Extra Points: Sproles, Patriots, Browns, Snee
Darren Sproles may now be reconsidering retirement. The 13th-year passing-down back said in December that this season was likely going to be his last, but on Monday, the soon-to-be 34-year-old Eagles running back wasn’t quite ready to go that far. “We’re going to see,” Sproles said about retirement (via Zach Berman of Philly.com), adding “right after we make the playoffs, come back and ask me.” Sproles totaled the most carries of his career last year with 94, and he caught 52 passes. The 965 yards were the diminutive runner’s third-most in his career. Philadelphia drafted 2016 Division I-FBS rushing leader Donnel Pumphrey in the fourth round and signed LeGarrette Blount, but the team is likely to cut Ryan Mathews. Berman notes Sproles is still expected to play a big role for the Eagles this season, which is the last year of his contract.
Here’s more from around the league.
- Vance Walker is expected to be medically cleared by next week and ready for training camp after tearing an ACL during his most recent camp experience, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. Walker remains a free agent, but a cleaner bill of health should bring back interest in the 30-year-old interior defender. His last healthy season involved a role as a rotational defensive end on 2015’s Super Bowl champion Broncos defense.
- Former All-Pro guard Chris Snee will be working with his father-in-law again, with the Jaguars hiring the ex-Giants guard as an area scout, Neil Stratton of Inside the League reports (on Twitter). Snee was Tom Coughlin‘s first Giants draft pick that actually played for the team, with Philip Rivers being the then-coach’s first selection in New York, and the four-time Pro Bowler played 10 years with the Giants. The 35-year-old Snee’s been out of the league since 2014 but will work with the Jags, who hired Coughlin as their executive VP of football operations in January.
- Desmond Bryant returned to the practice field for the Browns last week after missing the 2016 season with a torn pectoral muscle sustained away from the team’s facilities. Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com notes the veteran defensive lineman, who also played for Hue Jackson on the 2011 Raiders, will stay at defensive end in Gregg Williams‘ 4-3 after playing end in the Browns’ 3-4 looks previously. The 2017 Browns are in position to have Bryant and Myles Garrett at end, joining 2016 Day 2 picks Emmanuel Ogbah and Carl Nassib.
- Stedman Bailey will undergo an upcoming procedure he believes can increase his chances of returning to football, the former wide receiver told TMZ. The website does not specify what type of procedure the former Rams wideout will undergo, but the 26-year-old Bailey said if it doctors tell him after it’s over that he shouldn’t play football again he will move on in a quest to return to the sport. Sustaining two gunshot wounds to the head in December of 2015 ended Bailey’s Rams run. Bailey returned to his alma mater, West Virginia, as a student assistant in 2016. The Rams officially waived Bailey in April.
- Bill Belichick will have both of his sons coaching under him this season. The Patriots coach’s youngest son, Brian Belichick, is set to rise from scouting assistant to coaching assistant, according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald (on Twitter). A 2016 college graduate, Brian Belichick will join older brother — the Patriots’ second-year safeties coach — on the sideline in an as-of-yet unspecified capacity.
Minor NFL Transactions: 6/5/17
Here are today’s minor moves.
- The Patriots signed cornerback William Likely and waived defensive end Corey Vereen with an injury designation. A 5-foot-7, 175-pound player, Likely could factor into New England’s return-men competition, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com tweets. The rookie UDFA played four years at Maryland and notched six interceptions as a sophomore in 2014.
- Former Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Jack Lynn signed with the Falcons, who waived fullback Soma Vainuku to make room, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports. He’s a UDFA rookie. Vanaiku’s ouster should pit Derrick Coleman and rookie Tyler Renew against one another at fullback, per McClure.
- The Broncos waived rookie UDFA tackle Erik Austell, Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post tweets. A Charleston Southern product, Austell was one of the 13 UDFAs the Broncos signed coming out of draft weekend.
- The Chiefs added former Texans wideout Tevin Jones, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle tweets. Jones entered the league as a UDFA out of Memphis last year. He hasn’t seen any game action. The Texans signed Jones to a reserve/futures deal in January but cut him last month.
- The Saints signed wide receiver Dan Arnold and cut defensive end Drew Iddings, Nick Underhill of The Advocate reports (on Twitter). Arnold comes to New Orleans from Division III Wisconsin-Platteville. Iddings spent time in camp with the Raiders last year and was with both the Panthers and Saints this spring.
- Swapping out interior offensive linemen, the Titans signed center Marc Spelman and waived center/guard Karim Barton. The latter has bounced around for a few years, being signed to reserve/futures deals by the Browns (2015), Texans (’16) and Titans (’17). The 25-year-old has never played in a game. Spelman comes out of Illinois State. He went to the Bears’ rookie minicamp last month.
Draft Pick Signings: 6/5/17
Today’s draft pick signings:
- Third-round pick Kareem Hunt signed his rookie deal with the Chiefs. This comes three days after Kansas City cut Jeremy Maclin, a surprising move but one that freed up additional funds for the team to sign its highest draft picks. First- and second-round selections Patrick Mahomes and Tanoh Kpassagnon remain unsigned. Hunt could compete for time quickly in a Chiefs offense that could be more run-oriented after Maclin’s release. After releasing Jamaal Charles, Kansas City still has starter Spencer Ware and backup Charcandrick West back. But Hunt (1,475 rushing yards as a senior; 8.0 yards per carry and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore) figures to factor in.
- Continuing the third-round theme, the Patriots and tackle Antonio Garcia agreed to terms on his four-year rookie accord. The Troy product looks to be a backup behind Nate Solder and Marcus Cannon as a rookie, but with Solder’s contract expiring after 2017, the Patriots likely will use this season to evaluate if Garcia could be a possible heir apparent. New England chose Solder in the first round a year before Matt Light retired. The team still has Cameron Fleming and used a sixth-round pick on tackle Conor McDermott.
- More third-round negotiation conclusions: No. 72 overall pick Taywan Taylor, a wide receiver out of Western Kentucky, signed his Titans deal. Only Corey Davis is unsigned out of Tennessee’s nine draft picks. The lesser known of the Titans’ two low-major wideout rookies, Taylor recorded 17 touchdown receptions in each of his final two years with the Hilltoppers. Taylor’s 1,730 air yards last season ranked third in Division I-FBS, and his 17 TD grabs were third also. Davis’ 19 tied for first, so the Titans will have two stat-stuffing pass-catchers in the fold this season.
Broncos Notes: Charles, Barrett, McKenzie
Although the Broncos could potentially be without Shaquil Barrett into the early part of the regular season, the team does not presently plan to use free agency to help fill its temporary need for more outside pass-rushing help, Vance Joseph said (via Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post, on Twitter). As of now, the plan is for the team to use the outside linebackers it has to compensate for its No. 3 edge rusher’s absence. Beyond Barrett, Denver has newly signed Kasim Edebali — whom the Saints did not tender as an RFA this offseason. Edebali recorded five sacks in 2015, the same year Barrett registered 5.5 in being the fill-in player for DeMarcus Ware, who was injured around midseason. Second-year UDFA Vontarrius Dora is also an edge option. Pro Football Focus rated Barrett as the Broncos’ No. 2 edge defender last season, ahead of Ware and Shane Ray.
As far as free agency goes, should Denver decide to go that route, former Broncos All-Pro Elvis Dumervil was the latest to come off the market. After today’s 49ers/Dumervil agreement, players like Erik Walden, Trent Cole and Paul Kruger are notable veterans unsigned. Mario Williams remains unattached, but he has not shown plus form in years. Dwight Freeney said he’s discussed a deal with the Falcons. They’re the only team that’s been connected to the 37-year-old UFA this offseason, however.
Here’s more from the Mile High City.
- Jamaal Charles did some light running back drills Monday, strapping on a Broncos helmet for the first time, Jhabvala reports, adding the 10th-year back is not full-go yet. Joseph maintains the 30-year-old runner is still on track for camp, but part of the goal is to rebuild strength in Charles’ legs. Joseph told media today one of Charles’ quads was “really weak” when he first signed with the Broncos in early May but added the two-time All-Pro is “getting closer.” Charles underwent surgeries on both menisci last year following a 2015 season that a torn ACL cut short.
- Noting Trevor Siemian has been better on more of the OTA days than Paxton Lynch has, Cameron Wolfe of the Denver Post notes Lynch had the better day today while Siemian struggled. Wolfe called it Lynch’s best day of OTAs thus far.
- The Broncos used a fifth-round pick on a 5-foot-7 wide receiver who figures to see his primary role come in the return game, but Joseph said Isaiah McKenzie will “obviously” be used in the slot and could be stationed in the backfield at times as well, via Mike Klis of 9News. McKenzie scored six return touchdowns (five on punts) in three seasons at Georgia but also led the Bulldogs in receiving yards as a junior last season. The Broncos made a concerted effort to add players who could help as auxiliary pass-catchers by drafting Carlos Henderson and Jake Butt as well.
Colin Kaepernick, Seahawks Didn’t Exchange Offers
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
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
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
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
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
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.