Jets Put LB Avery Williamson On The Trade Block
A pair of Jets defenders could find themselves on new teams by the end of the weekend. Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports (via Twitter) that Avery Williamson is available for trade. The reporter also notes that defensive end Henry Anderson is “[a]nother name to monitor.”
After spending four seasons with the Titans, Williamson joined the Jets back in 2018. He had a productive first season in New York, compiling a career-high 120 tackles to go along with three sacks and two forced fumbles. Unfortunately, he missed the entire 2019 campaign thanks to a torn ACL.
Williamson is in the final year of a three-year, $22.5MM deal (including $16MM guaranteed). It was only a year ago that he rated as a top-20 linebacker per Pro Football Focus, so it wouldn’t be shocking if the Jets find a taker for the 28-year-old.
Anderson joined the Jets via trade back in 2018. The lineman had a career-high seven sacks during his first season in New York, and he finished the 2019 campaign have made a career-high 13 starts.
Cowboys Not Targeting Centers?
Don’t expect the Cowboys to find their replacement for Travis Frederick in the draft. Coach Mike McCarthy told reporters that he’s optimistic about his current options at center, including Joe Looney, Connor McGovern, and Connor Williams.
“I think Travis is a player that’s had a great career,” McCarthy said (via Michael Gehlken of DallasNews.com). “Obviously, he’s to be commended on that. But when we look at our current depth with the offensive line, you start off with Joe Looney and the two Connors. I think we’ve got great competition, great depth. We’ve got Marcus Henry there, also Adam Redmond.
“We have some really good flexibility, some really good numbers. So the fact that we’re able to get started and just start going through the language and how we’re going to call things, I think the fact that we have that much experience with the veteran group that we have here, I feel very good about moving forward.”
That probably takes the Cowboys out of the running for Michigan’s Cesar Ruiz, although the team could shift their focus to LSU’s Lloyd Cushenberry, Wisconsin’s Tyler Biadasz and Temple’s Matt Hennessy. After the 17th-overall selection, the Cowboys won’t be picking again until No. 51.
After seven years with the organization, Frederick announced his retirement last month.
Packers Notes: Draft, Williams, Funchess
While this year’s virtual draft will naturally lead to some challenges, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst still expects to be active in trade talks throughout the weekend.
“I don’t think there’s going to be too much of an issue, certainly not from our end,” Gutekunst said (via Curtis Crabtree of ProFootballTalk.com).
“I think we’ll be able to be as aggressive as we need to be. I like to move around. I think it’s a very good draft. I’d like to move around and get to the areas of the draft I think are strong.”
Gutekunst also mentioned that the team would consider moving up in the first round “if we need to.” The Packers highest pick is currently No. 30, which is one of the organization’s 10 selections.
The Packers have been connected to a number of first-round-caliber prospects, including defensive tackle Raekwon Davis. While they’ve been mentioned as a suitor for quarterbacks like Jordan Love, the team isn’t prioritizing the position in the upcoming draft.
Let’s check out some more notes out of Green Bay…
- Tramon Williams remains a free agent, but it doesn’t sound like the Packers are in any rush to re-sign the veteran cornerback. Gutekunst told reporters that they’ll evaluate Williams’ fit on the roster after the draft. “If that fits once we get through the draft then we’ll certainly make it happen if we can,” Gutekunst said (via ESPN’s Rob Demovsky on Twitter). After spending nearly a decade with the Packers to start his career, Williams returned to Green Bay in 2018. He’s appeared in all 32 regular season games over the past two seasons, including a 2019 campaign where he had eight passes defended and a pair of interceptions.
- Wide receiver Devin Funchess still hasn’t “completely” passed his physical, Gutekunst told reporters (via Demovsky). “There’s still a portion of it that he’ll have to kind of get through once hopefully this clears up or we’re able find another way to do it,” Gutekunst said. The Packers have already announced the deal, which is a one-year pact worth as much as $6.25MM. After hauling in 63 receptions for 840 yards and eight scores in 2017, the 25-year-old has only collected 54 receptions for 844 yards and nine touchdowns over the past two years (31 games).
- Gutekunst isn’t particularly worried about any of the technical glitches during the league’s mock draft. “We got a lot of answers,” Gutekunst said (via the team’s website). “That was the big thing, getting through this and finding out the answers how we really want to do this.”
DeAndre Hopkins Isn’t “Demanding” New Contract From Cardinals
While DeAndre Hopkins‘ demands for an extension or raise may have led to his ouster from Houston, it doesn’t sound like the star wideout is making the same requests from his new team. In a fascinating profile of Hopkins, Sports Illustrated’s Greg Bishop writes that the receiver isn’t “demanding” a new contract from the Cardinals.
However, the two sides are indeed discussing a new deal. In fact, there’s belief that Hopkins’ next contract could make him the “the highest-paid nonquarterback in the NFL.” That title currently belongs to Bears linebacker Khalil Mack, who’s earning $23.5MM per season. Falcons receiver Julio Jones is the highest-paid player at his position, taking home $22MM per season.
Back in 2017, Hopkins signed a lucrative five-year extension that includes $49MM in guaranteed money. Unfortunately for the star wideout, that contract soon became antiquated, and the remaining three seasons on the deal are non-guaranteed. In terms of average annual value, Hopkins currently ranks eighth among wide receivers.
Still, while his contract may be outdated, that’s not as much of a concern now that he’s playing for a new team. As Hopkins told Bishop, he had been looking to move on from the Texans for some time, and his desire for a trade was mostly due to his lack of a relationship with Texans head coach Bill O’Brien (who, Hopkins believes, was trying to trade him for more than a year). The receiver understood that “asking for a little raise would lead to the outcome…that I wanted.”
That premonition ended up becoming a reality. Back in March, the Texans sent Hopkins and a fourth-rounder to Arizona for running back David Johnson, a second-rounder, and a fourth-rounder.
Trent Williams “Still On The Table” For Browns
Trent Williams could still be an option for Cleveland. ESPN’s Josina Anderson reports (via Twitter) that the offensive lineman is “still on the table” for the Browns. While a deal isn’t imminent, the Browns front office continues to monitor the situation.
The Browns have shown interest in Williams for months, but there were rumblings that the Andrew Berry-led regime wasn’t as infatuated with the player as the John Dorsey-led regime had been. The Dorsey-led regime had offered Washington a second-rounder back in October, but the Redskins declined that offer. It’s uncertain (and unlikely) that that offer is still on the table.
In fact, it sounds unlikely that the Redskins will be able to acquire a first- or second-rounder from any team. We heard earlier this week that the Jets, who have also been connected to Williams, are still unwilling to part with a second-round pick. The veteran’s commands for a new contracts are somewhat complicating trade negotiations, especially if Williams is adamant about getting paid $20MM/year. There’s some belief around the NFL that the Redskins will ultimately cut the disgruntled 31-year-old.
Former Redskins GM Scot McCloughan is among those who believe the lineman is worth the asking price. Speaking to Team 980’s Kevin Sheehan, McCloughan said Williams would still be taken in the first round of the upcoming draft, even at his current age.
“He’d be the first tackle taken this year in the draft, hands down — even at his age (31),’’ McCloughan said (via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com). “You know what you’ve got. You bring him in, you’re going get three to four years out of him, and it’s going to be Pro Bowl years, that’s legit one of the top five tackles in the NFL, hands down, right now.’’
Redskins Listening To Offers For No. 2 Pick
The phones are ringing in Washington. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that the Redskins have started to receive phone calls from teams interested in the second-overall pick. While the organization isn’t actively shopping the selection, they’re listening to offers.
Meanwhile, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero tweets that there’s a “sense in the league” that the No. 2 pick could be “bought.” ESPN’s John Keim notes (on Twitter) that the “teams that might have interest” understand that they don’t possess the ammo to make a trade.
It’s generally been assumed that the Redskins would stick with the second-overall pick and select Ohio State defensive end Chase Young. This opinion seemed to be all-but-confirmed when we learned that teams outside of the top-three hadn’t even talked to the talented pass-rusher.
However, over the past month, the majority of reports have revolved around Washington’s interest in quarterback prospects, including Tua Tagovailoa as well as Jordan Love. Of course, the Redskins could come away from the weekend with both Young and a quarterback, but it’s worth noting that the organization currently owns only seven draft picks.
Young is generally considered to be the top prospect in the draft, so the Redskins will certainly have their fair share of suitors. However, if they do actively shop the second-overall pick, they’ll find themselves competing with two other NFC foes. We’ve heard rumblings recently that both the Lions (#3) and Giants (#4) could trade their first-rounders.
Draft Notes: Shenault, Wirfs, Simmons
After undergoing core muscle surgery earlier this year, Colorado wideout Laviska Shenault Jr. is almost fully recovered. In a letter sent to all 32 NFL teams, Dr. William Meyers stated that the receiver will be back to 100% by next week.
“I watched Laviska go through regular football drills yesterday at 5 1/2 weeks postop and he looked terrific,” the doctor stated (via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport on Twitter). “I believe by April 25, 2020, he will be at 100% for full football activities.”
The receiver decided to undergo surgery following an underwhelming 40-yard dash time. Shenault went under the knife in early March, and recovery was expected to take at least one month.
The 6-foot-1, 227-pound wideout has been on the draft radar for a while, beginning with a 1,011-yard, nine-touchdown 2018 sophomore season. His stats dropped a bit in 2019, but the receiver could still be taken towards the end of the first round.
Let’s check out some more draft notes…
- The Giants are among the teams in the top-10 that have done extensive research on Iowa offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, reports ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (via Twitter). Wirfs seems like a logical target for New York if they end up trading back, but Fowler hints that the Giants could also simply take the lineman with the fourth-overall pick. We previously heard that Dave Gettleman “loves” the 6-5, 322-pound lineman. Our own Zach Links profiled Wirfs earlier this week.
- Isaiah Simmons made his name as a linebacker at Clemson, but many teams have told Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link) that they see his future at the safety position. Simmons certainly has the versatility, as he played both positions (along with defensive end and cornerback) during his time in college. Simmons finished last season with 67 tackles, seven sacks, and three interceptions, and there’s a good chance he’ll be a top-10 pick in next week’s draft.
- The Colts may target a signal caller in the draft, but GM Chris Ballard says he won’t “force the quarterback position,” (Twitter link Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star). “It’s got to be the right guy, the right fit,” Ballard continued. “I don’t know when that’s going to happen. Maybe this year, maybe next year, maybe two years from now.” The Colts inked veteran Philip Rivers to a one-year contract this past offseason, and they’re still rostering Jacoby Brissett.
Louisville OL Mekhi Becton Had “Flagged” Drug Test
Louisville offensive tackle and projected first-round pick Mekhi Becton had his drug test flagged at the NFL Combine, reports NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter). Becton was one of “multiple players” to get flagged, and teams had previously been made aware of this infraction.
As Rapoport notes, the lineman will now enter Stage 1 of the new CBA’s Intervention Program for no more than 60 days. If Becton isn’t flagged again, “he will thereafter assume the same status as Players who have never been referred to the Intervention Program.” As Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller observes on Twitter, “failed drug tests” clearly don’t matter as much under the new CBA.
Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com also observes how the NFL “continues to periodically violate” their own confidentiality provision. The league’s substance abuse policy has a “clear” confidentiality provision, but NFL.com, an entity owned by the league, has reported on Becton’s flagged drug test. As the writer notes, “no one should know about any failed or flagged drug tests until a player is suspended.” Following the changes to the drug policy in the new CBA, it wouldn’t be shocking if the players push back at the NFL’s “nonchalance.”
Becton, a 6-7, 369-pound lineman, had a breakout season in 2019. While Rotoworld.com previously described him as an incomplete technician, it lauded his measurables, strength, and toughness. Plus, as Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk observed, advanced metrics were high on Becton’s work, as he made over 60 knockdown blocks this past year. It’s worth noting that Becton didn’t fail a drug test during his time at Louisville.
The Giants and Jets are among the teams that have been connected to Becton.
Ravens Sign LB Jake Ryan
After being limited to only a pair of games over the past seasons, Jake Ryan has found another gig. The linebacker has signed a one-year deal with the Ravens, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter).
The 2015 fourth-round pick spent the first four seasons of his career with the Packers, and he started at least 10 games and compiled at least 80 tackles each year between 2016 and 2017. A torn ACL forced him to miss the entire 2018 campaign, and he proceeded to sign with the Jaguars last offseason.
Ryan started the 2019 season on the reserve/NFI list, but he managed to make two appearances after getting activated in November. He landed on the IR in December, and the Jaguars declined his option a few months later.
The Ravens have needed some depth at the position, and there were rumblings that the front office could opt for a linebacker in one of the first three rounds. While this signing certainly won’t prevent the organization from taking a prospect, it’ll certainly reduce the urgency to add at the position.
Jets Eyeing CB Logan Ryan
Logan Ryan could be heading back to the AFC East. Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports that the Jets have discussed making a run at the veteran cornerback. The Jets would need to “free up money” in order to pursue the 29-year-old.
We heard earlier this offseason that Ryan was hoping to earn at least $10MM in 2020. As Mehta notes, the Jets are currently sitting with around $10MM in cap space, although they’ll open up an additional $11MM in cash after June 1st thanks to the Trumaine Johnson designation. While the financials would obviously work (especially if Ryan is willing to lower his demands), “Gang Green’s relatively stringent budget would have to be loosened,” according to the reporter.
The versatile defensive back would be a logical fit for Gregg Williams‘ defense. Ryan had one of his most productive seasons in 2019, setting career-highs in tackles (113), passes defended (18), sacks (4.5), and forced fumbles (four). Even if the veteran does eventually transition to safety, Mehta is of the opinion that he’s “the kind of player that Williams covets.”
After winning a pair of Super Bowls during his four seasons in New England, Ryan signed a three-year, $30MM deal with the Titans back in 2017. He’s started each of his 45 regular season games with Tennessee, and there were rumblings earlier this month that he could end up landing back with the Titans.