AFC Notes: Richardson, Colts, Workouts
The court case for Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson, who is facing five misdemeanor charges, has been postponed for a third time, per Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com. The hearing is now scheduled for January 25, well after the regular season comes to an end. From an on-field perspective, the latest delay shouldn’t affect Richardson and the Jets significantly, since any discipline from the NFL was always likely to be applied for the 2016 season, rather than this year.
Here’s more from around the AFC:
- The Colts have arguably been the NFL’s biggest underachiever this season, leaving owner Jim Irsay no choice but to make changes in the offseason. While neither head coach Chuck Pagano nor general manager Ryan Grigson should feel safe heading into 2016, Mike Wells of ESPN.com takes a look at the problem areas for the two men to get an idea of whether they ought to be replaced.
- Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor, Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams, and Patriots outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard were among the top free agent signings of the 2015 offseason, writes Mike Sando of ESPN.com in an Insider-only piece.
- Before signing Chris Carter to their active roster and Nordly Capi to their practice squad, the Ravens also worked out veteran linebacker Ricky Sapp, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link).
- Wilson also has the details on the latest Jaguars tryouts, tweeting that fullback Ray Agnew, defensive lineman Shayon Green, tackle Sean Hickey, defensive back Josh Johnson and safety Earl Wolff auditioned for Jacksonville.
- One more workout note from Wilson, who tweets that the Browns are taking a look at former Towson offensive tackle Randall Harris today.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/21/15
Here are today’s minor moves from around the league.
- Washington signed tight end Marcel Jensen off the Bills‘ practice squad, Mike Rodak of ESPN.com tweets. The 25-year-old Jensen signed as an undrafted free agent with the Jaguars last season, eventually seeing action in one game that included one catch for eight yards.
- The Titans signed quarterback Alex Tanney off the Colts‘ practice squad, Chuck Pagano confirmed (via Mike Chappell of IndySportsCentral.com, on Twitter). The 28-year-old ex-UDFA has spent time with the Browns, Cowboys, Chiefs and Colts, along with a 2014 stint in Tennessee, but hasn’t played in a game. He’s needed for roster depth, with Marcus Mariota likely out for the remainder of the season.
East Notes: Deflategate, Bills, Beckham, Cowboys
The NFL filed its final salvo in the Deflategate saga, countering the NFLPA’s 73-page appeal earlier this month with a 38-page response that centers on how the Patriots‘ alleged manipulation of footballs does not compare with uniform or equipment violations as the Players’ Association previously stated.
The case that resulted in Tom Brady being suspended for four games, then being permitted to play during that period by Judge Richard Berman, will reach the appeal stage March 3, 2016.
Let’s look at some more news coming out of the Eastern division as Week 15 wraps up.
- Rex Ryan said today he’s “pretty sure” Tyrod Taylor will be the Bills‘ starting quarterback next season, Mike Rodak of ESPN.com reports. After winning a three-man quarterback race as a newly signed free agent this offseason, Taylor will be able to further develop with an entire offseason shaped around him being atop the depth chart, Ryan said. After beating out the since-traded Matt Cassel and ex-first-rounder EJ Manuel, Taylor has completed 63.2% of his passes — although the ex-Ravens backup’s failed to surpass the 60% plateau in each of his past five games — and thrown 20 touchdown passes compared to just five interceptions.
- Mario Williams continued his recent path out of Buffalo on Sunday in criticizing Ryan’s defensive scheme, and Tyler Dunne of the Buffalo News said the 30-year-old defensive end’s team-high $19.9MM cap number next year makes that an easier decision. Dunne also sees Kyle Williams ($7MM 2016 cap figure) having a potential uphill battle to remaining on the roster.
- Odell Beckham took issue with Panthers practice squad players allegedly lobbing homophobic slurs at him before Sunday’s eventful Giants-Panthers game, sources inform Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer. Jones also notes Beckham was, per sources, intimidated by Panthers defensive backs swinging a baseball bat during pregame warmups, a ritual that’s spawned this season for the unbeaten Panthers. Carolina sources obviously don’t believe the bat routine could have necessitated Beckham’s rampage.
- In its letter communicating Beckham’s suspension, the NFL found six violations committed by the Giants second-year wideout, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes. Two of the three transgressions for which Beckham wasn’t penalized involved punches being thrown. “Your actions adversely reflected on the NFL and have no place in the game because incidents like this erode public confidence in the orderly conduct of our game as well as the good character of our participants,” NFL V.P. of operations Merton Hanks told Beckham in the suspension letter.
- Kellen Moore‘s late-season audition for the Cowboys will be for the No. 2 job and won’t influence what the team does this coming offseason in pursuing Tony Romo‘s potential heir apparent, Jerry Jones told 105.3 The Fan, per Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (on Twitter). The 26-year-old Moore, a UDFA who the Lions cut this year, completed 15-of-25 passes and threw three interceptions against the Jets.
- Eagles high-priced corner Byron Maxwell sprained his SC joint in Sunday night’s loss to the Cardinals and may miss Saturday’s pivotal tilt with Washington, Les Bowen of Philly.com reports.
Bills Notes: Woods, McCoy, Williams, Taylor
It appears likely that Robert Woods‘ season will come to an early end. The Bills wide receiver suffered a groin injury, and head coach Rex Ryan told reporters today that it’s “safe to say” it’s a pretty severe one (Twitter link via Joe Buscaglia of WKBW). While the team hasn’t made anything official yet, Rand Getlin of the NFL Network (Twitter link) hears that Woods will be placed on injured reserve.
With Woods out, there’s “probably a good chance” of Dezmin Lewis being promoted from the Bills’ practice squad to their active roster, according to Ryan (Twitter link via Buscaglia). As we wait for a formal announcement from the club on that roster move, let’s round up a few more items out of Buffalo….
- While Woods’ season is probably done, it sounds like LeSean McCoy may get back on the field sometime in the last two weeks. Per Getlin (Twitter link), there are no plans at this time to shut down the running back. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network adds (via Twitter) that McCoy’s MCL sprain may sideline him for Week 16, but he’s expected to be fine for Week 17.
- Bills safety Aaron Williams, who is currently on IR with the designation to return due to a neck injury, won’t return to action this season, Ryan said today (link via ESPN’s Mike Rodak). Williams will continue to practice while he remains on IR.
- Addressing a pair of reports that surfaced over the weekend, Ryan denied any sort of rift between him and general manager Doug Whaley, adding that he has a “great deal of respect” for the Bills’ GM. Ryan also dismissed the idea that anyone within the organization doubted whether Mario Williams was sick last week, suggesting that story was “made up” (all Twitter links via Buscaglia).
- Ryan was also asked about Williams’ comments from Sunday, in which the defensive end didn’t express any openness to the idea of accepting a pay cut to remain in Buffalo. While the Buffalo head coach said he’d love to have Williams – and everyone else on the team – back next season, he acknowledged that change is a part of the NFL offseason (Twitter link via Buscaglia).
- Ryan gave Tyrod Taylor another vote of confidence, telling reporters that the team is “pretty sure” of who its quarterback will be heading into 2016 (Twitter link via Tyler Dunne of The Buffalo News).
- Bills outside linebacker Randell Johnson sustained a high ankle sprain, and doesn’t have a great chance to play in Week 16, tweets Buscaglia. Johnson may be a candidate for IR.
East Notes: K. Moore, M. Williams, Bills
After seeing his first action of the season on Saturday night against the Jets, Cowboys quarterback Kellen Moore will get the start for Dallas in Week 16, head coach Jason Garrett confirmed today (Twitter link via Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram). Unlike teammate Matt Cassel, Moore remains under contract with the Cowboys through the 2016 season, so if he can finish strong this year, he should receive consideration for the role of Tony Romo‘s backup going forward.
Here’s more from around the NFL’s two East divisions:
- With his cap number set to increase to $19.9MM in 2016, Bills defensive end Mario Williams looks like a candidate to be released this offseason, particularly after the trouble he has had adjusting to Rex Ryan‘s defensive scheme. While a pay cut could be an option for Williams, he doesn’t sound like someone interested in taking one for the team, as Tyler Dunne of The Buffalo News writes. “If this is the turnout of our defense, how does that even sound right?” Williams asked on Sunday, when the possibility of a pay cut was mentioned.
- Meanwhile, after the Bills lost again on Sunday to fall to 6-8 on the season, Ryan suggested that “drastic changes” may await the club this offseason. Matthew Fairburn of Syracuse.com has the details and the quotes from the Buffalo head coach.
- DeMarco Murray received just two touches in Sunday’s night game against Arizona, which looks like the latest sign that the Eagles may consider simply cutting their losses with the unproductive running back this offseason, says Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
- In an Insider-only piece for ESPN.com, Mike Sando speaks to agents and NFL team salary-cap managers about what sort of salaries we should expect for quarterbacks like Washington‘s Kirk Cousins ($15MM per year), the Jets‘ Ryan Fitzpatrick ($8-12MM), and the Eagles‘ Sam Bradford (projections were “all over the map”).
- Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald questions what interim Dolphins coach Dan Campbell has done to deserve an interview for the team’s permanent head coaching job.
Injury Updates: McCoy, Mariota, Albert
We’ll keep track of the latest injury news here, with the newest updates added to the top of the list…
- While Albert should be fine after suffering a knee injury during the loss in San Diego, Dolphins center Mike Pouncey wasn’t so lucky. He left the game with his foot stabilized in a boot, and he will be out for the remainder of the season, writes Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.
Earlier Updates
- LeSean McCoy‘s knee injury appears to be a minor MCL sprain, according to Rand Getlin of the NFL Network (via Twitter). He is expected to be listed day-to-day by the Bills.
- Marcus Mariota will have an MRI on Monday after injuring his knee against the Patriots, according to Pro Football Talk (via Twitter). The Titans believe he suffered an MCL injury. With Zach Mettenberger the only other passer on the roster, Tennessee will likely add a quarterback this week.
- Dolphins left tackle Branden Albert left the game with a knee injury, and Dallas Thomas was exploited replacing him, according to James Walker of ESPN (via Twitter). With Thomas struggling, the Dolphins will need to make a move if if they want to give any chance to Ryan Tannehill and the offense.
- Another big name left tackle went down with an injury in the Seahawks’ Russell Okung, who was doubtful to return with a calf injury, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (via Twitter).
- 49ers running back Shaun Draughn exited the game with a knee injury, according to Eric Branch (via Twitter). Draugn has been the leading ball-carrier for the 49ers the last five games after being acquired from Cleveland. With Carlos Hyde and Reggie Bush already out, the 49ers will have to dig deep on the roster to find a new starting running back.
Bills Notes: Taylor, Whaley, Pegula
After hearing a little more about the deteriorating relationship between the Bills and disgruntled defensive end Mario Williams this morning, let’s take a look at a few more links out of Buffalo:
- By playing over half of the Bills’ offensive snaps, Tyrod Taylor voided the third year of the three-year deal he signed with Buffalo this season. He is due just $1MM next year, his final season under club control, and although the team could lock him up long-term, GM Doug Whaley and OC Greg Roman are reluctant to label him as the team’s quarterback of the future. Per Jerry Sullivan of The Buffalo News, Whaley expects to deal with Taylor’s contract at the end of the 2016 season, which may not be the wisest decision. Sullivan believes the team should at least offer Taylor some sort of bridge deal, something along the lines of a three-year, $27MM pact. Although Taylor, who has “outsized belief in his ability,” would likely reject such an offer, Sullivan thinks the Bills should at least try. Taylor is still relatively raw, but if his 2016 season is anything like his 2015 effort, he would likely be in line for a highly-lucrative deal in free agency, and as a result, the Bills may once again be without a quarterback when that time comes.
- Whaley, of course, may not even be the one to make the decision on Taylor’s future. Per Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News, Bills owner Terry Pegula is seeking outside NFL consultation as to what steps he should take to rid his club of the problems it has faced in recent seasons, and most of that advice is not favorable for Whaley. For instance, Pegula is hearing that the team needs to move on from EJ Manuel as the backup quarterback–something that Whaley has been steadfast in not wanting to do–and Pegula is reportedly “open to the idea of hiring someone to provide big-picture oversight of the football operation while also finding a new GM.” After all, the Bills nearly parted ways with Whaley last offseason, when they reached out to Bill Polian to run the team’s football operations, and the fact that Whaley has now had problems with two head coaches is viewed as a black mark on his resume.
- Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports confirms that Whaley is “at odds” with the Bills’ coaching staff, and La Canfora expects there to be a “showdown” between Whaley and the staff this offseason. Whaley is especially frustrated that the team does not regularly feature Sammy Watkins–for whom Whaley traded a bounty of draft picks–and he would also prefer the team move on from Roman and others. Pegula, however, is a big Roman supporter, and Whaley’s decision to invest so much draft stock in one player, along with his decision to draft Manuel, may be too much for the GM to overcome. It appears as though Whaley may be on his way out, while Rex Ryan and Roman will be given a chance to right the ship and continue to mold the team within Ryan’s ground-and-pound, defense-oriented vision.
Latest On Mario Williams, Bills
Add Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (article via Conor Orr of NFL.com) to the chorus of voices who believe Mario Williams‘ time with the Bills could be up at the end of the season. Rapoport says there is a “clear, fundamental disconnect” between head coach Rex Ryan and his defensive line, and Williams could be at the heart of the trouble.
Williams has been relatively vocal about his dissatisfaction with Ryan’s scheme, which has been largely ineffective this season. Indeed, the Bills’ defense under Ryan has regressed in almost every way from one year ago, when the unit was led by Jim Schwartz, who is reportedly missed by a number of the team’s defensive players. But Williams’ displeasure may now be manifesting itself in other ways, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweets that Williams missed a team meeting this week and blamed illness for his absence, which not everyone believed.
Williams’ frustration, of course, is understandable. He is playing under a new defensive coordinator for the sixth straight year, and under Ryan’s 3-4 defense, he has been asked to do a great deal more than simply rush the passer. Although Ryan’s scheme is similar to the one that Mike Pettine deployed when he served as the Bills’ defensive coordinator several seasons ago, it is clear that Williams has struggled to adapt. His run defense has been mediocre, he has not looked especially good when dropping into coverage, and his pass rush numbers are way down. After posting double-digit sack totals in each of the last three years, Williams has just four sacks this season.
Adding to Williams’ discontent is the fact that he was probably viewing the 2015 season as a contract year, even though he is technically under club control for two more seasons. As is typically the case with mega-deals like the six-year, $96MM pact Williams signed with the Bills prior to the 2012 season, no one really expected Williams to play out the life of his contract without at least some sort of restructure. As former NFL agent Joel Corry tweets, Williams would carry a cap hit of $19.9MM in 2016, a number that is especially onerous for Buffalo, which will have over $146MM in cap obligations. Williams was always going to be a cut or restructure candidate, and at this point, it looks far more likely that he will be cut. After all, it much easier for the Bills to move on from Williams than it is for them to move on from Ryan.
But even though Williams will be on the wrong side of 30 when the 2016 season begins, Rapoport expects him to generate a great deal of interest on the open market, just like Julius Peppers did several seasons ago (Twitter link). Given Williams’ track record–he has compiled 95 sacks over his ten-year career–it will be relatively easy for him to convince other clubs that his disappointing 2015 season was due primarily to scheme rather than a diminishing skill set.
AFC Notes: Incognito, Manziel, Colts, Jags
Bills guard Richie Incognito, who signed a one-year deal worth just $900K in base salary last offseason, has a good chance of inking a lucrative contract in the coming months, The Buffalo News’ Tyler Dunne writes. Incognito missed last season because teams shied away from the 32-year-old after the Dolphins suspended him from October 2013 to February 2014 for bullying former teammate Jonathan Martin. However, he has bounced back this year and is in the middle of his best season. The former third-round pick rates second among guards by Pro Football Focus’ metrics – with only Baltimore’s Marshal Yanda outdoing him – and could make his second Pro Bowl, Dunne offers.
More from the AFC:
- A predictable uproar emerged earlier this week when Mike Pettine refused to characterize Seattle’s Russell Wilson as a top-tier quarterback, but Browns defensive end Desmond Bryant concurs with his coach regarding Johnny Manziel‘s Wilson-esque potential, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer writes. “Johnny can definitely be that same triple threat guy. Russell is a smart quarterback, he can throw the ball and he can make plays with his feet, so a triple-threat quarterback is always going to be a problem,” Bryant told media, including Cabot. Cabot points out that Manziel, in addition to having an immense journey ahead to reach this plateau, ran considerably slower than Wilson at the Combine (4.68 seconds to Wilson’s 4.55).
- The Colts cut linebacker Daniel Adongo on Thursday. Now the NFL says it’s investigating him under its personal conduct policy, according to The Associated Press. Police have twice been called to Adongo’s house since October – including last week – in response to possible domestic violence incidents, per the Indianapolis Star. However, no charges will be filed against Adongo and the case is closed, Hamilton County deputy prosecutor Amy Summerfield said in a statement.
- The Jaguars were the first team to contact ex-Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall after he went undrafted this year, and the current cornerback didn’t wait to hear from another club before signing, Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union notes. Despite not playing corner since he was a freshman at Georgia, Marshall has factored in as a backup in Jacksonville while serving as a consistent special-teamer.
Connor Byrne contributed to this report.
AFC East Notes: L. Thomas, Dolphins, Bills, Pats
When the Bengals expressed interest in signing quarterback Logan Thomas off the Dolphins‘ practice squad earlier this week, Miami protected its young signal-caller by promoting him to its own 53-man roster, preventing him from going to Cincinnati. However, it wasn’t quite as simple as the Dolphins telling Thomas they’d put him on their roster.
According to Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald (Twitter link), the new deal Thomas signed with Miami included a $125K signing bonus. That $125K, which is part of a two-year pact, as Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald tweets, is a coup for Thomas, since signing bonuses aren’t typically a part of contracts signed at this point in the year. It also reflects Cincinnati’s serious interest in poaching him, and the Dolphins’ unwillingness to let him get away.
Here’s more from around the AFC East:
- Despite the fact that it hasn’t particularly been an area of the strength for the team, the Dolphins‘ offensive line in 2016 will likely look pretty similar to 2015’s unit, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, who suggests that a big offseason shake-up of the line is unlikely.
- With the third year on his contract now set to void, Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor should head into the 2016 season firmly in the driver’s seat when it comes to extension talks, writes Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News. In Carucci’s view, Taylor shouldn’t be rushing to sign a long-term deal unless the money is “staggering.”
- Offensive tackle might be the most unsettled position for the Bills as the offseason approaches, especially given the possibility of left tackle Cordy Glenn reaching free agency, says Mike Rodak of ESPN.com.
- As the Patriots consider their options at running back, with both Dion Lewis and LeGarrette Blount out for the season, CSNNE’s Marc Bertrand makes the case for why the team should sign Steven Jackson, while new practice squad back Montee Ball says he’s happy to get a fresh start in New England (link via Mike Reiss of ESPN.com).