North Notes: Steelers, Browns, Bears, Lions
Le’Veon Bell‘s revelation that he plans to report to the Steelers following their Week 7 bye leads to as many questions as it does answers, as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes in a pair of posts. As Florio notes, Pittsburgh will have three options once Bell reports: play him as if nothing ever happened; trade him before the October 30 trade deadline; or rescind Bell’s franchise tender, which wouldn’t lead to any additional draft pick compensation. Additionally, a roster exemption could play a large role in Bell’s return, per Florio. The Steelers will be allowed to use a two-week exemption for Bell once he signs his franchise tag, and club and player will need to agree to the salary Bell will be paid if he’s on the exempt list. If Pittsburgh doesn’t want to pay Bell at his full rate while he’s on the exempt list, Bell could conceivably reinstate his holdout.
Here’s more from the NFL’s two North divisions:
- Browns rookie receiver Antonio Callaway today pleaded not guilty to a charge of marijuana possession stemming from an August arrest, tweets Tom Pelissero of NFL.com. Callaway’s lawyer indicated they’ll fight the misdemeanor marijuana charge, but the case doesn’t figure to be resolved for awhile. The NFL, of course, could choose to suspend Callaway regardless of whether he faces legal consequences, but the league will likely let the case play out before taking any action. Unrelatedly, Browns head coach Hue Jackson said today that Callaway’s playing time could be dialed back, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Callway has played the third-most snaps among Cleveland wideouts, producing 10 receptions and 155 yards on 24 targets.
- After losing Sam Acho for the season, the Bears could theoretically take a look at free agent edge rusher Lamarr Houston, as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com speculates (Twitter link). The connection makes sense, as Houston spent the 2015-17 seasons in Chicago before landing with the Texans in 2018. Houston landed only five games with the Texans, and was back on the Bears’ roster for the conclusion of the 2018 campaign. The 31-year-old has drawn plenty of interest on the open market despite not yet landing a contract, as he’s worked out for the Vikings, Seahawks, Raiders, and Jets since April.
- Lions right guard T.J. Lang is in the concussion protocol after suffering a brain injury in Week 4, as Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com writes. This is at least the fifth known concussion for Lang, so the issue is obviously serious in nature, tweets Kyle Meinke of MLive.com. Detroit has heavily invested in its front five in recent seasons, using early picks on Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow, and Graham Glasgow while inking free agents Lang and Ricky Wagner. Thus far, the unit ranks second in adjusted sack rate and 15th in adjusted line yards, per Football Outsiders. Veteran Kenny Wiggins filled in for Lang on Sunday and will continue to do so while the latter is sidelined.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/2/18
Today’s minor moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Waived: DT Justin Zimmer
Detroit Lions
- Waived: CB Dee Virgin
Indianapolis Colts
- Waived: RB Jeremy McNichols
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: DB Josh Shaw
- Waived: TE Alex Ellis
Los Angeles Rams
- Waived from injured reserve: LB Carlos Thompson
Oakland Raiders
- Signed off Titans’ practice squad: OL Ian Silberman
Philadelphia Eagles
- Promoted from practice squad: DT Treyvon Hester
- Waived: DT Bruce Hector
- Waived from injured reserve: OT Toby Weathersby
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: DB T.J. Green
- Placed on injured reserve: TE Will Dissly (story), S Earl Thomas (story)
- Waived from injured reserve: FB Khalid Hill
Browns Place CB Terrance Mitchell On IR
The Browns have placed cornerback Terrance Mitchell on injured rese
rve and promoted defensive back Jeremiah McKinnon from the practice squad, the club announced today.
Cleveland head coach Hue Jackson announced Sunday that Mitchell would miss time after suffering a broken wrist, but the Browns have now decided that Mitchell’s recovery timeline will necessitate an IR trip. Mitchell will be forced by league rule to miss eight games, but he could conceivably be activated later this season. A free agent signing earlier this year, Mitchell had two forced fumbles, one of which he recovered himself, and an interception while grading as the No. 72 corner among 110 qualifiers, per Pro Football Focus.
With Mitchell sidelined, the Browns will now need to decide who starts opposite No. 1 cornerback Denzel Ward. On Cleveland’s latest depth chart, E.J. Gaines is listed as a starting outside corner, leaving T.J. Carrie — who joined Mitchell and Gaines as 2018 free agent additions — in the slot. Denzel Rice, Tavierre Thomas, and McKinnon could also be in line for additional snaps, especially if more injuries occur.
Dolphins Sign C Wesley Johnson
The Dolphins have signed free agent center Wesley Johnson and placed fellow pivot Daniel Kilgore on injured reserve, the club announced today. Miami also promoted defensive tackle Cameron Malveaux and confirmed the previously-reported release of defensive tackle Jordan Phillips.
Johnson, 27, has appeared in 31 games (23 starts) with the Jets over the past two seasons. The 2014 fifth-round pick out of Vanderbilt joined the Lions earlier this offseason, but he was released by the team at the end of the preseason. Since then, Johnson has worked out with the Vikings and Ravens. He auditioned for the Dolphins earlier today, and he’ll know slide in behind Travis Swanson on Miami’s center depth chart.
Kilgore, meanwhile, suffered a torn pectoral in Week 4, so he’d been fully expected to land on injured reserve. While Kilgore is technically eligible to return later this season, the nature of his injury likely means he’s done for the year. Kilgore signed an extension with the 49ers earlier this year, but San Francisco shipped him to Miami after landing free agent center Weston Richburg. He’s signed through the 2020 season, but the Dolphins could opt to release him with no dead money hitting their salary cap.
Chargers Sign P Donnie Jones
The Chargers are changing punters, as the club has signed veteran Donnie Jones to replace Drew Kaser, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Jones, 38, originally announced his retirement from the Eagles in February, but later decided he wanted to continue his lengthy NFL career. Philadelphia then released him from the reserve/retired list, giving Jones the opportunity to find another team. Jones, who hadn’t garnered any other known free agent interest, was solid in 2017, ranking solid 15th in yards per punt average and 16th in net average. He also placed 35.1% of his punts inside of the 20-yard line.
As has become the norm in recent years, the Chargers’ special teams unit is among the league’s worst. Per Football Outsiders’ metrics, Los Angeles ranks 31st in overall special teams and dead last in punts. Kaser, who had been the Chargers’ punter since 2016, ranks 31st in net punting average. Because he’s not a vested veteran, Kaser will hit the waiver wire, but it seems unlikely he’ll be claimed given his struggles.
Patriots Work Out WR Breshad Perriman
The Patriots worked out free agent wide receiver Breshad Perriman today, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
New England’s wideout situation has been dire for most of the season, but the club’s depth chart is beginning to come into focus. Not only is the recently-acquired Josh Gordon expected to suit up this week, but Julian Edelman will return from suspension in Week 5. Those two options, along with holdovers Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, and Cordarrelle Patterson, give the Patriots a viable receiving corps.
Perriman, the 26th overall selection in the 2015 draft, has never lived up to his draft billing, as injuries and ineffectiveness have prevented him from reaching his potential. After missing his entire rookie campaign, Perriman posted 33 receptions in 2016, but managed only 10 catches last year. He signed with the Redskins earlier this month, but lasted less than a week on Washington’s roster.
A number of teams have expressed interest in Perriman this year, as he’s worked out for the the Jets, Giants, Bills, Vikings, and Eagles over the past month.
Saints Promote RB Dwayne Washington
The Saints are promoting running back Dwayne Washington from their practice squad, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
New Orleans won’t see Mark Ingram return from suspension until Week 5, and the club is still searching for a viable backup to lighten the load on starter Alvin Kamara. Through three games, Kamara has handled 81% of the Saints’ running back snaps and 79% of the club’s running back touches. Reserves Mike Gillislee and Jonathan Williams haven’t contributed much, and one could conceivably be cut in order to create a roster spot for Washington.
Washington, 24, was selected by the Lions in the seventh round of the 2016 draft. After appearing in 12 games and toting the ball 90 times (for an unappealing 2.9 yards per carry) during his rookie campaign, Washington’s playing time dropped precipitously in 2017, when he managed only 20 carries in five games. He was released during final cutdowns earlier this month, pushed off Detroit’s roster by the club’s crowded running back depth chart.
Even if Washington doesn’t see much work behind Kamara, he could still help on special teams, as he handled two kickoff returns in each of his two seasons with the Lions. However, the Saints re-signed wideout Brandon Tate earlier this week, and he figures to take on return duties for New Orleans.
Eagles’ Rodney McLeod Undergoes Surgery
Eagles safety Rodney McLeod recently underwent knee surgery, head coach Doug Pederson told reporters, including Eliot Shorr-Parks of 94 WIP (Twitter link). However, while a recent report indicated Philadelphia would place McLeod on injured reserve, Pederson refused to confirm McLeod is out for the season, indicating simply that the defensive back will be out for “a while,” per Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer (Twitter link).
McLeod, 28, suffered the injury in the Eagles’ Week 3 win over the Colts. He’s just the latest starting safety to succumb to injury, joining Da’Norris Searcy of the Panthers, Chris Conte of the Buccaneers, and Ricardo Allen of the Falcons. Eric Reid, the most notable free agent safety at this stage, was just picked up by the Panthers, so the Eagles are looking at a thin group of available players if they choose to go out-of-house for reinforcements, with options such as Mike Mitchell, T.J. Ward, Lardarius Webb, Tyvon Branch, and Jairus Byrd headlining the free agent market.
Veteran Corey Graham will likely step into the Eagles’ starting lineup in place of McLeod, but Philadelphia had been playing a good deal of three-safety sets (Graham has posted 55% playtime this season). As such, the club will need someone to replace Graham’s role in the defense. While Pederson admitted looking for outside help is an option, the Eagles could also search internally, where reserves such as Deiondre’ Hall could be asked to play more snaps. Philadelphia might also consider moving a cornerback like second-year pro Rasul Douglas to safety.
McLeod joined the Eagles on a five-year, $35MM deal prior to the 2016 season. He’s proven himself to be worth the expenditure as he has notched three interceptions in each of the last two years. Through the first three weeks of this season, Pro Football Focus has ranked McLeod as a top-20 safety in the NFL.
No Timeline For Everson Griffen’s Return
Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen isn’t sure when he’ll return to the field after undergoing a mental health evaluation following a bizarre weekend which included police being called, as Griffen indicated in a statement released Thursday night.
“This past week’s events have raised many questions and I apologize to everyone who was impacted,” Griffen said. “I am currently focused on resolving personal issues with which I have been dealing for a long time. Once I have had time to address those issues, I hope to share my story with everyone.”
“I am extremely grateful for the support I have received from my family, the Vikings organization, my teammates and our tremendous fan base. I apologize for not being able to take the field with my teammates and do not have an exact timeline for my return. I promise, however, I will return as a much-improved person and player.”
Police were called to Minneapolis hotel Saturday following reports Griffen was threatening to assault staff members, and Griffen later reportedly behaved erratically outside teammate Trae Waynes‘ home. The Vikings and Griffen reached an agreement that he would stay away from the Vikings until he was in a better mental state.
On the field, Minnesota has deployed 2016 seventh-round pick Stephen Weatherly in place of Griffen, while Tashawn Bower has also seen an increase in snaps over the past two weeks.
NFC Notes: Panthers, Seahawks, Packers
Eric Reid‘s one-year deal with the Panthers has a base value of $1MM, but he can earn an additional $900K via other means, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Reid could collect the extra cash via playtime incentives, Pro Bowl incentives, or per-game roster bonuses. Carolina needed extra defensive backs after recently losing Da’Norris Searcy, and Reid should immediately step into the club’s starting lineup opposite Mike Adams. Reid, of course, has protested police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem, but that issue reportedly didn’t come up during his meeting with the Panthers.
Here’s more on Reid and the rest of the NFC:
- The 49ers reportedly offered Reid a contract before he signed with the Panthers, and they weren’t the only NFC West club to do so. The Seahawks also discussed a deal with Reid, per Jim Trotter of NFL.com (Twitter link), and were the first team to offer Reid a pact. Seattle negotiated with Reid while fellow safety Earl Thomas was holding out, and Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times reports (via Twitter) the offer was pulled after Thomas reported. Per Condotta, Seattle and Reid couldn’t agree on a salary.
- Doug Baldwin returned to Seahawks practice on Wednesday for the first time since going down with an MCL injury in the club’s Week 1 game, according to Brady Henderson of ESPN.com (Twitter link). While Baldwin hasn’t yet been given clearance to play in Week 4, he says he’s “chomping at the bit” to return to action, tweets Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio KJR. Baldwin’s return would be an obvious boon to a Seattle offense that has given more snaps to Brandon Marshall and Jaron Brown.
- Buccaneers safety Chris Conte was the victim of a vicious stiff arm from Steelers tight end Vance McDonald on Monday night, but the veteran defensive back was actually playing through a torn PCL, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Conte was placed on injured reserve earlier this week, but given that his recovery timeline is just six weeks, it’s conceivable he could return later this season. Tampa Bay will rely on fourth-round rookie Jordan Whitehead at safety for the time being.
- Cornerback Bashaud Breeland originally inked a three-year, $24MM deal with the Panthers this offseason, but after a freak injury resulted in a failed physical, the veteran defensive back was forced to take quite a pay cut on his one-year deal with the Packers. Breeland signed a minimum salary benefit pact, as Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com writes, so he’ll collect a base salary of $790K plus a $90K bonus. However, under the rules of the MSB, Breeland will only count against Green Bay’s salary cap at the rate of a second-year player ($630K).