2017 June - Pro Football Rumors

Latest On Eric Decker

June 10th, 2017 at 10:21am CST by Ben Levine

We learned on Tuesday that the Jets were planning on trading or releasing veteran Eric Decker by the end of the week. However, it’s sounding like the wideout may be sticking around New York for a bit longer.

On Friday, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweeted that Decker’s “situation” would continue through the weekend. Today, former NFL executive Michael Lombardi suggested (via Twitter) that the organization may be waiting for free agent wideout Jeremy Maclin to choose a destination. Once the talented receiver is off the board, the “trade market for Decker might increase.”

With the Jets going all-in on their rebuild efforts, they decided earlier this week that they’d be letting go of the veteran wideout. Decker originally joined the organization on a five-year, $36.25MM contract in 2014, and he averaged around 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns during his first two seasons with the team. However, an injury in 2016 limited him to only three games played. By trading or releasing Decker, the Jets will save $7.5MM in cap space in each of the next two seasons, so the financial incentives are rather obvious.

Since news broke of Decker’s impending release or trade, rumors emerged that the Jets had approached the Ravens regarding a potential swap. The Lions have also been mentioned as a logical landing spot, but the Vikings apparently don’t have much interest.

Calvin Pryor Discusses Trade, Jets, Cleveland

June 10th, 2017 at 9:18am CST by Ben Levine

In a relatively unsurprising move, the Jets traded former first-rounder Calvin Pryor to the Browns last week. The safety’s tenure in New York ended up being a disappointment, as the Louisville product compiled only 129 tackles, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles through three seasons with the organization.

Now, Pryor has a fresh start in Cleveland, where he could realistically slot in as a starter. The 24-year-old is set to hit free agency following this season, so perhaps we’ll begin to see Pryor show more of his worth as he looks to cash in.

The safety sat down with Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot to discuss his hectic week. The whole article is worth checking it, but we’ve compiled some of the notable quotes below…

On his apparent demotion by the Jets:

“I can’t really speak on too much of that. That’s in the past…One thing I know — I can play football. It’s about being in the right situation and then going about things the right way.”

His feelings on the Jets organization:

“I mean, don’t get it twisted now. I had some great times in New York. My years that I was there, I really enjoyed playing football. It’s just a blessing to be in the NFL period, so it doesn’t really stop here. I’m looking forward a fresh start, having an opportunity to play with the Cleveland Browns. That’s what I’m looking forward to the most.”

His reactions to getting traded to Cleveland:

“I feel like it was a great opportunity – have a fresh start, learn a new system and buy into a new culture. I had a feeling [with the Jets] drafting two safeties, but I can’t control that. I’m excited. I can’t thank (the Browns) enough.”

On whether he’ll play alongside rookie Jabrill Peppers:

“I can’t speak on that because that’s the coaches’ job, but I do know that (Peppers) is one heck of a player. I do look forward to playing with him, whether it’s in different packages or we’re just on the field at the same time. I know that we both can play football. I look forward to being a great teammate and helping him out along the way.”

Rams Sign Top Three Picks

June 9th, 2017 at 10:00pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

The Rams have finally begun to lock up their draft class. The club signed its top three picks – tight end Gerald Everett, wide receiver Cooper Kupp and defensive back Josh Johnson – on Friday, tweets Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com.

Trading up to No. 1 overall in 2016 for quarterback Jared Goff left the Rams without a first-rounder this year, meaning they didn’t pick until No. 44. That’s where they landed Everett, who transferred from UAB to South Alabama after the 2014 season and ended his college career with back-to-back 40-catch seasons. With the Rams having released their previous No. 1 tight end, Lance Kendricks, earlier this offseason, the 6-foot-3, 239-pound Everett is in line to open his NFL career as a starter. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com likens Everett to the Titans’ Delanie Walker, a pass-catching machine who has racked up 282 receptions and 23 touchdowns since 2013.

Kupp, the 69th pick and the first of two third-rounders for the Rams, thrived at Eastern Washington, where he combined for FCS-record-setting numbers (428 catches, 6,464 yards and 73 TDs) over four seasons. Along with free agent pickup Robert Woods, the 6-2, 204-pound Kupp is one of two prominent newcomers in LA’s receiving corps, which was among the league’s worst last year.

Johnson was the Rams’ second choice in Round 3 (No. 91), and is coming off back-to-back three-interception seasons at Boston College. The 6-0, 208-pounder has the coverage skills necessary to start right away, per Zierlein, and is capable of playing both safety and cornerback.

“I think I fit best as a safety, although I think I have a corner body type,” Johnson said in April (via Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times). “I came into Boston College as a corner, and I like covering man to man. I like covering the intermediate zone … but I think I would fit best as a safety.”

The Rams still have five more picks to sign, including two fourth-rounders.

Extra Points: 49ers, NFLPA, OBJ, Ihedigbo

June 9th, 2017 at 9:06pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Pass rusher Elvis Dumervil told Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area that he spoke with a “handful of teams” between his release from the Ravens in March and his signing with the 49ers this week. In the end, Dumervil’s familiarity with general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan helped direct him to San Francisco. Dumervil played with Lynch in Denver from 2006-07, when Kyle Shanahan’s father, Mike Shanahan, was the Broncos’ coach. The elder Shanahan drafted Dumervil, who has since racked up 99 sacks. Now, even though he’s 33 and coming off an Achilles injury that limited him to eight games last season, Dumervil feels “great” and believes he has “a few years left, for sure.”

Michael Oher Could Be Done In Carolina

June 9th, 2017 at 6:56pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Panthers offensive tackle Michael Oher still hasn’t passed the NFL’s concussion protocol since suffering a brain injury that ended his season last September. Further concern over Oher’s status arose Friday when he posted a since-deleted picture on Instagram that showed 10 pill bottles with the caption, “All for the brain smh” (via Mike Chiari of Bleacher Report).

Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman responded to the post, telling Bill Voth of the team’s website, “I don’t know if Michael posted that photo or not. Regardless, my primary interest is Michael’s health.”

Oher has been away from the Panthers this offseason, thanks to a combination of concussion issues, a May 4 citation in his hometown of Nashville for an alleged assault of an Uber driver and “personal reasons,” but he has met with Gettleman. The GM informed Voth that he flew to Nashville on May 5 and sat down with the 31-year-old.

“We really had a great visit. We talked for an hour, had lunch, it was a very comfortable conversation,” said Gettleman. “We talked about a lot of things – nothing about football. It was about him, how he was doing and the issues he was dealing with. It started and ended well. And after we met, Michael did follow up for a few days. However, the communication has stopped.”

With talks between Oher and the Panthers having ceased, Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer tweets that the lineman is likely done in Carolina. For now, Oher’s under contract through 2019 after signing a three-year, $21.6MM extension with the Panthers last summer. Carolina has a mandatory minicamp next week, but it’s unknown whether Oher will attend.

“Our No. 1 priority is a healthy Michael Oher,” noted Gettleman. “This is not about football, this is about Michael.”

Draft Pick Signings: 6/9/17

June 9th, 2017 at 5:58pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

The latest draft signings:

The Seahawks have announced the signing of second-round offensive lineman Ethan Pocic, the 58th overall pick. With Pocic under contract, the Seahawks have signed nine members of their 11-player draft class. After mostly serving as a center at LSU, where he was a first-team All-American in 2016, Pocic has lined up at both guard and right tackle with Seattle this spring. As of now, Oday Aboushi (LG), Mark Glowinski (RG) and Germain Ifedi (RT) are the Seahawks’ penciled-in starters at those positions.

Minor NFL Transactions: 6/9/17

June 9th, 2017 at 5:33pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Friday’s minor moves from around the NFL:

The Jets have waived linebacker Randell Johnson, whom they originally signed off the Rams’ practice squad last December. Johnson only played one game last year, which came with the Jets, after appearing in 10 and starting one as a Bill in 2015. In 16 games dating back to 2014, Johnson’s first year, he has just one tackle.
The Chiefs have signed cornerback Keith Baxter and waived a pair of defenders, tackle T.J. Barnes and safety Damariay Drew, tweets Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star. Barnes is the only one of three with NFL experience, having appeared in 21 games (one start) since debuting in 2014. Last season was the only year in Kansas City for Barnes, and the former Jet and Bill saw action in five games. Baxter went undrafted out of Marshall last year and spent some time with the Vikings and Packers as a rookie. Drew, undrafted from Cal this year, lasted just over a week with the Chiefs, who signed him June 1.
The Texans have added center Erik Austell and waived guard Jake Simonich. Both players went undrafted this year, with Austell coming from Charleston Southern and Simonich out of Utah State.
The 49ers have inked offensive lineman Andrew Lauderdale to a deal and cut safety Malik Golden. Lauderdale, undrafted out of New Hampshire, had a brief stint with the Saints earlier this spring. Golden, another UDFA (from Penn State), joined the 49ers on May 4.

Derek Carr Could Get $25MM Per Year

June 9th, 2017 at 5:00pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Raiders quarterback Derek Carr won’t negotiate a contract extension once training camp starts, but that could end up being a moot point. The Raiders and Carr have been engaging in “good faith” negotiations in an effort to get a deal done by the camp deadline, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). If the two sides do reach an agreement, it’s “very possible” Carr will set a new benchmark and become the NFL’s first $25MM-per-year player, according to Rapoport.

Both the league’s ever-rising salary cap and Carr’s performance since entering the pros as a second-round pick in 2014 have him poised to land elite money. Carr is coming off his best season, albeit one that ended early with a broken fibula, as he tossed 28 touchdowns against six interceptions and helped the Raiders to 12 wins and their first playoff berth since 2002.

Colts quarterback Andrew Luck fell just shy of the $25MM mark on the extension he signed last summer, when he inked a five-year, $122.97MM pact that includes a record $87MM in guarantees. Jason Cole of Bleacher Report noted last month that the 26-year-old Carr’s next deal could surpass Luck’s, which jibes with the latest from Rapoport. And Rapoport adds that Kirk Cousins‘ talks with the Redskins could affect Carr’s discussions with the Raiders. In the event Washington extends Cousins for a record amount before Oakland locks up Carr, the latter might have to go back to the drawing board in negotiations, Rapoport suggests, which could be problematic if it happens close to the start of camp.

Without an extension, Carr would play 2017 for a relative pittance and presumably either re-sign with the Raiders or get the $22MM-plus franchise tag next offseason. The Raiders would rather not have to resort to deploying the tag, as Cole reported, so it would behoove them to re-up Carr over the next month-plus.

Taylor Decker Out 4-6 Months

June 9th, 2017 at 4:21pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

The shoulder injury that Lions left tackle Taylor Decker incurred during organized team activities seems worse than initially feared. The 22-year-old suffered a torn labrum and will sit out four to six months, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Conor Orr of NFL.com). Decker now looks like a candidate to begin 2017 on the physically unable to perform list, which would cost the second-year man at least the first six weeks of the regular season.

Decker was the sturdiest member of Detroit’s O-line during his rookie season, starting each of the Lions’ games and joining quarterback Matthew Stafford as their only offensive players to line up for all 1,037 of the unit’s snaps. The first-round pick out of Ohio State was quite effective during that action, as Pro Football Focus assigned his performance the 23rd-highest grade out of 78 qualified tackles.

Not having Decker for the foreseeable future could force the Lions to shift right tackle Ricky Wagner to the left side and/or scour free agency for another viable option. The club did sign Tony Hills on Thursday, but the 32-year-old has just one start on his resume. Before adding Hills, Detroit visited with Cyrus Kouandjio, one of the top bookends on the market, though there’s no word on whether it’s interested in signing him. Other experienced free agents include Ryan Clady, King Dunlap, Austin Pasztor and Will Beatty. On the other hand, if the Lions stay in house to find their starter opposite Wagner, their choices are Hills, Cornelius Lucas and Joe Dahl. Those three have just seven starts among them.

49ers Sign Rookie Reuben Foster

June 9th, 2017 at 3:29pm CST by Zachary Links

Reuben Foster is officially a member of the 49ers. The team announced on Friday that the linebacker has inked his rookie contract.

The Niners kicked off their draft night by trading down from No. 2 to No. 3 and selecting Solomon Thomas. Later on, they traded back into the first round to select Foster. Foster appeared in 51 games (24 starts) during his four-year career at Alabama and registered 222 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. In 2016, he was named First-Team All-America by the Associated Press and won the Butkus Award, the trophy given to the nation’s best linebacker.

Foster was believed to be a top ten candidate heading into draft week, but concerns about his character and injured shoulder hurt his stock. As he slid down the board, the Niners worked the phones hard to try and take the standout inside linebacker. At one point, the Niners were ready to trade into the middle of the first round for Foster, but they were able to get him several picks later and give up a lot less for the privilege. SF traded its No. 34 and No. 111 overall picks to Seattle to move up to No. 31 and nab Foster, who was reportedly the third-ranked player on its board.

With the signing, the 49ers now have eight of ten draft picks under contract. Thomas and C.J. Beathard are the only two unsigned rookies.