Uncategorized - Pro Football Rumors

Extra Points: Rams, Jenkins, Hill, Eagles

September 30th, 2015 at 8:41pm CST by Zachary Links

The Rams are well below .500 under the regime of GM Les Snead and head coach Jeff Fisher and Bernie Miklasz of 101Sports.com isn’t giving them a pass. In the last four years, the Cardinals have turned themselves from a cellar dweller into a playoff team and St. Louis, Miklasz argues, should have been able to accomplish something similar. He notes that the Rams have invested 21 draft choices in the offense during the last four drafts – not to mention prominent free-agent signings and the Nick Foles deal – and yet the unit is sputtering in 2015. The Rams are 1-2 heading into this weekend and with upcoming road games against the Cardinals and the Packers, they could quickly fall to 1-4.

Here’s more from around the NFL..

It’s early but Bears defensive end Jarvis Jenkins just might proved to be the “steal” he predicted he would be in free agency, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune writes. Jenkins thought he would join the Cardinals in free agency until they inked Cory Redding and Corey Peters. Then, he thought the Jaguars would be his landing spot before they spent big on Jared Odrick. He wound up signing a partially-guaranteed minimum salary deal with Chicago and, so far, he’s more than earning his paycheck.
Seahawks defensive tackle Jordan Hill has been excellent so far in 2015 and Mike Florio of PFT (on Twitter) wonders if he’ll be the next guy that the Seahawks are going to have to find a way to pay. Hill, 24, has 11 tackles and one fumble recovery to his credit through three games. The advanced metrics at Pro Football Focus (subscription required) currently have him ranked as the 20th best defensive tackle in the NFL.
Eagles defensive end/outside linebacker Vinny Curry has left CAA Sports and is currently without an agent, Liz Mullen of Sports Business Journal tweets.

Extra Points: Manning, Wilkerson, Ivory, Texans

September 26th, 2015 at 9:25pm CST by Dallas Robinson

In his new book Brady vs. Manning, Gary Myers of the New York Daily News recounts the sequence of events that led to Peyton Manning eventually leaving the Colts following the 2011 season, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Per former Indianapolis GM Bill Polian, the Colts had little to no contact with Manning due to the ongoing lockout, and therefore believed he’d be ready to play following neck surgery. In turn, they didn’t use a draft pick on a quarterback such as Colin Kaepernick or Andy Dalton — either of whom likely would have allowed the Colts to finish better than their 2-14 record.

Also from Myers, Polian says he was willing to carry both Manning and Andrew Luck on the roster, similar to what the Packers did with Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. However, Colts owner Jim Irsay was adamant that the club couldn’t pay both QBs, so Manning was eventually released.

Here’s more from around the league…

The Jets and defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson are at a stalemate in contract talks, but that standstill could actually help New York land a franchise quarterback, writes Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. The Jets could slap the non-exclusive franchise tag on Wilkerson next season (at a value of around $16MM), and then trade him, potentially for a pick in the top 10, opines Mehta. Other clubs have made similar moves in the past: the Chiefs with Jared Allen in 2008, the Packers with Corey Williams the same year, and the Patriots with Matt Cassel in 2009.
A bit more pressing Jets news: running back Chris Ivory believes he’ll be able to play tomorrow against the Eagles, tweets Mehta. However, he will have to prove to both the coaching staff and the club’s medical personnel that he’s able to go.
The NFL will take a look at the rule that awards possession of the ball to the defense following an offensive fumble through the end zone (as happened with Matt Jones and Washington during Thursday night’s game), per Florio at PFT. NFL VP of officiating Dean Blandino tweeted that giving the ball back to the offense at the spot of the fumble “has merit.”
The Texans have yet to make a transaction after placing Jeff Adams on injured reserve earlier today, meaning they still only have 52 players on their roster, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). Presumably, they’ll make a move before tomorrow’s game against the Buccaneers.

Extra Points: Suh, Brent, London, Cooley

September 24th, 2015 at 9:07pm CST by Zachary Links

A report earlier this week suggested that high-priced Dolphins free agent pickup Ndamukong Suh “freelanced” during the club’s loss to the Jaguars, ignoring defensive play calls. Meanwhile, both Suh and coach Joe Philbin say there’s no truth to that, as Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News writes. However, Suh is quick to admit that he isn’t satisfied with the way he has played through the team’s first two games.

“Still not quite where I want it to be,” he said of his performance. “Fundamentally, I just have to get back into the sync of things and that’s what practice is for, getting with the coaches and understanding my mistakes that I’ve made.”

Here’s more from around the NFL..

The Cowboys have hired former defensive tackle Josh Brent to work for them in the scouting department, as Clarence Hill of the Star-Telegram tweets. Brent, 27, returned to the Cowboys in November 2014 after serving a 10-game suspension which stemmed from a car accident that resulted in the death of his teammate Jerry Brown in December of 2012. In May of this year he announced his retirement.
The NFL says it would put a full-time franchise in London only once all operational issues are worked out and the league is sure the team would be competitive, as Stephen Wilson of The Associated Press writes. Mark Waller, executive vice president of the NFL’s international division, said there is no time frame for possibly placing a team in London, adding that a decision will come “when we’re ready.” On Wednesday, the mayor of London tweeted that he was optimistic about getting the NFL to the city in the next few years.
Tight end Chris Cooley insisted to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (on Twitter) that he is still looking to return to football. La Canfora added that Cooley appears to be in good shape.

Extra Points: Jack, Johnny Football, Bucs

September 23rd, 2015 at 9:26pm CST by Zachary Links

Two-way UCLA star Myles Jack has a $5MM insurance policy that pays out if he’s not a first-round pick, Matt Miller of Bleacher Report tweets. Jack, who is done for the season after suffering a torn meniscus, might have an easier time entering the draft this year with that financial security backing him. Prior to the injury, Jack was widely considered to be a top ten prospect. Now, his stock is very much up in the air. Here’s more from around the NFL..

When asked if he’s still the team’s quarterback of the future, Johnny Manziel said, “From everything I’ve heard, whether it’s our GM or owner, that’s still the case [as] far as I know,” according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer (on Twitter). On Wednesday, the Browns announced that Josh McCown will resume his duties as starting quarterback in Week 3 against the Raiders.
The Buccaneers tried out cornerback Tay Glover-Wright, wide receiver Donatella Luckett, defensive back Ryan Murphy, wide receiver Evan Spencer, and safety Pierre Warren, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle tweets.
Jordan Raanan of the Star-Ledger (on Twitter) wouldn’t be surprised if cornerback Josh Gordy resurfaces with another team this year. The Giants cut the cornerback from IR with an injury settlement on Wednesday.

South Notes: Colts, Brees, Falcons

September 21st, 2015 at 8:22pm CST by Zachary Links

Joel Corry of CBSSports.com wonders if the potential for a Colts title run has been squandered. GM Ryan Grigson hit a home run with the 2012 rookie class, but he whiffed pretty badly in 2013. Making matters worse, Grigson also traded his 2014 first-round choice to the Browns for Trent Richardson in 2013, a deal that turned out to be a complete disaster. The 2013 free agent class was also pretty iffy. Overall, Corry concludes that the Colts will have to capitalize in the draft like they did in 2012 if they intend to make a run at the championship.

Here’s more from the South divisions as the Colts take on the Jets..

If Drew Brees is to miss extensive time, it should push the Saints towards the rebuilding effort they have avoided the last few years, Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap opines. If Brees’ injury does cost him several weeks of play, Fitzgerald wonders if this could even be the last we’ll see of the veteran in black and gold. New Orleans already has $14MM in dead money committed to 2016 despite a league high in $30MM this season. With a $27.4MM salary cap hit, one has to wonder if Brees will fit into the team’s plans.
The Saints tried out defensive ends Gerald Rivers and Josh Shirley and linebacker Trevardo Williams, Katherine Terrell of The Times-Picayune tweets.
With or without Drew Brees, Saints need to ground their offense, Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune writes.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn may be saying a lot of the same things as his predecessor, but he has given the team a new voice, Mark Bradley of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes.

Sunday Roundup: Bryant, Chancellor, Broncos

September 20th, 2015 at 10:27pm CST by Rob DiRe

Cowboys dynamic receiver Dez Bryant has a very unclear timeline for his return. Initial reports had him returning in 4-6 weeks, while subsequent stories suggested he could miss as many as 10 or 12 games due to his foot injury. However, amidst these conflicting reports, Bryant himself chose to weigh in on these reports via his personal Twitter account.

“Whenever the media can’t talk to me, reports get made like this,” Bryant tweeted. “10 to 12 weeks… we will just see how long I’m out lol. Go cowboys!!”

Here’s more from around the NFL:

Seahawks general manager John Schneider can sleep a little easier while holding strong in his stance against renegotiating Kam Chancellor‘s contract. Owner Paul Allen supports Schneider in this standoff, reports Conor Orr of NFL.com. That is one less force pressuring the team to soften its stance on negotiations with the superstar safety.
The Broncos may be 2-0 after escaping with narrow wins against both Baltimore and Kansas City, but they have a big question at running back. Starter C.J. Anderson has been ineffective, and backup Ronnie Hillman has emerged as a potentially better option for Denver. Troy Renck and Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post argue about if and when the team should make a change.
Many fans were confused by how quickly the Texans switched from Brian Hoyer to Ryan Mallett after just one game. Kevin Patra of NFL.com passes on a few reasons, courtesy of reporting done by Ian Rapoport. Those reasons include the spark Mallett brought to the team, how he handled losing the starting job, eliminating negative plays, and simply looking for star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

North Notes: Beachum, Browns, Suggs

September 20th, 2015 at 12:41pm CST by Rory Parks

One of the more important contract situations that has not received a great deal of media attention is that of Steelers left tackle Kelvin Beachum. The former seventh-round selection from SMU started all 16 games for Pittsburgh last season and graded out as the fifth-best tackle in the league, per Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required). Beachum was particularly effective at pass-blocking, and it is no coincidence that Ben Roethlisberger and his arsenal of explosive weapons enjoyed an immensely successful 2014 campaign.

However, as Mark Kaboly of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review writes, the deadline for the Steelers and Beachum to come to a contract extension came and went last week, which means that Beachum will be eligible for unrestricted free agency in March. Beachum presents an interesting case, as he is the smallest starting left tackle in the league, but he has proven that he can be at least a capable starter, which is something that the Steelers have been seeking for a long time. Beachum understandably wants to be paid like one of the elite left tackles in the league, which would garner him a contract worth between $8MM and $13MM per year, but as Kaboly writes, “with the Steelers tight against the cap and Lawrence Timmons, Le’Veon Bell, Heath Miller and David DeCastro up for extensions next year, the Steelers simply can’t afford to pay Beachum market price.”

Now let’s take a look at some more links from the league’s north divisions:

Although Johnny Manziel is getting the chance to start for the Browns today, Josh McCown will reclaim the job when healthy, per Kevin Patra of NFL.com (citing NFL.com colleague Ian Rapoport). Cleveland brass is pleased with the progress Manziel has made thus far, but the Browns continue to believe that McCown, who won the job in training camp, represents the best chance for them to win.
Former NFL agent Joel Corry took a bit of a dig at the Browns this morning, tweeting that Cleveland appears to be a prime candidate to overpay for Bears WR Alshon Jeffery in free agency next offseason if Chicago does not put the franchise tag on Jeffery.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports tweets that Ravens LB Terrell Suggs, who is out for the season after tearing his ACL in the team’s Week 1 loss to Denver, is not even considering retirement. Suggs will begin rehabbing his injury shortly and fully intends to play in 2016.
Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune examines recent comments made by Cardinals GM Steve Keim regarding how he was able to effect such a quick turnaround in Arizona–specifically Keim’s belief in building through the draft and using free agency for short-term relief–and wonders if it is a model the Bears can realistically follow.

Free $100K Customer Appreciation NFL Contest At DraftKings

September 17th, 2015 at 9:47pm CST by Zachary Links

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NFC Notes: Saints, Novak, Bowers, Panthers

September 7th, 2015 at 9:45pm CST by Zachary Links

The Saints are set to audition former Chargers kicker Nick Novak, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (on Twitter). As La Canfora notes, the Saints could use a veteran kicker and the 34-year-old would fit the bill for them. Novak made 22-of-26 field goals last year and is only two years removed from his best campaign, making 34-of-37 kicks in 2013. He also hasn’t missed more than four kicks in a season since his first in San Diego.

Former Buccaneers defensive lineman Da’Quan Bowers will work out for the Panthers, according to a source who spoke with Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer. Bowers, a second-round pick in the 2010 NFL draft, was released by the Buccaneers over the weekend. In his four seasons with the Bucs, Bowers has totaled just seven sacks. Last year he had one sack in 11 games, including two starts.
In order for the Seahawks to get the Cowboys’ seventh-round pick in 2016, Christine Michael will have to be on the 46-man gameday roster three times this season, Todd Archer of ESPN.com writes. Michael came to the Cowboys over the weekend in a deal that will help strengthen up a group of running backs that includes Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden, and Lance Dunbar.
If quarterback Ryan Griffin wasn’t claimed by the Buccaneers this week, he would have wound up joining the Browns, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets. The Browns were the only other team to put a claim in on Griffin.
Lions GM Martin Mayhew said that he plans on signing a quarterback to the practice squad, Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com tweets. A signing could happen as soon as Tuesday.

Extra Points: Browns, Seahawks, Eagles, Bucs

September 5th, 2015 at 11:35am CST by Ben Levine

Some assorted notes from around the NFL…

The Browns are focused on adding a veteran running back via trade, waiver claim, or signing, reports Zac Jackson of ProFootballTalk.com. Besides the uncertainty surrounding the team’s current depth at the position, the team’s veterans have also told the coaching staff that an older player could be a good influence on the group.
Browns coach Mike Pettine told Jeff Schudel of The Morning Journal that it would require a “leap of faith” for former quarterback Terrelle Pryor to stick around. Pryor, who is attempting to make the squad as a wideout, has battled hamstring tightness through most of the preseason. “It’s a project to take a guy who’s played quarterback for the vast majority of his football career (and try to change his position),” Pettine said. “Even if he had stayed completely healthy, I don’t know if we would have all the results in, if we would feel 100 percent comfortable even if he had gone the whole time and not gotten injured. So certainly it would be a leap of faith.”
The Seahawks are exploring trades for veteran safeties, reports Conor Orr of NFL.com. Kam Chancellor is currently holding out for a new contract, and Earl Thomas is just returning from injury, so the club could use some depth at the position.
Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com says he’d be “really surprised” if the Eagles were finished making moves (Twitter link). He passes along that they’re “open for business” when it comes to discussing trades at “numerous” positions.
Buccaneers defensive end Larry English suffered a “significant” knee injury during the team’s preseason finale, and Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times says the team will be eyeing the waiver wire for defensive line reinforcement. Jacquies Smith and T.J. Fatinikun are also currently struggling with injuries.

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