HEADLINES

Month: March 2017

Latest On Redskins’ GM Search

March 23rd, 2017 at 11:20am CST by Zachary Links

The Redskins are casting a wide net in their search for a general manager, but they’re already finding that several top executives are not interested in working for them. Redskins officials are looking at some of the more successful teams in the league to find a highly qualified candidates, but several targets have already removed themselves from consideration, according to CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora. Redskins Cheerleader (vertical)

La Canfora doesn’t list specific names of execs who have been considered, but he hears that the search has included front office people with the Steelers, Seahawks, and Packers. I would speculate that the list of candidates could include Packers Director of Football Operations Eliot Wolf, Packers Director of Player Personnel Brian Gutekunst, and Seahawks co-Directors of Player Personnel Scott Fitterer and Trent Kirchner. However, based on what JLC is hearing, they might not have any interest in the job.

Front office guys from around the league have multiple concerns about the gig. It’s not clear who would really have the power in D.C. given the history of meddling from team president Bruce Allen and owner Dan Snyder. Furthermore, the team’s proposed GM salary is in the $1.5MM range, and that might not be enough money to make a top candidate overlook all of the red flags in Washington. There’s also concern about whether Snyder will be willing to pump the necessary resources into scouts and talent evaluators.

So far, former Bucs GM Mark Dominik and ex-Chargers GM A.J. Smith have been among the names linked to the opening, but JLC hears that neither guy is expected to land the job. Former Redskins quarterback Doug Williams and NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock have also been mentioned as possibilities. In the past, La Canfora has opined that Redskins executive Alex Santos would make a good internal candidate for the job and today he also put forth the name of Washington cap guru Eric Schaffer.

As we’ve heard previously, no hire will be made before the draft in late April, but JLC gets the sense that the Redskins also don’t want to let the process linger too far beyond the draft either.

Latest On Raiders, Las Vegas

March 23rd, 2017 at 10:51am CST by Zachary Links

It’s not a done deal just yet, but all (neon) signs are pointing towards the Raiders moving to Las Vegas. The NFL has set a range for the Raiders’ Las Vegas relocation fee that is far less than what the Rams and Chargers each paid to move to Los Angeles, sources tell Albert Breer of The MMQB. The Raiders would pay between $325MM and $375MM for the right to move to Sin City instead of the $650MM paid by the L.A. teams. That’s one hurdle down for owner Mark Davis, who has less cash at his disposal than most owners.Las Vegas (vertical)

[RELATED: Raiders Still In Running To Land LB Zach Brown]

Now, the proposed move will likely be put to a vote at next week’s annual league meeting, which is probably a sign that the league feels it has the necessary 24 votes for approval. Specifically, the vote is expected to take place on Monday, NFL.com’s Judy Battista tweets. NFL owners aren’t crazy about the idea of leaving the Bay Area, particularly after the 49ers have left the Raiders an opportunity to add fans in the North and East Bay, but there are no viable proposals to keep the team in Oakland, Breer writes.

Even assuming that the vote passes early next week, there are still some issues that the NFL will want clarity on. Namely, the league will want to see the exact terms of the lease given that the city of Las Vegas will be contributing a record amount of public money. NFL owners want to ensure that the Raiders are getting the appropriate amount of revenue out of the building before OKing the proposal, which is why their approval could be conditional, according to Breer.

There’s also the matter of Sheldon Adelson and his business ties in the city of Las Vegas. Now that he is no longer a partner in the deal, there is some concern in NFL circles that he could use his connections to make life difficult for the Raiders. However, word is that Adelson privately told folks during the Super Bowl in Houston that he wouldn’t stand in the way of the team moving forward without him, Breer hears.

In the longer term, Breer gets the sense that another team could eventually wind up in Oakland, given the area’s potential. The Raiders are not leaving Oakland for lack of fan support or dollars in the region, but rather because of the city’s unwillingness to make a deal that it feels would be heavily tilted against taxpayers. However, things can always change and a new regime in the municipality could help pave the way for the NFL to someday return.

Saints Interested In Johnny Manziel?

March 23rd, 2017 at 9:59am CST by Zachary Links

Drew Brees isn’t getting any younger and the Saints have to start thinking about who his successor might be. As the Saints explore backup QBs (and potential heirs), an unlikely name has popped up. Saints coach Sean Payton appears to have taken an interest in Johnny Manziel, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Payton and Manziel were spotted together having breakfast during Super Bowl week, he adds, and they discussed a return to football. There are no indications that the Saints are planning to sign him at this time, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com writes, but things can change.

[RELATED: Follow Pro Football Rumors On Instagram]

As Rapoport notes, the Saints could still take on another backup for Brees in 2017. As of this writing, Luke McCown is the only other QB on the roster, but I can’t imagine that a Manziel signing would displace him. McCown knows the playbook and would give New Orleans a safety net in the event that Manziel’s demons reemerge.

In early March, there was word that Manziel was drawing “real” NFL interest. Manziel says he is sober and focusing on his comeback and he’s reportedly willing to volunteer himself for drug testing. Of course, if he gets signed, the NFL will force Manziel to take frequent drug tests anyway. He’ll also likely have to serve a suspension before taking the field.

Manziel’s off-field behavior cost him his roster spot in Cleveland, but he didn’t do that much on the field either. The now 24-year-old made eight starts and played in 15 total games for Cleveland, completing 57% of his passes for 1,675 yards with seven touchdowns against seven interceptions. His overall passer rating was 74.4.

Photo via Pro Football Rumors on Instagram.

Updates On 2017’s Restricted Free Agents

March 22nd, 2017 at 10:30pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The deadline for NFL restricted free agents to sign offer sheets with rival clubs is April 21, so RFAs have just under a month to discuss deals with other teams. So far, only one RFA — interior offensive lineman Ryan Groy — has inked an offer sheet, but the Bills matched the terms of the pact, meaning he’ll head back to Buffalo."<strong

Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler, tendered at the first-round level, is reportedly negotiating a contract with the Saints, although most observers don’t expect New Orleans to sacrifice the No. 11 overall pick in order to sign Butler, with a trade involving a later selection viewed as far more likely. Elsewhere, Browns running back Isaiah Crowell is also drawing interest, although clubs would need to give up a second-round pick in order to sign him.

In total, more than 40 restricted free agents have been tendered this offseason. Let’s take a look at where things stand with those RFAs:

Signed to offer sheet:

  • Ryan Groy, OL: Signed two-year, $5MM offer sheet with Rams. Matched by Bills.

First-round tender ($3.91MM):

Second-round tender ($2.746MM):

Original round / right of first refusal tender ($1.797MM):

Tendered, then extended:

Tendered, then withdrawn:

North Notes: Cribbs, Vikings, Ravens, Ross

March 22nd, 2017 at 9:34pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Former ace return man Josh Cribbs has officially retired from the NFL, the Browns announced today. Cribbs, 33, hasn’t played since the 2014 campaign, but was a force when he was on the field. In eight seasons with Cleveland, Cribbs earned two All Pro and three Pro Bowl berths. Along with Leon Washington, Cribbs is the NFL’s all-time leader in kickoff return touchdowns with eight.

Here’s more from the NFL’s two North divisions:

  • Before he signed with the Eagles, the Vikings expressed interest in free agent wide receiver Torrey Smith, Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press tweets. Smith ultimately signed with Philadelphia for one year and $5MM on a contract that contains two option years and only $500K guaranteed. The Vikings, meanwhile, haven’t added to their wideout corps this offseason, but they did tender — and then extend — restricted free agent Adam Thielen.
  • The Ravens will conduct a predraft visit with Washington wide receiver John Ross, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com. Ross, who notably ran a 4.22 40-yard dash at the combine earlier this month, underwent shoulder surgery last week, so Baltimore will presumably check in on the status of his injury. As Hensley notes, the Ravens could use a wideout after losing both Steve Smith (retirement) and Kamar Aiken (free agency).
  • The Vikings announced that new running back Latavius Murray underwent ankle surgery today, an operation the club was aware would be required when they signed Murray to a three-year deal last week. Minnesota fully expects Murray to be available when training camp begins this summer. Murray’s injury was “not a secret” as he took free agent visits, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com.

Bryan Stork “Stepping Away” From NFL

March 22nd, 2017 at 8:38pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Free agent offensive lineman Bryan Stork has decided to “step away” from the NFL, as Stork himself tweeted today. Stork, 26, cautions that he isn’t officially retiring, which leaves open the possibility that he may return to the league at some point.Bryan Stork (vertical)

Stork, a former fourth-round pick, played two seasons with the Patriots (and managed 17 starts) before being involved in a curious set of transactions last summer. After reports indicated New England would waive Stork, he was then dealt to the Redskins for minimal compensation. Stork reportedly contemplated retirement, and the trade was subsequently after Stork failed his physical with Washington.

Stork was officially cut loose by the Patriots following those machinations, but he kept working out for clubs in the hopes of landing a job. Over the next several months, Stork met with the Jets, Browns, Giants, and Bears, but wasn’t able to come to terms with any of those clubs.

If this is the end of Stork’s NFL tenure, he’ll have hung up his cleats with a Super Bowl title under his belt, as he was a member of the 2014 Patriots club that defeated the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX. The year prior, Stork won a NCAA Championship as part of the Florida State team the took down Auburn in 2014.

Draft Rumors: Peterman, Melifonwu, Bolles

March 22nd, 2017 at 8:13pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Quarterback Nathan Peterman will conduct a private workout for the Eagles next week, and will also meet with the Steelers in April, tweets Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. Earlier this year, one scout told Matt Miller of Bleacher Report Peterman has a chance to be the 2017 version of Dak Prescott, a mid-round talent who emerges into a viable starter. Peterman, who transferred from Tennessee to Pitt before the 2015 season, has averaged 2,571 yards and 23 touchdowns over the past two years.

Here’s more on the 2017 draft:

  • UConn safety Obi Melifonwu has meetings lined up with the Steelers, Seahawks, and Saints, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. Meanwhile, Melifonwu met “extensively” with the Lions yesterday, and will also visit with the Panthers, according to Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst.com, who reports roughly 40% of NFL clubs view Melifonwu as a cornerback. Melifonwu, a four-year starter for the Huskies, posted four interceptions during the 2016 campaign.
  • The Giants will meet with Utah offensive tackle Garett Bolles in April, according to Dan Duggan of NJ.com (Twitter link). New York isn’t sold on keeping 2015 first-round pick Ereck Flowers at left tackle, and Bolles could give the club another option along its front five. Bolles is expected to be selected on Day 1 of the draft, and has a chance to be the first offensive lineman off the board.
  • Prior to possibly injuring his pectoral while bench pressing on Tuesday, UCLA cornerback Fabian Moreau spent time with the Lions, Dolphins, Saints, and Bengals, reports Pauline. Additionally, Moreau met with Cowboys defensive backs Joe Baker, per Pauline. Rob Rang of CBSSports.com projected Moreau as a back-end first round pick (and the third-best cornerback on the board) before news of his injury broke.
  • Moreau’s UCLA teammate, edge rusher Takkarist McKinley, will visit with the Browns in early April, per Courtney Fallon of NFL.com (Twitter link). After that, McKinley plans to meet with the Ravens, Steelers, Cowboys, and Lions, per Fallon. McKinley put up 10 sacks in 11 games for the Bruins in 2016.

Packers Interested In Adrian Peterson?

March 22nd, 2017 at 7:31pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Although the Packers have “some” interest in free agent running back Adrian Peterson, a meeting between the two parties likely wouldn’t take place until the draft has concluded and Green Bay has assessed its options, according to Ben Goessling of ESPN.com."<strong

To this point, most of the news surrounding Peterson has involved clubs reporting that they are not interested in signing the 32-year-old back. Several rumored suitors – the Texans, Patriots, Raiders, Giants – have shown little to no interest in Peterson, while the Seahawks visited with him but then opted to sign Eddie Lacy. Meanwhile, Peterson won’t be re-signing with the Vikings after Minnesota inked Latavius Murray, leaving the future Hall of Famer’s prospects even more limited.

The Packers have not yet ruled themselves out as a potential Peterson landing spot, and they do have a need in their relatively barren backfield. After losing Lacy to Seattle, Green Bay boasts only Ty Montgomery, Don Jackson, and the recently re-signed Christine Michael in its running back corps. By joining a new club within the NFC North, then, Peterson would give the Packers a legitimate starting option to play alongside quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Peterson is one of only four of PFR’s Top 50 Free Agents that has yet to sign with a new club, and we also ranked him as the best running back still on the board.

Minor NFL Transactions: 3/22/17

March 22nd, 2017 at 7:08pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Today’s minor moves:

  • The Dolphins have signed offensive tackle Avery Young and waived cornerback Daniel Davie with a non-football injury, the club announced today. Young, 24, went undrafted out of Auburn in 2016, and ended up spending the entirety of his rookie campaign on the non-football injury list. He was waived by the Saints last month. Davie, too, was a 2016 UDFA (Colts), and had agreed to a futures deal with Miami earlier this year.
  • The Seahawks announced that they’ve signed kicker John Lunsford, who was waived by the Buccaneers earlier this week. Lunsford, originally a 49ers UDFA in 2016, doesn’t figure to make Seattle’s final roster given that the club has already inked Blair Walsh this offseason.

Latest On Dolphins’ Free Agent Targets

March 22nd, 2017 at 6:39pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Dolphins still want to sign free agent linebacker Zach Brown, but Brown is likely looking for a multi-year pact in the range of $6MM annually, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. Miami, meanwhile, would be more comfortable paying $3-4MM per year. Brown, who’s been linked to the Bills, Raiders, and Colts in addition to the Dolphins, is “exploring all options” at the moment, as his agents tell Mike Rodak of ESPN.com.Zach Brown (vertical)

Miami has also inquired on defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, and have in fact called on him “a half dozen times,” reports Salguero, but Hankins is still looking for more money than the Dolphins are willing to expend. Hankins, 25, is hoping to reel in $10MM annually on a multi-year contract, an asking price that appears unlikely to be met at this juncture. The Giants want to re-sign Hankins, but are reportedly hoping for a quick response on their outstanding offer.

Clearly, the Dolphins are searching for a defensive tackle to play alongside Ndamukong Suh and Jordan Phillips, but former Miami defender Jared Odrick won’t be returning to town. While Odrick would like to reunite the Dolphins, the club won’t be placing a call to Odrick for “multiple reasons,” per Salguero, who doesn’t specify what those reasons may be. The Patriots worked out Odrick last month, but Odrick isn’t interested in playing for New England, says Salguero.

Finally, free agent defensive lineman Ricky Jean-Francois won’t be on the Dolphins’ radar as the team doesn’t view him as a scheme fit, according to Salguero. Jean-Francois has visited the Packers, Seahawks, and Bears since being released by the Redskins.

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