2015 August - Pro Football Rumors

Minor NFL Transactions: 8/11/15

August 11th, 2015 at 7:05pm CST by Luke Adams

Here are Tuesday’s minor signings, cuts, and other moves from around the NFL:

The Bills have signed cornerback Lavelle Westbrooks and waived/injured receiver Caleb Holley, Joe Buscaglia of WKBW tweets.
The Cowboys have signed defensive back Brandon Smith, according to Todd Archer of ESPN.com (on Twitter). To make room for Smith, the Cowboys waived/injured Chris Whaley, who tore his Achilles on Monday (link).
After getting word that JaCorey Shepherd suffered a torn ACL and will be out for the season, the Eagles added another cornerback to their roster, announcing today (via Twitter) that they’ve signed former Ravens seventh-round pick Marc Anthony.
The Lions have placed tight end David Ausberry on their injured reserve list, ending his season, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. Twentyman adds that the team signed cornerback Jocquel Skinner to fill the newly-created roster opening.
In addition to confirming their previously reported signing of defensive tackle Tony McDaniel, the Buccaneers announced several more moves today in a press release. Tampa Bay signed punter Karl Schmitz, who was cut earlier this week by Denver, and waived rookie linebackers Quinton Alston and Sammuel Lamur.
To make room on their roster for new kicker Garrett Hartley, the Steelers waived/injured QB/WR Devin Gardner, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Twitter link). Gardner, who originally signed with the Patriots as an undrafted rookie out of Michigan in May, figures to land on Pittsburgh’s IR if he clears waivers.
The Cardinals have made a change in their secondary, re-signing safety Ross Weaver and cutting another safety, D.J. Campbell, tweets Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com.
The Falcons have removed safety Terell Floyd from their roster, reaching an injury settlement with him, according to the team.
Three months after signing him as an undrafted free agent, the Packers have cut rookie wideout Ricky Collins, the club announced today in a press release. Battling a heel injury, Collins never got off Green Bay’s PUP list during camp.
After clearing waivers, linebacker Matt Robinson will revert to the Jaguars‘ IR with a hamstring injury, tweets Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union.
According to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (Twitter link), the NFL reinstated the previously-terminated contract between the Cowboys and linebacker Will Smith, who is back on the team’s injured reserve list.

Community Tailgate: 8/11/15

August 11th, 2015 at 6:05pm CST by Zachary Links

We’re still a few weeks away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be 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.

Today, we’ll be discussing Geno Smith, his broken jaw, and his NFL future. As you surely know by now, Smith is expected to be sidelined for 6-10 weeks after a locker room altercation with reserve linebacker IK Enemkpali left him with a broken jaw. Ryan Fitzpatrick, acquired in an offseason trade with the Texans, is poised to begin the 2015 campaign as the Jets’ starting quarterback. Rookie Bryce Petty will also be in the mix, but he likely isn’t ready to play just yet, so the team may consider adding a veteran backup until Smith is able to return to the field.

While Smith was set to begin the season as the Jets’ starting quarterback, it was far from a sure thing that he would keep the job throughout the season. After two very underwhelming campaigns in New York, many observers felt that it was only a matter of time before Fitzpatrick would wind up as the main option under center. Now, Fitzpatrick gets to start right out of the gate and even if he falters, Petty or maybe another QB yet to be signed could take the job and run with it.

Do you think Smith will regain his job as the Jets’ starting quarterback? If not, do you think it’ll be Fitzpatrick or someone else starting under center? Let us know in the comment section below!

Browns Have Discussed Ray Rice

August 11th, 2015 at 4:56pm CST by Zachary Links

Browns coach Mike Pettine says his club has discussed signing embattled running back Ray Rice, Don Banks of Sports Illustrated writes. So far, the Browns are less-than-thrilled with what they’ve seen from second-year players Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West and rookie third-round pick Duke Johnson, and they have kicked around the idea of adding a veteran.

“Of course it’s a natural question here because of [Browns running backs coach] Wilbert [Montgomery], and because I was with Ray when he was a Ravens rookie (in 2008) and know a lot of people in Baltimore,” Pettine said. “Obviously Wilbert was his position coach for Ray’s first six years in the league (2008–13). I’m not going to say it didn’t come up in discussion, but at this point we’re not there yet.”

When asked if Rice’s past would preclude him from being signed in Cleveland, or whether anyone in the Browns organization views him as untouchable as a result, Pettine said he would cross that bridge when he gets to it.

“I don’t think it’s gotten to that point, to say, ‘Hey, I’d kind of be comfortable with it,’” Pettine said. “But I think it would get to that point if we arrived at it from a football standpoint, then asked that question. Instead of working the process backwards. Why bother with asking the question if the need never presents itself?”

The former second-round pick out of Rutgers was one of the more dynamic playmakers in the league in the early stages of his career, piling up over 2,000 yards from scrimmage in 2009 and 2011 and scoring 43 total touchdowns in a Ravens uniform. Outside of his rookie campaign, in which he was the third option in a three-man backfield, he never caught fewer than 58 passes in a season, and he holds a career 4.3 yards per carry average.

But then 2013 happened. The Ravens, fresh off a Super Bowl championship, sputtered miserably on offense, and Rice struggled to the worst statistical season of his career, amassing just 660 yards on 214 carries (3.1 YPC) and reaching the endzone only four times. Less than two months after the season ended, Rice was arrested for the now infamous assault of his then-fiancee (now wife), Janay Palmer. Rice, now 28, has generated very little interest on the free agent market even though he is free to sign with any team.

Latest On Geno Smith, IK Enemkpali

August 11th, 2015 at 4:32pm CST by Zachary Links

Details on the fight that resulted in Geno Smith‘s jaw being broken..

The root of the problem between Geno Smith and the Jets linebacker came from a charity event hosted by IK Enemkpali in July, a source tells Brian Costello of the New York Post (on Twitter). Geno was scheduled to appear but had to back out at last minute when he had a death of someone close to him (link). The linebacker asked Smith to reimburse him for his flight and limousine and while the quarterback agreed to do it, he apparently wasn’t quick enough with the payment in the eyes of Enemkpali (link).
Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis said there was a “miscommunication” that led to the incident between Smith and Enemkpali, Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com tweets.
Enemkpali, meanwhile, issued a statement on the matter (via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com on Twitter). “I apologize to the Jets organization, coaches, teammates, and fans. Geno and I let our frustration get the best of us..I should have just walked away from the situation. It was never my intention to harm anyone,” the linebacker said, while adding that he regrets his actions.

AFC East Notes: Jets, Grossman, Bills

August 11th, 2015 at 3:14pm CST by Luke Adams

In the wake of the locker-room altercation that left Geno Smith with a broken jaw, the Jets are in the preliminary stages of adding another quarterback to their roster, tweets Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.

It makes sense that the team would want to add another veteran to the mix while Smith is out, since Ryan Fitzpatrick would be the only signal-caller on the roster with NFL experience — rookies Bryce Petty and Jake Heaps are also on the Jets’ roster, but Heaps is likely just a camp arm and a potential practice squad candidate, while the club would probably rather not have Petty see regular-season action this year.

One potential target for the Jets may be Rex Grossman, according to Rand Getlin of the NFL Network, who tweets that the team reached out to the veteran free agent. However, Grossman is dealing with an injury he suffered during his training, and would need a few weeks to get ready, so the Jets figure to consider other options as well.

As we wait to see which direction the Jets go, here’s more from around the AFC East:

Jonathan Martin, the offensive tackle at the center of the Dolphins‘ bullying scandal in 2013, explained in a since-deleted tweet that he decided to retire from the NFL because “in the end, football was just a job, albeit a fun and well-paying one.” Alluding to the health concerns inherent in being an NFL player, Martin added that “being in a wheelchair at 50 isn’t worth any amount of money,” per Bill Voth of the Black and Blue Review. As Voth observes, another Martin tweet in which the former lineman compliments his Panthers and 49ers teammates, without mentioning his Dolphins teammates, serves as a reminder that Martin’s time in Miami didn’t exactly go smoothly.
Jim Turner, the offensive line coach who was dismissed by the Dolphins after Ted Wells published his report on the 2013 bullying scandal, filed a lawsuit against Wells and his law firm, but didn’t name the Dolphins or the NFL as defendants, writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
Former Clemson cornerback Garry Peters is working out for the Bills, a league source tells Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Peters signed with the Panthers as an undrafted free agent earlier this offseason, but was cut at the end of July by Carolina.

Extension Before Season Unlikely For Rivers

August 11th, 2015 at 2:20pm CST by Luke Adams

There have been conflicting reports on whether or not Philip Rivers and the Chargers have a set deadline to reach an extension this year, with one report suggesting the two sides would move on if there’s no agreement in place by this Thursday, while another indicated there’s no timetable set in stone. Either way, the two sides may end up waiting to complete a deal.

According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune (via Twitter), it “appears virtually certain” that the Chargers and Rivers won’t agree to terms on a new contract before the season gets underway. Acee adds that there’s “at least one sticking point” in the negotiations, though it’s not clear what that sticking point is — years, annual salary, and guaranteed money are among the most obvious candidates, though the two sides may disagree on more specific contract language.

Rivers, 33, is coming off a 2014 season in which he threw for 4,286 yards, 31 touchdowns, and a league-high 18 interceptions. The five-time Pro Bowler led San Diego to a 9-7 record, narrowly missing the postseason, despite the fact that the team was missing several key players due to injuries, and Rivers himself was banged up for much of the season. Rivers, who is due a $15.8MM base salary in 2015, is entering the final year of his contract.

If Rivers and the Chargers don’t come to an agreement within the next few weeks, and decide to shelve talks until after the season, the team would still have a few months to negotiate with its quarterback, and would also have the franchise tag at its disposal, if it came to that.

Geno Smith Out 6-10 Weeks

August 11th, 2015 at 12:29pm CST by Luke Adams

Geno Smith will be sidelined for the next six to 10 weeks following a locker-room altercation, head coach Todd Bowles told reporters today, including Brian Costello of the New York Post (Twitter links). Smith was punched by teammate IK Enemkpali and suffered a broken jaw, which will require surgery, per Costello (Twitter link). Enemkpali has been waived by the Jets.

According to Bowles, the argument between Smith and Enemkpali wasn’t football related — the head coach called it “childish,” and referred to Enemkpali’s blow as a “sucker punch” (Twitter links via Costello).

“It’s something we don’t tolerate,” Bowles said (Twitter link). “It’s something we can’t stand. You don’t walk up to another man and punch him in the face.”

With Smith now sidelined for the start of the regular season, Ryan Fitzpatrick, acquired in an offseason trade with the Texans, looks poised to begin the 2015 campaign as the Jets’ starting quarterback. Rookie Bryce Petty will also be in the mix, but he likely isn’t ready to play just yet, so the team may consider adding a veteran backup until Smith is able to return to the field.

If the Jets determine that Smith will miss closer to 10 weeks than six, the injured reserve with the designation to return is a possibility for him. That IR-DTR slot would sideline Smith for the first eight weeks of games, allowing him to practice six weeks into the season. However, that likely won’t be an option if the club expects him to be ready two or three weeks into the regular season.

As for Enemkpali, the 2014 sixth-rounder was one of John Idzik‘s final draft picks for the Jets. The former Louisiana Tech pass rusher only saw the field sparingly in his rookie season, playing 40 defensive snaps and contributing a little on special teams as well. He’ll become an unrestricted free agent if and when he clears waivers.

To replace Enemkpali on their roster, the Jets have signed cornerback Javier Arenas, the team announced (via Twitter). The veteran corner, who has experience returning punts and kicks, started nine games for the Chiefs’ defense in 2012, and last played for the Falcons in 2014. Arenas also played on Bowles’ defense in Arizona in 2013.

Steelers Sign Garrett Hartley

August 11th, 2015 at 12:15pm CST by Luke Adams

A day after learning that kicker Shaun Suisham suffered a torn ACL, the Steelers have found their new kicker. According to agent Erik Burkhardt (via Twitter), Pittsburgh has signed veteran free agent Garrett Hartley to a contract.

Hartley was one of a handful of kickers who were reportedly set to audition for the Steelers today, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Rapoport named former Eagles kicker Alex Henery and journeyman free agent Jay Feely as other candidates expected to get a look from Pittsburgh.

Hartley, 29, served as the Saints’ kicker for parts of five seasons between 2008 and 2013, making a total of 82 field goals in 101 attempts (81.2%). He struggled in his last year with the club in 2013, making just 73.3% of his 30 attempts, and missing four field goals from inside 40 yards. Hartley’s last NFL stint came in 2014 with the Browns.

A source tells Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (Twitter link) that Hartley’s deal is for one year, so he’ll be a stopgap solution while Suisham recovers. I would expect Hartley’s contract features little to no guaranteed money, so the Steelers would have the option of finding a replacement if he struggles.

Latest On DeflateGate, Brady Appeal

August 11th, 2015 at 11:50am CST by Luke Adams

Tom Brady, the NFL, and the NFL Players Association are scheduled to meet on Wednesday morning for a court hearing presided over by Judge Richard Berman. Before that session, however, Judge Berman would like to see the two sides re-engage in settlement talks.

Albert Breer of the NFL Network reports (via Twitter) that Judge Berman asked the two sides to “engage in further good faith settlements efforts today” before he meets with them tomorrow. Judge Berman intends to meet with counsel from both the NFL and NFLPA before tomorrow’s public hearing to get an update on their progress.

Despite the order from Judge Berman, don’t look for anything of substance to happen regarding settlement talks today, tweets Jason Cole of Bleacher Report. Mark Maske of the Washington Post spoke to several people familiar with the case who expressed a similar sentiment, suggesting that not much had changed since the two sides unsuccessfully attempted to reach a settlement earlier.

While Brady is extremely unlikely to agree to any settlement that would acknowledge he had any involvement in deflating footballs, he and the NFLPA may agree to a deal that penalizes him for a lack of cooperation with the league’s DeflateGate investigation. However, Brady and the union would likely push for a fine – rather than a suspension – in that scenario, which may not be sufficient for the NFL.

The NFL and NFLPA probably won’t reach a resolution today, but there’s hope that the accelerated court schedule will allow the case to conclude soon.

NFC Notes: McKay, Bears, JPP, Rodgers

August 11th, 2015 at 10:37am CST by Luke Adams

Falcons president Rich McKay, who received a suspension from the NFL as part of the team’s penalty for pumping fake crowd noise into the Georgia Dome, is set to meet with commissioner Roger Goodell and league officials about reinstatement to the competition committee, writes D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Owner Arthur Blank says he’s “optimistic” McKay will be reinstated.

“We’ve had some discussions with the league,” Blank said. “Rich is scheduled to go up there in a few weeks and meet with the commissioner and others. Rich certainly has my support. He was a very valued member of the committee for 22 years and was mentioned [Saturday] night by Bill Polian, who was an inductee into the Hall of Fame, as somebody who was important that he worked with for a number of years.”

Here’s more from around the NFC:

The Bears, having traded guard Ryan Groy to the Patriots, have been keeping an eye out for potential offensive line additions during camp. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the club worked out veteran free agent Lucas Nix last week. Nix, 25, started 10 games for the Raiders in 2013.
Despite Jason Pierre-Paul‘s absence from the Giants‘ training camp, co-owner John Mara says the team still has “a good relationship” with the defensive end, tweets Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News. However, Mara added that JPP won’t rejoin the Giants “until he’s ready to come do some [physical] therapy.”
Speaking to Peter King of TheMMQB.com, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers thinks he’s got another eight years in him. Of course, since Rodgers is still just 31 years old, it’s impossible to predict what his health or his NFL future will look like seven or eight years down the road. For what it’s worth, the two-time MVP also said two years ago that he hoped to play eight more seasons.
The Rams‘ new two-year extension with quarterback Nick Foles is a smart deal for both sides, opines Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The Seahawks recently worked out several defensive linemen, including former Colorado State Pueblo pass rusher Darius Allen, reports Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (via Twitter).