West Notes: Cardinals, Peterson, Rams, Donald, Broncos
Darrelle Revis earlier this week retired as the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback of all time, but Cardinals defensive back Patrick Peterson has a chance to pass him in due time, as Kyle Odegard of AZCardinals.com notes. Peterson is currently under contract in the desert through the 2020 season, and if he plays out his deal, he’ll have collected $98.6MM, which would place him just $26MM behind Revis. Of course, Peterson will be 31 years old by that time, so he’ll need to have kept up something close to his current level of play in order to bridge the Revis gap. But Peterson hasn’t shown any recent signs of slowing down, and it’s possible that he’ll eventually overtake Revis as the league’s most expensive cornerback.
Here’s more from the NFL’s two West divisions:
- The Rams and defensive tackle Aaron Donald haven’t yet hammered out a new contract, leading Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk to analyze why talks haven’t led to an extension. Los Angeles holds an enormous amount of leverage over Donald, as they can control his rights through the 2020 season thanks to his fifth-year option and two potential franchise tags. That strategy would only cost the Rams roughly $40MM over the next three seasons, a pittance given Donald’s status as the NFL’s best defensive player. As Florio notes, Donald is probably looking for at least $60MM over the next three years, so a gap of at least $20MM exists. For what it’s worth, Donald reportedly expects to receive a fresh pact before training camp opens.
- The Broncos will have a new lead running back after releasing C.J. Anderson this offseason, but it’s unclear who will top Denver’s depth chart, as Ryan O’Halloran of the Denver Post writes. Devontae Booker, the most experienced of the Broncos’ backs, is the early favorite to lead the team in carries, but third-round rookie Royce Freeman is also a candidate for reps and will likely emerge as Booker’s top backup. Elsewhere on the roster, Denver boasts De’Angelo Henderson plus undrafted free agents David Williams and Phillip Lindsay.
- In case you missed it, the Chiefs worked out former Grand Valley State running back Martayveus Carter, who was not selected in last week’s supplemental draft.
South Notes: Panthers, Anderson, Titans, Bucs
Free agent signee C.J. Anderson will likely be the Panthers‘ lead “traditional back,” according to Jourdan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer. Anderson, who inked a one-year deal worth $1.75MM, is coming off a 1,000-yard season with the Broncos, but he struggled as an early-down rusher in 2017. Still, that’s the role he’ll take on in Carolina as 2017 first-round pick Christian McCaffrey performs in a passing game role. McCaffrey should keep up his receiving work after managing 80 receptions during his rookie campaign, but Rodrigue reports McCaffrey was never able to “find a rhythm” in the running game. Whether that can change during the upcoming season is unclear, but McCaffrey will now have limited reps thanks to Anderson’s presence.
Here’s more from the NFL’s two South divisions:
- The Titans could be setting up a position battle at left guard, as Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com writes. Quinton Spain started 14 games a season ago and is back under contract after inking a second-round restricted free agent tender, but Tennessee also signed Kevin Pamphile and Xavier Su’a-Filo, and either could see snaps on the interior. Spain has a better track record than either player, but a camp battle appears likely, per Wyatt. Pamphile’s versatility could come into play, as his ability to play left tackle could keep the Titans comfortable if incumbent Taylor Lewan continues to hold out.
- Given that they have vacant roster spots, the Buccaneers might aim to sign a long snapper before training camp opens next week, per Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times (Twitter links). At present, Tampa Bay only has one long snapper under contract, and that player — Drew Ferris — has never made an NFL appearance. Still, the Buccaneers have yet to contact Garrison Sanborn, a nine-year veteran who snapped for Tampa in 2017.
- In case you missed it, the Falcons are not open to giving wide receiver Julio Jones a new contract and are instead focusing on extensions for other players.
- Veteran Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis now hopes to play behind 2018 after previously hinting he could be nearing his final season.
Poll: Which First-Round QB Will Start Most Games?
Five quarterbacks — Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, Josh Rosen, and Lamar Jackson — were selected in the first round of the 2018 draft, but each signal-caller will have different outlooks for his rookie campaign. Team status, the presence of other options under center, and each quarterback’s own development will play a role in when exactly he starts his first game.
So which rookie passer will start the most contests in 2018? Let’s take a look at each individually:
Baker Mayfield, Browns
None of the first-round quarterbacks are guaranteed to open as a Week 1 starter, and Mayfield especially may face an uphill battle to overtake his club’s presumptive starter. Cleveland management has been adamant that Tyrod Taylor will be under center to begin the season, and there’s no reason (at present) to think that will change. However, Mayfield could certainly change minds during training camp and the preseason, and if the Browns get off to a slow start, Taylor could conceivably be benched in favor of the No. 1 overall pick.
Sam Darnold, Jets
Mayfield only needs to overtake Taylor in order to become the Browns’ starter, but Darnold might need to beat out two veterans: Josh McCown, who started 13 games for the Jets in 2017, and Teddy Bridgewater, who reportedly impressed during organized team activities. Darnold is the future of the New York franchise, of course, but that doesn’t mean the Jets are interested in throwing him on the field behind a porous offensive line and with limited offensive weapons.
Josh Allen, Bills
Like Darnold, Allen may also be competing against two other quaterbacks, as Buffalo signed former Bengal A.J. McCarron this offseason while 2017 draft pick Nathan Peterman is also still in the fold. Additionally, Allen was viewed as a raw prospect coming out of Wyoming, and the Bills will field one of the league’s worst offensive lines during the upcoming season. Buffalo’s wide receiver depth chart is a terrifying sight, while the club’s best offensive player — running back LeSean McCoy — could face discipline if domestic violence accusations prove true. The Bills may want to hold Allen on the bench for awhile, allowing either McCarron or Peterman more reps.
Josh Rosen, Cardinals
Another rookie quarterback facing a battle with two other options? Sounds familiar. Although in Rosen’s case, it’s unclear if Mike Glennon is a serious obstacle. Sam Bradford is the favorite to act as the Cardinals’ starter in Week 1, but Rosen is viewed as the most pro-ready signal-caller of the rookie bunch, so he could get on the field sooner rather than later. Arizona faces a stiff schedule to open the 2018 campaign, and if the club struggles, the Cards’ staff may choose to turn to Rosen.
Lamar Jackson, Ravens
Jackson might be the first-round quarterback who sees the field first in 2018, but it may not be under center. The Ravens are reportedly interested in deploying Jackson as an “offensive weapon,” and could line him up on the field with starting quarterback Joe Flacco. Flacco has produced poor performances in recent seasons, so Jackson is a reasonable candidate to see starts later in the year, especially if Baltimore falls out of the playoff picture.
So what do you think? Which first-round quarterback will make the most starts in 2018? Vote below!
Extra Points: Tags, Riley, Cap, Panthers
The NFLPA seems unlikely to fight for the removal of the franchise/transition tag during the next collective bargaining agreement negotiations, tweets Dan Graziano of ESPN.com. As Graziano notes, players aren’t expected to “go to the mat” over an issue that will never affect the majority of the league. Franchise tags, of course, don’t prevent a player from leaving his incumbent team, but they do place serious restrictions on a player’s ability to navigate the open market. Any club wishing to sign a franchise player must sacrifice two first-round picks in order to do so. In 2018, just five players received a franchise tag, while one — Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller — was issued a transition tag.
Here’s more from around the league:
- Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley‘s success at the collegiate level has led to speculation that he could eventually make the leap to the NFL level, and Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com reported earlier this year that pro teams were attempting to pick Riley’s brain. While that’s not surprising given the exciting offensive scheme run by the Sooners, Breer also noted NFL clubs could soon make overtures to the 34-year-old. However, Riley attempted to downplay any NFL interest earlier today, according to Jori Epstein of the Dallas Morning News. “That got blown out of proportion a little bit,” said Riley, who took over for Bob Stoops in 2017. Riley currently earns $3.1MM annually as part of a contract that runs through 2022.
- NFL teams aren’t using the uncertainty of the impending collective bargaining agreement negotiations to their benefit, as Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap tweets. The current CBA only runs through 2020, so clubs should be altering contracts that run past that season to use more current cap space, explains Fitzgerald. While the CBA now allows teams to carry over cap space each year, there’s no guarantee that provision will remain in the next agreement. Therefore, teams should be deploying all the cap space they can now before the rules possibly change.
- The Panthers have announced several changes to their coaching staff, including the promotion of Richard Rodgers to secondary coach and Jeff Imamura to assistant secondary coach. Rodgers will replace Curtis Fuller, who resigned earlier this year following allegations of workplace misconduct. Formerly Carolina’s safeties coach, Rodgers had 23 years of collegiate experience under his belt before joining the Panthers in 2012. The Panthers ranked 11th in pass defense DVOA a season ago, meaning they were relatively efficient when compared to other NFL clubs.
AFC East Notes: Jets, Kearse, Maye, Patriots
Although there’s been some speculation the Jets could release veteran wideout Jermaine Kearse in the coming months, Kearse seems likely to stick on New York’s roster, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post. Gang Green would save $5.5MM by cutting Kearse prior to the beginning of the regular season, and the club has a well-stocked depth chart at receiver that includes Terrelle Pryor, Robby Anderson, and Quincy Enunwa, among others. However, the Jets certainly don’t need any extra cap space (they’re seventh in the league with more than $20MM in reserves), and Kearse is viewed as a high-quality locker room presence. Perhaps most importantly, Kearse posted the best statistical campaign of his career in 2017 by managing 65 receptions for 810 yards and five touchdowns.
Here’s more from the AFC East:
- The Patriots are expected to keep four or five running backs on their Week 1 roster, but Rex Burkhead, Sony Michel, and James White are the only current locks, as Mike Reiss of ESPN.com writes. Burkhead and Michel, the latter of whom New England selected in the first round of the 2018 draft, figure to split early-down work, while White will take on his familiar role as the Patriots’ passing game back. Brandon Bolden is likely to make New England’s squad thanks to his special teams ability, which sets up a showdown between Jeremy Hill, Mike Gillislee, and undrafted free agent Ralph Webb for the club’s final spot. Webb, notably, received a $70K signing bonus in order to latch on with the Patriots, so he could be a surprise addition to the team’s roster.
- In a separate piece, Reiss also takes a look at the Patriots‘ wide receiver corps, and notes Julian Edelman (who will begin the year on the suspended list), Chris Hogan, Jordan Matthews, and Cordarrelle Patterson are near certainties for New England’s Week 1 lineup. Former fourth-round pick Malcolm Mitchell, who’s been beset by injuries during his short career, is not a lock for the Patriots’ roster, per Reiss, nor is Kenny Britt. The Patriots exercised Britt’s 2018 option earlier this year, but he’s only guaranteed $150K for the upcoming season. Rookie Braxton Berrios and former first-rounder Phillip Dorsett are among the other New England pass-catchers vying for looks.
- Jets safety Marcus Maye underwent offseason surgery to correct an ankle issue, but New York is hopeful the second-year defensive back will be available for the start of training camp, per Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. Maye, a second-round pick out of Florida in 2017, started all 16 games alongside fellow rookie Jamal Adams, but graded as a bottom-15 safety among 84 qualifiers, per Pro Football Focus. Jets head coach Todd Bowles wants both Maye and Adams to make “mental improvements” in the second NFL seasons, per Mehta.
Devin Smith Goes Unclaimed On Waivers
Former Jets wide receiver Devin Smith went unclaimed after being placed on waivers earlier this week, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
It’s perhaps unsurprising that no other NFL club decided to take a chance on Smith, as he’s suffered two torn ACLs since entering the league as a second-round pick in 2015. He first injured his ligament during his rookie campaign, and then tore his ACL again during New York’s first team workout in 2017.
Any team that had acquired Smith via a waiver claim would’ve been responsible for his $1.236MM base salary for 2018. None of that figure is guaranteed, and the Jets still have Smith’s signing bonus proration on their books, but it probably wasn’t viewed as worthwhile for many teams to take on his salary, even if on a tryout-type basis.
Because he was not claimed, Smith is now a free agent and allowed to sign with any club. It’s unclear if any team will now be willing to give Smith an opportunity, but as of May, he still wasn’t practicing, a poor indication of his recovery (Twitter link via Rich Cimini of ESPN.com). Any new deal that Smith lands will surely be of the non-guaranteed variety.
Viewed as a deep threat coming out of Ohio State, Smith has only managed to appear in 14 games (three starts), and hasn’t played since 2016. In those 14 games, Smith posted 10 receptions for 135 yards and one touchdown.
Cardinals TE Ricky Seals-Jones Arrested
Cardinals tight end Ricky Seals-Jones was arrested last Saturday on charges of assault, disorderly conduct, and criminal trespassing, according to KTAR News in Arizona.
Per the Scottsdale Police Department, Seals-Jones attempted to use a restroom both at the W Hotel and in a restaurant within the hotel, but was denied access in both instances, as staff told Seals-Jones only hotel guests were able to use the bathrooms. A hotel employee says Seals-Jones became combative and shoved the employee, but Seals-Jones maintains he tried to walk past the objecting staff before he was forced to the ground. The police report also indicates Seals-Jones appeared intoxicated when he was arrested.
If alcohol was a factor in Seals-Jones’ arrest, it would mark the second alcohol-related Cardinals incident this month. Arizona general manager Steve Keim was arrested and later plead guilty to extreme DUI earlier in July, and has subsequently been suspended and fined by the team. Keim will pay a $200K fine and spend five weeks away from the club, but there’s no word as to whether he’ll also face an NFL ban.
The NFL reserves the right to suspend players who have been involved in off-field incidents, even if said instances don’t result in legal discipline. Seals-Jones’ case may take a while to filter through the legal system, so regardless of outcome, he likely won’t be facing a ban in 2018. League discipline could come after Seals-Jones’ case is resolved, however, meaning a suspension may be looming in 2019.
Seals-Jones, 23, signed with the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M in 2017. While he didn’t manage a reception until late November, Seals-Jones posted three receptions for 54 yards and two touchdowns against the Texans before putting up a 4/72/1 line against the Jaguars the following week. Seals-Jones could be ticketed for starting duty if fellow tight end Jermaine Gresham isn’t ready for Week 1 after suffering a torn Achilles in the 2017 season finale.
Former NFL DE Armonty Bryant Retires
Former NFL defensive end Armonty Bryant has announced his retirement in an Instagram post.
“However hard this may be, and although not the way I wanted to end my career, God has a funny way of timing things out in our lives,” Bryant’s statement reads. “Just before I got a chance to finish my career strong I was diagnosed with end stage renal failure.
Due to this I am forced to announce my official retirement from the sport I have eaten, breathed, slept, dreamt [sic] and loved for my entire life. But this isn’t the end. This is just the beginning of so much more that is coming. I have started a business with a woman I soon get to call my wife. And these opportunities we have together are endless.”
Bryant, 28, entered the league as a Browns seventh-round pick in 2013, and went on to appear in 31 games with Cleveland over the next three seasons. In 2016, Bryant was hit with the first of several suspensions (but his only performance-enhancing drug ban), and was subsequently waived by the Browns.
Claimed off waivers by the Lions, Bryant played in five games for Detroit, but also served two substance abuse suspensions during his time in the Motor City. After being cut by the Lions last October, Bryant hit the workout circuit, but failed to land a new contract until April, when he inked a one-year deal with the Raiders. After less than a month in Oakland (and presumably after he was diagnosed with severe kidney issues), Bryant was cut with a non-football illness designation.
5 Key NFL Stories: 7/8/18 – 7/15/18
LeSean McCoy faces domestic abuse allegations. McCoy’s ex-girlfriend, Delicia Gordon, has accused the Bills running back of being involved in an incident which left her with brutal injuries. While McCoy wasn’t in the same state when Gordon was the victim of a home invasion, Gordon is claiming McCoy orchestrated the attack. McCoy has hired a defense attorney with experience in NFL cases, and it’s possible he’ll be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list while the case plays out.
DeMarco Murray announces retirement. Despite taking multiple offseason visits, Murray surprisingly decided to hang up his cleats — although not everyone is sure he’ll stick with retirement. As of last week, reports emerged that Murray was hoping to land with a new team soon, and a number of clubs looked like obvious fits. He met with the Lions, Seahawks, and Dolphins during the offseason, but declined an opportunity to work out for the Saints.
Darren Sproles will play one more season. Just this afternoon, Sproles announced that he’ll play just more season before heading into retirement. Sproles, now 35, had hinted at retirement at this time last year, but after his 2017 campaign was ended by both a torn ACL and a broken arm, the veteran running back decided to come back for one more year. He’ll handle passing game work in an Eagles backfield that also includes Jay Ajayi, Corey Clement, and others.
2018 supplemental draft results. Although the NFL’s supplemental draft had been a boring affair in recent years, that wasn’t the case in 2018. The Giants sacrificed a 2019 third-round pick in order to land Western Michigan cornerback Sam Beal, while the Redskins used a 2019 sixth-rounder on Virginia Tech corner Adonis Alexander. Mississippi State defensive back Brandon Bryant, meanwhile, went undrafted but has since landed with the Jets.
Marcell Dareus sued twice for sexual assault. Dareus is facing not one, but two sexual assault civil suits. Both women claim Dareus had sex with them after they’d fallen asleep or blacked out, while one woman says Dareus transmitted an STD. So far, no criminal charges have been pressed, but Dareus could still be subject to NFL discipline regardless of the legal outcomes of his cases.
Darren Sproles To Retire After 2018 Season
Eagles running back Darren Sproles will retire from the NFL after the 2018 season, as the veteran explained in a post today.
“The plan was for 2017 to be my last season,” writes Sproles. “I was 34, had a great career, accomplished a lot—it was time. No one ever expected my career to last this long, over a decade but I was proud to prove them all wrong. Then my season ended a little earlier than expected, to an injury.
An injury is different; It’s something you don’t have any control over but I feel like I left a lot out there, and I couldn’t let my career end like that.”
As Sproles alludes to, he’d originally hinted that 2017 would be his final NFL campaign, but backtracked on that sentiment even before multiple injuries ended his season in September. Sproles not only suffered a torn ACL, but a broken arm during the first month of the 2017 season, which concluded with Sproles having played in just three games.
After deciding to return for 2018, Sproles inked a one-year deal with the Eagles that contains $1MM in guarantees. Now 35 years old, Sproles will be part of a Philadelphia backfield that also includes Jay Ajayi, Corey Clement, Matt Jones, Wendell Smallwood, and Donnel Pumphrey. Sproles should be guaranteed a roster spot, and will likely handle passing game work in the Eagles’ offense.
Maintaining value based on his receiving skills is nothing new for Sproles, who has never topped 100 carries in a season during his lengthy pro tenure. Sproles spent the early portion of his career as LaDainian Tomlinson‘s backup with the Chargers, but emerged to even greater prominence as a backfield weapon for Drew Brees and the Saints. He was shipped to the Eagles in 2015 in exchange for a fifth-round pick.