Dolphins WR Albert Wilson To Miss Time
Dolphins wideout Albert Wilson suffered a hip injury Sunday that is expected to sideline him for multiple weeks, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Wilson will undergo further testing on Monday, but agent Drew Rosenhaus says a multi-week absence is a “best-case scenario,” according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link), who adds Wilson is dealing with a labral issue that could knock him out for the rest of the season.
Wilson, 26, inked a three-year, $24MM with Miami earlier this year, coming over from the Chiefs after four seasons in Kansas City. Through seven games, Wilson has posted 26 receptions on 35 targets, managing 391 yards and four touchdowns in total. Wilson, who has handled two touchdown receptions of at least 70 yards, also tossed a 52-yard touchdown pass to Jakeem Grant against the Raiders earlier this year.
The Dolphins have already been forced to turn to backup quarterback Brock Osweiler while Ryan Tannehill deals with injury, and they’ll now need to dip into their wide receiver depth while Wilson is sidelined. Kenny Stills and Danny Amendola are already playing more than 80% of offensive snaps, but Grant (44%) could now see an increase in playing time. DeVante Parker, whose agent ripped the Dolphins on Sunday, could conceivably be more involved once his injury issues are resolved.
Le’Veon Bell Still Has Not Reported To Steelers
Running back Le’Veon Bell has still not reported to the Steelers as they begin preparations for Week 8, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
Bell had been expected to report to the Steelers during the club’s Week 7 bye, but he never actually showed up. The All-Pro back hasn’t been clear about his exact plans, but he’s still likely to show up at some point this season, if not this week. On Sunday, Steelers owner Art Rooney II said he didn’t expect his club to trade Bell, while Bell himself holds something of a no-trade clause, as he can simply not sign his franchise tender until the NFL’s trade deadline passes on October 30.
If Bell does report this week and sign his franchise tag, he’d be entitled to his weekly salary of $855K. However, the Steelers could potentially use a roster exemption for Bell, which would allow the club to withhold his pay. As Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk explained earlier this month, Bell and the Steelers would need to agree to a pay rate if and when Bell is placed on the exempt list. Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported Sunday that Pittsburgh had discussed the terms of a roster exemption with Bell’s agent.
At last check, Bell hasn’t informed the Steelers of his exact plans. However, when he does show up, the Steelers are expected to use a running back tandem of both Bell and incumbent James Conner. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger recently campaigned for Conner, who is currently second in the NFL in rushing touchdowns and sixth in rushing yards per game, to retain a role once Bell returns.
Cowboys Searching For Safeties Via Trade
The Cowboys are monitoring potential trade targets at receiver such as Amari Cooper, Kelvin Benjamin, and DeVante Parker, but they’re also looking at improvements on the defensive side of the ball. Dallas is interested in acquiring a safety via trade, per Dan Graziano of ESPN.com (Twitter link), who notes that such an addition would likely be a move for depth.
Dallas has deployed Jeff Heath and Xavier Woods as their starting safeties over the past four games. Kavon Frazier, meanwhile, started the club’s first two games while Woods was injured, but has barely played since. The Cowboys also recently signed former Giants starter Darian Thompson off the Cardinals’ practice squad.
All three of the Heath, Woods, and Frazier rank as bottom-12 defensive backs league-wide, per Pro Football Focus, and ranks just 23rd in pass defense DVOA , so a trade for a starer can’t be ruled out. Dallas, of course, discussed acquiring All-Pro Earl Thomas from the Seahawks before he went down with a season-ending injury.
Speculatively, safeties that could be available for trade include T.J. McDonald (Dolphins), Briean Boddy-Calhoun (Browns), Tre Boston (Cardinals), Antoine Bethea (Cardinals), and Kurt Coleman (Saints).
Rob Gronkowski Likely To Return In Week 8
Although he missed the Patriots’ Week 7 victory over the Bears, tight end Rob Gronkowski is expected to return when New England faces Buffalo in Week 8, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Gronkowski never even made the Patriots’ team flight to Chicago, as he’s currently dealing with back and ankle injuries. Back issues, of course, have been a recurring problem for Gronk ever since he entered the league in 2010, but that apparently won’t keep him out of next week’s game. He’ll have an extra day to get ready, as the Patriots are playing on Monday night in Week 8.
While the Patriots managed to pull out a victory against Chicago without Gronkowski, New England’s offense is clearly a more well-rounded unit with its All-Pro tight end on the field. Gronkowski also has $3.3MM in performance-based incentives built into his contract, and every missed contest deprives Gronk a chance to boost his yearly statistics. Additionally, he collects roughly $109K via a bonus for each game he’s active.
Without Gronkowski available, the Patriots turned to Dwayne Allen as their top tight end against the Bears. Fellow tight end Jacob Hollister may have played a role had he not also been inactive with a hamstring injury.
PFR Originals: 10/14/18 – 10/21/18
The original content and analysis produced by the PFR staff during the past week:
- The Browns have handed over the reins to rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield, leading to speculation that backup signal-caller Tyrod Taylor could be traded. Cleveland head coach Hue Jackson hasn’t expressed any open interest in dealing Taylor, but Taylor himself has admitted he’s frustrated by his new role as the Browns’ No. 2. Zach Links asked PFR readers if Cleveland should move Taylor, and nearly 3/4 of respondents believe it should.
- I examined the fascinating 2019 pass rushing class, which contains stars such as DeMarcus Lawrence, Jadeveon Clowney, and Frank Clark, but also wild card options such as Shane Ray, Za’Darius Smith, and Lorenzo Alexander. I attempted to placed each edge defender within a tier, and asked PFR readers to project the top free agent contract within each tier.
- Prior to Week 7’s action, Sam Robinson asked PFR readers who will win the confusing AFC South. That poll was posted on Saturday, and a plurality of readers believed the Jaguars were the favorites to take the division. Of course, that percentage would likely be different in the poll was taken today following Jacksonville’s defeat to Houston. The Texans now lead the division after reeling off four straight victories, while the Titans, Jaguars, and Colts are next in order.
- In the latest entry in our This Date in Transactions History, Zach looked at the 2014 reinstatement of then-Dolphins defensive end Dion Jordan, who had already dealt with multiple suspensions. Jordan, the third overall pick in the 2013 draft, finished out the season with Miami, but never played for the Dolphins again after more failed drug tests. Jordan has since played for the Seahawks since 2017.
- Zach also explained the concept of vested veteran guarantees and termination pay, which will affect any player that is released with at least four credited seasons under his belt.
Colts, Redskins Interested In Amari Cooper
The Cowboys are not the only team interested in acquiring Raiders receiver Amari Cooper, as the Colts and Redskins have also reached out regarding the pass-catcher’s availability, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.
Oakland head coach Jon Gruden is seemingly willing to trade any player on the club’s current roster, so it’s not surprising that Cooper — the fourth overall selection in the 2015 draft — is reportedly available. The Raiders are seeking a first-round pick in exchange for Cooper, but there’s no indication they’ll be able to garner such a selection, especially given the 24-year-old’s disappointing 2018 campaign. Through six games, Cooper has managed only 22 receptions for 280 yards and a single score.
The Colts don’t have much depth behind T.Y. Hilton, as Chester Rogers, Ryan Grant, Zach Pascal, and the recently-signed Dontrelle Inman represent Indianapolis’ wideout depth chart. The Redskins, too, are in dire straits at wider receiver despite currently carrying seven pass-catchers on their roster. Jamison Crowder and Paul Richardson are not expected to play today against the Cowboys, leaving Washington with Josh Doctson, Maurice Harris, Brian Quick, Jehu Chesson, and Michael Floyd.
Any club that acquires Cooper will take on the remainder of his 2018 base salary, which, depending on when he is hypothetically traded, would amount to roughly $2MM. Thanks to his fifth-year option, Cooper is also under contract for 2019 at a rate $13.924MM, but that total is guaranteed for injury only.
Latest On Chargers’ Viability In Los Angeles
The Chargers’ viability in the Los Angeles market was an informal topic of discussion at recent league meetings, according to Seth Wickersham of ESPN.com. However, the Chargers are essentially locked into the city of Los Angeles, as the club agreed to a 20-year lease to share the Rams’ new stadium in Inglewood beginning in 2020, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
No owner officially broached the Chargers’ plans in Los Angeles at the NFL’s meetings, but there was reportedly concern after the team revised its revenue projections from $400MM down to $150MM. That alteration is likely due to lower ticket prices, as the Chargers recently announced plans for cheaper seats that come with personal seat licenses.
But sources tell Florio the Chargers don’t have the option to leave Los Angeles, barring an unforeseen breach of contract with Rams owner — and Los Angeles Stadium at Hollywood Park builder — Stan Kroenke. Not only did the Chargers sign up for a 20-year lease, but the club also has two 10-year options tacked onto the end of the deal.
Moreover, the Chargers have no incentive to back out of the stadium deal, as Florio explains. The Chargers won’t pay any construction costs for their new stadium, and won’t be responsible for any cost overruns. Instead, they’ll essentially be acting as a tenant of the Rams, not a co-owner.
Latest On Free Agent WR Rishard Matthews
Free agent wide receiver Rishard Matthews is hoping to play again this season, but he is aware that he may not be able to land a contract, as he tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
“I will be ready for whatever team is willing to believe that I am a team player and [a] hard worker,” said Matthews. “As you know, I protested during the Anthem a year ago. I haven’t in 2018 and don’t plan to do so. Also, I feel my previous team is not giving me a good rep even though they were willing to sign me to an extension. The hope is I can (play this season). If not, I’ll be better than I have ever been and ready for next season.”
Matthews requested, and was granted, his release from the Titans in late September after complaining about his lack of targets. Matthews had appeared in three games for the Titans, but was tied for sixth in targets with tight end Luke Stocker and fellow receiver Tajae Sharpe. He’d played exactly 50% of Tennessee’s offensive snaps, which ranked him third among Titans wideouts behind Corey Davis and Sharpe. The 28-year-old had produced just three receptions for 11 yards on six targets.
Matthews, who self-negotiated a widely panned extension earlier this year, has since hired agent Drew Rosenhaus to help him find a new deal. Over the past two weeks, Matthews has worked out for the Browns, Cardinals, and Jets, but has yet to garner a pact.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/18/18
Today’s minor moves:
Buffalo Bills
- Promoted from practice squad: WR Cam Phillips
- Waived: RB Robert Foster
Cincinnati Bengals
- Promoted from practice squad: CB KeiVarae Russell
- Waived: WR Auden Tate
Washington Redskins
- Promoted from practice squad: WR Jehu Chesson
Choose Your 2019 Free Agent Pass Rusher
The 2019 free agent edge rushing class should thank Khalil Mack — by not caving in Oakland and eventually garnering a $23.5MM/year contract from the Bears, Mack reset the market for pass rushers. As Joel Corry of CBSSports.com recently noted, $20MM per season for star edge defenders is now the “new norm.” 2019 free agency will bring an excellent crop of available defensive ends/outside linebackers, and while the list of players on the open market will certainly change by next spring thanks to extensions and franchise tags, there should be plenty of talent to go around. If your team needs someone to get after the quarterback, 2019 is the time to attack.
Let’s take a look at the market as a whole, which I’ve sorted into a few different tiers:
Open your checkbook
- Frank Clark (Seahawks)
- Jadeveon Clowney (Texans)
- Trey Flowers (Patriots)
- Dee Ford (Chiefs)
- DeMarcus Lawrence (Cowboys)
Each of these players will be a legitimate candidate for the franchise tag in 2019, although the salary amounts would vary. Clark and Flowers would be tendered as defensive ends, which should net them one-year salaries of roughly $17.5MM. Clowney and Ford, however, would likely be tagged as linebackers thanks to the NFL’s archaic franchise system, which differentiates between defensive ends and outside ‘backers. The linebacker franchise tender is expected to be worth approximately $16.325MM, per Corry. Lawrence, meanwhile, would be on his second consecutive franchise tag, meaning his salary would increase by 20% to $20.572MM. The Cowboys star has indicated he won’t play under another tag, but unless he takes the Le’Veon Bell route, he won’t have much of a choice.
Ford, particularly, is incredibly intriguing: while he’s the oldest member of the group at age-27, he’s come out of nowhere to post the most productive campaign of his career. Per Evan McPhillips of Pro Football Focus, Ford currently ranks first in both total pressures and quarterback hits. Will a pass-rush needy club overlook Ford’s spotty track record in the hope that he’s a long-term answer on the edge? (Link for app users.)
Old, reliable
- Lorenzo Alexander (Bills)
- Brandon Graham (Eagles)
- Derrick Morgan (Titans)
- Brian Orakpo (Titans)
- Cameron Wake (Dolphins)
Graham and Wake should almost get their own category, as they’re (historically) far better than the other three players listed here. Graham has steadily improved throughout his career and currently grades as Pro Football Focus‘ No. 3 edge rusher, but he’ll be 31 years old when next season gets underway. Last time he was a free agent (entering his age-26 campaign), Graham only received a four-year deal with an annual value of $6.5MM. He’ll get more this time around thanks to his production and the rising salary cap, but he may not be able to break the bank. PFR’s Zach Links examined Graham’s case for a contract extension earlier this year.
Wake, too, presents an age concern, as he’s already 36 years old. That hasn’t stopped him from topping double-digit sacks in three of the past four seasons, however, and he tied for sixth in sacks during that time. Wake has been pretty healthy during his career save for an Achilles injury in 2015, but he’s currently sidelined after surgery for a meniscus trim. He’s close to returning to game action, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, and which point Wake will only further his free agent case. (Link for app users.)
Injured at the wrong time
- Ezekiel Ansah (Lions)
Injury question marks have dogged Ansah in the past, but he’s already a lock to miss the most games of his career this season, as he hasn’t played since the Lions’ opener while dealing with a shoulder issue. Streaky is the perfect word to define Ansah, especially given that he’s capable of double-digit sack totals in any given year (14.5 in 2015, 12 in 2017) but also posts down seasons (just two sacks in 2016). Age is also working against Ziggy: he entered the league as an older prospect (24) in 2013, and he’ll now be hitting free agency in advance of his age-30 season. A one-year pact, for far less than the $17.143MM franchise tender amount he’s making this season, appears likely.
Something left in the tank?
- Clay Matthews (Packers)
- Julius Peppers (Panthers)
- Terrell Suggs (Ravens)
Will all three of these players be in the NFL in 2019? Matthews certainly will be, but it may not be with the Packers, as at least one recent report indicated the Packers would not seek to re-sign Matthews if the season ended today. Suggs, meanwhile, also appears primed to return next season. In May, Suggs said he plans to spend additional seasons in a Ravens uniform, and he made the Pro Bowl as recently as 2017. Peppers is the true question mark, as he’s already 38 years old and underwent shoulder surgery over the offseason. If Peppers does come back in 2019, it’s hard to imagine him playing anywhere other than Carolina. (Link for app users.)
Take a chance on me
- Shaquil Barrett (Broncos)
- Dante Fowler Jr. (Jaguars)
- Matt Longacre (Rams)
- Aaron Lynch (Bears)
- Shane Ray (Broncos)
- Preston Smith (Redskins)
- Za’Darius Smith (Ravens)
There are a number of intriguing options in this tier, but I want to focus on the two Smiths. Za’Darius Smith had a coming out party on Sunday against the Titans, posting five tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble in Baltimore’s domination of Tennessee, and was subsequently named the AFC’s defensive player of the week. He’s also tied for eighth in the NFL with 10 quarterback hits, and he’s only played 258 defensive snaps. As Suggs inches close to retirement, Smith has a chance to become the next great Ravens pass rusher. But as Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic notes, Baltimore has allowed other defenders — Paul Kruger, Pernell McPhee — to leave via free agency in the past, so there’s no guarantee Smith will be back in Baltimore.
Preston Smith is interesting simply because of his reliability. He’s started 37 consecutive games since becoming a full-time player in 2016, he’s played more snaps than anyone in this section aside from Za’Darius Smith. Given that other high-upside players such as Fowler and Lynch have dealt with off-field issues, while Fowler and Ray have been hampered by injuries, Smith’s day-in, day-out approach could entice a team to overpay. (Link for app users.)
The outlier
- Margus Hunt (Colts)
We won’t blame you if you’re not even sure who Hunt is. The 53rd overall selection in the 2013 draft, Hunt managed only 1.5 sacks over four disappointing seasons with the Bengals before joining the Colts in 2017. Last year was much of the same for the Estonia native, but this year, at the age of 31, Hunt has seemingly figured something out. He’s already posted four sacks on the season, and he’s also tied with the Vikings’ Danielle Hunter for most tackles for loss (9). As Justis Mosqueda of Optimum Scouting details below, Hunt is an all-new player:
As everyone expected, 31-year-old Margus Hunt has developed into a world-wrecker this year pic.twitter.com/3OCpFJgzkt
— Justis Mosqueda (@JuMosq) October 16, 2018
If he continues this production for the rest of the season, what kind of contract is Hunt looking at? I’m dubious that most clubs would be willing to give a player with little-to-no track record, who’s entering his age-32 campaign, a multi-year deal. With more than half of the 2018 season left to go, Hunt could potentially fall back to his prior level of performance, but if he doesn’t, it’s possible he could command double-digits next spring.