HEADLINES

Month: June 2014

AFC Notes: Carr, Sheard, Canty, Williams

June 14th, 2014 at 10:52am CST by Matt Feminis

Since being drafted last month, Raiders second-round quarterback Derek Carr has drawn continued praise. Now, offensive coordinator Greg Olson says the rookie might not need to “redshirt.” Olson spoke to Vic Tafur at sfgate.com, saying, “We are accelerating the learning curve of Derek Carr.”

Here’s some more AFC news and notes:

  • Earlier this week, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal tweeted that the Browns and 2015 free agent Jabaal Sheard have had preliminary talks on a long-term contract extension, then elaborated in article form. Entering the final year of his four-year, $5.1MM rookie deal, the 2011 second-rounder is poised for an impact (Read: productive) season and lucrative payday thanks to his projected role as the team’s primary pass rusher in Mike Pettine’s hybrid, attacking scheme.
  • Prompted by a fan question as part of a mailbag chat, ESPN’s Jamison Hensley addresses the possibility of Ravens veteran defensive lineman Chris Canty being cut at the end of training camp. “There’s no guarantee that defensive end Chris Canty makes this team,” says Hensley. “He was a disappointment last year, and the Ravens can create cap room by cutting him ($2 million this year and $2.6 million in 2015). The Ravens, though, need to make sure someone is ready to step up in his spot. Kapron Lewis-Moore and rookie Brent Urban are the ones who play Canty’s position, so they have to convince the Ravens in the preseason that they’re ready.”
  • Bills receiver Mike Williams, acquired from Tampa Bay for a sixth-round pick, does not have a “particular skill that he brings to the table that is different from the rest of the receiver group” and is not a lock to make the roster in the eyes of ESPN’s Mike Rodak.
  • Despite struggling last season, Derek Newton is the Texans’ starting right tackle, per Brian Smith of the Houston Chronicle.
  • The odds of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger starting all 16 games for the second consecutive season “aren’t good,” says Triblive.com’s Mark Kaboly, who examines the competition for the backup job between veteran Bruce Gradkowski and second-year pro Landry Jones.
  • Previewing the Dolphins upcoming minicamp, the Sun-Sentinel’s Omar Kelly hits on several roster notes, including competition for slot receiver reps, Koa Misi transitioning to inside linebacker and Dion Jordan‘s increased bulk and strength.

No Offer Yet For Demaryius Thomas?

June 14th, 2014 at 9:31am CST by Matt Feminis

Yesterday, word spread quickly that the Broncos had extended Demaryius Thomas a five-year contract offer, but this morning Pro Football Talk cites a source who says, “Nothing is going on” and an offer has not been made.

Mike Florio adds his spin on the situation, saying, “It’s possible that discussions have centered on structure or concepts or whatever, and that different interpretations can be applied to whether an actual offer was extended. Regardless, to the extent that the reports of a five-year offer suggest that a deal could be coming, there’s still a very, very long way to go.”

Chuck Noll Passes Away

June 13th, 2014 at 10:41pm CST by Rob DiRe

Steelers’ Hall of Fame head coach Chuck Noll passed away late Friday night, reports Jerry DiPaola of TribLive.com. Noll coached the team from 1969-1991, and won four Super Bowls, the most of any head coach in NFL history. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993. Noll was 82 years old.

Noll was under the care of a doctor for an undisclosed illness, according to DiPaola.

He died in his home in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, according to Lexi Belculfine of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He died of natural causes, according to the Allegheny County medical examiner’s office.

NFC Notes: Falcons, Redskins, Flowers

June 13th, 2014 at 10:05pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Falcons are still looking to free agency to solidify their roster, writes Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. After losing Sean Weatherspoon for the season, the team has considered Tim Dobbins, Jonathan Vilma, and Nick Barnett as possible replacements. They have also been linked to Brandon Flowers, who was cut earlier today.

Here are some other notes from around the NFC:

  • Redskins‘ backup guards Josh LeRibeus and Spencer Long have been switching between left guard and right guard, writes Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington.com. The reason for this, according to new head coach Jay Gruden, is position flexibility. “On gameday, we usually dress seven, sometimes eight linemen. Usually seven, so your sixth guy has to play center, [right] guard and [left] guard,” said Gruden. “So it’s very important that for guys to be flexible with what they do.”
  • The Redskins have also been working on their no-huddle offense, writes Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com. While the no-huddle offense was a point of frustration in 2013, Robert Griffin III is looking to lead an improved attack this season. “We did a little no huddle today, working that stuff in. We’ll be very multiple,” said Griffin. “We’ll figure out what we do best and that’s the process—continuing to do this, continuing to learn, getting the new guys and the rookies up to speed with the offense and even ourselves, continuing to master it.” 
  • The 49ers have prioritized improving the cornerback position this offseason, but Flowers may not be the answer, writes Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. The team has limited dollars to spend, and would have preferred a bigger player at the position.

Cowboys Notes: Linehan, Witten, Bryant

June 13th, 2014 at 8:54pm CST by Rob DiRe

Jason Witten spoke with KESN-FM 103.3 about his excitement at working with new offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, in an interview transcribed by DallasNews.com. Witten said although Linehan has a pass-happy reputation, he believes the team will have an improved ground game in 2014. “I think people sometimes think he gets pass-happy. I don’t think that’s the case. He just plays his personnel,” said Witten. “He’s added his wrinkles to our system we already had in place. Ultimately, it’s about us executing better, playing better.”

Here are some other notes from Dallas-Fort Worth:

  • Witten also described how his quarterback is going to bounce back from offseason surgery, expressing his supreme confidence in Tony Romo. “I understand there’s a lot of criticism and until you win that big game and compete for championships, when you play that position, that’s gonna come,” said Witten. “But he’s working really hard. He looks great. I know his mental mindset. I’ve been around him a long time. I think he’s gonna come back better than he has ever before and it’s going to be a great year for him and, hopefully, for our football team.”
  • Cowboy legend Drew Pearson was on NFL Network discussing how his team needs to sign Dez Bryant to an extension, writes Jon Machota of DallasNews.com. “He’s really improved the last two years, his numbers have improved, and just his overall game, his overall leadership responsibility with the football team,” said Pearson. “He is the most influential player on that team right now. He’s kind of like Michael Irvin was to the team in the 90s. Dez can be that type of leader on the field and off the field for the Cowboys.”
  • The Cowboys lost a lot of production on the defensive side of the ball, with the departure of DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher, writes Todd Archer of ESPN.com. They still have George Selvie, Anthony Spencer, Henry Melton, and Jeremy Mincey. However, those four players have exactly two eight-sack seasons in their respective careers. Hatcher had 11 in 2013, and Ware has hit double digits every year of his career except his rookie campaign and an injury plagued 2013. Ware had eight sacks as a rookie in 2005.
  • Cowboys’ corner B.W. Webb struggled as a rookie in 2013, and could fail to make the 53-man roster this season, writes Archer. Archer called the Webb the team’s fifth or sixth corner at best, and noted he would need a very good preseason to stick with the team.

Brandon Flowers Notes: 49ers, Titans, Chargers

June 13th, 2014 at 7:33pm CST by Ben Levine

By now, you’ve likely heard that Pro Bowl cornerback Brandon Flowers was cut by the Chiefs this afternoon. Earlier, Luke Adams compiled some rumors linking Flowers to potential new teams. Among the favorites were the Falcons and Redskins, with the Panthers, Jets, 49ers and Titans listed as having interest.

With such news, many writers were eager to give their take on whether Flowers would be a fit with their respective clubs. Let’s see what they had to say…

  • While the 49ers could certainly use a cornerback, ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson thinks it’s doubtful that they’ll be able to land Flowers. The writer believes the team will consider the player, but multiple factors – including the team’s need for more of a bruising, tall defensive back and the understanding that another team will be able to offer more money – may prevent the former Pro-Bowler from joining Jim Harbaugh‘s squad.
  • ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky spoke to a scout about Flowers and came away with the impression that the cornerback would not be a fit for the Titans. Flowers’ struggles playing man coverage last season may clash with the team’s desire to play more man in 2014. Furthermore, the writer believes the team would be just fine with the trio of Jason McCourty, Coty Sensabaugh and Blidi Wreh-Wilson.
  • When asked if the Chargers would consider Flowers, ESPN.com’s Eric D. Williams says that the team “has enough 5-10 corners on the roster” and that Flowers would not be upgrade.

Free Agent Notes: Holmes, Houston, Barnett

June 13th, 2014 at 6:35pm CST by Ben Levine

We haven’t heard much about Santonio Holmes since he was released by the Jets in March. That doesn’t mean those around him aren’t confident. His camp believes the veteran will be signed by a “receiver-needy” team during training camp, writes Brian Costello of the New York Post.

“He’ll definitely be on a team,” said Holmes’ personal trainer Tom Shaw. “Just like James Harrison will be on a team. As long as teams don’t think he’ll be a distraction, he’s going to get picked up.

“I think that’s the big thing. Teams are interested in him. They want to see him work out to check his injury. He hasn’t had any problems with his injury, which is a good thing.”

Teams are certainly wary of the injuries that have limited the 30-year-old to only 15 games the past two seasons. They’re also concerned about his reputation as a poor locker room presence, but Shaw doesn’t think that will a problem.

“I think Santonio Holmes has grown up,” Shaw said. “He’s grown up more than I’ve seen any player I’ve worked with over the years. That’s a big plus…I really think he’ll be a model citizen on any team he goes to.”

According to Costello, Holmes has been working out in Florida since the winter.

Let’s see what else is going on with some notable free agents…

Minor Moves: Giants, Jean, Lynch

June 13th, 2014 at 5:36pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves include a pair of Giants, a trio of wide receivers and (you guessed it) four injured players. Let’s check them out…

  • Giants wide receiver Kris Adams was added to the team’s reserve list, tweets Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News. Adams had two catches with the Colts in 2012.
  • The Giants have come to an injury settlement with defensive back Jocquel Skinner and removed him from their injured reserve, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).
  • Vikings wideout Lestar Jean has cleared waivers and will be placed on injured reserve, the team announced (via Twitter). Jean has ten career receptions for 186 yards and one touchdown.
  • The Colts have placed safety Corey Lynch on the injured reserve, according to Craig Kelley of Colts.com (via Twitter). The 29-year-old will be joining defensive end Fili Moala, who was placed on the IR earlier this week.
  • The Titans have signed wide receiver Rico Richardson and waived injured linebacker James Gayle, reports ESPN.com Paul Kuharsky (via Twitter). Richardson was on the Chiefs practice squad last season and was released by the Texans last month. Gayle is an undrafted rookie out of Virginia Tech.
  • The Lions have added offensive tackle Bryce Quigley, tweets Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. The undrafted rookie, who suffered a season-ending injury in San Diego State’s finale, worked out with the Lions yesterday.

Pro Football Rumors Features

June 13th, 2014 at 5:00pm CST by Luke Adams

Pro Football Rumors passes along the latest news and rumors on NFL player movement 365 days a year, but those aren’t the only updates you’ll see on the site. On our right sidebar, you’ll find a number of additional features and featured posts. Here’s a rundown of a few of them:

  • Most of the most noteworthy players on the 2014 free agent market came off the board back in March, but there are still plenty of recognizable veteran names available. You can find the full breakdown of veteran free agents by position using our list.
  • Before Maurkice Pouncey signed a new five-year contract with the Steelers yesterday, I had examined his case for a new deal in our Extension Candidate series, which takes a look at players in the last year or two of their contracts who could reach new agreements with their teams soon.
  • In addition to our Extension Candidate pieces, we’ve also got our Trade Candidate series underway, with posts published so far on Michael Roos of the Titans and Brandon Flowers of the Chiefs. — of course, following his release today, the Flowers piece is now somewhat obsolete.
  • Only 17 picks from the 2014 draft have yet to sign their rookie contracts. You can use our draft pick signing tracker to keep tabs on which ones have yet to be locked up. And if you want to revisit the draft results by round, we have that list for you as well.
  • The Pro Football Rumors glossary highlights a number of aspects of the NFL’s salary cap, free agency, and Collective Bargaining Agreement. Feel free to let us know if there’s a specific concept that you’d like us to discuss in a future Glossary piece.
  • We value your input at PFR, which is why we regularly publish polls and have a regular feature called Pigskin Links, in which we highlight a few interesting recent articles from football blogs. You can find our poll archives here and our Pigskin Links pieces right here.
  • The Pro Football Rumors app for the iPhone and iPad is available for free on iTunes.
  • While a handful of our notable articles can be found under the “Featured Posts” section on the right sidebar, the PFR Originals archive rounds up all the original posts from our staff. Recently, we examined the Falcons‘ options at linebacker in the wake of Sean Weatherspoon‘s season-ending Achilles injury, explored whether it’s time for a new NFL developmental league, and identified several free agents who would be impacted by the June 1 date.

Falcons, Others Eyeing Brandon Flowers

June 13th, 2014 at 4:23pm CST by Luke Adams

Scott Pioli was the Chiefs‘ general manager back in 2012 when Brandon Flowers signed a lucrative five-year extension to remain with the team. Today, Flowers is the latest veteran player to hit the free agent market, Pioli is working in Atlanta as an assistant general manager for the Falcons, and there are rumblings that the pair could be on track for a reunion.

According to Jim Trotter of SI.com (Twitter link), Atlanta and Washington are among the early potential landing spots for Flowers, and the Pioli connection is very much “in play” for the Falcons. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link) also links the Falcons to the free agent cornerback, indicating that the club had been monitoring the Flowers situation in Kansas City and was preparing for his potential release.

Still, the Falcons and Redskins aren’t the only possible suitors for Flowers. Let’s round up the latest chatter on the 2013 Pro Bowler….

  • ESPN.com’s John Clayton (Twitter link) names the Panthers, Jets, and 49ers as teams he thinks could at least kick the tires on Flowers. However, Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer (Twitter link) thinks the corner is probably too pricey for Carolina, while Rich Cimini of ESPN.com (Twitter link) would be surprised if New York pursued him.
  • Similarly, Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star (Twitter link) would be “very surprised” if the Colts got too involved for the 28-year-old.
  • The Titans are assessing the Flowers situation to determine whether or not he’d fit in Tennessee, tweets Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com. According to Kuharsky (Twitter link), the opportunity may be too good for the club to pass up, if the price is right.
  • Trotter hears that several teams who ruled out the possibility of trading for Flowers are now circling back and considering pursuing him as a free agent (Twitter link).
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