Arian Foster Will Require Groin Surgery
1:40pm: According to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link), Foster will indeed require surgery on his groin. However, he’s expected to return to action during the regular season.
1:11pm: Texans running back Arian Foster sustained a groin injury during the Texans’ first fully-padded practice last night, reports Tania Ganguli of ESPN.com (Twitter links). According to Ganguli, the injury is “significant,” and there’s concern that the star back will require surgery. A source tells Jayson Braddock of ESPN 97.5 in Houston (Twitter link) that Foster may be a candidate for the injured reserve list with the designation to return.
Foster, who turns 29 later this month, has been slowed by injuries a few times during his six-year NFL career. While he posted excellent numbers for the Texans last season, he did so while missing three games due to a groin injury; in 2013, he only played eight games for Houston.
Depending on the severity of Foster’s injury, which has yet to be confirmed by the Texans, the team could explore the trade market or the free agent market, where veterans like Steven Jackson, Ahmad Bradshaw, Pierre Thomas, Chris Johnson, and ex-Texan Ben Tate remain unsigned. If Houston decides to roll with its in-house options, Alfred Blue would be first in line, with Chris Polk, Jonathan Grimes, and rookie Kenny Hilliard vying for touches as well.
As for Foster, if he does go under the knife and requires a lengthy recovery time, placing him on the IR with the designation to return is an option for the Texans, as Braddock notes. Such a move would force the veteran running back out of action for the first eight weeks of the regular season, however, so the club will have to be certain of the severity of the injury before making a final decision.
NFC East Notes: Washington, Bradford, Eagles
After rounding up a few items out of the AFC East this morning, we’ll shift our attention to the other East division, moving over to the NFC. Let’s dive in….
- Washington is reportedly discussing a new contract with left tackle Trent Williams, and the team is believed to have some interest in extending running back Alfred Morris as well. However, there’s nothing imminent for either player on the extension front, tweets John Keim of ESPN.com.
- Despite reports that Sam Bradford and the Eagles are discussing a possible short-term extension, it remains unlikely that the two sides will get something done anytime soon, writes Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. As McLane observes, it might make more sense for Bradford and the Eagles to finalize a new deal later in the season, if the veteran quarterback is healthy and productive.
- After Eagles linebacker Travis Long tore his ACL, Chip Kelly confirmed that he’ll “look around” for an outside linebacker, tweets Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com. It’s not clear if that player will come from outside of the organization, or if an inside linebacker will move over, but the team doesn’t plan to move newly-acquired Kiko Alonso outside, per Kelly.
- With Brandon Boykin having been sent to Pittsburgh, the Eagles will be looking for someone new to step up at the slot cornerback position. McLane examines the possibilities in a separate piece for the Inquirer.
- Appearing on KRLD-FM 105.3 in Dallas, Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones suggests that the team’s pass rush may have cost Dallas a shot at the Super Bowl last year (link via Dallas Morning News). The Cowboys were aggressive in attempting to upgrade their pass rush in the offseason, signing Greg Hardy and drafting Randy Gregory.
Jaguars Not Expecting Blackmon To Play Again
Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon hasn’t appeared in a regular season NFL game since October of 2013, and general manager Dave Caldwell has had no contact with the suspended wideout. According to Mike DiRocco of ESPN.com, Caldwell indicated that the Jaguars believe Blackmon’s extended absence from the NFL likely spells the end of his playing career.
“I have not heard anything and I guess I harbor a little bit of hope but realistically I think when you’re away from the game for two-and-a-half years what you were once is not what you probably will be,” Caldwell said. “Your skills do erode and especially if you’re not staying in tip-top shape and you’re not in football shape. … I don’t know [what] to expect, but I would say common sense would probably be if you haven’t played football in two-and-a-half years apparently that’s not a priority for you.”
Blackmon was suspended indefinitely in 2013 for repeated violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policy, and would have to apply for reinstatement and go through a lengthy vetting process before having the opportunity to get back on the field. The former fifth overall pick has been arrested on drug charges since being suspended, and completed a voluntary rehab program. However, there’s been no indication that he’s on his way back to the field anytime soon.
Despite their pessimism about Blackmon’s NFL future, the Jaguars will continue to keep the 25-year-old on their roster, on the reserve/suspended list. As Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union explains (via Twitter), the Jags hope to recoup some of the receiver’s signing bonus, which wouldn’t be possible if they release him.
Blackmon’s service-time clock remains on hold during his suspension, so if he were to ever return to the Jaguars, he’d still be under contract with the team for multiple seasons.
AFC East Notes: Gronk, Brady, Dolphins, Clay
Earlier this summer, an excerpt from Rob Gronkowski‘s autobiography revealed that the Patriots tight end claims he hasn’t spent a dime of his NFL salary, living off of endorsement money instead. As of July 30, Gronkowski has a little more NFL money to save up — according to Field Yates of ESPN.com, the Pats reworked their star tight end’s contract, converting $4MM of his $10MM end-of-year option bonus to a signing bonus. The option, which is due before the end of the league year, is now worth $6MM, and New England appears more likely than ever to exercise it.
Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap breaks down the unusual cap ramifications of the move, suggesting that the restructure should increase Gronkowski’s 2015 cap hit by $2MM before reducing his 2016 charge by $2MM. After that, the cap numbers for the rest of Gronkowski’s contract should remain the same.
Here’s more from around the AFC East:
- NFLPA executive George Atallah confirmed today (via Twitter) that Tom Brady and union reps will attend a conference in New York on August 12 to meet with the NFL and U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman. Roger Goodell will also attend the hearing in person, tweets Ed Werder of ESPN.com. Meanwhile, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe notes (via Twitter) that NFLPA and NFL attorneys had a telephone conference yesterday with Mag. Judge James C. Francis regarding the Patriots quarterback’s case.
- Appearing on the Jose Rose Show on 560 WQAM in Miami, Dolphins VP of football operations Mike Tannenbaum didn’t rule out pursuing free agent guard Evan Mathis, as Andrew Abramson of the Palm Beach Post details. The Dolphins’ interest in Mathis has been downplayed recently, but I imagine they’d be very interested if one of their current guards struggles or suffers an injury.
- Having brought in Rex Ryan, LeSean McCoy, Percy Harvin, and Richie Incognito over the offseason, the Bills made plenty of newsworthy moves. However, no player received more guaranteed money from the team this year than tight end Charles Clay. Tyler Dunne of The Buffalo News examines how Clay is fitting in so far in Buffalo.
Eagles, Bradford Talking Short-Term Extension
A report last month suggested that new Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford was prepared to play out the final year of his contract without an extension, but it appears the two sides haven’t shelved talks entirely. According to Ed Werder of ESPN.com, the Eagles are discussing an extension with Bradford that would lock him up for the short term, rather than the long term.
Bradford, 27, came to the Eagles in a March trade that saw Nick Foles shipped out to St. Louis. The former first overall pick has battled injuries over the past two years, tearing his ACL twice and missing the entire 2014 campaign. In his last full season, Bradford threw for 3,702 yards, 21 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. During that 2012 campaign, Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked him 21st among 38 quarterback candidates.
Despite Bradford’s injury concerns, he has made a strong first impression in Philadelphia, per Werder, and Chip Kelly and the Eagles believe he can be a franchise quarterback if he can stay healthy. In expressing optimism about Bradford, Kelly pointed to star quarterbacks like Peyton Manning and Drew Brees who switched teams after injuries and excelled for their new clubs.
While Bradford’s injury history may make him more inclined to accept some long-term security, he made a ton of money on his rookie contract, and is slated to earn another $12.985MM in 2015, so he may not love the idea of signing a five-year extension when his value is at a low point. Similarly, the Eagles may not want to commit to Bradford for the next several years before he plays a regular season contest for the team. As such, it makes sense that a short-term agreement, perhaps adding two years onto Bradford’s current deal, could make for a good compromise.
Seahawks Extend Bobby Wagner
SUNDAY, 12:12pm: The deal is done, per the Seahawks’ official website.
SUNDAY, 9:33am: Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times writes that Wagner will receive $22MM in guaranteed money. Former NFL agent Joel Corry tweets that Wagner’s 2016 and 2017 salary guarantees will be for injury only at first, and then become fully guaranteed on the fifth day after the waiver period starts. Corry also notes (via Twitter) that, if Wagner’s signing bonus is based on the same formula the team used when crafting new deals for Thomas and Sherman, about $6-8MM of his guaranteed money will be in the form of a signing bonus. Both Condotta and Corry note that the club had just under $4MM of salary cap room after the Wilson extension, so it will be interesting to see how Wagner’s deal will be structured.
Rand Getlin of the NFL Network points out (via Twitter) that the $10.75MM average annual value of Wagner’s deal “blows the top off” of the inside linebacker market, making Wagner the highest-paid inside linebacker in league history (of course, the inevitable extension for Carolina’s Luke Kuechly will probably change that).
SATURDAY, 11:54pm: Wagner’s four-year extension will be worth $43MM, making him the highest-paid inside linebacker in the NFL, tweets Garafolo. It appears that, like Wilson’s deal, Wagner’s extension will be tacked onto his 2015 season, keeping him under contract through 2019.
SATURDAY, 11:34pm: A day after Russell Wilson agreed to a four-year extension with the Seahawks, Seattle has locked up another one of its key players. According to former Seahawk Michael Robinson (via Twitter), linebacker Bobby Wagner has agreed to a new contract with the team. A source tells Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (Twitter link) that Wagner is expected to officially sign his new deal tonight.
Despite missing five games in 2014 with turf toe, Wagner racked up an impressive 135 regular season tackles and was named an All-Pro linebacker, in addition to earning a Pro Bowl nod. Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked Wagner fifth out of 60 qualified inside linebackers, grading him as an above-average contributor in pass coverage, as a pass rusher, and especially against the run.
We heard last month that Wagner and the Seahawks were making progress on an extension, and despite the fact that the linebacker ominously tweeted “Can’t keep everyone” yesterday following the Wilson news, head coach Pete Carroll strongly hinted the club would lock up Wagner as well.
It will be interesting to see the years and dollars on Wagner’s extension. An April report suggested the 25-year-old could command a deal north of $8MM per year, but that estimate rose to around $10MM by June. Currently, the largest inside linebacker contract in the NFL belongs to Lawrence Timmons of the Steelers, who is averaging nearly $9.6MM annually. Wagner’s contract figures to be in the same ballpark as Timmons’ deal, perhaps even exceeding it, but the Seahawks probably did well to secure their own standout linebacker before the Panthers extended Luke Kuechly — the Carolina star is expected to set a new standard for inside linebackers when he eventually signs an extension.
Wagner’s deal will add another sizable average annual salary to Seattle’s books. Although the linebacker was probably right when he observed that the Seahawks can’t keep everyone, they certainly seem to be trying. In addition to Wilson and presumably Wagner, Richard Sherman, Marshawn Lynch, Jimmy Graham, Michael Bennett, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor, Cliff Avril, and K.J. Wright are under contract through the 2017 season on contracts worth at least $6MM annually — and some are worth significantly more than that.
The Seahawks’ latest extensions leave the team with fewer contract situations to address, but there are still some notable players who will be seeking extensions or restructures. Bennett and Chancellor are both unhappy with their current deals, and the safety is holding out from training camp as he angles for a new contract. Meanwhile, left tackle Russell Okung and linebacker Bruce Irvin will be eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2016.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Steelers Acquire Brandon Boykin From Eagles
SUNDAY, 10:49am: Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer tweets that the conditional fifth-round pick will become a fourth-rounder if Boykin plays 60% of the Steelers’ defensive snaps.
McLane’s colleague at the Inquirer, Zach Berman, tweets that the Eagles also received a trade offer for Nolan Carroll, but the team viewed Boykin as more expendable.
SATURDAY, 7:02pm: The Eagles have sent cornerback Brandon Boykin to Pittsburgh, trading him for a conditional 2016 fifth-round pick, the Steelers announced today (Twitter link). According to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter), that pick could become a fourth-rounder, depending on how much Boykin plays this season.
Boykin, who turned 25 on Thursday, had played in all 48 of the Eagles’ regular-season games since Philadelphia selected him in the fourth round of the 2012 draft. However, he only started six of those games, and said a couple months ago that he would welcome the opportunity to start outside, suggesting that the chance to compete for a starting job would be a priority when he reaches free agency.
It’s not clear yet whether Boykin will get the chance to start in Pittsburgh — William Gay figures to be the team’s top cornerback, but Cortez Allen struggled last year after signing a long-term extension. Still, I expect both players will see the field more often than Boykin. Antwon Blake and rookie Senquez Golson will also be in the mix for the Steelers, though Golson is still recovering from a shoulder injury.
From the Eagles’ perspective, Boykin had been a player the team considered moving for months, according to multiple reports. The signing of Byron Maxwell in March ensured Boykin would continue to play a complementary role in Philadelphia, and after the club added three more corners in the draft, he became even more expendable.
The Eagles did well do get a pick as high as a fourth-rounder for Boykin, since he wasn’t expected to be a major contributor in 2015 and is entering the final year of his contract. Tthe Georgia product will count for $1.542MM against the Steelers’ cap this year before becoming eligible for free agency in the winter.
AFC Notes: Miller, Rivers, Dareus, Jets
Two years ago, Broncos pass rusher Von Miller was suspended six games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse program, and missed nearly half the 2013 season. However, last season, he played all 16 of Denver’s regular season contests, and a source tells Mike Klis of 9NEWS that after not testing positive for two years, Miller is no longer in the league’s drug program.
Typically, multiple positive tests result in harsher and harsher penalties for players, as we’ve with someone like Josh Gordon. But a positive test for Miller at this point wouldn’t result in significant discipline, since his status has been reset, writes Klis. It’s an extremely positive development for Miller as he enters a contract year, since the Broncos will have less reason to be concerned about him missing games in the future, making the team more likely to offer him a lucrative extension.
Here’s more from around the AFC:
- Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers confirmed today that there are no new developments on the contract extension front, tweets Alex Marvez of FOX Sports. According to Rivers, the two sides will likely shelve negotiations until 2016 if they don’t reach an agreement within the next 10 or 12 days.
- According to Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News, Marcell Dareus seems encouraged by the progress that has been made in contract discussions between him and the Bills, joking that he owes a thank-you to Ndamukong Suh for resetting the market this offseason.
- Jets GM Mike Maccagnan expressed support for Sheldon Richardson following his recent arrest, indicating that he and the Jets will devote resources to helping the standout defensive lineman, as Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com outlines. However, Maccagnan was noncommittal on Richardson’s long-term future with the Jets, and acknowledged that there’s “a degree of trust that has been broken.”
- Chargers defensive end Tenny Palepoi suffered a fractured foot, and will likely be sidelined for two months, a source tells Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Depending on how Palepoi’s recovery progresses, he could be a candidate for the injured reserve list with the designation to return, though the Chargers may prefer to save that one-time designation for someone else.
Minor NFL Transactions: 7/31/15
Here are Friday’s minor transactions from around the NFL:
- Ravens: Signed former Army quarterback Trent Steelman, who tried out as a receiver this week, and cut rookie QB Jerry Lovelocke (Twitter links via Aaron Wilson).
- Bears: Signed G Tyler Moore (Twitter link via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune).
- Cardinals: Signed CB Shaquille Richardson (Twitter link via Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com).
- Chiefs: Signed DT Hebron Fangupo and RB LaVance Taylor; waived RB Keshawn Hill (Twitter links). Taylor was signed after tweeting his highlight reel to the team.
- Cowboys: Re-signed LB Keith Smith (Twitter link via Tom Pelissero of USA Today). Smith, who played 10 games for the Cowboys last season, was cut by the team in May.
- Giants: Waived WR Ben Edwards and T Troy Kropog (Twitter links via Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Both players received a failed physical designation.
- Seahawks: Signed S Tyrequek Zimmerman (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Titans: Signed WR Tebucky Jones, waived T Terren Jones, and placed TE Dorin Dickerson on injured reserve (Twitter link via Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com; link via AP).
AFC South Notes: Colts, Hunter, Clemons
In his look at the Colts‘ top five priorities for training camp, Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star suggests the team needs to solidify its offensive line and attempt to work out some contract extensions within the next few weeks. Although the Colts have been mentioned as a potential suitor for Evan Mathis, they have no plans to sign him, preferring instead to work on developing their long-term pieces on the line, says Holder. He also notes that extension discussions between T.Y. Hilton and the Colts have re-opened, which could be a promising soon as the wide receiver enters a contract year.
Here’s more on the Colts and their division rivals:
- Hilton, left tackle Anthony Castonzo, and a pair of tight ends top the list of the Colts‘ most important expiring contracts, writes Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star. Castonzo is another player that Indianapolis would like to lock up before the season, if possible.
- Speaking to the media today, Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter said he has yet to hear from the NFL following his arrest on a felonious assault charge, writes Terry McCormick of 247Sports.com. “Right now, it’s in the hands of my attorneys and I’m just focused on football,” Hunter said of his legal situation.
- Jaguars pass rusher Chris Clemons, who missed the team’s OTAs this spring, reported to training camp today, tweets John Oehser of Jaguars.com. Clemons was placed on the non-football injury list and won’t practice right away.