HEADLINES

Month: August 2014

Rodak On Bills’ Offensive Line

August 9th, 2014 at 8:24pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Bills’ offensive line received some great news today, as starting left tackle Cordy Glenn was removed from the non-football illness list and rejoined the team, reports Mike Rodak of ESPN (via Twitter). Glenn, a second-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, started 13 games as a rookie and all 16 games last season. The former Georgia Bulldog has experience at both tackle and guard.

While the team is excited to have their best offensive lineman back, head coach Doug Marrone was clear that Glenn will be brought along slowly, according to Rodak (via Twitter). He will not take part in team drills for a while.

The first team in warmups consisted of Glenn at left tackle, Cyril Richardson at left guard, Eric Wood at center, Kraig Urbik at right guard, and Erik Pears at right tackle (via Twitter). Guard Chris Williams is not practicing, and Seantrel Henderson, who has been filling in for Glenn, has been bumped to second team.

Henderson, who struggled with marijuana in college, was drafted in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Before that, he was one of the most highly touted high school offensive linemen in recent memory. When Glenn retakes his starting position, Rodak questions whether Henderson will be taking reps at guard or competing with Pears for the starting right tackle job (via Twitter).

Marrone would not divulge the plans for Henderson now that Glenn is back with the team, but did give the rookie a vote of confidence, saying that Henderson “can play left tackle in this league.” (via Twitter)

The Bills drafted three offensive linemen this May, and Henderson has been the most impressive, according to Rodak (via Twitter). He is a lock to make the 46-man roster, and will serve as a backup swing tackle at the very least.

Mallett, Cousins Trade Value

August 9th, 2014 at 6:55pm CST by Rob DiRe

An old NFL cliche is that everyone always loves the backup quarterback, and Albert Breer of the NFL Network spoke to a few team executives to see how much they love a pair of the league’s most interesting potential starting passers, Ryan Mallett and Kirk Cousins.

Mallett was drafted in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Though purely on talent he was projected as a possible first-round pick, he fell in the draft due in part to character issues surrounding him leading up to the draft. In his three seasons with the Patriots, he has yet to see any significant game action.

One AFC general manager was quoted by Breer regarding Mallett’s trade value (via Twitter):

“New England has invested a lot of time in him. If they were really high on him, they would not have drafted one this year, pending UFA or not.”

An NFC executive also made a point about how Mallett is valued among Patriots’ coaches, noting that not only did the team draft Jimmy Garoppolo, but no former Patriots’ coach expressed interest on bringing in Mallett as they switched teams (via Twitter):

“The fact that nobody Pats-related ever went after him speaks volumes. Plus, he can’t help you this year, so why not just sign him as a FA?”

Redskins’ backup Cousins has considerably more value according to the sources Breer spoke to. Cousins was drafted in the 2012 NFL Draft, as a fourth-round pick. The team chose Robert Griffin III with the second-overall selection, which slid Cousins immediately into a long term backup role.

An AFC executive prefers Cousins to Mallett because Cousins has a body of work to show for, and has another year on his contract the team would control (via Twitter):

“In my mind better than Mallett – he has a body of evidence. I think he could be a low-end starter or at very least a ‘compete with starter’ piece.”

An NFC Pro Scouting Director is also ambivalent about his ability (via Twitter):

“You could probably get as high as a conditional 3rd for him. Depends on the desperation of the club. … A low end starter. Someone that you’ll end up looking to replace. Better than Cassel and look what was given up for him.”

One NFC general manager did say he might be able to fetch the Redskins a second-round pick, but more likely a third rounder would be a higher pick (via Twitter):

“If you look at trade history, high end would be a 2nd round pick. Or realistically a 3rd.”

Yes, Cousins could grab the Redskins an extra pick, but none of the sources Breer spoke to was particularly high on either quarterback. While there is a common thought that both Cousins and Mallett could become one of the top 32 quarterbacks in the league, but they would still be the bottom rung of starters.

It is unlikely that either player gets traded in the near future, as both passers are more valuable as backups with their current teams than they are as potential starters elsewhere in the league.

Alex Smith Wants A Deal He Will “Play Out”

August 9th, 2014 at 5:44pm CST by Rob DiRe

In the wake of Andy Dalton‘s contract extension, Alex Smith and the Chiefs have reopened their own extension talks, writes Tom Pelissero of USA Today. Dalton’s six-year, $115MM extension could have served as the baseline for Smith’s deal, although the 30-year old former first-overall pick might have been in line for a shorter deal. In terms of annual salary, Smith’s value is similar to Dalton’s.

Smith is now on the record saying he would not accept a similar deal. The major reason he would resist is the ability for the Bengals to get out from under the contract each year.

Smith’s replacement in San Francisco Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers agreed on a contract that also served as a pay-as-you-go deal earlier this offseason.

While these deals may make sense for the younger players who are betting on themselves, the older Smith knows this could be his last big contract. If it does not work out with the Chiefs on a pay-as-you-go structure, it is likely one-year deals as a backup the rest of his career. Smith is looking for enough guarantees to keep him in Kansas City for the long haul.

“I want to get something that’s right that I’m going to play out,” said Smith. “Absolutely, and that’s definitely a focus of mine.”

Smith also addressed the contracts signed by Dalton and Kaepernick directly, noting the differences between their situations and his.

“I look at both Andy and Kap and they’re both on their rookie deals,” said Smith. “They’re both second-round picks in the new rookie wage scale, so what were their salaries? It’s a very different situation for me.”

Due to the rookie wage scale, both of those players were set to make a little over $1MM this season. Their deals significantly increased their 2014 salaries, but because of the short term raises the teams were able to grab long term control. Smith was scheduled to make $7.5MM next season, and would be less inclined to sacrifice control long term for a raise in 2014.

While contract talks have been complicated, Smith still hopes the two sides could reach an agreement before the beginning of the regular season.

AFC South Notes: Jaguars, Colts, Titans

August 9th, 2014 at 5:03pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Jaguars have a number of players battling for a very few roster spots, and Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com has evaluated which players he thinks the Jaguars will be putting on the field come the opener. He writes that the team is only keeping five cornerbacks, and that four spots are already taken, which leaves Rashaad Reynolds fighting five corners for the last spot. However, he does believe the team will keep four running backs and a fullback, so they will have room for Jordan Todman, Denard Robinson, and Storm Johnson on the roster.

Here are some other notes from around the AFC South:

  • While first-round pick Blake Bortles is still a long way from taking over as the starter for the Jaguars, DiRocco writes that he is far ahead of expectations so far. His knowledge of the offense has impressed, and he has made improvements as a passer since coming into camp.
  • The Jaguars could still use help at center, but John Oehserof the O-Zone does not seeing that happening (via Twitter). He said the issue is closed for this season, but that the team would revisit the position at some point next offseason.
  • The Colts worked out two linebackers today with hopes that one could earn a spot on the team, writes Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Former Texan Mister Alexander and former Redskin Brandon Jenkins will both both have their chance to impress the Colts’ coaching staff.
  • The Titans have an ongoing battle between two kickers trying to make the team, writes Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com. He writes that Maikon Bonani has the stronger leg, but Travis Coons has been far more consistent and accurate during camp.

Buccaneers Notes: McCown, Dotson, Bowers

August 9th, 2014 at 4:05pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Buccaneers’ offense was dreadful in their first preseason game on Friday, particularly Josh McCown and the offensive line, writes Gary Shelton of the Tampa Bay Times. Although McCown has already been named the starter, he gave no reassurances that he could handle the job. The offensive line was just as disappointing, and has fans and pundits in the Tampa area worried about the unit this season.

Here are some other notes from the team’s first week of the preseason:

  • Right tackle Demar Dotson acknowledged the offensive line’s struggles on Friday, according to Ira Kaufman of the Tampa Bay Tribune (via Twitter). “In the first preseason game, you expect some mistakes,” said Dotson. “You can’t look at it & panic.”
  • Head coach Lovie Smith responded to the poor play of his offensive line by saying that he is always looking for outside help if it improves the team, reports Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times (via Twitter). The team was rumored to be interested in 49ers’ guard Alex Boone, should he become available. However, Smith did say he thought they had the offensive line in place that could do the job this season.
  • On a positive note, star defensive tackle Gerald McCoy spoke about the versatility of Da’Quan Bowers, according to Kaufman (via Twitter). “He’s playing inside, he’s playing outside,” said McCoy. “And he’s making plays at both positions.”

Steve Gregory To Retire

August 9th, 2014 at 2:26pm CST by Rob DiRe

Safety Steve Gregory has announced his retirement from the NFL, releasing a statement through his agent and DEC Management (via Twitter).

Gregory was recently signed by the Chiefs on the heels of an injury to star safety Eric Berry. He played two seasons with the Patriots, famously recovering the Mark Sanchez “Butt-Fumble” and returning it for a touchdown on Thanksgiving of 2012. Gregory was released early this offseason.

The bulk of Gregory’s playing career came with the Chargers, where he signed as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played five seasons with the team, appearing mostly as a backup and special teams player. He started 31 games for the Chargers between 2006 and 2011.

Teams Interested In Alex Boone

August 9th, 2014 at 1:51pm CST by Rob DiRe

Amidst Pro Bowl guard Alex Boone‘s holdout, as he seeks a new contract from the 49ers, other NFL teams have expressed interest in possibly trading for the fifth-year pro, reports Bill Williamson of ESPN.com (via Twitter).

Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports 1 agrees with Williamson’s assessment, noting that guards are in demand right now across the league (via Twitter). Garafolo mentions that even Richie Incognito is beginning to generate some interest, despite becoming a pariah of the league following the Jonathan Martin bullying scandal that led to his suspension and eventual expulsion from the Dolphins last season.

One team Williamson has picked out as a logical suitor is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who parted ways with Carl Nicks earlier this offseason. Boone could slide into Nicks’ position and steady the offensive line.

He could also be a fit for the Giants, writes Williamson. Boone has the ability to play guard or tackle, providing versatility along the offensive line. Of course, they 49ers are still likely to try to retain him, as his replacement, Joe Looney, has struggled thus far during the preseason. The team reached out to Boone at the end of July with hopes of coming to a resolution.

NFC North Notes: Bears, Joseph, Packers

August 9th, 2014 at 12:55pm CST by Matt Feminis

Jimmy Clausen looked better than Jordan Palmer in the Bears’ first preseason game versus Philadelphia, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Clausen had a 73-yard scoring strike and showed encouraging command for a signal caller who only has two months worth of exposure to a new system. Biggs’ “10 thoughts” on the game is full of information:

  • Suspended tight end Martellus Bennett was not with the team, and head coach Marc Trestman did not have any news about Bennett’s return. Biggs says that while the suspension is “indefinite,” the CBA states a ‘conduct detrimental to the team’ suspension can only last four weeks. Additionally, Bennett can only be fined up to one week’s pay, which would be approximately $282k. “A logical return date would be at training camp Sunday, when the team gets on the field again,” speculates Biggs.
  • Chris Williams, who the Bears plucked off the Saints practice squad, showed legitimate speed in beating the Eagles’ secondary for a 73-yard touchdown, but he suffered a mild hamstring pull and did not get the chance to return kicks, presumably the reason the Bears got him.
  • Second-year right tackle Jordan Mills has been sidelined with a sore left foot (the same foot he had surgery on in January), but X-rays showed no structural damage.
  • For years the Bears’ special teams were the envy of the league under the command of Dave Taub (now in Kansas City), but the unit fell off last year under Joe DeCamillis, and Friday night was inauspicious to say the least, as the Bears had a field goal blocked, yielded a kick return score, were inconsistent punting and were called for multiple penalties.
  • Defensive end Trevor Scott, a darkhorse roster candidate, played well. Shea McClellin and Jon Bostic did not.

Here’s some more NFC North notes:

  • With Bennett suspended, Zach Miller raised eyebrows with six catches for 68 yards and a pair of scores, writes ESPN Chicago’s Jeff Dickerson. Miller’s career was derailed by injuries, but when healthy, he’s a capable receiving tight end. He’s on a one-year, $645k deal with the Bears.
  • In a team-issued release, the Vikings say nose tackle Linval Joseph‘s calf was struck by a bullett during a Minneapolis nightclub shooting last night. The team says Joseph was an innocent bystander, was treated and released from the hospital and will return to the team next week.
  • Former Bear Julius Peppers hasn’t made a splash yet in Packers camp, and ESPN’s Rob Demovsky wonders if the veteran is pacing himself or if there’s just not much left in the tank.
  • Myles White and Kevin Dorsey are the top candidates for the Packers’ fifth receiver job, says Robert Zizzo of the Press-Gazette.

AFC North Links: McCarron, Ravens, Archer

August 9th, 2014 at 11:37am CST by Matt Feminis

With one preseason game down, Bengals website editor Geoff Hobson provides a position-by-position roster rundown. Of note, rookie quarterback’s A.J. McCarron’s 2014 prognosis is unknown because of his shoulder issue, and Hobson says “it looks like he’s not coming off PUP anytime soon and that the Bengals think he needs a long rehab.”

Keep reading for more NFC North links…

  • The Ravens’ selection of Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley 17th overall was universally praised, and the rookie is justifying the pick and the praise, writes Aaron Wilson in the Baltimore Sun.
  • Ravens 2013 fifth-rounder Rick Wagner, expected to take over the right tackle job, played well in the team’s first preseason game, according to Wilson, who quoted head coach John Harbaugh: “I think someone wrote it earlier, you don’t notice him much. That’s a good thing for a right tackle, and he seemed like he played that way. And at the end of the day, he was solid and on his targets, and footwork was good. He’s a good, solid football player.”
  • Asa Jackson has taken an early lead over Chykie Brown for the Ravens’ third cornerback job, according to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. Jackson, 24, is a 5-10, 182-pound third-year pro out of Cal Poly who was drafted in the fifth round of the 2012 draft. Jackson has a skill set, including ball skills, to cover slot receivers, but he’s yet to play a defensive snap thanks, in large part, two a pair of Adderall-related suspensions totaling 12 games.
  • Steelers veterans are anxious to see rookie Dri Archer put his rare speed on display, writes TribLive.com’s Mark Kaboly. Says Ike Taylor: “He is going to be a matchup problem for a lot of teams. He just has it. Dri just has it. Anytime he touches the ball or anytime you know he’s getting the ball, you kind of stand up and pay attention.”
  • Everyone will be tuning into the Browns-Lions preseason contest to watch Johnny Football, but Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot provides four other things to watch, including the competition for carries between Ben Tate and rookie Terrance West.

NFC East Notes: Thurmond, Eagles, Cowboys

August 9th, 2014 at 10:19am CST by Matt Feminis

When asked about the most impressive player he’s seen in Giants camp, ESPN’s Dan Graziano identified cornerback Walter Thurmond, saying the free-agent acquisition has been “making life miserable for slot receiver Victor Cruz in practice. Thurmond could be a difference-maker at that nickel corner position for the Giants this year.” Thurmond, 26, signed a one-year, $3MM deal in March, at which time ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, a former director of pro personnel for the Eagles, lauded the signing as a potential steal: “If he can stay healthy and out of trouble, it’s a tremendous value signing. . .He’s a dynamite press corner, who is as good with his technique as [Seattle’s] Byron Maxwell, as [Seattle’s] Richard Sherman. Walter is very good. He can play in the nickel because he’s big enough, because he can tackle, because he’s a good blitzer. And he can play on the outside. Not only can he press, he can play them all.”

The numbers back up Riddick’s assessment. Despite starting just three of 12 games played last season for the Super Bowl champion Seahawks, Thurmond tallied 24 tackles, six pass breakups, an interception (29-yard TD) and a forced fumble. Additionally, his 5.7 coverage rating was higher than teammate Brandon Browner, who signed for three years and $16.8MM in New England.

So why did the Giants land such a good player at such an affordable deal? He’s been plagued by injuries since entering the league, and was popped for a four-game suspension last season for violating the substance-abuse policy. Nevertheless, he brings supreme confidence to the Giants secondary. In April Thurmond proclaimed himself the best slot corner in the league. By July, he was drawing praise from teammates and coaches, including head man Tom Coughlin, who likes Thurmond’s attitude. Now, a week into August, he’s established himself as the ‘Quiet Assassin.”

Here’s a few more NFC East links:

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