Ryan Grant - Pro Football Rumors

Injury Updates: Patriots, Colts, Lions, Redskins

October 19th, 2018 at 9:36pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

The final injury reports for Week 7 came out earlier today, and there was a lot of news. Lots of key players will be missing their team’s games, while others will be returning after extended absence. One notable rule-out was the Patriots declaring that starting right tackle Marcus Cannon would miss their game against the Bears. It’s a big loss for New England, especially in a week where they have to go up against Khalil Mack. Mack will now be lining up across from a backup tackle, and could end up making life miserable for Tom Brady.

Here are more injury updates from around the league:

The Colts have been the most injured team in recent memory the past few weeks, but are finally getting some good news. Star receiver T.Y. Hilton has missed the past two games with a hamstring injury, but is ready to make his return this week. Unfortunately for Indianapolis, they’ll still be without tight end Jack Doyle and receiver Ryan Grant as well as several key contributors on defense like safety Clayton Geathers and defensive tackle Denico Autry.
The Lions will be without running back Theo Riddick, who went down during the team’s win over the Packers. Riddick has been operating as the Lions’ third down back, and rookie Kerryon Johnson should get more run with him out of the way. On the bright side, the team looks like it could be getting back pass-rusher Ezekiel Ansah, who hasn’t played since Detroit’s Week 1 loss. Ansah is listed as questionable but practiced all three days this week.
The Redskins will be thin on pass-catchers, as Jamison Crowder has been ruled out for the team’s game against the Cowboys while Paul Richardson is listed as doubtful. Washington promoted Jehu Chesson from the practice squad yesterday, signaling they weren’t expecting Richardson to play. Tight end Jordan Reed should see a ton of looks as the Redskins’ receiving corp is completely depleted.

For a rundown of every team’s injury situation, you can view all 32 injury reports over at ProFootballTalk.com.

Colts HC, GM Discuss Team’s Free Agent Signings

March 31st, 2018 at 11:13am CST by Ben Levine

The Colts have been relatively quiet this offseason. The team did acquire a haul when they traded off the third-overall pick, but they haven’t made many big splashes via free agency.

However, the team has added four notable unrestricted free agents, and head coach Frank Reich and general manager Chris Ballard talked with Stephen Holder of IndyStar.com about the transactions. We’ve highlighted some of the notable soundbites below:

On wideout Ryan Grant, who signed a one-year, $5MM deal with the team:

Reich: “I did a little homework on him even after we signed him and talked to a couple coaches who coached him and guys who played with him. I talked to one guy who had definite inside information. He said, ‘This guy will run every inside route at full speed, no matter what. He works his butt off in practice.’ That’s the kind of player we’re looking for.”

On tight end Eric Ebron, who signed a two-year deal after being let go by the Lions:

Reich: “There is a lot of man coverage in this league — the league is going more and more man coverage — so, now you put an elite tight end on the backside, it’s like clearing it out for LeBron (James), or something, in basketball. Just get everybody on one side of the court and get this guy one-on-one. Well, that’s the analogy here. So, in football, get all the receivers on one side, get the back on the other side, and then just put the tight end back here and see what (the defense) does. And some teams will double him. And then (if) you get a linebacker, you get a safety, and if you get a tight end like Ebron — and even when they have a corner on him, you feel like it’s still a winning matchup, because of his size and catch radius.”

On veteran offensive guard Matt Slauson, who signed a one-year, $3MM deal:

Ballard: “We want our fans to know that we’re serious. Signing Matt Slauson was a good one for us. He’s a 32-year old. And his presence and what he’s going to bring to the O-line room, I don’t think you can put a price on. He’s the ultimate pro and he’s going to bring a level of toughness to that room that I think is going to be really good for everybody in it.”

On defensive lineman Denico Autry, who signed a three-year, $17.8MM deal ($6.5MM guaranteed):

Ballard: “I’d seen him (when I worked) in Kansas City. He’s a good player and he’s going to help our front. What you see is the defensive line is going to be one of the engines that drives us going forward. You need seven or eight guys that can get that done. And Autry is a good example. We think we got a good player at a fair market value for the player.”

Colts To Sign WR Ryan Grant

March 20th, 2018 at 11:13am CST by Zachary Links

Ryan Grant has agreed to sign with the Colts, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). It’s a one-year, $5MM deal for the wide receiver.

Presumably, Grant has passed the Colts’ physical, which he did not able to do with the Ravens. Grant had a four-year deal worth $29MM ($14.5MM guaranteed) in place with Baltimore, but the Ravens nullified the agreement when they found an issue with Grant’s ankle that dated back to the final game of the 2017 season.

It’s not uncommon for players to fail a physical evaluation with one team and pass a physical with another club. Grant’s ankle, apparently, did not deter the Colts and it did not deter the Raiders from showing interest in him either. There’s also the possibility that the Ravens simply found a way to bail on the Grant deal once Michael Crabtree became available.

As shown on Roster Resource, Grant currently projects to be the Colts’ No. 2 wide receiver behind star T.Y. Hilton. Indianapolis figures to further bolster that group, which also includes eight other receivers who are of the late-round and UDFA variety.

Grant had 45 catches for 573 yards and four touchdowns with the Redskins last year. Pro Football Focus ranked Grant just 57th out of 116 qualified NFL wide receivers.

Colts, WR Ryan Grant Nearing Deal

March 19th, 2018 at 10:33am CST by Zachary Links

[UPDATE: The Colts have agreed to sign Grant]

The Colts are nearing a deal with free agent wide receiver Ryan Grant, according to Mike Chappell ‏of CBS4 (on Twitter). The news was first reported by former NFL wide receiver James Jones (Twitter link), who appears to have a pipeline on signings as of late.

Grant agreed to a four-year deal with the Ravens on the first day of free agency, but that contract was voided due to a failed physical. The Ravens immediately signed fellow free agent wide receiver Michael Crabtree, so one has to wonder if Grant’s physical really raised red flags or if the Ravens simply jumped at an opportunity to add a more accomplished pass-catcher. For what it’s worth, Grant’s agent says there isn’t much of an issue.

“If there were a game tomorrow, Ryan would be able to play,” the agent said earlier this month.

Grant, a former fifth-round pick, broke out with 45 receptions for 573 yards and four touchdowns with Washington in 2017. The Raiders also met with Grant, but it appears that he is Indy-bound.

Raiders To Host WR Ryan Grant

March 17th, 2018 at 6:28pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Raiders are the next team up on receiver Ryan Grant‘s free agent tour, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).

Grant agreed to a four-year deal with the Ravens on the first day of the free agent period, but that contract was voided due to a failed physical. Baltimore immediately signed fellow free agent pass-catcher Michael Crabtree, leading to speculation that the Ravens aren’t being fully truthful about their assessment of Grant’s health.

Oakland cut Crabtree from its roster earlier this week, but added veteran wideout Jordy Nelson on a two-year deal. Fellow receiver Seth Roberts is also going to stick around in Oakland, as he received a $2MM roster bonus and saw his entire 2018 base salary become guaranteed today, tweets Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review Journal. Grant would join Crabtree, Roberts, Amari Cooper, Cordarrelle Patterson, and others in a suddenly crowded Raiders receiver room.

Grant, a former fifth-round pick, broke out with 45 receptions for 573 yards and four touchdowns with Washington in 2017. Pro Football Focus ultimately ranked Grant 57th among 116 NFL wide receivers. The Redskins had previously expressed interest in retaining Grant, so it’s possible a reunion can be forged, while Grant has also met with the Colts.

Ravens Notes: Crabtree, Ryan Grant, Free Agency

March 16th, 2018 at 8:54pm CST by Micah Powell

Baltimore made a big splash in free agency on Friday, signing veteran receiver Michael Crabtree a day after his release from the Raiders. The move potentially gives the team a go-to, possession receiver that it hasn’t had in a number of years.

Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said as much after the completion of the three-year deal worth up to $21MM. According to the Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec (Twitter link): “Michael has played very well against the Ravens, so we know firsthand the attributes he brings to the game. He is a smart, tough, physical receiver who battles for the ball.”

Newsome remembers well, as Crabtree has topped 80 yards in three out of four regular-season meetings with the Ravens and has posted five touchdowns. That included a three-score outing vs. the typically stingy defense in 2016.

Known for utilizing his big arm early in his career, quarterback Joe Flacco has worked closer to the line of scrimmage in recent years and has posted at least a 64% completion rate in each season in 2015. That is likely to continue with a reliable option like Crabtree joining the hold.

Here’s more from Baltimore:

Despite signing both John Brown and Crabtree, Newsome hasn’t ruled out a return to the fold for Mike Wallace and Michael Campanaro, ESPN’s Jamison Hensley tweets. According to Hensley, the team has been in contact with both receivers.
Newsome said the team would have pursued Crabtree regardless if the team signed Ryan Grant or not,” Zrebiec tweets. The team voided a contract with the former Redskins wideout after he failed a physical.
Sticking with Grant, Newsome said via Zrebiec on Twitter: “I did not get the results of Ryan’s physical until about 4 o’clock yesterday.” He said the team consulted with many doctors around the country. “It’s not a football decision. It’s a medical decision that I had no control over.”
Before news of the Crabtree signing hit, Newsome said the team could add two or three more quality football players, Zrebiec tweets. Recently, Pro Football Rumors listed Baltimore’s top three offseason needs and named adding receiver help, beefing up the pass rush and fortifying the secondary as the team’s top goals. It checked No. 1 off the board with the Crabtree move.

Colts To Meet With WR Ryan Grant

March 16th, 2018 at 10:20am CST by Zachary Links

Free agent wide receiver Ryan Grant is set to meet with the Colts, his agent tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Grant had an agreement to join the Ravens, but that deal was nullified on Thursday due to the results of his physical.

While the Ravens’ doctors were not comfortable with signing Grant, agent Rocky Arceneaux says that his ankle is a non-issue. Arceneaux says his client has been working out and running routes without any issue. Grant’s ankle was cleared by famed surgeon Dr. Robert Anderson, the agent says, and he insists his client is ready to rock.

“If there were a game tomorrow, Ryan would be able to play,” the agent said.

Grant had a breakout season in 2017, notching 45 receptions for 573 yards and four touchdowns with Washington. The Redskins previously expressed interest in retaining Grant, so that could be another possibility for him if a deal doesn’t come together with the Colts.

Ravens Void Deal With WR Ryan Grant

March 15th, 2018 at 5:30pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Ravens’ have voided their reported four-year agreement with wideout Ryan Grant according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter links). Baltimore found an issue with Grant’s ankle that dated back to the 2017 season finale, per Schefter.

Baltimore had been scheduled to give Grant $14.5MM in injury guarantees, meaning he would get that money if he were cut due to a serious health question mark. The Ravens, or Grant, apparently had no interest in working out a revised deal, and the 27-year-old will now be free to sign with another club.

With Grant out of the picture, the Ravens have moved quickly to set up a visit with veteran wideout Michael Crabtree. Crabtree, who was released by the Raiders earlier today following Oakland’s signing of Jordy Nelson, is scheduled to meet with Baltimore on Friday.

Grant, a former fifth-round pick, broke out with 45 receptions for 573 yards and four touchdowns with Washington in 2017. Pro Football Focus ultimately ranked Grant 57th among 116 NFL wide receivers. The Redskins had previously expressed interest in retaining Grant, so it’s possible a reunion can be forged.

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com was the first to report the Ravens had reached a snag with Grant after finding “something” in his physical (Twitter links). Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Ravens To Sign WR Ryan Grant

March 13th, 2018 at 7:39pm CST by Ben Levine

The Ravens are expected to sign free agent wideout Ryan Grant, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). It’s a four-year deal worth $29MM ($14.5MM guaranteed), and Grant will earn a $10MM signing bonus. This is the second receiver Baltimore has added today, as they agreed to a deal with free agent John Brown this evening.

With Mike Wallace hitting free agency and Jeremy Maclin being mentioned as a cap casualty, the Ravens have been seeking veteran additions at wide receiver. They certainly found an intriguing option in Grant, who had a breakout season in 2017. The former fifth-rounder finished the campaign with 45 receptions for 573 yards and four touchdowns. Pro Football Focus ultimately ranked Grant 57th among 116 cornerback candidates. The Redskins had previously expressed interest in retaining the wideout.

If Maclin is let go, Grant will likely slide behind Brown on the depth chart. The Ravens are also rostering Chris Moore and former first-rounder Breshad Perriman, among others.

NFC Notes: Seahawks, Richardson, Redskins, Bucs, Lions

February 19th, 2018 at 8:32pm CST by Micah Powell

With teams officially able to place the franchise tag on players beginning tomorrow, there is growing speculation that the Seahawks will use the option on defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, writes Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times.

Condotta cited a number of league insiders who believe the team is likely to use the tag due to the Seahawks paying a steep price to acquire him leading up to the 2017 season. Shortly before the 2017 campaign kicked off, Seattle sent wide receiver Jermaine Kearse and a second-round pick to the Jets in exchange for the fifth-year lineman.

With the Seahawks likely to have about $14 MM in cap space this offseason, they would likely need to rework some deals or extensions in order to afford the $14.5 MM tag the defensive tackle would command. In the piece, Eric Edholm of Pro Football Weekly said Richardson could be a transition-tag candidate, which would cost the Seahawks roughly $11.7 MM.

If the team doesn’t use the tag, it is likely to lose out on the impact defensive tackle. In January, it was reported the Richardson has a soft spot for the Jets and could land back with his former team.

Here’s more from around the NFC:

The Redskins are interested in re-signing receiver Ryan Grant, according to ESPN’s John Keim. In 2017, Grant posted career highs with 45 receptions for 573 yards and four touchdowns. Keim notes the team is expected to look for a speed wideout to pair with Josh Doctson on the outside. If the team brought back Grant, that would essentially relegate him to fourth-wideout duties.
The Lions plan to bring back tight end Eric Ebron, and unrestricted free agent Darren Fells and the team are not close to a contract extension, the Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett writes. Should Fells leave, which seems likely, Birkett says Michael Roberts is planning on playing a starter’s role in 2018. Ebron’s $8.25 MM deal becomes guaranteed on the first day of the new league year.
The Buccaneers are hiring Brentson Buckner as their new defensive lineman coach, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports (Twitter link). Buckner spent the last five seasons working with the Cardinals in the same position.