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By | at June 22, 2015 10:40 am

We’ve detailed how you can follow Pro Football Rumors on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or using an RSS reader to ensure that you receive all of our updates, 365 days a year. If you prefer to only receive news about your favorite NFL team, PFR has you covered. Below are links to our Facebook, Twitter, and RSS pages and feeds for all 32 teams.

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Klemko On Heyward, Brady, Mathis, Wilson

By | at June 22, 2015 9:00 am

With Peter King taking his summer vacation, Robert Klemko of TheMMQB.com stepped in this week to publish the latest Monday Morning Quarterback column, and his piece includes a number of interesting tidbits, including an explanation for why teams ought to attempt two-point conversions more often now that the extra-point kick has been moved back. Here are a handful of other notable items from Klemko’s piece:

  • Cameron Heyward is entering the final year of his contract, and is negotiating an extension with the Steelers, though he says he’d rather not think about his contract situation. The defensive lineman tells Klemko that he thinks he can play better than he did in 2014, when he ranked as Pro Football Focus’ sixth-best 3-4 defensive end. “I hope last year wasn’t a breakout season because I think I can achieve way more,” Heyward said. “I still have a mentality where I think of myself as a bust. I’ve got to prove everybody wrong including myself. I want to get better, and I want to shut people up.”
  • Tom Brady‘s camp will call many of the witnesses central to the AEI report – which criticized the Ted Wells report – to testify during the Patriots‘ signal-caller’s appeal, a source tells Klemko. As Klemko points out, Brady and the NFLPA could file a lawsuit in federal court after the appeal process is complete, challenging Roger Goodell for violating due process by declining to recuse himself as arbitrator. However, Klemko thinks that Brady’s four-game ban will be reduced to a one-game suspension, and the QB will forgo legal action to put the issue to rest.
  • Klemko hears that 10 teams are interested in Evan Mathis, which echoes what agent Drew Rosenhaus said last week. The MMQB.com scribe views the Dolphins as the favorite for the Pro Bowl guard, who may have drawn interest from even more teams if he had reached the open market sooner.
  • Based on the numbers Klemko is hearing out of the Russell Wilson extension talks, he believes the team and the player are divided on the QB’s value. Klemko predicts that the Seahawks will ultimately franchise Wilson after the 2015 season, then perhaps let him walk a year later.
  • Klemko disagrees with Titans GM Ruston Webster, who said last week that he wouldn’t be concerned if Marcus Mariota misses the first few days of training camp while the two sides finalize his rookie contract. As Klemko writes, that may be fine for a defensive tackle or safety, but a rookie quarterback – who is expected to start – needs all the training camp reps he can get. I’m inclined to agree that Webster’s comments are “a bad attempt to gain leverage” — there’s really no reason the Titans shouldn’t be able to agree to terms within the next few weeks.
2 comments Miami Dolphins New England Patriots Pittsburgh Steelers Seattle Seahawks Tennessee Titans

Minor Moves: Friday

By | at June 19, 2015 6:52 pm

Here are Friday’s minor transactions from around the NFL:

  • The Browns have claimed receiver Shane Wynn off waivers, cutting another wideout, Paul Browning, to make room on the roster, according to a team release. Wynn, a 5’6″ undrafted free agent out of Indiana, signed with the Falcons in May before being waived yesterday by Atlanta.
  • The Chiefs have signed a wide receiver, adding McMurry alum Jeret Smith to their roster, the team announced today (via Twitter). Smith caught 54 balls for 1,143 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2014, his senior year.
  • Having been cut yesterday with a failed physical designation, cornerback Bill Bentley is expected to reach an injury settlement with the Lions soon, tweets Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
  • After going unclaimed on waivers, Steelers tackle Micah Hatchie has been placed on Pittsburgh’s injured reserve list, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).
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Raiders Sign Mario Edwards Jr.

By | at June 19, 2015 5:33 pm

The Raiders have signed second-round defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. to his rookie deal, the team announced today in a press release. Like the Giants and Patriots did earlier today, the Raiders have now finished locking up their 2015 draft class, with all 10 of their draftees now under contract.

According to Over the Cap, Edwards’ four-year pact will be worth a little over $6MM, and will feature a signing bonus of approximately $2.636MM. Edwards’ cap number for the 2015 season will be $1.094MM.

The 35th overall pick in the 2015 draft, Edwards spent three seasons at Florida State, and was named to the All-ACC First Team as a junior in 2014. He also played a role in helping the Seminoles win the 2013 BCS National Championship.

Only three 2015 draft picks have yet to agree to terms with their respective teams. First-round quarterback Marcus Mariota (Titans) third-round cornerback D’Joun Smith (Colts), and third-round defensive end Henry Anderson (Colts) remain unsigned.

0 comments 2015 NFL Draft Las Vegas Raiders Newsstand Transactions

Patriots Release Fred Davis

By | at June 19, 2015 4:57 pm

The Patriots continue to make changes at the tight end spot, announcing today (via Twitter) that they’ve released Fred Davis, just over a month after signing him. Davis is the second notable tight end to be cut by New England in June, as the team also waived Tim Wright last week.

Davis, 29, sat out all of last season after the NFL suspended him indefinitely for substance-abuse violations. The league reinstated him earlier in the offseason. Prior to 2014, the former second-round pick spent six seasons in Washington and caught 162 passes and 13 touchdowns. His best year came in 2011, when he amassed 59 receptions and 796 yards.

Davis’ contract with the Patriots didn’t include any guaranteed salary, and his bonus money consisted of a modest workout bonus and unearned roster bonuses, so the move won’t have an impact on the club’s salary cap.

With Davis and Wright no longer in the mix, Rob Gronkowski, Scott Chandler, Michael Hoomanawanui, and sixth-round rookie A.J. Derby figure to handle the majority of the tight end load heading into training camp.

0 comments New England Patriots Newsstand Transactions

Titans Sign Jeremiah Poutasi

By | at June 19, 2015 3:56 pm

The Titans have reached a deal with third-round offensive lineman Jeremiah Poutasi, according to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean (Twitter link). The agreement means that only four 2015 draft picks have yet to sign with their respective teams.

Poutasi, the 66th overall pick out of Utah, was the third consecutive offensive player selected by the Titans to start this year’s draft, after the club also nabbed quarterback Marcus Mariota and wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham. While DGB signed his rookie contract a few weeks ago, Mariota is one of those four players who has yet to agree to a deal. Still, that’s not a cause for concern for the Titans or GM Ruston Webster, who addressed the contract situation for the No. 2 overall pick today, per Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com.

“We have had good conversations. We’ll continue to have good conversations,” Webster said. “Looking forward to getting that done and him being in here for camp. I personally don’t see there being a major issue. … I don’t concern myself too much with it if a guy misses a few days. We’ve had good talks. We’re motivated. Marcus is motivated. So I would expect that we would be able to get something done.”

As for Poutasi, his four-year contract with the Titans will be worth just over $3MM, including a signing bonus of about $802K. He’ll count for about $636K against Tennessee’s cap this season.

0 comments 2015 NFL Draft Tennessee Titans Transactions

Community Tailgate: 6/19/15

By | at June 19, 2015 3:16 pm

We’re still a few months away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. This week, we’ve launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

Today, we’ll take a closer look at Buffalo, where a starting quarterback has yet to be formally named. new head coach Rex Ryan admitted earlier this month that his team doesn’t have a LeBron James-type player at QB, which might be the understatement of the year. But if the Bills can get even average production of the position, the team should contend for a playoff spot, given the talent elsewhere on the roster.

The quarterbacks currently on the Bills’ roster are former first-round pick E.J. Manuel, offseason trade acquisition Matt Cassel, free agent signee Tyrod Taylor, and former Jet Matt Simms. Of the four, Cassel easily has the most starting experience, but Mike Rodak of ESPN.com writes that the former Viking was unimpressive in this week’s minicamp, and may be on the roster bubble heading into training camp.

Rodak’s report on Cassel is somewhat similar to what we heard last month about Manuel — the two signal-callers appeared to be the frontrunners to start for Buffalo coming out of the draft, but reports since then have suggested that neither player is a lock to make the team’s roster if he doesn’t win that starting job.

With neither Manuel nor Cassel stepping up to claim the starting job, Taylor is lurking as a dark horse. According to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk, Bills coaches have given the former Raven every opportunity to prove his worth so far this offseason, giving him equal reps to Manuel and Cassel. Albert Breer of NFL Network also writes that Taylor shouldn’t be ruled out of the conversation, noting that Ryan tried to acquire him when he was coaching in New York.

We want to hear from you: Who do you think will – or should – win the Bills’ quarterback competition? If you’re a fan of a rival team, do any of these quarterbacks scare you at all? Or will the Bills struggle to score points no matter who’s under center? Jump into the comment section below to place your bets and voice your thoughts and opinions. We look forward to hearing what you have to say.

3 comments Buffalo Bills Community Tailgate PFR Originals

NFC Notes: Morris, Forte, Ross, Carr

By | at June 19, 2015 12:25 pm

Running back Alfred Morris is aware that his contract situation could become a subject of interest and speculation as he enters the final year of his rookie deal, but he tells Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com that he couldn’t care less about it.

“I approach every year the same,” Morris said. “I’m a running back so I’ll be running the ball, blocking, catching it. I don’t even think about next year.”

For the team’s part, Washington appears set to take a wait-and-see approach with Morris. Since he was a sixth-rounder in 2012, the running back’s contract doesn’t feature a fifth-year option for 2016, but Washington will have exclusive negotiating rights until next March.

Here’s more from around the NFC:

  • “It’s a hypocritical league,” Bears running back Matt Forte said of the NFL, in reference to his contract situation (link via Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times). Forte is seeking an extension, and recognizes that if he hadn’t reported to the voluntary portion of Chicago’s offseason program, he would’ve been labeled selfish. “But then if, say, I didn’t perform last year and (the Bears) wanted to cut me or cut my pay, they can do that,” Forte said. “They can get rid of you. So nobody says nothing to the team about that.”
  • Former Giants defensive back Aaron Ross, who played 83 career NFL games for New York and Jacksonville, is aiming to return to action after missing last season with a torn Achilles, and has workouts lined up with the Rams and 49ers, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.
  • Reports this offseason have indicated Brandon Carr isn’t interested in accepting a pay cut, but the Cowboys still hope to reduce the cornerback’s 2015 cap number, and owner Jerry Jones says there could be ways to do that that benefit Carr as well as the team, writes Rainer Sabin of the Dallas Morning News.
  • The Vikings are expected to explore a possible contract extension with safety Harrison Smith this offseason, but he tells Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press that a new deal is “the furthest thing” from his mind at the moment. There’s no urgency for Smith or the Vikes, since his contract includes a fifth-year option for 2016.
0 comments Chicago Bears Dallas Cowboys Los Angeles Rams Minnesota Vikings San Francisco 49ers Washington Commanders

Malcom Brown, Patriots Agree To Terms

By | at June 19, 2015 11:11 am

The Patriots have reached an agreement on a rookie contract with first-round defensive tackle Malcom Brown, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). The deal ensures that second overall pick Marcus Mariota is the only first-round pick who remains unsigned.

According to one post-draft report, the Patriots were very open to trading the 32nd overall pick, but opted to keep it when they didn’t the return they wanted. In fact, one erroneous report on draft night suggested that New England had agreed to move the pick, but landing Brown at No. 32 viewed as a good value, and a nice fit for the team.

Per Over The Cap, Brown’s four-year pact with the Patriots features a signing bonus worth about $3.797MM, and a four-year value of approximately $7.613MM. Landon Collins, the 33rd overall pick, agreed to terms earlier today and received a signing bonus worth about $1MM less than Brown’s, so the former Texas Longhorn was fortunate to be a first-rounder. Coming off the board in the first round means his contract will also include a fifth-year option for 2019.

The Patriots have now locked up all 11 of their draft picks, becoming the 29th of 32 NFL teams to finish signing their draftees. Only the Titans, Colts, and Raiders still have picks to sign.

0 comments 2015 NFL Draft New England Patriots Newsstand Transactions

Chris Ogbonnaya Announces Retirement

By | at June 19, 2015 10:44 am

Journeyman NFL running back Chris Ogbonnaya has decided to end his playing career, the veteran announced today. Ogbonnaya officially confirmed his retirement in a post on his Instagram account.

“From no football, to Strake Jesuit, to Texas, and then to the NFL, it has been a pleasantly surprising ride,” Ogbonnaya wrote. “It is with great thankfulness to God and appreciation of my family, coaches, and fans that I announce my retirement from football. It has been an absolute privilege to play this game that I love, and I look forward to my continued involvement in the future.”

Ogbonnaya, who turned 29 last month, was selected in the seventh round of the 2009 draft by the Rams, but only ended up carrying the ball 11 times for St. Louis before moving on. The former Texas Longhorn had stops with the Browns, Texans, Panthers, and Giants over the next several years, seeing his most extensive action in Cleveland in 2011 and 2013. For his career, Ogbonnaya finished with 710 rushing yards on 158 carries, with two touchdowns. He added another 714 yards and two TDs through the air on 96 receptions.

Most recently, Ogbonnaya was with the Giants, having signed a new contract with the club back in March. However, he was cut by New York in May, and wasn’t on an NFL roster when he made his decision to retire.

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