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Ishmaa’ily Kitchen

Minor NFL Transactions: 8/15/16

August 15th, 2016 at 6:40pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Today’s minor moves:

  • The Buccaneers have signed defensive tackle Ishmaa’ily Kitchen and waived/injured rookie safety Elijah Shumate, the club announced. Kitchen, who weighs in at 330 pounds, appeared in 40 games for the Browns from 2012-14, but saw action in only two contests last year with the Patriots and Lions.
  • The Cardinals announced that they’ve waived/injured safety Durell Eskridge and re-signed safety Tyrequek Zimmerman.
  • The Raiders have waived offensive lineman Torian White, per an announcement from the club. Additionally, head coach Jack Del Rio told reporters, including Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle (Twitter link) that tight end Gabe Holmes is likely headed to injured reserve.
  • The Seahawks announced that they’ve waived running back Cameron Marshall and signed linebacker Quayshawn Nealy.
  • The Colts have claimed guard Donovan Williams off waivers from the Bears and waived punter Michael Palardy, the team announced.
  • The Steelers announced that they’ve signed linebacker Jermauria Rasco and waived long snapped Matt Dooley. Pittsburgh also reached an injury settlement with special teams ace Ross Ventrone, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
  • The Jets cut defensive tackle Christo Bilukidi with a left squad designation, according to Wilson (Twitter link).
  • The Panthers announced that they’ve swapped out punters, signing Kasey Redfern while waiving Swayze Waters.
  • The Chargers have signed defensive tackle Kamal Johnson, linebacker Zach Hodges, and linebacker James Vaughters, and waived waived cornerback Carrington Byndom.
  • The Rams have signed safety Michael Caputo and waived/injured safety Brian Randolph, tweets Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times.
  • The Packers have waived/injured long snapper Jesse Schmitt and will likely release him with an injury settlement, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Twitter link).
  • The Falcons have claimed guard Jordan Walsh off waivers from the Saints and waived fellow guard Shahbaz Ahmed, per Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com.

Patriots Cut Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, Chris Jones

April 15th, 2016 at 4:02pm CST by Luke Adams

The Patriots continue to overhaul their defensive line, waiving two more defensive tackles today, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com. Yates reports (via Twitter) that New England has cut Ishmaa’ily Kitchen and Chris Jones from the roster. The team has since confirmed the two moves.Chris Jones (Bowling Green)

Kitchen, who spent the first three years of his NFL career with Cleveland, spent some time with the Lions and Pats in 2015, but didn’t play a real role for Bill Belichick‘s team. As for Jones, he missed the entire 2015 campaign, spending it on the PUP list, but was solid in his first two seasons in New England, recording nine total sacks in 28 games.

Because of his play during the 2013 and 2014 seasons, Jones was in line for an increased salary of $1.671MM in 2016, having been a recipient of a proven performance escalator. While those pay bumps are meant to be rewards for young players who have outperformed their draft slot, the raise may have actually contributed to Jones’ release, since the Pats likely deemed the $1.671MM non-guaranteed salary too rich for a player coming off a lost year.

The Patriots have added Terrance Knighton and Markus Kuhn in free agency this offseason, but have seen many defensive tackles depart New England. In addition to Kitchen and Jones, the team also cut Dominique Easley this week, and had Akiem Hicks and Sealver Siliga sign elsewhere as free agents.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Minor NFL Transactions: 12/30/15

December 30th, 2015 at 9:13pm CST by Luke Adams

Here are Wednesday’s minor transactions from around the NFL, as teams get their rosters set for Week 17:

  • The Colts made a pair of tight end transactions, placing Dwayne Allen (calf) on season-ending injured reserve and promoting Erik Swoope from their practice squad, per Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star (Twitter link). A fourth-year man, Allen made 16 catches in 13 games for the Colts this season. He hasn’t been able to match the production he put up as a rookie in 2011 in terms of receptions (45) and yardage (521), but he did amass a career-best eight touchdowns last season.
  • The Patriots waived cornerback Troy Hill, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss (Twitter link). The Pats claimed Hill off waivers from Cincinnati last week. In addition, they signed defensive tackle Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link).
  • The 49ers have been awarded tight end Je’Ron Hamm off waivers, a day after he was cut by Washington, according to a Niners release. San Francisco moved running back Shaun Draughn to injured reserve to accommodate the waiver claim — Draughn joins fellow RBs Reggie Bush and Carlos Hyde on the Niners’ IR.
  • The Bills created two roster spots on Tuesday by placing Charles Clay and Ron Brooks on injured reserve, and filled those spots today with a pair of practice squad cornerbacks. As Joe Buscaglia of WKBW tweets, head coach Rex Ryan confirmed that Buffalo elevated Merrill Noel and Sammy Seamster from the team’s taxi squad.
  • The Chargers also added secondary depth today, signing safety Brandian Ross and cornerback Cassius Vaughn to their active roster, according to Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune (Twitter link). The club has now added three defensive backs to its 53-man squad this week.
  • After placing Dez Bryant and two other players on injured reserve today, the Cowboys have promoted wide receivers Rodney Smith and Vince Mayle from their practice squad, and also signed cornerback Josh Thomas, per Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Twitter link).
  • The Broncos are signing guard Robert Myers off the Ravens‘ practice squad to fill the 53rd spot on their roster, reports Mike Klis of 9News. That roster opening was created on Tuesday when Denver cut safety Shaun Prater.
  • According to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com (Twitter link), offensive lineman Braxston Cave has been promoted from the Lions‘ practice squad to their active roster, taking the spot vacated by cornerback Bill Bentley, who was cut on Tuesday.

Patriots Sign Steven Jackson

December 26th, 2015 at 1:59pm CST by Luke Adams

SATURDAY, 1:59pm: Jackson’s deal does not include a signing bonus or any guaranteed money, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports, and the 12th-year veteran will make just more than $114K for two regular-season games with the Patriots. Additional compensation will come Jackson’s way if he remains on New England’s playoff roster.

Jackson’s contract falls under the Minimum Salary Benefit guidelines, Howe notes, meaning the ex-Ram and Falcon runner will occupy just more than $68K of the Pats’ salary cap.

TUESDAY, 11:48am: The Patriots have made the move official, announcing in a press release that they’ve signed Jackson. To make room on the roster, New England cut defensive tackle Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, less than a week after signing him.

MONDAY, 10:07am: After featuring a three-headed rushing attack on Sunday that included Brandon Bolden, James White, and Joey Iosefa, the Patriots will add a veteran to the mix, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN.com, who reports (via Twitter) that the club will sign free agent running back Steven Jackson.

While Jackson had an excellent run in St. Louis, rushing for more than 1,000 yards in eight straight seasons and earning three Pro Bowl nods, he appeared to have lost a step during his two years with the Falcons. In 27 games with Atlanta, Jackson ran for 1,250 yards on 347 carries, an average of 3.6 yards per attempt. He was cut by the Falcons in February and there had been no reports of him working out for NFL teams since then, until he met with the Patriots last week.

With LeGarrette Blount and Dion Lewis lost for the year, the Patriots have been playing shorthanded in the backfield — White has played well, but is generally a pass-catching back, leaving Bolden and Iosefa to handle most of the carries. Iosefa hadn’t appeared in an NFL game prior to yesterday’s contest against the Titans, and Bolden is more of a special-teamer than a feature back, so Jackson will add some veteran depth to the roster.

According to Anderson (via Twitter), Jackson will be signing a one-year deal with the Pats, so he’s simply being viewed as a short-term option. The move may not bode well for Montee Ball‘s chances of reaching the active roster in the coming weeks — Ball remains on New England’s practice squad for now.

Minor NFL Transactions: 12/16/15

December 16th, 2015 at 7:35pm CST by Luke Adams

Let’s round up Wednesday’s minor 53-man roster moves from around the NFL:

  • To make room for Mostert (see below), the Browns waived wideout Darius Jennings, tweets Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. The writer expects Jennings to return to the team’s practice squad.
  • After having claimed Davis (see below), the Colts released linebacker Edwin Jackson, reports Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (via Twitter).
  • Following a busy day of transactions, the Patriots signed defensive lineman Ishmaa’ily Kitchen (via Wilson on Twitter).

Earlier updates:

  • The Colts have filled the 53rd spot on their roster by claiming safety and special-teamer Akeem Davis off waivers from the Seahawks (Twitter link via Kevin Bowen of Colts.com).
  • The Dolphins have elevated quarterback Logan Thomas from their practice squad to their active roster, cutting veteran offensive lineman Jeff Linkenbach to accommodate the move, the team announced today (via Twitter). Per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), the move was motivated by a desire to protect Thomas from the Bengals, who attempted to sign him off Miami’s practice squad.
  • The Bengals have officially announced a move that was reported yesterday, confirming (via Twitter) that they’ve promoted quarterback Keith Wenning from their practice squad. Wenning will provide some insurance at the position while Andy Dalton remains on the shelf.
  • Former Colts cornerback Tony Carter is signing with the Saints, tweets Rand Getlin of the NFL Network. Meanwhile, Kristian Garic of WWL 870AM reports (via Twitter) that running back and kick returner Marcus Murphy will be placed on IR by New Orleans due to an ankle injury, so that may be the corresponding move for Carter’s signing.
  • A day after he was cut by the Ravens, RB/KR Raheem Mostert has been claimed off waivers by the division-rival Browns, according to agent Brett Tessler (via Twitter). It’s been an eventful season for Mostert, who was signed by the Dolphins off the Eagles’ practice squad, then claimed off waivers from Miami by Baltimore.
  • The Titans have officially placed injured running back Dexter McCluster on IR, using the open roster spot to sign safety Josh Aubrey from their practice squad, tweets Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com.
  • The Chargers have filled their two open roster spots by bringing back a pair of familiar faces, re-signing safety Adrian Phillips and quarterback Brad Sorensen, according to a team release.

Workout Notes: 12/16/15

December 16th, 2015 at 7:02pm CST by Ben Levine

It’s been a busy last couple of days around the NFL, with teams still looking to fill up their squads for the rest of the season. Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle tweeted a whole bunch of workout notes this afternoon, which we’ve compiled for you below…

Arizona Cardinals

  • CB Mitchell White (link)

Atlanta Falcons

Buffalo Bills

Carolina Panthers

Read more

Extra Points: Jaguars, Broncos, Jets

November 21st, 2015 at 12:34pm CST by Ben Levine

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com lays down a potential plan for a 17-game NFL season. Potential switches to the schedule could include:

  • 17 regular season games
  • two preseason games (instead of four)
  • a second bye week, thus pushing the Super Bowl to Presidents’ Day Weekend

There would be a possible 16 neutral-site games, allowing the NFL to expand anywhere. Florio suggest London, Mexico City, China, and Australia.

NFLPA president Eric Winston recently discussed the addition of an extra game with FOX Sports 910 Phoenix (via Florio).

“As far as expanding regular season games, I just don’t see what the use is at this point,” he said. “We’ve got a great game. 16 games is plenty. . . . I don’t think there’s a lot of guys around the league that are interested in playing more games. I don’t know how it makes sense.

“I never say never about anything. . . . To me if just doesn’t seem to make sense, but you never know what comes down in the future.”

Let’s check out some more assorted notes from around the league…

  • The Jaguars worked out a trio of defensive lineman this week (via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle on Twitter): Da’Quan Bowers, Tim Jamison, and Ishmaa’ily Kitchen.
  • If Brock Osweiler plays well this weekend, Troy Renck of the Denver Post opines that the Broncos quarterback should start the following week against the Patriots. This would give Peyton Manning extended time to recover from any lingering injuries.
  • Jets defensive back Calvin Pryor had a tumultuous rookie campaign last season, and the second-year player has missed three games recovering from an ankle sprain. Still, the 23-year-old has seen several changes in himself, making him confident that he can transition back to the lineup. “Maturity,” he told Justin Tasch of the New York Daily News. “Not being late to meetings and not doing things the wrong way. I feel like that’s the biggest thing.”

Minor NFL Transactions: 10/23/15

October 23rd, 2015 at 5:46pm CST by Rob DiRe

Today’s minor NFL signings, cuts, and other moves:

  • The Lions have claimed defensive tackle Khyri Thornton off waivers, reports Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald (via Twitter). Thornton was cut by the Patriots yesterday. He will fill the spot opened when the Lions waived defensive tackle Ishmaa’ily Kitchen this morning.
  • The Rams have promoted running back Trey Watts to the active roster, and waived safety Christian Bryant to make room for him, writes Nick Wagoner of ESPN (via Twitter).
  • The Panthers have also promoted a player from the practice squad to the active roster, bringing tight end Scott Simonson up, according to Max Henson of Panthers.com. The team placed tight end Richie Brockel on the IR to make room for Simonson.
  • Washington has removed wide receiver Issac Blakeney from the IR with an injury settlement, reports Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (via Twitter).

Lions Cut Ishmaa’ily Kitchen

October 23rd, 2015 at 10:39am CST by Luke Adams

Two weeks after signing him, the Lions have waived defensive tackle Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (via Twitter). No corresponding move was announced immediately, so the club is likely to promote a player from its practice squad on Saturday.

Kitchen, 27, earned 279 defensive snaps for the Browns in 2014, making 27 tackles. After being cut by Cleveland earlier in the year, Kitchen signed with the Lions prior to Week 5, when the team needed to add some depth at defensive tackle due to injuries. He appeared in just 15 defensive snaps for Detroit in his two weeks with the team.

The decision to cut Kitchen suggests that Haloti Ngata should be good to go this weekend. Ngata, who has been sidelined due to a calf injury, returned to practice for the Lions this week, and was a full participant on Thursday.

As for which player might replace Kitchen on the roster, Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com (Twitter link) speculates that perhaps tight end Casey Pierce could be elevated from the taxi squad.

Lions Sign Ishmaa’ily Kitchen

October 8th, 2015 at 10:43am CST by Luke Adams

The Lions have added another piece to their defensive line, signing free agent defensive tackle Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. Defensive end Phillip Hunt was cut to make room for the club’s new defender.

Kitchen, 27, earned 279 defensive snaps for the Browns in 2014, making 27 tackles. While his play in the middle was unspectacular, the Kent State product was solid enough in his three years in Cleveland that the team felt comfortable tendering him a one-year contract offer worth $1.542MM when he hit restricted free agency. However, that contract was non-guaranteed, and the Browns waived him prior to the start of the regular season.

While it’s not clear if Kitchen will see the field right away in Detroit, the team needed to add some depth at defensive tackle after Tyrunn Walker suffered a season-ending leg injury this week. With Haloti Ngata‘s Week 5 availability also in doubt due to a calf issue, the Lions have signed Kitchen and veteran Andre Fluellen so far this week.

Kitchen was one of several players to work out for the Lions this week, with ex-Jets defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis also getting a look from the club.

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