HEADLINES

Fred Graves

Extra Points: Bosa, Chargers, Hawks, Falcons

August 8th, 2016 at 8:33pm CST by Zachary Links

Since the first full year of the new CBA, no rookie has remained unsigned at a later date than Chargers first-round choice Joey Bosa, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets. On Monday, Bosa shot past Justin Blackmon, who held out from Jaguars camp until August 7, 2012. Bosa, the No. 3 overall pick, is still haggling with San Diego over offset language and the payment schedule of his signing bonus, and hasn’t spoken with Chargers’ management since July 28. Because he comes from a wealthy household, Bosa has no fiscal motive to give in during negotiations with the Bolts.

Let’s take a look at a few more notes from around the league:

  • The Seahawks worked out quarterback Brad Sorensen today, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). Sorensen, 28, has spent time with both the Chargers and Titans, but has never attempted an NFL pass. Seattle is still in the market for a veteran quarterback, but it’s not clear if Sorensen fits that definition, and as Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times writes, head coach Pete Carroll today praised undrafted free agent Trevone Boykin, who is competing to act as the club’s backup QB.
  • Saints wide receiver Tommylee Lewis says that he also drew interest the Falcons after the draft, as Kristian Garic of WWL tweets. Lewis, who posted 398 yards receiving during his senior season at Northen Illinois, might have had a better chance to earn a roster spot in Atlanta, as New Orleans is well-stocked at receiver position. As Roster Resource indicates, the Saints boast Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead, Michael Thomas, and Brandon Coleman at wideout, and released another option — veteran Hakeem Nicks — earlier today.
  • The NFLPA has lowered the default agent fee from 3% to 1.5%, according to Liz Mullen of the SportsBusiness Journal (Twitter link). Agents can still negotiate a fee of 3%, but it’s an extra layer of work for the representatives. As such, agents tell Mullen that it wouldn’t be surprising if reps begin leaving NFL players for other leagues such as MLB or the NBA, which not only feature higher minimums, but boast fully guaranteed contracts.
  • After being fired as the Chargers‘ wide receivers coach earlier this year, Fred Graves is back with San Diego as a senior offensive assistant, according to Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com. Graves had been an NFL wideouts coach dating back to 2001.

NFC West Notes: 49ers, Mangini, Rams

January 4th, 2016 at 10:23pm CST by Zachary Links

The 49ers have not interviewed any candidates yet nor scheduled any, GM Trent Baalke told reporters, including Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group (on Twitter). He added that there are no in-house candidates at this time which is interesting given the presence of defensive coordinator Eric Mangini. Geep Chryst, the team’s offensive coordinator, has had head coaching buzz in the past, but his stock isn’t terribly high after a dismal 2015 season in San Francisco.

Here’s more from the NFC West:

  • While keeping option open at the position, Rams head coach Jeff Fisher said that quarterback Case Keenum will enter the 2016 season as the starter at quarterback, Jim Thomas of the Post-Dispatch tweets.
  • Fisher also said that team intends to bring in competition for kicker Greg Zuerlein, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com tweets. Zuerlein is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
  • Fisher liked the job Rob Boras did as offensive coordinator, but has not made a decision yet on whether Boras will keep the job, Thomas tweets. Fisher indicated that there could be coaching staff changes made this offseason.
  • In addition to offensive coordinator Frank Reich, the Chargers announced that offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris, wide receiver coach Fred Graves, defensive line coach Don Johnson, and tight end coach Pete Metzelaars have been let go.