O’Brien Schofield - Pro Football Rumors

O’Brien Schofield Wants To Rejoin Falcons

May 3rd, 2016 at 4:37pm CST by Zachary Links

Linebacker O’Brien Schofield is lobbying hard to return to the Falcons. However, it’s not clear if the interest is being reciprocated at this point in the offseason.

“You know I’ll bring 100 percent to that locker room and to the field,” Schofield told ESPN.com. “And you know, without a shadow of a doubt, I would help that ballclub. I’m looking for a more dominant role as a nickel pass-rusher. I would have to be able to compete as the nickel rusher.”

The veteran, who signed a one-year, $1.7MM deal with Atlanta last year, finished out the year with 28 tackles, four tackles for losses, two sacks, 13 quarterback hits, and one forced fumble. The Falcons did make Schofield an offer this spring, but it was not to the veteran’s liking. As of this writing, it appears that there is no longer an offer on the table from the Falcons. In last week’s draft, the Falcons added LSU linebacker Deion Jones in the second round and Minnesota linebacker De’Vondre Campbell in the fourth round, so they’re not exactly desperate for help in that area.

The advanced metrics at Pro Football Focus (subscription required) weren’t necessarily enamored with Schofield’s play last season. Schofield earned a 69.0 overall grade, placing him as the No. 71 edge defender in the NFL last season. Fellow veteran linebackers Kroy Biermann, Calvin Pace, and Darryl Tapp finished out with similar grades and they are also presently without NFL employment.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

NFC Notes: Washington, Cowboys, Falcons, Rams

March 25th, 2016 at 8:01pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

With Alfred Morris having agreed to a deal with NFC East rival Dallas earlier this week, Washington is prepared to go forward with Matt Jones as its starting running back.

“That’s what we envision, yes,” said head coach Jay Gruden (link via Tarik El-Bashir of CSN Mid-Atlantic). “We like Matt. We think he’s a smart football player and he runs very, very hard. Now we just have to make sure the ball security is there [because] he can catch the ball out the backfield. He’s a very good solid football player that we have high hopes for.”

In his rookie year last season, Jones – a third-round pick from Florida – averaged just 3.4 yards per carry on 144 attempts (compared to Morris’ 3.7 and 202, respectively) and totaled as many fumbles (four) as touchdowns. Washington is expected to add a complement to Jones in either free agency or the draft, according to Gruden, who said the team is interested in re-signing the still-available Pierre Thomas.

Here’s more from the NFC:

Even with Morris in the fold, the Cowboys have a less-than-ideal running back situation, opines Jean-Jacques Taylor of ESPN.com. The Cowboys will try a balanced attack to aid quarterback Tony Romo – who has gone 38-11 as a starter while throwing 30 times or fewer and 41-38 otherwise – but Taylor doesn’t expect a backfield trio of Morris, Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar to fare particularly well. Thus, the team should use a second- or third-rounder on a running back and let the others compete for backup roles behind the rookie, Taylor believes.
The Falcons and free agent linebacker O’Brien Schofield are at “an impasse,” tweets D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Schofield said earlier this month that he and the Falcons weren’t “seeing eye-to-eye on a contract,” and the club may have found a replacement for him Friday when it signed Courtney Upshaw. The Falcons have offered Schofield a deal, per Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com, but the Upshaw signing could seal his fate in Atlanta. Schofield, 28, joined the Falcons last year and then made 30 tackles and two sacks in 16 appearances (11 starts) during the season. Upshaw has the greater track record of the pair, having started 29 more games (51 to 22) in two fewer seasons.
Remarkably, despite being shot in the head twice last November, the door hasn’t yet closed on Stedman Bailey‘s career. The Rams receiver “is currently in the evaluation process, seeking numerous opinions from neurologists and the like,” head coach Jeff Fisher said Wednesday (link via Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch). “Just to see if he can not only play, but continue with a rigorous physical rehab program that will put him in position to play.” Bailey has continued to stay involved with the team, as Thomas writes, with Fisher adding, “He’s been in the building. We’ve seen him. He’s doing well. He seems like the same old Sted, and he’s very lucky as we’ve all noted to be alive.”
Washington is undecided about the future of receiver Andre Roberts, reports John Keim of ESPN.com. Washington stands to save a solid amount if it cuts Roberts ($3MM before June 1, $4MM if he’s given a post-June 1 designation), but the team isn’t allowed to release him right now because he’s recovering from a torn meniscus. Roberts might not be ready until training camp, per Gruden. Even without his health taken into account, Roberts is probably Washington’s No. 4 wideout – which doesn’t seem to bode well for his chances to stay on the roster. The 28-year-old was productive from 2010-14, when he caught a combined 218 passes and 13 touchdowns for Arizona and Washington; he’s coming off a career-worst season, however, having hauled in a mere 11 catches in nine games. He also failed to find the end zone for the first time in his six-year NFL tenure.

FA Rumors: Upshaw, Cowboys, Hall, Dansby, Mays

March 16th, 2016 at 10:00pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Free agent linebacker Courtney Upshaw will meet with the Jets on Thursday, reports Peter Schrager of FOX Sports (on Twitter). Upshaw has made 64 straight regular-season appearances (51 starts) since Baltimore took him in the second round of the 2012 draft. The 26-year-old recorded 51 tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles last season. In terms of overall performance, Pro Football Focus ranked Upshaw 84th out of 110 qualifying edge defenders for his work during the 2015-16 campaign. He was an honorable mention on PFR’s Top 50 Free Agents list.

The latest on some other unsigned players around the NFL:

Linebacker Karlos Dansby, whom the Browns released Wednesday, would like to join the Cardinals, Bengals or Packers, writes Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “Yeah, I think the Bengals are licking their chops right now,” he said. “I hope they are. We’ll see what it is.” Notably, Dansby started his career in Arizona as a second-round pick in 2004 and piled up 25.5 sacks before leaving at the close of the 2009 season.
The Cowboys aren’t working toward a deal with Wednesday visitor Leon Hall, per Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Twitter link). The veteran cornerback has thus far spent his entire career with the Bengals since they chose him in the first round of the 2007 draft. Hall started in four of 14 appearances last season, picked off two passes, and graded as Pro Football Focus’ 33rd-best corner (111 qualifiers). Like Upshaw, Hall also earned an honorable mention from PFR before free agency.
Even though Hall to the Cowboys doesn’t exactly appear imminent, they are working on a deal with restricted free agent Benson Mayowa, tweets Rand Getlin of NFL.com. The Raiders gave Mayowa, a defensive end, an original-round tender. As a former undrafted free agent, that means they won’t get any compensation for him if they decide against matching a hypothetical offer. Mayowa, 25 in August, has accrued 30 appearances (three starts) and two sacks during his three-year career.
The Bengals “have made good progress” on a contract with Taylor Mays, writes Geoff Hobson of their official website. Mays is scheduled to miss the first four games of next season because of a suspension. Nevertheless, Cincinnati wants him back as a nickel linebacker to replace Emmanuel Lamur – who signed with the Vikings – Hobson notes. Mays spent 2011-14 with the Bengals before joining the Raiders last season.
Linebacker O’Brien Schofield took to social media Wednesday to discuss his future. “By no means have I counted the Falcons out but I’m waiting for the right opportunity for my family and I. It’s a business so I’m patient,” Schofield tweeted. The 28-year-old signed with Atlanta last offseason and then made 30 tackles and two sacks in 16 appearances (11 starts). Schofield said last week that he and the Falcons “aren’t seeing eye-to-eye on a contract.”

Latest On O’Brien Schofield

March 10th, 2016 at 1:47pm CST by Zachary Links

THURSDAY, 1:47pm: “I would love to be back in Atlanta. [I] thought I did some good things. We aren’t seeing eye-to-eye on a contract,” Schofield told Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (on Twitter).

Meanwhile, Schofield says (Twitter link) that the Dolphins, Cowboys, and Seahawks have made preliminary inquiries on him.

TUESDAY, 10:54am: The Falcons and outside linebacker/defensive end O’Brien Schofield are working together on a deal, but Schofield also is generating interest from a trio of rival teams, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com writes. The Cowboys, Bears, and Titans have also expressed interest in adding the veteran.

When speaking to the media late last month, Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said that he’d like to Schofield re-signed this offseason. Schofield, 29 in April, appeared in all 16 games for the Falcons last season and made 11 starts. In total, he racked up 28 tackles and 2.0 sacks with 1 forced fumble.

The advanced metrics at Pro Football Focus (subscription required) weren’t necessarily enamored with Schofield’s play last season. Schofield earned a 69.0 overall grade, placing him as the No. 71 edge defender in the NFL last season. That ranking did, however, place him ahead of fellow free agents Kroy Biermann, Calvin Pace, and Darryl Tapp.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

NFC Notes: Cousins, Reiff, Falcons, Floyd

February 24th, 2016 at 3:49pm CST by Luke Adams

As noted earlier this afternoon, Washington‘s Scot McCloughan wasn’t on today’s schedule of general managers or head coaches to hold formal press conferences at the combine in Indianapolis. However, he did speak to the media about his team’s contract talks with quarterback Kirk Cousins.

While McCloughan didn’t go into specifics, he said that he has met with Cousins’ agent face-to-face this week, describing the sit-down as “very positive,” per Mike Jones of the Washington Post (Twitter link). According to McCloughan, conversations are going on “every day” between the two sides, and he remains optimistic that something will get done (Twitter link).

Let’s round up several more of the latest GM and head coach comments from the combine in Indianapolis, with a focus on NFC teams….

Lions tackle Riley Reiff is currently set to earn an $8.07MM salary for 2016, and while that money isn’t yet guaranteed, Reiff won’t be going anywhere, GM Bob Quinn said today (Twitter link via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press). It’s not clear yet what position Reiff will play next season, but he’ll be a Lion.
Speaking to the media today, Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said that he’d like to see defensive free agents Adrian Clayborn and O’Brien Schofield re-signed, and added that no veterans besides Paul Soliai have been approached about restructuring their contracts (Twitter links via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and ESPN’s Vaughn McClure).
There’s no new deal imminent for Michael Floyd, but GM Steve Keim had plenty of praise for the Cardinals wideout, as Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com details. Floyd is extension-eligible but still has one year left on his rookie contract, so Arizona doesn’t have to get anything done right away.
Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman confirmed today that wide receiver Kevin Norwood met the conditions of the trade Carolina made with Seattle prior to the 2015 season, so the Seahawks will receive the Panthers‘ seventh-round pick in 2017, tweets Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer.
Despite a fairly sizable cap hit for 2016, Vikings defensive end Brian Robison sounds like a good bet to remain on Minnesota’s roster based on comments made today by GM Rick Spielman, says Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune.

Falcons To Sign O’Brien Schofield

March 12th, 2015 at 4:53pm CST by Zachary Links

The Falcons have agreed to terms with linebacker O’Brien Schofield, according to Jay Adams of AtlantaFalcons.com (via Twitter). Schofield had been drawing interest from a number of teams, but it appears that he has decided to follow his former defensive coordinator to Atlanta.

On Wednesday, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter learned from Schofield‘s agent that four teams were trying to sign him. Schofield, coming off of a solid year with the Seahawks, has been ticketed for Atlanta for some time thanks to his relationship with Dan Quinn. Schofield recorded 25 total tackles and two sacks last season with the Seahawks and played in all 16 regular season games.

Last offseason, Schofield reached an agreement with the Giants on a two-year contract worth a reported $8MM right after free agency opened, but the deal fell apart when he took a physical. After a strong year in Seattle, he wound up being rather thankful for that occurrence.

“I look at it now, and it probably was one of the bigger blessings of my career because I got the chance to work with this group of guys and these coaches again,’’ the 27-year-old (28 in April) said.

Now, with his deal in Atlanta, he’ll change zip codes but he’ll get to stay with a lot of the same faces.

NFC Rumors: Graham, Saints, Orakpo

March 11th, 2015 at 2:32pm CST by Luke Adams

Speaking to reporters today, Brandon Graham said he felt like there was only ever a “10% chance” that he’d sign with a team besides the Eagles (Twitter link). The Giants and Titans were known to be in the running for the free agent edge defender. More out of the NFC..

The Saints had some concerns about Jimmy Graham’s long-term health, and wanted to fortify their offensive line to keep Drew Brees upright, which resulted in their willingness to send the star tight end to the Seahawks, says Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link).
Brian Orakpo hasn’t completely closed the door on returning to Washington, but he’s prepared to “face the reality” that he could sign with another team this week, he tells Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (TwitLonger link). Visits with the Titans and Cardinals are up first for the free agent edge defender.
ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter has learned from O’Brien Schofield‘s agent that four teams are trying to sign him, according to Terry Blount of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Schofield, coming off of a solid year with the Seahawks, has been connected to the Falcons thanks to his connection with new head coach Dan Quinn.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

FA Rumors: Giants, Hardy, Ridley, Falcons

March 10th, 2015 at 8:24am CST by Luke Adams

With free agency set to open in a matter of hours, the Giants are zeroing in on a running back scheduled to his the open market later today, reports Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News. According to Vacchiano, the team is “very serious” about trying to sign Shane Vereen, with one source suggesting it’s possible a deal could get done shortly after the market opens at 3:00pm central time. The report echoes what we heard last night from Albert Breer of the NFL Network, who classified the Giants’ interest in Vereen as “significant.”

As we wait to see whether the Giants can get anything done with the longtime Patriot, let’s check in on a few more Tuesday morning free agency updates….

One general manager tells Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report (Twitter link) that at least six teams are interested in free agent pash rusher Greg Hardy. A Monday report indicated most potential suitors would like to hear what sort of discipline Hardy will face from the league following his legal issues before they make a bid.
The Vikings have inquired on free-agent-to-be Stevan Ridley, a source tells Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. However, Ridley would likely only be an option for Minnesota if Adrian Peterson doesn’t return.
Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com (Twitter link) believes O’Brien Schofield is the most likely free agent to sign with the Falcons. Schofield, an outside pass rusher, played for Dan Quinn‘s defense in Seattle.
Safety Ron Parker has been linked to a lot of teams within the past few days, so it’s no surprise that McClure says his price is getting pretty steep (Twitter link). It may be too expensive for the Falcons, who could look to re-sign Dwight Lowery instead, per McClure.
Safety Devin McCourty is no longer a free agent, having re-signed with the Patriots, but if he had reached the open market, the Eagles were one of three teams willing to offer him more than the $9.5MM per year New England gave him, tweets Albert Breer of the NFL Network.

NFC Links: Foles, Maclin, Seahawks, Bucs

January 31st, 2015 at 10:40am CST by Ben Levine

Nick Foles season ended prematurely, but the Eagles quarterback is confident heading into the offseason. In fact, he doesn’t only expect to be back with the Eagles in 2015, he expects to be the starting quarterback.

“My expectation is to be out there and be the starting guy,” Foles told Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com. “I expect to be out there with my teammates leading them. I’ve never thought otherwise throughout this whole time. I know there’s been a lot of things said, but the only thing I’m worried about is making myself the best player, the best person to help lead my team.”

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

Jeremy Maclin‘s future with the Eagles is uncertain, but the wideout sounded like he’d be interested in returning while talking with Jeff McLane of Philly.com. “I’m excited about what the future holds,” Maclin said on Friday. “Once again, both sides have made it known what we want to do. I think it will take care of itself.”
O’Brien Schofield‘s successful season with the Seahawks may have never happened if not for a failed physical with the Giants. “I look at it now, and it probably was one of the bigger blessings of my career because I got the chance to work with this group of guys and these coaches again,’’ Schofield told Paul Schwartz of the New York Post.
Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston has a fan in Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Brooks. The Buccaneers legend believes it would wise for Tampa Bay to select the former Heisman winner with the first-overall pick. “I believe he will show them his work ethic behind the scenes, as well as his knowledge of the game and the feel of the game,” Brooks told Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. “I do hope he impresses them enough to pick him.”

Seahawks Re-Sign O’Brien Schofield

May 2nd, 2014 at 5:09pm CST by Luke Adams

5:09pm: The Seahawks have officially announced their new deal with Schofield, along with their signing of A.J. Jefferson, tweets Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times.

12:52pm: The Seahawks will be bringing back another member of the defense that helped them win a Super Bowl three months ago, according to a tweet from O’Brien Schofield. “Hey 12th man, I’m coming back home one more year,” O’Brien announced on Twitter, suggesting that a deal to return to Seattle is in place.

Schofield, 27, reached an agreement with the Giants on a two-year contract worth a reported $8MM right after free agency opened, but the deal fell apart when he took a physical. Considering most free agents who have signed in the last few weeks are receiving minimum salary contracts, it’s unlikely that Schofield will come anywhere close to a base value of $8MM on his new deal. However, he reportedly passed a physical during an April visit with the Titans, so his health should no longer be a significant concern.

In 2013, Schofield appeared in 171 total defensive snaps, including 22 in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory. As a reserve defensive end and outside linebacker, the former fourth-round pick logged nine tackles and a sack.