HEADLINES

Justin Gilbert

Extra Points: Jackson, Jets, Gilbert, Thomas

March 29th, 2014 at 10:25pm CST by Rob DiRe

While the Chiefs were originally thought to be potential suitors for DeSean Jackson, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports that the team has withdrawn their interest (via Twitter). Kansas City looked into the circumstances surrounding the wide receiver’s recent release, and decided to pull out of the running. Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News added to Rapoport’s report, noting that the Chiefs lacked sufficient cap space to compete for Jackson’s services (via Twitter).

Here are some other notes from around the NFL:

  • DeAngelo Hall is excited at the prospect of Jackson joining the Redskins, reports Tarik El Bashir of CSNWashington.com. “Huge, huge, man,” said Hall. “If we could add a piece like that … he’s a threat whenever the ball is in hands.” Hall added that he would be willing to serve as a mentor for his former rival. “If he’s able to come here, man, I’m going to take him under my wing and just try to put him on the right path.”
  • Jets‘ owner Woody Johnson spoke about the team’s recent approach to the offseason, saying, “I’m not going to use the word ‘patient’ anymore. We want to do it now,” as writes Mehta (via Twitter).
  • The top projected cornerback in the upcoming draft, Oklahoma State’s Justin Gilbert, is scheduled to visit with the Jets, according to Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com (via Twitter).
  • Versatile running back DeAnthony Thomas out of Oregon has scheduled a private visit with the Falcons, writes Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. The 5’9″, 170 pound back had over 5,000 all purpose yards at Oregon, known as a dangerous receiver and returner as well as a runner.

NFC Notes: Ware, Orakpo, Giants, Gilbert

February 23rd, 2014 at 5:49pm CST by Rob DiRe

One of the biggest questions yet to be answered for the Cowboys this offseason is what to do with DeMarcus Ware, and team owner Jerry Jones said a decision needs to be made, writes Clarence Hill of the Star-Telegram. Due to his high salary and his decline due to injuries, Ware is likely either to be cut or possibly to take a pay cut. While the Cowboys would struggle if they lose their top defensive player, Ware has not been open to taking a pay cut but would be willing to restructure his contract. Here are some other notes from around the NFC East:

  • Redskins’ general manager Bruce Allen isn’t the only member of the organization who has publicly stated his desire to see Brian Orakpo return, writes Tarik El Bashir of CSNWashington.com. Head coach Jay Gruden also expressed his feelings about the team’s star pass rusher. “As a free agent, he’s the top priority for us. We’d love to get Brian back,” said Gruden. “But there’s a lot of issues at hand on our team. We’re evaluating every free agent that’s on our team, and that’s out there in the National Football League very hard, and we’ll make those decisions when they come up.”
  • Giants general manager Jerry Reese said that he is content to allow both Justin Tuck and Hakeem Nicks test the free agent market this offseason, writes Glenn Minnis of XN Sports. “You never know,” said Reese. “We keep all of our options open. Both of those guys, they deserve to see what the market is.” Tuck and Nicks were among the best players on the team’s 2011 Super Bowl roster, but neither are expected to return to the team in 2014.
  • The Eagles need to bolster a secondary that struggled against the pass in 2013, and the team could target Justin Gilbert of Oklahoma State in the first round of the NFL Draft, writes Matt Kelley of Rant Sports. He believes that Gilbert could immediately upgrade the corner position, bringing the talent the team thought they were getting when they signed Cary Williams. Kelley would be surprised if the Eagles passed on Gilbert should he be available at pick 22.