Paxton Lynch - Pro Football Rumors

AFC Rumors: Foster, Raiders, Brown, Lynch

March 28th, 2016 at 8:51pm CST by Zachary Links

Arian Foster won’t be signing with anyone, anytime soon, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (on Twitter) hears. The veteran tailback is looking to get completely healthy before he signs, which could mean late May or June. Foster will visit the Dolphins on Tuesday, but it’ll be a while before he puts pen to paper with the Fins or any other squad.

Here’s a look at the AFC:

The Raiders probably won’t make any more major expenditures, as Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com writes. “I’m never done,” Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie said last week on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “With all that money, we’re probably done with that big spending, yes, but there’s always ways to improve your roster. It doesn’t have to be a whole lot of big money players.”
The Browns visited today with Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch & Baylor wide receiver Corey Coleman, according to Tony Grossi of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
The Titans are set to host Florida safety Keanu Neal on a visit, according to Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com. Neal, who averaged nearly nine tackles per contest in 2015, could be in consideration for the team’s pick at No. 33 overall.
The Broncos are hosting LSU cornerback Rashard Robinson and Vanderbilt linebacker Stephen Weatherly on visits today, according to Mike Klis of 9NEWS (on Twitter).
Illinois State running back Marshaun Coprich worked out privately for the Colts on Monday, a source tells Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (on Twitter).
The Patriots have gathered a ton of intel on Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds, Tom E. Curran of CSNNE.com writes. The Annapolis star set the NCAA record for touchdowns with 88 and has drawn comparisons to Julian Edelman.

AFC Notes: Jets, Fitzpatrick, Chiefs, Pats, Colts

March 25th, 2016 at 10:58am CST by Zachary Links

When it comes to potentially re-signing Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Jets would like to do a contract containing incentives, but the quarterback’s camp has resisted that idea, a source tells Brian Costello of the New York Post.

That’s an interesting tidbit, since QB contracts that feature playing-time and performance incentives are often used for backups, not starters. Chase Daniel‘s deal with the Eagles is one such example, and – perhaps not coincidentally – it has been cited as a comparable for the Jets’ offer to Fitzpatrick. Daniel’s three-year contract has a base value of $21MM, with a max value of $36MM if he ends up starting and hitting incentives.

Here’s more from around the AFC:

Paxton Lynch has a Friday meeting lined up with the Chiefs, according to Chris Boyle of The Daytona Beach News-Journal (via Twitter). The Memphis product has met with other teams, including the Cowboys, who plan on getting an additional look at him between now and the draft.
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti pointed to pass rushers and cornerbacks as two types of players he’d like to see Baltimore continue to add this offseason, as Garrett Dowling of BaltimoreRavens.com outlines. Speaking specifically about pass rushers, Bisciotti offered: “We have to fill those spots with constant pressure. You need five pass rushers in the rotation.”
The Patriots worked out speedy UCLA receiver Devin Fuller earlier this week, and also have a private workout with University of Houston wideout Demarcus Ayers, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter links).
The signing of cornerback Patrick Robinson won’t necessarily be the last move the Colts make in free agency before the draft, writes Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star. As Holder notes, GM Ryan Grigson has said the team will “lay in the weeds,” monitoring the market to see if any ideal opportunities arise.
The Chargers met with former Buffalo tight end Matt Weiser this week, according to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego (on Twitter). The 6’4″, 245-pound athlete had the second most catches (63) of any tight end in the country last year. However, Weiser did not make the cut in Walter Football’s top 15 list of tight ends for the 2016 draft.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

NFC Rumors: Kelly, Eagles, Randle, Cowboys

March 23rd, 2016 at 10:06pm CST by Sam Robinson

Chip Kelly told Philadelphia-area media, including Jeff McLane of Philly.com, he didn’t communicate directly with Howie Roseman last season before being fired by the Eagles. The current 49ers coach said owner Jeffrey Lurie constructed an arrangement where the then-demoted Roseman sent messages to the then-empowered Kelly through player personnel VP Ed Marynowitz.

Kelly also asserted he didn’t control the contracts given to Byron Maxwell and DeMarco Murray, with the three-year Eagles coach telling media Roseman, who has since traded both players, constructed those deals.

“I wasn’t the personnel guy. I was in charge of the 90-man roster,” Kelly said. “But I didn’t negotiate and say this guy gets this amount of money and that guy gets that amount of money. And Ed was the one who ran our personnel department. That really fell on Ed’s shoulders in terms of how he handled everything. And Ed communicated with him all the time.

Here’s some more on the Eagles and news from some additional NFC teams.

Former Eagles first-round linebacker Marcus Smith will move to defensive end in Jim Schwartz‘s 4-3 scheme, Zach Berman of Philly.com reports. Doug Pederson told media, including Berman, his linebackers right now will consist of Mychal Kendricks on the weak side, Jordan Hicks in the middle and Nigel Bradham on the strong side.
The Vikings inquired about Rueben Randle early in free agency, Darren Wolfson of KSTP tweets, but no substantial interest materialized prior to Randle choosing to trek to Philadelphia.
The Giants, however, had no interest in re-signing Randle, Jordan Raanan of the Star-Ledger tweets. John Mara said last week the Giants were going to seek receiving help, but the market has been mostly raided in terms of notable first-time free agents. Veterans Roddy White, Marques Colston and Percy Harvin remain unsigned.
The Cowboys are expected meet with Paxton Lynch again before the draft after doing so in a productive meeting today, NFL.com’s Rand Getlin tweets. Dallas is allotted 30 visits with prospects.
Washington safety Kyshoen Jarrett‘s status is uncertain for this season, with Jay Gruden telling media — including JP Finlay of CSNMidAtlantic.com — he’s “very concerned” about the lack of strength in Jarrett’s shoulder presently. A key backup and part-time starter as a rookie last season, Jarrett was injured in Week 17 against the Cowboys.

Zach Links contributed to this report

Draft Rumors: Wentz, 49ers, Chargers, Titans

March 23rd, 2016 at 7:40pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here’s the latest on the incoming prospect pool and the interested teams.

Hue Jackson will attend Carson Wentz‘s pro day Thursday but won’t trek to Memphis to observe Paxton Lynch‘s due to the Browns being in “training mode” by the time Lynch throws for scouts April 6, according to ESPNCleveland.com’s Tony Grossi (on Twitter).
The 49ers have used some of their 30 permitted visits on several top prospects, including cornerbacks Eli Apple and Mackensie Alexander, Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee reports. Ole Miss first-round prospects Laquon Treadwell and Robert Nkemdiche are also among players the 49ers, who hold the No. 7 pick, has met with or plans to.
Toledo wide receiver Alonzo Russell will work out for the Cowboys after previously meeting with the Packers, Aaron Wilson of National Football Post reports. Russell totaled 13 touchdowns and more than 1,300 receiving yards during his junior and senior seasons.
Ex-Alabama cornerback/kick returner Cyrus Jones has a full itinerary, with visits with the Ravens, Eagles, Bills and Saints lined up, Wilson reports (on Twitter). Jones also has private workouts with the Buccaneers and Panthers scheduled, per Wilson.
Mississippi State tight end Darrion Hutcherson will visit the Chargers, per Wilson. The 6-foot-6, 260-pound Hutcherson played in 26 games for the Bulldogs, logging just six starts.
The Chargers are also set to meet with former Buffalo tackle John Kling, Wilson tweets. The 6-foot-7, 315-pound Bulls lineman played right and left tackle in his five years at the university.
The Titans plan to host Ohio State safety Vonn Bell on a workout, Terry McCormick of TitansInsider.com tweets. The 5-11, 205-pound early-entry safety made six interceptions as a sophomore in 2014 after joining the Buckeyes in 2013 as a five-star recruit.
Former Minnesota linebacker De’Vondre Campbell will visit the nearby professional franchise, with the Vikings summit on April 5-6, Darren Wolfson of KSTP tweets. A fifth-year senior, Campbell recorded 92 tackles for the Gophers while also registering a team-high four sacks last season.
The Colts are hosting former Arkansas linebacker Myke Tavarres, who transferred to Incarnate Word, on an April 7 visit, Wilson tweets.
The Buccaneers are set to host North Carolina Central defensive back Ryan Smith on a visit, Wilson reports (on Twitter).

NFC East Rumors: Coughlin, Giants, Cowboys

March 23rd, 2016 at 8:45am CST by Zachary Links

Earlier today, Washington coach Jay Gruden addressed reporters at the owners’ meetings. Now, we’ll take a look at the rest of the NFC East:

McAdoo was upbeat about the fact that Tom Coughlin is still around the building and said, “as long as Tom is around, he’s a resource and we’re going to welcome him,” (link via Dan Graziano of ESPN.com). He also said that he doesn’t anticipate things being awkward once Giants players start to show up.
Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said the Cowboys will work out Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch today in Orlando after leaving the owners meetings, as ESPN.com’s Todd Archer writes. The Cowboys will head to Ohio State to work out prospects on Friday.
When asked if he is going to call plays, McAdoo said it is a “possibility.” When asked if he likes to call plays, McAdoo said, “I LOVE calling plays,” Peter Schrager of FOX Sports tweets. Needless to say, it sounds like there’s a good possibility of the former offensive coordinator calling plays for the Giants in 2016.
Eagles coach Doug Pederson says he likes the fullback position and even though he doesn’t have a true fullback on the roster, he plans on looking at Trey Burton as an option, Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer tweets.
New Giants coach Ben McAdoo doesn’t seem committed to anyone at middle linebacker, Jordan Raanan of the Star-Ledger tweets. The Giants are still looking at draft prospects as well as free agency for options.

Draft Rumors: QBs, Treadwell, Nkemdiche

February 28th, 2016 at 9:28pm CST by Sam Robinson

If the Browns take the fast-rising Carson Wentz at No. 2, a longtime personnel executive informs Charles Robinson of Yahoo.com there’s a possibility three quarterbacks go off the board in the first seven picks.

This source believes Jared Goff falling to No. 4 would entice the Cowboys to select him and that the 49ers would be tempted to take Paxton Lynch at No. 7 to give a highly touted quarterback the chance to learn Chip Kelly‘s system from Day 1 as opposed to the veterans who were installed in Kelly’s offense in Philadelphia either after playing in Andy Reid‘s or another team’s attack.

Here’s the latest coming out of the prospect pool as the Combine winds down.

The notion Laquon Treadwell‘s more of a possession receiver has emerged at the Combine, Robinson reports. Some league personnel are wondering if the Ole Miss first-round prospect’s future is more of a No. 2 wideout and red zone-type threat than a high-ceiling No. 1 that teams take in the top half of the first round, where the early-entry receiver’s expected to be drafted.
Robert Nkemdiche‘s character concerns have caused the one-time No. 1 recruit in the country to be taken off of multiple teams’ draft boards. But Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net reports (on Twitter) the Ole Miss defensive lineman already has 15 visits arranged.
Teams will be concerned of potential nerve damage lingering for former potential No. 1 overall pick Jaylon Smith, Sal Maiorana of USA Today notes. But the Bills could be in play for the Notre Dame prospect if he falls to No. 19, with the team lacking a game-changing linebacker. Although Buffalo’s past taking a player not expected to contribute that season — Willis McGahee in 2003 — doesn’t apply too much here, Todd Gurley proved such a gamble can pay off.
Although Joey Bosa‘s Combine numbers were eerily similar to J.J. Watt‘s, the 20-year-old prospect underwhelmed with a 4.86 40-yard dash time. But the Browns are considering Bosa with their No. 2 pick, along with Wentz and Goff, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Bosa, who met with the Browns, was expected to run faster considering he’ll likely have to play linebacker in a 3-4 defense.

South Notes: Joeckel, Hasselbeck, Saints

February 28th, 2016 at 6:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Jaguars have not decided on whether or not to pick up Luke Joeckel‘s fifth-year option, Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union reports.

“It’s something we’re working through,” GM Dave Caldwell told media, including O’Halloran. “I know [the coaches] are going through all the film from last year and that will take the off-season and until the players come back. No decision has been made on that.”

Joeckel has not been what the Jaguars envisioned when they selected him No. 2 overall in 2013, and he turned in another underwhelming season in 2015, ranking at No. 50 on Pro Football Focus’ grades for tackles.

The Chiefs are facing a similar decision with 2013 No. 1 pick Eric Fisher in the tackle-rich draft, while the Eagles already extended their No. 4 pick, right tackle Lane Johnson, earlier this offseason. Last year, the cost for exercising fifth-year options on offensive linemen picked at Nos. 1-10 was $11.096MM.

O’Halloran theorizes the Jags are potentially waiting to see if Laremy Tunsil slips to them at No. 5. If not, he writes, the team will pick up Joeckel’s option. But if the Ole Miss prospect does somehow escape the top four picks, Jacksonville would be inclined to take him and pass on Joeckel’s 2017 season.

Here’s the latest from some of the league’s southernmost squads.

Caldwell told media the Jags aren’t far under the league’s salary floor, according to O’Halloran. With the CBA mandating teams spend 89% of their cash over a four-year period, the Jaguars and Raiders reside under that threshold for 2013-16. An Associated Press report on Feb. 4 placed the Jags at $28MM under this mark. Although the Jaguars have the most cap room in the league at $80.07MM, they have until the 2016 league year ends next March to reach the salary floor. “We haven’t [reached it], but we’re close,” Caldwell told media. “We don’t have to spend to the cap to get there. Trust me, we’ll have no issue getting to where we need to be.”
We heard earlier today the Colts will move away from Matt Hasselbeck as their backup quarterback. Financial discipline is at the root of this, according to Stephen Holder of the Indanapolis Star (Twitter links). Hasselbeck signed a one-year, $3MM deal to stay in Indianapolis last year and occupied $3.5MM and $3.75MM cap holds for the Colts in 2013 and ’14, respectively. Despite formerly signing a lucrative extension with the Bucs a few years ago before a career-altering swoon, Josh Freeman‘s only set to take up $760K of the Colts’ cap in 2016. The Colts will likely add additional inexpensive depth behind Andrew Luck, considering Freeman was playing in the Fall Experimental Football League last year.
The Saints met with Paxton Lynch at the Combine, Christopher Dabe of NOLA.com reports. Although the ex-Memphis quarterback seems to have fallen behind Jared Goff and Carson Wentz, he’s still considered a first-round prospect. Drew Brees has just one year remaining on his current contract and turned 37 in January, but as Dabe points out, the Saints used one of their 60 permitted prospect summits on Jameis Winston last year. The Saints remain committed to extending Brees’ contract.

Texans To Seek Quarterback Upgrade

February 11th, 2016 at 8:12pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Based largely on the strength of their defense, the Texans were able to earn a playoff berth last season, winning the AFC South before losing to the Chiefs in the Wild Card round. But the club knows it can only go so far with mediocre play at quarterback, and owner Bob McNair indicated today that Houston will look to upgrade the position this offseason.

“We need to have reliable play at quarterback,” McNair told Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “We don’t need a superstar there, but it needs to be reliable play that won’t take anything away from us.”

The Texans finished 24th in offensive DVOA last season, and while it’s hard to place all the blame for that ranking on the shoulders of Brian Hoyer (and in fact, Houston’s passing attack actually rated better in DVOA than did its running game), there’s no question that Hoyer can be improved upon. Given that the Texans’ defense ranked eighth in DVOA, the club is likely to contend for the division once again in 2016, but they remain the proverbial “quarterback away” from becoming a legitimate threat.

But it should be noted Hoyer wasn’t awful last season, as he completed about 61% of his passes for 17 touchdowns against just nine interceptions. That Houston DVOA rating isn’t all his fault, either, as he only started nine games — poor play from other quarterbacks (Ryan Mallett, T.J. Yates, Brandon Weeden) helped drive that rating down, as well. But Hoyer did finish 20th in Football Outsiders’ DYAR metric, so it’s hard to question that Texans looking for an upgrade, possibly through the draft.

“There are a number of quarterbacks out there, college quarterbacks coming out and I think we have a good chance at getting one of them,” McNair said. “There are four or five of them who look like they have enough talent and size and athletic ability. I don’t know any reason why we wouldn’t be able to do it.”

The Texans own the 22nd pick in the first round, so it’s hard to imagine them being in a position to select the top-rated quarterbacks in this year’s class — Cal’s Jared Goff, North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz, and Memphis’ Paxton Lynch. However, Wilson does report that Houston met with Wentz at the Senior Bowl, and have “made inquiries” into Lynch, and a trade up can’t be ruled out. Connor Cook of Michigan State and Christian Hackenberg of Penn State (Texans head coach Bill O’Brien‘s former charge) could both be available at pick No. 22.

If the Texans do draft a young quarterback, it’s possible that Hoyer will remain on the roster and act as something of a bridge quarterback, per Wilson. Hoyer, 30, is entering the second year of a two-year deal, and while he has a base salary of $4MM, none of it is guaranteed. Given that his gameday roster bonuses would also be cleared out, Hoyer’s release would save Houston nearly $5MM in cap pace.

McNair didn’t discuss the concept of targeting a quarterback in free agency or trade, but if that does end up being an avenue for the Texans, there are several intriguing options who might be available. On the open market, the Eagles’ Sam Bradford is not expected to franchise-tagged, but he could come at a hefty cost, likely $15MM+ yearly. The Broncos’ Brock Osweiler will likely replace Peyton Manning (though a bidding war for the fourth-year, and largely unproven, signal-caller would certainly be interesting) but Washington’s Robert Griffin III will be available after his club releases him (and we recently explored the idea of RG3 to Houston via our new Instagram account). One other, completely speculative on my part, option could be the Chiefs’ Chase Daniel, who has spent the past three seasons as a backup in Kansas City.

On the trade market, the Texans could conceivably inquire on 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who despite appearing to be a fit for Chip Kelly‘s new offense, is reportedly not happy with the club’s front office (and the feeling is mutual). Elsewhere, Houston could target a project like the Titan’s Zach Mettenberger, or sacrifice a (likely relatively high) draft choice for a backup like A.J. McCarron.

Extra Points: Combine, Draft, Colts, Browns

February 11th, 2016 at 5:51pm CST by Sam Robinson

The NFL announced the 332 participants who will perform at the NFL Scouting Combine, with potentially high-value quarterbacks Jared Goff, Paxton Lynch and Carson Wentz among the prospects invited.

These quarterbacks figure to be jostling for the right to either go No. 1 overall, in the event the Titans trade their pick, or be the first signal-caller off the board.

Despite coming from Division I-FCS North Dakota State, Wentz looks to be out front right now, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report hears (video link). The 6-foot-6 Wentz’s rise to this point comes from being the only quarterback scouts have seen throw since the season ended, Cole notes, with Wentz impressing the scouting armada at last month’s Senior Bowl.

Sources told Cole, however, younger QBs Goff and Lynch may have higher ceilings due to their age and potential for physical growth and calls this race a fluid situation.

Here’s more from Cole and others from around the league.

Although Ronnie Stanley rates as the top tackle prospect by many outlets, GMs and other NFL sources are questioning the Notre Dame lineman’s work ethic, Cole reports (video link). Stanley’s decision to train for the Combine in Las Vegas resides the crux of this concern, one GM told Cole.
The Colts rearranged their coaching staff, shifting multiple assistants to different position groups, Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star tweets. Jim Hostler will shift from coaching the wide receivers to coaching the tight ends this coming season, and Tim Berbenich will transition to the assistant quarterbacks coach job after he served as a defensive assistant last season.
The Browns adjusted their analytics-geared front office again on Thursday, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal. Former director of football research Ken Kovash will now assist new player personnel VP Andrew Berry in running the scouting department. Kevin Meers, a source tells cleveland.com (via Ulrich), will now lead the research department. Meers and Berry will report to new football operations VP Sashi Brown, who has final say on the 53-man roster, Ulrich reports. Meers, Berry, Brown and new chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta are all Harvard graduates.

Draft Notes: Quarterbacks, Smith, Clemson

January 16th, 2016 at 5:50pm CST by Sam Robinson

An AFC team’s scout revealed North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz rates as his team’s No. 1 quarterback in the 2016 draft class, Matt Miller of Bleacher Report writes.

Said team doesn’t expect the Division I-FCS national champion signal-caller to be on the board, however, when they select late in the first round.

Missing time due to injury this season, Wentz threw for 42 touchdown passes and 14 interceptions in his two years starting for the Bison.

Conversely, early-entry player Paxton Lynch did not impress one school’s scouting director, who told Miller, “Go watch him against any good team and tell me how he did. He’s overrated.”

In Mel Kiper Jr.’s first mock draft, the 6-foot-7 Lynch goes off the board at No. 15, with Wentz lasting until No. 22.

Here is some more about the upcoming draft class:

Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams announced he’d return for the 2016 season after fracturing his neck in a preseason accident. He would have rated as Miller’s No. 1 receiver in this class had he declared early. Miller also places Tigers defensive ends Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd among his top 25 prospects.
Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith‘s floor should be no lower than No. 18, an AFC scouting director tells NFL.com’s Albert Breer. The anonymous scouting director hasn’t seen any medical reports on Smith’s knee, recently repaired via reconstructive surgery, and how the early-entry linebacker’s medical evaluations go at the Scouting Combine next month will contribute to his placement, notes Breer, who adds the Irish’s top prospect would have gone in the top three or four picks had he not torn his ACL and MCL.
Another collegiate player with an ACL injury — Mississippi State corner Will Redmond — is also drawing attention from NFL scouts, per Breer. Redmond, who injured his knee in October, could be ready for the beginning of the season, and while he is now projected as a mid-round pick, he was garnering interest as potential first-rounder prior to his ACL tear.

Dallas Robinson contributed to this post.