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Josh Francis

Workout Notes: Steelers, Broncos, Bears

December 2nd, 2015 at 3:59pm CST by Luke Adams

The Steelers, who have been leaning heavily on DeAngelo Williams since Le’Veon Bell went down for the year, worked out former Rams and Jets running back Daryl Richardson, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (Twitter link). It doesn’t appear Pittsburgh will sign Richardson at this point, but it’s worth keeping an eye on the free agent market, considering Jordan Todman and Fitzgerald Toussaint – Williams’ current backups – have combined for just four carries this season.

Here are more workout notes from Wilson:

  • The Broncos had a huge group of players in for tryouts this week, and Wilson (Twitter links) has the full list:
    • FB Ray Agnew
    • TE Brandon Barden
    • DT Alex Bienemann
    • TE Cameron Clear
    • WR Jace Davis
    • WR Antwan Goodley
    • WR R.J. Harris
    • C Alex Hill
    • T Cameron Jefferson
    • WR Jordan Leslie
    • QB Seth Lobato
    • WR Levi Norwood
    • QB Bryn Renner
    • T Jack Rummells
    • WR Demetrius Wilson
  • Tight end Rob Housler was part of the Bears‘ latest workout group, which also featured tight end Nick Kasa and wide receiver Marcus Lucas, according to Wilson (Twitter link). Chicago’s starting tight end, Martellus Bennett, is expected to return to action this weekend, so I wouldn’t expect the team to add another player at the position.
  • The Cardinals auditioned linebackers Josh Francis, Quayshawn Nealy, Markus Pierce-Brewster, and Mike Reilly, along with cornerback Jalil Brown, tweets Wilson.
  • In addition to working out offensive tackle Pierce Burton, who signed to the team’s practice squad, the Colts also took a look at defensive end Nordly Capi and defensive back Terrance Mitchell, says Wilson (via Twitter).
  • The Raiders tried out safety Dewey McDonald, tweets Wilson. McDonald was signed by the Patriots last week, but only lasted two days on New England’s roster.

Packers Release Five Players

August 31st, 2015 at 7:14pm CST by Zachary Links

The Packers announced that they have released five players in advance of the 75-man cutdown deadline. The following moves have brought Green Bay to an 83-man roster, meaning that they still have some more work to do:

  • Tavarus Dantzler, LB
  • Fabbians Ebbele, T
  • Josh Francis, LB
  • Lavon Hooks, DT
  • Vince Kowalski, T

Dantzler did not participate in the NFL combine this year, but he did audition at regional combines and Bethune-Cookman’s Pro Day. Interestingly, his measurables were quite even with Packers fourth-round pick Jake Ryan. Still, the UDFA was unable to crack Green Bay’s linebacker depth chart and he’ll now have to try to hook on elsewhere.

Minor Moves: Saturday

March 7th, 2015 at 1:44pm CST by Rob DiRe

With free agency fast approaching, teams are doing their best to take care of the small but necessary moves as they prepare for a hectic market. Here are a number of minor moves and updates from around the league:

  • The Chiefs have also come to terms on a new one-year deal with outside linebacker Dezman Moses, who was set to be a restricted free agent, according to Paylor (via Twitter).
  • Packers linebacker Josh Francis signed a three-year contract for the league minimum, writes Wes Hodkiewicz of PackersNews.com (via Twitter).
  • The Buccaneers have agreed to terms with tight end Luke Stocker, writes Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times (via Twitter). Stocker was expected to reach unrestricted free agency before this deal.
  • Details from Australian rugby star Jarryd Hayne’s contract with the 49ers have come out, and it is a three-year deal worth $1.583MM and $115,100 in guaranteed money, writes Tom Pelissero of USA Today (via Twitter).
  • The Titans are working on signing long snapper Beau Brinkley to a multi-year contract, reports Jim Wyatt of the Tennesseean (via Twitter). Brinkley was set to be a restricted free agent.

Minor Moves: Thursday

March 5th, 2015 at 11:07pm CST by Dallas Robinson

We’ve already covered today’s restricted free agency decisions, so let’s take a look at the other minor moves happening around the league…

  • Via an Instagram post, defensive lineman Greg Scruggs says he’s been re-signed by the Seahawks. Scruggs, 24, appeared in three games for Seattle last season.

Earlier updates:

  • The Broncos have agreed to a four-year, $4MM extension with long-snapper Aaron Brewer, according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post. The 24-year-old Brewer was set to become an unrestricted free agent, where the lowest tender is $1.59MM; instead, he’ll earn a $1MM AAV.
  • The Dolphins have re-signed safety Jordan Kovacs, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Signed off the Eagles’ practice squad in November, Kovacs went on to appear in eight games for Miami.
  • CFL linebacker Josh Francis has agreed to a deal with the Packers, reports Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. Francis went undrafted out of West Virginia in 2012, and spent 2014 with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.