough to declare the former fourth-round pick a backup at best.
Cornerback Cary Williams is expected to remain on Philadelphia’s roster beyond the fifth day of the new league year, which would ensure that his $4.75MM base salary for 2014 becomes guaranteed.
“All signs” point to punter Donnie Jones re-signing with the Eagles, though other free agents like safety Kurt Coleman, defensive end Clifton Geathers, and linebacker Phillip Hunt look like good bets to hit the open market.