AFC Notes: Clowney, Rice, Manziel, Luck
Despite outside criticism, Texans coach Bill O’Brien is still high on No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney, writes Tania Ganguli of ESPN.com. “This guy has worked extremely hard to recover from injuries,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “And I want to be real clear about this with him, as it relates to us here to the Houston Texans. We think very highly of him. We know he’s going to be a really good player. He’s been unlucky. I don’t really care what anybody thinks about what I say in that realm of being unlucky or lucky. He’s had a sports hernia, he’s had a concussion and now he’s dealing with a knee injury. Those things are not easy in your rookie year.” More from around the NFL..
- Janay Rice told Matt Lauer of NBC that the Ravens suggested that she apologize for her role in the Ray Rice domestic violence incident at their offseason press conference (h/t Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post). One has to wonder if Janay Rice’s accusation could have some bearing on the running back’s case against the Ravens as he seeks to recover some of his 2014 salary.
- Browns coach Mike Pettine told reporters, including Pat McManamon of ESPN.com (via Twitter), that he feels no pressure from ownership or the front office to play Johnny Manziel. Pettine is currently deciding on whether to stick with the struggling Brian Hoyer or turn the starting job over to Manziel.
- Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap looked at a trio of players who improved their contract leverage with their play in Week 13. That list includes Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, who destroyed the Washington defense to the tune of 370 yards and five scores. By March, Fitzgerald expects Luck to be the highest paid QB in the NFL.
AFC Notes: Ray Rice, Colts, Broncos, Locker
Let’s look at the latest from around the AFC…
- We learned earlier today that the Colts are one of four clubs that have expressed interest in free agent running back Ray Rice, but ESPN.com’s Mike Wells argues that the backlash from adding Rice would be too great for Indianapolis to withstand. The Colts recently lost Ahmad Bradshaw for the rest of the season, and fellow RB Trent Richardson is also dealing with injuries. Head coach Chuck Pagano is familiar with Rice from the duo’s time in Baltimore, but it doesn’t seem like a reunion is likely.
- Meanwhile, Denver makes sense as a potential destination for Rice (at least on paper), as the Broncos’ running back situation has been in flux all year. Injuries to Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman have clouded the backfield pecking order, and though C.J. Anderson is thriving as the new starter, Denver could conceivably use a veteran presence. However, sources tell Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that the Broncos have no interest in Rice; with just six regular season games remaining, Rice wouldn’t have much time to pick up Denver’s offense.
- More on the Rice front, as Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun writes that although teams have declared interest in Rice, sources say that “nothing concrete has developed quickly.”
- There will undoubtedly be several head coaching jobs available during the offseason, and Ben Volin of the Boston Globe identifies a few candidates for those positions by examining which assistant coaches have performed the best in 2014. Chiefs defensive coordinator Bob Sutton, Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, and Dolphins OC Bill Lazor are among the coordinators singled out by Volin.
- Titans quarterback Jake Locker entered today’s game following an injury to Zach Mettenberger, and completed just six of 12 passes for 93 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He’s a free agent after the season, and Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap wonders (via Twitter) if Locker will be able to secure any guaranteed money on his next contract, or whether he’ll be forced to attend a training camp as something of a “tryout” player.
La Canfora’s Latest: 49ers, Saints, RGIII
It is almost a foregone conclusion that 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh will not be prowling the San Francisco sidelines after the 2014 season. Although much of the talk concerning the 49ers’ head coaching situation has centered around Harbaugh’s next destination, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports examines how the team might go about replacing its successful but polarizing general.
Although Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase would be a logical external candidate, La Canfora writes that the 49ers plan to thoroughly evaluate their internal options and that defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and defensive line coach Jim Tomsula would be at the top of the team’s list. Both men have done an exceptional job during their tenure with the club, and 2014 might represent their high-water mark as coaches, given that the 49ers’ defense has thrived in the midst of injuries to some of its best players.
Tomsula is a personal favorite of owner Jed York, and both he and Fangio are expected to receive interest from other clubs looking to fill head coaching positions. However, the team would like to keep as much of its talented defensive staff in place as possible, particularly since Eric Mangini and offensive coordinator Greg Roman are expected to follow Harbaugh wherever he goes. Hiring Tomsula or Fangio would also mesh with San Francisco’s preferred operating procedure, as it would be out of character for the team to attempt to attract a big-name, big-money coach from outside the organization.
Let’s take a look at some other relevant issues that La Canfora has touched on this morning:
- La Canfora writes that there is a growing rift between Saints head coach Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, and that the team is expected to find a new defensive coordinator–which would be its fifth in Payton’s nine-year tenure–after the season. Citing an unnamed source, Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report tweets that La Canfora’s report is “very accurate,” although Mike Triplett of ESPN.com tweets that he has not heard about the friction between Payton and Ryan.
- La Canfora tweets that he expects “substantial change” on the Saints and 49ers rosters after this season given the teams’ high salary cap numbers and large salaries.
- If Washington were to try to trade quarterback Robert Griffin III after the season, La Canfora writes that the team is unlikely to get more than a third round pick for him.
- We learned earlier today that the Ravens are expected to reward Justin Forsett with a multiyear deal after this season, but La Canfora notes that Forsett’s contract prevents him from signing an in-season extension if Baltimore were inclined to lock him up sooner. As former agent Joel Corry tweets, Forsett’s age (30) will limit the size of his contract, despite his “low mileage.”
- Although the Colts have stated they do not have interest in bringing Ray Rice aboard, La Canfora wonders if the team’s need at running back and Rice’s relationship with head coach Chuck Pagano will be enough for them to change their stance.
North Notes: Rice, Ravens, Shanahan
Four teams have expressed interest in former Ravens running back Ray Rice, writes ESPN’s Adam Schefter. One of those four teams, the Colts, have recently stated that they are not interested in signing the newly-reinstated Rice at this time. The Saints were the other team identified in Schefter’s report–the other two clubs said to have interest were unnamed–but SportsCenter staff, citing Schefter, later tweeted that the Saints, like the Colts, are not expected to pursue Rice.
Those who believe Rice will not play again this season, if at all, most frequently support their position by citing the obvious public relations ramifications that a team signing Rice would have to face. However, as Schefter points outs, there is also a sizable on-field concern to consider. One AFC running backs coach, speaking to Schefter’s colleague Josina Anderson, noted that the speed with which Rice would pick up a new offense could pose a problem. The coach said:
“Some guys learn faster than others. They just do. I don’t know what kind of shape he’s in. There are a bunch of different things. He’s going to have to get into shape, clearly because he hasn’t been hitting this year. You would think there would be some carryover … but he is a good player. He is a good player.”
So while it still seems more likely than not that Rice will not suit up in 2014, the recent interest in his services suggests that there could still be a match between Rice and a playoff contender.
Now for a few more items from the league’s north divisions:
- Although we took a look at this mailbag from ESPN.com’s Jamison Hensley yesterday, one item of note that should be passed along is Hensley’s belief that the Ravens will reward surprise contributors Justin Forsett and Will Hill with two- or three-year deals with a modest bonus during the offseason.
- Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com writes that Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan will garner at least some interest from the six (or more) teams that will likely be looking for a new head coach after this season. Although it may take another year or two of interviews before Shanahan lands a head coaching job, it does appear that he will make that leap in fairly short order.
- Tyler Dunne of the Journal Sentinel, in anticipation of today’s much-anticipated matchup between the Packers and Patriots, describes the different approaches that those two clubs take to roster construction and notes that Green Bay is relying on the type of players that New England head coach Bill Belichick may have already given up on.
- Ben Goessling of ESPN.com believes left guard is the spot on the Vikings offensive line where a change is most likely.
AFC Mailbags: Chiefs, Colts, Jags, Ravens
We took a look at ESPN’s NFC mailbags earlier this morning. Let’s now focus on notes from the AFC…
- Adam Teicher says the Chiefs biggest need “in both the short and long terms” is at wide receiver.
- Mike Wells believes it’s too late for the Colts to reinforce their offensive line depth with a free agent like Richie Incognito.
- Firing offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch wouldn’t make “any sense” for the Jaguars, writes Michael DiRocco. A new O-coordinator would mean Blake Bortles would have to learn a new offensive, which is “virtually guaranteed” to stunt a young quarterback’s growth.
- Jamison Hensley believes the Ravens will add some depth at cornerback, wide receiver, tight end and offensive tackle in the offseason. Meanwhile, the writer says it would be “uncharacteristic” for the team to pursue top free agent defenders like Jason Pierre-Paul or Ndamukong Suh.
Latest On Ray Rice
It was a busy Black Friday yesterday, as we learned that running back Ray Rice is again eligible to play in the league. Whether that happens this season remains to be seen. Let’s take a look at some assorted overnight notes pertaining to the former Pro-Bowler…
- Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com believes the appeal decision will ultimately make the Robert Mueller investigation moot. The former Director of the American Federal Bureau of Investigation has been exploring the extent of the NFL’s knowledge when they increased Rice’s suspension.
- Yesterday’s ruling may ultimately help Rice’s grievance against the Ravens, writes Florio. The former Pro-Bowler will be looking to recoup his paychecks from Week Three to the current day (or the games following his initial two-game suspension). As Florio points out, Rice will only be helped by previous comments by GM Ozzie Newsome, who said that Rice originally acknowledged hitting his then-fiance. These comments contradict the reasoning behind Rice’s indefinite suspension, which is the money Rice is hoping to recover.
- The general consensus among NFL executives is that Rice will inevitably sign with a club… but not this season. “I’m sure he’ll garner some attention, but he didn’t play well last season, and backs tend to go downhill quickly once they start,” an AFC personnel official said (via Lindsay H. Jones and Jim Corbett of USA TODAY Sports).
Extra Points: Chiefs, Sam, Ravens
The football world is abuzz over Jay Gruden‘s decision to bench Robert Griffin III, but the quarterback is taking a diplomatic approach to the situation. “Coach’s decision,” Griffin said when asked about the move, according to John Keim of ESPN.com. “I’m here to help this team win.” This is a lost season for Washington, but the decision to go with Colt McCoy raises all sorts of questions about their future. More from around the NFL..
- The Chiefs worked out defensive backs Ellis Lankster, DeMarcus Van Dyke, and Johnny Patrick, a league source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (via Twitter). Both Lankster and Patrick are former Jets. Lankster, 27, has 47 NFL games to his credit between 2009-2013. He auditioned for the Lions and Panthers this fall but he has yet to find an NFL home since his release from the Jets in September.
- Montreal Alouettes GM Jim Popp said that Michael Sam was close to joining the team with three weeks to go in the CFL season, tweets David William Naylor of TSN. Maggie Hendricks of USA Today identified the Bears and Lions as a couple of clubs that might have interest in the linebacker earlier this month, but no one has signed him since he was dropped from the Cowboys’ practice squad.
- The Ravens were smart to listen to Kirk Ferentz when they took a chance and drafted offensive guard Marshal Yanda, writes Childs Walker of The Baltimore Sun. In fact, Walker argues that Yanda is quietly becoming one of the greatest players in Ravens history. “He’s definitely one of the best linemen in the league,” said Steve Palazzolo, a senior analyst for Pro Football Focus. “He can play the power game and maul people but then you see some of the reach blocks he makes, and he moves awfully quickly over a short space.”
Practice Squad Updates: Wednesday
As usual, we expect plenty of Wednesday practice squad moves, as teams around the NFL add and subtract from their respective units in preparation for Week 13 action. Here are the latest practice squad signings and cuts:
- The Ravens signed tight end Emmanuel Ogbuehi to the practice squad while placing Konrad Reuland on practice squad-injured list, according to Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun (on Twitter).
- The Seahawks re-signed defensive tackle Jimmy Staten to their practice squad today, cutting offensive lineman Andrew McDonald to make room, tweets Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. It’s a reversal of the move the team made over the weekend.
- The Cardinals filled the two openings on their practice squad today, signing linebacker Kion Wilson and re-adding running back Kerwynn Williams, according to Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com (Twitter link).
- Former Georgia defensive tackle Garrison Smith, who spent time in the summer with the Dolphins, has signed to the Saints‘ practice squad, per his agent David Canter (Twitter link). New Orleans had a full unit, so a corresponding move should be announced shortly.
Earlier updates:
- Washington has added two defensive backs to its practice squad, announcing today that Trey Wolfe and Kenny Okoro have been added to the 10-man unit (Twitter link).
- After promoting defensive tackle Ricky Lumpkin from their practice squad to the 53-man roster, the Raiders signed cornerback Jansen Watson to fill the newly-opened spot, according to a team release. Watson signed with Oakland as an undrafted free agent this spring and was cut during the preseason.
- The Chargers have filled out their practice squad by adding center Jeff Baca, a 2013 sixth-rounder, the team announced today in a press release.
- Former Florida State safety Terrance Parks has signed with the Texans‘ practice squad, according to the team.
- The Dolphins have released defensive end Emmanuel Dieke from their practice squad, signing safety Ahmad Dixon to fill his spot, tweets Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald. Dixon, a seventh-round pick by the Cowboys in May, had spent most of the season with the Bears before being cut last week.
- The Titans have agreed to terms with outside linebacker Chaz Sutton, adding him to their taxi squad, the team announced today (Twitter link). Sutton fills the lone opening on Tennessee’s unit.
- Having already made one change to their practice squad (noted below), the Patriots announced several more, via a press release. Linebacker Deontae Skinner and defensive back Daxton Swanson have been cut, while tight end Xavier Grimble has joined the squad.
- After bringing him in for an audition, the Giants have signed offensive lineman Michael Bamiro to their practice squad, a source tells Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. New York had an opening on its unit, so no players need to be cut to accommodate the addition.
- Danny Aiken may have a little competition in New England, as the Patriots have brought back another long snapper, Charley Hughlett, re-adding him to their taxi squad, according to agent Brett Tessler (Twitter link). The team will have to announce a corresponding move to make the signing official.
- Linebacker L.J. Fort has signed with the Bengals‘ practice squad, tweets Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Fort, who spent time with the Seahawks earlier this season, worked out for the Bengals and the Saints last week.
Dumervil Triggers Contract Escalators
Every time Elvis Dumervil slams an opposing quarterback to the ground, he must hear cash registers going off in his head. As former agent Joel Corry explains in a piece for the National Football Post, Dumervil is cashing in this season thanks to incentives in his contract and there could be more bonus bucks on the way.
Dumervil signed a five-year deal with the Ravens in 2013 with a base value of $26MM and $11MM in guarantees. However, the deal carried the potential worth of $35MM thanks to $9MM in base salary escalators and incentives. Much of that money was tied to contract mechanisms classified as “Not Likely To Be Earned (NLTBE)” – incentives with higher thresholds than his previous career highs. With the NLTBE classification, the Ravens were able to give Dumervil a satisfactory deal while keeping that extra money off the books in that league year.
Since Dumervil had 11 sacks with the Broncos in 2012, his NLTBE escalators or incentives required him to exceed that sack total. With two sacks against the Saints in Week 12, Dumervil triggered $3MM in base salary escalators and earned $1MM in incentives. As Corry outlines in full, there will be more opportunities to rake it in for the former Bronco thanks to four contract clauses. The value of the linebacker’s contract has increased to $30MM over five years. He can’t earn the maximum of $35MM because he didn’t have 12 sacks in 2013, but he can earn up to $33MM if he hits his thresholds again in 2015.
Still, as Corry rightly notes, triggering these incentives doesn’t fully ensure that Dumervil will collect on them. The incentives are rarely guaranteed, so Baltimore can still ask Dumervil to take a pay cut or release him without any financial obligation.
Forsett Hoping For Long-Term Deal With Ravens
Former Ravens running back Ray Rice, who entered the season as the team’s lead runner, has dominated off-field NFL headlines around the league this season, but it’s another running back whose play on the field has been the big story in Baltimore recently. Justin Forsett is having a career year as the No. 1 back in Baltimore, and he tells Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun that he hopes to stick around beyond the 2014 season.
“This is a great place, a great organization,” Forsett said. “It’s hard not to want to be here. Definitely, I’m sure after the season sometime they’ll get something done. I would love to sign here. I’ve been waiting my whole career to find a home somewhere to not have to move every offseason. So, that would be nice.”
Forsett, 29, played for the Colts, Seahawks, Texans, and Jaguars before signing with the Ravens this past offseason, and was typically used as a backup or change-of-pace back, occasionally contributing in the return game as well. This season, he’s already blown past his previous career-high in carries, rushing 155 times for 903 yards, for an impressive 5.8 yards per carry. He’s also added seven touchdowns, and has been at his best in recent weeks — in Baltimore’s last two games, the former seventh-round pick has nearly 300 rushing yards and four TDs.
Playing on a minimum contract this year, with a base salary of $730K and a cap hit of just $570K, Forsett will certainly be in line for a raise this winter. While it’s not clear yet if the Ravens will aggressively try to lock him up, it appears as if Forsett is at least interested in giving them first dibs, prior to hitting the open market.