HEADLINES

Month: September 2017

Rams, Ethan Westbrooks Agree To Extension

September 11th, 2017 at 10:09am CST by Zachary Links

The Rams and defensive lineman Ethan Westbrooks have agreed to a one-year extension, as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. The new deal calls for a pay cut from his $1.797MM salary for this year to $1.25MM. In exchange for that, Westbrooks gets a $1.75MM salary for the 2018 season. Ethan Westbrooks (vertical)

Westbrooks signed his original-round RFA tender this offseason, which would have put him in line for unrestricted free agency in the spring. Last spring, the 26-year-old (27 in November) was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, but the Sacramento County District Attorney chose not to file charges.

The West Texas A&M product has been with the Rams since 2014 when he entered the league as a UDFA. His role has slowly grown over the years and he even wound up starting two games last year. Westbrooks finished out 2016 with 24 tackles, two sacks, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. On Sunday, he notched three tackles and sacked opposing quarterback Scott Tolzien in the third quarter.

Eagles’ Ronald Darby Has Dislocated Ankle

September 11th, 2017 at 9:42am CST by Dallas Robinson

Eagles cornerback Ronald Darby suffered a dislocated ankle during Sunday’s victory against the Redskins, but things are not as bad as they could have been. An MRI on Monday morning showed that Darby did not suffer any major ligament damage, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. The dislocated ankle will keep him out for 4-6 weeks.Ronald Darby (Vertical)

Without Darby, a thin Philadelphia secondary now becomes a even thinner with Patrick Robinson likely joining Jalen Mills as a starter in base packages. The Eagles played with only three active cornerbacks Sunday, relying on the ability of their safeties — including Corey Graham and Jaylen Watkins — to moonlight at corner if needed. Going forward, Rasul Douglas and/or Dexter McDougle will likely be active.

Other options could be in play, as well, including the potential promotion of practice squad corner C.J. Smith. Alternatively, the Eagles could hypothetically look to re-sign free agents Leodis McKelvin or Ron Brooks, both of whom were released earlier this year. Neither played well for Philadelphia in 2016, but both are familiar with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz‘s scheme.

Darby is a newcomer to the Eagles’ defensive backfield, as the Birds acquired him from the Bills last month in exchange for a third-round pick and receiver Jordan Matthews. A former second-round draft choice, Darby has been up-and-down through two NFL seasons, but had been poised to serve as Philadelphia’s No. 1 cornerback.

Extra Points: OBJ, Browns, Cardinals, Lions

September 10th, 2017 at 9:01pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Former NFL wide receiver Jordan Norwood has announced his retirement, tweets Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post. Norwood, played in parts of five seasons with the Eagles, Browns, and — most recently — Broncos, totaling 79 receptions, 844 yards, and two touchdowns during that time. Norwood’s most notable NFL time came in Denver, with whom he won a Super Bowl in 2015. PFR extends it best wishes to Norwood in retirement.

Here’s more from around the league:

  • While Odell Beckham Jr. wasn’t active for tonight’s Giants game against the Cowboys, he’s expected to be a full go when New York faces Detroit in Week 2, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Beckham, of course, suffered an ankle injury during the preseason that forced him to sit out for Week 1. The dynamic wideout’s absence has unsurprisingly affected the Giants’ offensive output thus far, as Big Blue has yet to score a single point against Dallas.
  • Responding to a report that he was “irate” at the Browns‘ decision to release cornerback Joe Haden, head coach Hue Jackson said he works in “lockstep” with Cleveland’s front office, reports Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal (Twitter link). The Browns parted ways with Haden just before the season in a move that will cause them to absorb $10.9MM in dead money over the next two year. Playing against his old team as a member of the Steelers today, Haden graded as the NFL’s No. 53 cornerback among 75 qualifiers, per Pro Football Focus.
  • Offensive guard Alex Boone‘s one-year deal with the Cardinals is worth $1.4MM, according to Tom Pelissero of USA Today (Twitter link). Boone, 30, can also make another $600K via playtime incentives. Additionally, Boone is scheduled to earn $3.4MM as part of his Vikings contract, which does not contain offset language. Boone will begin his Arizona tenure as a backup, but could conceivably start later in the season.
  • The Lions may be on the lookout for a new punter, as Kasey Redfern suffered a “significant” injury during today’s contest, head coach Jim Caldwell told reporters, including Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com. Redfern is already an injury replacement, as he’s filling in for incumbent Sam Martin, who was placed on the non-football injury list during final cutdowns.

Steelers Fear DL Stephon Tuitt Tore Biceps

September 10th, 2017 at 8:14pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Steelers fear that defensive end Stephon Tuitt tore his biceps on Sunday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). If confirmed, the injury will end Tuitt’s 2017 season.Stephon Tuitt (Vertical)

Tuitt secured himself financially before the campaign began, agreeing to a five-year $60MM extension that includes $14MM in full guarantees. Originally scheduled to earn a base salary of just over $1MM for the upcoming season, Tuitt will now earn $14MM this year: $1MM in base salary, plus a $11MM signing bonus and a $2MM roster bonus.

A second-round pick in the 2014 draft, Tuitt has made 44 appearances and 32 over three seasons with Pittsburgh. One of the more underrated defensive lineman in the league, the 25-year-old managed four sacks ad 20.5 pressures in 2016 while grading as the NFL’s No. 20 interior defender, per Pro Football Focus.

If Tuitt is done for the year, the Steelers will turn to veteran Tyson Alualu and 2015 sixth-rounder Leterrius Walton to take on more snaps, while practice squad defensive end Lavon Hooks is now a candidate for promotion. Alternatively, free agents with experience in a 3-4 defense — such as Arthur Jones, Tyson Jackson, Glenn Dorsey, or Jaye Howard — could be on Pittsburgh’s radar.

Rams DT Aaron Donald Has Insurance Policy

September 10th, 2017 at 7:59pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Although he’s reported to the Rams and intends to play this season, defensive tackle Aaron Donald is still without a long-term contract. However, Donald has “more than ample insurance” that will protect him in the event of an injury, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.Aaron Donald (Vertical)

Los Angeles is aware that any Donald contract will need to set a new standard for defenders, and Donald’s insurance policy could make him even more inclined to reject any offer he deems unworthy. Of course, the Rams also hold leverage over Donald, as he’s under team control through 2018 at a total cost of roughly $10MM thanks to the fifth-year option. Los Angeles could then deploy the franchise tag in 2019.

Donald, 26, has been absolutely dominant since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2014. A two-time All-Pro, Donald has managed 28 sacks during his three years in the NFL, an astonishing total for a defensive tackle. Donald, who played 828 snaps a season ago, graded as the league’s No. 1 interior defender, according to Pro Football Focus, which awarded him a 99.0 mark for his pass-rushing prowess.

Jaguars WR Allen Robinson Has ACL Injury

September 10th, 2017 at 6:50pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Jaguars wideout Allen Robinson suffered a “significant” knee injury during today’s game against the Texans, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link), and Jacksonville fears Robinson has a torn ACL, tweets Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. The Jaguars have now officially confirmed that Robinson has an ACL injury to his left knee, and head coach Doug Marrone will provide a further update on Monday."<strong

While details are slim as of yet, Robinson went down early with a non-contact injury, struggled to make it to the sideline, and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of today’s contest. While further test results will surely leak out, an ACL injury appeared to be the most obvious diagnosis.

Jacksonville already lost one wideout prior to the season, as the club placed rookie pass-catcher Dede Westbrook on injured reserve with a “core” injury. But the absence of Robinson — clearly Jacksonville’s most talented wide receiver — would represent a much more serious loss. Even in a down 2016, Robinson posted 73 receptions and six scores, while he managed 80 catches, 1,400 yards, and a league-leading 14 touchdown receptions the year prior.

Without Robinson, the Jaguars would turn to Marqise Lee and Allen Hurns as their top two wide receivers, with Arrelious Benn and Keelan Cole available behind that duo. Amba Etta-Tawo, currently on Jacksonville’s practice squad, could be promoted, while the Jags could also consider a free agent. Players such as Victor Cruz (whom the Jaguars hosted earlier this year), Vincent Jackson, Stevie Johnson, and Marquess Wilson are among the options available on the open market.

Alternatively, Jacksonville could lean even more heavily on the running game, something they did in today’s victory over the Texans. Rookie running back Leonard Fournette handled 26 carries on Sunday, while backup Chris Ivory rushed nine times. Quarterback Blake Bortles attempted only 21 passes, but the Jaguars had the benefit of leading early versus Houston.

Robinson’s injury could also have an unfortunate impact on any potential extension negotiations. The 24-year-old Robinson is scheduled to become a free agent next spring, and while he’s discussed a long-term deal with the Jaguars, nothing has been signed. If he’s out for the rest of the year, Robinson will hit the open market with an uncertain medical history, possibly forcing him into accepting a short-term pact.

Cardinals’ David Johnson Has Sprained Wrist

September 10th, 2017 at 6:46pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Superstar running back David Johnson suffered a sprained wrist in the Cardinals’ loss to the Lions today, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Johnson will undergo an MRI on Monday which will determine whether he’ll be sidelined for a few weeks or “half the season or more”, a source tells Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com (Twitter link). However, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that it’s not yet definite that Johnson will miss any time.David Johnson (Vertical)

Losing Johnson for several games would represent a massive detriment to the Arizona offense, while an absence of “half the season” could be a death knell for the Cardinals. Arguably the NFL’s best offensive player in 2016, Johnson led the league in yards from scrimmage and scored 20 total touchdowns.

Without Johnson, the Cardinals would turn to a running back corps that includes Kerwynn Williams — who posted a touchdown on five carries today — Andre Ellington, and Elijhaa Penny. James Summers, currently on Arizona’s practice squad, is a candidate for promotion, while the Cardinals could also look at veteran Chris Johnson, whom they released during final cutdowns.

Johnson wasn’t the only Arizona offensive player to go down on Sunday, as left tackle D.J. Humphries suffered a knee sprain and is out for several weeks.

Cards’ D.J. Humphries Out A “Few” Weeks

September 10th, 2017 at 6:02pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Cardinals left tackle D.J. Humphries is believed to sprained his right knee during today’s contest against the Panthers, and will likely be sidelined for a “few” weeks, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).D.J. Humphries (vertical)

Arizona moved Humphries, a former first-round pick, from right tackle to left tackle heading into the 2017 season, shifting veteran Jared Veldheer from the blindside to right tackle in the process. As such, the Cardinals could potentially place Veldheer back at left tackle while Humphries is out, but that’s not what the club did today.

John Wetzel, who started eight games for Arizona a season ago, replaced Humphries against Carolina on Sunday. In 67 offensive snaps, Wetzel earned a sub-par 35.4 graded from Pro Football Focus, which ranked Wetzel as the third-worst tackle among 39 Sunday participants.

Over the next four weeks, the Cardinals face the Colts, Cowboys, 49ers, and Eagles.

Bears’ Kevin White To Have Surgery?

September 10th, 2017 at 4:40pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Bears fear wide receiver Kevin White has a broken bone in his shoulder and will require season-ending surgery, reports Dan Graziano of ESPN.com. Kevin White (vertical)

If confirmed, White’s latest injury will be simply another health-related setback for the former No. 7 overall pick. White, who missed the entirety of his rookie campaign, has appeared in only five games through two-plus NFL seasons. In 2016, White started four games and managed 19 receptions for 187 yards.

White, 25, is signed through 2018, and will fully guaranteed salaries of $1.9MM and $2.7MM over the next two years. The Bears hold a 2019 fifth-year option on White, but it will almost assuredly be declined. Not only has White not been available to post the kind of production that would make the option worthwhile, but his injury history could easily result in the option becoming fully guaranteed, an untenable outcome from the team’s perspective.

Chicago had already lost one wideout earlier this year, as Cameron Meredith went down with a torn ACL during the preseason. Markus Wheaton, Kendall Wright, Josh Bellamy, Deonte Thompson, and Tre McBride now comprise the remaining Bears’ receivers. Tanner Gentry, currently on Chicago’s practice squad, is conceivably a candidate to be promoted to the active roster.

Load More Posts