Chargers Preparing To Be Without Joey Bosa
The Chargers are preparing as if No. 3 overall Joey Bosa won’t be with the club when the regular season begins, according to Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com. San Diego opens the season against the division rival Chiefs on September 11.
[RELATED: San Diego Chargers Depth Chart]
“We’ll have a plan for him whenever he’s here,” head coach Mike McCoy said of Bosa. “We’ve talked about it over time, from the very beginning of camp. So we’ve got a plan for when he’s in the building. But I’m very pleased with the other 89 guys in camp at this point in time.”
According to Williams, second-year pro Darius Philon figures to see the most snaps in place of Bosa. Philon, a 2015 sixth-round pick, appeared in eight games for the Bolts last year, playing on about 14% of the club’s defensive plays. McCoy also praised the performance of backup Tenny Palepoi, while Zamir Carlis, who was signed two weeks ago, could also factor into a rotation.
The Chargers, who began talking with Bosa’s camp again last week, have been insistent on Bosa accepting offset language in his deal that would take them off the hook in the event that he would be released before the scheduled conclusion of the deal. The Bolts are also pushing for part of Bosa’s signing bonus to be deferred. Bosa’s reps say that they will not accept both of those terms, particularly since four of the players to go in the top 10 of this year’s draft will receive most or all of their signing bonuses in 2016.
In order for Bosa to agree to offset language, agent Todd France reportedly wants the Chargers to pay all ~$17MM) of his bonus this year. San Diego, meanwhile, would rather wait until next March to dole out a “significant portion” of the bonus. At last check, the Chargers want to give Bosa roughly 61 percent of his signing bonus during this calendar year, which is the same payout schedule the Cowboys agreed to with fourth overall selection Ezekiel Elliott, who was Bosa’s teammate at Ohio State and went one pick after him.
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Latest On DeMeco Ryans
Free agent linebacker DeMeco Ryans has made it clear that he’d like to continue his career in 2016, but appearing on SiriusXM NFL Radio earlier today, the veteran defender also put forth a laundry list of requirements for any club that might express interest in him.
“At the end of the day, I would definitely like to play for a team that’s a contender, a team that really has a shot, a team that has good leadership at the top, good quarterback, there’s a good nucleus and it’s a team I can just come in and add some veteran leadership to,” said Ryans, who would be entering his age-32 season.
Ryans, released by the Eagles earlier this year, spent the last four seasons in Philadelphia after playing for the Texans for his first six years in the NFL. A two-time Pro Bowler in Houston, Ryans had two strong seasons with the Eagles before an Achilles injury and a reduced role slowed him down a little over the past two years. In 2015, he recorded 49 tackles to go along with an interception, a forced fumble, and five passes defended.
Ryans also said that he wouldn’t be picky about scheme, as he’s played in both 4-3 and 3-4 looks. But he also intimated that although a few teams have reached out to him over the past several months, he may not have a proposal thus far. “To me, there’s no interest until there’s an actual contract offer or something on the table,” Ryans said. “I haven’t had that yet.”
In June, Ryans sounded extremely comfortable with the idea that his career might be over. “Either way, I’m happy spending time with the family,” the veteran ‘backer said. “It’s just a blessing for me to be able to play 10 years in the NFL and have a great career. I have no regrets about it, so it’s great either way. If I could play again, that’ll be great. If not, that’s great as well.”
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
AFC South Notes: Texans, Savage, Jaguars
Third-year pro Tom Savage is the Texans’ backup quarterback, head coach Bill O’Brien told reporters, including Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “I think [Savage] is No. 2 right now, but that’s not to say that [Brandon] Weeden hasn’t done a good job,” said O’Brien. “I think Weeden has really improved. Tom has been in our system for three years, Weeden’s only been in it for about eight months or close to a year.” Weeden signed a two-year deal with Houston this offseason that includes $450K guaranteed, so it seems unlikely that they’d part ways this soon.
Here’s more from the AFC South:
- While Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon are atop the Jaguars‘ running back depth chart, the club has several interesting players competing for time — or a roster spot — at the end of the backfield list, as Phillip Heilman of the Florida Times-Union writes. Denard Robinson, Joe Banyard, and Corey Grant are all vying for action at the end of the roster, and because Jacksonville doesn’t plan to carry a fullback, it’s possible all three could make the squad. But which of the trio is active on gamedays could come down to special teams, where Grant and Banyard excel. Robinson, on the other hand, played on only 20% of the Jaguars’ ST snaps a year ago.
- As they prepare to block for those running backs, the Jaguars‘ offensive line is still not set, as Hays Carlyon of the Florida Times-Union details. Free agent signee Kelvin Beachum was supposed to be slotted in as the club’s left tackle, but he’s been slow to recover from a torn ACL and hasn’t taken many live reps. Former No. 2 overall pick Luke Joeckel, meanwhile, was scheduled to transition from left tackle to guard, but given Beachum’s condition, Joeckel hasn’t had much practice on the interior. Jacksonville’s coaching staff is still hopeful that the situation can be ironed before Week 1, however.
- The Texans‘ injury settlement with cornerback Richard Leonard is worth $176,294, according to Wilson. That’s nine weeks salary at a rate of $330K.
- Earlier tonight, the Colts signed veteran cornerback Antonio Cromartie to a one-year deal after learning that fellow defensive back Vontae Davis will be sidelined for at least the first month of the season.
NFL Sets Dates For PED Interviews
The NFL will meet with Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers in Green Bay on Wednesday to discuss the league’s ongoing PED investigation, a source tells Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com (Twitter links). Steelers linebacker James Harrison‘s interview will take place on August 30 in Pittsburgh, while free agent Mike Neal will sit down with the league this Thursday in Chicago.
Last week, the NFL stated that the four players involved in the PED scandal — which was spurred by an Al-Jazeera documentary that aired earlier this year — would be required to submit to interviews by August 25 or face suspension. The NFL received written statements from the four players in question at the end of last month, and the NFLPA is of the opinion that those affadavits qualify as “cooperation.” The league disagrees, and is still requiring the individuals to partake in in-person interviews.
Harrison, for his part, has said he never denied any interview, but claimed he’d like like for the meeting to be televised (and also referred to commissioner Roger Goodell as a “crook”). He, Matthews, and Peppers agreed to sit-downs, but Neal was of a different mind, at least originally. One report indicated that Neal had no intention of meeting with the NFL given that he’s considering retirement, but that notion was quickly disputed, and Neal will interview with the league.
“We’ve spent the last few days advising our players and letting them know in a completely honest and open way exactly what their options are, what they want to do,” NFLPA president Eric Winston said last week. “Each case is different, each guy is different. Each guy might want to do different things so no matter what we’re going fight for them like crazy like we always do, and we’re going go and have our players’ backs. That’s what we’re all about and that’s all we can do and that’s what we’re going to continue to do.”
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Vontae Davis To Miss First Month Of Season
The Colts brought in defensive back help earlier tonight, agreeing to terms with veteran corner Antonio Cromartie, and the reason for the signing is now readily apparent. Indianapolis cornerback Vontae Davis has suffered ligament damage in his ankle and is now expected to miss at least the first month of the regular season, tweets Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.
[RELATED: Updated Colts depth chart]
Head coach Chuck Pagano had been designating Davis “week-to-week,” but as Mike Wells of ESPN.com noted earlier today, Pagano had used that terminology before, only to see players significantly more time. That seems to be the case in this instance, as Davis is now set to miss at least six weeks of action from today’s date. If Davis is sidelined for only the first four games of the regular season, he’d miss contests against the Lions, Broncos, Chargers, and Jaguars.
Aside from Cromartie, the Colts do have other options in their secondary, but no one that rivals the singular talent of Davis. Indy signed former Chargers cornerback Patrick Robinson to a three-year deal this offseason, and though he’s currently dealing with a groin injury, he’s expected to be ready for Week 1. Darius Butler, Jalil Brown, 2015 third-rounder D’Joun Smith, and others make up the rest of the Colts’ back end.
Davis, 28, has become one of the league’s best corners since being traded to Indianapolis in 2012, as he’s been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of the last two seasons, and was named an All Pro in 2014. He started all 16 games last season, posting four interceptions, 16 passes defensed, and graded as the NFL’s No. 29 CB, according to Pro Football Focus.
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Colts Sign Antonio Cromartie
The Colts announced that they’ve reached agreement with free agent cornerback Antonio Cromartie. It’s a one-year deal, tweets Tom Pelissero of USA Today. Indianapolis worked out Cromartie, along with some other unknown defensive backs, earlier today.
[RELATED: Colts Remove Henry Anderson From PUP]
Indianapolis is looking for corner help as Pro Bowler Vontae Davis deals with a rolled ankle, and although head coach Chuck Pagano said Davis is “week-to-week,” Pagano has used that terminology before, only to see a player miss extended time, writes Mike Wells of ESPN.com. The Colts signed former Chargers cornerback Patrick Robinson this offseason, and as Roster Resource details, also boast Darius Butler, Jalil Brown, and 2015 third-rounder D’Joun Smith in the secondary.
While Davis is on currently on the mend, Cromartie has also dealt with his own health concerns recently. A report earlier this year indicated that Cromartie’s career could end prematurely due to a hip condition, but the veteran corner strongly denied that story to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. “Hell, no. I’m not done,” Cromartie said last month. “My hip wasn’t the problem last year.”
Cromartie, a 10-year veteran and four-time Pro Bowler, has been on the open market since the Jets released him in February. That was the end of Cromartie’s second stint with New York, which lasted only one season. Pro Football Focus ranked him just 86th out of 111 qualified cornerbacks in 2015.
Cromartie, who is entering his age-32 season, earned an honorable mention on PFR’s recent list of the best available defensive free agents.
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Mark Sanchez Not A Lock For Broncos’ Roster?
Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak announced that Trevor Siemian will start the club’s third preseason game against the Rams, and that decision could have implications for veteran quarterback Mark Sanchez, as Mike Klis of 9NEWS writes. First-round rookie Paxton Lynch could leap Sanchez to become Denver’s backup signal-caller, and if that happens, Sanchez may not have a spot on the roster, Klis suggests.
[RELATED: Ronnie Hillman may not make Broncos]
“I expected [uncertainty at QB],’’ said Kubiak. “We’ve got three quarterbacks, two of which weren’t on this team last year. One has one regular-season snap. So I knew this was going to take some time and I think it’s a credit to them in how well they’ve battled and pushed each other. It’s down to the nitty gritty here – I don’t have to but I’m going to make a decision next week.’’
Sanchez, whom the Broncos acquired from the Eagles earlier this year in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick, has completed 66% of his passes during the preseason but struggled otherwise, as he’s tossed an interception, lost two fumbles, and been sacked three times. Siemian hasn’t been great either (17-of-23 for 163 yards and a pick-six), but if the competition is considered close between him and Sanchez, salaries could come into play.
As a former seventh-round pick, Siemian is only due to earn a minimum salary during the upcoming, but Sanchez is scheduled to earn $4.5MM, $1MM of which is guaranteed. Sanchez can also earn another $3MM through incentives, but the Broncos could clear $3.5MM off their books by releasing him before the start of the season. If Sanchez is going to be the No. 2 quarterback, his salary is manageable — but if he falls to No. 3, there’s a decent chance Denver isn’t willing to pay the price to keep him around.
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Minor NFL Transactions: 8/22/16
Today’s minor moves:
- The Chargers have officially placed tight end Jeff Cumberland on injured reserve after he tore his Achilles last week, the club announced today. To fill out their roster, San Diego agreed to sign defensive back Michael Lee.
- The Jets have moved wide receiver Titus Davis from the exempt/left squad list to the reserve/retired list, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). Jets head coach Todd Bowles said earlier this month that Davis had opted to retire.
- The Broncos have waived former Colorado State guard Sam Carlson, Mike Klis of 9NEWS tweets. Carlson was removevd from the roster in order to create a spot for Henry Melton, who was signed yesterday.
- The Buccaneers announced that they have signed tackle Kyler Kerbyson and waived/injured tackle Kelby Johnson. Kerbyson, an undrafted free agent out of Tennessee, was waived by the Patriots earlier this month. The Buccaneers also waived linebacker Cassanova McKinzy.
- The Eagles have waived linebacker Deontae Skinner, the club announced. Skinner appeared in seven games for Philadelphia last year, but his roster spot will now go to veteran ‘backer Stephen Tulloch.
- The Patriots have waived rookie cornerback V’Angelo Bentley, per a team announcement.
- The Packers announced that they’ve released offensive lineman Matt Rotheram and long snapper Jesse Schmitt from their injured reserve list.
- The Colts have signed wide receiver Justin Berger and waived fellow pass-catchers Andrew Opoku and Marcus Leak, the team announced.
Giants To Audition Kickers
MONDAY, 12:02pm: The Giants are also scheduled to work out punter/kicker Randy Bullock, a source tells Josina Anderson of ESPN.com tweets. Bullock is not a vested veteran, so he could be a viable one-game fill-in for Brown, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com tweets.
Veteran Josh Scobee was also invited to the Giants‘ kicker workout, but had to turn down an invitation because of another commitment at the same time, a source tells Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
SUNDAY, 8:18pm: Giants head coach Ben McAdoo said “never say never” when asked earlier today about the possibility of his club signing another kicker, and New York will in fact work out several kickers tomorrow, including Garrett Hartley, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link).
[RELATED: Giants among 10 potential suitors for Karlos Williams]
Incumbent kicker Josh Brown is suspended for the season opener following a 2015 domestic violence arrest, and it’s unclear if the Giants are considering moving on from him, especially given that more serious details have emerged about Brown’s history of violence against his ex-wife. Fellow kicker Tom Obarski, meanwhile was given a “golden opportunity” — McAdoo’s words — to scratch out a role with New York, but he missed a 28-yard field goal attempt in the club’s most recent preseason game.
Hartley, 30, spent five season with the Saints and last kicked for the Browns during a short stint in 2014. He was out of the league in 2015, but he was a part of workouts with the Lions, Jets, and Patriots after spending the preseason with the Steelers, and owns a 81.7% career accuracy rate. La Canfora’s report didn’t list the other kickers who will be involved in Monday’s tryout, but Josh Scobee and Randy Bullock are among the other free agent specialists available.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Saints’ Brandon Coleman On Roster Bubble?
Wide receiver Brandon Coleman isn’t assured of a spot on the Saints roster, as Mike Triplett of ESPN.com writes. Coleman, who spent his rookie season on New Orleans’ practice squad, appeared in all 16 games in 2015, posting 30 receptions for 454 yards and two touchdowns. But following the Saints’ most recent preseason game, head coach Sean Payton wasn’t very complementary of Coleman’s performance.
[RELATED: Saints Release Keenan Lewis]
“I thought it was just OK,” said Payton. “And honestly, it’s been kind of pedestrian from him throughout camp. There’s certain things you see and you see and you see and you see, and then all of a sudden they reveal themselves in a game. And you know what, I’m not surprised. And I think he can be better, and I know I’ve seen better.
“So he’s gonna have to pick it up. I think he will. I think he’ll compete. But I don’t like how he’s catching the ball on the first play that comes out of his hands. Too many times the ball’s separating from him.”
The Saints selected Ohio State’s Michael Thomas in the second round of this year’s draft, and he figures to take over for Marques Colston as the club’s big slot. And with Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead locked in on the outside, Coleman is the fourth option on the depth chart, at best. New Orleans has spent all offseason trying to find a veteran to add to that group, as they’ve agreed to terms with both Vincent Brown and Hakeem Nicks, but neither lasted on the roster.
Payton also didn’t have kind words for return man Marcus Murphy, who has fumbled in each of the Saints’ first two preseason contests. “It just can’t happen. We’ll find another returner,” said Payton, who added that undrafted rookie free agent Tommylee Lewis will be given the chance to usurp Murphy’s role. Murphy, 24, was New Orleans’ primary returner in 2015, averaging just under 10 yards per punt return and 25 yards on kickoffs.
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