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Minor NFL Transactions: 5/4/16

May 4th, 2016 at 4:35pm CST by Luke Adams

Here are Wednesday’s minor transactions from across the NFL:

  • The Cardinals have formally waived four players, including former Australian Rules Football player Joel Wilkinson, the club announced today. Along with Wilkerson, who had been attempting to break into the NFL as a cornerback, center Valerian Ume-Ezeoke, cornerback Kevin White, and cornerback Tyrequek Zimmerman were also cut by Arizona.
  • The Broncos announced today in a press release that they’ve cut veteran tight end Richard Gordon, a little over two months after re-signing him to a new contract. It’s the third time Denver has released Gordon since last October.
  • The Seahawks have parted ways with five players from their 90-roster, according to Sheil Kapadia of ESPN.com, who writes that offensive lineman Drew Nowak, running back Cameron Marshall, tight end Ronnie Shields, defensive end Josh Shirley and wide receiver Tyler Slavin have been cut. Nowak is probably the most notable name in the group, having started seven games at center last year for Seattle.
  • The Lions have waived center Braxston Cave and tight end Casey Pierce, as Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com writes. Cave’s was likely bumped by the team’s selection of Graham Glasgow in the draft. Pierce, meanwhile, was a practice squad tight end who had been expected to compete for the No. 3 tight end spot in Detroit.
  • Clearing room for their undrafted free agent class, the Rams have waived cornerback Eric Patterson, tweets Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com. A Ball State product, Patterson saw the field briefly last season for the Rams and Colts.
  • The Lions waived tight end Jordan Thompson with a failed physical designation, as Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com writes. The Ohio product was once expected to be the team’s next long-snapper.
  • The Chiefs cut wide receiver Fred Williams, as Wilson tweets. Williams, 28, has been on and off of KC’s taxi squad since September of 2014. In January, the Chiefs signed Williams to a future/reserve deal.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Minor NFL Transactions: 5/2/16

May 2nd, 2016 at 7:39pm CST by Zachary Links

Today’s minor moves:

Extra Points: Wilkerson, Jack, Fuller, K. White

April 16th, 2016 at 9:37pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Unsigned franchise player Muhammad Wilkerson is not expected to attend the Jets‘ voluntary workouts, according Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (Twitter link). Wilkerson will follow the same pattern as fellow franchise players Josh Norman (link) and Von Miller (link), who also won’t participate in their respective team’s offseason program.

Let’s take a look at a few more notes from around the NFL…

  • The Cowboys are unlikely to use the No. 4 pick on UCLA linebacker Myles Jack, reports Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News. Jack, who underwent knee surgery last fall, said his medical recheck earlier this week went smoothly, but other sources say that some clubs are concerned.
  • Like Jack, Virginia Tech corner Kendall Fuller underwent a medical recheck on his knee this week, and he received positive reports, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Fuller, who is expected to be selected on Day 2 of the draft, should be ready by training camp, per Rapoport.
  • After missing his entire rookie season with a shin injury, Bears receiver Kevin White — the No. 7 overall pick in 2015 — is now expected to be ready for Chicago’s offseason program. Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune has the details on White’s arduous recovery.
  • Elsewhere in the NFC North, Mike Spofford of Packers.com examines Green Bay’s running back situation, noting that Eddie Lacy is not guaranteed to be a member of the Packers beyond 2016. Lacy’s rookie contract expires after this season, and it’s not clear if Green Bay has plans of extending him.
  • Though an immature attitude was reportedly one factor in defensive tackle Dominique Easley‘s release from the Patriots, at least one New England veteran has spoken up on Easley’s behalf. “I loved Easley, especially his work ethic,” the unnamed player told Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. “I hope he gets a second chance. . . . He’s a great (guy) and teammate in my eyes.”

NFL Reserve/Futures Contracts: 1/26/16

January 26th, 2016 at 3:44pm CST by Luke Adams

Here are today’s reserve/futures contract signings from around the NFL, including the Cardinals signing their entire practice squad to new deals for 2016:

Arizona Cardinals

Carolina Panthers

New England Patriots

Bears’ Kevin White Won’t Play This Season

December 15th, 2015 at 3:05pm CST by Luke Adams

DECEMBER 15, 3:05pm: The Bears made it official today, announcing (via Twitter) that White will remain on the PUP list for the rest of the 2015 season, postponing his NFL debut to 2016.

DECEMBER 11, 10:35am: According to Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times (Twitter links), the Bears are still mulling over their final decision on White, and will likely announce it on Tuesday. It’s not clear whether that decision simply involves activating him vs. leaving him on PUP, or if Jahns is suggesting there’s still a chance he could play this season. The Sun-Times scribe follows up by saying that White’s long-term health “remains of utmost importance” for Chicago, which suggests the rookie remains very unlikely to see the field this year.

8:56am: After being drafted seventh overall in the spring, wide receiver Kevin White won’t make his NFL debut during his rookie season with the Bears, reports Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune. According to Wiederer, there’s a possibility Chicago will activate White to the 53-man roster from the physically unable to perform list before Tuesday’s deadline, but even if that were to happen, the first-year wideout wouldn’t play in a game.

White, 22, was the second receiver off the board in the 2015 NFL draft, behind Amari Cooper, and is one of a handful of first-year wideouts that has struggled to make an impact this season. Besides White, Breshad Perriman of the Ravens has also been unable to play this year due to injury, while DeVante Parker (Dolphins), Nelson Agholor (Eagles), and Phillip Dorsett (Colts) have combined for a total of just 38 receptions.

Even though White won’t play this season, he has made good progress in recovering from the stress fracture in his leg, according to Wiederer. This is my speculation, but if White were a veteran player, or if the Bears were in position for a playoff spot, the team would likely be more inclined to have him suit up this season. As is, it makes more sense for Chicago to protect its top pick, ensuring that he’s back to 100% health for the 2016 season.

The most likely scenario for White over the season’s final four weeks is that he remains on the PUP list, continuing to work on his recovery off to the side with the Bears’ trainer and strength and conditioning coaches.

NFC Rumors: Murray, Vikings, Lewis, White

December 7th, 2015 at 9:25pm CST by Sam Robinson

With the Eagles potentially set to be tied for the NFC East lead if the Cowboys win tonight, let’s take a look at some news coming out of Philadelphia, as well as several other NFC cities.

  • As the Eagles gave DeMarco Murray only eight carries against the Patriots, Chip Kelly denied a demotion took place, Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes. The eight carries matched a season low for the defending rushing champion, who is averaging 3.5 yards per carry after gaining 4.7 per tote last season. Kelly attributed Murray’s reduced usage (14 snaps) to the game’s strange flow that featured three Eagles non-offensive touchdowns. The obvious counter to that was Darren Sproles and Kenjon Barner both out-touching Murray and each averaging north of four yards per rush. Berman writes Ryan Mathews‘ return could further siphon Murray’s workloads, which have been much smaller than 2014. Murray has just 163 carries.
  • None of the four safeties on the Vikings‘ active roster practiced Monday, and Antone Exum could miss multiple games with a fractured rib and a sprained AC joint, Matt Vensel of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports. Exum’s started the past two games in Andrew Sendejo‘s stead.
  • After Adrian Peterson characterized the Vikings as being “outplayed and outcoached” in Sunday’s blowout loss to the Seahawks, Mike Zimmer took a hard-headed stance when addressing media. “I don’t really worry about other people’s opinions. I only worry about what I think,” the Vikings’ second-year coach told media (including Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press). Zimmer did say Peterson should have received more than eight carries, however.
  • John Fox said rookie wideout Kevin White‘s shin has sufficiently healed, and the team will now look to get him in football shape, Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times reports (on Twitter). The Bears‘ first-rounder has yet to be cleared to play, however.
  • Shelved on the PUP list due to a torn ACL he sustained last November while at Georgia Tech, 49ers rookie wide receiver DeAndre Smelter will not play this season, Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee reports. Smelter reverts to the non-football injury/reserve list. The fourth-round pick will not practice with the team during the season’s remainder.
  • On injured reserve after an injury-restricted campaign, Keenan Lewis underwent hip surgery today, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). The Saints‘ top corner is under contract through the 2017 season.

Extra Points: K. White, Panthers, Elliott

November 24th, 2015 at 1:50pm CST by Luke Adams

The Bears‘ decision on rookie receiver Kevin White was due today, and the team is opening up his 21-day practice window, a league source tells Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune. The Bears have since officially confirmed that move, which ensures that White remains on the PUP list rather than going on season-ending IR.

Chicago will now have 21 days to decide whether to activate the young wideout. If the team isn’t ready to move him to the 53-man roster at that point, White will be shut down for the year, moving to IR after Week 14.

As we look forward to seeing whether this year’s seventh overall pick will make his NFL debut in 2015, let’s round up a few more odds and ends from around the league…

  • The Panthers may go with 52 players for Thursday’s game, leaving a spot open on their active roster, head coach Ron Rivera said today (link via David Newton of ESPN.com). As Rivera explains, there’s no need for Carolina to promote a practice squad player to replace suspended defensive end Wes Horton if that player isn’t going to see any action.
  • After Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott expressed frustration with the Buckeyes’ coaching staff and play-calling following a weekend loss to Michigan State, Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com surveyed a trio of NFL scouts to see how Elliott’s draft stock might be affected. The consensus? It won’t be. One scout said he’s more worried about Elliott’s leg infection from last week, while another said his team would “gladly” draft the junior, adding that “he’s better than the Wisconsin kid [Melvin Gordon] last year.”
  • People around the NFL believe that the gap between the lure of an NFL head coaching job and a college head coaching job has closed, says Albert Breer of the NFL Network (Twitter links). According to Breer, many coaches dislike recruiting, which tips the scales toward those NFL positions, but the money is “closer than ever,” and college coaches have more control and stronger job security. It’ll be something to keep an eye on as those positions become available this winter.
  • In a secret NFLPA meeting earlier this month, at least 15 NFL agents argued against cutting the maximum agent fee from 3% to 2%, writes Liz Mullen of the SportsBusiness Journal.
  • As Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk details, passing along a pair of reports from SportsBusiness Daily and the Hollywood Reporter, the NFL could sell a portion of the NFL Network to another TV network as part of its next Thursday Night Football deal.

North Notes: Bengals, Lions, Mathis

November 18th, 2015 at 8:14pm CST by Luke Adams

Four years after the Bengals traded Carson Palmer, the veteran quarterback is thriving as the Cardinals’ starter. That might be a surprise to some, but not Bengals owner Mike Brown.

“I have an odd feeling for Carson Palmer,” Brown told Alex Marvez of FOX Sports. “I like Carson Palmer personally. I did when he was here. I regret it broke apart the way it did. I don’t want him to beat us any more than he wants us to beat him. I’m sure that will be in the back of his mind. But other than that, I wish him well. I think he is a great passer. He really is. He’s a special passer, very accurate. I look at him play and I see the player that we had when he was here. When he’s on and playing the way he can play, he is a big-time winning quarterback.”

Here’s more out of the North divisions:

  • Marvez also asked Brown about offensive coordinator Hue Jackson‘s candidacy as a head coach for next season. It sounds like Bengals owner is expecting the former Raiders head coach to field some interest. “Hue is a very qualified coach. We think the world of Hue…We’ve had (Jay) Gruden and (Mike) Zimmer leave, and I’m sure after this year Hue will be a candidate. It is a compliment to Marvin and maybe some others here as well. I like to see it when they achieve. It’s flattering when that happens. It works against our best interest because we have to regroup and reestablish ourselves but it’s also heartwarming to see your people achieve their ambitions,” Brown said.
  • After suffering what is at least the second concussion of his NFL career, Lions cornerback Rashean Mathis admitted to reporters today that he’ll take the injury into consideration when deciding whether to continue playing in 2016. “When something like this happens, as a professional, I’d be naïve not to think about those types of things,” Mathis said, per Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. “Like I said, there’s life after football and you have to think about those things. When that time comes a decision will be made.”
  • Packers wide receiver Jared Abbrederis, who got his first extended look on offense last Sunday and caught four balls on seven targets, will be out for “several weeks” with a rib injury, tweets Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. It’s the latest injury for a group of Green Bay receivers that has been plagued by them all year.
  • The Bears will have until next Tuesday to make a decision on whether or not to activate rookie receiver Kevin White from the PUP list, as Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune explains. If the team determines White isn’t ready to be added to the 53-man roster, he’d have to be placed on season-ending IR.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

NFC North Notes: Lions, Schwartz, White

October 27th, 2015 at 7:19pm CST by Zachary Links

A look at the NFC North:

  • Former Lions head coach Jim Schwartz is using his year-long break from football to prepare for his NFL return, Don Banks of SI writes. Schwartz just moved his family back to Nashville and he has history with the Titans, so that seems like a logical landing spot for him. Schwartz was with Tennessee from 1999-2008, mostly as Jeff Fisher‘s defensive coordinator. Other than that, there could be openings with the Colts, Saints, Jaguars, Bucs, 49ers, and maybe the Giants if Tom Coughlin decides to retire or resign.
  • Bears rookie wide receiver Kevin White won’t rule out returning to the Bears before the year is through, as John Mullin of CSNChicago.com writes. “If I can get on the field this year and we can make a run for it, I would like to help my teammates and this organization out, as planned,” White said. “If not this year, then try my best and do what I can for next year. “But [I am] not closing any doors, not saying that I’m not coming back or anything this year. There’s a chance, so do my best to try to make a comeback.” Unfortunately, however, the No. 7 pick in the 2015 draft isn’t doing much beyond jogging and he admits that he has “a ways to go.” The Bears have several weeks to activate White from the PUP list and until the end of Week 11 to decide on whether to activate him as part of the 53-man roster or shut him down for 2015.
  • Joe Lombardi, who was fired as the Lions‘ offensive coordinator, will be paid the balance of his three-year deal, according to Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com (on Twitter). That includes Lombardi’s fat $1.3MM salary for the 2016 season.

PUP, NFI Players Soon Eligible To Practice

October 19th, 2015 at 10:30am CST by Luke Adams

Week 6 of the NFL season will come to an end after Monday night’s game between the Giants and Eagles, and when teams begin preparing for Week 7, many clubs could be welcoming injured players back to practice. Six weeks into the NFL season, players who were placed on the physically unable to perform list or the non-football injury list prior to Week 1’s games will be eligible to return to the practice field.

Of course, just because those players are able to return to practice doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be healthy enough to do so. Players on the PUP list have a five-week window to begin practicing. Once they return to practice, they have three weeks to be added to their respective teams’ active rosters. In other words, a player currently on the PUP list could return to the field for his team’s Week 7 game, or could return as late as for his team’s Week 15 contest.

The rules for NFI players are similar to those for PUP players. If a player on either reserve list doesn’t return to practice or game action in time, his 2015 season will officially be over.

Here are the players currently on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list who can begin practicing as soon as this Tuesday:

And here are the players currently on their teams’ non-football injury or illness lists, who are also eligible to begin practicing this Tuesday:

  • Arizona Cardinals: WR Damond Powell
  • Buffalo Bills: CB Leodis McKelvin
  • Cincinnati Bengals: T Cedric Ogbuehi
  • Cleveland Browns: DB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, TE Randall Telfer, RB Glenn Winston
  • Dallas Cowboys: LB Mark Nzeocha
  • Houston Texans: T David Quessenberry
  • Kansas City Chiefs: QB Tyler Bray
  • San Francisco 49ers: WR DeAndre Smelter
  • Seattle Seahawks: DT Jesse Williams

In addition to monitoring players on the PUP and NFI lists, it’s worth keeping an eye on players who have been placed on the injured reserve list with the designation to return. Teams can use this IR-DTR spot on one player per season, placing him on the injured reserve list without necessarily ruling him out for the season. As we explained in an earlier post, players given this designation can begin practicing after six weeks and can return after eight weeks.

That means that a player who was placed on IR-DTR prior to Week 1 can begin practicing on Tuesday, though he won’t be eligible to return to game action until Week 9. A player who was placed on IR-DTR after Week 1 will have to wait until next Tuesday – October 27 – to return to practice, while other IR-DTR players will have to wait until November to practice.

Here’s the list of players currently on IR-DTR who can begin practicing as soon as Tuesday:

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