NFC Notes: Bradford, Vikings, Rams, Mason
Peter King of The MMQB spoke with Vikings GM Rick Spielman about the Sam Bradford trade and how it unfolded. As Spielman explained, teams all around the league were asking for a fortune to part with their veteran quarterbacks.
“I made a bunch of calls. I am not gonna mention teams. But there was blood in the water and teams knew it. The price was too high,” the Vikings GM said. “I didn’t want to mortgage our future. Some teams asked for a first-round pick and a core young player. I can understand the pick. But we worked too hard over the past three years to put all that time and energy into drafting and developing a solid core of this team. I was taken aback who they were asking for. Players who’d been in the Pro Bowl. I mean, in the off-season you’ve got time. There’s not blood in the water in the off-season. But now there was.”
The Vikings paid a big price to land Bradford, but they didn’t part with anyone currently on their roster. While some observers have said that the Vikings gave up too much to get the former No. 1 overall pick, it sounds like the Vikes would have had to give up as much or more for any other established QB.
Here’s more from the NFC:
- Not only is Tre Mason not on the Rams roster, but the team has not spoken directly with the troubled quarterback in some time, as Mike Florio of PFT writes. “Tre Mason is on our Reserve/Did Not Report list, that’s where he stands,” coach Jeff Fisher told reporters this weekend. “We’ve been in communication with the family, not Tre, but with the family. The organization’s position, including the league and the [NFL] Players Association, is to take care of him and help him to get the help that he needs to get through this life crisis that he’s having.” Mason can return to the team at any time until the Tuesday after Week 10 and he will be unpaid until he does. If/when he reports, the Rams will have to decide how to handle him from a roster perspective. Of course, Mason has demons to deal with before he can even consider returning to football.
- Carson Wentz ran a pro-style offense at North Dakota State, and the Eagles believe that has prepared him well to start right away in the NFL, as Lorenzo Reyes of USA Today writes. With the Bison, Wentz used a lot of play-action passes, shotgun plays, zone-reads, and power sweeps. “Some guys don’t even do half those things,” Wentz said in April. “A lot of the stuff we did (at NDSU) was similar to what you see in the NFL. We just called it something different..“Any time we were in two-minute, I called it. Unless it was a huddle play and I would get it from the sidelines. But even some of those calls, I could change at the line.” Last week, the Eagles’ faith in Wentz allowed them to trade Bradford to Minnesota for substantial draft pick compensation.
- Former Bears kicker says he’s Robbie Gould definitely not retiring, Adam Jahns of the Chicago Tribune tweets. Gould still plans to kick this year and beyond, Jahns adds, and he has a few teams vying for his services. The Bears cut Gould earlier this week.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/7/16
Here are Wednesday’s practice squad signings and cuts from around the NFL:
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: TE Gerald Christian, DT Deandre Coleman
- Cut: S Damian Parms (Twitter link via Mike Rodak of ESPN.com)
Chicago Bears
- Signed: OT Laurence Gibson (Twitter link via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune)
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: LB P.J. Dawson (Twitter link via Jim Owczarski of the Cincinnati Enquirer)
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: DE Chris McCain (Twitter link via Todd Archer of ESPN.com)
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: TE Devon Cajuste (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky) www.espn.com/espn/now?nowId=21-0565217041112373473-4
- Cut: LB Beniquez Brown
New England Patriots
- Signed: LB Quentin Gause
- Cut: DE Rufus Johnson (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss)
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: DT Ashaad Mabry (link via Herbie Teope of the Times-Picayune)
Eagles Trade CB Eric Rowe To Patriots
WEDNESDAY, 1:34pm: The fourth-round pick sent from the Patriots to the Eagles will become a third-round choice if Rowe plays in 50% of the team’s snaps in either 2016 or 2017, a source tells Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer (on Twitter).
9:09am: The Eagles have confirmed the deal via press release.
TUESDAY, 6:06pm: As noted here, Kline will not be part of the return for Rowe, but it’s not due to a physical issue, tweets Tom Curran of CSNNE.com. The rest of the trade remains intact, so the Eagles will still receive a conditional fourth-round pick.
10:46am: The Eagles are trading cornerback Eric Rowe to the Patriots for offensive lineman Josh Kline and a draft pick, league sources tell Mike Reiss and Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The pick going from the Pats to the Eagles is a conditional 2018 fourth-round pick that can become a third-round choice based on Rowe’s play time in 2016 or 2017, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). 
During his rookie campaign, Rowe appeared in all 16 games (starting five), and played on about 40% of the Philadelphia’s defense snaps. In that time, Rowe posted one interception, five passes defensed, and 24 tackles. He didn’t appear ticketed for a starting job this year under new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, however, with Nolan Carroll, Leodis McKelvin, and Ron Brooks on the depth chart as the Eagles’ top three defensive backs.
The Patriots paid a hefty price for Rowe, a player who found himself on the bubble in Philadelphia this summer. By giving up a valuable future draft choice for him, the Pats are signaling that they have big plans for Rowe or – at the very least – they are badly in need of reinforcements in the secondary. Rowe’s deal carries cap numbers of $1.1MM in 2016, $1.3MM in 2017, $1.5MM in 2018.
For weeks, the Eagles have been shopping Rowe and they found a deal today that will bring them some much-needed help on the offensive line. Kline, 26, joined the Patriots in 2013 as an undrafted free agent out of Kent State. After getting four starts in his first two seasons, Kline became a full-time starter last year. In November, the Pats extended the guard through the 2017 season.
De facto GM Howie Roseman hasn’t been afraid to deal away players acquired by former head coach Chip Kelly, as he’s already shipped out Byron Maxwell, Kiko Alonso, and DeMarco Murray. Now, we can add Rowe to the list of Kelly guys jettisoned by the Eagles’ top exec.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Saints To Cut QB Garrett Grayson
Last year, the Saints drafted Garrett Grayson with the hope that he would be the eventual heir to Drew Brees at quarterback. Unfortunately, Grayson was not quite as good as they hoped. Today, the Saints have released the quarterback, according to Mike Florio of PFT (on Twitter). 
Grayson struggled through the preseason and the team auditioned quarterbacks late in the summer as a result. After the team’s third preseason contest against the Steelers, coach Sean Payton laid into the second-year QB.
“He struggled tonight. I was disappointed with a couple of those plays,” Payton said. “The interception to the running back is poor; and obviously, he gets blinded on the linebacker throw and forces it. So that was troubling. He had a good play early on with the touchdown pass, but I would like to see him further along at this point than he is.”
The former Colorado State Ram was slated to open the season as the No. 3 QB on the depth chart behind Luke McCown and Brees. The release of Grayson could make room for the return of Jahri Evans.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Bills’ Seantrel Henderson Suspended
As if the Bills didn’t have enough suspensions. Offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson has been hit with a four-game ban, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The Bills have confirmed the news via press release. Henderson’s pending substance-abuse suspension is related to a treatment he received for his Crohn’s disease and he is therefore appealing, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. 
[RELATED: Bills Sign Brandon Tate]
Henderson started all 16 games in his rookie season in Buffalo, and had started 10 games for the team in 2015 before he was sidelined with Crohn’s. In May, head coach Rex Ryan and some of Henderson’s teammates indicated that they had not heard from him in some time. There were also rumblings that Henderson’s heart wasn’t in playing football and some teammates indicated that he had a problem with marijuana. The Bills were able to draft Henderson in the seventh round of the 2014 draft in part because of his multiple failed drug tests at the University of Miami. He also reportedly tested positive for marijuana at the scouting combine.
This is the Bills’ third substance-abuse policy suspension this year, which could result in the NFL fining the club under remittance policy, as Mike Rodak of ESPN.com notes (on Twitter). Earlier this year, the Bills also saw defensive tackle Marcell Dareus and linebacker Manny Lawson hit with suspensions from the league office. Lawson has since been released.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Payton: Jahri Evans A “Realistic Possibility”
The Saints have made a couple of post 53-man cutdown moves but they might not be done tinkering with the roster. On Tuesday, the Saints met with old friend Jahri Evans and coach Sean Payton says that his return “is a realistic possibility,” as Mike Triplett of ESPN.com tweets. 
[RELATED: Saints, Drew Brees Close To Extension]
Over the course of ten seasons in New Orleans, Evans started in all 153 of his appearances and earned four first-team All-Pro nods. However, knee and ankle injuries limited him to 11 games in 2015 and he was cut loose this offseason for cap reasons. Evans hooked on with the Seahawks in early August, but he was released last week after he failed to win a starting job.
Now, he could circle back to New Orleans on a cheaper deal. If the Saints do in fact move former first-round pick Andrus Peat to left guard, Evans could start on the right side. Based on Payton’s comments, it sounds like a deal could go down by the end of the weak.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Eagles Extend Caleb Sturgis
The Eagles have signed kicker Caleb Sturgis to a one-year contract extension through the 2017 season, according to ESPN’s Field Yates (on Twitter). Sturgis’ new deal calls for a base salary of $900K in 2017, $250K of which is guaranteed. Sturgis can also earn additional money through escalators. The team has confirmed the deal via press release.
[RELATED: Eagles Shopping Offensive Linemen]
Sturgis battled it out with one-time fantasy football hero Cody Parkey this summer and came away with the job. Now, the Eagles are making a significant commitment to him beyond the 2016 season.
Sturgis, 27 on Friday, has made 73 of his 93 career field goals, good for a career 78.5% mark. Last season, he sank 18 of his 22 tries for Philly, giving him a career-best 81.8% conversion rate. He also made 98.2% of the extended extra points.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Patriots Release Josh Kline
It has been a weird 24 hours for Josh Kline. On Tuesday, he was reportedly traded to the Eagles, only to have Philadelphia shop him immediately after acquiring him. Then, he was removed from the trade, but not for a physical issue. This morning, the Patriots released him, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). 
Kline, 26, joined the Patriots in 2013 as an undrafted free agent out of Kent State. After getting four starts in his first two seasons, Kline became a full-time starter last year. In November, the Pats extended the guard through the 2017 season. The deal carried a base value of $3.3MM with a ceiling of $4.9MM. For one reason or another, neither the Patriots nor the Eagles were interested in paying that out.
Last year, the advanced metrics at Pro Football Focus ranked Kline No. 37 among all guards in the NFL out of 81 qualified players. PFF gave Kline a better grade for his run blocking ability (78.5) than his pass blocking (67.9), resulting in a 73.6 overall score. In 2015, PFF considered him roughly even in both areas.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
NFL Workout Updates: 9/6/16
A couple NFC South teams held large tryout sessions today, and the Saints ended up signing a player — veteran corner Sterling Moore — after he auditioned for them earlier today. Let’s take a look at some more news from the workout front:
- Facing a kicker crisis, the Giants worked out placekickers Cody Parkey, Shayne Graham, and Aldrick Rosas today, reports Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com, though New York is unlikely to sign anyone from the group, according to Ralph Vacchiano of SNY (Twitter link). Per Raanan, the Giants also worked out a large group of offensive lineman that included Vlad Ducasse, Mackenzy Bernadeau.
- The Patriots worked out the following defensive backs today (via Doug Kyed of NESN on Twitter): Mike Hilton, Trae Elston, Stefan McClure, JaCorey Shepherd, Kevin Short. New England was trying out players for the final spot on its practice squad, and Hilton ultimately earned the job.
- The Jaguars worked out former Houston inside linebacker Reshard Cliett today, according to a source who spoke with Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (on Twitter). The fast former South Florida standout was let go by Houston prior to the 53-man cut. Jacksonville also worked out linebacker Luke Rhodes today, but they didn’t offer him a deal right away, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times tweets.
- Former Cincinnati receiver Mekale McKay was part of a Buccaneers’ workout earlier today, and he’ll next try out for the Patriots on Wednesday, according to Auman (Twitter link).
- The Packers auditioned defensive tackle Rodney Coe today, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. Coe participated in training camp with the Cowboys.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/6/16
Here are Tuesday’s practice squad signings and cuts from around the NFL:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: QB Aaron Murray, QB Zac Dysert (team announcement)
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: WR Nick Williams (Twitter link via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution), DL Joe Vellano (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com)
- Cut: DT Joey Mbu (Twitter link via Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com)
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: QB David Fales (Twitter link via Adam Caplan of ESPN.com), G Jarell Broxton (Twitter link via Jeff Zrebiec of The Baltimore Sun)
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: LB Carlos Fields, DB Damian Parms (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle)
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: LB Jeremiah George, T Keavon Milton (Twitter link via David Moore of the Dallas Morning News)
- Cut: DE Ryan Russell, LB Deon King
Houston Texans
- Signed: DT Brandon Dunn, OL Joseph Cheek (link via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle)
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: ILB Ramik Wilson, G Jordan Devey, CB Julian Wilson, CB Terrance Mitchell (Twitter link via Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star)
- Cut: LB Tyrell Adams, C Daniel Munyer, S Shak Randolph, S Brock Vereen (link via Paylor)
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: T Carter Bykowski (Twitter link via Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press)
- Cut: CB Tre Roberson
New England Patriots
- Signed: DB Mike Hilton (Twitter link via Doug Kyed of NESN), S Vinnie Sunseri (Twitter link via Kyed)
New York Jets
- Signed: RB/KR Raheem Mostert (Twitter link via agent Brett Tessler), CB Dexter McDougle, S Ronald Martin, and RB Dominique Williams (Twitter link via Ralph Vacchiano of SNY)
New Orleans Saints
- Cut: LB Tony Steward (Twitter link via Herbie Teope of NOLA.com)
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: OL Takoby Cofield
Tennessee Titans:
- Signed: WR Tre McBride (Twitter link via Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com)
- Cut: WR Ben Roberts