HEADLINES

Derek Newton

Texans Re-Sign Derek Newton

March 9th, 2015 at 2:31pm CST by Ben Levine

MONDAY: The Texans officially announced (via Twitter) that they have re-signed Newton.

SATURDAY: A key member of the Texans offensive line will be sticking around Houston for the foreseeable future. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that the organization has reached an agreement with tackle Derek Newton on a five-year deal. Financial terms of the contract have not been reported.

The former seventh-round pick has established himself as one of the most reliable members of the Texans offense, as he’s started 46 of a possible 48 games since 2012 (the two missed games were a result of a knee injury). Newton wasn’t rated favorably by Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required) during his first two years as a starter, but the statistics favored the 27-year-old’s performance this past season. Newton ranked 19th among 84 offensive tackle candidates, and his run blocking skills earned him the fourth-best ranking for that particular attribute. However, his pass blocking rating left some to be desired, as he finished in the bottom half of the league in that ranking.

Texans Rumors: Jackson, Newton, Reed

March 6th, 2015 at 11:57pm CST by Luke Adams

Here’s the latest out of Houston late on the Friday night before free agency gets underway:

  • According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), it appears likely that Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson will reach the free agent market, where he’ll be among the more coveted defensive players available.
  • Several Texans beat writers, however, report that the team is still in negotiations with Jackson, and Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston tweets that the two sides are hopeful about getting a deal done at some point this weekend.
  • Per Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle and Tania Ganguli of ESPN.com (Twitter link), offensive tackle Derek Newton also continued to discuss a new deal with the Texans on Friday, and hopes to re-sign. According to Ganguli, it’s “very possible” that both Jackson and Newton remain with the team.
  • Outside linebacker Brooks Reed will hit the free agent market and isn’t expected to re-sign with the Texans, says Smith. Ganguli points out (via Twitter) that while the Texans have been engaged in talks with a few of their free-agents-to-be, including Jackson and Newton, they haven’t negotiated with Reed’s agent at this point.

AFC Notes: Carr, Sheard, Canty, Williams

June 14th, 2014 at 10:52am CST by Matt Feminis

Since being drafted last month, Raiders second-round quarterback Derek Carr has drawn continued praise. Now, offensive coordinator Greg Olson says the rookie might not need to “redshirt.” Olson spoke to Vic Tafur at sfgate.com, saying, “We are accelerating the learning curve of Derek Carr.”

Here’s some more AFC news and notes:

  • Earlier this week, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal tweeted that the Browns and 2015 free agent Jabaal Sheard have had preliminary talks on a long-term contract extension, then elaborated in article form. Entering the final year of his four-year, $5.1MM rookie deal, the 2011 second-rounder is poised for an impact (Read: productive) season and lucrative payday thanks to his projected role as the team’s primary pass rusher in Mike Pettine’s hybrid, attacking scheme.
  • Prompted by a fan question as part of a mailbag chat, ESPN’s Jamison Hensley addresses the possibility of Ravens veteran defensive lineman Chris Canty being cut at the end of training camp. “There’s no guarantee that defensive end Chris Canty makes this team,” says Hensley. “He was a disappointment last year, and the Ravens can create cap room by cutting him ($2 million this year and $2.6 million in 2015). The Ravens, though, need to make sure someone is ready to step up in his spot. Kapron Lewis-Moore and rookie Brent Urban are the ones who play Canty’s position, so they have to convince the Ravens in the preseason that they’re ready.”
  • Bills receiver Mike Williams, acquired from Tampa Bay for a sixth-round pick, does not have a “particular skill that he brings to the table that is different from the rest of the receiver group” and is not a lock to make the roster in the eyes of ESPN’s Mike Rodak.
  • Despite struggling last season, Derek Newton is the Texans’ starting right tackle, per Brian Smith of the Houston Chronicle.
  • The odds of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger starting all 16 games for the second consecutive season “aren’t good,” says Triblive.com’s Mark Kaboly, who examines the competition for the backup job between veteran Bruce Gradkowski and second-year pro Landry Jones.
  • Previewing the Dolphins upcoming minicamp, the Sun-Sentinel’s Omar Kelly hits on several roster notes, including competition for slot receiver reps, Koa Misi transitioning to inside linebacker and Dion Jordan‘s increased bulk and strength.