Tom Crabtree - Pro Football Rumors

Extra Points: Jets, Bush, Idonije, Hill

September 16th, 2014 at 10:01pm CST by Zachary Links

The Jets‘ erratic play is sending mixed signals, writes Brian Costello of the New York Post. Gang Green looked great in the first 20 minutes against the Packers and produced more than 400 yards of offense against the Raiders in their opener. However, they blew an 18-point lead against Green Bay and their mistakes allowed the Raiders to stay in the game for longer than they should have. Here’s more from around the league..

There are a number of notable NFL free agents auditioning for clubs around the league, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (Twitter links). The Redskins are working out running back Michael Bush, the Cardinals auditioned defensive end Israel Idonije, the Dolphins checked out Tom Crabtree, and the Lions are checking out linebacker Steve Beauharnais and cornerback Derek Cox.
The Ravens are cautiously optimistic when it comes to safety Will Hill‘s status under the new proposed drug policy, writes Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun. Hill is currently serving a six-game suspension for marijuana.
The Texans brought in defensive tackle Fred Evans for a workout, according to Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports (via Twitter).
Presuming the drug policy is pushed over the goal line, the NFL’s goal is to begin hGH testing by the end of the month, a source tells Albert Breer of the NFL Network (on Twitter).

NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Giants, Eagles

June 11th, 2014 at 4:43pm CST by Luke Adams

It took three years, but the Cowboys managed to turn a makeshift offensive line into one of the strengths of the roster, and should head into the 2014 season with a line that features three first-round picks, writes Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com. As Archer outlines, Dallas’ defensive line is beginning to undergo the same retooling process that the O-line did. While they added several low-cost veterans with plenty of upside and question marks, it may take multiple seasons for the Cowboys to count the defensive line among the club’s strengths.

Here’s more from around the NFC East:

Former Rutgers linebacker Jamal Merrell was expected to be among the players working out for the Giants today, according to Conor Orr of the Star-Ledger. Merrell was signed by the Titans after going undrafted last month, but only lasted about a week on the roster.
Tight end Tom Crabtree is among the veteran players auditioning for the Giants recently, but tweeted today that the team didn’t offer him a contract right away. “No luck with NYG (yet),” Crabtree wrote, hinting that perhaps an offer could come later. “Grateful for the opportunity.”
Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer takes a look at the safety situation for the Eagles, examining which players are expected to see the most snaps, and which ones may be in danger of not making the regular-season roster.

NFC Notes: Giants, Cassel, 49ers, Eagles

June 6th, 2014 at 12:04pm CST by Luke Adams

A former Packers tight end will work out for the Giants next week, but it’s not the player voted the best remaining free agent by PFR readers last month. Tom Crabtree, not Jermichael Finley, will audition for the Giants, a source tells Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger. Crabtree’s stint with the Buccaneers came to a premature end after an injury-plaged 2013 season, but the tight end is healthy now, according to Orr’s source. While the 28-year-old has never provided consistent production as a pass-catcher, he did make several big plays for the Packers in 2012, racking up 203 receiving yards and three TDs on just eight receptions.

Here’s more from around the NFC:

When Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner held the same job with the Browns a year ago, he wanted Cleveland to sign Matt Cassel. The Browns ultimately went with the cheaper Jason Campbell instead, but Turner will get his chance to work with Cassel in Minnesota this season, writes Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
In the view of Joel Corry of CBSSports.com, Colin Kaepernick‘s extension shouldn’t prevent the 49ers from locking up other key players, but it may create less margin for error in the club’s roster decisions.
In taking an in-depth look at the Eagles‘ quarterback situation, Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer explores how much Nick Foles may get paid on his next contract and suggests Mark Sanchez looks like the favorite for the No. 2 job over Matt Barkley.
Based on pre-draft assurances from head coach Jeff Fisher and GM Les Snead, Sam Bradford was able to brush off the Johnny Manziel rumors surrounding the Rams last month, as the quarterback tells Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Mike Tanier of Sports on Earth tries to make sense of the Panthers‘ moves over the last several months in his piece breaking down the team’s offseason.

Extra Points: Motta, Williams, West, Lewis-Moore, Steen

May 17th, 2014 at 12:53pm CST by Matt Feminis

“There appears to be some doubt about Atlanta Falcons safety Zeke Motta‘s playing status this season as he continues to recover from neck surgery,” writes ESPN’s Vaughn McClure. Motta underwent surgery in December to repair a cervical fracture, but he hasn’t been medically cleared and won’t be participating in the team’s offseason program. William Moore is entrenched at one safety spot, but with Motta out of the picture, that leaves Dwight Lowery, Kemal Ishmael and rookie fifth-rounder Dez Southward battling for the other position.