Redskins Ambivalent On DJax’s Future
The Redskins are “50-50” on whether they’ll try to re-sign DeSean Jackson after the season, according to Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole, who adds that the wide receiver’s injury issues could push him out of Washington in free agency. Jackson suited up for each of the Redskins’ first eight games this year, but he’ll miss a key NFC showdown against the Vikings on Sunday because of a left shoulder issue.
Jackson, 29, hasn’t played a 16-game campaign since 2013 – his sixth and final season in Philadelphia – and will sit out his eighth contest as a Redskin in Week 10. The majority of those missed games (six) came last year for Jackson, who has already matched his 2015 reception total (30).
With 56 targets, Jackson is one of four weapons quarterback Kirk Cousins has significantly relied on this season, joining Jordan Reed (58), Jamison Crowder (56) and Pierre Garcon (55), though Jackson’s current yards-per-catch average (13.9) is a career low and he only has one touchdown. Still, having put up 472 receptions, 17.4 YPC and 43 scores in nine seasons, Jackson should draw plenty of interest if he gets to the open market.
Like Jackson, who’s on a $3.75MM salary, Garcon is also unsigned beyond this season, leaving Crowder as the only highly targeted Redskins wideout under team control next year. A big 2016 from first-rounder Josh Doctson could’ve better prepared Washington to lose one or both of the Jackson-Garcon duo, but the rookie has endured an injury-stunted year and is on IR through at least Week 14.
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/11/16
Friday’s minor NFL moves:
- A day after cutting Tyler Gaffney, the Patriots are re-signing the running back and will place him on their practice squad, reports Doug Kyed of NESN (Twitter link). PFR’s Zach Links suggested Thursday that the Pats were likely to re-sign Gaffney, who lost his roster spot with the activation of fellow rusher Dion Lewis from the PUP list.
- The Packers have added tight end Beau Sandland to their practice squad and cut running back Brandon Burks, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. Sandland went to Carolina in the seventh round of this year’s draft, but the Panthers waived him from their practice squad Wednesday. Burks has been in and out of the Green Bay organization since it signed him in May as an undrafted free agent from Troy.
- The Jets waived wide receiver Titus Davis from their reserve/left squad list, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com tweets. Davis, who spent time with four different teams after going undrafted in 2015, retired in August.
Justin Houston, Jeremy Maclin Out Sunday
Although the Chiefs activated linebacker Justin Houston from the physically unable to perform list Wednesday, he won’t play Sunday in Carolina, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com was among those to report (Twitter links). Houston has been recovering from an ACL injury that has kept him out all season, but he didn’t suffer a setback this week, per Teicher. Instead, the Chiefs want to give the pass-rushing force another week to work his way back.
Kansas City has impressively gone 6-2 without Houston, who has racked up 56 sacks and eight forced fumbles in 70 career games. Its defense could use a reinforcement, though, as it currently hovers around league average in DVOA (11th), yardage allowed (16th), quarterback hurries (20th) and sacks (21st). Four of the Chiefs’ final eight games are against AFC West foes, including a pair of matchups with the 6-3 Broncos, so Houston’s eventual return could make a significant impact in what should be a tightly contested division race.
In addition to Houston, the Chiefs won’t have No. 1 receiver Jeremy Maclin in Carolina, head coach Andy Reid said Friday (Twitter link via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com). Maclin left in the first quarter of the Chiefs’ game against the Jaguars last Sunday with a groin injury, but the team managed to pull off a 19-14 win without him and quarterback Alex Smith. The latter will be back in Kansas City’s lineup this week, but he’ll have to make do without the club’s top wideout. Among Chiefs, Maclin trails only tight end Travis Kelce in catches (30) and receiving yards (376). Maclin leads the team in targets (56) and has scored a pair of touchdowns.
Alex Smith’s Future With Chiefs In Doubt?
The Chiefs are proponents of quarterback Alex Smith‘s mistake-free style, but they’re skeptical of his ability to help lead them to a championship, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report. Therefore, general manager John Dorsey & Co. will use the rest of the campaign to evaluate Smith and could then make a “major change” under center in the offseason, reports Cole.
At 6-2, the Chiefs are on track to make their third playoff trip in four years under Smith, whom they acquired from the 49ers before the 2013 season. During his four seasons in Kansas City, Smith has completed 64 percent of his 1,675 passes with 7.2 yards per attempt, 69 touchdowns and 22 interceptions. The 2005 No. 1 overall pick has posed a threat as a rusher, too, having accounted for 1,214 ground yards and five scores on 5.3 yards per carry. Smith has run just 19 times for 31 yards this year, however, and he missed the Chiefs’ 19-14 win over the Jaguars last Sunday with a head injury. Nevertheless, the 32-year-old has been durable as a Chief, having sat out just three regular-season games out of 56. In the 53 contests Smith has played, the Chiefs have gone a terrific 35-18.
While Kansas City has been victorious in only one of three playoff games with Smith at the helm, it’s nonetheless difficult to envision the organization cutting ties with him after the season. Releasing Smith would open up $9.7MM in cap space, but it would also leave $7.2MM in dead money. More importantly, the Chiefs would have a tough time finding a capable replacement. Backup Nick Foles is signed through next season, and he has fared well in Smith’s place this year, but he previously flamed out in both Philadelphia and St. Louis. The Chiefs also won’t have a high first-round pick with which to draft a ready-made successor to Smith, and – with the possible exception of Kirk Cousins – there won’t be anyone in Smith’s class available in free agency.
All things considered, it seems KC would be wise to give Smith at least another year. The team could move on from Smith prior to 2018, the final year of the extension he signed in 2014, and save $17MM in spending space against $3.6MM in dead cap.
Latest On Jets’ Wilkerson, Richardson
After head coach Todd Bowles benched Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson for the first quarter of the Jets’ loss to the Dolphins last Sunday, a report indicated the decision stemmed from the defensive line duo’s lack of punctuality. Wilkerson and Richardson were late or absent from team meetings “all the time” prior to Sunday, per Connor Hughes of NJ.com.
Both players acknowledged their indiscretions Wednesday, though Wilkerson was the more penitent of the two. The 27-year-old admitted that tardiness to team meetings has been a problem, and he revealed that he missed the Jets’ walkthrough Oct. 22 – the day before their win over the Ravens – relays Brian Costello of the New York Post.
“Those actions are unacceptable and I definitely feel as a leader on this team I definitely need to do better,” Wilkerson said. “I respect the coaches and everybody in this building. I take responsibility for my actions. Moving forward, it won’t be an issue. I know as a leader on this team I have to show better, do better. That’s something I will do.”
Regardless of whether Wilkerson lives up to his word, it’s fair to say the Jets weren’t envisioning a mix of commitment issues and a decline in performance when they inked him to an extension in July with $37MM fully guaranteed. Wilkerson has amassed just two sacks and five quarterback hurries in eight games – both far cries from the 12 and 20, respectively, he totaled over 16 contests last season en route to his first Pro Bowl nod and second All-Pro selection.
With 1.5 sacks and nine hurries, Richardson’s pass-rushing production this year has been similar to Wilkerson’s, and a source told Costello that Richardson has indeed been late to multiple team meetings. The 25-year-old denied that, however, saying that it happened once – last Friday – and only because he overslept.
“It has been blown way out of proportion,” he opined. “I know me missing the first quarter isn’t blown out of proportion, but it was one meeting. It is how it is.”
Going forward, it’s possible the 3-6 Jets’ next seven games will be Richardson’s final stretch with the club. General manager Mike Maccagnan discussed a Richardson trade with at least two teams – the Cowboys and Broncos – in advance of the NFL’s Nov. 1 deadline and reportedly sought a first-round pick. Maccagnan will try to market Richardson again in the offseason, according to Costello, but the defender hasn’t helped his value this year. Richardson also has two league-imposed suspensions on his resume, of course, and just one year remaining on his contract. Add all of that up, and the Jets won’t have better luck moving Richardson during the offseason without decreasing their asking price.
Chargers Likely To Play 2017 In San Diego
The plan to construct a publicly funded $1.15 billion stadium for the Chargers in downtown San Diego went up in flames on Election Day, as just 43.1 percent of voters signed off on a proposal that needed two-thirds approval to pass. Nevertheless, there’s optimism about an eventual deal, writes David Garrick of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
“While there isn’t support for this particular measure, the results demonstrate that a large number of San Diegans love the Bolts and want them to stay,” said Mayor Kevin Faulconer. “We now have momentum to work together with the Chargers to develop a new solution to keep the team in San Diego.”
For his part, owner Dean Spanos revealed Wednesday that he plans to put the franchise’s future on the backburner until after the season (via Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk).
“Over the coming weeks you may hear news about steps that we must take to preserve all of our options. But please know that I don’t intend to make any decisions until after the regular season ends and that, in the meantime, I hope to enjoy with you one great Chargers game after another,” stated Spanos.
The Chargers have until Jan. 15 to choose whether to relocate to Los Angeles and eventually share an Inglewood facility with the Rams, but Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports that they’re likely to delay the LA decision until 2018 and put a new San Diego stadium on the ballot again next year. In another scenario, the Chargers and Raiders could agree to avoid LA relocation in 2017 and focus on San Diego and Las Vegas, respectively, as neither wants to share a stadium with the Rams, according to Rapoport (Twitter links).
The Chargers’ best hope for a long-term solution in San Diego is for the California Supreme Court to drop the need for two-thirds approval on taxpayer-funded projects to a simple majority, contends Mike Florio of PFT. Even if that happens, the Chargers might not return a stadium proposal to the ballot until 2020, per Florio, which differs from Rapoport’s 2017 suggestion. The Bolts’ lease in San Diego runs through 2020, so the team could continue playing at Qualcomm Stadium over the next few years and reassesses its options after the next presidential election.
While a move to LA in 2017 is still possible, the Chargers will only have a two-week window to execute it if Spanos actually does table his relocation thoughts until season’s end. Further, the leverage in negotiations would belong to Rams owner Stan Kroenke, notes Florio, making an agreement all the more difficult to hammer out. Should they reach a deal, the Chargers would likely head to LA immediately and split the Coliseum with the Rams over the next two years. The clubs would then move into the Inglewood stadium in time for the 2019 campaign.
Steelers Designate Bud Dupree To Return
It appeared Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree‘s season was over before it began when the team placed him on injured reserve Sept. 4. Fortunately, Dupree’s recovery from core muscle tear surgery went so well that the Steelers designated him to return from IR on Wednesday, per Ralph N. Pauk of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The club now has a 21-day window to activate Dupree, who is aiming to make his 2016 debut Nov. 20 in Cleveland.
In Dupree, Pittsburgh will welcome back its 2015 first-round pick, a player who amassed 26 tackles and four sacks in 16 games (five starts) as a rookie. The former Kentucky standout’s presence should aid a defense that ranks a below-average 19th in both DVOA and yardage allowed. Pittsburgh has also struggled getting to the quarterback, having amassed an NFL-worst 11 sacks to go with 48 hurries (18th), which has contributed to its underwhelming 4-4 record. During their three-game losing streak, the Steelers have taken down opposing passers a mere three times. Each of those sacks came in their 21-14 loss to AFC North rival Baltimore last Sunday.
Given that teams can only bring one player off IR, Dupree’s designation means the 2016 season has officially ended for two other Pittsburgh notables – offensive tackle Ryan Harris and cornerback Senquez Golson – as Paulk notes. Harris and Golson landed on IR prior to Week 5.
Latest On Cowboys’ Quarterbacks
The Cowboys are an NFC-best 7-1 under rookie quarterback Dak Prescott, but that doesn’t mean he’ll keep the starting job ffor the rest of the year. Prescott only took the reins in the first place because of the broken bone Tony Romo suffered in his back in an Aug. 25 preseason game. Now, with Romo’s return perhaps drawing closer, owner Jerry Jones isn’t willing to commit to either signal-caller.
“What we are going to do — play by play, series by series and game by game – is (consider) what’s in the best interest of winning the game,” Jones told 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday (via A.J. Perez of USA Today).
Jones’ comments are a departure from his assertion last month that Romo would take over upon coming back, but he has still left the door open for the four-time Pro Bowler to usurp the starting job from Prescott at some point. Dallas would first have to activate Romo, who Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported Sunday isn’t close to returning. Jones seems somewhat more confident, saying Tuesday that Romo will step up his work in practice this week in advance of the Cowboys’ game in Pittsburgh.
“He has to absolutely get ready to play at his top level,” Jones stated.
While Romo has a laundry list of accomplishments in his 14-year career and still expects to reclaim his longtime role, it’s difficult to imagine the Cowboys turning away from Prescott barring a collapse. As evidenced by the Cowboys’ record – not to mention their third-ranked passing DVOA and NFC-leading point differential – they’ve been resoundingly successful this year, and Prescott hasn’t merely been a passenger. The fourth-round pick from Mississippi State is toward the top of the NFL in yards per attempt (8.15) and passer rating (104.2). Prescott has also completed 66.5 percent of aerial attempts and added 16 touchdown (12 passing, four rushing) against a meager two interceptions. Despite his statistical brilliance, it seems the 23-year-old will have to continue making a weekly case to remain Dallas’ top option under center.
Workout Notes: Pack, Vikes, Chiefs, Giants
In addition to the previously reported Joique Bell, the running back-needy Packers worked out fellow rushers James Wilder Jr. and Brandon Wegher on Tuesday, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. Defensive end Arthur Miley and defensive back Brandon Dixon also tried out.
More of the latest workouts (courtesy of Howard Balzer, unless otherwise noted):
- Along with Randy Bullock and Kai Forbath, the Vikings hosted kickers Travis Coons, Zach Hocker, Marshall Koehn and Aldrick Rosas (Twitter link). For now, though, the team is sticking with the embattled Blair Walsh.
- Veteran running back Isaiah Pead headlined Chiefs auditions (Twitter link). Quarterback Joel Stave, wide receiver Dres Anderson, linebackers Amarlo Herrera and Dwayne Norman, and safeties Jimmy Hall and Earl Wolff were also on hand. Kansas City signed Stave to its practice squad.
- The Giants tried out 13 players (Twitter links): offensive linemen Cyril Richardson and Michael Bowie; quarterback Sean Renfree; wide receivers Da’Ron Brown and Kevin Norwood (practice squad); tight end Kyle Carter; defensive end Jordan Williams; linebackers Reshard Cliett and Austin Jacques; and defensive backs Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Sam Brown and Jacob Huesman.
- The Bears worked out quarterbacks Dustin Vaughan and Josh Woodrum, per Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
- The Redskins took a look at defensive backs Durell Eskridge, Lee Hightower and Shak Randolph (Twitter link). Hightower joined their practice squad.
- The Lions tried out tight end Kennard Backman, who suited up for seven games with NFC North rival Green Bay last year (Twitter link).
- Guard Kyle Muir and two safeties – Rolan Milligan and Ryan Murphy – worked out for the Falcons (Twitter link). Muir signed with their taxi squad.
- The Ravens auditioned offensive tackles Rob Crisp and Arturo Uzdavinis (via Twitter).
Greg Hardy Indicted On Felony Drug Charge
A Dallas Grand Jury indicted free agent defensive end Greg Hardy on a felony count of cocaine possession Monday, A.J. Perez of USA Today was among those to report. Hardy could now face jail time or a fine.
Hardy’s indictment stems from a Sept. 25 arrest in Richardson, Texas, where police pulled over the 28-year-old on a traffic violation and, after he allowed them to search his car, found cocaine (0.7 grams) and marijuana remnants. Hardy told police at the time that he didn’t know what was in the bag, claiming that someone gave it to him at a party the previous night.
The immensely talented Hardy was unable to find work between the end of last season, which he spent with the Cowboys, and his arrest thanks to an alarming history of off-field problems. The NFL suspended Hardy for nearly all of the 2014 season and part of the 2015 campaign for a domestic violence incident. The Cowboys then gave the controversial pass rusher a second chance, and he performed well with six sacks in 12 games, but Hardy was a headache for the club’s coaching staff and his presence on the roster was a public relations nightmare. As a result, the Cowboys decided not to re-sign him.
Months after his stint with the Cowboys ended, Hardy drew offseason interest from the Jaguars, Redskins and a mystery team, but each opted against adding him. If Hardy’s career in the league wasn’t over when those organizations passed on him, it likely is now. In a combined 75 games with the Panthers and Cowboys, Hardy amassed 40 sacks – including a personal-high 15 in 2013, the year of his only Pro Bowl appearance. He’s now attempting to become a mixed martial artist.