Week In Review: 8/10/14 – 8/17/14
The headlines from the past week at PFR:
Signed:
- Bears – OL Robert Turner (link), WR Santonio Holmes (link)
- Dolphins – QB Brady Quinn (link)
- Texans – RB Ronnie Brown (link)
- Browns – QB Rex Grossman (link)
- Titans – OL Steve Vallos (link)
- Cardinals – LB Desmond Bishop (link)
- Buccaneers – LB/DE Larry English (link)
Released:
- Texans – RB Andre Brown (link)
Traded:
- Cowboys – acquired CB Justin Green from the Patriots in exchange for DT Ben Bass (link)
- Patriots – acquired DT Jerel Worthy from the Packers in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick (link)
Contract Restructured:
- Redskins – DE Stephen Bowen (link)
Suspended:
- Cowboys – CB Orlando Scandrick: four games
Injured:
Other:
- Chinese football league to launch in 2015 (link)
- Chris Kluwe, Vikings reach settlement (link)
Extra Points: Decker, Dalton, 49ers, Watson
In an intriguing thought exercise for ESPN Insider (subscription required), former Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik attempts to put together the best possible 53-man team while staying below the NFL’s $133MM salary cap. Making the experiment more interesting was that Dominik didn’t simply select a squad of Pro Bowlers, but rather a club that would value attributes like special teams prowess — in short, a complete team. So in addition to stars like Tom Brady and Patrick Peterson, the roster contains lesser-known players such as J.R. Sweezy and Justin Bethel. It’s a fun piece that’s worth a full read. Let’s take a look at some news from around the league to close out this Friday night:
- Eric Decker might not put up the same numbers with the Jets as he did in Denver, but New York receivers coach Sanjay Lal didn’t just use raw statistics to evaluate Decker’s 2013 performance. Instead, writes Rich Cimini of ESPN.com, Lal judged the former Minnesota Gopher in three areas: his ability to separate from defenders at the top of routes, his capacity to win against press coverage, and his potential to beat DBs on deep balls.
- While Andy Dalton might be the definition of a league-average quarterback, it made sense for the Bengals to sign him to an extension, as it’s quite difficult to find even a mediocre QB, explains Neil Payne of FiveThirtyEight (with the mathematical data expected from a Nate Silver outlet).
- In a video report, Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com rounds up the latest 49ers news, including a look at San Francisco’s improved defensive line, and how Blaine Gabbert leads the battle for the No. 2 quarterback job.
- Cornerback Jansen Watson has returned to Raiders camp after taking some time to decide whether to continue his NFL career, tweets Steve Corkran of the Contra Costa Times. Watson’s exempt-left squad designation period expired yesterday, so he once again counts against Oakland’s 90-man roster limit.
NFC Notes: Bryant, Underwood, Lattimore
Even after signing a deal that pays him an average of $4.75MM per season with the Jaguars, defensive lineman Red Bryant still isn’t happy about the way his tenure with the Seahawks ended. “It’s football,’’ Bryant told Terry Blount of ESPN.com. “What have you did for me lately? I guess what [Chris Clemons and I] did for them lately wasn’t good enough anymore.” Seattle, in part, let Bryant go in order to retain a far superior talent in Michael Bennett, but it’s not surprising to see a player a bit miffed at his former team. Let’s look at some more notes from the NFC:
- Though Tiquan Underwood has struggled to distinguish himself during his time with the Panthers, the team is not yet giving up on him, Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer writes. Head coach Ron Rivera said the 27-year-old has “a skill set [Carolina would] like to have,” but if Underwood can’t crack the Panthers depleted receiving corps, his NFL future could be in doubt.
- 49ers running back Marcus Lattimore is almost a year removed from a suffering a gruesome knee injury while at South Carolina, but San Francisco head coach Jim Harbaugh says the young ball-carrier still isn’t ready for practice. “He’s been doing well,” Harbaugh told Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. “There’s been gains, but that’s where we’re at – not quite there yet.”
- Cowboys owner Jerry Jones believes it’s possible that Rolando McClain “shakes things up” at linebacker, according to Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News. Reports yesterday indicated that Bruce Carter could be losing his handle on Dallas’ weakside linebacker job, so perhaps McClain summon some of the talent that made him the No. 8 overall pick in 2010.
- Chris Brown of Grantland pens an interesting look at Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, detailing not only the former Oregon head man’s offensive philosophies, but his unique approaches to sport science, nutrition, and practice regimens.
NFL Aims To Toughen Penalties For Domestic Violence
After Ravens running back Ray Rice was suspended just two games following an ugly domestic incident, the NFL was accused of being tone deaf. A two-game ban for a violent occurrence, juxtaposed with Browns receiver Josh Gordon facing a one-year suspension for using recreational drugs, seemed exceedingly light. In response, Mark Maske of the Washington Post reported yesterday that league officials were mulling harsher penalties for domestic abuse episodes, and, per Jane McManus of ESPN.com, they’ve decided to make some changes.
A source tells McManus that the NFL will seek the input of outside groups with expertise on the issue of domestic violence, and unveil a revamped program dedicated to the issue, which will focus on “everything from education, training, assistance and enhanced discipline.” The plan is expected to be officially announced soon, perhaps by next month. There’s no word yet as to how stiff the new penalties might be, but I’d expect them to be in line with the disciplinary action taken after a player is arrested for other offenses.
As McManus writes, while the league does have a human resource program for rookies that focuses on domestic abuse, there is no policy regarding such violence in the current collective bargaining agreement. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk wrote yesterday that making changes to the CBA might present a challenge, as the players would want something in return for altering the league’s bylaws. It’s a valid point, but I doubt the union would risk the backlash of appearing to oppose policies against those who abuse women.
Minor Moves: Friday
We’ll round up today’s minor transactions here, with the latest news appearing at the top.
- The Raiders worked out a pair of tight ends today, and have opted to sign Kyle Auffray rather than Logan Brock, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Oakland will have to make a corresponding roster move to clear room for Auffray, who has already spent time with the Patriots and Browns this season, having been waived by Cleveland earlier this week.
- Using the roster spot created when the team placed Zach Miller on injured reserve, the Bears have signed free agent wideout Kofi Hughes, the team announced today (via Twitter). Hughes hit free agency after being cut last week by the Texans.
Earlier updates:
- Tight end Terrence Miller has been removed the Patriots‘ injured reserve list with a settlement, according to Brian McIntyre (via Twitter).
- After suffering an injury in the Bears‘ preseason game last night, tight end Zach Miller is being placed on injured reserve, says Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times (Twitter links). Miller, who played his college ball at Nebraska-Omaha and shouldn’t be confused with the Seahawks tight end of the same name, sustained a Lisfranc injury, tearing ligaments in his foot, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter).
- The Dolphins have swapped kickers today, signing John Potter while waiving Danny Hrapmann, the team announced on Twitter. Potter was a Bills sixth-round pick in 2012, and has also spent time with Redskins and Lions. Hrapmann, meanwhile, was undrafted free agent out of Southern Mississippi in 2012, has logged time with the Steelers and Cardinals, and played in the AFL.
Latest On Josh Gordon
Yesterday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that a decision in the Josh Gordon appeal hearing could be handed down by the end of next week. While that time frame would mesh with the original one to three week interval proposed after the hearing concluded on August 4, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk opines that the entire process has been mishandled, and argues that the NFL needs to begin expediting suspension proceedings.
While Schefter noted that the delays in the case are being attributed to the transcribing process, Florio, a former lawyer, questions this excuse, as transcripts can be prepared “almost instantaneously.” Using current transcription technology, hearing officer Harold Henderson could have likely had a copy of the meeting’s notes on hand the moment the proceedings had concluded. Critical facts in the case (which Florio estimates comprise about 5% of any hearing) could have been clarified instantly for Henderson by listening to the audio recording of the examination.
Henderson, Florio continues, probably had a decent idea of his impending decision the day the hearing had ended. While a lengthy written judgement is to be expected, a simple, early statement either upholding or vacating Gordon’s suspension would have been best for all parties. If Gordon’s one-year ban isn’t announced until late August, it could put the start of his 2015 season at risk, as well, as he wouldn’t be able to properly prepare for next year. Given the fallout to Ray Rice‘s seemingly light two-game suspension for a domestic incident, it’s odd that the NFL hasn’t at least sped up the process as to let Gordon and the Browns plan out the next stages of his career.
East Notes: Wake, Redskins, Mallett, Jackson
After analyzing each team’s best and worst contracts, Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap takes a look at the league as a whole to determine who has the most most team-friendly deal. Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake, who is set to count just $7.285MM against the cap in 2014, rated as the third-best 4-3 defensive end in the league last season per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), and has the league’s best contract from management’s perspective, per Fitzgerald. Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart has the most constraining deal, says Fitzgerald, as the RB is in the midst of a five-year, $36.5MM extension.
- Rather than file an appeal, the Redskins are actually starting litigation anew regarding the cancellation of several of their trademarks, writes Megan Finnerty of the Arizona Republic. The case will attract the attention of a federal courtoom, rather than redirect back to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. As Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk notes, the team will argue that there is a distinction between “redskin” and “Redskin,” holding that the latter, proper noun is not disparaging.
- Ryan Mallett started the Patriots’ first preseason game, perhaps as a showcase for a trade, so New England’s use of the fourth-year quarterback in Friday’s game against the Eagles will be interesting to watch, according to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. If rookie Jimmy Garoppolo is allowed to play most of the second half behind starter Tom Brady, it could be a sign the Pats are willing to deal Mallett.
- An arbitrator ruled in April that Redskins receiver DeSean Jackson owed his former agent Drew Rosenhaus over $500K in fees and loans, but that decision is now being called into question. Per Will Brinson of CBSSports.com, arbitrator Roger Kaplan failed to notify Jackson’s legal team that he had a prior working relationship with Rosenhaus. A district court judge has ordered a hearing to determine whether Kaplan, who claims he disclosed his conflict in a letter to Jackson’s lawyer, acted improperly.
NFC East Links: Brent, Foles, Giants
The latest out of the NFC East..
- Cowboys owner Jerry Jones “has heard nothing” from the NFL pertaining to a possible Josh Brent reinstatement, according to Charean Williams of the Fort-Worth Star Telegram (Twitter link). Brent was set to meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell at the beginning of August and discuss his re-entry to the league. About 65% of PFR readers believed that Brent, whose driving under the influence led to the tragic death of teammate Jerry Brown, should not be able to play in the NFL again.
- Bruce Carter is the Cowboys’ presumptive starter at weakside linebacker, but as Todd Archer of ESPN.com writes, Rolando McClain is pushing for more playing time on Dallas’ front seven. McClain has been working as the starter at middle linebacker, with Justin Durant shifting to the “Will” position, meaning Carter is having to fight for snaps.
- In a piece for ESPN Insider (subscription required), Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus points to the Eagles as one of five teams that could contend for the Super Bowl with improved quarterback play. Despite his excellent counting stats, Nick Foles finished with just a +7.4 grade from PFF.
- David Molk, a Chargers sixth-round pick in 2012, is working as the backup to Eagles center Jason Kelce, and the former Michigan Wolverine feels he’s the perfect fit for Chip Kelly’s up-tempo scheme. “Frankly, as far as this offensive line and [how] this offense is built … this is what I am made for,” Molk told Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com. “Smaller, quicker, faster guy who’s strong, uses good balance. This is what my tools are made for.”
- Giants general manager Jerry Reese was succinct when discussing his team’s 2014 hopes with Sports Illustrated’s Don Banks. “There are two guys on our team that have to play really well and it’s Eli Manning and Jason Pierre-Paul,” said Reese. “If those guys play well, I think we’ve got a chance to be really good.”
AFC North Notes: Gordon, Manziel, Roethlisberger
A decision in the Josh Gordon appeal case might not be delivered until the end of next week, sources tell Adam Schefter of ESPN (Twitter link). On August 4, we heard that a ruling would be handed down within one to three weeks — that time frame would set August 25 as the deadline, meaning the end of next week would be plausible. Gordon is facing a one-year ban for violating the league’s policy on drugs of abuse. As of last week, no settlement had been discussed, though it seems like a reduced suspension would benefit all parties involved.
- We heard earlier today that the NFL is considering harsher penalties for domestic abuse incidents after the fallout of Ray Rice‘s two-game ban, but a source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that increased discipline might not be that easy. The league would need to consult the NFL Players Association before installing stiffer suspensions, and per Florio, league management has not yet raised the topic with the union. While the NFL’s position might be that it controls all disciplinary regulations, Florio notes that the NFLPA would argue that any changes would need to be negotiated.
- It had previously been reported that Johnny Manziel would start the Browns’ second preseason game, but according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter), Brian Hoyer will take the reins at quarterback against the Redskins. Both players will spend time with the first-team offense, tweets Rapoport, alternating every two series.
- More Manziel: ESPN’s Chris Mortenen reports that the rookie quarterback, along with several other first-year players, were a few minutes late to a team meeting on Monday. The incident is being handled intenally, and was not a factor in the Browns’ decision to start Hoyer next week. The episode shouldn’t be a big deal, but it speaks to the media coverage that surrounds everything Manziel-related.
- Ben Roethlisberger was hurt by former teammate Emmanuel Sanders‘ recent declaration that Peyton Manning is a “far better leader” than the Steelers quarterback, writes Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I wish he would have reached out to me and just say that and I would have been fine with it,” said Roethlisberger. “Whether he meant it or not, it hurt in a sense that I tried so hard to keep him here last year and was always supporting him.”
NFC Notes: Sims, Redskins, Boone, Vikings
Veteran guard Rob Sims hasn’t spoken to the Lions about a new contract as he enters the final year of his deal, and both he and the team are prepared to wait until the offseason to address the issue. As Sims tells Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, he’d like to remain a Lion beyond this season, but he knows the decision may ultimately be out of his hands. “I would love to be here, I’ve done a lot of stuff with charity, I’ve done a lot of stuff with business around the city, and I would love to finish what I started here as far as trying to help build this offensive line,” Sims said. “But, hey, when I was in Seattle five years ago, I thought for sure, ‘Oh, I’ll be a Seahawk for life.’ So I’m a little less naïve to the fact.”
More from the NFC:
- The Redskins have appealed a June ruling that canceled several of the team’s trademarks, reports the Washington Times. The original decision by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office board had no empirical effect on the Redskins, as the team still reserves the right seek legal action against unauthorized uses of its trademarks.
- Alex Boone is steadfast in his holdout from 49ers camp, but it’s been a costly decision. Per Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News, Boone’s fines are piling up — the guard is subject to nearly $900K in penalties, which includes a $30K daily fine for missing training camp, the loss of a portion of his 2011 signing bonus, and a missed offseason workout bonus. If Boone does end up reporting to San Francisco’s facilities, the team would likely forgive the fines, as the Seahawks did with Marshawn Lynch.
- The Vikings have a healthy competition at strong safety, writes Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, and head coach Mike Zimmer isn’t guaranteeing that Jamarca Sanford, who started 13 games at FS last year, will remain atop the depth chart. “We’re going to divide it up,” said Zimmer. “I want to play these guys quite a bit this week. I want to see how it goes from there and then try to figure out the rest of the pecking order as we get going. Hopefully, this will be a big week for those safeties.”
Luke Adams contributed to this post.