PFR Originals: 10/11/15 – 10/18/15
The original content and analysis produced by the PFR staff during the past seven days:
- With the NFL trade deadline fast approaching, I took a look at some AFC players who could be dealt in the coming weeks.
- Zach Links rounded up the best of the football blogs in the latest edition of Pigskin Links. with topics including Peyton Manning, Vernon Davis, the Jets, and the draft.
Week In Review: 10/11/15 – 10/18/15
The headlines from the past week at PFR:
Key News:
- Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles was placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL during last week’s game against the Bears.
- The Ravens signed All Pro guard Marshal Yanda to a long-term extension, locking him up through the 2019 season.
Signed:
- Cardinals – Dwight Freeney, LB (link)
- Colts – Ahmad Bradshaw, RB (link)
- Ravens – Shareece Wright, CB (link)
Injuries:
- Bills – Aaron Williams, S (IR-DTR)
- Patriots – Tarell Brown, CB (IR) and Nate Solder, T (IR)
- Raiders – Justin Tuck, DE (IR)
- Rams – Rodger Saffold, G (IR)
- Ravens – Will Davis, CB (IR) and Lorenzo Taliaferro, RB (IR)
- Steelers – Maurkice Pouncey, C (likely to miss season)
Extra Points: Palmer, Lions, Raiders
Let’s close out Saturday night by taking one final look around the NFL…
- The Lions are still sorting our their right tackle situation, as neither LaAdrian Waddle nor Cornelius Lucas has emerged as a solid starting option, writes Justin Rogers of MLive.com. Lucas started the first three games of the season while Waddle recovered from an injury; Waddle took the lead during Week 4, but the two rotated in something of a platoon during Week 5. The club hasn’t announced the plan for tomorrow’s contest, but the lack of continuity can only be seen as a detriment for the winless Lions.
- Carson Palmer is playing some of the best football of his career, and Chris Wesseling of NFL.com looks at how much Palmer has meant to the Cardinals — enough, in fact, to warrant general manager Steve Keim labeling Palmer as a “godsend” to the organization. Arizona ranks third in Football Outsiders’ offensive DVOA metric, while Palmer is tied for first with 13 touchdown passes.
- Despite rumors to the contrary, the Raiders will not sign a two-year lease to remain in Oakland, a team source tells Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (Twitter link). Additionally, the concept of signing a short-term agreement doesn’t make much sense, per Cole.
2015 Trade Deadline Candidates: AFC
The NFL’s November 3 trade deadline is the next major event on the league’s calendar, and with a bit over two weeks left for clubs to make deals, it makes sense to scour each team’s roster and identify which players might be on the block. The NFL certainly doesn’t see the amount of trade activity that does MLB or the NBA, but there have already been a fair number of deals worked this calendar year. Additionally, in 2014, there were four trades in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline — two of those four players were in the final year of their contracts, so for this exercise, we’ll mostly focus on players who are on expiring deals.
We’ll start off by taking a look at the AFC clubs, with an obvious focus on teams who aren’t currently, or don’t figure to remain, contenders…
Baltimore Ravens
- Courtney Upshaw, LB: Upshaw is playing a larger role than the Ravens originally intended, as he’s been forced to step in as a starter due to Terrell Suggs‘ season-ending injury. However, Upshaw, strikes me as the type of player that Baltimore usually lets leave via free agency (see: Paul Kruger, Dannell Ellerbe, Pernell McPhee). If the 1-4 Ravens continue to fall further out of contention, it could make sense for them to trade Upshaw to a club looking for pass-rush help, and give that playing time to rookie Za’Darius Smith.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Marcedes Lewis, TE: Though the Jaguars do try to run a good amount of two tight end sets, Lewis’ role will steadily decrease now that Julius Thomas has returned from injury. Given that Lewis, 31, is earning $2MM in base salary, and doesn’t figure to be re-signed, he could be an option to get traded in the coming weeks. He probably wouldn’t bring back much, but perhaps a team like the Saints could opt to bring in reinforcements at tight end as they try to claw back in the NFC South race. Elsewhere, the Jets, Cardinals, and Washington could all use some depth at tight end.
Kansas City Chiefs
- Marcus Cooper, CB: As noted by Mike Reiss of ESPN.com earlier today, the 25-year-old Cooper could make sense as a trade target, specifically for a cornerback-depleted team like the Patriots. Cooper has only managed 77 defensive snaps on the season, and hasn’t played a single defensive snap in the two weeks since Sean Smith returned from suspension. The Chiefs have been utilizing a three-safety look in recent weeks, lessening the need for Cooper of fellow depth corner Jamell Fleming, so perhaps Cooper (and his minimum salary deal, which runs through 2016) could be on the move.
- Mike DeVito, DL: A rotational 3-4 defensive end, DeVito probably wouldn’t bring back much in a trade, but he is cheap, as he’d be owed just the remainder of his $870K base salary. The Chiefs would probably be wise to deal the 31-year-old now, clearing out playing time for youngsters Rakeem Nunez-Roches and Nicholas Williams. Clubs such as the Patriots, Packers, Eagles, Cardinals, and Colts — all of whom employ a 3-4 look — could be interested.
- Sean Smith, CB: Kansas City sits at 1-4 and just lost its best offensive player in Jamaal Charles to a season-ending injury, so if the club wants to “blow things up,” trading Smith becomes a consideration. Smith, 28, isn’t cheap, as an acquiring club would owe the rest of his $4.25MM base salary, but he’s an underrated player, and if the Chiefs have no intention of re-signing him, dealing him now could be the smart move. I’d guess only one of Smith or Cooper gets moved (if either does).
Miami Dolphins
- Rishard Matthews, WR: If the Dolphins subscribe to the basic economic theory of “buy low, sell high,” there might never be a better time to trade Matthews, who is in the midst of his best season at age 26. There are a myriad of reasons to deal Matthews, but chief among them is probably that his current production is likely unsustainable. Additionally, he’s in the final season of his rookie contract, and with Miami already committed to Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker, there might not be room on the roster, or more specifically, in the salary cap, for Matthews.
- Derrick Shelby, DE: Miami already has a large chunk of assets devoted to its defensive line, so Shelby, who is earning $2.56MM as a restricted free agent, could be on the trade block. He’s actually played in more than 50% of the club’s defensive snaps so far this season, but with Ndamukong Suh and Cameron Wake already earning sizeable money, and Olivier Vernon likely to follow, Shelby probably won’t be a priority in free agency.
New England Patriots
- Aaron Dobson, WR: Dobson seems to be a complete afterthought in the Patriots’ offense, as he was a healthy scratch last week against the Cowboys, playing behind even special teamer Matthew Slater. Dobson’s removal from the offense only figures to accelerate once Brandon LaFell, New England’s No. 2 receiver a year ago, returns from the PUP list. A team with a need at receiver, such as the Browns or Panthers, could take a look at Dobson, who is signed through 2016 at cheap rates.
AFC Notes: Patriots, Forsett, Steelers
Let’s take a look around the AFC, where three clubs still remain undefeated…
- The Patriots placed cornerback Tarell Brown on injured reserve earlier today, leading Mike Reiss of ESPN.com to examine how New England will approach its secondary woes going going forward. Malcolm Butler will be joined in the starting lineup by Logan Ryan, while Justin Coleman and recent waiver claim Rashaan Melvin could also see time. But the Patriots, who have never shied away from the trade market, could also look to swing a deal to add reinforcements, opines Reiss, who points to the Buccaneers’ Alterraun Verner and the Titans’ Jason McCourty as possible targets (though the ESPN scribe allows that McCourty is unlikely to be moved). Marcus Cooper, a little-used Chiefs corner, might also be on the table, an opinion Reiss has voiced before.
- It’s still up in the air as to whether Justin Forsett will be active for the Ravens‘ game against the 49ers, but according to Forsett, his ankle injury is looking a little better. “It’s a work in progress,” Forsett told Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com. “We’re heading in the right direction.” Baltimore promoted fellow running back Terrance Magee from its practice squad earlier today, which could be a bad sign for for Forsett’s availability.
- After missing four games due to suspension and one additional contest due to injury, Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant is expected to return for tomorrow’s game against the Cardinals. He’ll likely act as Pittsburgh’s No. 2 pass-catcher, meaning Darrius Heyward-Bey, who has posted 17 receptions for 209 yards and two scores, will move back to the bench, per Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. But Heyward-Bey, who has been involved in more than 70% of the Steelers’ offensive plays, vows to remain active in the club’s gameplan. “My focus is whatever Coach Tomlin needs me to do,” he told Kaboly. “My job is to play every position on the field, whether it is X, Z or F. Whatever they need me to do, I will do.”
AFC Notes: LaFell, Jets, Bengals, Jaguars
Despite being on the physically unable to perform list, Patriots receiver Brandon LaFell made the trip to Dallas for today’s game, and worked out on the field before the contest, tweets Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, who also says the LaFell’s recovery is “on schedule.” Per the PUP list rules, LaFell can return to game action after New England plays six games, meaning he’s on track to return on October 29 against the Dolphins.
Lets’ take a look at a few more items out of the AFC:
- In a fascinating piece for the New York Post, Brian Costello recreates the hectic free agent period that led to the complete remaking of the Jets’ roster. Speaking with several team sources, Costello reports that the Jets targeted corner Buster Skrine — and fought off four other clubs to get him — with the Patriots in mind, noting that New England is excellent out of the slot. Furthermore, New York also targeted guards Orlando Franklin and Mike Iupati before settling on James Carpenter, saving money that allowed them to pursue Antonio Cromartie.
- The Bengals pulled out an incredible win against the Seahawks earlier today, and Jason Fitzgerald of the Sporting News examines the club’s fiscally responsible ways. Identifying Cincinnati as one of the best negotiating organizations in the league, Fitzgerald points to Geno Atkins, Adam Jones, and Carlos Dunlap as a few of the team’s bargains.
- Despite the Jaguars’ uninspiring start, it’s not time for Jacksonville to fire head coach Gus Bradley, opines Gene Frenette of the Florida Times-Union, who notes that until today, the club hasn’t played with Julius Thomas, Dante Fowler Jr., or Sen’Derrick Marks.
Chiefs Fear Jamaal Charles Has Torn ACL
3:55pm: Speaking to reporters, including Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (Twitter link), Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed that initial tests have diagnosed Charles with a torn ACL.
3:34pm: The Chiefs appear to have lost their most important offensive player for the remainder of the season, as the “initial fear” is that running back Jamaal Charles suffered a torn right ACL during today’s game against the Bears, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Charles will undergo an MRI to determine the full extent of the injury.
Losing Charles would obviously be a huge blow to a Chiefs club that, after today’s close loss to Chicago, sits a 1-4. In an AFC West the features the undefeated Broncos, the .500 Chargers, and the upstart Raiders, a serious injury to Charles could be a death knell for Kansas City. The 28-year-old Charles had been his usual self so far during the 2015 campaign, averaging more than five yards per carry an scoring five times.
If Charles is out for the year, the Chiefs will turn to a combination of second-year pro Charcandrick West and third-year man Knile Davis. Davis had been the primary backup to Charles since the former’s rookie year, but Kansas City’s backfield has seen something of a changing of the guard in recent weeks, with West seeing the majority of the snaps behind Charles. A timeshare would probably make the most sense if the Chiefs are forced to play with Charles.
Charles missed most of the 2011 season with an ACL injury, though it was his left knee that was damaged four years ago.
PFR Originals: 10/4/15 – 10/11/15
The original content and analysis produced by the PFR staff during the past seven days:
- Buffalo has quite a bit of money committed to the defensive side of the ball going forward, Luke Adams points out in his 2016 Bills Cap Outlook. Nevertheless, Luke identifies two more defenders — corners Stephon Gilmore and Leodis McKelvin — as candidates for extensions.
- Zach Links rounded up the best of the football blogs in the latest edition of Pigskin Links.
Week In Review: 10/4/15 – 10/11/15
The headlines from the past week at PFR:
Headlines:
- After a disappointing 1-3 start, the Dolphins fired head coach Joe Philbin, promoting tight ends coach Dan Campbell to interim head coach. Miami also fired defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle, and promoted defensive backs coach Lou Anarumo to DC. Additionally, the Dolphins made several changes to their offensive coaching staff.
- Three teams have inquired on Falcons receiver Roddy White, who has expressed his discontent with his role in Atlanta’s offense.
- Multiple teams are expected to pursue Saints head coach Sean Payton during the offseason (Payton is signed through the 2017 season, however).
- The NFL extended the international series of games through the 2025 season.
Extended:
- Patriots – Dion Lewis, RB (through 2017)
Trade:
- 49ers – acquired LB Gerald Hodges from the Vikings in exchange for C Nick Easton and and a 2015 sixth-round pick.
Signed/Re-Signed:
- Bears – Sherrod Martin, DB (link)
- Bills – Billy Cundiff, K (link), Boom Herron, RB (link), and Denarius Moore, WR (link)
- Chargers – Donald Brown, RB (link)
- Lions – Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, DT (link)
Released:
- 49ers – Shareece Wright, CB (link)
- Broncos – James Casey, TE (link)
- Patriots – Bradley Fletcher, CB (link)
- Raiders – Taylor Mays, S (link)
- Saints – Kenny Phillips, S (link)
Injuries:
- Bears – Will Montgomery, C (IR)
- Cowboys – Lance Dunbar, RB (IR)
- Falcons – Devin Hester, WR (IR-DTR)
- Jaguars – Brandon Linder, G (link)
- Lions – Tyrunn Walker, DT (IR)
- Seahawks – Tharold Simon, CB (IR)
East Notes: Philbin, Coyle, Murray, Patriots
Despite falling to 1-3 after today’s loss to the divisional rival Jets, Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin said he plans to retain defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald (Twitter link). Of course, Philbin himself might not be around for much longer, and even if does stay on, the call on Coyle’s status might not fall to Philbin.
Here’s more from Miami and the rest of the NFL’ two East divisions:
- Rumors have swirled that Philbin could be fired if the Dolphins lost in London today, but now that they have, Philbin still didn’t express any worries about his fate, writes James Walker of ESPN.com. “We still can’t panic,” Philbin said. “It all seems like the walls are closing in on you. We all realize that. So we gotta look at things and be honest about where we are, what we’re doing well and what we’re not doing well.”
- One reason that Philbin’s job might be safe is that the Dolphins lack a viable candidate to take over on a interim basis, per Salguero in a separate piece. Neither the offense nor the defense has played well enough where it would make sense to elevate Coyle or OC Bill Lazor to the top job, and no one on Miami’s staff has any head coaching experience. Linebackers coach Mark Duffner and assistant offensive line coach Jack Bicknell Jr. each have led teams at the collegiate level, however.
- DeMarco Murray ran for 36 yards against Washington today, more than tripling his season total entering the contest, but the Eagles running wants more work. “No, I’m not. I don’t think I am,” Murray told Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer (Twitter link) when asked if he was getting enough touches. Murray did allow that he knew he signed up for something of a timeshare with the Eagles, but still expects to see the ball more.
- In his latest notes piece, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe looks at how several teams — including, notably, the Patriots — have taken to trading for players rather than finding similar free agents. Since the preseason ended on September 4, notes Volin, there have been 17 NFL trades — four more than the past four years combined. We at PFR certainly won’t complain about the uptick in player movement.