Orleans Darkwa Back To Full Health
Former Giants running back Orleans Darkwa is said to be “100%” recovered from his Achilles tear (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com). Darkwa is ready to sign with a team, Schefter hears, so it might not be long before he gets back on the gridiron. 
Darkwa tore the Achilles tendon in his right leg during an October audition with the Jaguars, a frustrating setback after he had a plate surgically removed from his leg last offseason. The 27-year-old was coming off his most productive NFL season in 2017, rushing for 751 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 171 carries.
Previously, the Giants offered him a contract that would have kept him in New York, and he also received interest from the Redskins, Patriots, and Bills. Darkwa turned down a one-year, ~$1MM contract from the Redskins in August of last year, but he might have to settle for a deal in that ballpark if he hopes to play in 2018.
Football Outsiders ranked Darkwa as a top-25 running back in both DYAR and DVOA in 2017, meaning that he was both effective overall and efficient on a per-play basis. Furthermore, Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics highlighted his ability to create his own yardage.
Broncos, Chris Harris Nearing Deal
The Broncos and Chris Harris Jr. are “extremely close” to a new one-year deal, according to Mike Klis of 9News (on Twitter). With the final week of OTAs starting on Wednesday, both sides hoping to reach agreement today. 
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Harris is set to earn $8.9MM this year in salary and bonuses. Initially, Harris was pushing for more than $15MM per year on a multi-year extension, but he has since backed down from that asking price. The Broncos are unwilling to tack additional years on to his pact, but they are apparently willing to give him a pay bump for 2019.
Last year, the Broncos mollified Harris’ extension request with a similar measure. A $3MM incentive package got the job done in 2018, but one has to imagine that GM John Elway will have to give more this time around.
Harris appeared in 12 games and posted three interceptions a year ago before suffering a fractured fibula in early December. Pro Football Focus graded Harris, who spent 58% of his time in the slot, as the third-best cornerback in the NFL.
Steelers’ Mike Hilton Pushing For New Deal
Cornerback Mike Hilton has yet to ink his exclusive rights free agent tender and continues to push the club for a new deal, as Chris Adamski of the Tribune-Review writes. But, while Hilton waits to see how things play out between team brass and agent Drew Rosenhaus, he is participating in OTAs. 
As an ERFA, Hilton has no real leverage: he can either accept a minimum salary pact from the Steelers, or decide not to play football in 2019. ERFAs and restricted free agents do hold one advantage over other young players who were drafted, however, as they can receive extensions after only two seasons, whereas drafted players must wait at least three years.
Hilton, one of the better slot corners in the league, has appeared in 31 games over the past two seasons, posting three interceptions and five sacks during that span. Meanwhile, he added seven or eight pounds of muscle to his frame in order to build on that production in 2019.
“It was intentional,” the 25-year-old said. “Especially coming off my (elbow) injury, I feel like if I get stronger, I will be able to handle that type of weight.”
The Steelers gave ERFA left tackle Alejandro Villanueva a new deal in 2017 after he practiced with the team in the offseason, so there’s reason to believe that Hilton can also get a fresh contract out of the team.
Raiders To Sign Richie Incognito
The Raiders have agreed to sign offensive lineman Richie Incognito, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). It’s a one-year, minimum salary deal for the controversial veteran as he makes his return to the NFL, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM (on Twitter) adds. 
There has been longstanding mutual interest between the Raiders and Incognito, but the team debated the signing internally because of the suspension that is likely coming down the pike. Ultimately, they didn’t see much risk in adding Incognito on a cheap deal that they can easily shed if things don’t work out.
The former Rams, Bills and Dolphins guard has a checkered past, but he’s also a proven commodity on the field. In 2017, Incognito graded out as the 12th best guard in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus. He ranked seventh amongst all guards in 2016 and second in ’15, making him the Bills’ top-rated offensive lineman in that three year period. He also earned his third straight Pro Bowl nod in 2017, giving him four in total.
Last year, Incognito agreed to a pay cut with the Bills only to “retire” for a short time and force his release from Buffalo. Days after his release, Florida cops placed Incognito in a mental hospital after he hurled weights at a gym and told officers that the government is spying on him. Incognito claimed that he drew interest even after that event, but as far as we know, the Raiders were the only team to show any interest in him this year.
On the plus side, Incognito is reportedly feeling well, both mentally and physically. If that’s the case, Incognito could factor into the Raiders’ starting left guard competition following the trade of Kelechi Osemele to the Jets. The Raiders say that Gabe Jackson will remain on the right side, which currently leaves Denzelle Good as the leader in the clubhouse at LG.
NFL To Investigate Cowboys’ Ezekiel Elliott
The NFL will likely review Ezekiel Elliott‘s Las Vegas incident to determine whether he violated the terms of previous suspension guidelines, Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports hears. Elliott, who was banned for six games for alleged acts of physical abuse against an ex-girlfriend, could theoretically be hit with another suspension from the league office. 
When asked about Elliott’s latest issue last week, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters, “I don’t see that having any consequences for us.” Jones may be outwardly confident, but Robinson hears the Cowboys believe that the running back has been unfairly put under a microscope by commissioner Roger Goodell.
Elliott was briefly handcuffed at a concert earlier this month after bumping a security guard and TMZ procured video of the incident. If the NFL finds that Elliott “threatened physical violence against another person,” that could spell trouble for the 23-year-old (24 in July).
Poll: Which Rookie RB Will Rush For Most Yards In 2019?
Last year, the Giants pounced on the opportunity to take Saquon Barkley at No. 2 overall. The decision to use a high draft pick on a running back was panned by some, but, so far, things have panned out just fine. The Penn State product rushed for 1,307 yards, led the NFL with 2,028 total scrimmage yards, and averaged 5.0 yards per carry, despite the Giants’ overall offensive struggles. 
Barkley wasn’t the only gem in last year’s class – Sony Michel (Patriots, No. 31 overall), Nick Chubb (Browns, No. 35 overall), and Kerryon Johnson (Lions, No. 43 overall) all showed serious promise for the future.
This year’s crop of running backs is not believed to be on the same level, nor was there a consensus top RB like Barkley, which complicates projections for rookie production. A look at some of this year’s strongest contenders to lead the pack in rushing yards:
- Joshua Jacobs, Raiders: At No. 24 overall, Jacobs was the first running back taken in the 2019 draft. Even then, many in the football world felt that Mike Mayock & Co. reached for the Alabama product. Of course, after taking Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell No. 4 overall, the Raiders showed that they aren’t afraid of bucking convention. Jacobs rushed for just 640 yards in his final year on campus, which doesn’t necessarily point to major production as an NFL rookie. But, with Marshawn Lynch no longer in the fold, there’s a clear opportunity for Jacobs to shine, provided that he can get a larger share of work than Doug Martin.
- Miles Sanders, Eagles: Another running back was not selected until 29 picks later when the Eagles took Sanders towards the back end of the second round. Lauded for his size and power, Sanders has the potential to break tackles early and gut out the tough yards. On the other hand, he’ll have to push past newcomer Jordan Howard and last year’s leading rusher Josh Adams in order to carve out opportunities.
- Darrell Henderson, Rams: Could Todd Gurley‘s backup lead rookie RBs in rushing? Well, that depends on Gurley’s health, and there are plenty of question marks in that regard after the star’s disappointing finish to the 2018 season. Henderson had more touchdowns (22), yards (1,909), and yards per carry (8.9) than anyone else in this year’s draft class, so he could be one snap away from a monster freshman year.
- David Montgomery, Bears: With Tarik Cohen slotted for serious work in the passing game, the stage could be set for Montgomery to serve as the Bears’ top rusher. Montgomery topped 250 rushing attempts in each of his final seasons at Iowa State and averaged 4.7 yards per carry in his final collegiate campaign.
- Devin Singletary, Bills: LeSean McCoy is the man in Buffalo – for now. The Bills say they’re moving forward with McCoy, but if he’s released or traded, Singletary could easily edge Frank Gore and T.J. Yeldon for the starting gig. Singletary bombed at the combine, but his track record for powering into the end zone should make him a favorite of offensive coordinator Brian Daboll early on.
Will one of those five RBs take the crown, or will it be another rookie rusher? Vote in the poll below (link for app users) and back up your choice in the comment section.
Keith Mumphery Attempting Comeback
Two years ago, the Texans released wide receiver Keith Mumphery upon learning that he was expelled from Michigan State for an alleged sexual misconduct violation. Now, after settling a federal lawsuit with the school, Mumphrey is looking for another NFL opportunity. 
“It’s all love for the Texans,” the 26-year-old told Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “I understand why they released me, it was bad PR for them at that time. They gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I understand the NFL is a business. I appreciate the opportunity they gave me. It’s something I always dreamed of as a little kid. I thank them for the opportunity. They saw something in me. I was the first person from my hometown to go to the NFL. Now, it’s about getting a second chance.”
Mumphery and his accuser had conflicting stories after their encounter in 2015. The woman claimed she was sexually assaulted by the wide receiver in her dorm room while she was drunk. Mumphery, meanwhile, maintains that the woman seduced him and that he stopped the encounter when she refused to have him use protection.
After the police investigation ended, the Michigan State Title IX office went on to clear Mumphery, but the woman appealed and Mumphery was not notified of the case being reopened. During the appeal, Mumphery was found responsible for violating the school’s policy on relationship violence and sexual misconduct. Mumphery fought back against the school with a lawsuit and recently received an undisclosed financial settlement.
Mumphery, a fifth-round pick in 2015, caught 24 passes for 198 yards in two seasons for the Texans prior to his release. He also contributed in the return game with averages of 7.8 yards per punt return and 24.1 yards per kickoff return as a rookie.
Latest On Jets’ GM Search
The Jets plan to interview roughly six candidates for their GM vacancy, Albert Breer of The MMQB hears. So far, the Jets have requested interviews with four execs: George Paton (Vikings), Scott Fitterer (Seahawks), Joe Douglas (Eagles), and Champ Kelly (Bears).
Douglas and Kelly both have relationships with head coach Adam Gase and Breer continues to view Douglas as the favorite for the job, despite the Jets’ plans to cast a wide net in their search. Meanwhile, as of this writing, no interviews have been requested for the Lions’ Lance Newmark or the 49ers’ Adam Peters, two other buddies of Gase.
The Jets plan to start the interview process this week with owner/CEO Christopher Johnson and SVP Hymie Elhai, a Johnson family confidant, leading the way. Gase says Johnson will make the final call, though he is hoping for a GM that aligns with him philosophically.
Broncos, Chris Harris Moving Towards Deal
Broncos GM John Elway and agent Frederick Lyles Jr. have moved closer towards a contract adjustment for Chris Harris, according to Mike Klis of 9News (on Twitter). Harris is presently scheduled to make $8.9MM this year in salary and bonuses but is pushing for a pay bump and an extension. 
Harris might not get the extension he wants, but the Broncos are offering him a pay raise in his walk year. There’s cautious optimism about a deal being reached by the time the Broncos reconvene for their final stretch of OTAs on Wednesday.
Harris, the last remaining member of the Broncos’ famed No Fly Zone secondary, has yet to practice within the Broncos’ revised 3-4 scheme due to his protest of the club’s voluntary offseason program. Elway is hoping to hammer out a deal early this week that will put Harris in practice on Wednesday or, at minimum, ensure his participation in mandatory camp this summer.
The veteran’s asking price has come down from his initial ask of $15MM+, which makes this an easier gap to bridge. There’s also precedent to suggest that Harris will be open to Elway’s proposed pay bump – last year, the Broncos gave Harris a $3MM incentive package to sweeten his $8.5MM payout and got a Pro Bowl season out of him.
Jets To Interview Paton, Fitterer
The Jets have added two more names to their GM request list. The club has requested interviews with Vikings assistant GM George Paton and Seahawks co-Director of Player Personnel Scott Fitterer, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). 
Paton has been a prominent GM candidate in the last few offseason cycles, though he has also pulled his name from consideration on multiple occasions, including the Jets’ search that resulted in Mike Maccagnan‘s hire in 2015. In December, it was rumored that Paton was open to finally making a move, so he could be open to running the Jets’ front office.
Fitterer has been in the mix for GM jobs as well, including vacancies with the Chiefs, 49ers, and Colts a couple of years ago. Fitterer’s strength lies in talent evaluation, whereas Paton is viewed as more of a cap guru.
Fitterer and Paton join Eagles exec Joe Douglas and Bears exec Champ Kelly on the Jets’ interview docket.