NFC Links: Quinn, Colston, Sanchez, Warner
With the resurgence of the Seahawks‘ defense, the team’s defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has re-emerged as a top head coaching candidate this offseason, according to Chris Wesseling of NFL.com.
Here are some other links from around the NFC:
- The Saints are looking at salary cap hell in the coming seasons, which could lead the team to move on from some veterans. According to Mike Triplett of ESPN.com, the Saints could release Brodrick Bunkley, David Hawthorne, and Marques Colston this offseason due to their high salaries.
- The Falcons are 5-8 but in first place in the dismal NFC South. Despite looking at a playoff berth, the team has already started preparing for the 2015 NFL Draft. Their biggest need is at pass rusher, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution. He writes that the team will also look closely at receivers, a receiving tight end, and linebackers.
- Eagles‘ quarterback Mark Sanchez has played well in starter Nick Foles‘ absence, but has looked bad against the Seahawks and Packers. He will likely need to impress during these next three games in order to keep Foles from usurping the starting job for the playoff run, if they even stay in contention with Sanchez, writes Jeff McClaine of the Philadelphia Inquirer. With the Eagles likely to only keep one of the two going forward into 2015, Sanchez could also be auditioning for next season.
- With the Cardinals‘ quarterback situation potentially in ruins after losing Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton to injuries, thoughts of Kurt Warner returning to save the 10-3 Cardinals from an early playoff exit have been floated. Those hoping for Warner to save them shouldn’t hold their breath, according to Bob McManaman of AZCentral.com. He writes that while Warner may have thought about it, the idea of him stepping in after not playing for five years is unrealistic.
- Giants‘ quarterback Eli Manning has not been spectacular the last few seasons, but it isn’t time to look for his replacement, writes Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News. The team has more pressing needs along the offensive line, at pass rusher, safety, and even possibly receiver, according to Vacchiano.
- As the problems in Washington continue, Bill Simmons of ESPN and Grantland posed in interesting question to Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post: Would the fans be willing to give up the team to another city and go without NFL football for three years, with the promise of getting an expansion team (retaining the rights to the colors and name if they want it) along with a new ownership group? Definitely a loaded question, but Steinberg initially thought 75% of fans would make that trade, and based on response from fans, he thinks he may have underestimated that number.
Extra Points: Saints, Kromer, Patriots, Lions
The Saints are known for pushing the limits of the NFL’s salary cap, and the club will have some tough decisions to make prior to the 2015 season, as Bill Barnwell of Grantland and Mike Triplett of ESPN.com outline. For his part, Barnwell classifies New Orleans’ offseason strategies as high-variance — when the team hits on free agents, the plan works, but when new additions struggle, the scheme fails. While Barnwell believes that the Saints will be in “salary cap hell” when Drew Brees‘ play begins to deteroriate, Triplett thinks it’s possible that the team continues with its current tactics, cutting players and restructuring contracts year-after-year in order to create financial relief. Here’s more from around the league…
- In his latest notes column for NFL.com, Albert Breer looks at some potential general manager candidates, looks at the free agency case of Patriots safety Devin McCourty, and points to the Falcons head-coaching job as perhaps the most desirable position that could be available this offseason.
- Bears offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer isn’t considering resigning after revealing that he was the source for a story that painted Jay Cutler in a negative light, tweets Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com.
- The Patriots worked out former LSU defensive back Delvin Breaux, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com. Breaux, 24, currently plays for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. As Reiss notes, New England could be looking at players to sign to reserve/futures contracts.
- Rugby star Jarryd Hayne visited with the Lions today, writes Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Hayne, who has also met with the 49ers and Seahawks, is trying to start his NFL career as a running back.
Best Fits For Rex Ryan
Rex Ryan is as good as doomed as Jets‘ head coach as far as the New York media is concerned, and reports of his tenure ending have been numerous during the team’s 2-10 start to the season.
The Jets might already have their focus elsewhere in their coaching search, but Ryan will not have a hard time finding new employment himself. If the Falcons head coaching position becomes available, Ryan could find a perfect landing spot in Atlanta, writes Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.
First of all, this would be contingent on Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank deciding to fire head coach Mike Smith at the end of the season. The team has been tremendously disappointing at 5-7, but could still win the NFC South. It is uncertain of whether that would save his job, and Mehta writes that it wouldn’t, but the general mood surrounding Smith is that the team and fan base is unhappy with the job he has done this season.
Falcons’ general manager Thomas Dimitroff actually interviewed Ryan for the job back in 2008 before eventually hiring Smith. Mehta writes that sources say Ryan was the leading candidate prior to Dimitroff being hired as general manager.
“Arthur wants a tougher team,” according to one of Mehta’s sources. “He wants guys that have an edge to them.”
Ryan could have a myriad of options, and Mehta believes that Dolphins‘ owner Stephen Ross loves Ryan, and could consider making a change should the Dolphins miss the playoffs again this year (via Twitter).
Mehta writes that Ryan would consider any head coaching vacancies, but would elect to take a big money TV deal over becoming a defensive coordinator (via Twitter).
A poll here on Pro Football Rumors from October 18th asked our readers where Ryan would be employed in 2015. The Falcons and Dolphins head coaching jobs received about 9% and 4%. Of course, the readers gave Ryan a 13% chance of staying with the Jets, which would be an unlikely number if the vote was taken again today. Still, almost 39% of the votes went to Ryan being on television in 2015, and according to Mehta, that seems like a real possibility.
Ray Rice’s NFL Future
Now that Ray Rice is eligible to sign with an NFL team as a free agent, his chances of joining a team this season are not high. While Rice still carries a high profile as far as running backs go, his value as a ballcarrier has been greatly diminished.
Albert Breer of NFL Network points out that his disastrous 2013 season is hurting his chances on top of the baggage that he will bring to his next team (via Twitter). He averaged a dismal 3.0 yards per carry, which raises question about how much he would help a team anyway. Breer notes that the on-field performance is the biggest difference between the cases of Rice and fellow embattled tailback Adrian Peterson (via Twitter). Peterson’s talent and ability does not have the questions attached to it that Rice’s does. NFL teams have always been willing to take chances on players with checkered pasts, but only if their talent justifies it (via Twitter).
Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report reiterated that he does not believe that Rice will ever play in the NFL again (via Twitter). The public relations nightmare that will come with Rice will be a deterrent for teams, and Freeman believes that the video attached to the running back’s case will be the difference between his case and others in similar situations (via Twitter).
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports that Rice has stayed in phenomenal shape throughout the process, waiting for the opportunity to play this season. He disagrees with Freeman, saying that if no one signs Rice in the next month, he will be able to find a team during the offseason (via Twitter).
The chances Rice signs with a team after the season are much better than an immediate signing, and Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times believes he will have a team shortly after the Super Bowl (via Twitter). His reasoning is that it will give a new fan base six months to get used to him before he takes the field.
An added wrinkle is that any team that signs Rice will still be defying NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s suspension. If a team were to sign him for the stretch run, it would be “directly slapping Goodell in the face,” according to Ben Volin of The Boston Globe (via Twitter).
Even still, there are a few potential playoff teams that could be potential landing spots for Rice’s services, writes Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. Among them are the Colts, Cardinals, Falcons, Lions, Broncos, and Chargers. Still, the need would have to outweigh the overwhelming negative publicity that would likely come along with Rice.
Falcons Waive Cameron Bradfield, Activate William Moore
The Falcons will welcome back one player today, but they’re also parting ways with another. ESPN’s Adam Caplan reports (via Twitter) that the team has activated safety William Moore from the injured reserve-designated for return list. To make the necessary space, Atlanta waived veteran offensive lineman Cameron Bradfield.
It’s been a tumultuous 2014 for Bradfield, who re-signed with the Jaguars in March after having spent his first three seasons in Jacksonville. He started the first two games this season, and while Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required) did not rate him favorably, he wasn’t the weakest lineman on the squad. Regardless, the tackle was cut in mid-September, and he was picked up by the Falcons two weeks later. The 27-year-old did not play a single snap for Atlanta.
Moore was placed on the short-term IR in September and was subsequently replaced in the lineup by Kemal Ishmael. The veteran safety led the Falcons defense in snaps last season, and PFR consistently ranked him among the better defenders on Atlanta. The 29-year-old signed a five-year contract worth $32MM in early 2013.
Practice Squad Updates: Tuesday
Already today, we’ve passed along word on practice squad signings and cuts made by the Buccaneers and Lions. Here are the rest of Tuesday’s practice squad transactions from around the NFL, with the latest updates added to the list throughout the day:
- According to the NFL transaction report, the Chargers added cornerback Richard Crawford to their practice squad, according to Eric Williams of ESPN.com (on Twitter). San Diego waived Crawford from the active roster late last week.
- The Colts have signed defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles to their practice squad, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (on Twitter). Quarles, 22, was released by the Colts yesterday to make room for linebacker Victor Butler. The Colts’ practice squad is currently full, so another move should be on the way.
- Although he auditioned for the Cardinals today, running back Kapri Bibbs will return to Denver and be added to the Broncos‘ practice squad, reports Troy Renck of the Denver Post.
- Linebacker Keith Pough, who was released to make room for Josh Gordon the Browns‘ roster, has been re-signed to the club’s practice squad, replacing wide receiver L’Damian Washington, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
- The Cardinals released tackle Kelvin Palmer from their practice squad today, creating an opening on the unit, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
- The Texans cut a tackle of their own, removing Chris Martin from their taxi squad, tweets Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle.
- After being released from the Falcons‘ active roster, receiver Freddie Martino cleared waivers and joined the team’s practice squad, replacing wideout Ryan Spadola, per ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure (via Twitter).
Earlier updates:
- Former Patriots linebacker Ja’Gared Davis has signed with the Chiefs‘ practice squad, tweets Mike Reiss of ESPN.com. Kansas City had been carrying nine players on its squad, so Davis fills that 10th and final spot, and no corresponding move is necessary.
- In addition to confirming the addition of wide receiver and return man Griff Whalen to their practice squad, the Colts announced today that they’ve signed Jeff Demps to the unit, releasing running back Michael Hill to make room. Demps, a former Olympic sprinter, is also listed as a running back by Indianapolis.
- You can find the up-to-date list of all 32 practice squad rosters right here.
NFC Notes: Holliday, 49ers, Vikings
While much has been made of the NFC’s miserable South division, the race to the postseason is heating up in the East, North, and West, and all three divisions will be on display during this week’s Thanksgiving games — the winner of the Eagles/Cowboys contest will take over first place in the East, while the Seahawks/49ers winner will gain an advantage in the Wild Card race. Meanwhile, the Lions have lost their last two games and their hold on the NFC North, and will have an uphill battle for a Wild Card berth if they’re upset at home by the Bears.
As we look forward to what should be an entertaining slate of Thursday games, let’s check in on the latest out of the NFC….
- Having already been cut this year by the Giants and Buccaneers, return specialist Trindon Holliday is looking for a new home, and worked out this week for the 49ers, per Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). San Francisco also auditioned running back David Fluellen, who was cut by the Colts prior to the regular season.
- While head coach Jim Harbaugh isn’t viewed as likely to return to the 49ers next season, quarterback Colin Kaepernick told reporters today he believes Harbaugh will continue on with the team beyond 2014. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk has the details.
- After seeing starting right tackle Phil Loadholt go down for the season with a pectoral injury, the Vikings worked out veteran tackles Eric Winston and J’Marcus Webb, tweets Field Yates of ESPN.com.
- Sam Bradford of the Rams, Steven Jackson of the Falcons, and Dashon Goldson of the Buccaneers are among the high-priced veterans who could become cap casualties in the offseason, writes Yates in an Insider-only ESPN.com piece.
- Bradford and Goldson earn spots on a similar list from Joel Corry of CBSSports.com, who also identifies Marshawn Lynch of the Seahawks and Larry Fitzgerald of the Cardinals as stars who could be released by their respective teams.
- Running back Kapri Bibbs will ultimately end up sticking with the Broncos’ practice squad after being waived by the team over the weekend, but he did work out for the Cardinals today, as Troy Renck of the Denver Post details.
NFC Links: Eagles, Falcons, Manning
The Vikings lost another key member of their offensive line today, as Phil Loadholt is finished for the season with a torn pectoral. Despite the injuries, coach Mike Zimmer isn’t panicking (via Craig Peters of Vikings.com)…
“I think Phil is a great person,” Zimmer said. “He’s very conscientious, works hard, he’s got a great heart. So, that’s just part of football. Obviously we’ll miss him but we’re not going to let it hold us back from what we’re trying to get done.
That’s just the way it goes. That’s how things happen and you’ve just got to keep playing.”
Let’s check out some more notes from the NFC…
- While it would appear that rookies Jordan Matthews and Josh Huff have cut into Riley Cooper‘s playing time, the wide receiver joked that Jeremy Maclin‘s contract situation has played a role, as Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes. Maclin signed a one-year deal with the Eagles in February. “Maclin’s trying to get a contract so he’s probably not going to try and come out of the game,” Cooper said, with sarcasm.
- The Falcons have continued to struggle, compiling only eight wins since their 13-3 record in 2012. At this rate, Peter King of SI.com can’t envision coach Mike Smith sticking around past December.
- Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap examines the decisions the Giants will soon have to face, particularly in regards to quarterback Eli Manning. The writer believes the team has four courses of action: stay their usual route, spend on veteran free agents, move on from Manning or build young around Manning.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Extra Points: Shula, Falcons, Allen, Jets
Let’s check out some assorted notes from around the league on this Saturday afternoon…
- The Panthers could see some changes if their season doesn’t turn around, and ESPN.com’s David Newton believes the “fall guy” could be offensive coordinator Mike Shula. Meanwhile, the writer attributes the team’s lack of success to injuries, the absence of Greg Hardy and general manager Dave Gettleman’s mismanagement of the salary cap.
- Count Falcons coach Mike Smith among those who are still in favor of the team’s 2011 trade for wideout Julio Jones. “I don’t know what happened with the Cleveland Browns, but we got better as a football team when we acquired Julio Jones,” Smith said (via Marla Ridenour of the Beacon Journal). “He’s an elite wide receiver that demands resources from the defense that, in turn, is going to make everybody else around him better.”
- Ira Kaufman of The Tampa Tribune opines that Bears defensive end Jared Allen is “on the short list” of free agent disappointments (Twitter link).
- ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini looks at the top five questions for the Jets as their season winds down. Notably, the writer questions whether general manager John Idzik and coach Rex Ryan will stick around, if the team’s future quarterback is currently on the roster, and if Percy Harvin is worth $10MM next season.
Minor Moves: Friday
Here are Friday’s minor transactions from around the NFL, as teams ready their 53-man rosters and practice squads for Week 12:
- The Seahawks cut offensive tackle Andrew McDonald on Tuesday, but he’s cleared waivers and been added to Seattle’s practice squad, tweets McDonald’s agent, Brett Tessler. Per Tessler, McDonald received several offers from other interested clubs, but opted to remain in the Northwest.
Earlier updates:
- After spending the season on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, wide receiver Drew Davis has been activated by the Falcons, the team announced today in a press release. Atlanta waived wideout Freddie Martino to make room for Davis, who caught 12 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns last season for the Falcons. The 25-year-old had been sidelined since the summer after undergoing foot surgery, and began practicing earlier this month.
- Having passed through waivers unclaimed, defensive lineman Casey Walker, who was cut yesterday when the Patriots signed LeGarrette Blount, is set to rejoin New England’s practice squad, tweets Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. Walker played 159 defensive snaps in five games for the Pats, recording 10 tackles and a sack.