2017 June - Pro Football Rumors

Colin Kaepernick, Seahawks Didn’t Exchange Offers

June 5th, 2017 at 6:28pm CST by Sam Robinson

Likely having closed the door on a Colin Kaepernick addition after signing journeyman Austin Davis, the Seahawks may not have been deep into financial discussions with the 29-year-old quarterback’s camp. Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweeted on Friday the Seahawks and Kaepernick were apart on money but took an opportunity Monday to clarify that wasn’t necessarily the case.

Garafolo reports Kaepernick and the Seahawks did not exchange formal offers. While the reporter notes (video link) the sides did discuss expectations of a contract before Kaepernick trekked to Seattle, but numbers-wise, the talks didn’t progress into detail beyond that.

ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler reported late last month the Seahawks were looking for quarterback help at closer to the veteran minimum, and Garafolo expects Davis’ deal to come in around that. Davis did not see any time last season as the Broncos’ third-string quarterback, and he eventually was waived in December. Garafolo and Steve Wyche note Davis isn’t a lock to wrest the backup job away from Trevone Boykin, either. Wyche also relays an NFL.com report that indicated more Seahawks fans called the team to voice negative opinions of a Kaepernick addition than vice versa.

A report emerged in March that Kaepernick was potentially seeking low-end starter/high-end backup money, but nothing substantial has come out on that front since. Kaepernick has seen several teams go elsewhere to fill their backup spots, with franchises like the Cowboys and now Seahawks bringing in less accomplished players, and the No. 2 signal-caller market for players like Kaepernick and Robert Griffin III continues to dry up.

Cowboys Claim Zac Dysert Off Waivers

June 5th, 2017 at 5:17pm CST by Sam Robinson

Zac Dysert has not played in a regular-season NFL game despite being a 2013 draft pick, but the quarterback found another taker on Monday after the Cardinals waived him on Friday. The Cowboys submitted a successful claim and landed Dysert on waivers, Rob Phillips of DallasCowboys.com tweets.

To make room on their 90-man roster, the Cowboys waived quarterback Austin Appleby.

This will be Dysert’s seventh NFL team. The former seventh-round Broncos pick most recently caught on with the Cardinals early in the 2016 season. He’d gone to camp with the Dolphins last year but landed in Arizona soon after. However, the equation changed in the desert after the Cardinals signed Blaine Gabbert in May to play behind Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton.

Prior to Gabbert’s arrival in Arizona, Dysert signed an ERFA tender and was working out with the Cardinals during OTAs. In Dallas, the 27-year-old Dysert figures to have a path toward the No. 3 role. The team re-signed Kellen Moore to be Dak Prescott‘s backup. In Moore and Dysert, the Cowboys have two players with a combined nine years of NFL roster or practice squad time but only two career games — both from Moore in 2015.

Appleby was a UDFA out of Florida.

Jets Place WR Quinton Patton On IR

June 5th, 2017 at 4:17pm CST by Zachary Links

The Jets announced today that they have placed wide receiver Quinton Patton on the injured reserve. To replace him on the roster, the organization has signed wideout Devin Street.

Patton joined the Jets this offseason after spending his first four seasons with San Francisco. After playing in only 10 combined games during his first two seasons in the NFL, the former fourth-rounder saw an increased role in 2015 and 2016. This past season was arguably his best, as the 26-year-old finished the campaign with 37 catches for 408 yards. Patton also has brief experience as a running back, kick returner, and special teamer.

Meanwhile, Street saw a reduced roll with the Colts this past season. After appearing in 31 games with the Cowboys between 2014 and 2015, the 26-year-old only made five appearances in 2016, hauling in a single catch for 20 yards. Over his career, the 2014 fifth-round pick has collected 10 receptions for 152 yards and one touchdown. Besides the Colts and Cowboys, Street also had two separate stints with the Patriots.

Street could have an opportunity to contribute behind Eric Decker, Quincy Enunwa, and Robby Anderson. The Jets are also rostering ArDarius Stewart, Chad Hansen, Charone Peake, and Jalin Marshall, who is facing a four-game suspension.

NFC Notes: Morris, Packers, Lions, Bradberry

June 5th, 2017 at 3:20pm CST by Zachary Links

Alfred Morris only played 112 snaps during his first season with the Cowboys, and Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com writes that the veteran running back’s future with the organization “remains murky.”

According to the writer, the Cowboys believe Morris has more success when he has more carries, but that isn’t a possibility in Dallas. Ezekiel Elliott should see even more responsibility in his second NFL season, and the team also re-signed veteran Darren McFadden this offseason.

Despite the uncertainty, running backs coach Gary Brown said the 28-year-old continues to keep his head high.

“Straight pro,” he said. “Doesn’t talk about it. Doesn’t mention it. Comes out has fun with it. Enjoys being around his teammates. That’s the kind of guys you need.”

As Williams points out, Morris is set to make $1.2MM next season and count for $2.14MM against the cap. While that would seemingly make him expendable, Brown said he’d love to keep all of his players.

“You just don’t know from year to year what’s going to happen, so you try to keep as many great players around as you can and then the business takes over after that,” Brown said. “Obviously, we would like everybody to stay, but that’s not realistic. We’ve got to make sure we’re training everybody, and we’re covering all our bases, and let whatever happens happen.”

Let’s take a look at some other notes from around the NFC…

Packers running back Jamaal Williams‘ four-year rookie contract includes a $565,992 signing bonus, and ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky notes that that’s the only guaranteed money in the deal. The fourth-rounder’s contract could be worth up to $2.96MM, and Williams is set to earn a base salary of $465K in 2017.
If he isn’t looking for a lucrative contract, then ESPN.com’s Michael Rothstein believes free agent wideout Jeremy Maclin would be a logical fit for the Lions. The hypothetical acquisition would allow the team to roll a versatile three-wideout set that could include any combination of Marvin Jones, Golden Tate, and/or tight end Eric Ebron. Rothstein also points to the relative experience among the team’s other wide receivers.
Panthers cornerback James Bradberry fractured his left wrist today and will be in a cast for the next six weeks, reports Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer (via Twitter). Head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion told Max Henson of Panthers.com that the defensive back could still participate in next week’s minicamp, and he’s expected to be fully recovered in time for training camp. The 2016 second-round pick started 13 games for the Panthers last season, compiling 59 tackles and two interceptions.
Former Minnesota Gophers linebacker Jack Lynn is “close” to signing with the Falcons, reports Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News (via Twitter). The four-year player finished his collegiate career with 77 tackles and 0.5 sacks in 13 games.

Ravens Release CB Kyle Arrington

June 5th, 2017 at 1:46pm CST by Zachary Links

The Brandon Boykin signing isn’t the only shakeup to the Ravens cornerback depth chart today. The Ravens announced that they’ve also signed Al-Hajj Shabazz, and they subsequently released veteran cornerback Kyle Arrington on a failed physical designation. ESPN.com’s Jamison Hensley points out that releasing Arrington will save the organization around $2.1MM in cap space.

Arrington will finish his tenure with the Ravens having played in only 15 games over two seasons. Following six seasons with the Patriots, the former undrafted free agent out of Hostra joined Baltimore on a three-year deal. He started four of his 15 games during the 2015 season, compiling 28 tackles and one forced fumble. However, the 30-year-old was forced to sit out the entire 2016 campaign recovering from a concussion.

Shabazz has spent time with the Colts, Buccaneers, Steelers, and Texans since going undrafted in 2015. He played in eight games between Houston and Pittsburgh last season, compiling a single tackle.

When you consider these moves, the Boykin signing, and the fact that Tavon Young is now out with a torn ACL, the Ravens cornerback depth chart looks drastically different than it did only a week ago. Boykin and Shabazz will presumably be competing with Lardarius Webb and Maurice Canady for the team’s nickel corner spot.

49ers Sign LB Elvis Dumervil

June 5th, 2017 at 1:18pm CST by Zachary Links

Less than a week after auditioning the veteran, the 49ers are signing Elvis Dumervil. The 49ers announced on Twitter that they have signed the linebacker. It’s a two-year deal for Dumervil, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Twitter. The team has cut rookie offensive lineman Evan Goodman in a corresponding move.

It had been a rather quiet offseason for Dumervil prior to last week’s audition with San Francisco. The 33-year-old had generated little interest across the league since being released by the Ravens in early March. That could partly be attributed to the veteran’s recent injury concerns, as Dumervil only appeared in eight games with Baltimore last season. However, the linebacker still managed to compile three sacks and a pair of forced fumbles.

Prior to 2016, Dumervil was one of the most consistent defenders in the NFL. Since entering the league as a fourth-round pick in 2006, the veteran had missed a total of six regular season games between nine NFL seasons with the Ravens and Broncos. During his first three seasons in Baltimore, Dumervil averaged more than 38 tackles and 10 sacks a year.

Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee tweets that Dumervil is expected to play the role of a Leo linebacker with the 49ers, an indication that Aaron Lynch may be on the outside looking in. General manager John Lynch is certainly familiar with Dumervil’s production, as the two played alongside each other for two seasons in Denver.

Seahawks Sign QB Austin Davis

June 5th, 2017 at 12:37pm CST by Zachary Links

The Seahawks have added a backup quarterback… and no, it isn’t Colin Kaepernick. ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that the team has signed signal-caller Austin Davis. Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times tweets that the team has waived quarterback Jake Heaps to make room on the roster. Davis had reportedly visited the Seahawks last week.

The 28-year-old didn’t play in a single game for the Broncos during the 2016 season, and he was ultimately waived by the organization in December. The former undrafted free agent out of Southern Mississippi does have some NFL experience, as he played in 13 games (1o starts) with the Rams and Browns between 2014 and 2015. Over his career, Davis has completed 62.4-percent of his passes for 2,548 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. The quarterback reportedly met with the Giants and Ravens earlier this offseason.

Barring another addition, Davis will be competing with Trevone Boykin to serve as Russell Wilson‘s primary backup. The Seahawks had actually added Heaps last week to compete for the backup gig, although it seemed unlikely that the former undrafted rookie would be sticking around for the long haul.

This acquisiton will presumably put to rest the persisting Kaepernick rumors. We learned last week that the organization wouldn’t be signing the veteran quarterback, with coach Pete Carroll citing the 29-year-old’s ability to still start in the NFL. Subsequent reports indicated that the two sides were actually in disagreement over money, although some wondered if the Seahawks were looking to avoid a potential quarterback controversy.

Ravens Sign CB Brandon Boykin

June 5th, 2017 at 12:23pm CST by Zachary Links

The Ravens have found a replacement for injured cornerback Tavon Young. According to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter), the team has signed veteran defensive back Brandon Boykin.

Boykin hasn’t appeared in the NFL since he played in 15 games with the Steelers in 2015. The former fourth-round pick caught on with both the Panthers and Bears during the 2016 offseason, but he landed on Chicago’s injured reserve after suffering a pectoral injury during training camp.

Prior to last season, the 26-year-old hadn’t missed a single regular season game during his four-game career. His best season came in 2013, when he finished with 47 tackles, six interceptions, and 16 passes defended. Boykin compiled a career-low 25 tackles during his lone season in Pittsburgh during the 2015 campaign.

Young tore his ACL during practice last week, presumably ending his season. The Ravens revamped their cornerback depth chart this offseason, adding free agent Brandon Carr and first-round pick Marlon Humphrey. Boykin will presumably be competing with Lardarius Webb and Maurice Canady for the team’s nickel corner spot.

Giants WR Roger Lewis Arrested For OVI

June 5th, 2017 at 11:27am CST by Zachary Links

Giants wide receiver Roger Lewis was arrested on Sunday and charged with operating a vehicle while impaired, the Reynoldsburg, Ohio Police Department confirmed (via James Kratch of NJ Advance Media on Twitter). TMZ Sports first reported the arrest yesterday. Neither the player nor the Giants have commented, and Lewis will presumably face potential discipline from the NFL.

Lewis was reportedly pulled over when officers observed him speeding in a vehicle with “overly tinted windows.” The officers noticed the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle, and they observed that the 23-year-old appeared to be impaired. The wideout “was released from jail on his own recognizance,” according to Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com.

The 2016 undrafted free agent out of Bowling Green appeared in 13 games (one start) for New York last season, hauling in seven catches for 97 yards and two touchdowns. Lewis also collected five tackles on special teams.

Lewis was competing with Dwayne Harris and Tavarres King for snaps behind Odell Beckham Jr., Brandon Marshall, and Sterling Shepard.

AFC Notes: Jets, Chargers, Ivory, Maclin

June 5th, 2017 at 11:02am CST by Zachary Links

A video emerged on Twitter this weekend allegedly showing Jets linebacker Darron Lee in an apparent altercation with a woman at the Governors Ball Music Festival on Randall’s Island. The video shows a man shouting at a woman, and the Twitter user claimed the individual proceeded to “manhandle her’’ and “call her names.’’

Jets defensive end Leonard Williams can also be seen in the video physically restraining his teammate, according to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. Williams’ Instagram account showed that quarterback Bryce Petty was also at the festival.

“We are aware of the reports,” a Jets spokesman said (via Schwartz). “We are taking them seriously, and we are looking into the specifics of the situation. We will have no further comment at this time.”

Lee, a 2016 first-round pick, appeared in 13 games (nine starts) with the Jets last season, compiling 73 tackles and one sack.

Let’s take a look at other notes from around the AFC…

Danny Woodhead signed with the Ravens this offseason, so ESPN.com’s Eric D. Williams took a look at current Chargers who could replace the departed running back’s production. The writer points to Branden Oliver and Kenjon Barner as players who could serve as the pass-catching back behind starter Melvin Gordon.
We learned yesterday that running back LeSean McCoy was recruiting former teammate Jeremy Maclin to join the Bills. Now it looks like quarterback Tyrod Taylor is also looking to touch base with the free agent receiver. “Today was the first day I seen Shady,” Taylor told Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News. “We texted about it, but [I] want to get Maclin’s number and try to reach out to him. Just to see what his thoughts, what is he thinking moving forward and try to get him here.”
After a season that saw him compile only 439 rushing yards, Jaguars running back Chris Ivory wants to prove that he’s still capable of starting in the NFL. Unfortunately, despite his experience, the veteran has fourth-overall pick Leonard Fournette breathing down his neck. While the odds seem to be against the 29-year-old, he’s still confident that his 2016 woes are a thing of the past. “One thing about it, people and everybody are going to have their opinions,’’ Ivory told John Reid of the Florida Times-Union. “Mainly, the people that know nothing about football. They don’t know the things we go through to get to this point. What we actually face before we come out for those games…Most of the stuff the people on the outside see are the mistakes and the bad things you do. It’s not always going to go the way you want. I think a lot of people that like to see guys get a 1,000 yards each year, but it just don’t work that way.’’