Morris Claiborne - Pro Football Rumors

East Notes: Cowboys, Maclin, Forbath

March 1st, 2015 at 11:23am CST by Rory Parks

Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray have understandably dominated the discussion surrounding the Cowboys‘ offseason, but there are still other decisions for Dallas to make once the Bryant and Murray situations are resolved. For instance, Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News recently predicted that the team would opt not to exercise Morris Claiborne‘s fifth-year option, which is surprising in that it directly contradicts what owner Jerry Jones said last month. And, on the topic of underperforming defensive backs, Machota thinks the Cowboys will retain Brandon Carr but that Carr will probably end up taking a pay cut, which reaffirms what our Ben Levine wrote last night.

Now for some more notes from the league’s east divisions:

Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News takes a look at how the Cowboys will address their backup quarterback situation in 2015. Although Brandon Weeden is still under contract, Jones did not give Weeden a ringing endorsement at the NFL combine a few weeks ago, and the team is high on third-stringer Dustin Vaughan. George does not believe Dallas will ultimately sign a free agent to replace Weeden, but he does note that the Cowboys would not hesitate to do so if the right deal came along.
The Cowboys’ decision to put the franchise tag on Bryant is good news for the Eagles, as it prevents Bryant from setting a market price for wide receivers like Jeremy Maclin that Philadelphia would be unable to meet. But Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com tweets that, if the Eagles cannot agree to a long-term deal with Maclin by tomorrow afternoon, then Maclin will also get the franchise tag.
Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com passes along Eagles executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman‘s thoughts on trading up in the draft. Roseman is generally against such a move, which is interesting given the rumors surrounding the team’s alleged desire to move up to select Marcus Mariota. But Roseman, of course, will not have a say in the Eagles’ ultimate decision to trade up or stay put as a result of his redefined role in the team’s front office.
Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com examines whether Washington should part ways with kicker Kai Forbath, a restricted fee agent. Washington has not been particularly eager to extend an offer to Forbath, who would be the most accurate kicker in team history if he had enough attempts to qualify, and Tandler says the reason for that is Forbath’s leg strength. Forbath was near the bottom of the league in net kickoff average, and the team may choose to trade a little accuracy in field goal attempts below 50 yards for improved field position and the chance to make a long-range field goal every once in a while.
After the Bills missed out on Josh McCown, Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News took a look at other signal-callers that the team could pursue. The free agent class is, of course, underwhelming, with the possible exception of Brian Hoyer, though Nick Foles or even Jay Cutler could be intriguing trade targets.
Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com looks at the free agent case of right guard Willie Colon. Colon could make sense for another team looking for a one-year stopgap, but the Jets are likely to seek an upgrade in free agency.

Cowboys Plan To Exercise Claiborne’s Option

January 20th, 2015 at 6:25pm CST by Zachary Links

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said that cornerback Morris Claiborne has done enough to justify the team picking up his fifth-year option, according to Brandon George of The Dallas Morning News (on Twitter). The option, of course, would be for the 2016 campaign.

Jones’ endorsement comes as something of a surprise since Claiborne hasn’t lived up to expectations since being selected with the No. 6 pick in the 2012 draft. As a top ten pick, the option for 2016 would be equal to the transition tag for cornerbacks in their fourth year, which should be somewhere around $11MM.

The Cowboys have some time before they have to decide on Claiborne’s fifth-year option and the option is guaranteed against injury only until the start of the 2016 league year, so they could pull the plug in the event of a lackluster 2015. By the same token, it’d be a gamble to trigger his option year given his injury history. Claiborne missed the bulk of the 2014 season with a torn patellar tendon.

All in all, it was a rough year for the once-heralded rookie. Claiborne was torched in Week 3 victory and was subsequently bumped down on the depth chart in favor of veteran Orlando Scandrick. On the following Tuesday, Claiborne lashed back at the Cowboys by skipping practice and leaving the team facility. The following week, Claiborne suffered his season-ending injury.

Morris Claiborne Done For Season

October 3rd, 2014 at 4:31pm CST by Zachary Links

FRIDAY, 4:31pm: The Cowboys have formally placed Claiborne on the IR, according to Brian McIntyre (via Twitter).

MONDAY, 5:35pm: Cowboys COO Stephen Jones says that Morris Claiborne‘s season is over due to his torn patellar tendon, tweets Desmond Purnell of the NFL Network. The cornerback was believed to have a torn ACL after his injury on Sunday night and it appears that today’s MRI has confirmed that early diagnosis.

It’s been a rough couple of weeks for the former No. 6 overall pick. Claiborne was torched for much of the team’s close 34-31 Week 3 victory and was subsequently bumped down on the depth chart in favor of veteran Orlando Scandrick. Claiborne didn’t take kindly to that news as he skipped that Tuesday’s walkthrough practice and left the team facility. The corner allowed five catches for 108 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown pass to Brian Quick, but apparently felt that he was unfairly getting the hook. Claiborne was also likely frustrated by Jerry Jones’ recent comments:

“Is he what we had hoped for at this point when we drafted him with the sixth overall pick, giving up the [second-round] pick to go up to the sixth pick to get him? No,” Jones said. “But he’s going to be a good player.”

Claiborne came back to the team’s facilities the next day but never really got the chance to prove Jones wrong.

Cowboys Notes: Murray, Claiborne, Brent

September 29th, 2014 at 8:54am CST by Luke Adams

With 534 yards on the ground through the first four weeks of the season, Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray is racking up an average of more than 133 yards per game, giving him a huge early-season lead for the rushing title — Pittsburgh’s Le’Veon Bell is second in the NFL with 378 rushing yards. Predictably, Murray earns a spot atop Jason Fitzgerald’s list of players whose Week 4 performances improved their values in advance of approaching contract negotiations. As Fitzgerald writes in his piece at Over The Cap, a big year for Murray could allow him to land a deal that averages $7-8MM annually, which would help stabilize the declining running back market a little.

Here’s more on the 3-1 Cowboys:

After going through a little drama last week relating to his spot on the Cowboys’ depth chart, defensive back Morris Claiborne saw his season take a more unfortunate turn on Sunday night. According to Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com (via Twitter), the team fears that Claiborne has a torn ACL and will be lost for the season. An MRI today is expected to confirm that diagnosis.
Linebacker Bruce Carter will also undergo an MRI today after injuring his quad last night, but his injury isn’t viewed as serious, says Drew Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “I’ve got good strength and everything, so we’ll see,” Carter said. “It’s sore, but I’m moving around good.”
While Josh Brent will still miss the first 10 games of this season due to his suspension, the terms of that ban have been modified to allow him to return to the team’s facilities this week, Davison writes in a separate Star-Telegram piece. Brent still won’t be able to practice yet, but he’ll be permitted to work out and attend team meetings.

NFC East Links: Jones, Claiborne, Maclin

September 27th, 2014 at 12:07pm CST by Ben Levine

Having not made the playoffs since 2009, plenty of pundits have discounted the Cowboys chances this season. Owner Jerry Jones would disagree with those critics, and he said as much on his weekly radio show on KRLD (via Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram)…

“I think we’ve shown some things that would cause you to hold in discounting us,” he said. “That’s an awkward way of saying that we should be looked at out of the corner of peoples’ eye. We’ve got to do it, though. We’ve got to put it together, with putting the right people on the field as it relates to injury, and that’s happening for us. We could have [Henry] Melton out there this weekend. We could have [Rolando] McClain out there this weekend. We could have [Tyrone] Crawford moving over as the No. 3 tackle, and then moving out to end. Why? Because Anthony Spencer is going to be out there taking some snaps. Now that’s serious stuff.

“Get [Justin] Durant back in there, get McClain back at linebacker. Now, all of a sudden we’ve got about three or four players out there that arguably are the best defensive players that we hadn’t had the last two or three games. That’s a big deal. And if we’re that, then I think [Tony] Romo’s certainly getting his timing down. I like the experience our offensive line is getting and has gotten in these three games. Yes. Yeah. We need to be glanced at over here.”

Let’s take a look at some more notes from the NFC East…

The Cowboys have a list of players playing on the final year of their respective contracts. ESPN.com’s Todd Archer opines that the team should first focus on extending Dez Bryant, DeMarco Murray and Dwayne Harris.
In another article, Archer expresses belief that unless things improve, Morris Claiborne will not be back with the Cowboys next season. Since Claiborne’s salary is guaranteed, Archer says the player could play out his contract, but likely won’t have his fifth-year option picked up for 2016.
Following his strong start to the season, Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin should soon be hearing from the front office regarding an extension, writes Jeff McLane of Philly.com. “I’m not pressing it. That time will come when it comes,” Maclin said. “But, yeah, this is where I want to be. I’ve always said that.”

Extra Points: Lions, Jets, Panthers

September 27th, 2014 at 8:39am CST by Ben Levine

Jets and Lions fans may be avoiding each other prior to the teams’ matchup this weekend in New York. However, both groups of fans seem to have similar opinions regarding a potential trade for a notable cornerback. Let’s take a look at who the fans are hoping to acquire…

When asked by a reader if the Lions could pursue Cowboys defensive back Morris Claiborne, ESPN.com’s Michael Rothstein replied that it’s not very likely. However, if the Lions suffer another injury, they may reconsider.
ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini echoes that sentiment, saying a Jets trade for Claiborne makes little sense. The writer also explains why the deal wouldn’t make sense for the Cowboys, considering all the dead money they’d take on by dealing the former first-rounder.
Furthermore, Cimini can’t envision the team acquiring another wide receiver, even if Eric Decker‘s injury continues to linger.
ESPN.com’s David Newton defends Panthers offensive coordinator Mike Shula, attributing the team’s struggles to an unhealthy quarterback, new wideouts and a new offensive line.

Latest On Morris Claiborne

September 24th, 2014 at 6:52pm CST by Rob DiRe

Former first-round pick Morris Claiborne has had a rough couple of days, starting with the beating he was handed by the Rams in the Cowboys’ narrow 34-31 victory this weekend. Despite coming up with the interception that all but ended the game, Claiborne struggled early and often against the Rams’ receivers.

He was the sixth overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft, and the Cowboys moved up to select to former LSU star. After his performance Sunday, the team decided to bench Claiborne in favor of Orlando Scandrick. In response to news of his demotion, Claiborne skipped Tuesday’s walkthrough practice and left the team facility, reports Jean-Jacques Taylor of ESPNDallas.com.

Claiborne allowed five catches for 108 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown pass to Brian Quick, who has been disappointing himself since being drafted at the top of the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

He received criticism from owner Jerry Jones on his weekly radio appearance on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. “Is he what we had hoped for at this point when we drafted him with the sixth overall pick, giving up the [second-round] pick to go up to the sixth pick to get him? No,” Jones said. “But he’s going to be a good player.”

However, Claiborne reportedly returned to the team facilities Wednesday morning, according to Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com (via Twitter). The plan is for him to play against the Saints this Sunday night, writes Ed Werder of ESPN (via Twitter).

Head coach Jason Garret said that even though Claiborne will play, he will be disciplined for leaving the team, according to Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (via Twitter).

NFC East Notes: McClain, Williams, Beckham

July 27th, 2014 at 5:10pm CST by Rob DiRe

Cowboys‘ wideout Terrance Williams is going to have a chance to improve on his 2013 campaign, writes Jon Machota of DallasNews.com. The second year receiver is looking to avoid a sophomore slump by emerging as a dependable number two receiver and the third option in the passing game after Dez Bryant and Jason Witten. Bryant is even more optimistic about Williams’ chances.

“Terrance done blew up,” Bryant said. “He’s lightning fast, outstanding hands, probably one of the best route runners I’ve ever seen. He’s going to do some big things.”

Head coach Jason Garrett said that Williams would have an increased opportunity to show off his talents.

“I think he has a little confidence based on how he played and he’s going to have a big role for our football team,” said Garrett. “He earned a bigger role on our football team last year. We’re excited to see him play.”

Here are some other notes from around the NFC East:

New Cowboys‘ linebacker Rolando McClain is being given every opportunity to win a starting job with middle linebacker Sean Lee out of the season, writes Tim McMahon of ESPNDallas.com. McClain has been working mostly with the second team, but showcased his natural talent during his first practice with the team.
If McClain does earn that spot on the Cowboys‘ defense, he will be part of a unit trying to go from worst in the NFL in 2013 to the best in 2014. At least that is the goal cornerback Morris Claiborne has set for the defensive squad, write Machota. “We were last in the league in defense and we’re trying to be No. 1,” said Claiborne. “That’s our goal. We’re not shying away from it.”
Giants‘ head coach Tom Coughlin is frustrated with his first-round pick’s absence from training camp, as Odell Beckham Jr. is sidelined with a hamstring injury, writes Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. Coughlin said that he was disappointed not to see Beckham on the field. “It would be nice to get him back practicing,” Coughlin said. “He actually looks pretty good out there. He’s moving around, catching the ball, he doesn’t favor anything. I’m just hoping it’s a real short amount of time.”
The Eagles have a shot to really hurt defenses in the passing game with their backfield in 2014, writes Jimmy Kempski of Philly.com. LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles are talented receivers out of the backfield, and could find some intriguing mismatches in the defense.
The two most important statistics of training camp for the Eagles thus far are a pair zeros, zero injuries and zero interceptions, according to Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com. The team has managed to get through camp unscathed so far, and none of the four quarterbacks has turned the ball over through the air. Of course, while this is a positive for the team’s offense, the linebackers and secondary are not so happy with their part in that second zero.

Cowboys Notes: Claiborne, Lawrence, Orton

May 17th, 2014 at 9:35pm CST by Peter Sowards

When the Cowboys traded up for LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne in the 2012 NFL Draft, high expectations landed squarely on his 5-foot-11 frame. When you go No. 6 overall — to America’s Team, no less — coaches want instant impact.

But, it’s hard to make an impact when you can’t stay on the field, as Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News notes. Claiborne has missed seven games with a variety of knee, hamstring and shoulder injuries, and he lost his starting job last season to veteran nickel cornerback Orlando Scandrick.

“He’s played well for stretches and then he gets dinged up and then he misses a stretch and then he has to get back,” secondary coach Jerome Henderson said. “You want him to just be able to ascend from preseason and keep getting better and better and better throughout a season. He just hasn’t been able to do that thus far.”

Dallas’ defense allowed 4,589 yards through the air and 33 passing touchdowns in 2013, so improved play from the defensive backfield is a must if the team hopes to contend for the NFC East title.

More news and notes from Big D below…

Second-round pick DeMarcus Lawrence has had a busy seven days, Rainer Sabin of The Dallas Morning News writes. The Boise State defensive end witnessed his son’s birth on an iPhone while in Texas on Thursday. He flew home to Boise that day to see his son, Damari, in person, then flew back to Texas on Saturday. “It motivates me a lot knowing I got a mouth to feed,” Lawrence said. “It’s not just about me anymore. I got a little son now so really it all about him, how I raise him and how I put food on the table for him.”
With veteran Kyle Orton still weighing his options, quarterback coach Wade Wilson showed frustration with the indecision, telling DallasCowboys.com’s Nick Eatman he wished the backup quarterback would be at voluntary workouts. Orton has a financial decision to make — he would owe about $3MM to the Cowboys if he decides to call it a career.
AZcentral.com’s Paola Boivin says goodbye to former Cardinals running back Ryan Williams, signed earlier today by the Cowboys.
Scott Linehan, Dallas’ new offensive play-caller, said the language will pretty much stay the same way it’s been, writes Brandon George of The Dallas Morning News.
Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli wants linebacker Bruce Carter to play the game the right way, said The DMN’s Jon Machota.
Deion Sanders was in attendance at Valley Ranch for the second day of Cowboys minicamp, George reports.

AFC Notes: Jags, Bridgewater, Claiborne

April 27th, 2014 at 11:51am CST by Rory Parks

The 2013 NFL draft was a curious one in several respects, with its most notable quirk being the lack of top-tier talent at the quarterback position. For twelve years, at least four QBs were taken in the first round of the draft, but in 2013, only one was selected (E.J. Manuel). The tradition of a quarterback-heavy first round figures to return in full force this season, with a bevy of signal-callers projected to be drafted early.

However, quarterbacks that might be taken on Day 2 or Day 3 of the draft offer skill-sets that in many respects are equally as intriguing as their Day 1 counterparts, and Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union wonders if the Jaguars would be better served selecting one of the “second-tier” QBs instead of targeting one of the players expected to go in the first round. Specifically, O’Halloran names SEC products Zach Mettenberger, Aaron Murray, and A.J. McCarron as possible solutions to Jacksonville’s quarterback woes. Such a selection would allow the Jags to land a truly elite talent with their No. 3 overall pick, rather than play the lottery with high-ceiling but concerning talents like Johnny Manziel, Blake Bortles, and Teddy Bridgewater.

Now for more from the AFC:

Speaking of Bridgewater, his quarterbacks coach/offensive coordinator at Louisville, Sam Watson, believes the young QB is a “slam dunk” despite his oft-criticized Pro Day performance, writes Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal. As Ulrich notes, the Browns, who are expected to take a quarterback with one of their two first-round choices (Nos. 4 and 26 overall) might be inclined to agree.
The Browns, however, are also interested in Aaron Murray, who visited with Cleveland on Wednesday and will work out for the team today, writes Jason Butt of the National Football Post.
ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini writes that if the Jets are unable to land a CB in the first round of the draft, they may be in the market for a veteran corner, possibly via trade. Although the Cowboys’ Morris Claiborne has been discussed as a trade possibility, the cap charge Dallas would have to absorb if they dealt Claiborne ($9.6MM) would probably make such a trade untenable.
In the same piece, Cimini writes that the Jets were interested in WR Julian Edelman before he re-signed with New England, and Rex Ryan was very intrigued with the possibility of stealing Edelman away from New York’s division rival.
ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss believes that, with the above-mentioned run on quarterbacks that is expected to take place in the first round of this year’s draft, a top-15 or even top-10 talent could fall to the Patriots at No. 29.
In the same piece, Reiss adds that Patriots VP of Player Personnel Nick Caserio is scheduled to meet with Illinois TE Evan Wilson early this week.