Minor NFL Transactions: 1/15/21
Here are the latest NFL minor moves:
Baltimore Ravens
- Promoted: CB Pierre Desir, QB Tyler Huntley
Buffalo Bills
- Promoted: CB Dane Jackson, RB Antonio Williams
Green Bay Packers
- Promoted: DL Brian Price, CB KeiVarae Russell
- Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: T Jared Veldheer; Veldheer tested positive for the coronavirus
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Placed on IR: G Alex Cappa
NFL Reserve/Futures Contracts: 1/15/21
Here are the latest reserve/futures contracts given out:
Baltimore Ravens
Chicago Bears
- WR Reggie Davis, WR Jester Weah
Detroit Lions
- DB Godwin Igwebuike, DE Robert McCray, TE Hunter Thedford
Green Bay Packers
Las Vegas Raiders
- QB Kyle Sloter
Pittsburgh Steelers
- S John Battle, DT Demarcus Christmas, T Anthony Coyle, FB Trey Edmunds, WR Anthony Johnson, T Jarron Jones, LS Christian Kuntz, T John Leglue, TE Kevin Rader, LB Tegray Scales, DL Calvin Taylor, P Corliss Waitman, T Brandon Walton, WR Cody White, CB Trevor Williams
San Francisco 49ers
- QB Josh Johnson, OL Corbin Kaufusi
Seattle Seahawks
- DT Myles Adams
Tennessee Titans
- T Paul Adams, WR Rashard Davis, TE Parker Hesse, WR Cody Hollister, TE Tommy Hudson, LB Jan Johnson, T Brandon Kemp, QB DeShone Kizer, K Tucker McCann, C Daniel Munyer, DE Nate Orchard, LS Matt Orzech, WR Chester Rogers, LB Tuzar Skipper
Washington Football Team
2021 NFL Head Coaching Search Tracker
Exiting the regular season, six teams are searching for new head coaches. That number is up from last season but not quite as high as 2019, though there may well be more vacancies that emerge during the playoffs.
Listed below are the head coaching candidates that have been linked to each of the teams with vacancies, along with their current status. If and when other teams decide to make head coaching changes, they’ll be added to this list. Here is the current breakdown:
Updated 1-27-21 (7:05pm CT)
Atlanta Falcons
- Eric Bieniemy, Chiefs offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/4
- Todd Bowles, Buccaneers defensive coordinator: Interview expected
- Joe Brady, Panthers offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/7
- Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern head coach: Rumored candidate
- Nathaniel Hackett, Packers offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/7
- Raheem Morris, Falcons interim head coach: Interviewed on 1/1
- Robert Saleh, 49ers defensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/4
- Arthur Smith, Titans offensive coordinator: Hired
Detroit Lions
- Darrell Bevell, Lions interim head coach: Interviewed on 1/5
- Eric Bieniemy, Chiefs offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/4
- Todd Bowles, Buccaneers defensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/13
- Dan Campbell, Saints assistant head coach: Hired
- Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern head coach: Rumored candidate
- Marvin Lewis, Arizona State co-defensive coordinator/former Bengals head coach: Interviewed
- Urban Meyer, former Ohio State head coach: Rumored candidate
- Robert Saleh, 49ers defensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/7
- Arthur Smith, Titans offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/12
Houston Texans
- Eric Bieniemy, Chiefs offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/18; second interview likely
- Joe Brady, Panthers offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/5
- Jim Caldwell, former Colts and Lions head coach: Interviewed on 1/22
- David Culley, Ravens AHC/wide receivers coach: Received second interview on 1/27
- Matt Eberflus, Colts defensive coordinator: Initially declined interview request; interviewed on 1/16; considered frontrunner?
- Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern head coach: Rumored candidate
- Leslie Frazier, Bills defensive coordinator: Received second interview on 1/26
- Josh McCown, Texans quarterback: Interviewed on 1/22
- Arthur Smith, Titans offensive coordinator: To be interviewed
- Brandon Staley, Rams defensive coordinator: Interview requested
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Eric Bieniemy, Chiefs offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/6
- Ryan Day, Ohio State head coach: Rumored candidate; not interested in position
- Urban Meyer, former Ohio State head coach: Hired
- Raheem Morris, Falcons interim head coach: Interviewed on 1/7
- Robert Saleh, 49ers defensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/9
- Arthur Smith, Titans offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/10
Los Angeles Chargers
- Eric Bieniemy, Chiefs offensive coordinator: Interview requested
- Joe Brady, Panthers offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/7
- Brian Daboll, Bills offensive coordinator: To be interviewed on 1/10; considered favorite
- Matt Eberflus, Colts defensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/12
- Jason Garrett, Giants offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/8
- Urban Meyer, former Ohio State head coach: Contacted
- Robert Saleh, 49ers defensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/9
- Arthur Smith, Titans offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/11
- Brandon Staley, Rams defensive coordinator: Hired
New York Jets
- Eric Bieniemy, Chiefs offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/6
- Joe Brady, Panthers offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/9
- Matt Campbell, Iowa State head coach: Interview declined
- Brian Daboll, Bills offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/10
- Matt Eberflus, Colts defensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/10
- Aaron Glenn, Saints defensive backs coach: Interviewed on 1/10
- Patrick Graham, Giants defensive coordinator: Interview requested; to stay with Giants
- Marvin Lewis, Arizona State co-defensive coordinator/former Bengals head coach: Interviewed on 1/7
- Robert Saleh, 49ers defensive coordinator: Hired
- Arthur Smith, Titans offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/11
- Brandon Staley, Rams defensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/10
Philadelphia Eagles
- Eric Bieniemy, Chiefs offensive coordinator: Interview requested
- Todd Bowles, Buccaneers defensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/18
- Joe Brady, Panthers offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/13
- Mike Kafka, Chiefs quarterbacks coach: Rumored candidate
- Jerod Mayo, Patriots inside linebackers coach: Interviewed on 1/15
- Josh McDaniels, Patriots offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/17
- Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma head coach: Rumored candidate
- Robert Saleh, 49ers defensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/12
- Arthur Smith, Titans offensive coordinator: Interview requested
- Nick Sirianni, Colts offensive coordinator: Hired
- Brandon Staley, Rams defensive coordinator: To be Interviewed
- Duce Staley, Eagles running backs coach: Mentioned as candidate
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 1/13/21
Here are the latest practice squad moves from around the league:
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: OL Greg Mancz, T Jordan Mills
- Released: DT Braxton Hoyett
- Placed on practice squad injured list: G Parker Ehinger
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: CB Donovan Olumba
- Placed on practice squad injured list: CB A.J. Green
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: WR Gehrig Dieter
- Placed on practice squad injured list: CB Deandre Baker
- Released: DL Tyler Clark, QB Jordan Ta’amu
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: WR Austin Carr, WR Jake Kumerow, DE Anthony Zettel
- Released: LS John Denney, WR Jake Lampman, K Blair Walsh
2021 NFL General Manager Search Tracker
This year’s NFL GM carousel figures to be more active than usual. The Falcons, Lions, Panthers, Texans, and Jaguars are all on the hunt for a new front office leader. And that’s only the official list. The real tally shows six clubs looking for a GM, since the Washington Football Team is expected to install a GM to work alongside head coach Ron Rivera. By mid-January, we could easily see a couple more jobs opening up — that’d put ~25% of the NFL on the market.
We’ll keep track of the GM candidates for each club here, along with their current status. If and when other teams decide to make general manager changes, they’ll be added to this list. Here’s the current breakdown:
Updated 1-19-21 (7:02pm CT)
Atlanta Falcons
- Morocco Brown, Colts college scouting director: Interviewed
- Terry Fontenot, Saints VP/assistant GM: Hired
- Brad Holmes, Rams director of college scouting: To receive second interview, finalist for position
- Anthony Robinson, Falcons director of college scouting: Interviewed
- Joe Schoen, Bills assistant GM: To be interviewed
- Rick Smith, former Texans general manager: Interviewed; finalist for position
Carolina Panthers
- Mike Borgonzi, Chiefs player personnel director: Rumored candidate
- Nick Caserio, Patriots VP of player personnel: Interviewed
- Ed Dodds, Colts assistant GM: Interviewed; name withdrawn from search
- Scott Fitterer, Seahawks VP of player personnel: Hired
- Champ Kelly, Bears assistant player personnel director: Interviewed
- Omar Khan, Steelers VP of football and business administration: Interviewed
- Jeff Ireland, Saints assistant GM: Interviewed
- Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Browns VP of football operations: Interviewed
- Monti Ossenfort, Titans player personnel director: To receive second interview
- George Paton, Vikings assistant GM: Rumored candidate; withdrew name from consideration
- Adam Peters, 49ers VP of player personnel: To receive second interview
- Ryan Poles, Chiefs assistant player personnel director: Received second interview
- Jerry Reese, former Giants general manager: Interviewed
- Joe Schoen, Bills assistant GM: Interviewed
- Pat Stewart, Panthers player personnel director: Interviewed
- Samir Suleiman, Panthers director of player negotiations: Interviewed
- Brandt Tilis, Chiefs football administration director: Interviewed
Denver Broncos
- Terry Fontenot, Saints vice president of pro personnel: To receive second interview
- Champ Kelly, Bears assistant director of player personnel: Interviewed
- George Paton, Vikings assistant GM: Hired
- Brian Stark, Broncos director of college scouting: To be interviewed
- Dave Ziegler, Patriots assistant player personnel director: To be interviewed; bowed out of search
Detroit Lions
- Kevin Colbert, Steelers general manager: Rumored candidate
- Thomas Dimitroff, former Falcons general manager: Interviewed
- Terry Fontenot, Saints assistant GM: Interviewed
- Brad Holmes, Rams director of college scouting: Hired
- Jeff Ireland, Saints assistant GM: Interviewed
- Rob Lohman, Lions director of pro scouting: Interviewed
- Lance Newmark, Lions director of player personnel: Interviewed
- Kyle O’Brien, Lions VP of player personnel: Interviewed
- George Paton, Vikings assistant GM: Interviewed
- Scott Pioli, former Chiefs GM/NFL Network analyst: Interviewed
- Louis Riddick, ESPN analyst/former Eagles exec: Interviewed
- John Schneider, Seahawks general manager: Rumored candidate; signed Seahawks extension
- Rick Smith, former Texans general manager: Interviewed
Houston Texans
- Matt Bazirgan, Texans player personnel director: Interviewed
- Malik Boyd, Bills pro scouting director: Interviewed
- Nick Caserio, Patriots VP of player personnel: Hired
- Scott Cohen, Ravens football research director: Interview requested
- Omar Khan, Steelers VP of football and business administration: Interviewed; received job offer
- Trent Kirchner, Seahawks VP of player personnel: Interviewed
- Ozzie Newsome, Ravens executive vice president: Preferred candidate
- Louis Riddick, ESPN analyst/former Eagles exec: Interviewed
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Trent Baalke, interim Jaguars GM: Expected to be hired
- Ray Farmer, former Browns general manager: To be interviewed
- Terry Fontenot, Saints assistant GM: Interview requested
- Jerry Reese, former Giants GM: Interviewed
- Louis Riddick, ESPN analyst/former Eagles exec: Interviewed
- Rick Smith, former Texans general manager: Interviewed
Washington Football Team
- Ryan Cowden, Titans VP of player personnel: Interview requested
- Marty Hurney, former Panthers general manager: Expected to be hired; joined team in non-GM role
- Martin Mayhew, former Lions general manager: Hired
- Nick Polk, Falcons football operations director: Interview requested
- Rick Smith, former Texans general manager: Mentioned as candidate
- JoJo Wooden, Chargers player personnel director: Interview expected
Minor NFL Transactions: 1/9/21
Here are the latest NFL minor moves:
Baltimore Ravens
- Activated from reserve/COVID-19 list: P Sam Koch
- Promoted: QB Tyler Huntley, T R.J. Prince
- Placed on IR: OL Ben Bredeson
Cleveland Browns
- Promoted: WR Ja’Marcus Bradley, CB A.J. Green, T Alex Taylor
Green Bay Packers
- Signed to reserve/futures deal: WR Chris Blair, S Innis Gaines, LB Ray Wilborn
New Orleans Saints
- Activated from IR: WR Deonte Harris, CB Patrick Robinson
- Placed on IR: OL Nick Easton
- Promoted: LB Chase Hansen, WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey
- Waived: WR Jake Kumerow
New York Giants
- Signed to reserve/futures deal: QB/WR Joe Webb
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed to reserve/futures deal: QB/TE Tyree Jackson, CB Kevon Seymour
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Activated from IR: G Matt Feiler, LB Robert Spillane
- Promoted: TE Kevin Rader
- Waived: LB Tegray Scales
Seattle Seahawks
- Promoted: DT Cedrick Lattimore
- Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: DE Jonathan Bullard
Tennessee Titans
- Promoted: OL Daniel Munyer, LB Brooks Reed
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 1/6/21
Today’s practice squad moves:
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: CB Terrell Bonds
- Released: LB James Crawford
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: TE Ricky Seals-Jones
San Francisco 49ers
- Released: RB Tyler Gaffney
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: RB C.J. Prosise
- Released: CB Mazzi Wilkins
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: WR Marcus Johnson
Washington Football Team
- Signed: RB Javon Leake
Ozzie Newsome Atop Texans’ GM Wish List
The Texans have interviewed or requested interviews with several NFL staffers and ESPN analyst Louis Riddick thus far. This search could approach 20 candidates. However, one may hover above the rest.
Houston is interested in former Baltimore GM Ozzie Newsome, with Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reporting the ex-Ravens Super Bowl-winning exec is “at the top of the Texans’ wish list.” Because Newsome stepped down as Ravens GM after the 2018 season, giving Eric DeCosta personnel control, he would be free to interview with the Texans. Newsome currently serves as Ravens executive vice president.
However, Newsome has spent his entire executive career with the Ravens (and Browns 1.0 before that). He remains heavily involved in Ravens operations, though DeCosta oversees the franchise’s roster. Some close to the 64-year-old exec do not expect him to leave the Ravens for another NFL team, with La Canfora adding a role at his alma mater (Alabama) would be of interest before an NFL gig. But the Texans are genuinely interested in prying him from the Ravens, JLC adds.
This would be quite the upgrade from Bill O’Brien yet quite the fixer-upper project for someone as accomplished as Newsome, given the shape O’Brien left Houston’s roster in. The Hall of Fame tight end spent 23 seasons as Ravens GM, winning two Super Bowls and drafting Hall of Famers Jonathan Ogden, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.
Minor NFL Transactions: 1/4/21
It’s been a busy day of firings, interviews, retirements, and even arrests, but that doesn’t mean we won’t make time for some minor moves:
Baltimore Ravens
- Cut: CB Nate Brooks
Carolina Panthers
- Re-signed: TE Colin Thompson
Cleveland Browns
- Signed off Bengals’ practice squad: CB Brian Allen
New York Giants
- Re-signed: DB Madre Harper, OT Jackson Barton
Philadelphia Eagles
- Re-signed: DT T.Y. McGill
Texans Request Scott Cohen, Trent Kirchner Interviews
The Texans’ GM search is heating up. On Monday, the team requested interviews with Ravens director of football research Scott Cohen and Seahawks vice president of player personnel Trent Kirchner, as NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo tweets.
[RELATED: Texans To Interview Matt Eberflus]
Kirchner started out as the Seahawks’ assistant director of pro personnel in 2010. After a series of promotions, he was elevated to Vice President of Player Personnel in September. Along with co-lieutenant Scott Fitterer, he’s been a hot candidate for GM jobs for a long time. He’s viewed as an integral part of the Seahawks’ success, and a valuable asset for Seahawks GM John Schneider. In 2017, the Panthers, Colts, and 49ers were all connected to the longtime Seattle exec. This time around, the Texans are exploring multiple candidates from the Seahawks, though Garafolo notes that search firm Korn Ferry is strongly pushing Kirchner.
Cohen, meanwhile, has been with the Ravens since 2015. Before that, he spent time with the Buccaneers, Jets, Eagles, and Jaguars. His first 23 years were spent in player personnel. Over the last six years, he’s worked with the team’s coaching staff on week-to-week scouting.