Latest On Sam Darnold’s Holdout
Third overall selection Sam Darnold‘s holdout from Jets training camp is related to the default language regarding his guaranteed money, reports Rich Cimini of ESPN.com.
New York’s offer to Darnold includes language that would void the former USC’s quarterback guaranteed money if he were to fined by the NFL for either an on- or off-field violation, per Cimini. Other rookie signal-callers, such as Baker Mayfield and Josh Allen, do not have such a clause in their respective contracts, and no top-three selection in any of the past 10 drafts has had such language in their deals.
However, this is standard language in Jets contracts, tweets Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap, so New York is adhering to its own precedence. And as Mike Garafolo of NFL.com notes (Twitter link), it’s wholly unrealistic to believe Gang Green would void Darnold’s ~$30MM in guarantees if he receives a simple fine from the league.
Indeed, it would likely require an extraordinary situation for this language to ever factor into Darnold’s contract. No. 8 pick Roquan Smith is dealing with the same issue in his negotiations with the Bears, and Garafolo reports only six rookies were had fine-related language removed from their contracts.
Colts To Work Out RB Orleans Darkwa
The Colts plan to audition free agent running back Orleans Darkwa, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
If he were injury-free, Darkwa almost surely would have landed a new contract by now, but a May surgery to remove a plate in his leg likely concerned interested clubs. Darkwa received medical clearance more than a month ago, but still has yet to find a new home.
Thus far, Darkwa has only met with AFC East clubs, as the Patriots, Jets, and Bills have brought in the 26-year-old for a visits (the New York and Buffalo meetings both occurred within the past week). New England doesn’t look like a landing spot any longer after the team added Sony Michel in the first round of the draft, and the Jets also have no “immediate” plans to sign Darkwa, per Rapoport.
Playing for the Giants in 2017, Darkwa posted the best campaign of his NFL tenure in by setting career-highs in starts (11), rushes (171), yards (751), and touchdowns (five). Football Outsiders ranked Darkwa as a top-25 running back in both DYAR and DVOA (meaning he was both effective overall and efficient on a per-play basis), while Pro Football Focus noted his ability to create his own yardage. Per PFF, Darkwa not only managed 67% of his rushing yards after first contact, but performed well in Yards Created, a metric which filters out game situation, score, offensive line performance, and other variables.
At present, the Colts are set to rely on Marlon Mack, Christine Michael, and rookies Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins in their backfield, at least until veteran Robert Turbin returns from a performance-enhancing drug suspension. Darkwa doesn’t represent the first free agent back Indianapolis has looked at, as the club worked out Terrance West in May before he signed with the Saints.
Bills Sign DE Ryan Russell
The Bills have agreed to a one-year deal with free agent defensive end Ryan Russell, reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (Twitter link).
Buffalo has been interested in Russell for some time, as the club visited with the veteran lineman in May before bringing him in for another visit on Saturday. That’s been the only known league-wide interest in Russell, whom the Buccaneers allowed to hit the open market in the spring after opting not to tender him as a restricted free agent.
Russell, a fifth-round pick in the 2015, draft, appeared in 14 games and made six starts for the Buccaneers a season ago in a campaign that was his most active to date. The 26-year-old played on 456 defensive snaps for Tampa Bay (nearly triple his career snap count to that point), managing two sacks and 12 tackles in that time. Russell also chipped on special teams, seeing action on roughly 20% of the Bucs’ ST snaps.
The Bills had been on the lookout for defensive line help, as they worked out former Bronco Jared Crick before inking Russell while also signing interior defender John Hughes. Russell, for his part, will compete for reserve snaps behind Jerry Hughes, Trent Murphy, and Shaq Lawson.
In order to create a roster spot for Russell, Buffalo has waived defensive end Owa Odighizuwa, the club announced.
North Rumors: Browns, Packers, Bears
The Browns plan to use Jarvis Landry, who ran 72.7% of his routes from the slot with Miami in 2017, as a part-time outside receiver during the upcoming season, as Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com writes. Landry will almost assuredly still move inside in three-wide sets, and given the NFL’s ever-expanding use of “11” personnel (one back, one tight end, three wideouts), Landry will still see plenty of time in the slot. But the Browns seem intent on using Landry in a slightly different fashion, as Cabot reports Cleveland will send Landry on deep routes in Todd Haley‘s offense.
Here’s more from the NFL’s two North divisions:
- When asked whether Josh Gordon will play for the Browns in 2018, general manager John Dorsey said “Yeah, I would think, absolutely,” per Cabot (Twitter link). It’s difficult to parse the words of a team executive, and even more difficult when it comes to a player with a history of off-field issues, but Dorsey’s answer wasn’t exactly a ringing endorsement of Gordon. Gordon did not report for training camp, and while it’s not believed that he failed another drug test, he’s thought to be in a rehab facility. With Gordon’s status in question, Cleveland is considering an addition of veteran wideout Dez Bryant.
- The Browns inserted offset language into Baker Mayfield‘s rookie contract, and fellow first-rounder Denzel Ward made the same concession, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal. Ward, the fourth overall pick in the 2018 draft, likely didn’t have much of an argument after Mayfield — the No. 1 overall selection — accepted offset language in his deal. Players with offset language in their contracts who are cut before the end of their rookie deals have their remaining guaranteed money reduced by what they earn elsewhere.
- The Packers placed both receiver Michael Clark and offensive lineman Cole Madison on the reserve/did not report list, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. While Madison is dealing with a personal matter and figures to report at some point, Clark is ending his NFL career, per Aaron Nagler of PackersNews.com (Twitter link). Clark signed with Green Bay as an undrafted free agent in 2017, and ultimately managed four receptions for 41 yards in two games. Madison, meanwhile, was selected out of Washington State in the fifth round of the 2018 draft.
- Matt Nagy hired former Oregon Mark Helfrich as his offensive coordinator earlier this year, but the new Bears head coach had spoken with Helfrich in 2017, as Peter King of NBC Sports writes. When Nagy was the Chiefs’ OC last season, a fellow staff member advised him to call Helfrich, who immediately expressed interest in an NFL role were Nagy to land a head coaching job. Now, the two offensive minds are tasked with further developing quarterback Mitch Trubisky, while working in new weapons like Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, and Trey Burton.
East Notes: Giants, OBJ, Cowboys, Patriots
The Giants don’t appear to have moved any closer to a contract extension for star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., according to Ralph Vacchiano of SNY. A source tells Vacchiano New York has taken a patient approach to negotiations, as the club not only wanted to check in on Beckham’s health after he missed most of the 2017 season, but his commitment. Beckham reported to training camp on time, an indication that he’s both ready to play and talk about a new deal. Despite his injury issues in 2017, Beckham figures to reset the wide receiver market on his next contract, which could have an annual salary north of $17MM.
Here’s more from the NFL’s two East divisions:
- Speaking of Beckham, TMZ Sports recently reported the Giants wideout is being sued in civil court, but Beckham says he’s the victim of extortion, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. “Mr. Beckham denies the recently added allegations, and further denies any wrongdoing whatsoever related to the alleged incident,” Beckham’s attorney said. “As stated before, he will not be extorted and his position as to the pending suit has not changed.” The suit against Beckham contains allegations of drug use, violence, and other transgressions, but it’s hard to imagine anything serious will come of the case.
- Despite the NFL’s recent pullback on their national anthem policy, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said today that he will not allow any of his players to remain in the locker room during the anthem, per Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk (Twitter link). The league will no longer enforce its previously announced policy, which would have led to teams being fined if players “did not respect” the anthem. It’s unclear exactly what Jones can do to prevent his players from staying in the locker room, or performing a visual protest, but it’s an issue to keep an eye as the season gets underway.
- Patriots offensive tackle Marcus Cannon only appeared in seven games last season as he battled an ankle injury, but he’s “good to go” ahead of training camp, tweets Jeff Howe of The Athletic. While New England will face upheaval at the left tackle position, right tackle is spoken for by Cannon, who’s become one of the league’s best players on the right side. Cannon signed a five-year, $32.5MM extension with the Patriots in 2016, meaning he’s now under contract through the 2021 campaign.
- Former Wisconsin and Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema is now officially a member of the Patriots’ staff, reports Mike Reiss of ESPN.com (Twitter link), who adds Bielema’s official title will be “consultant to the head coach.” While it’s unclear exactly why Bielema will be doing as he advises Bill Belichick, he sounded incredibly excited about his new role when speaking to the media earlier this year.
49ers Sign Second-Round WR Dante Pettis
The 49ers have wrapped up their 2018 rookie class by inking second-round wide receiver Dante Pettis, the club announced tonight.
With Pettis under contract, only quarterback Sam Darnold of the Jets and linebacker Roquan Smith of the Bears unsigned, and offset language is likely holding up those deals. IT stands to figure both Darnold and Smith will reach deals in the near future, especially as their respective teams begin training camp this week.
Pettis, the 44th overall selection, had been the only second-round pick without a contract. According to Over the Cap, Pettis’ four-year deal should be worth roughly $6.4MM in total. Pettis will collect a ~$2.735MM signing bonus, and count for approximately $1.164MM on the Browns’ 2018 salary cap.
The 49ers have two clear starters at wideout in the form of Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin, but there are no other serious impediments to Pettis seeing snaps on offense. He’s been learning every receiver spot in San Francisco’s offense, but he’ll likely see quite a bit of time in the slot now that Trent Taylor is starting training camp on the active/physically unable to perform list, tweets Matt Barrows of the Sacrmento Bee.
Here’s a full recap of San Francisco’s draft class:
- 1-9: Mike McGlinchey, T (Notre Dame): Signed
- 2-44: Dante Pettis, WR (Washington)
- 3-70: Fred Warner, LB (BYU): Signed
- 3-95: Tarvarius Moore, S (Southern Mississippi): Signed
- 4-128: Kentavius Street, DE (North Carolina State): Signed
- 5-142: D.J. Reed, CB (Kansas State): Signed
- 6-184: Marcell Harris, S (Florida State): Signed
- 7-223: Jullian Taylor, DT (Temple): Signed
- 7-240: Richie James, WR (Middle Tennessee): Signed
West Notes: 49ers, Sherman, Rams, Broncos
After passing his physical with the 49ers, cornerback Richard Sherman collected a $2MM bonus, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Not only did Sherman earn some extra cash, but he won’t have to begin training camp on the physically unable to perform list, a good sign after his 2017 campaign ended thanks to a torn Achilles. Sherman, 30, signed a three-year deal with San Francisco earlier this year, but the pact contained just $3MM in full guarantees. Sherman has now picked up an extra $2MM, and if he earns a spot on the 49ers’ roster (as fully expected), he’ll rake in a base salary of $2MM.
Here’s more on the NFL’s two West divisions:
- Free agent receiver Dez Bryant has been linked — often by his own statements — to the 49ers this offseason, but general manager John Lynch today downplayed any interest his club might have in the pass-catching market. “We’re always looking to improve our team, but we’ve been pretty steadfast,” Lynch said, per Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area (Twitter link). “We like our receiver corps.” Bryant, for his part, said on Instagram that he’d like to play for the 49ers, while Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report indicated many league insiders believe Bryant will end up in San Francisco. The 49ers’ wideout depth chart is comprised of Pierre Garcon, Marquise Goodwin, second-round rookie Dante Pettis, and Trent Taylor, so they may not have room for Bryant, who is being considered by the Browns.
- Todd Gurley‘s new four-year extension with the Rams has a base value of $57.5MM, and Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk has provided the remaining details of the pact. Gurley received a $21MM signing bonus and will have $26.95MM fully guaranteed at signing, but his practical guarantees are much greater than that. Unless Gurley is cut after the 2018 campaign, he’ll bring in $34.5MM by the third day of the 2019 league year. As Joel Corry of CBSSports.com tweets, Gurley’s 2018 cap charge actually increased by ~$2.6MM as a result of the extension,
- The Broncos have placed receivers Carlos Henderson and Jimmy Williams on the reserve/did not report list, per Mike Klis of 9News and Ryan O’Halloran of the Denver Post (Twitter links). While Henderson is dealing with a personal situation and figures to report eventually, Williams is considering retirement. Denver has already signed Mark Chapman to fill one receiving void, and the club will ink another pass-catcher soon, tweets Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic.
Bashaud Breeland Leaves Chiefs Without Deal
Bashaud Breeland took a lengthy visit with the Chiefs earlier today, during which he not only met with the club for hours, but watched Kansas City’s defensive backs go through drills. But the free agent cornerback has now left the Chiefs without a contract in place, per Field Yates of ESPN.com (Twitter link), who adds Breeland has not still not ruled out signing with Kansas City at some point.
While Breeland doesn’t yet have a contract in hand, he’s among the best defenders still available on the free agent market. The 26-year-old originally signed a three-year, $24MM deal with the Panthers at the outset of free agency, but Carolina voided the pact after an off-field foot injury forced a failed Breeland physical.
Since then, he’s been linked to numerous teams, but he’s also left a meeting with the Raiders without a deal in place. Next up, Breeland is reportedly set to meet with both the Browns and Colts. At this point, it’s unclear as to the holdup on Breeland finding a new club, but his foot issue is surely being checked by team medical officials.
Breeland was originally a fourth-round Redskins pick in 2014 draft. A Clemson product, Breeland has been a starter from day one, totaling eight interceptions in 58 starts during his four-year career. Last season, Pro Football Focus ranked Breeland as the No. 50 cornerback among 121 qualifiers.
Falcons, Julio Jones Working On New Deal
The Falcons are “working intensively” on a new contract for wide receiver Julio Jones, according to Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Atlanta is open to “creatively addressing” Jones’ planned salary for 2018, which sits at $10.5MM.
Earlier this week, reports surfaced indicating Jones would be holding out from the Falcons’ training camp after requesting an “adjusted” contract in May. Thus far, Atlanta has not shown an inclination to give Jones any sort of an alteration, and were reportedly focused on new deals for players like Grady Jarrett, Jake Matthews, and Ricardo Allen.
Jones helped reset the wide receiver market in 2015 by inking a five-year, $71.25MM extension with Atlanta, tying him to the club through the 2020 campaign. However, Jones’ $14.25MM average salary now ranks just ninth among NFL wideouts, behind fellow pass-catchers such as Davante Adams, Jarvis Landry, and Sammy Watkins.
In 2017, Jones snagged 83 balls en route to finishing third in the league in receiving yards per game. The 29-year-old Jones has been to four straight Pro Bowls and has two first-team All-Pro nods under his belt. Once his contract is squared away, he’ll once top an Atlanta depth chart that now includes Calvin Ridley in additional to Mohamed Sanu.
49ers Sign DTs Cedric Thornton, Will Sutton
The 49ers have signed defensive tackles Cedric Thornton and Will Sutton, as well as offensive lineman J.P. Flynn, the club announced today. In corresponding moves, San Francisco has cut defensive back Don Jones, offensive lineman Jamar McGloster, and defensive lineman Blaine Woodson.
Of the players involved in today’s transactions, Thornton boasts the longest NFL track record. A former three-year starter for the Eagles, Thornton signed a four-year deal with the Cowboys prior to the 2016 campaign but lasted only a single season. He latched on with the Bills just before the 2017 season got underway and ultimately appeared in 15 games, playing on roughly a third of Buffalo’s defensive snaps.
Sutton, meanwhile, is a former third-round pick of the Bears who flamed out after three seasons. Although he inked a deal with the Vikings last summer, Sutton didn’t make Minnesota’s initial 53-man roster and spent the rest of the year on the workout circuit. While he never did land a deal last year, Sutton is still only 26 years old.
The 49ers aren’t hurting for depth along their interior defense, as starters DeForest Buckner and Earl Mitchell are backed up by Chris Jones, Sheldon Day, and others, while end Arik Armstead can also play inside. Still, Thornton and/or Sutton could have an outside chance to make San Francisco’s roster if they perform well during training camp.