2015 August - Pro Football Rumors

Broncos Sign Evan Mathis

August 25th, 2015 at 5:18pm CST by Zachary Links

5:18pm: Mathis’ base salary is $2.5MM, Klis tweets. As previously reported, Mathis can reach $4MM with incentives.

Interestingly, Peyton Manning‘s offseason pay cut amounted to $4MM, so that money effectively went straight into beefing up his protection.

5:12pm: Mathis’ deal with Denver can be worth as much as $4MM with incentives, Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports tweets. Mathis had an offer for up to $5.5MM, a figure which would have matched the salary he was slated to earn in Philly, but he opted to sign with a contender instead.

With Mathis as the primary left guard, Max Garcia will now become Denver’s swing guy, Mike Klis of 9NEWS tweets.

5:06pm: The Broncos announced that they have agreed to terms with Evan Mathis. Terms of the pact are not yet known.

With Mathis manning the left guard position, the Broncos now arguably boast the league’s best interior offensive line with Louis Vasquez at right guard. In 2013, both players earned All-Pro selections. The addition of Mathis also brings some star power back into Denver’s offensive line following Ryan Clady‘s season-ending ACL tear.

Mathis, released by the Eagles earlier this offseason, is considered one of the league’s best interior linemen. In 2014, despite playing just 608 offensive snaps, the former third-round pick ranked as the league’s best left guard, performing particularly well as a run blocker, according to Pro Football Focus’ data (subscription required). PFF had previously graded Mathis as the NFL’s No. 1 guard in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Mathis was scheduled to earn a base salary of $5.5MM under his Eagles deal.

The Bills, Vikings, Dolphins, Rams, and Patriots were among the teams said to have varying levels of trade interest in him before Philly cut him loose. On Saturday, the Seahawks hosted Mathis on a visit but the two sides were apparently too far apart on compensation. The Broncos were not mentioned as a leading suitor for Mathis, but they have come away with his services.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Patriots Acquire OT Michael Williams From Lions

August 25th, 2015 at 5:16pm CST by Zachary Links

5:16pm: It’s a seventh-round pick going from New England to Detroit, Yates tweets.

4:38pm: The Lions will receive a draft pick in return, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets.

4:29pm: The Patriots have traded for Lions tackle Michael Williams, a source tells Ben Volin of The Boston Globe (on Twitter). The Pats initially tried to sign Williams off of Detroit’s taxi squad last year but were unable to.

Williams, 25 in September, initially came into the league as a tight end before being converted to tackle. While at Alabama, Williams hauled in a total of 51 catches for 503 yards and seven touchdowns. After a Senior Bowl selection put him on the NFL radar, the Lions used their seventh-round pick on him in the 2013 draft. A hand injury sidelined Williams during his rookie season and after Eric Ebron was taken in 2014, the Lions decided to change Williams’ position. The 6’6″, 316 pound athlete has yet to see the field in a regular season game.

Community Tailgate: Does Preseason Need Fixing?

August 25th, 2015 at 4:00pm CST by Luke Adams

We’re still a few weeks away from the start of regular-season battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. This summer, we launched a new series here at PFR known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

As is often the case during the NFL preseason, we’ve seen a handful of key players go down with major injuries this summer. Most notably, star wide receivers Jordy Nelson of the Packers and Kelvin Benjamin of the Panthers suffered season-ending ACL tears, devastating blows for their teams and fantasy football owners alike. While Benjamin’s injury happened in a practice, Nelson’s occurred in a game, restarting an annual debate about the value of the preseason, with Aaron Rodgers among those weighing in.

“It’s difficult to lose a guy like that in a meaningless game. This game doesn’t mean anything,” Rodgers said in a postgame news conference, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. Asked if he felt the preseason schedule should be reduced from four games to a lesser number, the reigning MVP replied, “I think a lot of players around the league probably do. At least cut it down, maybe, to a couple.”

Another former MVP, Adrian Peterson, expressed a similar sentiment today, pointing to all the players who have torn ACLs so far this preseason and suggesting teams should just play three games, rather than four (Twitter links via Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press).

Of course, for players like Rodgers and Peterson, whose roster spots are assured this year and – most likely – for as long as they want to keep playing, the preseason is less significant. For players fighting for the 52nd or 53rd spot on the their respective teams’ rosters, those games are a little more crucial. There are a number of players around the NFL who may have never received their shot on a roster if not for those extra couple preseason contests.

Trimming the number of preseason games from four to two also wouldn’t reduce the risk of injuries in those games — it would simply cut back on the total number of preseason injuries. And you could make the case that less preparation before the season would result in more injuries once the real games gets underway.

In a column today for Sports on Earth, Ross Tucker argues that if teams want to reduce the risk of preseason injuries to star players, they should simply keep those stars off the field during the so-called “meaningless” games. In Tucker’s view, the NFL isn’t likely to play any fewer preseason games anytime soon, since getting an extra two home games for each franchise is a significant source of revenue around the league.

What do you think? Is the preseason schedule a problem that needs to be fixed? If so, how would you propose fixing it? Does it make sense for the NFLPA to trade a reduction in preseason games for an increase in regular season games? Or is there another solution that might make more sense? Weigh in below in the comment section with your thoughts!

Extra Points: Lions, Taliaferro, Chancellor

August 25th, 2015 at 3:00pm CST by Luke Adams

Linebacker Kyle Van Noy, the Lions‘ second-round pick in 2014, had half of his rookie season wiped out by a stint on injured reserve, and he never got fully healthy after he returned, contributing just six tackles for the year. After undergoing hip surgery earlier this year, Van Noy had higher hopes for the 2015 campaign, but the 24-year-old continues to be nagged by injury issues with the season approaching.

According to head coach Jim Caldwell, the first opinion Van Noy received on his latest injury suggested more surgery isn’t necessary at this point, but the team is seeking a second opinion (Twitter link via Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com). While it’s possible that Van Noy lands in Detroit’s IR-DTR spot again, the timetable on his return isn’t clear yet, and the club may want to save that designation this time around.

Let’s check in on several more items from around the NFL…

Caldwell also said today that he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of two fullbacks – Michael Burton and Emil Igwenagu – making the Lions‘ roster (Twitter link via Rothstein).
Phones are lighting up across the league as teams look to make trades before the roster cutdown to 75 players next week, tweets Dianna Marie Russini of ESPN.com. Russini adds that, despite all the chatter, it’s not clear how many deals will actually go down.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh says running back Lorenzo Taliaferro will miss a “few weeks” with an MCL sprain, writes Garrett Downing of BaltimoreRavens.com. Taliaferro was listed as the Ravens No. 2 running back behind Justin Forsett, but now rookie fourth-round pick Buck Allen figures to see an increased workload for the rest of the preseason — and potentially early in the regular season.
Drawing on his past experience as an NFL executive, Jeff Diamond of The Sporting News takes a closer look at Kam Chancellor‘s holdout, suggesting that GM John Schneider and the Seahawks will have to consider the possibility of trading Chancellor if his holdout extends into September.
Speaking today to reporters, including Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer (Twitter link), Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks said that his new extension came together within the last two weeks or so.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Latest On Julio Jones Extension Talks

August 25th, 2015 at 1:55pm CST by Luke Adams

With Demaryius Thomas, Dez Bryant, and T.Y. Hilton all receiving new mega-deals this offseason, the focus on the wide receiver market has now turned to Julio Jones and A.J. Green, the next star wideouts in line for lucrative new extensions. While we haven’t heard many concrete updates on Green’s situation with the Bengals, recent reports have suggested Jones and the Falcons are making progress.

Despite the fact that the two sides have yet to reach an agreement, there’s still optimism in Atlanta that a deal is on the way. On Monday, Falcons owner Arthur Blank told Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com that there’s no cause for concern when it comes to Jones’ contract.

“There’s no hold up at all,” Blank said. “It’s just the process that you have to go through. It’s a bit of a dance. He’s got a very good agent with experience. We have a great relationship with [agent Jimmy Sexton]. That [agency] has signed the last two big receiver contracts done in the league. We’re committed to Julio, who is committed to us. We’re getting close to where we need to be.”

Blank’s suggestion that the Falcons are “getting close” to where they need to be in contract talks indicates that an extension for Jones could be right around the corner. However, Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com (Twitter link) throws some cold water on that notion, citing sources who say that negotiations between the two sides “stalled significantly” last week.

When the Broncos and Thomas were negotiating their new agreement earlier this summer, we heard similar reports about stalled talks and a large gap between proposals, but the team and player ultimately reached a deal at the last minute. The Falcons would probably like to get some resolution one way or another on Jones’ contract before the season begins, so there’s still plenty of time between now and Week 1 for discussions to reignite and for Atlanta to reach a compromise with its top playmaker.

East Notes: Galette, Wayne, Brady, Ryans

August 25th, 2015 at 12:41pm CST by Luke Adams

There’s “a feeling” in Washington that the team will learn this week whether or not veteran pass rusher Junior Galette will face a suspension for any off-field incidents, writes John Keim of ESPN.com. Washington didn’t waste much time picking up Galette after he was released by the Saints, suggesting the front office wasn’t expecting a significant penalty. According to Keim, the club is hopeful that any Galette suspension would be for two games or less.

Here’s more from out of the NFL’s two East divisions:

Josina Anderson of ESPN.com provides a couple specific figures on Reggie Wayne‘s new contract with the Patriots, tweeting that has a maximum value of $2.8MM and features a $450K signing bonus. According to Wayne, he fielded “a lot of serious calls from some good teams,” but decided New England was the best fit for him, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Attorneys for the NFL and NFLPA met yesterday for another settlement conference regarding Tom Brady‘s case, but – as expected – the session didn’t lead to an agreement, tweets Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. The next hearing in Judge Richard Berman’s court regarding the Patriots quarterback is scheduled for August 31.
Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer (Twitter links) wonders what the Mychal Kendricks extension means for Eagles linebacker DeMeco Ryans. As McLane explains, he heard earlier this year that Kendricks would likely only play one more season in Philadelphia, so the apparent change of heart from the team may be related to Ryans, who turned 31 last month.
E.J. Manuel acknowledged during training camp this year that he knows his days with the Bills may be numbered if he doesn’t play well. However, as Sal Capaccio of WGR550 details, Manuel says he loves playing in Buffalo: “I want to stay here.”

Patriots Sign Reggie Wayne

August 25th, 2015 at 11:38am CST by Luke Adams

11:38am: According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), Wayne’s one-year deal can be worth up to about $3MM with incentives, and the veteran wideout gets nearly $500K up front.

TUESDAY, 11:21am: The Patriots have officially signed Wayne, the team announced today in a press release.

MONDAY, 12:12pm: Following a weekend visit to New England, veteran wideout Reggie Wayne has agreed to a one-year contract with the Patriots, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter). A report earlier this morning had indicated the Packers would inquire on Wayne if they confirm Jordy Nelson‘s ACL is torn, but the Pats beat them to the punch, locking up the free agent receiver for the 2015 season.

Wayne, who spent 14 years in Indianapolis after being drafted by the Colts in the first round way back in 2001, is no longer the sort of impact player he was during his prime. However, he was still a reliable target for Andrew Luck last season, compiling 779 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 64 catches. A report last month suggested that Wayne’s ideal scenario would be to play for one more season and then retire.

It may be painful for some Colts fans to see Wayne suit up for the Patriots this season, but Indianapolis’ front office made the decision to move on from the longtime Colt when his contract expired earlier this year. GM Ryan Grigson and company signed Andre Johnson and drafted Phillip Dorsett to help solidify Luck’s receiving corps in the wake of Wayne’s departure.

For Wayne, who has spent most of his career catching passes from Peyton Manning and Luck, moving to a team led by Tom Brady will mean working with another future Hall-of-Famer. Of course, if Brady’s suspension is upheld in court, it will be Jimmy Garoppolo, rather than Brady, who opens the season as the Patriots’ starting quarterback.

Whichever quarterback starts Week 1 for New England will be working with a talented group of pass-catchers that includes Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell, Danny Amendola, and now Wayne. Edelman and LaFell are among the Patriots wideouts who have been slowed by injuries this summer, but neither player’s Week 1 availability is believed to be in jeopardy at this point. Adding Wayne gives the Pats a little more veteran depth as those players recover.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Steelers Sign Doug Legursky, Place David Nelson On IR

August 25th, 2015 at 10:58am CST by Luke Adams

With Maurkice Pouncey set to be sidelined for at least the first few weeks of the regular season, the Steelers are dealing with the loss of their starting center by adding one of their former starting linemen. According to Burt Lauten (Twitter link), the club has signed veteran free agent Doug Legursky. In a corresponding roster move, Pittsburgh placed wide receiver David Nelson on injured reserve.

Legursky, 29, spent parts of four seasons with the Steelers from 2009 to 2012, starting 17 games for the club during that stretch. In his first stint with Pittsburgh, Legursky saw significant action at guard, but he was the starting center for the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV, and was signed by the Chargers last season as a replacement at center. Legursky lasted only two games in San Diego before a knee injury landed him on injured reserve for the rest of the 2014 campaign.

With Pouncey sidelined, Cody Wallace appears poised to step into the starting center role for the Steelers, but Legursky could push for playing time at the position.

Nelson, meanwhile, just joined the Steelers less than two weeks ago. However, he didn’t appear in a preseason game with the team as he dealt with a shoulder injury. If that shoulder issue isn’t season-ending, he figures to be removed from Pittsburgh’s IR at some point, perhaps with an injury settlement.

Michael Vick To Visit Steelers

August 25th, 2015 at 9:35am CST by Luke Adams

Months after hitting the open market, veteran quarterback Michael Vick is making his first free agent visit, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, who reports (via Twitter) that Vick is on his way to Pittsburgh to meet with the Steelers.

Vick, 35, has indicated this offseason that he would like to play in the NFL for three more years, but he hasn’t drawn a ton of interest since his contract with the Jets expired in March. Last year in New York, Vick completed just 52.9% of his passes, throwing for 604 yards and adding another 153 yards on the ground in limited action, including three starts.

The Steelers may be in the market for a new backup for Ben Roethlisberger after Bruce Gradkowski left this weekend’s preseason game with a hand injury. According to Schefter (via Twitter), Gradkowski dislocated a finger on his left hand and is having surgery today. Since it’s not an injury to his throwing hand, Gradkowski shouldn’t be sidelined for too long, but Pittsburgh appears to be considering some veteran insurance nonetheless.

Besides Roethlisberger and Gradkowski, the Steelers are also currently carrying former fourth-round pick Landry Jones and undrafted free agent Tyler Murphy at the quarterback position. While Jones could be a candidate for the No. 2 job, Murphy isn’t expected to make the roster.

Rex Grossman Visiting Falcons

August 25th, 2015 at 8:51am CST by Luke Adams

Free agent quarterback Rex Grossman is currently in Atlanta, where he’s geting a physical with the Falcons, reports Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com (Twitter links). According to McClure, Grossman is also expected to work out with the team this afternoon, following his physical.

It’s not clear yet which quarterback will back up Matt Ryan in Atlanta this season, with T.J. Yates and Sean Renfree vying for the No. 2 job. Yates entered camp as the presumed favorite, but he has completed just 52.8% of his passes in the preseason so far, and has thrown the team’s only two interceptions.

Grossman, who turned 35 on Sunday, hasn’t thrown a regular-season pass since 2011 in Washington, and we heard earlier this month that he was still recovering from an injury he sustained while training. However, the veteran signal-caller has a history with new Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, so Shanahan may feel more comfortable with Grossman than he currently does with Yates or Renfree.

The Falcons figure to make a decision on whether or not to sign Grossman following today’s physical and workout.