Jermaine Gresham - Pro Football Rumors

Draft Notes: Trades, Ekpre-Olomu, Ajayi, Bengals

May 2nd, 2015 at 2:00pm CST by Ben Levine

A few more notes on what we’ve seen from the draft so far:

The Jets curiously switched spots with the Jaguars to select quarterback Bryce Petty. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter), the Jets made the move because the Browns had made an offer to the Jags for the same pick, presumably so Cleveland could select Petty. However, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal reports that the Browns were not targeting Petty with that selection (via Twitter). The Bengals also inquired about trading up for that pick, writes Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
The Packers made a pretty big leap to move up in the fifth round, where they targeted UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley, switching spots in the round and giving up only a seventh-round pick to do so. When asked how the deal came together, Packers Director of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf says the Patriots initiated talks, according to Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette (via Twitter).
Oregon cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu has dropped further in the NFL Draft than he would have liked due to an ACL injury he suffered in December, but the silver lining is that his insurance policy was triggered after he fell past the first picks of the third round, reports Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. The policy cost Oregon $40,000, and should pay out $3 million in a loss of value policy, but Alper notes that Darren Rovell of ESPN writes that no player has ever successfully collected on a policy of this type.
The Dolphins added Jay Ajayi with a fifth-round pick, despite reports that the Boise State running back failed some teams’ physicals leading up to the NFL Draft, writes Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald (via Twitter). Ajayi be a one-contract player due to the results of those physicals, according to Beasley.
The Bengals have now added two tight ends in the 2015 NFL Draft, in Tyler Kroft of Rutgers and C.J. Azumah of Auburn. They needed depth at that position behind Tyler Eifert, who is returning from injury this season, and those picks signify that former first-round pick Jermaine Gresham will not return, writes Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer (via Twitter).

J.J. Watt Fires Agent Ben Dogra

April 21st, 2015 at 5:42pm CST by Zachary Links

The league’s top defensive player has made a change in representation. J.J. Watt has fired agent Ben Dogra, sources tell Darren Heitner of Forbes Magazine.

Watt had been co-represented by Dogra and Tom Condon who formerly worked together at Creative Artists Agency. Dogra, of course, was sacked by CAA with cause late last year. Even though Dogra is out of the picture, Heitner writes that Watt won’t be seeking new representation – he’ll simply continue to work with Condon alone. Of course, after signing a six-year extension worth $100MM, Watt won’t have to worry about his on-field financial situation for a while.

Meanwhile, tight end Jermaine Gresham has also decided to part ways with Dogra, according to Darren Heitner of Forbes Magazine (via Twitter). Gresham, one of the biggest names remaining in free agency, has yet to sign after undergoing back surgery earlier this offseason. When he does sign, eventually, it will be with a different rep at the table. As of late last month, the Raiders and Bengals were said to be in the mix.

Watt and Gresham are just two of the latest big name clients to leave Dogra’s stable. Washington left tackle Trent Williams cut ties with him in the past month and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin dropped Dogra late last year before signing a lucrative deal with the Chiefs. Meanwhile, Dogra continues to butt heads with the Vikings organization over his top client, Adrian Peterson.

AFC Notes: Colts, Raiders, Bills, Dolphins

March 27th, 2015 at 6:53pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Despite the success they’ve achieved since joining the Colts in 2012, general manager Ryan Grigson and head coach Chuck Pagano are both lacking long-term security as they enter contract years. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes how important it is for Grigson and Pagano to remain on the same page going forward. If they fail to stay united and the team disappoints next season, Florio opines that the pair could blame one another, thus setting the tone for the ouster of one or both. Should Pagano end up elsewhere after the 2015 season, he’ll join John Fox and Jim Harbaugh as the latest in a line of coaches whose teams parted ways with them after tenures that were good, but not quite good enough.

Some updates concerning other AFC teams:

The Raiders had a two-day visit with tight end Jermaine Gresham early in free agency. Gresham then underwent back surgery and Oakland’s interest in the 26-year-old seemingly cooled. Not the case, however, according to Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie. “He’s still on my board,” said McKenzie, per Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com. “We’ll see how he feels and how he rehabs and all that. Going forward, it will be more about how he wants to navigate through this.”
The Bills made plenty of noise earlier this offseason in acquiring outside talent, but general manager Doug Whaley says their approach will change in the next year. The Bills’ focus between now and the 2016 offseason will be locking up their own players long term, Whaley told ESPN’s Mike Rodak (Twitter link). That means trying to re-sign defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, offensive tackle Cordy Glenn and linebacker Nigel Bradham, all of whom are scheduled for free agency next year, and cornerback Stephon Gilmore – who is under Buffalo’s control for just two more seasons.
Dolphins general manager Dennis Hickey is hoping to add to his total of six draft picks this year, specifically in the form of mid-round selections, writes Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. That could mean moving down from 14th overall, where Miami is currently slated to pick in the first round. “We’d like to be able to massage the board to acquire more picks to get more chances at players,” said Hickey. “It always takes two. I would trade down, but it has to present itself.”

AFC North Notes: Bengals, Ravens, Browns

March 24th, 2015 at 12:05pm CST by Luke Adams

Earlier today, we rounded up some key quotes from AFC East coaches at this morning’s coaches’ breakfast in Phoenix. Now, we’ll shift our focus to the AFC North, where every head coach except perhaps Mike Tomlin of the Steelers offered up a handful of interesting nuggets to reporters. Here are some highlights:

Marvin Lewis, Bengals (Twitter links via Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com):

The Bengals’ top priority this offseason was securing a pass rusher, or at least an impact player on the defensive line. Defensive end Michael Johnson isn’t exactly an elite pass rusher, but he’s a good fit for Cincinnati, in Lewis’ view.
Lewis views 2015 as a crucial year for the franchise since a number of key young players are heading into contract years. The head coach hopes to see some of those players, including wideout A.J. Green, locked up to extensions this offseason.
With the No. 21 overall pick in the draft, the Bengals will prioritize players who can have a long-term impact over players who could step in and contribute immediately. Of course, I’m sure the ideal draftee would fit both criteria.
Jermaine Gresham, who underwent back surgery last week, remains an option for the Bengals — Lewis just talked to the free agent tight end yesterday.

John Harbaugh, Ravens (Twitter links via ESPN’s Jamison Hensley and Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun):

It doesn’t sound like the Ravens are done adding free agents. Harbaugh indicated it would be very helpful to make a few more moves before the draft, since it takes some pressure off when the team doesn’t necessarily have to draft for need.
The Ravens are particularly eyeing the free agent market on the offensive side of the ball. Harbaugh believes Keith Wenning has a bright future, but would like to upgrade at the backup quarterback spot. He also wants to add another running back and wide receiver, if the fit is right, and didn’t rule out free agency at either spot.
Wide receiver is also an option in the draft, and Harbaugh believes the Ravens will have good options at the position in rounds one through seven.
There are no new updates on Dennis Pitta‘s status. Harbaugh expects news to come in the summer, and reiterated today that it will be Pitta’s decision. The veteran tight end is recovering from a season-ending – and career-threatening – hip injury.
Referring to recently-signed safety Kendrick Lewis, Harbaugh said “his best football is ahead of him.”

Mike Pettine, Browns (Twitter links via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal and ESPN.com’s Pat McManamon):

Pettine has received good feedback about Johnny Manziel‘s progress in rehab, and while no date has been finalized for his discharge, the Browns expect him to be at next month’s workouts.
Pettine downplayed the idea that the Browns’ quarterback situation is “uncertain,” pointing to Josh McCown as a solid veteran and suggesting that the club could also address the spot on the draft. Asked about the possibility of trading up for Marcus Mariota, Pettine acknowledged that quarterback is one position worth trading up for, and pointed out that having two first-round picks creates flexibility. However, he added that talk of trading up for Mariota makes him rolls his eyes.
The Browns still need an edge rusher, and while Pettine likes Barkevious Mingo and Scott Solomon, he also noted that there’s good depth at that spot in the draft.
Finding a developmental center is on the team’s radar, since Alex Mack‘s contract includes a potential out after the 2015 season.
The Browns may draft a kicker this year, according to Pettine. The club currently has Garrett Hartley, Travis Coons, and Carey Spear on its roster after cutting Billy Cundiff toward the end of the 2014 season.

East Notes: Bills, Gresham, Barwin, Scandrick

March 20th, 2015 at 1:32pm CST by Luke Adams

As the working week winds down, let’s round up a handful of Friday updates out of the NFL’s two East divisions….

Charles Clay was arguably the Bills‘ top target in free agency this month, and the team made sure that they landed him by signing him to an offer sheet that the Dolphins were unwilling to match. However, Clay wasn’t the only tight end the team was considering. According to Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News, the Bills were “giving serious thought” to signing Jermaine Gresham before he underwent surgery to repair a herniated disc. Per Carucci’s source, the club would even have been willing to add both Clay and Gresham to the roster, if the former Bengal had been healthy.
Speaking to Howard Eskin on 94WIP in Philadelphia, outside linebacker Connor Barwin, who just received a new deal from the Eagles, said he’d like to play out the rest of his career in Philadelphia. Barwin estimated that he has another “four to six” years left in the NFL, as Andrew Porter of CBS Philly details.
Orlando Scandrick, the Cowboys‘ top cornerback, is scheduled to make just $10.5MM over the next four seasons, prompting Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com to wonder if the team should address Scandrick’s contract. As a point of comparison, Archer focuses on Keenan Lewis‘ situation in New Orleans, where the Saints didn’t increase Lewis’ overall pay, but guaranteed a good chunk of his salary and improved his cash flow.
Earlier this afternoon, the Dolphins re-signed safety Louis Delmas and running back LaMichael James.

Jermaine Gresham To Undergo Back Surgery

March 18th, 2015 at 7:40pm CST by Ben Levine

Free agent tight end Jermaine Gresham was diagnosed with a herniated disc earlier today, and NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that the former Bengals weapon is scheduled for back surgery on Thursday. While Rapoport notes that the tight end will determine his timetable following the surgery, previous reports estimated that Gresham would be ready for training camp.

The 26-year-old was certainly one of the more intriguing options on the free agent market, but his subpar 2014 campaign didn’t earn him a place on Luke Adams’ list of the top 50 free agents. He finished last season with 62 catches for 460 yards and five touchdowns, earning him a negative rating from Pro Football Focus (subscription required). However, it was a step up from his performance in 2013 and 2012, when PFF rated him as one of the two worst tight ends in the entire league.

The former first-round pick had previously met with the Raiders, but as of last week, the talks were reportedly “dead.” Meanwhile, the Browns had shown interest in Gresham, while the Bills were also rumored to be keeping an eye on the two-time Pro Bowler.

FA Notes: Connolly, Gresham, Ellis, Barksdale

March 17th, 2015 at 2:39pm CST by Luke Adams

After passing along several updates on free agency this morning, we’re back this afternoon with another round-up. Here’s the latest on a handful of players still on the market:

The Patriots would like to re-sign Dan Connolly, but the veteran offensive lineman is also receiving interest from the Seahawks and Bears as a center, and from the Dolphins and Buccaneers as a guard, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The 32-year-old has been a mainstay in New England for the last few years, but had a down year in 2014, placing among the bottom 10 guards in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
Tight end Jermaine Gresham is meeting with a doctor tomorrow to determine the severity of a back injury, and could be headed for surgery later this week, according to Rapoport (via Twitter). Greshman still expects to be ready for training camp, but that’s a giant red flag for potential suitors, and explains why he remains unsigned. Teams in need of a tight end – such as the Bills, Raiders, and Browns – figure to monitor Gresham’s situation, tweets Rapoport.
Free agent defensive lineman Kenrick Ellis could potentially make the move from one New York team to another. According to Brian Costello of the New York Post (via Twitter), the former Jet is visiting the Giants today.
The Titans have maintained interest in Joe Barksdale, arguably the top tackle left on the market, says Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Since hitting free agency last week, Barksdale has frequently been linked to the Titans and the Rams, who are still interested in re-signing him.
Veteran free agent Samson Satele is looking for a team that will give him the opportunity to compete for a starting center job, tweets Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.

AFC Rumors: Fins, Bush, Pats, Gresham, Titans

March 13th, 2015 at 1:53pm CST by Luke Adams

After signing Jordan Cameron and completing a deal for Kenny Stills, the Dolphins may not be done making moves, according to Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald, who notes that the team continues to work on a possible long-term deal for tight end Charles Clay. Beasley adds that the team appears to be open to keeping Mike Wallace, but that may hinge on the wideout’s willingness to redo his contract, so it looks like that situation remains uncertain for the time being.

Here’s more from around the AFC:

Running back Reggie Bush is moving forward with his Patriots visit, and is meeting with the team today, tweets Field Yates of ESPN.com. We heard yesterday that a meeting with the Pats was on Bush’s schedule. The former Lion, who has also visited San Francisco this week, could be a good fit in a Shane Vereen-type role. Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link) believes there’s a good chance the Patriots could come away with either Bush or Percy Harvin, noting that the team has interest in both players.
According to Tom Curran of CSNNE.com (via Twitter), the Patriots aren’t currently in on any trade talks for Eagles guard Evan Mathis. We heard yesterday that New England had expressed interest in Mathis, who appears to be on the trade block.
A source tells Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle (Twitter link) that despite the team trying to lock him up this week, talks between the Raiders and tight end Jermaine Gresham are “dead for now.”
Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com (Twitter link) hears that free agent offensive tackle Joe Barksdale is an option the Titans will consider. Tennessee lost two tackles this offseason, as Michael Roos retired and Michael Oher was released.

FA Rumors: Morgan, Shorts, Gresham, Texans

March 12th, 2015 at 4:43pm CST by Luke Adams

As anticipated, Derrick Morgan left his meeting in Tampa Bay today without signing with the Buccaneers, tweets Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. The Cowboys are expected to be next on Morgan’s list of visits, and the Titans still want to re-sign him as well. As for the Bucs, if they decide to move on from Morgan, it’s not clear who they’d target instead. Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times tweets that the club has yet to reach out to George Selvie, who played his college ball at the University of South Florida.

Here’s more on free agency:

The Jets have interest in wide receiver Cecil Shorts, according to Dom Cosentino of NJ.com. Wide receiver isn’t really an area of need for New York, since the team already has Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, and Jeremy Kerley on the roster, but adding more weapons would only help whichever quarterback ends up as the Jets’ starter.
Tight end Jermaine Gresham paid a visit to the Raiders this week, and still could sign with the team, but nothing is imminent at the moment, tweets Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle.
There’s “genuine mutual interest” between the Packers and free agent cornerback Tramon Williams, reports Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com (via Twitter). Having lost Davon House in free agency, Green Bay could use some depth at corner, and Williams, who has received some interest from around the league, is certainly a player the team is familiar with.
Despite locking up free agent safety Rahim Moore today, the Texans would still like to bring back their own free agent, Kendrick Lewis, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle (via Twitter). As McClain notes, Houston often utilizes three safeties on defense.
Washington has inquired on free agent safety Taylor Mays and there’s “mutual interest” between the two sides, but it’s not clear if a visit has been scheduled yet, tweets John Keim of ESPN.com. Mays was primarily a special-teamer for the Bengals last season.

Raiders Sign Lee Smith

March 11th, 2015 at 4:36pm CST by Dallas Robinson

WEDNESDAY, 4:36pm: The Raiders officially announced (via Twitter) the signing of Smith. Smith will get $3.1MM guaranteed in the deal, Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun tweets.

TUESDAY, 3:47pm: The Raiders have agreed to terms with free agent tight end Lee Smith, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN (Twitter link). It’s a three-year, $9MM pact, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN. The 27-year-old blocking specialist has the spent the entirety of his four-year career with Buffalo.

Per Schefter, Oakland will also visit with tight end Jermaine Gresham today. Vic Tafur of the Oakland Tribune adds more (via Twitter), saying that while nothing is yet official, most expect the Raiders to sign Gresham and defensive tackle Terrance Knighton today. Knighton was said to be close to a deal with Oakland earlier today, though the Colts are also in the running.

The Raiders will host several other free agents, including defensive tackle Dan Williams and linebacker Curtis Lofton, today, tweets John Middlekauf of 95.7 The Game. Oakland could be choosing between Williams and Knighton, per Tafur (Twitter link).