Joe Haden

AFC Notes: Browns, Chiefs, Hackenberg, Jets

Browns cornerback Joe Haden will play the final two games of the season and then undergo surgery to repair both groin muscles in early January, according to Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com. Haden anticipates a two-month recovery time and will “for sure” be ready for offseason workouts, he told Cabot. The two-time Pro Bowler (and 2016 Pro Bowl alternate) has played through groin injuries for a large portion of the year, which would at least partially explain why his overall performance ranks just 97th among 121 qualifying corners at Pro Football Focus. Haden, 27, also started the year behind the 8-ball after undergoing ankle surgery last March, which prevented him from participating in offseason workouts and delayed his training camp debut until August.

Here’s more from the AFC:

  • If the Chiefs hadn’t brought linebacker Justin March-Lillard back from IR on Wednesday, running back Jamaal Charles likely would’ve been cleared to practice next week and play in January, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Charles theoretically could have been a playoff weapon for the Chiefs, though they apparently didn’t think he’d have contributed enough to justify bringing back this season. The four-time Pro Bowler has played in just eight games (three this year) dating back to last season because of knee issues, including a torn right ACL. Further, as Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star explained Wednesday, the Chiefs’ linebacker corps took a hit when Derrick Johnson suffered a ruptured Achilles earlier this month and March-Lillard could help fill his void.
  • “It’s possible” Jets rookie quarterback Christian Hackenberg will dress against the Patriots on Saturday, head coach Todd Bowles stated Thursday (via Rich Cimini of ESPN.com). The Jets used a second-round pick on Hackenberg in last spring’s draft, but – despite ugly performances by fellow signal-callers Ryan Fitzpatrick and Bryce Petty – he hasn’t been active this season. Bowles didn’t rule out playing Hackenberg, who would be a third-stringer, but it would take unfortunate circumstances. “If we get down to the third quarterback, we’re probably getting killed in the first place,” Bowles said.
  • Jets special teams coach Brant Boyer is only in his first year with the team, but his job is already in jeopardy, writes Kimberley A. Martin of Newsday. New York has the worst special teams unit in the NFL, per Football Outsiders, and gave up a blocked punt that the Dolphins returned for a touchdown in a 34-13 romp over the Jets last week. In their previous meeting with Miami, a 27-23 loss in Week 9, the Jets allowed a 96-yard kick return TD to Kenyan Drake with 5:15 left in the fourth quarter. That proved to be the game-winning score, and it sent the Jets to 3-6 when they had an opportunity to climb closer to the .500 mark. “It has been a frustrating year,” Boyer told Martin. “There have been some injuries, But there is no excuse for me. It’s my job to get these kids ready. We’ll get it done.”

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Saints Inquired On Joe Haden

With the NFL’s trade deadline behind us, it’s time to focus on the deals that weren’t made. According to ESPN’s Ed Werder (via Twitter), the Saints “made [a] play” for Browns cornerback Joe Haden before the deadline. However, the organization ultimately determined that the asking price was too high for the two-time Pro Bowler. Joe Haden In a follow up tweet, Werder says the Saints were simply doing their due diligence on Haden. The player’s salary and injury history ultimately limited the team’s interest.

Haden certainly would have helped a struggling Saints defense. The team’s secondary has allowed the 12th-most passing yards in the league, and it’s worth noting that the majority of the team’s “behind” the Saints in the rankings have yet to have their bye week. While the secondary has allowed a modest nine passing touchdowns this season, they’ve only collected three interceptions while allowing 30.7 points per game, which is good for the second worst mark in the league.

Haden would have been a notable addition to the defense. The 27-year-old has played five games this season, compiling 21 tackles, nine passed defended, and a pair of interceptions. Haden only ranks 29th in Pro Football Focus’ cornerback ratings (subscription required), but the former first-rounder would still be a considerable upgrade over the Saints current defensive backs. Delvin Breaux and Sterling Moore are currently battling injuries, forcing the Saints to rely on journeyman B.W. Webb and undrafted free agent Ken Crawley.

Dolphins Rumors: Haden, Culliver, Branch

Here’s a quick look at the Dolphins as the trade deadline approaches:

  • Could the Dolphins make a play for Browns cornerback Joe Haden before the deadline? Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald isn’t so sure that Miami would make that move. So far, Pro Football Focus has Haden ranked as the 29th overall cornerback in the NFL and if Miami views him in the same light, then they won’t want to move the necessary resources to acquire him. Salguero notes that safety, linebacker, and running back are also potential positions of need for the Dolphins, but it’s not clear if they’ll look to the trade market to address those problems either. For more on Haden and other top trade targets, check out our 2016 NFL Trade Deadline Primer.
  • Dolphins cornerback Chris Culliver says he’s ready to make his 2016 debut after being sidelined with a knee injury, as Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes. “I feel good; I can play Sunday,” said Culliver, who has been on the PUP list since the start of the season. “If I’m not activated, I’ll be mad. It would be a disappointment. I’m ready to rock.” Culliver’s contract calls for him to earn $156K+ for each game he’s on the 53-man roster, so it would greatly benefit him if he were activated.
  • Dolphins defensive end Andre Branch has hired agents Jimmy Sexton and Tory Dandy of CAA Football for representation, according to Rand Getlin (on Twitter). Branch signed a one-year, $2.75MM deal ($2.5MM guaranteed base) with the Dolphins this offseason. He’ll be eligible for free agency after the 2016 season. Branch, a second-round pick in 2012, spent the first four years of his career in Jacksonville, where he amassed 14 sacks in 51 Andre Branch appearances (13 starts). He logged a career-best 10 starts in 13 appearances last season, totaling 24 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles. So far this year, he has 17 total tackles and three sacks.

2016 NFL Trade Deadline Primer

The 2016 NFL trade deadline is just hours away. This is the last chance of the season for contending teams to deal for a key piece for the playoff push and final opportunity for rebuilding clubs to make a future-minded deal. This year, there are a number of players who have been mentioned in trade rumors that could be changing jerseys between now and the 4pm ET/3pm CT deadline.

Naturally, cap room will be as much of a factor for teams as their positional needs. As Albert Breer of The MMQB (Twitter links) outlines, some teams have a great deal of space to work with while others have very little. The Browns, 49ers, Jaguars, and Titans all have enough cap space to acquire just about any contract. The Chargers, Rams, and Vikings, meanwhile, all have less than $1MM of room to work with.

Historically, the NFL trade deadline hasn’t brought a ton of action, but yesterday we saw a surprise blockbuster go down when the Patriots traded linebacker Jamie Collins to the Browns. We just might be in store for more major news today.

Here’s a rundown of the big names that have been mentioned in trade rumors over the past couple of weeks:

NFL Trade Deadline 2016 (vertical)

Browns OT Joe Thomas: Thomas, a lifelong member of the Browns, has made it clear that he does not want to be traded. Coach Hue Jackson flatly said that the tackle would not be dealt between now and the deadline. Still, rival GMs aren’t so sure that top exec Sashi Brown won’t pull the trigger on a deal anyway. Joe Thomas (vertical)

The Browns remain winless and it only makes sense that the team would explore dealing Thomas for draft considerations. However, the Browns already have quite a stockpile and they even drew from that surplus yesterday to acquire linebacker Jamie Collins from the Patriots. All month long, there has been talk of Cleveland selling off its parts with an eye on 2017 and beyond. Now, one has to wonder if A. they are still inclined to sell and B. they could even look to acquire name players this afternoon.

The Giants have expressed interest in Thomas, but they get the impression that Cleveland is going to hold on to him. The Vikings, Colts, Seahawks, Cardinals, Broncos, and Patriots could also use some help up front, but it’s not clear which of those clubs have reached out. Previous reports have indicated that the Browns were seeking a second-round choice for the veteran, but teams might have to sweeten the pot further if they are truly leaning towards keeping him.

Browns CB Joe Haden: Teams are reportedly scouting Haden in advance of the deadline. Once regarded as one of the league’s best young corners, Haden has been slowed by injuries in recent years. Any team that would take on Haden and his considerable salary wants to know exactly where he stands with his ankle, hamstring, and other assorted maladies.

At the midway point of the season, Pro Football Focus has Haden ranked as the 29th best corner in the NFL. That indicates Haden is an above-average starter, but not an elite player at the position. Haden is in year two of his five-year, $67.5MM extension and a cornerback-needy team like the Dolphins could explore a deal. But, as with Thomas, it’s not clear if the Browns are willing to sell. Haden is under contract through 2019 and won’t turn 28 until April. There’s not much he can do for the Browns in 2016, but he could still be a vital piece going forward.

In related news, the Browns are reportedly open to trading fellow corner Tramon Williams. The Packers are thin at cornerback and a reunion would make a lot of sense.

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Teams Scouting Browns CB Joe Haden

The trade deadline is 24 hours away and teams are doing their homework on Browns cornerback Joe Haden, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). Haden has been dealing with injuries for the last two seasons, but he is still a well above-average cornerback and could draw interest from teams looking to bolster their defense. Joe Haden

Haden, 27, was limited to just five games last season because of various injuries, including a concussion. Then, this past spring, he underwent left ankle surgery. It goes without saying that any interested club will want to do a thorough medical examination on the star corner before finalizing a deal.

In his five games played this year, the advanced numbers have Haden ranked as a top 30 cornerback. When he’s healthy and playing at his best, Haden has shown that he can be an elite difference-maker. However, it remains to be seen whether the Browns will be willing to part with Haden. After acquiring linebacker Jamie Collins from the Patriots earlier today, it’s possible that the Browns are not only out of selling mode, but potentially in buying mode.

Josh Gordon Released From Rehab Facility

Embattled Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has been released from an inpatient treatment facility, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, citing league sources. Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer confirms the report.

Josh Gordon (vertical)

Schefter reports that Gordon was released last week after completing the 30-day program in New Hampshire, which is said to be the most intensive treatment that he has gone through. One league source added that Gordon is doing “a lot better.”

We heard late last month that the Browns plan to part with Gordon, and Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports that those plans have not changed, even though Cleveland controls Gordon’s rights for two more seasons. Both Ulrich and Schefter report that Cleveland would like to trade the Baylor product, and there is some question as to whether he can be dealt, since he remains suspended and there is no indication that he will be reinstated by the league prior to Tuesday’s 4pm trade deadline. Cabot, however, reports that the Browns can indeed try to trade Gordon by Tuesday, even if he is not reinstated.

Gordon was set to return from a four-game suspension on October 9 against New England, but he chose to enter rehab instead. He has been suspended for 35 of the Browns’ last 40 games because of recurring violation’s of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. If he is, in fact, eligible to be traded, the Eagles are one team that would seem like a perfect match on paper.

Now let’s take a quick look at several more Browns-related items:

  • Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that cornerback Joe Haden has been the subject of trade talks, and if he can prove he’s healthy, Rapoport believes those talks could really heat up in advance of the trade deadline.
  • Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports confirms recent reports that LT Joe Thomas is unlikely to be moved, given that the Browns are seeking greater compensation than the market will bear.

AFC North Notes: Williams, Steelers, Ravens, Browns

The Bengals followed their model by signing safety Shawn Williams to a four-year extension, Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer writes. The 25-year-old has only started four games in his career, serving as a backup to George Iloka and Reggie Nelson while chipping in on special teams. Still, Williams possesses serious upside and he is one of the key reasons why the team was willing to let Nelson leave via free agency.

He keeps his head down, kept working,” defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said. “He came in and George and Reggie were in the spots there. He kept coming on. I kept saying this guy needs to get on the field for us. We have to find a way to get him on the field. You have something done like that, the organization gave a good offer and I’m happy for him. He deserves it.

The Bengals have taken this kind of leap before and they’ve been rewarded for it. In 2013, the Bengals inked Carlos Dunlap to a six-year, $40MM extension before he truly broke out and he went on to rack up 21.5 sacks in two seasons. Ditto for defensive tackle Geno Atkins, who was signed to a five-year, $55MM deal prior to August of 2013, a deal that is extremely modest compared to deals given to top-end players at the position on the open market.

Here’s the latest from a busy news day in the AFC North.

  • Antonio Brown said finishing his career under another long-term extension with the Steelers would be “an honor,” and he’s not planning to hold out for a new contract just yet, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports. “I always want to be a Steeler for life. We will let those things take its course,” Brown told media, including Fowler. “I’m excited to get back on the field. … My focus right now is to show up and become the best player.” Following his stay in Los Angeles for Dancing with the Stars, Brown plans to return to Pittsburgh for OTAs. Playing on of the NFL’s best bargain contracts, Brown is set to make $6.25MM in base salary this season and occupy a $12.37MM cap hold in 2016. The latter figure is eighth among receivers. With Martavis Bryant now out for the season, Brown could have additional leverage in a potential contract standoff, which he didn’t necessarily deny was forthcoming — although Kevin Colbert recently said he does not expect to alter the Steelers’ policy of not extending players who have more than two years left on their deals. Brown’s 265 receptions over the past two seasons are an NFL record.
  • After announcing recently he’ll return for a 14th NFL season, James Harrison called NFLPA chief DeMaurice Smith regarding a drug test. Harrison was trying to videotape the drug test, but the drug-testing agent informed the linebacker that could result in a positive test, per Fowler. The ESPN.com reporter notes Harrison has filmed drug tests in the past, yet he didn’t do so this time as to not want to get the tester fired. All NFL players are subject to random testing in the offseason. Harrison was named in a highly scrutinized Al Jazeera report in December but succinctly denied any HGH use. At 38, he’ll be the oldest defensive player in the league this season.
  • The NFL does not appear to buy the Ravens‘ company line of not being aware rookie-camp practices fell under the no-pads policy that veteran offseason workouts do, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter reports. Baltimore is under investigation for suiting up rookies in pads during a non-contact punt-protection drill, and the league viewing the team as attempting to skirt the rules — albeit for a stretch that amounted to five minutes — could result in a loss of practice time.
  • Although John Urschel remains the favorite to replace Kelechi Osemele at left guard for the Ravens, Ryan Jensen, Alex Lewis and the newly signed Vlad Ducasse could challenge the 2014 fifth-rounder for the job, Jeff Zreibec of the Baltimore Sun reports. However, if the Ravens opt to keep Eugene Monroe, No. 6 overall pick Ronnie Stanley becomes the favorite to succeed Osemele at left guard, Zreibec writes. Monroe has three years left on his deal, one that pays him between $8.7-$8.95MM in each season, but has missed 15 games the past two seasons. Cutting Monroe this year would saddle the Ravens with $6.6MM in dead money.
  • Joe Haden is uncertain to return for Browns training camp after offseason ankle surgery, but the seventh-year corner insists he’ll be ready by Week 1, Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com reports. Haden, who missed 11 games last season due to concussion issues, admitted it was “a little upsetting” to hear Sashi Brown say it was too early to tell whether he’d play on Sept. 11 in the Browns’ opener. “I think I’m going to be back definitely for sure not to miss any regular-season time,” Haden said Wednesday after undergoing surgery March 16. “I don’t really know about training camp. … But I just know for sure that my whole thing is I’m not missing any games.”

Zach Links contributed to this report

AFC Notes: Haden, Fins, Bryant, Pats, Titans

Browns cornerback Joe Haden underwent left ankle surgery Wednesday and “should be ready for the start of the 2016 regular season,” the club announced via press release. Haden suffered the injury in Week 8 of last season, but it only began causing him pain recently, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com writes. The two-time Pro Bowler played just five games in 2015 because of various injuries, including a concussion. Prior to that, he sat out most of training camp with a hamstring injury and, given his ankle issues, could once again miss some portion of camp this summer.

Here’s more from the AFC:

  • Prior to re-signing with Arizona on Thursday, running back Chris Johnson met with the Dolphins, and he says they made it tough for him to stay with the Cardinals. “The visit went real great. It was a real, real close decision,” he told Alex Marvez and Gil Brandt of SiriusXM. “I liked everything they had going on there. But my heart was with Arizona” (Twitter links).
  • Wide receiver Martavis Bryant‘s contract will toll during his lengthy suspension, tweets Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. That means the Steelers won’t lose a year of control over Bryant. He’ll remain two years away from free agency after the league reinstates him – if it does. He’s eligible for reinstatement after next season.
  • The Patriots have named Brian Flores their linebackers coach, according to Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com (Twitter link). Flores has been a Pats employee since 2004, most recently serving as their safeties coach. Taking over Flores’ previous position will be Steve Belichick, the son of Bill Belichick, per Reiss (on Twitter). Steve Belichick was a defensive assistant with the club in his prior role.
  • Titans offensive lineman Byron Bell lined up at three positions – left tackle, left guard and right tackle – last season, but it doesn’t sound as if he’ll do that much shuffling this year. “He’ll probably play right tackle for us now, but he is a guy that has versatility,’’ general manager Jon Robinson said (link via Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com). The Titans agreed to re-sign Bell on Thursday.
  • The Dolphins have hired Jim Washburn as a senior defensive assistant/pass-rush specialist, a league source tells Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald (Twitter link). The Dolphins are Washburn’s fourth NFL employer since he broke into the league as Tennessee’s defensive line coach in 1999. He was Detroit’s assistant D-line coach from 2013-15.

Brees, Haden, Others Get Salary Guarantees

Several NFL players are on contracts containing language stating that they’ll get a full or partial salary guarantee for the 2016 season if they remained on their respective teams beyond the third day after this year’s Super Bowl. That third day came and went on Wednesday, and while not every player with a guarantee deadline locked in that money – Nate Allen was cut by the Raiders, while Dannell Ellerbe reworked his deal with New Orleans – most of those guys had their contracts remain untouched.Drew Brees

Per Joel Corry of CBSSports.com, here are the players who were assured of full or partial salary guarantees for 2016 after remaining under contract on Wednesday:

  • Drew Brees, QB (Saints): $10.85MM of $19.75MM base salary for 2016 now fully guaranteed. This gives Brees a little extra leverage in contract negotiations with the Saints, but doesn’t drastically change his outlook — he’ll be back in New Orleans next season, likely with an extension in hand.
  • Joe Haden, CB (Browns): $10.1MM base salary for 2016 now fully guaranteed. Concussion issues wiped out most of the 2015 season for Haden, but he was in no real danger of being cut before this amount – previously guaranteed for injury only – became fully guaranteed.
  • Jairus Byrd, S (Saints): $7.4MM base salary for 2016 now fully guaranteed. So far, Byrd hasn’t exactly lived up to the massive deal he signed with New Orleans two years ago, but there’s still so much dead money left on it that it makes sense for the team to keep him around.
  • Curtis Lofton, LB (Raiders): $3.5MM of $5.35MM base salary for 2016 now fully guaranteed. Lofton’s first year in Oakland certainly wasn’t his best, and the Raiders could’ve cleared his entire salary from their books if they’d cut him along with Allen, but the team has so much excess cap room that it can afford to bring back the veteran linebacker and hope for a better season.

While there are a few more contract guarantees to keep an eye on in February, including several for Seahawks players, most guarantee dates arrive in March, at – or shortly after – the start of the new league year. So we shouldn’t expect to see many teams cutting players to narrowly beat those guarantee deadlines for at least a few more weeks.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

AFC North Notes: Pettine, Manziel, Haden, Ravens

Browns head coach Mike Pettine has been reluctant to trust quarterback Johnny Manziel during their two years together, but whether the coach returns for a third season could be determined by Manziel’s performance over the next three weeks, Tom Reed of Cleveland.com writes. If Manziel plays well and convinces ownership his development is on the right track, Reed believes it could save Pettine’s job. That’s probably going to be too much to ask, though, as the 3-10 Browns’ last three opponents – Seattle, Kansas City and Pittsburgh – are a combined 24-15 and could all end up in the playoffs.

Regardless of what ultimately happens to Pettine, he gave a very positive assessment of Manziel on Monday, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

“He puts in his preparation so he grinds in the meeting room. He asks great questions. He brings up good points. Guys respect that. They can tell when he talks that he’s getting into that information when he’s out of the building and it carries over onto the practice field.”

More on the Browns and a division rival:

  • Despite Manziel’s improvement this year, there’s still a strong chance he’ll be in another uniform next season. The Browns are likely to have a new regime and will have a high pick in the 2016 draft, which could put them in position to select a big-time QB prospect. “Johnny clouds the issue if he is there,” an anonymous executive told ESPN’s Mike Sando (Insider required). “You want it to be the new kid’s team.” For what it’s worth, Sando expects teams to be interested if the Browns do shop Manziel in the offseason. Sando names Dallas, St. Louis and Philadelphia as clubs that might be willing to trade a mid-round pick to Cleveland to acquire Manziel.
  • Star Browns cornerback Joe Haden landed on injured reserve Monday after concussion issues cost him the lion’s share of the 2015 season, but he expects to be his normal self by next year. “Although I haven’t been able to clear protocol, the specialists I have met with have told me they expect a full recovery. I’m looking forward to that, returning to form, having a good offseason and an even better 2016 season,” Haden said in a statement, per Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal.
  • The Ravens’ chances of returning to contention in 2016 look bleak, Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun opines. As Preston points out, the Ravens have a less-than-ideal cap situation and plenty of important areas to address – left tackle, cornerback and pass rusher among them.