QB Notes: Goff, Wentz, 49ers, Rams, Eagles
California quarterback Jared Goff is meeting with the 49ers tonight, sources tell Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com, who adds (via Twitter) that this is the third time Chip Kelly & Co. will have seen Goff, with the first two instances coming at Goff’s pro day and via a private workout. Goff, of course, is one of two primary options for the Rams with the No. 1 overall pick, so San Francisco would need a bit of luck for him to fall to the seventh pick. Even if the 49ers are able to trade up to No. 2, there’s no guarantee Goff won’t already be off the board.
Let’s dive into few more notes on the 2016 quarterback class…
- We heard over the weekend that the Rams would meet with Goff and Carson Wentz again before deciding on whom to select with the first overall pick, and those meetings are expected to get underway tonight. Wentz will arrive in Los Angeles tonight, while Goff will visit with the Rams later in the week, reports Steve Wyche of NFL.com (Twitter link).
- Reports have indicated that the Eagles are high on Wentz, and their attempted to trade up to No. 1 may have been to secure the North Dakota State signal-caller. Regardless of whether or not Philadelphia finds a way to land Wentz, head coach Doug Pederson clearly believes Wentz is “the real deal,” tweets Elliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com after listening to Pederson speak at a press conference today.
- USC quarterback Cody Kessler has worked out for and/or visited the Chargers, Saints, Browns, and Lions, among others, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). At 6’1″ and 215 pounds, Kessler is slight, but he’s thrown for 88 touchdowns and just 19 interceptions during three seasons as the Trojans starter. Kessler is projected as a seventh-round pick or UDFA on CBSSports.com’s big board, but Rapoport hears that he could go a lot higher than is expected.
South Notes: Falcons, Panthers, Colts, Ogbah
Following the trend set by the Rams and the Cardinals, among others, the Falcons will be eyeing hybrid linebacker/safeties in this year’s draft, as D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution details. Los Angeles’ Mark Barron and Arizona’s Deone Bucannon are just two examples of “safeties” who have morphed into linebacker roles, and several prospects in the 2016 draft, including LSU’s Deion Jones, USC’s Su’a Cravens, and Florida’s Keanu Neal — all of whom Atlanta has met with — could make a similar transition.
“In the college game, they are more spread out,” said Falcons head coach Dan Quinn. “They are more open. You’re seeing more space players come out, who are the 215-, 225-pound linebackers who are outside and playing in space. Those players, we are finding ways to feature them at the NFL level as well because of their athletic ability.”
Here’s more from the NFL’s two South divisions…
- Even if they do end up targeting hybrid linebackers in the draft, the Falcons still need to add talent and depth at the prototypical LB position, writes Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com in his overview of the club as they open offseason workouts. Ohio State’s Darron Lee and Alabama’s Reggie Ragland could both be options for Atlanta at No. 17, opines McClure, who adds that edge-rusher is also near the top of the Falcons’ list of draft needs.
- The Colts are another club drafting in the middle of Round 1 that could use linebacker help, and as such, could be a fit for Ragland. Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star tweets that not only have the Colts held a private workout for the Alabama standout, but with Clemson’s B.J. Goodson, who starred at the combine.
- Oklahoma State defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah will take a short tour of the NFC South this week, as he’s lined up visits with both the Falcons and the Panthers, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). The 6’4″, 270-pound edge rusher could very well be available at either pick No. 17 or No. 30, where Atlanta and Carolina currently sit, respectively.
- Indiana quarterback Nate Sudfeld will make a visit to Houston to meet with the Texans on Tuesday, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com. Sudfeld has also generated interest from the Saints and Cardinals.
Luke Adams contributed to this post.
Minor NFL Transactions: 4/18/16
We’ve rounded up today’s RFA and ERFA tender signings in another post, so we’ll focus on the rest of the minor NFL transactions here…
- The Rams have agreed to terms with running back Chase Reynolds on a one-year deal, reports Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Twitter link). Reynolds has never received a carry, but as Thomas notes, he’s a core special-teamer, having played on more than 46% of the Rams’ ST snaps.
- Another special teams ace, linebacker Lerentee McCray, has signed with the Packers, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. The 25-year-old McCray had appeared in 24 games over the past two seasons with the Broncos.
- Washington announced that it has signed offensive lineman Cody Booth, a former undrafted free agent who has spent time with both the Jaguars and Bears. Booth has yet to appear in a regular season NFL game.
- The Bills announced (via Twitter) that they’ve released defensive back Cam Thomas (not to be confused with the defensive tackle of the same name). This Cam Thomas — a Western Kentucky product — has never appeared in an NFL contest.
- The Texans released quarterback B.J. Daniels, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). Daniels, a quarterback at South Florida, made the switch to receiver with the Seahawks before moving back to QB with Houston.
RFA/ERFA Signings: 4/18/16
We’ll round the latest news on restricted and exclusive-rights free agents here…
- Wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins has signed his restricted free agent tender with the Jets, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (Twitter link). Thompkins, a former Patriot and Raider, appeared in seven games for New York last season, hauling in 19 passes.
- Bills defensive tackle Corbin Bryant has signed his RFA tender, tweets Joe Buscaglia of WKBW. Bryant said in February that he was hoping to be retained by Buffalo, and for now, he’ll get his wish.
- The Raiders broadcasted a series of moves today, announcing that quarterback Matt McGloin has signed his second-round RFA tender, while defensive lineman Denico Autry, tight end Gabe Holmes, safety Tevin McDonald, receiver Seth Roberts, and Korey Toomer all signed their ERFA tenders (Twitter link via Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle).
- Center Patrick Lewis has signed his restricted free agent tender with the Seahawks, who also announced that they’ve re-signed exclusive-rights free agents Cooper Helfet (TE), Mohammed Seisay (CB), and Steven Terrell (S).
- The Vikings announced that fullback Zach Line has signed his RFA tender. Line tells Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press that he always knew he’d re-sign with Minnesota, he just hadn’t been in the area to physically sign the deal.
- Center Braxston Cave, defensive end Brandon Copeland, and safety Isaiah Johnson all signed their ERFA tenders with the Lions, according to Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com.
- The Chiefs have re-signed safety Daniel Sorensen and defensive end Nick Williams, each of whom signed his exclusive-rights tender, per Howard Balzer of USA Today (Twitter link).
- Linebacker Will Compton has signed his ERFA tender with Washington, tweets Balzer.
Texans Release Brian Hoyer
MONDAY, 4:32pm: Hoyer’s release is now official, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
SUNDAY, 7:21pm: The Jets are likely to schedule a visit with Hoyer soon, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com tweets. Gang Green showed interest in the eighth-year passer last year and have been the most discussed suitor for Hoyer in 2016.
3:47pm: The Texans have released quarterback Brian Hoyer, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). As a vested veteran, Hoyer won’t have to pass through waivers, so he’s now a free agent and can sign with any club.
The news doesn’t come as much of a shock, as reports last month indicated that Houston was likely to part ways with Hoyer, either through trade or release. After the signing of Brock Osweiler to a four-year, $72MM deal, there wasn’t much of a role for Hoyer on the club, especially after the Texans also inked backup quarterback Brandon Weeden to a two-year deal.
Houston had reportedly been searching for a trade partner in an effort to deal Hoyer, and had been doing so right up until releasing him, tweets Rapoport. Reports indicated that Hoyer could be had for minimal compensation, but apparently no other club was willing to part with assets in order to land the veteran quarterback.
Hoyer won’t be without suitors now that he’s a free agent, however, as Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reports (Twitter link) that the Steelers have expressed interest. Additionally, the Jets had inquired on Hoyer while he was still on the Texans’ roster, and they’re sure to still be intrigued even as they negotiate with Ryan Fitzpatrick. And the Broncos, who were said to be considering a run at Hoyer last month, make sense as a landing spot as they try to replace Osweiler and Peyton Manning.
The 30-year-old Hoyer posted the best season of his career in 2015, completing 60% of his passes for more than 2,600 yards while throwing 19 touchdowns against just seven interceptions. After leading the Texans to a 5-4 record in his nine starts, Hoyer’s streak of good play ended in the first round of the playoffs, when he threw four interceptions as Houston was shut out by the Chiefs.
Hoyer was entering the final season of a a two-year deal he signed with Houston prior to the 2015 season. He had no guaranteed money remaining, so the Texans will clear the entirety of his 2016 cap hit — about $4.86MM — off their books.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Draft Updates: Dolphins, Jets, Texans, Eagles
Having already worked out for the Giants, Jets, Texans, and Dolphins, Texas Tech receiver Jakeem Grant will take a pre-draft meeting with Miami on Monday, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. Grant, who ran a 4.38 40-yard dash, is expected to serve as a return man in the NFL.
Here’s the latest news on draft prospects and their visits and workouts around the league…
- The receivers most connected with the Jets during the pre-draft process have been Corey Coleman and Will Fuller, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com tweets. La Canfora reports the Jets, who pick at No. 20, have done “extensive work” on both the Baylor and Notre Dame wideouts, respectively.
- North Carolina State offensive lineman Joe Thuney had a private meeting with the Texans, per Wilson. Thuney, who started all along the offensive line in college, is expected to play on the interior in the NFL, but clubs are excited about his versatility, says Wilson.
- Punters are people too: Texas Southern Cory Carter punter took part in the Texans’ local pro day and is expected to generate interest around the league, writes Wilson. Carter tells Wilson he drew rave reviews from Houston based on his hangtime and directional punting.
- Two prospects — Penn State corner Trevor Williams and Purdue defensive tackle Ryan Watson — have been invited to Washington‘s local pro day, according to Wilson (Twitter links).
- Kolby Listenbee will visit the Eagles on Monday after recently meeting with the 49ers, Adam Caplan of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter). The TCU wide receiver. The 6-foot-1 target who blazed to a 4.35-second 40-yard dash at the Horned Frogs’ pro day amassed more than 1,300 receiving yards and nine TDs the past two seasons. Listenbee underwent sports hernia surgery, per Caplan (on Twitter), after the ailment kept him from participating in the Combine.
Sam Robinson contributed to this report
Week In Review: 4/10/16 – 4/17/16
Headlines:
- The Rams made perhaps the biggest move of the offseason, moving up to No. 1 in the draft through a trade with the Titans. Los Angeles will meet with both Jared Goff and Carson Wentz ahead of the draft as it determines which quarterback to select.
- Even after trading down, the Titans might be working to move back into the top 10 picks. Meanwhile, the Browns are rumored to have made the No. 2 overall pick available.
- Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon‘s petition for reinstatement was denied — he can apply again on August 1.
Signed/Re-Signed:
- Patriots – LeGarrette Blount, RB (link)
- Rams – Greg Zuerlein, K (link)
- Saints – Tim Hightower, RB (link)
- Seahawks – Brandon Browner, CB (link)
- Washington – Greg Toler, CB (link)
Released/Waived:
- Patriots – Dominique Easley, DL (link); Chris Jones, DL and Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, DL (link)
- Steelers – Cortez Allen, CB (link)
- Texans – Brian Hoyer, QB (link)
2017 Fifth-Year Options:
- Bears – Kyle Long, G (exercised)
- Bengals – Tyler Eifert, TE (exercised)
- Saints – Kenny Vaccaro, S (link)
- Texans – DeAndre Hopkins, WR (exercised)
Retired:
- Mike DeVito, DL (link)
- Percy Harvin, WR (link)
- Jason Hatcher, DL (link)
Seahawks Sign Brandon Browner
3:41pm: The Seahawks have officially announced the signing.
1:15pm: The Seahawks will reunite with a familiar face, as they’re set to sign free agent cornerback Brandon Browner on Monday, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reports (Twitter link). Browner will sign a one-year deal, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Browner, of course, played for Seattle from 2011-13, starting 36 games and winning a Super Bowl title during that time. After one season in New England (with whom he also won a Super Bowl), Browner signed a signed a three-year, $15MM contract with the Saints and became one of the team’s starting corners. However, he disappointed in his only season in New Orleans, racking up penalties and struggling in coverage. Pro Football Focus rated him dead last in the league among 113 qualified cornerbacks.
Now 31 years old, Browner will return to the club where he’s had his best success as a pro, reuniting with his Legion of Boom compatriots Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, and Kam Chancellor. The Seahawks did re-sign fellow corner Jeremy Lane during the offseason, so Browner might not be immediately placed back in the starting lineup. But Lane does excel in the slot, so there should be an opportunity for Browner to see the field in Seattle’s nickel package.
Browner didn’t take any other known visits after being released by the Saints, but since he was a street free agent, clubs wouldn’t have had to announce if they met with him. Teams could have been scared off by his dismal year in New Orleans, but Browner recently said that he played through a torn MCL last season, which could help explain some of his woes.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
La Canfora’s Latest: Titans, Rams, Browns
Let’s take a look at the latest from Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com…
- Following up on his report from last week, La Canfora continues to hear that the Titans and general manager Jon Robinson are trying to trade back into the top 10 of the draft. “He’s moving back up,” one executive told La Canfora. “He has the ammo to do it and it’s heading in that direction.” While Tennessee might be able to stay at No. 15 and land someone like Michigan State’s Jack Conklin, the club could make a move for Notre Dame’s Ronnie Stanley or maybe even Ole Miss’ Laremy Tunsil, who was thought to be the Titans’ choice had they stayed at No. 1.
- La Canfora has “yet to talk to an executive who does not believe” the Rams will take Cal’s Jared Goff with the first overall pick, as the belief is that Goff is more pro-ready than Carson Wentz, who spent his collegiate career at an FCS school. Wentz may need a few years to develop, and Los Angeles wants to contend immediately.
- The Browns also prefer Goff, per La Canfora, which means they are a prime candidate to move off of the No. 2 pick (we first heard rumors of Cleveland making their pick available last week). While the Browns would be missing out on pass-rushers like Joey Bosa and DeForest Buckner, the optics of not passing on a quarterback at No. 2 is appealing.
- Several executives believe the Browns should have already traded left tackle Joe Thomas, according to La Canfora. Cleveland could have used any draft capital they received from a Thomas deal to try to move up to No. 1, and have the chane to select the quarterback they truly want. Alternatively, trading Thomas would have made a Tunsil selction obvious.
Broncos, Ronnie Hillman Progressing In Talks
Contract negotiations between the Broncos and free agent running back Ronnie Hillman are “heating up,” according to Mike Klis of 9News, and Denver is hopeful that it can re-sign him. Hillman has spent the past four years — the entirety of his NFL career — with the Broncos.
Klis first reported last week that Hillman and Denver had exchanged contract proposals, but no signing has appeared imminent since that time. Hillman, who is still only 24 years old, hasn’t drawn a ton of interest around the league since he entered the free agent market over a month ago. The Packers were reportedly “poking around” on Hillman (and other running backs) near the end of March, and a few unnamed clubs apparently expressed interest at the beginning of April, but for the most part, news surrounding Hillman has been non-existent.
If Hillman does re-sign with the Broncos, he’d once again team up with C.J. Anderson to form a one-two punch in the Denver backfield. Anderson, of course, was retained by the Broncos after signing a four-year, $18MM offer sheet with the Dolphins, which Denver then matched. In 2015, Hillmn rushed for more than 800 yards and scored seven touchdowns, and also added 24 receptions.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.