PFR Originals: 12/14/14 – 12/21/14
The original content produced by the PFR staff during the past week:
- Luke Adams looked at the options available to the Lions regarding free-agent-to-be Ndamukong Suh. Detroit can either sign the star defensive tackle to a long-term extension, place the franchise tag on him, or allow him to sign with another team.
- Luke asked which club will ultimately win the NFC South, and nearly 60% of you believe Saints have the best chance to finish in first place. Thanks for voting!
- Luke also passed along a list of the important 2015 NFL offseason dates.
- Pro Football Rumors is looking to hire part-time writers. Take a look at the criteria, and send an email to pfrapplications@gmail.com if you’re qualified.
Week In Review: 12/14/14 – 12/21/14
The headlines from the past week at PFR:
Key News:
- The NFL will not relocate a team to Los Angeles for the 2015 season.
- The 49ers released defensive end Ray McDonald after he was accused of sexual assault.
- The University of Michigan offered 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh a six-year, $48MM contract.
- The Bears opted to bench quarterback Jay Cutler, starting Jimmy Clausen in his place.
- The NFLPA formally filed a lawsuit on behalf on Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, challenging arbitrator Harold Henderson’s decision to deny Peterson’s appeal of his suspension.
Extended:
- Jaguars – DT Roy Miller (four years, ~$16MM)
- Seahawks – DE Cliff Avril (four years, $28.5MM) and LB K.J. Wright (four years, $27M)
Signed:
- 49ers – LB Desmond Bishop (link) and RB Phillip Tanner (link)
- Texans – QB Case Keenum (link)
Major Injuries:
- Broncos – LB Danny Trevathan (link)
- Browns – S Tashaun Gipson (link)
- Buccaneers – DT Gerald McCoy (link)
- Chargers – LB Donald Butler (link)
- Raiders – LB Sio Moore (link)
- Texans – QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (link)
- Titans – QB Jake Locker (link)
- Washington – QB Colt McCoy (link)
Draft Early Entrants:
Coaching News:
NFC East Notes: Graham, Carr, Dez, RG3
It’s looking increasingly likely that the Cowboys will be the only team from the NFC East to earn a postseason berth. Dallas, at 10-4, is only a game ahead of the Eagles at 9-5, but Football Outsiders’ playoff odds paint a more disparate picture. The Cowboys are 86% likely to make the playofsf, while Philadelphia’s chances sit at just 35.3% — for perspective, the Birds’ odds were at roughly 79% before Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys. Dallas will face the Colts and Washington over the final two weeks of the season, while the Eagles will also take on Washington, and close out with the Giants. Here’s more from the division…
- Though reports recently indicated that the Eagles have opened extension talks with edge-rusher Brandon Graham, Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer doesn’t believe it makes sense for Graham to re-sign with the Birds before free agency begins. Graham, 26, currently plays as a 3-4 OLB in the Eagles defensive scheme, but could have more value to a club that employs a 4-3 front, where Graham could play defensive end. Some insiders have cited Everson Griffen‘s five-year, $42.5MM extension with the Vikings as a comparable mark for Graham, and McLane suggests that the pass-rusher could maximize his earnings by hitting the open market.
- In terms of total guarantee, the Cowboys’ Brandon Carr is the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL, but as Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News writes, Carr hasn’t played to that level. In fact, his lack of production could lead to Dallas asking him to face a pay cut, or be released. “I think that one of the things that create a challenge for him is it’s like the same one that a No. 1 draft pick has. The expectation of what he’s supposed to bring to the table is one that is really very difficult to meet,” said owner/GM Jerry Jones. “Now, has he played at a Pro Bowl level? No, he has not. And therein lies the issue.”
- Carr is just one piece of the Cowboys’ roster that will be in flux this offseason, as the club also has decisions to make on Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray. Field Yates of ESPN.com lays out the scenarios in which the duo could return to Dallas, arguing that it’s a near lock that Bryant will remain a Cowboy.
- Rich Tandler of RealRedskins.com runs through the financial implications of the moves that Washington could make with regards to Robert Griffin III, noting that while the third-year quarterback is likely to be on the roster in 2015, the club probably won’t exercise its fifth-year option on RG3.
Latest On Joe Philbin, Dolphins
With a record of 7-7, the Dolphins sit in third place in the AFC East, and while they’re not technically eliminated from playoff contention, a postseason berth is extremely unlikely — after Sunday’s lost to the Patriots, Miami’s playoff odds dropped from 21% to 0%, per Football Outsiders. Although parts of the Dolphins’ season have been encouraging — the development of Ryan Tannehill, a defense that played extremely well until falling off recently — it’s largely been a disappointing year in South Beach. Fans hoping for a coaching staff overhaul might be out of luck, however, as sources tell Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald that owner Stephen Ross hasn’t shown a willingness to fire head coach Joe Philbin.
The Dolphins have been linked to 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh, who is expected to part ways with San Francisco after this season. Harbaugh has reportedly received a six-year offer from the University of Michigan, believed to be worth nearly $50MM. Whether or not Miami (or any other interested club) would be forced to match that total is unclear, as some believe that Harbaugh would prefer to remain in the NFL ranks. Ross & Co. have tried to lure Harbaugh to Miami before — the team tried to bring him into the fold in 2011, but ultimately gave Tony Sparano an extension when their Harbaugh efforts failed.
For his part, Philbin refuses to discuss his future with the team past 2014. “I’ve talked to [Ross] often, but what we discuss is private,” said Philbin. “I’m not worried about my future. I’m worried about the Minnesota Vikings (the Dolphins’ next opponent). That’s it.” Since taking over in Miami in 2012, Philbin has a record of 22-24, with the team finishing second and third, respectively, in the AFC East ’12 and ’13. The Dolphins have yet to make a playoff appearance during his tenure.
Beasley’s Herald colleague, Armando Salguero, is skeptical of the report, writing that it’s hard to believe that Ross wouldn’t want to acquire Harbaugh. In Salguero’s view, the Dolphins are merely signaling that they don’t wish to be used as leverage by Harbaugh, and that they won’t overpay for the 49ers coach. It’s an interesting theory, and one that makes some sense given both the recent failures in Miami and the club’s previous interest in Harbaugh.
Roy Miller Done For Season
Jaguars defensive tackle Roy Miller is expected to miss the club’s final game of the season after suffering a torn meniscus during Sunday’s game against the Ravens, writes Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. The 27-year-old agreed to a four-year, ~$16MM extension with Jacksonville on Tuesday.
Miller didn’t play in last night’s win against the Titans, and is expected to placed on injured reserve shortly. In 2014, which marks his sixth season in the NFL and his fourth in Jacksonville, Miller started 14 games, and racked up 21 tackles and one sack. He played on roughly 49% of the Jags’ defensive snaps, and graded out as the 52nd-best DT in the league among 80 qualifiers, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
Once Miller is officially moved to IR, the Jaguars will be able to sign a free agent or promote a practice squad player to take his place on the 53-man roster.
Injury Updates: Sunday
We’ll keep track of the latest injury news here, with the newest updates added to the top of the list…
- Lions‘ right tackle LaAdrian Waddle left today’s game with a right knee injury, according to Josh Katzenstein of DetroitNews.com. Waddle’s teammates were not optimistic about the injury, writes Michael Rothstein of ESPN (via Twitter).
- Seahawks‘ left tackle Russell Okung was forced out of the matchup with the 49ers before halftime with a chest injury, reports Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (via Twitter).
- The 49ers were eliminated from playoff contention earlier today, and were down to their third string running back at times. We heard that Frank Gore was knocked out of the game with a head injury, which was diagnosed as a concussion, according to Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News (via Twitter).
- Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy hyperextended his knee, an injury that could end his season, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. With no chance of playoffs and the 2015 top pick in their grasp, keeping McCoy on the sidelines for the final two games could be the smart long-term decision for the team.
- Washington lost two starters earlier today, with left tackle Trent Williams and quarterback Colt McCoy both leaving the game and not returning, reports Tarik-El Bashir of CSNWashington.com. Williams suffered a shoulder injury, while McCoy aggravated his neck during the game.
Earlier updates:
- After having his right ankle taped during the first half of today’s game against the Broncos, Chargers receiver Keenan Allen had to be carted off the field during the second half, tweets Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego. It’s unclear whether Allen re-aggravated his ankle ailment, or suffered a new injury.
- Texans quarterback Tom Savage was limping after today’s game against the Colts, and will have an MRI tomorrow, tweets John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. Savage, selected in the fourth round of this year’s draft, was filling in for Ryan Fitzpatrick, who is likely lost for the year. If Savage can’t go next week, Houston would presumably turn to journeyman Thad Lewis, who was signed less than a month ago.
- 49ers running back Frank Gore is headed to the locker room after suffering an head injury while blocking in today’s game against the Seahawks, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (Twitter link).
- The Ravens’ secondary has been ravaged by injuries this season, and it appears as though they’ve lost a few more key defenders. Rookie safety Terrence Brooks‘ season is over after he suffered damage to his PCL and possibly his MCL on a kickoff today, while cornberback Asa Jackson‘s status is unclear after he injured his PCL, writes Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
- Another AFC North team is down several players in its defensive backfield, as Browns corners Joe Haden (shoulder) and Joe Haden (concussion) were forced from today’s game against the Bengals, according to Tony Grossi of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
- Starting in the absence of an injured Zach Mettenberger, Titans quarterback Jake Locker suffered what appears to a shoulder injury after taking a hit from the Jets’ Quinton Coples, per Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Charlie Whitehurst has taken over at QB for Tennessee.
Latest On Titans Ownership; Manning Interested?
Following the Bills sale earlier this year, the Titans could be the next team to hit the market, writes Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. Bud Adams, who had owned the Houston/Tennessee franchise since 1960, passed away in October, leaving his son-in-law Tommie Smith to serve as majority owner. However, not every member of the family is inclined to retain the club for the long-term, especially after the Buffalo franchise was sold for $1.4 billion. Insiders believe the Titans could be worth as much as $2 billion, and Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is being floated as a potential leader of an ownership group.
For that possibility to occur, obviously, Manning would have to retire in the near future — those close to the future Hall of Famer tell La Canfora that there’s been no movement either way regarding his retirement, with one source saying that “I don’t even think [Manning] knows.” Still, the CBS scribe allows that it “wouldn’t be a shock” to see Manning hang it up in 2015, which would pave the way for him to move into an owner/executive career, a path he has long been interested in pursuing.
Indeed, one reason Manning nearly opted to sign with the Titans in 2012 was that he wanted to become involved with the team’s front office structure once his playing days ended — at the time, Manning’s friend (and current Browns owner) Jimmy Haslam was considering purchasing the Tennessee franchise. Manning, a University of Tennessee alum, might still be intrigued by joining the Titans in some manner, and undertaking a post-playing career similar to that of Broncos general manager John Elway.
Manning wouldn’t be the only suitor interested in controlling the Titans, continues La Canfora. FedEx CEO and Washington minority owner Fred Smith is based in Memphis, and the Titans have appealed to him for some time. Sources also say that Steelers minority owner David Tepper could be a strong contender to vie for the club. Manning, obviously, would be the most high-profile suitor, and join the Panthers’ Jerry Richardson as the only current owners to have previously played in the NFL.
Ryan Fitzpatrick Likely Done For Season
The Texans fear quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick fractured his leg during today’s game against the division rival Colts, and believe his season is over, reports Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter). Fitzpatrick had to be carted off the field during the second quarter of the contest, and an air cast was placed on his leg, which normally forebodes a serious injury. Fourth-round rookie Tom Savage took over as Houston’s signal-caller.
Fitzpatrick, 32, signed a two-year, $7.25MM deal with the Texans during the offseason, and began the year as the staring quarterback under new head coach Bill O’Brien. He led the club to 4-5 record, while completing roughly 61% of his passes for 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions, before ceding the QB role to Ryan Mallett. Mallett started just two games before tearing his pectoral and being placed on injured reserve, at which point Houston turned back to Fitzpatrick, who responded by throwing six touchdown passes against the Titans last week.
The Texans will hand the reins to Savage for the rest of the year — with the team’s loss to Indianapolis, their playoff odds (already at 6.1% per Football Outsiders before today’s game) will tumble to practically zero. Looking forward, it will be interesting to how Houston fills the quarterback position in 2015. Fitzpatrick probably won’t be asked to start again next season, and although the club would carry just $625K in dead money if it cuts the veteran, his $3.25MM base salary wouldn’t be exorbitant for an experienced backup. Mallett is a free agent at season’s end, but the Texans have expressed interest in re-signing him for 2015. Meanwhile, Savage will can now use the final two games as audition of sorts, in an attempt to work his way into the starting conversation.
Houston signed journeyman Thad Lewis in late-November, so he’ll presumably act as the No. 2 QB for the remainder of the season. The Texans don’t have another quarterback on their 53-man roster or on their practice squad, so it’s possible that they’ll sign someone before next week’s game against the Ravens.
PFR Originals: 12/7/14 – 12/14/14
The original content produced by the PFR staff during the past week:
- Rory Parks examined the free agent case of Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, noting that although New York could opt to place the franchise tag on its star pass-rusher, a deal that pays JPP somewhere between Robert Quinn‘s $14.2MM AAV and J.J. Watt‘s $16.7MM annual salary would be fair for both sides.
- Luke Adams posted the list of the NCAA underclassmen who have declared for the NFL draft, which includes Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon and UCLA’s Brett Hundley. The list will be constantly updated and be available on the right-hand sidebar under “PFR Features.”
Week In Review: 12/7/14 – 12/14/14
The headlines from the past week at PFR:
Key News:
- An arbitrator denied Vikings running back Adrian Peterson‘s appeal, meaning he will remain suspended for the remainder of the season. Since the announcement, Peterson expressed that he has considered retirement.
- The Broncos signed cornerback Chris Harris to a five-year, $42.5MM extension, with initial reports citing a $24MM guarantee.
- Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton is expected to miss four weeks while dealing with knee injuries, meaning he could return at some point during the playoffs.
- The 2015 salary cap is expected to be in the neighborhood of $138.6MM.
- Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was involved in a car accident, and suffered two transverse process fractures in his back. He isn’t playing against the Buccaneers today, and his timeline for return is unclear.
- NFL owners unanimously approved a new personal conduct policy.
Extended:
- Patriots – OL Marcus Cannon (two years, $9MM)
Signed:
- Cardinals – S Chris Clemons (link)
- Chargers – P Mat McBriar (link)
Major Injuries:
- 49ers – LB NaVorro Bowman and DL Glenn Dorsey (link)
- Broncos – RB Montee Ball (link)
- Cardinals – RB Andre Ellington (link)
- Dolphins – S Louis Delmas (link)
- Jaguars – RB Denard Robinson (link)
- Titans – T Michael Oher (link)
Draft Early Entrants: