Jets Release WR Devin Smith
The Jets are releasing former 2015 second-round pick Devin Smith, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The wide receiver has suffered two torn ACLs in his career and has struggled to recover from them. 
The Jets were already set with their top four wide receivers thanks to the presence of Robby Anderson, Jermaine Kearse, Terrelle Pryor, and Quincy Enunwa. After that, last year’s draft picks Chad Hansen and ArDarius Stewart are fighting for their jobs along with kick return candidates Andre Roberts, Charone Peake, and Lucky Whitehead. Simply put, there was no room left for Smith, especially since he was a holdover from the old regime.
Smith tore his ACL in the first team workout of 2017, ending his season before it could begin. He tore the same ligament during his rookie season in 2015, meaning that the former second round pick has been on the field for just 14 games in total. It’s fair to wonder whether Smith will be able to get back on track after suffering the same serious injury twice. In his limited action, Smith caught ten passes for 135 yards and one score.
Bears Rookie Roquan Smith Staying Away
Bears first-round pick Roquan Smith is not with the team as the rookies report for training camp on Monday, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). The linebacker and the Bears are still negotiating his rookie deal, so he may be staying away until an agreement is reached. 
For now, this technically is not a holdout. It won’t officially be a holdout unless Smith does not show on July 19 when veterans are due to arrive.
The Bears and Smith could be in disagreement over the linebacker’s offset language. Players with offset language who are cut before the end of their rookie contract have the remaining guaranteed money reduced by whatever they earns elsewhere. Without offset language, players get to double dip. Top 10 picks expect to complete their rookie contracts, but it’s an important issue for agents nonetheless.
Smith, the No. 8 overall pick in the draft, finished in the top ten of Heisman voting in his final year at Georgia. In 2017, he tallied 137 total tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, and 6.5 sacks.
Aaron Rodgers Wants To Play Until 40
Aaron Rodgers turns 35 in December, but retirement doesn’t appear to be anywhere on his radar. The Packers quarterback says he wants to play until he’s 40 (via Peter King of NBC Sports). 
“I’d love to play to 40,” Rodgers said. “I just think that number means a lot. Obviously, [Tom] Brady is kind of rewriting the book. Brett [Favre] had a good season when he turned 40. My goal is be able to move like I do or close to how I do and still be able to do that at 40 … just because nobody’s been able to do that and still move around the same. Steve Young’s career was cut short in his late thirties. John [Elway], the same—he didn’t really move the same as when he was younger. So to be able to move the same way at 38, 39, 40 would be cool. That’s my aim.”
Rodgers has had setbacks, including two clavicle injuries in the last five years that have cost him a combined 16 games. Some may say that Rodgers has to adjust his game and get rid of the ball sooner, but the QB doesn’t agree. He says he’ll look to play for several more seasons while occasionally taking big hits when necessary.
Rodgers also reiterated his desire to finish his career as a member of the Packers, though he indicated that his next deal might break the mold.
“It’s only been on my mind because … people have been writing and talking about it a lot,” he said when asked about the possibility of a unique contract extension. “There have been many conversations about it. I think that there’s some merit to looking into where you do a non-traditional contractual agreement. If anybody at this point is gonna be able to do something like that, I think there needs to be a conversation about it. I never said anything about [tying the contract to] the cap. I just think there’s ways to do contracts where you can still be competitive so the team is happy about it, but have some more freedom.”
Rodgers recently said that reports of him seeking out-clauses and options on his contract to stay in control of his deal are just “conjecture,” but the QB appears to have confirmed that talk in his chat with King.
Latest On LeSean McCoy: Friday
Here’s a roundup of the latest on the situation surrounding Bills running back LeSean McCoy, courtesy of ESPN.com’s Mike Rodak (all links to go Twitter):
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Tanya Mitchell Graham, the attorney for Delicia Cordon, told WRNB radio on Thursday that neither she nor her client has “said directly” that McCoy was involved in the home invasion (link). “That could be factual [that McCoy was in Miami and not involved],” Graham said in the interview, which took place before records of Cordon’s comments to police were revealed. “The only thing I’ve said are factual things, for instance furniture was being moved on June 1. Mr. McCoy was not in Atlanta then. An eviction was filed on his behalf. He was not in Atlanta. Security cameras were changed at his residence. He was not in Atlanta then. So the fact that he was not in Atlanta doesn’t mean anything, really. But I have not – neither has my client – said directly that he was involved. I believe that the criminal investigation will play out and we will find out who the perpetrator or any accessories are.”
- Graham tells Rodak that there has been “no backtracking” of her client’s story. Graham says her client “suspects” McCoy had “something to do with it,” though Cordon is not directly blaming McCoy without further evidence (link).
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Graham says the piece of jewelry that was stolen from Cordon was given to her as a gift in 2016 and was not loaned by a jeweler, contradictory to what McCoy told police in 2017 (link).
- It has been reported that McCoy was in the process of trying to evict Cordon from the home, but Graham disputes that version of events (link). Graham said McCoy has “never asked [Cordon] to leave. … She does not have a text message, a phone or an email or a phone record that can show my client that he asked her to relocate.” McCoy took Cordon to court this year to have her removed from the property, so this could be a matter of semantics.
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Graham says neither her nor Cordon knew that Cordon’s friend would post the graphic hospital photo or make accusations against McCoy on Instagram (link).
Texans Release G Jeff Allen
The Texans announced that they have released guard Jeff Allen from the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list with an injury settlement. Allen was placed on PUP in May after two years of dealing with concussions and ankle injuries. 
Allen was already off of the 90-man offseason roster thanks to the designation, but today’s transaction will allow him to seek work elsewhere. It’s not immediately clear whethe the 28-year-old will continue to play football.
A second-round selection by the Chiefs in 2012, Allen spent four seasons in Kansas City where he primarily played left guard, but also spent time at left tackle and right tackle. He made the move to right guard upon his arrival in 2016 missed six games for Houston with those injury issues. Prior to his release, he had two years remaining on his deal, with base salaries of $5.75MM (2018) and $6MM (2019).
The Texans project to start newcomers Zach Fulton and Senio Kelemete at the guard spots this year. Greg Mancz and Chad Slade, meanwhile, appear to be in line for the top reserve spots.
DeMarco Murray To Retire From NFL
DeMarco Murray has played his last down in the NFL. Today, Murray will announce his retirement from football, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter). 
Murray, 30, was looking for work this offseason and met with several teams to try and find the right opportunity. Earlier this week, Murray reaffirmed his desire to continue playing. But, for one reason or another, the veteran has decided to call it quits.
“I’ve had a lot of discussions with four or five teams that I feel will be a great fit for me,” Murray said in an ESPN podcast released on Monday. “It’s all about being transparent and, for me, I’m not looking to lead the league in rushing yards. Obviously I would work and do everything to give me the opportunity to do that, but it’s all about having an opportunity to get to the playoffs and have an opportunity to win a championship.”
Perhaps realizing the limitations of what he can do at this stage of his career, Murray will move on from football in order to pursue other interested. Although he led the league with 1,845 rushing yards in 2014 with the Cowboys and nearly cracked 1,300 in 2016 with the Titans, he was largely overshadowed in Tennessee by Derrick Henry last year.
The Titans released Murray in March and subsequent meetings with the Lions, Seahawks, and Dolphins did not yield a contract. In June, the 30-year-old declined an opportunity to work out for the Saints. The timing of Murray’s decision is a curious one. Training camp often leads to injuries, which would have meant more opportunities for Murray. There’s also the ongoing situation in Buffalo that could leave the Bills without star LeSean McCoy to star the season.
Murray will be best remembered for his brilliant performances with the Cowboys, which included his first 1,000-yard season in 2013 and his unbelievably productive campaign in 2014 in which he totaled 2,261 all-purpose yards. Murray’s free agent deal with the Eagles was a dud, but he did enjoy a bounce-back season with the Titans in ’16.
When he was at his best, Murray was one of the league’s most electrifying rushers and he leaves the game with an impressive body of work. We here at PFR wish Murray the best in retirement.
South Notes: Saints, Unger, Titans
Three years ago, the Saints traded Jimmy Graham and a mid-round draft pick to the Seahawks for center Max Unger and the No. 31 overall pick, which turned into linebacker Stephone Anthony. Today, Unger looks like the best piece of that blockbuster deal, Larry Holder of the Times-Picayune writes.
Even as he enters his tenth NFL season, Unger stands as one of the better centers in the NFL. The 32-year-old has two years to go on his contract with the Saints, and if he maintains his level of play, Holder sees no reason why he won’t finish his career in New Orleans.
Unger’s yearly average of $7.4MM per year may sound pricey, but the center market has advanced to the point where he is just 12th in terms of AAV at the position. It’s unlikely that a 34-year-old Unger would command a significantly higher rate, so the Saints could easily move forward with Unger beyond 2019 if they are still happy with his work.
For what it’s worth, Unger garnered the worst Pro Football Focus score of his career in 2017 and graded out as just the 24th best center in the NFL. But, in 2016, he was PFF’s No. 14 center in the league. The Oregon product also boasts two Pro Bowl nods (2012, 2013) and one First-Team All-Pro selection (2012) on his resume.
Here’s more from the South divisions:
- The training camp battle between Titans running backs David Fluellen and Akrum Wadley is one to keep an eye on, Jim Wyatt of Titans Online writes. Wadley, a UDFA out of Iowa, has flashed during practices and is making a strong case to make the cut. However, Wyatt would be surprised if anyone beats Fluellen out for a spot on the roster given his special teams ability. Ultimately, however, Wadley can make the cut if the Titans opt to carry four running backs on their Week 1 roster.
- Meanwhile, the Titans have a dozen receivers in camp and no more than half of those players will make the final cut. Wyatt writes that the Titans will be keeping Corey Davis, Rishard Matthews, Tajae Sharpe, and Taywan Taylor, but the rest of the WR depth chart is in flux. Former Ravens receiver Michael Campanaro looked good in the preseason before suffering an injury, so he has a chance to be a contributor for the team this fall if he can stay healthy. After that, it sounds like Darius Jennings, Jordan Veasy, Deontay Burnett, and Devin Ross have the upper hand over Cameron Batson and Brandon Shippen. Teams will sometimes carry six wide receivers on the Week 1 roster, but it’s certainly possible that the Titans will only carry five into September.
- This week, two separate lawsuits were filed against Jaguars defensive tackle Marcell Dareus for sexual assault.
Redskins Sign Adonis Alexander
The Redskins have signed Adonis Alexander to his rookie contract. As with typical draft picks, it’s a four-year deal, so Alexander is under club control through the 2021 season. 
On Wednesday, the Redskins used a sixth-round pick in the supplemental draft to select the Virginia Tech cornerback. They’ll forfeit a sixth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft as a result, but they’re getting a high-upside player to help them immediately rather than waiting. The Redskins still have two other sixth-round picks in next year’s draft thanks to the compensatory formula, so they’re only taking a mild risk by bringing Alexander into the fold.
Blessed with size and ball skills, the Redskins believe they can turn Alexander into a contributor at the pro level. Teams had some maturity concerns about Alexander after academic trouble cost him a spot with the Hokies, but his one-time defensive backs coach Torrian Gray is in D.C. and Redskins feel that Gray can help him stay on track.
Alexander will fight to make the roster behind top cornerbacks Josh Norman, Orlando Scandrick, and Fabian Moreau. Quinton Dunbar and seventh-round pick Greg Stroman are also among those looking to solidify their spots between now and September.
Bills Interested In RB Branden Oliver
The Bills have shown interest in setting up a workout with former Chargers running backs Branden Oliver, a source tells Mike Rodak of ESPN.com (on Twitter). However, no workout has been scheduled yet. 
Oddly enough, the Bills’ interest in Oliver actually predates this week’s incident involving LeSean McCoy‘s ex-girlfriend. But, with Delicia Cordon alleging that McCoy had a role in the assault, the Bills would be wise to ramp up their search for free agent running backs.
A deal would mark a homecoming of sorts for Oliver, who was raised in Florida but played his college football at the University at Buffalo. Oliver was not drafted after his time in Western New York, but he hooked on with the Chargers in 2014 and quickly made a name for himself with his bruising rushing style. Since then, however, injuries have held him back.
In addition to McCoy, the Bills also have running backs Chris Ivory, Travaris Cadet, Taiwan Jones, Marcus Murphy, and Keith Ford under contract. If McCoy is taken out of the equation and they do not sign Oliver, one can’t help but wonder if they’ll also consider the likes of DeMarco Murray and Adrian Peterson.
This Date In Transactions History: Jim Brown Retires
On this date in 1966, one of the game’s all-time great rushers called it a career. Jim Brown walked away from football at the age of 30, citing a desire to be a civil rights advocate, a better family man, and a star of the silver screen. 
In today’s NFL, 30-year-old running backs are usually in the twilight of their careers. That was hardly the case with Brown, who ran for a league-leading 1,544 yards while averaging 5.3 yards a carry in 1965.
As good as Brown was, he had other interests, and those interests did not necessarily align with football. When the filming schedule for “The Dirty Dozen” conflicted with training camp, Brown chose the former. Browns owner Art Modell was furious at his decision and vowed to fine him $100 for every day he was not at practice.
So, on July 13, 1966, it was revealed that Brown would retire from the NFL. He formally announced the decision in a press conference on the set of “The Dirty Dozen” that week, but days earlier, he penned the following letter to Modell:
Dear Art:
I am writing to inform you that in the next few days I will be announcing my retirement from football. This decision is final and is made only because of the future that I desire for myself, my family and, if not to sound corny, my race. I am very sorry that I did not have the information to give you at some earlier date, for one of my great concerns was to try in every way to work things out so that I could play an additional year.
I was very sorry to see you make the statements that you did, because it was not a victory for you or I but for the newspaper men. Fortunately, I seem to have a little more faith in you than you have in me. I honestly like you and will be willing to help you in any way I can, but I feel you must realize that both of us are men and that my manhood is just as important to me as yours is to you.
It was indicated in the papers out of Cleveland that you tried to reach me by phone. Well, I hope you realize that when I am in my apartment I never refuse to answer my phone. The only reason that I did not contact you before I knew the completion date of the movie is that the date was the one important factor. You must realize that your organization will make money and will remain successful whether I am there or not. The Cleveland Browns are an institution that will stand for a long, long time.
I am taking on a few projects that are very interesting to me. I have many problems to solve at this time and I am sure you know a lot of them, so if we weigh the situation properly the ‘Browns’ have really nothing to lose, but Jim Brown has a lot to lose. I am taking it for granted that I have your understanding and best wishes, for in my public approach to this matter this will be the attitude that will prevail.
The business matters that we will have to work out we could do when I return to Cleveland. I will give you any assistance I can and hope your operation will be a success. You know the areas that I can be helpful and, even if you do not ask this help, my attitude will be one that I will do only the things that will contribute to the success of the ‘Cleveland Browns.’
Your friend,
Jim Brown
With that, Brown walked away from football and a yearly salary of about $60K. Brown undoubtedly still had gas in the tank, but he also had little left to prove on an individual level.
In nine years of pro football, Brown won the rushing crown eight times and retired as the league’s all-time leading rusher. Even today, the Hall of Famer is tenth on the NFL rushing yards list, which is extra impressive when considering that the regular season was shorter during his time in the league. And, decades later, Brown stands as the franchise’s all-time leading rusher with 12,312 yards on the ground.