AFC Rumors: Jets, Ravens, Workouts
Despite signing a four-year, $16MM extension last October, Jeremy Kerley played just one snap for the Jets in Week 1 and doesn’t appear to have a role in Chan Gailey‘s offense. Gailey prefers receivers play different positions. Kerley’s skill set is mostly limited to slot work, putting his future with the team in doubt, according to Dom Cosentino of NJ.com. Kerley, who established career highs with 56 catches for 827 yards in 2012, missed time this summer with an Achilles injury and a concussion, leading to being phased out of the offense thus far. “We started molding [the offense] around other things, and we are where we are,” Gailey told media. Eric Decker played 43 snaps in the slot last week.
Here are some other items emerging from other AFC locales.
- With Eugene Monroe set to miss tomorrow’s Ravens-Raiders game due to a concussion sustained in the first half of Week 1, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com posits the Ravens are not receiving good value from Monroe after he signed a five-year, $37.5MM deal last season. Monroe’s latest absence will mark the sixth time the Baltimore left tackle’s missed a game since signing that extension, and after quality seasons prior to last, Monroe graded out as Pro Football Focus’ 63rd-ranked tackle last year.
- The Colts worked out cornerback Brandon Dixon, Bill Bentley and Robert McClain, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (on Twitter) the latter of the trio having 17 career starts to his credit. The Patriots cut the 27-year-old McClain earlier this month after signing the ex-Falcon this offseason. A former Division II All-American and twin brother of Saints cornerback Brian Dixon, Brandon Dixon played 14 games last season for the Buccaneers. Bentley, a 2012 third-rounder, started eight games for the Lions in 2012-13 but ended up on injured reserve last season after playing in just one game.
- The Browns worked out linebacker Jayson DiManche, and defensive ends Cam Johnson and Nordly Capi, Wilson tweets. DiManche played in 28 games for the Bengals the past two seasons, with Johnson suiting up in 13 for the 49ers and Colts in the past three.
- In addition to trying out Bernard Pollard on Friday, the Raiders also brought in free safeties Durrell Eskridge and Ryan Murphy for auditions, notes Wilson (on Twitter).
AFC Notes: Pats, Hilton, Rice, Manziel
Earlier this week, the NFL reinstated Patriots employee Jim McNally from suspension for his role in the DeflateGate scandal. McNally may not be totally out of the woods yet, though, as new allegations against him have come to light. Former official Mark Baltz, the league’s head linesman from 1989-2013, told WTHR.com that he was always suspicious of McNally, according to John Breech of CBSSports.com.
“[McNally] was always worried about the footballs. Always,” Baltz stated. “It was very odd. I reported him to the league, but never got any reaction from them. I don’t think they thought it was a big deal at the time. But [McNally] did things that 31 other locker room attendants don’t do.”
Baltz said he reported McNally to the league six to eight years ago.
“All I know is, when he got [the footballs], he would run. He would take off,” Baltz added. “Whether he was going somewhere and letting air out, I’m definitely suspicious, but I don’t know for sure.”
Here’s more from around the AFC:
- Colts No. 1 receiver T.Y. Hilton caught seven passes for 88 yards before suffering a knee injury that caused him to leave the team’s 27-14 loss to Buffalo last Sunday. Afterward, there was fear that he’d be out for a solid chunk of time. However, Hilton and head coach Chuck Pagano think he could be ready to go in time for Monday’s game against the Jets. “A game-time decision depending on how I feel,” Hilton said Thursday, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Pagano said he has “a lot” of optimism that Hilton will play this week.
- With LeSean McCoy‘s hamstring injury continuing to be an issue, the Bills suddenly look thin at running back. However, don’t expect them to sign free agent Ray Rice, according to Tyler Dunne of The Buffalo News (Twitter link). Instead, look for rookie Karlos Williams‘ workload to increase. Williams rushed for a team-high 55 yards and a touchdown on just six carries in the Bills’ win over Indianapolis.
- There aren’t many believers left when it comes to Johnny Manziel, but Browns offensive coordinator John DeFilippo is one of them. “Johnny has tremendous physical attributes — tremendous physical attributes,” DeFilippo said, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “We just have to keep grooming him and keep teaching him situational football and when to take chances and when not to.”
- The Ravens got just 190 total yards from their offense in their 19-13 opening week loss to Denver. New offensive coordinator Marc Trestman took the blame, per Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Trestman said his offense has to find ways to get the ball downfield. That should be easier this week against a thin Oakland secondary.
AFC East Notes: Geno Smith, Babin, Patriots
Its been more than a month since Geno Smith‘s season was derailed by a locker room punch and he’s still pretty mad about it.
“I’m extremely (angry),” said the Jets quarterback, according to Kimberley A. Martin of Newsday. “But I have to keep my temper down. I can’t exhibit that in the locker room, I can’t exhibit that on a daily basis. I just feel for my family more because they enjoy seeing me out there.”
As Smith is on the mend, it’s fair to wonder if he’ll have the starting job upon his return. Right now, the Jets appear to have found a suitable replacement after Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 179 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday’s 31-10 win over the Browns. Here’s more from the AFC East..
- New Ravens linebacker Jason Babin is still perplexed by the Jets‘ decision to release him and he decided to take a couple shots at Gang Green, as Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com writes. “Obviously, it was a surprise,” Babin said. “I think the coach said they want to win. But then in hindsight … the general manager talked about building. Who knows what is exactly going on?” Babin, 35, notched two sacks and 27 quarterback hurries in 2014, which was his first season of a three-year, $8.275MM contract with the Jets. New York saved $1.5MM against the cap by releasing him. Babin, meanwhile, is expected to help Baltimore’s front seven, which is now without Terrell Suggs.
- New acquisition Keshawn Martin will bring speed and return experience to the Patriots, things that New England needs, as Mike Reiss of ESPN.com writes. Reiss senses that the Patriots probably feel a bit more comfortable with his experience as a returner than someone like rookie Chris Harper.
- Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap (on Twitter) wonders if there’s any kind of market for Jets wide receiver Jeremy Kerley. In retrospect, Fitzgerald writes that Kerley’s deal just seems like a mistake. The wide receiver played just one snap in the team’s opener against the Browns.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/16/15
Here are Tuesday’s practice squad signings and cuts from around the NFL:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: WR LaRon Byrd (Twitter link via D. Orlando Ledbetter)
- Cut: T Pierce Burton
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: T Tony Hills (via Aaron Wilson on Twitter)
- Cut: QB Bryn Renner
Dallas Cowboys
- To be signed: C/G Ronald Patrick , T Darrion Weems (via Josina Anderson on Twitter + Wilson on Twitter)
Detroit Lions
- Signed: T Jordan Mills (press release)
Houston Texans
- To be signed: T Joe Treadwell (via Wilson on Twitter)
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: RB Jonas Gray, C Sam Brenner, QB Logan Thomas, DE Emmanuel Dieke (via Aaron Wilson on Twitter + Twitter link via James Walker)
- Cut: DT DeAndre Coleman, WR Uzoma Nwachukwu (Twitter link via Adam Beasley)
New England Patriots
- Signed: LB Eric Martin (via Mike Reiss on Twitter)
- Cut: LB Alex Singleton and DL Jimmy Staten
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: TE Cameron Brate, S Alden Darby, WR Seantavius Jones, FB Toben Opurum, T Bryan Witzmann (via Mike Triplett on Twitter)
New York Giants
- To be signed: LB James Morris, G Vinston Painter (via James Kratch on Twitter)
Oakland Raiders
- Signed: WR DeAndre Carter (via Vic Tafur on Twitter)
- Cut: LB Josh Shirley
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: TE Connor Hamlett (via press release)
- Cut: DE Brian Mihalik
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: CB Isaiah Frey, DT Derrick Lott (via Greg Auman on Twitter)
Washington
- Signed: LB Houston Bates (via John Keim on Twitter)
Ravens To Sign Jason Babin
The Ravens are set to sign linebacker Jason Babin, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Baltimore Sun (on Twitter). Babin is scheduled to practice with Baltimore tomorrow. With Terrell Suggs sidelined, the Ravens are hoping that Babin can help bolster their pass rush.
Babin, 35, signed a two-year, $3.25MM deal with the Jets in the 2014 offseason, but his time with the club ended earlier this month when he was cut. Cutting Babin saved the organization $1.5MM, with $125K in dead money. Just weeks ago, the Western Michigan product was competing with Trevor Reilly and Lorenzo Mauldin to be Quinton Coples’ primary backup.
A first-round pick in 2004, Babin has played with seven teams during his 12-year career. The two-time Pro Bowler made 16 appearances (four starts) with the Jets last season, compiling 25 tackles and two sacks. Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required) actually rated Babin as the third-most valuable defender on the Jets, and he was ranked as the league’s ninth-best 3-4 outside linebacker.
Babin played in all 16 games in 2013 for the Jaguars, racking up 31 tackles, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two passes defended. Those are solid numbers, albeit a far cry from the ones he was posting just three years prior — in 2011 for the Eagles, Babin set a career high with 18 sacks, earning his second consecutive Pro Bowl berth. The veteran’s days of ranking among the NFL’s league leaders in sacks may be over, but he could still have plenty of football left in him.
Workout Notes: Phillips, McClain, Still
The Ravens worked out veteran outside linebacker Shaun Phillips, as Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle tweets. Of course, after the Ravens reached agreement with Jason Babin earlier this evening, there might not be a spot for Phillips in Baltimore.
Phillips, 34, played nine seasons for the Chargers before joining the Broncos in 2013 and then signing with the Titans last March. The veteran inked a two-year, $5MM contract with Tennessee, but wasn’t overly effective in a part-time role, recording just a pair of sacks after reaching double-digits in 2013. With the Colts in 2014, Phillips made even less of an impact, recording seven tackles and no sacks in his five regular-season contests with the team.
Here are more notable NFL workouts from today..
- We learned earlier today that Terrelle Pryor worked out for the Patriots. Pryor, making the transition from quarterback to wide receiver this summer, impressed Browns coaches in training camp. However, after the team set its 53-man roster prior to Week 1, Pryor was essentially the 53rd man, making him expendable when other holes needed to be filled.
- Former Patriots cornerback Robert McClain was one of three cornerbacks who worked out for the Rams today, Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets.
- The Colts worked out former Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets.
- The Jets worked out a number of outside linebackers today, including former Falcon Jonathan Massaquoi, Brian Costello of the New York Post tweets. Massaquoi, 26, was selected by the Falcons in the fifth round of the 2012 draft, and has since played 40 games for the team, starting seven of them.
- The Patriots had wide receiver Evan Spencer in for a tryout on Tuesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com tweets.
Extra Points: Ravens, Patriots, Clay, Bush
With Terrell Suggs lost for the season, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh believes his team has the internal options to fill the void. However, he acknowledges that the club is also looking at external options and could add somebody soon (Twitter links via Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun). Clifton Brown of CSNMidAtlantic.com scans the free agent market and identifies a few possible targets for Baltimore.
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- Patriots employees John Jastremski and Jim McNally won’t face further discipline from the NFL for their possible involvement in DeflateGate, and will meet with the league soon to discuss new roles with the team, writes Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. Neither Jastremski nor McNally will be involved in the preparation, handling, or supervision of game balls going forward.
- According to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, new Bills tight end Charles Clay had his knee drained at least a half-dozen times last season while he was a Dolphin. Clay’s knees were a source of concern for suitors in free agency, and specifically for the Dolphins, who declined to match Buffalo’s huge offer sheet to Clay back in March. As Schefter explains, there are some who wonder how much longer Clay will be able to play.
- The Saints received some bad news on the injury front, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, who tweets that safety Rafael Bush tore his pectoral muscle during Sunday’s loss in Arizona.
- Elsewhere in the NFC South, the Panthers will be without offensive tackle Daryl Williams for two to four weeks after he sprained his right MCL, as David Newton of ESPN.com details.
Terrell Suggs Tears Achilles, Out For Year
Terrell Suggs was carted off the field during the Ravens loss to the Broncos this evening, and the team announced (via Twitter) that the veteran linebacker has torn his left Achilles and will miss the rest of the season.
The former first-round pick has played his entire career in Baltimore, making six Pro Bowls and winning the defensive player of the year award. The 32-year-old has only missed 11 games during his 12-year career, including eight in 2012 when he tore his right Achilles.
Suggs finished last season with 69 tackles and 12 sacks, the second-highest total of his career. Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required) rated him as the second-most valuable defender last season for the Ravens, and he also ranked as the league’s second-best 3-4 outside linebacker.
Tom Pelissero of USA Today notes (via Twitter) that it took Suggs about five months to recover the last time he suffered a torn Achilles. If Suggs follows that same timeline, he’d be ready by mid-February.
AFC Notes: Folk, Gilbert, Pryor, Ravens
The Jets entered the day with the second-least amount of cap space in the league, but an adjustment to their kicker’s salary will give them some breathing room.
Nick Folk agreed to convert $1.78MM of his $2.5MM base salary into a signing bonus, freeing up more than $1.18MM in cap space, Field Yates of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter). This leaves the Jets with just more than $2.17MM worth of space heading into the season; they previously had just $985K, which was ahead of only the Saints’ $465K +, according to OverTheCap.
Folk enters the season with a $1.46MM cap number.
Here is some news from around the AFC, with Week 1 approaching for 30 teams.
- Justin Gilbert‘s road-rage incident won’t affect his status for Sunday, but the strained hip flexor the second-year Browns cornerback suffered Aug. 18 might, notes Mary Kay Kabot of Cleveland.com.
- Recently cut from the Browns after initially making the roster out of the preseason, Terrelle Pryor will work out for two teams this week, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. The former Ohio State and Raiders quarterback will do so as a receiver for both teams, who were not named in the report.
- Ravens rookie defensive tackle Carl Davis will replace Timmy Jernigan in the starting lineup against the Broncos due to Jernigan’s doubtful status due to a right knee injury, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports. Hensley rates Davis, a third-round pick, as the team’s most impressive rookie thus far.
- Baltimore has also ruled out Breshad Perriman and Lorenzo Taliaferro, per Hensley.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/10/15
Here are Thursday’s practice squad signings and cuts from around the NFL:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: DE Anthony Steen (via Darren Urban on Twitter)
- Placed on PS-IR: T Rob Crisp
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: C Asa Jackson (Twitter link via Jeff Zrebiec)
- Cut: WR Daniel Brown
Buffalo Bills
- Cut: DE Cedric Reed (via Vic Carucci on Twitter)
New York Giants
- Cut: LB Cole Farrand (via Ralph Vacchiano on Twitter)