HEADLINES

Month: June 2021

Browns CB Greedy Williams Participating In OTAs

June 9th, 2021 at 8:45pm CST by Ben Levine

Greedy Williams is on the comeback trail. After missing the entire 2020 season, the Browns cornerback has been participating in organized team activities, reports Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

“It’s a great feeling,’’ Williams said. “Just being reunited with the team, going through the drills with them and things like that, it gives you the happiest moments.”

As Cabot notes, Williams hasn’t participated in football drills since he tried to overcome his shoulder injury in September. That experiment didn’t work, resulting in the defensive back being placed on IR in October. While Williams didn’t participate in 11-on-11 work during this week’s OTAs, he was still able to take part in defensive drills.

Williams was a standout during his time at LSU, earning a pair of first-team All-SEC nods. The Browns used a 2019 second-round pick (No. 46) on the cornerback, and he ended up starting 12 games during his rookie campaign. He finished that season with 47 tackles and a pair of passes defended.

The 23-year-old won’t necessarily regain his starting gig. Denzel Ward has solidified one of the starting spots, and Williams will see plenty of competition from first-round rookie Greg Newsome II. However, Williams encourages the extra depth, and he believes the trio of cornerbacks will all have opportunities to contribute.

“We’re just going to do what we do,’’ Williams said. “Greg is a great kid, nice footwork and smart. I’m happy for him. First round, came here and came to an up-and-coming franchise. I’m happy for him. I am happy for this team and happy for the organization. I am just ready to get to work with my brothers and put the work in.”

Amari Cooper May Miss Training Camp Time

June 9th, 2021 at 6:58pm CST by Sam Robinson

Amari Cooper has run into another ankle issue. The seventh-year veteran wide receiver is not participating in Cowboys minicamp and is expected to be on the shelf for a few more weeks, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com notes (video link).

Cooper suffered his latest ankle malady around two weeks ago and will not be running on it for a bit. The Cowboys open training camp July 21, and Rapoport describes Cooper as a candidate for the active/PUP list. It does not sound like Cooper is in danger of missing regular-season time, but the soon-to-be 27-year-old wideout does have a history of ankle trouble and is coming off surgery.

While this latest ailment is being described as minor, Cooper underwent ankle surgery in January. That procedure was labeled as a cleanup operation. The Pro Bowl wideout has battled ankle trouble in a few seasons, missing time due to a sprain and subsequent aggravation in 2017. He dealt with ankle issues early last season as well.

The Cowboys, however, have not needed to worry about their highly paid receiver’s availability since trading for him in 2018. Cooper has not missed a game as a Cowboy. Set to team with Michael Gallup and CeeDee Lamb, Cooper is once again expected to play the lead role in Dallas’ passing attack.

Falcons To Play Cordarrelle Patterson At RB

June 9th, 2021 at 6:33pm CST by Sam Robinson

One of this era’s best kick returners, Cordarrelle Patterson has not made as much of an impact on offense. But teams have used the former Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver prospect in a pass-catching role throughout his career. That looks to change ahead of Patterson’s ninth season.

The Falcons plan to use Patterson at running back, with Scott Bair of AtlantaFalcons.com indicating this will be a true position switch. Patterson has logged notable time in backfields in recent years, and Arthur Smith will be keen on using the 6-foot-2, 227-pound weapon in a run-game role.

Patterson signed a one-year, $3MM deal with the Falcons this offseason. Although the team did add recent Panthers backup/Christian McCaffrey injury replacement Mike Davis, it did not add a running back in the draft. Javian Hawkins signed as a UDFA. This points to Patterson being given a true opportunity to work in tandem with Davis, who signed a two-year deal worth $5.5MM. The top three Falcon backs from 2020 — Todd Gurley, Ito Smith, Brian Hill — are no longer on the team.

The Bears gave Patterson a career-high 64 carries last season, doing so after the Patriots gave him 42 in 2018. Former Bears quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone is now onboard as the Falcons’ offensive coordinator. Patterson, 30, averaged 4.1 yards per carry in his two Chicago seasons. Both of those slates ended in first-team All-Pro kick returner selections — the third and fourth of Patterson’s illustrious return career.

While Patterson did not work out as a wideout in Minnesota, he has proven dangerous as a gadget player as a pro. The former first-round pick has 2,087 career receiving yards and 10 aerial TDs. It will be interesting to see how much running back work the Falcons give the elite return man, but a role as a Davis committee partner appears in his future.

Jonathan Allen, WFT Begin Extension Talks

June 9th, 2021 at 5:22pm CST by Sam Robinson

The oldest of Washington’s four first-round defensive linemen, Jonathan Allen is going into his fifth-year option season. Washington, however, will explore keeping the defensive tackle around for much longer.

Allen confirmed Wednesday he and the team have begun extension negotiations, per the Washington Post’s Nicki Jhabvala (on Twitter). The 2017 first-round pick said in May he wanted to stay in the nation’s capital long-term; he reiterated that hope Wednesday and would prefer to have a new deal by the start of training camp.

Since selecting Allen, Washington added Daron Payne (2018), Montez Sweat (’19) and Chase Young (’20) in Round 1. The team has invested tremendous draft capital on its defensive front, but Sweat and Young can be kept on their rookie deals well into the 2020s. With Ryan Kerrigan gone, Washington has an opening for a veteran-contract D-lineman.

Allen, 26, has bounced back well from an injury-marred rookie year. After a Lisfranc injury limited the Alabama product to just five games in 2017, he has missed just one contest over the past three seasons. Pro Football Focus rated Allen as a top-20 interior D-lineman last season. Between the 2018-19 campaigns, Allen totaled 14 sacks and 25 quarterback knockdowns. He will command a lucrative extension.

DeForest Buckner and Chris Jones did well to bridge the gap between Aaron Donald and the D-tackle field, salary-wise, last year. The Colts and Chiefs standout inside rushers, respectively, signed for $21MM and $20MM per year. This range would figure to be an Allen target, though it might be a bit too lofty for Washington’s tastes. The Grady Jarrett and Kenny Clark re-ups (for $17.5MM and $17MM on average, respectively) may be more relevant to the Washington-Allen negotiations.

Deshaun Watson Still Interested In Broncos

June 9th, 2021 at 4:42pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Broncos have become the most rumored Aaron Rodgers trade destination. No close second has emerged. Prior to Rodgers-Broncos connections, Deshaun Watson loomed on the team’s radar. The younger of these Pro Bowl quarterbacks remains interested in a trade to the AFC West.

Ex-Watson Texans teammate Kareem Jackson said, during an appearance on Aqib Talib‘s Catchin’ Fades podcast (audio link), Denver is where Watson wants to end up. This might be a slight exaggeration, with NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport noting Watson remains open to being traded to the Broncos but does not necessarily have them as his unquestioned No. 1 destination (Twitter link).

[RELATED: Texans’ Deshaun Watson Still Wants Trade]

Jackson said earlier this offseason Watson was interested in the Broncos, and a subsequent report indicated the Texans quarterback was intrigued by Denver’s situation. In speaking to Watson in recent weeks, Jackson said the three-time Pro Bowl QB expressed interest in Denver in March and that Colorado remains where he wants to play. Per Jackson, Watson inquired about Jackson’s free agency plans — between the Broncos cutting him and re-signing him in March — and after Jackson re-signed asked the safety to communicate to the Broncos his own interest in the team. Watson has a no-trade clause, once this matter again becomes relevant.

Prospective Watson trades, of course, have been on the backburner for several weeks. Twenty-two women have accused Watson of sexual misconduct, with some alleging sexual assault took place during massage sessions. Watson has been linked to nearly 50 masseuses, with some coming out in his defense. The 25-year-old standout is a candidate for the Commissioner’s Exempt List and a suspension, which certainly stands to reduce his trade appeal.

The Houston Police Department is investigating Watson. So is the NFL. It is highly unlikely a team trades for Watson until more clarity emerges about his status for the 2021 season. Depositions in Watson’s civil case are slated to begin in September, though the quarterback is not set to be deposed until after the 2021 NFL season.

While the Broncos expressed interest when Watson was merely a disgruntled NFLer and not at the center of multiple investigations, it is unclear if they remain one of his suitors. The Panthers also appeared prepared to be more aggressive than the Broncos on the Watson front. Carolina ended up trading 2020 starter Teddy Bridgewater to Denver but did so after acquiring Sam Darnold. Although the Panthers picked up Darnold’s fifth-year option, Watson could still be on the team’s radar. The other teams most closely linked to Watson this offseason — the Dolphins, Jets and 49ers — have top-five picks invested at quarterback.

Watson and Rodgers are each represented by the Athletes First agency, CBS Sports’ Joel Corry notes (via Twitter). Rodgers placed the Broncos as an acceptable destination in April and remains interested in the Packers trading him to Denver. Watson is 12 years younger, but the Broncos prefer Rodgers as a trade target. Considering Rodgers’ accomplishments and Watson’s off-field issues, this makes sense. Neither the Packers nor Texans have relented, though Houston’s moves — signing Tyrod Taylor, drafting Davis Mills in Round 3 — point to the franchise preparing not to have him this season.

Eagles Waive QB Jamie Newman

June 9th, 2021 at 3:25pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Eagles are back down to two quarterbacks on their offseason roster. They waived rookie UDFA Jamie Newman on Wednesday. They also waived wide receivers Khalil Tate and Trevon Grimes, cutting the latter with an injury designation.

Newman agreed to terms with the Eagles minutes after the draft concluded, but the team appears to have determined the former Wake Forest quarterback is not ready to compete for a roster spot. This transaction leaves Jalen Hurts and Joe Flacco as Philly’s QBs. It would seemingly put the Eagles on the hunt for another developmental/third-string passer.

A 6-foot-4 passer, Newman transferred from Wake Forest to Georgia but did not end up playing for the Bulldogs after opting out of last season. He worked as the Demon Deacons’ starter in 2019, throwing 26 touchdown passes and averaging 7.9 yards per attempt. Newman participated in the Senior Bowl, being one of the 2021 showcase’s two QBs — along with Falcons UDFA Feleipe Franks — to go undrafted. Scouts Inc. graded Newman 184th among this year’s prospects. Despite the sixth-round grade, Newman is on the waiver wire.

After changing coaching staffs, the Eagles switched up their QB depth chart. Carson Wentz and Nate Sudfeld, teammates for the past four seasons, are elsewhere now. Hurts, viewed as a developmental player coming out of Oklahoma in 2020, is on track to start this season. On his fourth team in four years, Flacco is in position to back him up. Ahead of training camp, the Eagles will likely add a third player to this equation.

Cowboys Sign First-Round LB Micah Parsons

June 9th, 2021 at 2:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Cowboys have their first-round pick under contract. They agreed to terms with No. 12 overall selection Micah Parsons on Wednesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Parsons is set to make more than $17MM on his rookie pact.

Parsons’ four-year rookie deal, featuring the customary fifth-year option, is fully guaranteed. Despite being an off-ball linebacker and opting out in 2020, the Penn State product became this year’s first front-seven defender drafted. That obviously points to a key role early on a Cowboys team that has some big investments at this position.

Dallas used a first-round pick on Leighton Vander Esch three years ago and has Jaylon Smith signed long-term. But the former has battled injuries since his breakout rookie year. Smith also entered the offseason on shakier-than-usual ground, though he has managed to stay healthy despite sitting out his rookie season due to a severe college injury. Parsons will change Dallas’ equation at linebacker, however.

The Cowboys traded back two spots but still landed Parsons at No. 12. As a sophomore in 2019, the Nittany Lions ‘backer dominated by registering 109 tackles (14 for loss) and forcing four fumbles. Parsons showed pass-rushing ability that season, recording five sacks, and displayed coverage chops. The versatile defender became a consensus All-American in his second college season. The Cowboys have been using Parsons at all three linebacker spots during their offseason program, per The Athletic’s Jon Machota (subscription required).

After the COVID-19 pandemic affected the Big Ten’s schedule, Parsons opted out and began preparing for the draft. This move did not ding his stock much. Parsons’ arrival figures to shake up the Cowboys’ Vander Esch-Smith long-term partnership. The Cowboys passed on LVE’s fifth-year option shortly after the draft.

Raiders To Sign CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson

June 9th, 2021 at 2:35pm CST by Sam Robinson

After five seasons in Atlanta, Blidi Wreh-Wilson will head west. The veteran cornerback agreed to terms with the Raiders on Wednesday, according to his agency (Twitter link).

This marks the sixth straight year Wreh-Wilson has signed a contract. The Falcons kept the former Titans third-round pick around via a series of one-year deals.

Wreh-Wilson played 41 games with the Falcons, operating mostly as a backup. Despite not lasting throughout his rookie contract in Tennessee, the eight-year veteran has managed to carve out a decent career for himself. The Raiders showed interest just before the draft, hosting him on a visit in late April.

The Raiders have brought in multiple veteran corners this offseason, with Casey Hayward and Rasul Douglas now in the fold. The team also drafted Nate Hobbs in the fifth round. Las Vegas used a 2019 second-round pick on Trayvon Mullen and acquired Damon Arnette in the 2020 first. The team has taken a few swings at this position, which has proved difficult to fill.

Wreh-Wilson, 31, did start 11 games for the 2014 Titans. But he settled into a second-string role soon after, and the Titans cut him after their 2016 training camp. Despite not starting any games last season, Wreh-Wilson intercepted a career-high three passes. The 6-foot-1 defender has four picks in his career.

Cardinals Sign Round 2 WR Rondale Moore

June 9th, 2021 at 2:26pm CST by Sam Robinson

Shortly after coming to terms with first-rounder Zaven Collins on his first NFL contract, the Cardinals signed their second-round pick as well. Rondale Moore agreed to his four-year rookie deal Wednesday.

The Purdue wide receiver navigated a jagged path to Arizona, suffering an injury as a sophomore before becoming one of the players to opt out and then opt back in in 2020. Moore also will be the rare 5-foot-7 NFL wide receiver. But the shifty prospect will be expected to contribute in Kliff Kingsbury‘s offense early.

The Cards drafted Moore 49th overall, making him the third Round 2 wideout the franchise has chosen in four years. Christian Kirk went to Arizona in the 2018 second round, and Andy Isabella went off the board to the Cardinals a year later. Both remain on the roster, but neither has been especially consistent. Isabella has yet to carve out much of a role. The Cards, who signed A.J. Green this offseason, may also be without Larry Fitzgerald for the first time since 2003. Nearly three months into free agency, the future Hall of Famer is unsigned.

A highly regarded recruit in 2018, Moore dominated as a freshman. He totaled 1,471 scrimmage yards — 114 catches, 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns through the air — and earned All-American acclaim and Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors. Injuries limited Moore in 2019, and he did not begin the conference’s COVID-19-shortened season until midway through the docket.

Moore played just seven games over the past two years, but the Cardinals saw enough over the course of the electric Boilermaker’s run to identify him as a slot helper for Kyler Murray. The Cards now have their entire draft class under contract.

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