Ravens Extend Marshal Yanda Through 2019
4:26pm: Yanda’s deal is worth nearly $32MM, including a $9MM signing bonus and $17.8MM in guaranteed money, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The disparity between these figures and the ones reported earlier could be related to the deal’s base value vs. its max value. We’ll have to wait for the complete details on the extension to know exactly how much money is fully guaranteed, and what the per-year average is.
3:55pm: Yanda’s new deal averages $7.1MM per year, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). That’s a raise on his old annual average salary, but not quite as expensive as some previous reports speculated. Wilson adds (via Twitter) that the contract features about $15MM guaranteed.
1:29pm: The Ravens have officially announced Yanda’s extension, which keeps him locked up through the 2019 season.
12:40pm: Yanda and the Ravens have reached an agreement on a new deal, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. It’s a four-year extension, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link).
12:33pm: The Ravens are closing in on a contract extension with veteran guard Marshal Yanda, according to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun, who reports (via Twitter) that an agreement between the two sides should be finalized soon.
Yanda, who turned 31 last month, is one of the steadiest and most reliable guards in the league, having started all but two regular season games for the Ravens since the start of the 2011 season. He has also earned four consecutive Pro Bowl nods, and was named to his first All-Pro First Team in 2014.
Per Over the Cap’s data, Yanda’s previous contract placed him among the league’s highest-paid guards. According to OTC, no right guard earns a higher annual salary than Yanda’s $6.4MM average, while only four left guards make more than the Ravens standout — Logan Mankins ($8.5MM), Mike Iupati ($8MM), Orlando Franklin ($7.3MM), and Josh Sitton ($6.75MM) all have slightly higher annual averages, and two of those players signed new free agent contracts earlier this year.
Yanda’s contract had been set to expire at the end of the 2015 season, and his new deal figures to average just as much as his old one, if not more. I can’t imagine the former third-round pick getting a huge raise, since he’s in his early-30s now, but the Ravens clearly like him enough to make sure he didn’t reach free agency this winter. When Dallas Robinson of Pro Football Rumors examined the Ravens’ guards as extension candidates in June, he suggested something in the range of four years and perhaps $32MM might make sense for Yanda.
Of course, Yanda’s new deal leaves Baltimore’s other starting guard, Kelechi Osemele, as the possible next man up for an extension of his own. However, there has been some skepticism in recent months that the Ravens will have the cap flexibility to take care of both players, since clubs typically don’t devote significant chunks of cap space to guards. One July report suggested that Osemele could be the odd man out when the Ravens started locking up potential free agents.
North Notes: Bengals, Ravens, Bears
According to head coach Marvin Lewis, the Bengals won’t make any roster moves next week involving linebacker Vontaze Burfict, who is on the PUP list, or offensive tackle Cedric Ogbuehi, who remains on the NFI list (Twitter link via Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com). Both players are eligible to be activated after Week 6, but it makes sense that Cincinnati would hold off, even if they’re close to being ready, since the club has a bye in Week 7.
Here’s more from out of the NFL’s North divisions:
- Running back Raheem Mostert, claimed off waivers by the Ravens earlier this week, said he was “shocked” when he found out he was heading to Baltimore, as Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun writes. When he got the call, Mostert was standing in the Dolphins‘ training facility, ready to re-sign to Miami’s practice squad after the team cut him. Now, the 23-year-old is ready to contribute and hoping to find a new home with the Ravens.
- Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, with an assist from the team’s official website, shut down any speculation that he might be a candidate for USC’s coaching job. “I love the Ravens. It’s not a consideration,” Harbaugh said today, per Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com.
- Asked by a reader if the Bears made a mistake by trading Jared Allen and Jon Bostic for late-round draft picks, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune suggests that neither player was a good fit in Vic Fangio‘s 3-4 defensive scheme, so he has a hard time imagining the moves hurting the club this season.
- Vikings defensive coordinator George Edwards said there’s a “possibility” safety Anthony Harris could soon be called up to the 53-man roster, tweets Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press.
AFC Notes: Broncos, Mingo, Revis, Brady
In a mailbag this week, a reader asked Troy Renck of The Denver Post whether the Broncos should consider benching Peyton Manning in favor of backup Brock Osweiler. Manning is off to a rough start in 2015 and the concerns about him are understandable, but Renck says it’s not time to panic, especially with Denver at 5-0.
Manning, 39, had another excellent season for the Broncos in 2014, putting up 4,727 passing yards to go along with 39 touchdown passes. However, he was hampered by injuries late in the season and struggled down the stretch, particularly in the team’s divisional playoff loss to the Colts, in which he totaled just 211 passing yards on 46 attempts.
This offseason, Manning agreed to a contract restructuring that included a no-trade clause. However, in theory, Denver would be free to deal the future Hall of Famer after the season.
Here’s more from across the AFC:
- Jeff Guerriero, the agent for Browns linebacker Barkevious Mingo, expressed some unhappiness with his client’s playing time, telling Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com (Twitter links) that Mingo “is an impact player and needs to be on the field.” According to Cabot, Guerriero wouldn’t say whether or not he’d ask the Browns to trade Mingo — if he and his client want a deal, they’ll have a couple more weeks to make that request, with the trade deadline coming up on November 3.
- In an interview scheduled to air this weekend, Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis spoke to 60 Minutes about the fact that he has signed five contracts in seven years, suggesting that the best players should be willing to take some risk to maximize their value (Twitter links via Brian Costello of the New York Post).
- Jimmy Smith joked about it, but cornerback Shareece Wright says that he actually chose to sign with the Ravens, in part, for chance to be reunited with his good friend, Jon Meoli of The Baltimore Sun writes. The opportunity to play with Smith “played a big role” in him choosing Baltimore, but not the only one. “We always talked about if we had the opportunity to play on the same team, and be playing corner on the same team one day like we did in high school, it’d be a blessing,” Wright said.
- In a sitdown with The Associated Press, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was asked about how much longer he sees himself playing. “I’ve got a lot of football left,” the 38-year-old said. “Football is a contact sport and there’s a lot that goes into it. But I have committed myself for a long time to doing it, and because I love doing it so much I want to make that commitment.”
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Extra Points: Dolphins, Wright, Saffold
Dolphins interim head coach Dan Campbell told reporters, including ESPN.com’s James Walker (on Twitter), that he’s talked to Bill Parcells since taking over the job and that he has been a good “resource.” Parcells is said to still have a lot of sway in Miami’s operations, which has led some to speculate that Sean Payton could be a fit for Miami since he once served as his assistant in Dallas.
Here’s more from around the NFL..
- Earlier this week, Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith heard that Shareece Wright was leaning toward signing with the Seahawks. Smith, not wanting Seattle to beat Baltimore to the punch, put in recruiting call to Wright, as Jeff Zrebiec of The Baltimore Sun tweets. Smith joked that he’s the reason the ex-49ers/Chargers corner signed with the Ravens, but it’s possible that he moved the needle. Wright rode the bench in SF and he’s looking to get playing time with his new squad.
- Former Baylor wide receiver Antwan Goodley worked out for the Giants today, Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets.
- Rams right guard Rodger Saffold is not expected to return to the playing field soon, if at all this season, a source tells Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
- Chiefs nose tackle Dontari Poe has a high ankle sprain and will likely be out for a few weeks, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com tweets.
Ravens To Place Lorenzo Taliaferro On IR
The Ravens have placed running back Lorenzo Taliaferro on IR, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Taliaferro, 23, sustained a foot injury that initially had him listed as questionable for Sunday’s contest against the 49ers. However, it turns out the injury was severe enough to end his season prematurely.
In 2015, Taliaferro has only logged 13 carries for 47 yards and one score. He also caught all five of his targets for total of 29 yards. Last season, Taliaferro was used more frequently as a complimentary piece to veteran tailback Justin Forsett. Prior to the season, some speculated that he could eventually position himself as the top back in Baltimore, but that will not be the case – at least in 2015.
With Taliaferro off the 53-man roster and Forsett nursing an ankle injury, rookie Buck Allen could be in for a major workload against San Francisco. The Ravens also added running back reinforcements by claiming Raheem Mostert off waivers from the Dolphins, as Caplan tweets. Mostert led the entire NFL in yardage this preseason while with the Eagles and the Dolphins were hoping to add him to their taxi squad.
AFC Notes: Colts, Chargers, Ravens, Jets
Let’s round up a few items from around the AFC….
- The Colts‘ decision to sign return specialist Marcus Thigpen on Monday surprised some people within the organization, according to Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star (via Twitter). Thigpen figures to take over return duties from Griff Whalen, who had a 50-yard return last Thursday for the Colts.
- Safety Adrian Phillips, who was waived on Monday to make space for the return of Antonio Gates, cleared waivers and is likely to rejoin the Chargers via the taxi squad, Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego tweets.
- The Ravens worked out defensive end Nordly Capi, defensive end Phillip Hunt, and linebacker J.R. Tavai, according to ESPN.com’s Field Yates (Twitter link).
- The Jets auditioned outside linebackers Gerald Rivers and Kaelin Burnett on Tuesday, a source tells Brian Costello of the New York Post (on Twitter).
Zach Links contributed to this post.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/13/15
Here are Tuesday’s practice squad signings and cuts from around the NFL:
Arizona Cardinals
- Cut from PS-IR: TE Joseph Fauria (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Adam Caplan)
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: WR Daniel Brown, RB Akeem Hunt, TE Konrad Reuland (Twitter link)
Chicago Bears
- To be signed: WR Nathan Palmer (Twitter link via Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times), DT D’Anthony Smith (Twitter link via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune)
- Released: C Ryan Seymour (Twitter link via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune)
Houston Texans
- To be signed: WR Chandler Worthy (Twitter link via Mark Berman of FOX 26)
- Cut: T Edawn Coughman (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle)
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: QB Jeff Tuel (Twitter link)
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: LB Jayson DiManche, CB Saalim Hakim, OL Mike Liedtke, RB Darrin Reaves (Twitter link)
- Cut: LB Tyrell Adams, CB Jeremy Harris, OL Daniel Munyer
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: WR Robert Herron (Twitter link via Adam Caplan of ESPN.com)
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: WR Andrew Turzilli, C Brian Folkerts (Twitter link via Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee)
St. Louis Rams
- Signed: RB Trey Watts (Twitter link via USA Today’s Howard Balzer)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Cut: CB Isaiah Frey (Twitter link)
North Notes: Ravens, Browns, Mays, Vikings
Having already acquired Chris Givens and Will Davis via trades in recent weeks, the Ravens will continue to explore ways to upgrade the roster. However, as Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun writes, the club probably isn’t just one player away, so it’s unlikely that Baltimore would give up multiple future draft picks or other assets to plug several holes.
Let’s round up a few more items from across the NFL’s two North divisions….
- The Ravens are off to a disappointing 1-4 start, but head coach John Harbaugh said on Monday that he’s not considering making any changes to his coaching staff, per Clifton Brown of CSNMidAtlantic.com. “Our coaches are doing a good job,” Harbaugh said. “We just got to collectively find a way to finish games and get the job done. We’ve got tough challenges that we’re facing, but we’ve got just the men for the job.”
- Free agent linebacker Joe Mays is working out for the Browns today, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Mays, who turned 30 this year, is well-traveled, having started games for the Broncos, Texans, and Chiefs since 2012.
- Center John Sullivan, who is on the IR-DTR list, and cornerback Josh Robinson, who remains on the PUP list, are optimistic about returning to the Vikings‘ active roster in the coming weeks, according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, who notes that the club will have to make at least a couple roster moves to create room for the returning players. Robinson is eligible to return as early as Week 7, while Sullivan could be activated for Week 9.
Ravens Cut Jason Babin, Rashaan Melvin
The Ravens, hit hard by injuries in recent weeks, have made some changes on the defensive side of the ball. The team announced today that has cut veteran outside linebacker Jason Babin, along with cornerback Rashaan Melvin, promoting cornerbacks Asa Jackson and Charles James to fill the open spots on the active roster (Twitter links).
Babin, signed by the Ravens following the season-ending injury to Terrell Suggs, was inactive for his first two games with Baltimore, and barely saw the field in his next two games, committing multiple penalties when he did play. Despite his 64.5 career sacks, the 35-year-old clearly wasn’t a big part of the Ravens’ plans going forward, so it makes sense that the team would part ways with him in order to re-stock a depleted secondary.
Melvin has also been frequently inactive for the Ravens in the first few weeks of the season, so the team decided to give the two defensive backs on its practice squad a chance to earn playing time on the 53-man roster, with Jackson and James receiving promotions.
Jackson, 25, filled in last season for the Ravens when multiple cornerbacks went down with injuries, starting six games and recording 28 tackles. James, meanwhile, has seen most of his limited regular season action on special teams. He was cut by the Texans prior to the season.
The Ravens also announced a pair of previously reported moves, confirming that they’ve signed cornerback Shareece Wright and placed cornerback Will Davis on IR (Twitter link).
Ravens Rework Jeremy Zuttah’s Contract
The Ravens have created a little more breathing room under the cap by reworking Jeremy Zuttah‘s contract, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Yates reports that the team has converted $1,628,824 of Zuttah’s remaining base salary for the season into a signing bonus, prorating over four years, and creating an extra $1,221,618 in cap room.
Zuttah, the Ravens’ starting center, had been set to earn a $3MM salary for the season, with a $3.7MM overall cap number. By restructuring his deal, Baltimore reduces his cap hit to about $2.478MM, increasing his $4.2MM charges for 2016, 2017, and 2018 to about $4.607MM annually.
According to Over the Cap’s data, the Ravens were among the teams with the least amount of cap space left in 2015, with only about $2MM remaining. Baltimore has been hit hard by the injury bug this season, and the more players that land on injured reserve, the more new players the team has to add to its roster, increasing the need for cap flexibility.
In all likelihood, the Ravens don’t have a particularly trade or signing in mind for the extra cap room created by reworking Zuttah’s deal. That space will simply help the team make it through the rest of the season.