Seahwks Sign LB/DE Dadi Nicolas
The Seahawks have added a bit of depth along the edge by agreeing to terms with former Chief Dadi Nicolas, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
Nicolas, 25, joined Kansas City as a sixth-round pick in 2016, and the Chiefs soon announced their intention to move him from defensive end to linebacker. The position switch never quite off the ground, however, as Nicolas appeared sparingly in 11 games during his rookie campaign before a ruptured patellar ended his season. He hasn’t seen the field since.
The Chiefs actually completed a trade involving Nicolas earlier this year, sending him to the Browns in exchange for tight end Randall Telfer. That deal was later voided, however, and though no specific reason was given, failed physicals are known to regularly cancel transactions. Cleveland and Kansas City subsequently waived their respective players, and Telfer failed a physical upon being claimed by the Colts.
At 6″3, 225 pounds, Nicolas could conceivably see time at either linebacker or defensive end, but given his collegiate work, it’s seems likely Nicolas will play on the edge in one way or another. He joins a Seahawks edge rushing crew that also includes Frank Clark, Dion Jordan, Marcus Smith, plus rookies Rasheem Green and Shaquem Griffin.
Rams Optimistic On Aaron Donald Extension
The Rams are remaining optimistic in regard to a potential extension for All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald, but there is “still a ways to go” before an agreement is reached, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Los Angeles head coach Sean McVay has been texting with Donald, and the results have been positive, as he relayed to Andrew Siciliano of NFL.com (Twitter link). “He’s responding more than he was at this time last year, so that’s what I feel good about,” said McVay.
Donald, 26, is heading into the final year of his contract, during which he will earn just $6.892MM under the terms of his fifth-year option. After staging a holdout in 2017, Donald has not indicated whether he’ll employ the same strategy this season. But talks between Donald and the Rams don’t seem to be tinged by any sort of acrimony, as evidenced both by McVay’s recent comments and Los Angeles’ admission that Donald will likely become the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL.
At present, the highest-paid defender in the league is Broncos edge rusher Von Miller, who collects $19.083MM annually. Among interior defenders, the Eagles’ Fletcher Cox leads the way at $17.1MM per season, but Donald figures to blow by that mark and instead target Miller’s annual value. Indeed, it’s entirely possible — and perhaps even likely — that Donald will become the first defensive player to cross the $20MM/year threshold.
Donald, of course, has made a strong argument for his next contract by playing as the league’s best defender for some time. Donald, the 2017 Defensive Player of the Year, has earned Pro Bowl nods in each of his four pro campaigns, and was named a first-team All-Pro from 2015-17. Last season, Donald not only led the league in total pressures, but also tied for the best rate of pressure on a per-rate basis, tweets Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus, indicating Donald’s incredible level of efficiency.
Eagles Host DL Cedric Thornton
The Eagles recently hosted free agent defensive lineman Cedric Thornton for a workout, according to Geoff Mosher of 97.5 The Fanatic (Twitter link).
Thornton is no stranger to Philadelphia, as he signed with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent out of Southern Arkansas in 2012. Thornton, now 29, went on to start 45 games for the Birds, and was extremely effective after the Eagles shifted to a 3-4 scheme under Chip Kelly in 2014. As an oversized defensive end, Thornton especially excelled against the run.
Thornton signed a four-year deal with the division-rival Cowboys in 2016, but made it only one season in Dallas before being released. He quickly resurfaced with Bills on a single-season pact, and ultimately appeared in 15 games and made three starts for Buffalo. During that time, Thornton posted 18 tackles and two sacks, but graded as the fifth-worst interior defender among 122 qualifiers, per Pro Football Focus.
Now that the Eagles are running a 4-3 front, Thornton would likely line up at defensive tackle if signed. Philadelphia is on the hunt for depth given that starting tackle Timmy Jernigan is expected to miss four-to-six months following back surgery, while defensive ends Derek Barnett and Brandon Graham (who recently underwent a minor ankle operation, per Tim McManus of ESPN.com) are also recovering from surgery. The Eagles have also looked at other free agent defenders in recent weeks, as they expressed interest in Terrell McClain before he signed with the Falcons and met with Courtney Upshaw.
Seahawks Sign Rookie RB Rashaad Penny
The Seahawks have signed first-round running back Rashaad Penny, the club announced today.
Like every first-round pick, Penny has inked a four-year deal that includes a fifth-year option for the 2021 campaign. Per Over the Cap, Penny’s new contract should be worth roughly $10.765MM and come with a $5.909MM signing bonus. His 2017 cap charge will come in around $1.957MM.
Seattle traded back from No. 18 to No. 27 in the first round before selecting Penny, picking up an extra third-rounder in the process. Penny, a San Diego State product, should front the Seahawks’ backfield as the team attempts to reinstall the ground-and-pound approach that made them successful earlier this decade. Penny, who stands 5’11”, 220 pounds, posted a whopping 2,248 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns during his final collegiate season.
With Penny under contract, the Seahawks have only three members of its nine-man draft class unsigned: defensive end Rasheem Green, defensive end Shaquem Griffin, and defensive back Tre Flowers.
Free Agent CB Adam Jones Expects To Sign Soon
Free agent cornerback Adam Jones hasn’t drawn known interest since the Bengals declined his option earlier this year, but the veteran defensive back says he’s now fully healthy and hopes to sign with a new club in the near future.
“I had groin surgery the week after the Super Bowl,” Jones told SiriusXM NFL Radio (Twitter links). “I’m finally 100 percent from that, just got cleared by the doctors. Running full speed. Have been in contact with several teams, I expect it to pick up in the coming weeks.”
Jones, 34, also indicated that a return to Cincinnati was a “definite possibility,” although there are certainly hurdles that could preclude Jones from heading back to the Queen City. The Bengals opted to not pay Jones nearly $6MM (base salary, roster bonus, and workout bonus) for the 2018 campaign, so any new deal would likely need to come in at a cheaper rate. Additionally, Cincinnati is largely set at corner with a starting package of William Jackson III, Dre Kirkpatrick, and Darqueze Dennard, so Jones would be returning in a limited role.
Jones was limited to just nine games with the Bengals a season ago, and didn’t fare particularly well in 299 defensive snaps. Pro Football Focus assigned Jones the worst mark (47.1) of his entire career, although he’d performed relatively better in recent years. Aside from his work on defense, Jones can also be a factor in the kicking game, as he’s posted more than 300 combined kick and punt returns during his NFL tenure.
Seahawks Sign Two Draft Picks
The Seahawks have signed fifth-round offensive tackle Jamarco Jones and seventh-round quarterback Alex McGough, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (Twitter link).
Jones was widely viewed as a third- or fourth-round pick, so the Seahawks scored solid value by picking up the Ohio State product in the fifth. While Seattle’s offensive line has been (rightly) maligned, the club actually appears relatively set up front. Jones could conceivably compete with former first-rounder Germain Ifedi for right tackle duties, but he’s more likely to open the season as a reserve.
McGough, meanwhile, was deemed the “surprise” of rookie minicamp by Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, tweets Brady Henderson of ESPN.com. Seattle recently waived quarterback Stephen Morris, leaving only McGough and veteran Austin Davis behind starter Russell Wilson. If he shows well during training camp, McGough could emerge as Wilson’s backup during his rookie campaign.
With Jones and McGough under contract, Seattle has signed five picks from its nine-man draft class. Selections that remain unsigned include first-round running back Rashaad Penny, third-round defensive end Rasheem Green, fifth-round defensive end Shaquem Griffin, and fifth-round defensive back Tre Flowers.
Latest On Chargers OL Forrest Lamp
Forrest Lamp missed his entire rookie season after suffering a torn ACL, but the Chargers guard is also recovering from a second knee operation, according to Steve Wyche of NFL.com (Twitter link). While details on the second procedure are slim, it did prevent Lamp from being medically cleared from football activity.
The most recent surgery shouldn’t limit Lamp going forward or place any restrictions on his sophomore campaign, however. Los Angeles had coach Anthony Lynn tells Wyche that Lamp should be medically cleared “soon,” at which point the former second-round pick will likely be installed as a starter. Lamp is expected to line up at right guard opposite fellow 2017 rookie Dan Feeney, who made nine starts a season ago.
Lamp, 24, was widely viewed as a first-round pick coming out of Western Kentucky last year, but he eventually slipped to 38th overall. A versatile athlete capable of playing all over the offensive line, Lamp spent his collegiate career at tackle before shifting to guard in the NFL. In his pre-draft profile of Lamp, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com labelled the 6’4″, 309-pounder an “effective counter-puncher” who “processes quickly when [the] defense runs games up front.”
While the Chargers have expressed optimism regarding Lamp’s health issues, knee injuries are never a cut-and-dry affair. Los Angeles has several options along the interior if Lamp isn’t ready to go for Week 1, including Spencer Pulley, Michael Schofield, and fifth-round rookie Scott Quessenberry.
Reuben Foster’s Ex-Girlfriend To Testify Thursday
Reuben Foster‘s ex-girlfriend is prepared to recant her allegations against the 49ers linebacker in court on Thursday, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.
Elissa Ennis had previously maintained that Foster hit her 10 times and dragged her down stairs, but changed her story in late April, indicating that her injuries were the result of a fight with another woman. Ennis suffered a swollen lip and ruptured eardrum as a result of said fight, and Foster was subsequently charged with three felonies. Foster pleaded not guilty to all charges, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
The Santa Clara Count District Attorney’s office had previously vowed to forge ahead with its original charges, but that course of action would presumably become much more difficult if its victim publicly retracts her claims against Foster. The 49ers, for their part, have been adamant that if the allegations are proven true, Foster will be quickly released.
Per Barrows, Foster could still be in hot water in given that he was in possession of an assault rifle, and prosecutors could choose to go forward with gun charges even if the domestic violence charges are dismissed. However, a judge may also choose to reduce those gun charges from a felony to a misdemeanor.
Lions Sign Rookie S Tracy Walker
The Lions announced that they’ve signed third-round safety Tracy Walker, and in doing so have now inked their entire 2018 draft class.
It’s not clear exactly how quickly Walker will see the field in Detroit’s starting lineup, as the Lions already have Glover Quin and Tavon Wilson in place as starters at safety. Quandre Diggs, meanwhile, is capable of playing both nickel corner and safety, further pushing Walker down the depth chart.
Many draft analysts had Walker pegged as a late-round selection, but the Lions weren’t the only club that was targeting the Louisiana product on Day 3. Following the draft, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reported the Panthers were prepared to take Walker at pick No. 85 before Detroit scooped him up three slots earlier.
Walker’s four-year rookie pact will be worth roughly $3.3MM and comes with an $847K signing bonus, per Over the Cap. During his rookie campaign, Walker will count for just $691K on the Lions’ salary cap.
Here’s the entire Lions crop of rookies:
- 1-20: Frank Ragnow, C (Arkansas)
- 2-43: Kerryon Johnson, RB (Auburn)
- 3-82: Tracy Walker, S (Louisiana-Lafayette)
- 4-114: Da’Shawn Hand, DE (Alabama)
- 5-153: Tyrell Crosby, T (Oregon)
- 7-237: Nick Bawden, FB (San Diego State)
New Panthers Owner Unlikely To Alter Football Ops
Minority Steelers owner David Tepper was expected to formally purchase the Panthers today, and while he’ll assume control of the franchise in the near future, Tepper isn’t planning to overhaul Carolina’s front office or coaching staff, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
General manager Marty Hurney and head coach Ron Rivera are each under contract through the 2020 campaign, and given that Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reported earlier today Tepper wants to bring the “Steeler Way” to Carolina, it’s no surprise he’s unwilling to make major changes upon takeover. Indeed, “continuity, stability, [and] progressive thinking on player contract extensions” are said to be Tepper’s initial goals, so keeping incumbent staff in place seems like an obvious strategy.
Rivera, of course, has enjoyed immense success as the Panthers’ head coach, but Hurney’s status as general manager seemed a bit more tenuous. Hurney, now in his second stint leading Carolina’s front office, only recently had the interim label removed from his title, and it was unclear whether new ownership would seek to retain him.