2015 August - Pro Football Rumors

West Notes: A. Davis, Rivers, Foles, Sendlein

August 12th, 2015 at 2:37pm CST by Luke Adams

When former 49ers right tackle Anthony Davis announced his decision to leave the team earlier this offseason, it wasn’t considered a permanent retirement. Davis has since expressed a desire to return to football in 2016 after a year away, but coach Jim Tomsula isn’t thinking about a reunion just yet, as Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com writes.

“First of all, I’m not thinking about the playing side with Anthony,” Tomsula said. “He’s taking care of Anthony. I’m excited about hearing that he’d like to come back with football. I think that speaks volumes of where he’s at and how he’s feeling. That’s a different time and a different place. It does make you feel good. Obviously, things are going in the right direction for him.”

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

If the Chargers don’t work out a new contract with Philip Rivers before the season begins, the team is “fully prepared” to use the franchise tag on him in 2016 and – if necessary – 2017, writes Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. According to La Canfora, the two sides have made significant progress in extension negotiations, but there are still at least one or two issues holding up a potential agreement.
La Canfora also passes along several details on Nick Foles‘ extension with the Rams, reporting that the deal includes $13.8MM in fully guaranteed money. The contract could void in 2017 if Foles meets certain team and individual goals, and he could also make up to $4.5MM in incentives based on individual and team achievements (all Twitter links).
Center Lyle Sendlein‘s one-year deal with the Cardinals is worth $1.4MM with $500K fully guaranteed, Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets. With playing time incentives, the center could earn close to $2MM, Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic tweets.
Appearing on SiriusXM NFL Radio (Twitter link), Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson said, “I’m not ready for retirement and I have a lot of football left in me.”

Zach Links contributed to this post.

NFC South Notes: Bennett, Bucs, Falcons

August 12th, 2015 at 1:24pm CST by Zachary Links

Here’s a look at the NFC South, where the newest member of the Buccaneers‘ defensive line could be recruiting a Seahawks notable to Tampa Bay..

New Buccaneers defensive tackle Tony McDaniel says that former teammate Michael Bennett wants to return to Tampa Bay, as JoeBucsFan.com writes. “I told him about, you know, I told him about some of the teams that were offering me and he said Tampa was a great place, and he even said he wishes he could come back down here. But yeah, he kind of helped sell me to come down here to Tampa and play,” said McDaniel, who also vowed to get Bennett back to the Bucs. Bennett is currently embroiled in a contract dispute with the Seahawks but he also has multiple years to go on his deal.
Joel Corry of CBSSports.com passes along a few details on the Buccaneers‘ new “pay-as-you-go” extension with Lavonte David, reporting that the deal increases David’s cap hit for 2015 due to a roster bonus that will be paid this week, and features annual escalators for Pro Bowl or first-team All-Pro nods (all Twitter links).
Former Missouri cornerback Kevin Rutland, a former Jaguars player, worked out for the Falcons, a source tells Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (on Twitter).

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

Evan Mathis Close To Signing With Team?

August 12th, 2015 at 11:56am CST by Zachary Links

A “deal could happen anytime now” for free agent guard Evan Mathis, a source close to the situation tells NFL.com’s Rand Getlin (on Twitter).

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, and it remains to be seen if he and agent Drew Rosenhaus can secure that type of commitment from another club. Given his age and that teams mostly have their rosters set, it’s probably unlikely that Mathis will be able to get that level of AAV.

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. The Colts, Giants, and Cardinals have all said they won’t make a play for Mathis, but Rosenhaus said earlier this offseason that he heard from at least six teams with interest in his client.

AFC Notes: Hilton, Broncos, Colts

August 12th, 2015 at 11:37am CST by Zachary Links

Agent Drew Rosenhaus will once again meet with the Colts face to face in Indiana on Wednesday to discuss a new contract for wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Rosenhaus appears to be spending a lot of time on Hilton’s deal this summer, which suggests that the two sides have a good chance to get something done before the season. Here’s more from the AFC..

Brock Osweiler’s preseason could determine his future with the Broncos, Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post writes. Osweiler’s contract expires at the end of the season, leaving both him and the Broncos a limited window to evaluate his value and potential as their future quarterback. Of course, the QB likely won’t see much time on the field this season with Peyton Manning locked in as the starter.
As Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun observes (via Twitter), Ravens defensive end Brent Urban announced that he’s undergoing surgery to repair his torn biceps today, but it’s not clear yet if he’ll be able to return this season.
The agent for tackle Matt Hall informed the Broncos his client will not report because he is retiring, Mike Klis of 9NEWS tweets. Denver recently claimed the tackle off waivers from the Colts.
An undrafted free agent has made the Broncos‘ roster in each of the last 11 years. Troy Renck of The Denver Post (on Twitter) believes that trend will continue in 2015 with linebacker Zaire Anderson trending upwards in camp.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

Latest On Patriots, Tom Brady

August 12th, 2015 at 9:42am CST by Zachary Links

The latest on Patriots quarterback Tom Brady as he gets set for today’s settlement conference in NYC..

Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (on Twitter) has spoken with six NFL owners who would consider independent mediation/arbitration on discipline for Brady. One of the owners told Cole that he feels the situation is only hurting Roger Goodell.
Settlement talks between the NFL and NFLPA on Tuesday regarding the Brady situation went nowhere, Albert Breer of NFL.com (on Twitter) hears from a source. Admission-of-guilt, he says, remains a stumbling block. The NFL is now saying there will be no settlement unless Brady accepts the findings of the Wells report, sources tell Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
As the settlement conference approaches, some wonder whether commissioner Roger Goodell truly has the power to resolve the case without making one or more phone calls to one more owners, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes. Throughout the labor negotiations of 2011, the Commissioner was joined by the CEC, a group of 10 owners who were directly involved in talks that culminated in a new labor deal. He may have to take a similar approach in order to settle with the Patriots quarterback.

Latest On Jets, Geno Smith

August 12th, 2015 at 9:16am CST by Zachary Links

The latest on those crazy Jets..

Although Geno Smith hasn’t made a final decision, the early indication is that the Jets quarterback won’t pursue a civil suit against IK Enemkpali, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News tweets. However, a source told Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (Twitter link) that nothing has been ruled out.
The Jets and Michael Vick‘s agent had a conversation about the potential of him re-joining the team in Geno Smith’s absence, Rand Getlin of NFL.com tweets. However, both parties determined that it wasn’t in their best interests to resume their professional relationship (link).
Smith’s jaw will heal, but he’ll have hard time recovering from this mess, Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com writes. Even coach Todd Bowles had to admit that Smith won’t be getting the job back if Ryan Fitzpatrick or whoever the team’s QB is to start the year is successful. “If the other guy is playing well and the boat is going right and there are no waves, and everything is going and we’re 4, 5, 6, 7-0, yeah, you’re not coming back to start,” Bowles said.
Smith’s future with Jets may be in jeopardy now that he’s sidelined for 6-10 weeks, Mehta writes.

Ex-Falcons OT Sam Baker Likely To Retire

August 11th, 2015 at 9:14pm CST by Zachary Links

David Baker, Sam Baker‘s father, told Gil Brandt and Alex Marvez of SiriusXM NFL Radio that his son “probably just concluded his career” because of injuries that maligned him for most of the past seven seasons in Atlanta. Baker was released back in June and his name hasn’t come up in connection with another club since that time.

Baker, 30, had been recovering from a torn right patellar tendon that forced him out of action for the entire 2014 season. Knee issues limited him to less than 200 offensive snaps in 2013 as well, so health and cap concerns likely both played a part in the Falcons’ decision to part ways with him.

Baker had been set to count for $7.3MM against Atlanta’s cap this year, and that number actually would’ve increased had the team opted to cut him prior to June 1. Instead, as a mid-June cut, he’ll have only a $2.8MM dead money cap hit for the Falcons this year, creating $4.5MM in cap room. The remaining $6.4MM in dead money on Baker’s contract will be on the club’s books for 2016.

Baker, a first-round pick in 2008, played 66 games (57 starts) at left tackle for the Falcons from 2008 to 2012 before injuries limited him over the last two seasons. While his solid play earned Baker a big contract, the team drafted Jake Matthews in 2014 intending to make Matthews the long-term left tackle. Had he remained on the team for the 2015 season, Baker likely would’ve played guard.

Three Teams Interested In Signing Aldon Smith

August 11th, 2015 at 8:04pm CST by Zachary Links

Officials from three different teams say that they have interest in signing ex-49ers linebacker Aldon Smith, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). However, those officials still have concerns about the athlete and acknowledged that there are some serious hurdles to cross before putting pen-to-paper with Smith.

Those teams that spoke with Cole want to see the toxicology report from Smith’s arrest to ascertain whether he was drinking or possibly under the influence of other substances. Ultimately, those details could dictate how much legal trouble he’ll be in and that in turn will influence the level of punishment he receives from the NFL.

Smith, 25, was arrested by Santa Clara police on hit and run, DUI, and vandalism charges, though when he was released from jail last week, the outside linebacker disputed the fact that he had been driving under the influence. The incident is the latest in a series of off-field run-ins for Smith, who has had DUI arrests in the past, and missed nearly half the 49ers’ games over the last two seasons after entering a rehabilitation facility in 2013 and serving a nine-game suspension in 2014.

When he’s healthy and on the field, Smith can be one of the league’s most effective pass rushers, as he exhibited during his first two years in the NFL. As a part-time player in his rookie season, Smith recorded 14 sacks, and he piled up another 19.5 as a starter in 2012, en route to a spot on the All-Pro first team. However, his off-field issues have limited his production since then.

Jets Cancel Workout For QB Tyler Thigpen

August 11th, 2015 at 7:59pm CST by Zachary Links

7:59pm: The Jets have cancelled their workout with Thigpen, a league source tells Dianna Marie Russini of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Anderson (Twitter link) hears that the Jets don’t have imminent plans to work out either Thigpen or Grossman.

7:44pm: A Jets source tells Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (on Twitter) that the thinking for the team at this time is to go into their preseason opener against the Lions “with the three arms that we have.” No surprise here, but the Jets won’t be signing anyone prior to Friday, when they’ll get a look at Thigpen.

6:08pm: The Jets will work out quarterback Tyler Thigpen on Friday, a league source tells ESPN’s Dianna Marie Russini (on Twitter). Thigpen could be called upon to provide the Jets with depth in the wake of today’s incident which left starter Geno Smith with a broken jaw.

Thigpen, 30, joined the Browns on a one-year deal in May 2014 after a strong performance at their minicamp. He was cut in August to make way for Rex Grossman, but he returned to the roster late in the season when Cleveland needed depth at the quarterback position. A seventh-round pick in the 2007 draft, he saw his most significant action during the 2008 season, when he started 11 games for the Chiefs and put up respectable numbers, including 2,608 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and just 12 interceptions. Since then, he has served as a backup in Kansas City, Miami, Buffalo, and Cleveland.

Speaking of Grossman, Sexy Rexy is reportedly a possible target for the Jets, though he’ll need a couple weeks to get ready as he recovers from an injury.

Latest On Los Angeles Relocation

August 11th, 2015 at 7:23pm CST by Zachary Links

The Rams, Raiders, and Chargers will learn their fate regarding a potential move to Los Angeles before this season’s Super Bowl, according to Carmen Policy, who is pushing the joint stadium project being proposed by the latter two teams.

“We expect the league to have a decision on who is going where and St. Louis before the Super Bowl,” said Policy (via Tom Pelissero of USA Today). “Now, it could happen this year. But we’ve been pretty well-schooled on the fact that even if it doesn’t happen this year, it’ll happen before the Super Bowl.”

Here are the latest developments on the Los Angeles situation..

Policy claims that a combo of the Chargers and Raiders in Los Angeles would create a “megamarket” ranging from Santa Barbara to Mexico, adding millions of fans, Pelissero tweets.
If the Carson project for the Raiders and Chargers is approved, Policy says that 2019 is a realistic start, Pelissero tweets. Policy doesn’t feel that an opening in 2018 is realistic.
NFL exec Eric Grubman says there “has been no viable proposal” made to the Raiders from the city of Oakland, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.
Grubman says there are a lot of open questions regarding the city of San Diego’s plan for the Chargers, but that city has made “significant” progress, Sam Farmer of the L.A. Times tweets.
The Rams are claiming St. Louis breached their lease by not meeting first tier requirements, thus giving team the right to move, Jim Thomas of the Post-Dispatch tweets.
The cities of St. Louis, Oakland, and San Diego will have an audience with the owners in October, Albert Breer of NFL.com tweets. After the presentations on their respective projects, the Raiders, Rams and Chargers left the room to allow the other 29 clubs to discuss what they saw, Breer tweets.
The NFL’s relocation policy allows space for moving teams to pay a transfer fee to the league’s other owners and Mike Florio of PFT says that will be a big factor in who gets a seat in this game of musical chairs.
The Chargers want Los Angeles in the worst way, Jill Lieber Steeg of U-T San Diego opines.