HEADLINES

Sean Lee

NFC Notes: Lee, McCoy, Suh, Tanner

July 29th, 2014 at 9:59pm CST by Zachary Links

Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee is in the early stages of rehabilitation from a torn left ACL, but he’s already thinking about his future, writes Todd Archer of ESPN.com. “I think I’ll come back completely healthy,” Lee said. “Now, the question is, can I stay out there? That’s something that obviously I’m hopeful for and I’m going to do everything I can do to do that and control everything I can. But at the end of the day, there’s situations that you might not be able to avoid. I’m not going to stress too much about that end. I’m just going to do what I can do.” More from the NFC:

  • Bad news for Seahawks tight end Anthony McCoy as Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (on Twitter) hears from a source that he has torn his left Achilles. Last season, McCoy suffered a torn right Achilles and missed the entire season. In 2012, the 26-year-old’s last season on the field, he hauled in 18 receptions for 291 yards and three touchdowns while also spending time on special teams.
  • The Lions are postponing talks with Ndamukong Suh because they want him to be informed and sign a deal he’s happy with, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. It was reported yesterday that Detroit will table talks with the star defensive tackle until after the season.
  • Running back Phillip Tanner visited with the 49ers yesterday before ultimately signing with the Colts, tweets Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com. The 49ers have a new running back of their own in 27-year-old Alfonso Smith, who joined the club yesterday. San Francisco’s once-loaded RB stable is looking pretty banged up at the moment. backup Kendall Hunter tore his ACL, LaMichael James has a dislocated elbow, and Marcus Lattimore has multiple nagging injuries.
  • New Giants offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo is keeping the Big Blue’s defense on their toes in practice, writes Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. “Reps against the no-huddle does help going against the guys in Philly — their offense is very, very fast — and I think the Redskins, they do the same thing too,’’ cornerback Prince Amukamara said. “That’s only preparing us for the season.’’
  • Earlier tonight we recapped the Buccaneers‘ offseason.

Cowboys Acquire Rolando McClain, Place Sean Lee On IR

July 3rd, 2014 at 11:04am CST by Dallas Robinson

THURSDAY, 11:04am: The Cowboys’ official site has provided clarity on the draft picks potentially changing hands in this deal. Here are the details:

  • If McClain plays 50% or more of the Cowboys’ defensive snaps in 2014, the Ravens receive a 2015 sixth-round pick and the Cowboys receive a 2015 seventh-round pick.
  • If McClain doesn’t play 50% of the defensive snaps but is on the 53-man roster for five games or the 46-man roster for three games, the Cowboys will swap 2016 seventh-round picks with Baltimore, assuming Dallas’ pick is higher.
  • Otherwise, no picks will change hands.

WEDNESDAY, 4:59pm: According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), the Cowboys now say they sent a seventh-round pick to Baltimore in the McClain deal, and that the seventh-rounders going both ways are for 2016, rather than 2015.

9:35am: The sixth-round pick the Cowboys are including in the deal is conditional based on McClain’s playing time, says Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (via Twitter). It’s not clear what picks, if any, would change hands if McClain doesn’t play, but presumably the Ravens’ seventh-rounder wouldn’t go anywhere in that case either.

TUESDAY, 5:00pm: The Cowboys have acquired linebacker Rolando McClain and a 2015 seventh-round pick from the Ravens in exchange for a 2015 sixth-rounder, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN (via Twitter). In a corresponding roster move, Dallas has placed linebacker Sean Lee, who tore his ACL last month, on injured reserve, tweets ESPN.com’s Field Yates.

McClain, 24, was selected by the Raiders at pick No. 8 in the 2010 draft. After being released in April 2013, he signed with Baltimore, but retired a month later. In March of this year, he announced his intentions to return to the NFL, but retired a second time in April. He was once again reinstated from the reserve/retired list today. Over the course of three seasons, McClain has amassed 175 tackles and 6.5 sacks, while grading out positively each year per Pro Football Focus’ metrics (subscription required).

Dallas will assume the contract McClain signed with Baltimore, which pays him $700K in non-guaranteed base salary, and contains another $400K in incentives based on playing time, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (Twitter link). Provided he commits to playing out the season, McClain could be a worthwhile addition for the Cowboys, especially given the low cost to acquire him.

McClain will presumably compete with Justin Durant and fourth-round pick Anthony Hitchens to replace Lee at middle linebacker. Lee, who signed a six-year extension worth $42.6MM last August, has now suffered three ACL injuries (two on his left leg) in a six-year span.

NFC Notes: Jones, Rams, Cowboys, Nicks

June 9th, 2014 at 6:07pm CST by Matt Feminis

In a video interview with SI.com, Falcons receiver Julio Jones said he expects to sign a long-term contract extension before his rookie deal runs out. “I will not get to free agency,” said Jones. “They gave up a lot for me and they know how hard I work. They’re not going to let me go. And I love Atlanta, I love being here.” Jones also says teammate Roddy White, a free agent next year, wants to be in Atlanta three more years.

Here’s a few more NFC notes:

  • The Rams boast the league’s best front seven, while the Cowboys’ is the worst, according to Mike Tanier of Sports On Earth. On the Rams’ burgeoning front four (excluding first-round pick Aaron Donald), in particular, Tanier says, “Think of the Rams defensive line as starting each game with four three-and-outs that leave the opponent punting from about the 22-yard line, and you get a sense of their impact.”
  • Meanwhile, “The Cowboys lost DeMarcus Ware, Jason Hatcher and (in the saddest, most ridiculous minicamp story of the year) Sean Lee from a defense that allowed 2,056 rushing yards and recorded just 36 sacks last year,” writes Tanier. “Henry Melton arrives as a younger, more system-suited replacement for Hatcher, but everything else is a shambles. Bruce Carter, Justin Durant and DeVonte Holloman form the most anonymous linebacker corps in the league…And of course, the Cowboys are so cap-stressed that they wouldn’t be able to sign a veteran reinforcement, even if one becomes available this late in the offseason.”
  • Buccaneers veteran guard Carl Nicks‘ health status remains a question mark, writes ESPN’s Pat Yasinkas: “Nicks, who missed almost all of last season with a toe injury and a MRSA infection, previously has said he expects to be ready for training camp. But it remains to be seen if he still is on target. The team has been quiet about Nicks’ status.”
  • Seahawks pass rusher Bruce Irvin (hip) and running back Robert Turbin (knee) had off-season surgery, reports Bob Condotta in the Seattle Times.
  • The 49ers have approximately $6.4MM in cap space, probably enough to “extend a vet and have an emergency stash for the season,” according to ESPN’s Bill Williamson (via Twitter).

Extra Points: Cowboys, Lee, Gase, Hester

May 28th, 2014 at 10:43pm CST by Zachary Links

The Cowboys are considering all options to replace linebacker Sean Lee. Well, not all options. You can count out veteran London Fletcher, who says he’s retired, tweets Ed Werder of ESPN.com. Besides, as Werder notes, his fans in Washington D.C. wouldn’t be too pleased with him if he went to Dallas. More from around the league..

  • The union has been looking into the injury suffered by Lee, but there likely won’t be much said about the team’s role in it, writes FOX Sports’ Mike Garafolo. In theory, the union could charge the team with neglect if there were a clear, objective violation like the OTAs running longer than the allotted 90 minutes.
  • Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com runs down his list of top coordinators on the rise and the Broncos‘ Adam Gase is at the top. The OC has been the NFL’s “it” guy for some time and even though it’ll be hard for his offense to replicate last season’s performance, he still figures to have tons of options in 2015.
  • Newcomer Devin Hester is expected to give the Falcons‘ special teams a big boost, writes D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I think that one thing that I really enjoy at this point in time is the way he’s approaching it,” special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong said. “He’s approaching it like a pro. He’s not approaching it like, ‘hey, I’ve been there before.’ He knows and understands that this is a different team, and he’s working his tail off.”

Cowboys Rumors: Bryant, Lee, Hitchens

May 28th, 2014 at 11:49am CST by Luke Adams

Many of the league’s top wide receivers – including Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall, Larry Fitzgerald, and Vincent Jackson – have signed deals in recent years that average at least $10MM and exceed $20MM in total guarantees. While Dez Bryant didn’t cite specific figures, he suggested to Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com that he thinks his next contract should reflect his place among the NFL’s best wideouts.

“Yeah, I deserve it,” Bryant said of a long-term extension. “I deserve it. I feel like I do. I put the work in, but I let that kind of stuff take care of itself. It is what it is. I let my agent talk about it and give me some feedback.”

According to Bryant, agent Eugene Parker has already engaged in preliminary talks with the Cowboys about a multiyear extension. The standout receiver is slated to earn a base salary of $1.78MM along with $250K in workout bonuses in 2014, the final year of his rookie contract.

Let’s check out a few more Cowboys items….

  • Would Bryant accept a hometown discount to remain in Dallas? He was somewhat noncommittal in his conversation with MacMahon: “I’m loyal to the squad. I’ve always been. Me and my agent are going to talk about [a hometown discount]. We’ll talk about it. You know, this is big. This is life-changing. Like I said, I’ve done everything asked of me, and we’ll see what happens.”
  • In a chat with readers at the Dallas Morning News, columnist Rick Gosselin pointed out that the next contracts for Bryant and offensive tackle Tyron Smith will likely be the biggest deals of their respective careers, so it’s not fair to expect them to accept discounts. Still, Gosselin expects Dallas to keep both players around, since they’re the “shining stars in [Jerry Jones‘] draft legacy.”
  • The silver lining in the news of Sean Lee‘s torn ACL is that the linebacker didn’t tear any other ligaments in his knee, says Albert Breer of the NFL Network (Twitter links). That means Lee can likely have surgery sooner, which advances the timetable for his recovery.
  • As the Cowboys consider options to replace Lee, rookie linebacker Anthony Hitchens admits that he may not be ready to immediately step up into the starting lineup (link via DallasCowboys.com). “It’s going to take time,” Hitchens said. “I’ve still got to get everything down. If we had a game tomorrow, no, but it’s a good thing we don’t. I have time to get better.”

Latest On Cowboys, Sean Lee’s Injury

May 27th, 2014 at 9:08pm CST by Zachary Links

OTAs are supposed to be non-contact, but it appears that no one told Cowboys first-round pick Zack Martin. The offensive guard out of Notre Dame collided with middle linebacker Sean Lee earlier today and the veteran suffered a potentially season-ending left knee injury. Footage from NFL Network shows the unfortunate play, but Ed Werder of ESPN.com (on Twitter) hears that Lee’s knee gave out before there was contact. In any event, the Cowboys will have a serious void to fill if Lee is out for an extended period of time. Here’s the latest out of Dallas..

  • There’s no official word from the Cowboys yet, but league sources say Lee’s MRI confirms a torn ACL in his left knee which would cost him the 2014 season, tweets Ed Werder of ESPN.com.
  • Contractually, there’s a lot on the line for the Cowboys and Sean Lee, writes Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com. The Cowboys gave Lee a $10MM signing bunus and guaranteed him $16MM, but they gave themselves some injury protection. The six-year deal has a maximum value of $51MM, but he’ll earn closer to $42MM if he can’t play in 80% of the team’s snaps in the coming years.
  • After Lee went down, ESPN.com’s Calvin Watkins ran down Dallas’ potential options for replacing him. Looking in-house, the Cowboys have fourth-round pick Anthony Hitchens and sophomore DeVonte Holloman to plug the hole. There are also options in free agency, including Ernie Sims, Rocky McIntosh, and Jonathan Vilma.
  • If Lee is done for the year, Mike Chappell of the Indy Star (on Twitter) wonders aloud if the Cowboys could consider ex-Colts linebacker Pat Angerer. The last bit of news we heard on Angerer came in early April when he said that he had interest from several teams but wanted to make sure he’s 100% before taking free agent workouts.

NFC Notes: Seahawks, Bryant, Rice, Harbaugh

March 3rd, 2014 at 9:44pm CST by Peter Sowards

The Super Bowl champion Seahawks debuted their season highlights tonight, and coach Pete Carroll left the door open on a possible return of two recently released players, defensive lineman Red Bryant and receiver Sidney Rice.

“Maybe we have a chance to get them back,” Carroll said via Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times. “Maybe we don’t. We’ll have to wait and see.”

The two were slated to earn a combined $17MM in 2014 before receiving the ax.

Other notes from the NFC…

  • 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh addressed rumors he will leave the team after next season. “No,” Harbaugh told SI.com’s Michael Rosenberg. “Zero opportunity or chance of that in my mind.” Harbaugh flatly denied the assertions that he wants more money and power, and he spoke of the respect shared between himself and GM Trent Baalke.
  • Cowboys quarterback Kyle Orton is set to earn $3.25MM in 2014, but the team still doesn’t if he plans on playing, according to ESPNDallas.com’s Todd Archer. Orton would have to repay $3MM of the $5MM signing bonus he received in 2012, so signs point to his return, but no declarative statement has been made.
  • Attempting to ease cap woes, the Cowboys converted base salary to bonus money for cornerback Orlando Scandrick and Sean Lee, per FOX Sports 1 NFL insider Mike Garafolo (Twitter link). This type of conversion lowers a cap number by spreading the hit over the length of the contract. Garafolo continued, saying the team will continue to rework contracts, and that Scandrick had $3.75MM converted. Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram tweets that Dallas created $4.75MM in space with Lee and $8.5MM total.
  • With a $6.75MM salary and $11.3MM cap number in 2014, Giants offensive lineman Chris Snee reiterated his willingness to take a pay cut and “mentor the young guys,” from ESPN Giants reporter Dan Graziano.

Fitzgerald On ‘Boys Cap: “Really No Escape”

February 8th, 2014 at 1:32pm CST by Matt Feminis

OverTheCap.com editor Jason Fitzgerald joined the Pro Football Focus podcast (listen here) to discuss NFC salary cap situations. A chunk of the two-hour chat was focused on the Cowboys, as Fitzgerald details the team’s current woes and paints an even bleaker future. Highlights:

      • The Cowboys are currently $24MM over the salary cap.
      • The contracts of Tony Romo and Sean Lee were designed to be restructured, and doing so will bring the excess number down to $13MM or $14MM. “From there, they’ll do what they always do,” said Fitzgerald.“They will restructure, restructure, restructure every player on the roster, they’ll convert base salaries to signing bonus money. In some cases, they’ll add voidable contract years, which essentially are ‘dummy’ years thrown on to the end of the contract just for salary cap purposes to let you lower the cost down, and then at some point in time when their contracts void – automatically – that money will all just accelerate onto the cap in two years from now, three years from now.”
      • The team does not have prime candidates to cut for short-term cap relief.
      • Fitgerald also criticized the team’s reluctance to cut the chord with high-priced veterans:“They’re the one team that does not have willingness to let go from anyone they consider like a star player. You saw that last year with Anthony Spencer, that, really, they’re making a transition in defense, they have salary cap problems – he’s a player they really should have let walk. Instead, they franchised him for the second year in a row and they just can’t let go. . .And then he got hurt and never played a down, really, for them. This is what happens, is you have a roster like this which is just incredibly high cap charges for everybody on the team and really no escape.”
      • Defensive end DeMarcus Ware, who will be 32, began to deteriorate last season, and the day is fast approaching when the team will have to address his exorbitant deal [$16MM cap hit in 2014, $17.5MM in 2015].“Do they restructure him?” asks Fitzgerald. “Which basically means you’re going to be stuck with DeMarcus Ware for a very long time, or do they do the smart thing, which is approach him with a pay cut?”
      • Fitzgerald believes if the Cowboys slap the franchise tag on defensive tackle Jason Hatcher and/or restructure Ware’s deal, it portends continued shortsighted spending, insinuating the team either will have refused to change or simply not learned its lesson.
      • The roster is littered with too many players on the wrong side of 30, and each restructured deal makes it more difficult to release players.
      • The Cowboys’ cap situation is “probably going to be much worse” next year, and Fitzgerald posits the team will eventually have to bite the bullet, a la the Oakland Raiders.“[The Cowboys are] going to have to have one year where they just hit that emergency button, dump a lot of guys, take a $50MM or $60MM “dead money” hit for one year and basically field an expansion roster.”
      • And oh by the way, Dez Bryant’s deal is up after 2014.