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Letroy Guion

Packers Notes: Kuhn, Guion, Hawk, Bulaga

February 19th, 2015 at 6:14pm CST by Zachary Links

He’s not at the top of the Packers’ free-agent priority list, but veteran fullback John Kuhn could still be in the team’s plans for 2015, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com writes. Kuhn’s agent, Kevin Gold, said he has a meeting scheduled for Thursday with the Packers to talk about a contract for next season. The fan favorite didn’t sign his one-year, $1.03MM deal with Green Bay until April of last year, so it could be a while before we see a new contract. More from Green Bay..

  • GM Ted Thompson won’t go into detail on Letroy Guion‘s case and would only say that he’s “monitoring” the situation, as Demovsky writes. Guion is scheduled to hit the open market in March.
  • Meanwhile, coach Mike McCarthy would “love” to have Guion back and is hoping to get the “green light” to negotiate a deal with him, Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette tweets.
  • The agent for Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk doesn’t have any meetings scheduled with the team and hasn’t heard any talk of the club cutting his client or asking him to take a a pay cut, according to Demovsky. Green Bay would save $3.5MM by cutting the 31-year-old.
  • McCarthy also wants Bryan Bulaga back in Green Bay, but said that things are in the “business phase” at present, Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com tweets.
  • McCarthy had nothing but good things to say about veteran Julius Peppers and made it clear that he wants him back in 2015, Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette tweets.

NFC Notes: Randle, Guion, Lions, Peterson

February 4th, 2015 at 4:59pm CST by Luke Adams

As first reported by KAKE.com, Cowboys running back Joseph Randle was arrested in Wichita early this morning on a drug charge after officers responsded to a call and found marijuana in his hotel room. Randle’s agent, Erik Burkhardt, contended (via Twitter) that his client was simply cited with a ticket rather than being arrested, but Wichita police says it’s still considered an arrest even though Randle wasn’t taken into custody, tweets David Moore of the Dallas Morning News. As Joel Corry of CBSSports.com points out (via Twitter), Randle’s latest off-field incident may have the side effect of giving DeMarco Murray some leverage in contract negotiations with the Cowboys this winter.

Another arrest that could have an effect on free agency leads off this afternoon’s NFC notes — let’s dive in….

  • Packers defensive tackle Letroy Guion, a prospective free agent, was arrested for possession of marijuana in Starke, Florida late Tuesday night, reports Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. The timing of the incident was unfortunate for Guion, who had been engaged in talks with the Packers about a long-term deal, and had just been the subject of a glowing article from Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com. Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Twitter links) has more details on what police found on Guion, including a firearm, $190K+ in U.S. currency, and 357 grams of marijuana.
  • Ron Zook, who worked as the Packers‘ assistant special teams coach this past season, is the favorite to become the club’s new special teams coordinator, writes Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
  • The Lions may have a need at cornerback if they don’t re-sign Rashean Mathis, and veteran Charles Tillman of the division-rival Bears wouldn’t rule out the possibility of heading to Detroit, writes Kyle Meinke of MLive.com.
  • Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press previews Friday’s federal court hearing, which will pit suspended Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and the NFLPA against the NFL.

North Links: Steelers, Peppers, Browns

January 4th, 2015 at 1:55pm CST by Ben Levine

We learned earlier today that the future is uncertain for a couple of veteran Steelers defenders. Troy Polamalu and James Harrison could soon call it a career, but neither player wanted to address the speculation following their loss to the Ravens on Saturday.

“Honestly, we just lost a game,” said Polamalu (via ESPN.com’s Scott Brown). “I don’t think I’m prepared to even think about that or talk about that at this time.”

“We’ll see,” Harrison said. “I’m not going to answer a question [about the future] right now because I’m not in the right mind frame.”

Let’s check out some more notes from the NFL’s north divisions…

  • Packers general manager Ted Thompson probably has a “good idea” about whether he’ll have Julius Peppers back next season, ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky writes. If the organization thinks Peppers can repeat his production from 2014, Demovsky believes they’ll bring the veteran (and his $9.5MM salary) back for a second year.
  • Even though the Packers are interested in extending defensive tackle Letroy Guion, that doesn’t mean B.J. Raji‘s tenure with the organization is over, writes Demovsky.
  • It’s sounding like Browns general manager Ray Farmer has zero intention of giving up on quarterback Johnny Manziel, writes Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. If the team was to move on and trade up for Marcus Mariota, Cabot estimates that it would cost three first-rounders.
  • Furthermore, Cabot says the turnaround of cornerback Joe Haden proves that the Browns shouldn’t give up on Manziel or Justin Gilbert.

Packers Want To Extend Letroy Guion

December 31st, 2014 at 7:59pm CST by Zachary Links

The Packers are hoping to get a new deal done with defensive tackle Letroy Guion in the New Year, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com writes. The Packers got a great value off of his one-year, $1MM deal and they want to re-up, even though the next contract will surely cost them more.

“Letroy has been everything we thought he was going to be,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said recently. “I’ve always had a lot of respect for Letroy in Minnesota. I think he’s come over to us, and I think he’s taken his game up a notch. He’s an excellent fit in the locker room; teammates love him. He’s an excellent teammate and he’s a damn good football player.”

The 6’4″, 315-pound former fifth-round pick had career-highs in tackles (62) and sacks (3.5) this season after coming over from Minnesota. While a new deal might not be struck in the next couple of days, agent Seth Katz says that discussions of a new pact are underway.

“We’ve had some very, very early conversations,” Katz said. “The Packers are obviously focused on the postseason, but we know how they feel about him, and they know he wants to be back. We’re not making it a secret that he wants to stay in Green Bay.”

After B.J. Raji tore his right biceps tendon, Guion stepped up in a major way, making his presence felt and making the Packers aware of his true value. Guion started all 16 games at the nose tackle position instead of Raji, who is also a free agent. While Raji has an unclear future at this time, it’s clear that the Packers want Guion to be a part of theirs.

Pro Football Focus (subscription req’d) hasn’t been all that impressed with Guion this season, rating him No. 61 out of 81 qualified nose tackles in 2014.

NFC Notes: Sam, Van Noy, Gettis, Guion

September 1st, 2014 at 10:36pm CST by Dallas Robinson

After being waived by the Rams on Saturday, defensive end Michael Sam wasn’t claimed by another team, meaning he is now a free agent. By our count, nine teams still have at least one practice squad spot open, so Sam might yet find NFL work. It’s just my speculation, but the Bills, Bengals, or Giants, each of whom has a practice squad opening, could be schematic fits for Sam. If Sam wants immediate playing time, however, he could look to latch on with the CFL, where the Montreal Alouettes control his rights. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link), the team has reached out to Sam, the first openly gay player drafted by the NFL, but has not heard back. Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch is more blunt, saying (via Twitter) that “there is nothing to…the CFL talk.”

More from the NFC:

  • Lions second-round linebacker Kyle Van Noy could miss eight games as he recovers from core muscle surgery, according to Josh Katzenstein of the Detroit News. Van Noy, who is now a candidate to be placed on short-term IR, was expected to start at strong side linebacker. Tahir Whitehead is next up on Detroit’s depth chart.
  • The Giants’ offensive line was ravaged by both injury (Geoff Schwartz) and retirement (Chris Snee) over the offseason, and it looks like the team is trying to bring in some help. Per Josina Anderson of ESPN (on Twitter), New York will visit with and workout offensive lineman Adam Gettis on Tuesday. Gettis was a fifth-round pick by the Redskins in 2012.
  • B.J. Raji was transitioning back to nose tackle before a biceps injury sidelined him for the year, meaning Letroy Guion will take over as the Packers’ primary NT, tweets Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
  • The Seahawks have utilized a conservative, run-heavy offense during Russell Wilson‘s first two seasons in the NFL, but as Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel writes, Seattle could let Wilson do more during year three. “He’s in great control of what’s going on,” said head coach Pete Carroll. “Very, very comfortable. He’s playing faster than he has at any time. He understands better what we want. He really can play on the expectations of getting the ball out of his hands quickly and making sure he can control rush in that regard.”

Dunne On Replacements For B.J. Raji

August 23rd, 2014 at 3:40pm CST by Rob DiRe

An unfortunate injury to Packers’ nose tackle B.J. Raji has left the team looking for a way to replace his size and athleticism in the middle of their defense. The arm injury has been confirmed to be torn biceps, and will more than likely force him to miss the season, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN (via Twitter).

As big of a loss as this is for the defense, the team is not yet panicking, according to Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (via Twitter). The team has a number of in-house replacements, including Josh Boyd, Letroy Guion and undrafted rookie Mike Pennel, according to Dunne.

Guion was one of the favorite free agent signings this offseason, but has missed virtually all of training camp with a variety of hamstring problems. He was thought of as a possible PUP candidate, but Dunne notes that the team might not feel comfortable waiting that long to see him in action now without Raji (via Twitter).

Dunne also notes that former Packer Ryan Pickett is an option (via Twitter). Pickett, who played nose tackle and defensive end for the team since 2006, is a free agent who has expressed interest in continuing his career with the Packers, as Dunne wrote earlier this offseason.

However, Dunne also mentioned that the team would most likely stand pat with what they have, knowing they have the option to play more nickel packages, which would put Mike Daniels and Datone Jones on the field, and alleviate the need for a true nose tackle (via Twitter).

Johnny Jolly, another former Packer defensive lineman, is also not currently in the team’s plan as a replacement for Raji, (via Twitter).

Packers To Sign Letroy Guion

March 17th, 2014 at 3:28pm CST by Luke Adams

3:28pm: Guion’s one-year deal is worth the minimum ($730K) and has a $100K signing bonus, but has a max value of $1MM if roster bonuses are earned, tweets Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com.

2:57pm: The Packers have agreed to terms with defensive lineman Letroy Guion, agent Thomas Kleine announced today on Twitter. According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter), Guion will ink a one-year deal, meaning he’ll be eligible for unrestricted free agency again a year from now.

Guion, a longtime Viking, is the second defensive lineman the Packers will sign away from a division rival, having also added Julius Peppers after he was cut by the Bears. Additionally, Guion will be the second defensive tackle Green Bay has signed to a one-year deal in the last week. With B.J. Raji returning to the fold and reportedly set to assume his old nose tackle position, presumably the Packers have other plans for Guion, who played a lot of nose tackle in Minnesota. It’s possible he’ll come off the bench in Green Bay, or see some time at defensive end.

Guion started 28 games for the Vikings over the last two seasons, recording 52 total tackles and three sacks in those two years of part-time action. Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics weren’t overly kind to the 26-year-old, ranking him 60th of 69 qualified defensive tackles in 2013, a year after he placed dead last among 85 qualified DTs (subscription required).

The Ravens and Patriots also reportedly had interest in Guion, who was released by Minnesota earlier this month.

FA Notes: Britt, DRC, Hester, Guion

March 15th, 2014 at 7:21pm CST by Peter Sowards

Even after re-signing receiver Julian Edelman, the Patriots continue to explore their options at the position. Kenny Britt, who saw his fair share of peaks and valleys in five seasons with the Titans, will head to New England to visit with the Patriots tomorrow, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL Media (via Twitter). Britt had been in St. Louis visiting with the Rams today.

Other free agent notes from around the NFL…

  • Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who met with the Jets today, will visit the Giants on Sunday, reports ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter (via Twitter).
  • Devin Hester said the Dolphins are just one of 13 teams that have expressed interest in signing him, according to Jodie Wagner of the Palm Beach Post. In his home town of Riviera Beach for a football camp, Hester said he’d like to play a bit at wide receiver if and when he finds a new home after eight seasons with the Bears, adding that he would welcome an opportunity to play for his hometown team.
  • The Packers will host former Vikings defensive tackle Letroy Guion on Sunday and Monday, per Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Wilson said Guion is drawing interest from the Ravens and Patriots as well.
  • The Panthers made an offer that was ultimately turned down by Hakeem Nicks, the new Colts wide receiver told Jonathan Jones of The Charlotte Observer. Nicks said that after speaking with Carolina GM Dave Gettleman, both men agreed that Indianapolis was the best situation for the North Carolina product.

NFC Rumors: Saints, Cowboys, Peppers, Guion

March 14th, 2014 at 1:03pm CST by Luke Adams

Having reportedly turned down an opportunity to meet with the Dolphins, free agent tackle Zach Strief expects to re-sign with the Saints, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald (via Twitter). It’d be interesting to see Strief sign back with New Orleans, since he was expected to do well on the open market and the Saints don’t have a lot of cap flexibility. As we saw with the Jairus Byrd contract though, the team could find a way to squeeze him in, particularly with Darren Sproles‘ deal off the books.

Here are a few more brief notes from around the NFC:

  • The Cowboys have shown interest in recently released defensive end Julius Peppers, according to Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com. In search of defensive line help, the team also plans to host Henry Melton, as we heard earlier.
  • Former Vikings defensive tackle Letroy Guion is considering the Ravens, Patriots, and Packers in free agency, says Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (via Twitter). According to Tomasson, Guion, who has already visited New England, will meet with Green Bay on Sunday unless he has a deal in place before then.
  • Darryl Tapp‘s new one-year deal with the Lions is a minimum salary benefit contract, with a base salary of $855K and a signing bonus of $65K, tweets Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. It’ll count against Detroit’s cap for $635K.

Vikings Cut Letroy Guion, Greg Childs

March 6th, 2014 at 2:39pm CST by Luke Adams

2:39pm: The Vikings have officially cut Guion, as well as wide receiver Greg Childs, the team announced (via Twitter). Childs never appeared in a regular season game for the club.

1:30pm: The Vikings are expected to create cap savings by releasing defensive tackle Letroy Guion, a source tells Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Caplan reported yesterday that the team may ask Guion to take a pay cut to reduce his cap number, but it appears the longtime Viking will be cut instead.

Guion, 26, has a 2014 base salary worth $3.95MM and a total cap number of $4.3MM. By releasing Guion and getting out of the final year of his contract, the Vikings would create $4MM in cap savings.

While Guion has started 28 games for Minnesota over the last two seasons, he was only a part-timer for the club, appearing in about a third of the Vikings’ defensive snaps in 2013. In addition to not playing all that often, Guion didn’t perform particularly well when he did play, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). PFF’s grades have the former fifth round pick ranked 60th out of 69 qualified defensive tackles last season.

If and when the Vikings cut Guion, it will increase the size of the defensive tackle hole the team needs to fill this offseason. Veterans Kevin Williams and Fred Evans are both eligible for unrestricted free agency, leaving Sharrif Floyd as the only player still under contract who saw significant time at the DT position in 2013.

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