Kluwe Expects Legal Battle To End NFL Career
WEDNESDAY, 12:35pm: In an email to PFR’s Dallas Robinson, Halunen indicated that he and Kluwe will continue to talk to the Vikings rather than filing the lawsuit today.
“I have spoken with the Vikings lawyer Joe Anthony and we have agreed to recommend to our clients that they continue with their conversations,” Halunen said. “We will not be taking any action pending the completion of those discussions.”
Speaking to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (Twitter links), Halunen added that no deadline for a resolution has been set, but that he expects to determine soon whether or not further talks will be productive.
TUESDAY, 9:20am: Chris Kluwe and attorney Clayton Halunen are expected to file a lawsuit against the Vikings on Wednesday, and the veteran punter anticipates that the “protracted legal battle” that follows will result in his retirement from the NFL, according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
“I’m pretty sure that will end my career,” Kluwe said. “I doubt there will be many teams that want me on their roster with a lawsuit against another team at the same time. But this is something that I think is important.“
Having sat out the 2013 season and accused the Vikings of releasing him because of his outspoken views on same-sex marriage, Kluwe was perhaps already a long shot to return to the NFL, though his numbers during his last several seasons in Minnesota were respectable. The 32-year-old has stayed in shape in the hopes of continuing his career, but hasn’t heard from any NFL clubs since his allegations became public in January.
For now then, Kluwe will focus on the legal battle with the Vikings, who upset Kluwe and Halunen by not releasing the full 150-page investigative report put together by an independent firm. According to Kluwe, the suit will be for lost past and future earnings, emotional distress and defamation of character, and will seek “in excess of $10MM.” Any money the punter may be awarded would be donated to LGBT causes.
Vernon Davis Reports To 49ers’ Camp
11:47am: Despite reporting to camp, Davis is still seeking a new contract and is “definitely” not interested in moving forward without a raise, a source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. The tight end’s decision to attend training camp was a result of a few factors, including the desire to avoid daily $30K fines for his absence.
11:27am: While Davis is present at San Francisco’s training camp, the team doesn’t expect Boone to follow suit, tweets Bill Williamson of ESPN.com, adding that the offensive lineman is “bent on getting a new deal by any means necessary.” Ian Rapoport of NFL.com and Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports also both hear that Boone won’t be reporting (Twitter links).
11:01am: Tight end Vernon Davis, who is seeking a new contract from the 49ers, has nonetheless reported to training camp, according to teammate C.J. Spillman, who posted a video of Davis’ arrival on Instagram. After Davis wasn’t in attendance at the club’s spring workouts and minicamp, it wasn’t clear if he would be present when training camp got underway, but it seems he won’t officially hold out.
Davis’ presence at training camp doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s putting his contract situation on the back-burner. It may be that the 30-year-old took notice when the 49ers agreed to an extension with Joe Staley – who was underpaid but not holding out – and decided his attendance at camp could help the two sides negotiate in good faith.
Although Davis may feel as if he’s not being paid what he deserves, he’s still among the league’s highest-paid tight ends by annual average value and has two years remaining on his current deal, so his leverage in contract talks will be limited. The team also has to address a potential new contract for fellow holdout candidate Alex Boone and extensions for Michael Crabtree and Mike Iupati, so it will be interesting to see whether the Niners feel compelled to get anything done with Davis.
NFC Notes: Orakpo, Redskins, Rolle, Panthers
Brian Orakpo‘s long-term future with the Redskins remains up in the air, but he vows not to let his contract uncertainty bother him during the upcoming season, as he tells Brian McNally of the Washington Times.
“You can talk about contracts and this and that. Throw all that out the window, man,” Orakpo said. “I’m signed for the 2014 season. I need to go out there and make plays. I need to go out there and be a force. That’s what I’ve been working extremely hard at because this defense relies on myself to go out there and make big plays so we can get off the field.”
Here’s more from around the NFC:
- During most of his time as general manager for the Redskins and Buccaneers, Bruce Allen has shared decision-making responsibility with a head coach (Mike Shanahan and Jon Gruden, respectively). However, with Shanahan no longer in Washington, the GM has “unprecedented authority to direct the franchise,” writes Jason Reid of the Washington Post.
- Entering the final season of his five-year contract with the Giants, Antrel Rolle has yet to discuss an extension with the team, according to Tom Rock of Newsday. While Rolle would like to continue playing with the Giants beyond 2014, he acknowledges that “it’s possible” he’ll end up elsewhere, downplaying the need to focus on his contract situation at this point.
- Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer takes a look at Charlotte native Brenton Bersin‘s quest to earn a spot on the Panthers‘ regular-season roster in 2014.
Owner Pat Bowlen Resigns Control Of Broncos
Longtime Broncos owner Pat Bowlen is giving up control over the franchise due to his ongoing battle with Alzheimer’s disease, according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post. The 70-year-old is placing ownership in the Pat Bowlen Trust that is controlled by non-family members, with team president Joe Ellis assuming control of the club.
“It’s a really, really sad day,” Ellis said. “It’s sad for his family, his wife and his seven children. It’s sad for everyone in the organization. And it’s sad for all the Bronco fans who know what Pat Bowlen meant to them as an owner. It’s a day nobody wanted to see happen.”
As the Broncos explain in a statement of their own, Bowlen’s hope is to eventually transfer control of the franchise to one of his seven children. For now, Ellis will have the final say on decisions related to the franchise, having been named the team’s CEO in addition to its president. The veteran executive will represent the Broncos for all league matters.
Bowlen purchased the Broncos franchise in 1984, and has overseen the team’s two Super Bowl wins since then, as well as its other four appearances in the championship game. During Bowlen’s tenure, the club has endured just five losing seasons, and has racked up 16 postseason appearances.
Minor Moves: Saints, Rams, Browns, Bills
The NFL’s transactions wire is picking up as we approach the end of July, with notable players like Joel Dreessen and Larry English involved in roster moves today. Several teams have finalized a series of more under-the-radar moves as well, which we’ll round up right here:
- The Buccaneers have signed linebacker Jeremy Grable and offensive tackle J.B. Shugarts, according to Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune (on Twitter). To help make room for the duo, the Bucs released cornerback D.J. Moore.
- Former Ravens linebacker Adrian Hamilton has signed with the Chargers, according to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego (on Twitter).
- The Saints have signed nose tackle Tyrone Ezell and linebacker Marcus Thompson, clearing roster spots for the new additions by cutting nose tackle Moses McCray and waiving outside linebacker Cheta Ozougwu with a failed physical designation. The team has the details on its newest signees in a press release.
- The Rams completed a series of roster moves today, signing four players – linebacker Pat Schiller, linebacker Lawrence Wilson, offensive tackle D.J. Morrell, and offensive tackle R.J. Dill – and cutting four others — offensive lineman Abasi Salimu, wideout Dionte Spencer, linebacker Caleb McSurdy, and linebacker Tavarius Wilson (Twitter links via Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com).
- A day after being cut by the Chargers, center Nick McDonald has been claimed off waivers by the Browns, tweets Brian McIntyre. Cleveland had an opening on its 90-man roster, so no corresponding move is necessary to make room for the offensive lineman.
- One linebacker has been swapped for another in Buffalo, where the Bills signed Western Kentucky product Xavius Boyd to a contract after having waived-injured Darrin Kitchens, who is dealing with a lower body injury (Twitter links via Mike Rodak of ESPN.com).
- The Texans have waived fullback Brad Smelley and defensive end Tim Jackson, and also signed tight end Chris Coyle, according to Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter links). As ESPN.com’s Adam Caplan tweets, Jackson received the “failure to disclose physical condition” designation when he was cut.
- That “failure to disclose physical condition” designation is rarely used, but linebacker Billy Boyko also received it when he was waived by the Panthers, according to Caplan (Twitter link).
- Caplan also tweets that former Broncos safety Eric Hagg has officially been placed on the team’s reserve/retired list. We heard yesterday that Hagg had decided to retire.
NFC Links: Giants, Bucs, Eagles, Mathieu
After rounding up a few odds and ends from out of the AFC earlier today, let’s shift our focus to the league’s other conference, and check out the latest from around the NFC….
- Former Super Bowl hero David Tyree has been hired by the Giants as the team’s director of player development, according to a press release.
- Running back Bobby Rainey, guard Carl Nicks, and defensive end Da’Quan Bowers are among the veteran Buccaneers who may find themselves fighting for roster spots in training camp this summer, writes Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.
- Although he thinks Brent Celek, Trent Cole, and Riley Cooper are a few Eagles with good contracts, Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap picks Jason Kelce’s as the team’s best deal. On the other end of the spectrum, James Casey’s contract qualifies as the least team-friendly one on Philadelphia’s books, says Fitzgerald.
- Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu has parted ways with agent Pat Lawlor, tweets Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports. Having just been drafted a year ago, Mathieu is still several seasons from free agency.
- Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times takes an extended look at Bears capologist Cliff Stein, who takes the lead in contract negotiations and helped the team determine how to sign Jared Allen and dozens of other free agents this offseason.
Falcons To Sign Pat Angerer
The Falcons have reached an agreement with free agent linebacker Pat Angerer, a source tells Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Wilson had reported earlier today that Angerer auditioned for Atlanta, and it didn’t take long for the team to extend a contract offer to the former Colt.
Angerer, 27, racked up 226 tackles in his first two NFL seasons but has played more sparsely over the last two years, in part due to foot and knee injuries. Back in April it was reported that the 27-year-old had received interest from multiple clubs but wanted to make sure he was back to 100% health before working out for anyone. The audition for the Falcons was believed to be Angerer’s first of the offseason.
Atlanta has been on the lookout for veteran help at the linebacker spot since receiving word that Sean Weatherspoon ruptured his Achilles tendon and will miss the 2014 season. The Falcons signed former Texan Tim Dobbins to compete for a roster spot and were said to be considering Angerer several weeks ago, before agreeing to terms with him.
In addition to Angerer, wide receiver Jeremy Ebert will also sign with the Falcons, according to agent Mike McCartney (via Twitter). By our count, the team two open roster spots heading into today, so no corresponding moves should be necessary to make room.
Broncos Cut Joel Dreessen
The Broncos have released tight end Joel Dreessen with a failed physical designation, the team announced today in a press release. Dreessen had missed the team’s spring workouts and practices due to ongoing knee issues.
Dreessen, who turns 32 this Saturday, spent two seasons with the Broncos after five years in Houston and one with the Jets. Although he established career highs in receptions (41) and games started (15) in 2012, his production was significantly reduced in 2013, due to health issues and the emergence of Julius Thomas.
Only Dreessen’s prorated bonus, worth about $667K, will count against Denver’s cap in 2014 now that he has been cut. The team will avoid paying his $2.5MM base salary and create some cap savings, which could be used toward an extension for the Broncos’ new starting tight end (Thomas) or wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.
Latest On Andre Johnson
2:42pm: Johnson’s agent, Kennard McGuire, made a statement today on Johnson’s situation, as Brian T. Smith passes along at the Houston Chronicle:
“I am not refuting, confirming or denying any reports or stories,” McGuire said. “Per the collective bargaining agreement, there’s a period in which veteran players are not allowed to participate or be in their team’s facilities and that period is as such. While I am personally in contact with the Texans organization, those conversations will remain between myself, the organization and Andre Johnson.”
2:05pm: A source with knowledge of the situation tells James Palmer of CSN Houston it’s looking more likely that Johnson will show up later this week when the Texans’ training camp gets underway. Palmer notes that the veteran wideout has spoken to O’Brien several times this offseason.
12:48pm: While there are a handful of players who appear likely to hold out when training camps get underway, none have the résumé that seven-time Pro Bowler Andre Johnson does, and the wideout’s potential attendance at Texans’ camp remains up in the air. ESPN.com’s Tania Ganguli reported today that Johnson arrived Monday at the team’s facility in order to learn Bill O’Brien‘s offense, which seems to be a positive sign for Houston. However, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link) and Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle both hear from sources that Johnson’s appearance has no significance on whether or not he’ll report for camp on Friday.
Johnson, 33, is frustrated with the Texans, who are coming off a 2-14 season and are employing their sixth different offensive coordinator since Johnson joined the team in 2003. The former third overall pick skipped the Texans’ voluntary workouts this spring, as well as their mandatory minicamp, but so far the club has seemed unwilling to make any concessions in the standoff. If Houston does reach a compromise with Johnson, it’s unlikely to come in the form of a trade, as the team reportedly has no interest in such a move.
Jerome Solomon (Twitter links) and John McClain of the Houston Chronicle have both indicated that they expect Johnson to report to training camp, while Rapoport (Twitter link) has expressed skepticism. We should get a little more clarity on the receiver’s status within the next few days, as the Texans’ first practice of the summer is scheduled for Saturday morning.
Pat Angerer Works Out For Falcons
As training camp nears, the Falcons still have two openings on their 90-man roster, and it appears they’re considering a veteran defender for one of those open spots. According to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post, free agent linebacker Pat Angerer worked out for Atlanta today.
Angerer, 27, racked up 226 tackles in his first two NFL seasons but has played more sparsely over the last two years, in part due to foot and knee injuries. Back in April it was reported that the 27-year-old had received interest from multiple clubs but wanted to make sure he was back to 100% health before working out for anyone. The audition for the Falcons appears to be Angerer’s first of the offseason.
The Falcons have been on the lookout for veteran help at the linebacker spot since receiving word that Sean Weatherspoon ruptured his Achilles tendon and will miss the 2014 season. The club signed former Texan Tim Dobbins to compete for a roster spot and was said to be considering Angerer several weeks ago.
We’ll have to wait to see whether or not the ex-Colt receives a contract offer from Atlanta, but regardless of whether Angerer signs, the club is likely to fill its 90-man roster by Friday, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (via Twitter).