Wayne Hunter To Retire
4:44pm: Hunter has decided to retire following his release, Mike Rodak of ESPN.com (on Twitter) hears. Rodak (link) adds that the Bills’ decision to release Hunter was his own decision since he didn’t feel like his body was good enough to play again. The Bills, he says, could pursue more offensive line depth between now and the start of camp.
3:51pm: Despite an effort to return to action in the NFL for the first time since 2012, veteran offensive lineman Wayne Hunter saw his time in Buffalo cut short after just three weeks. According to Brian McIntyre (via Twitter), the Bills have released Hunter, less than a month after signing him.
Hunter, who started all 16 games at right tackle for the Jets in 2011, was widely criticized by fans during his time in New York. In his final year in green, Hunter graded out as one of the very worst tackles in the NFL, according to the advanced metrics at Pro Football Focus (subscription required). Hunter finished with an overall grade of -24.6, ranking him 71st out of 76 qualified players at the position.
In August of 2012, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer convinced the Rams to send Jason Smith to the Jets in order to bring Hunter to St. Louis. Hunter fared slightly better in his 14 games (4 starts) with the Rams, but still graded out with a below average mark, according to PFF.
Given the somewhat unsettled situation on the Bills’ offensive line, Hunter’s former head coach, Rex Ryan, wanted to take a look at his old tackle. However, the audition didn’t last long — Hunter, who turned 34 earlier this month, will return to the free agent list immediately since he’s not subject to waivers.
Sunday Roundup: Gresham, Elam, Kromer
Let’s have a look at some links from around the league on this Sunday afternoon:
- We learned earlier today that Jermaine Gresham would be visiting the Cardinals this week, and Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com says it would be no surprise if Arizona landed the suddenly popular tight end, given the team’s need for a pass catcher at the position and GM Steve Keim‘s propensity to bring in a veteran free agent right as training camp opens.
- Matt Elam has been a big disappointment for the Ravens, who selected the former Florida safety with the No. 32 overall pick in the 2013 draft. Elam’s move to strong safety in 2014 should have been beneficial to him considering his skill set, but he led the team in missed tackles and struggled mightily in coverage. As Bo Smolka of CSNBaltimore.com writes, Elam is the Raven facing the most amount of pressure this season.
- Ben Goessling of ESPN.com says the Vikings‘ safety position next to Harrison Smith is up for grabs, as evidenced by GM Rick Spielman‘s unsolicited praise of second-year player Antone Exum after the draft.
- Some Lions fans are already looking ahead to the 2016 season, and as Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com writes in his latest mailbag, no matter how the team’s defensive tackles perform this year, that will be a position of need for Detroit given free agency and the age of Haloti Ngata.
- Bills offensive line coach Aaron Kromer is on indefinite paid leave, and he can only return to full status when his criminal case ends. As Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com writes, the first opportunity for Kromer to resolve his case is August 12, when he is expected to enter a plea. If he has a plea deal in place with prosecutors at that time, the case could be over on that day. However, he would still be subject to a fine, suspension, or both under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. Buffalo has not announced how it intends to replace Kromer once camp opens.
- Ryan O’Halloran of The Florida Times-Union examines the Jaguars‘ running back situation heading into training camp.
- Marc Sessler of NFL.com looks at the best remaining free agents on the defensive side of the ball, a list that includes veterans like Dwight Freeney looking for one last contract and busts like Da’Quan Bowers.
East Notes: Brady, Coughlin, Brooks
We still do not know what will come of the Tom Brady saga, but as we await Roger Goodell‘s final decision on Brady’s suspension, Ben Volin of The Boston Globe provides something of a different perspective on the story. Although it has been widely assumed that Brady would file a lawsuit against the NFL and seek an injunction to stay his suspension unless it is completely wiped out, that decision could be harder than it appears.
After all, although a lawsuit carries little legal risk for Brady–he would not have to share any evidence like text messages or emails, and any sworn statements he makes would likely replicate what he has already said–the on-field ramifications could be a different matter. On the one hand, a lawsuit could delay the process so long that Brady ends up playing the entire 2015 season, but he could also lose in court and be forced to serve the suspension later in the 2015 campaign when the Patriots are fighting for playoff positioning. A loss, of course, would also lend a great deal of validation to Brady’s critics and would cast a pall over his career. Plus, even if he were able to get the suspension lifted, the NFL could appeal and potentially have the suspension restored later in the season.
Brady will have a lot to mull over when Goodell finally hands down his decision, and out of everyone who Brady may consult as he decides how to proceed, it is difficult to find a truly impartial adviser. As Volin writes, “Realistically, only one person can truly decide what’s best for Tom Brady — the man himself. Hopefully, he understands that.”
Now let’s take a look at some more links from the team’s east divisions:
- Jordan Raanan of NJ.com writes that Giants head coach Tom Coughlin needs to get his team into the playoffs this year if he wants to keep his job. Owner John Mara said after the 2014 season that 2015 is a win-or-else year for a lot of people in the organization, and that includes Coughlin.
- Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com examines whether Jason Pierre-Paul would have reached a long-term deal with the Giants if not for the well-publicized fireworks accident that cost JPP his right index finger.
- Tyler Dunne of The Buffalo News details Ron Brooks‘ attempts to establish himself as a starting-caliber corner for the Bills as the former fourth-round pick enters the fourth and final year of his rookie deal.
- Benjamin Hochman and Mark Kiszla of The Denver Post debate whether the Cowboys or Broncos got more bang for their buck in the recent extensions of Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas.
East Notes: Kromer, Cassel, Harris
Bills offensive line coach Aaron Kromer is scheduled to appear in court for an August 12 plea date, following his arrest last weekend, according to Mike Rodak of ESPN.com. With Kromer having been placed on indefinite paid administrative leave by the Bills this week, that August court session could go a long way toward determining whether or not he’ll have a job with the team by the time the regular season gets underway.
Here’s more from around the NFL’s two East divisions:
- We’ve been hearing in recent weeks that Matt Cassel may be in danger of losing his roster spot on the Bills, but Rodak believes that, despite a shaky spring and a sizable salary, Cassel still has about a 60% chance of making the regular season roster.
- This week, ESPN.com’s AFC East writers weighed in on which coach is on the hottest seat in the division. Unsurprisingly, Dolphins coach Joe Philbin ran away with the dubious distinction. Philbin is 23-25 as Miami’s head coach. Meanwhile, Rex Ryan (Bills) and Todd Bowles (Jets) were just hired earlier in 2015, and Bill Belichick‘s job with the Patriots certainly seems safe.
- Wide receiver Marcus Harris, cut by the Giants yesterday with an injured designation, underwent microfracture surgery on his right knee last month, which led to his removal from the team’s 90-man roster, writes Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. Assuming he’s not claimed today, Harris figures to land on the Giants’ injured reserve list. It’s the second straight year that the 26-year-old has seen his chances of earning a spot on the club’s Week 1 roster dashed by injuries.
Extra Points: JPP, Kromer, Jets
The NFL hasn’t had a developmental league since NFL Europa ended in 2007, but that could all change soon. Former Giants coach Jim Fassel told SiriusXM NFL Radio (on Twitter), “Don’t be surprised if there was a very good spring league opening next year in the NFL,” Fassel said. Plenty of “minor league” football organizations have come and gone over the years, but it stands to reason that a domestic NFL developmental league could find a way to support itself. Here’s more from around the NFL..
- Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has been discharged from the South Florida hospital where he had his right index finger amputated, Dan Graziano of ESPN.com writes. There has still been no formal contact between Pierre-Paul and the Giants regarding the next steps in his rehab, but the team hopes to communicate with him as soon as possible about what he and they can expect. JPP has yet to sign his $14.813MM franchise player tender, but the Giants have no plan to rescind it.
- The AFC East staff writers at ESPN.com all weighed in on who they think is the No. 1 rising star in the division. James Walker cast his vote for Jets rookie defensive lineman Leonard Williams. The USC star was the best player available at No. 6 and even though the Jets didn’t need another stud defensive lineman they pounced anyway. Things are a bit crowded on the line, but Walker believes that new Jets head coach Todd Bowles is a smart enough defensive mind to find ways to get Williams on the field.
- The Walton County Sheriff’s office says it’s now also pursuing charges against Zachary Kromer, the son of Bills offensive line coach Aaron Kromer, according to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (Twitter links). Zachary Kromer allegedly put his hands around the throat of one of the friends of the boy who claimed to be assaulted by Aaron Kromer.
Bills Place Aaron Kromer On Paid Leave
The Bills have placed offensive line coach Aaron Kromer on indefinite paid leave following his arrest in Florida, tweets Mike Rodak of ESPN.com. Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (Twitter link) passes along a statement from team president Russ Brandon explaining the decision.
“Over the last few days our organization has continued to gather information in regards to the alleged incident involving offensive line coach Aaron Kromer,” Brandon said in the statement. “We have been in regular discussions with the league office and have decided to place Aaron on indefinite paid administrative leave in accordance with the league’s Personal Conduct Policy while we continue to work our way through the investigative process with the league.”
Kromer, who joined the Bills this offseason after having served as the Bears’ offensive coordinator, was arrested late Saturday night on a misdemeanor battery charge. According to the Walton County Sherrif’s Office, Kromer allegedly confronted a group of three boys – who had been fishing – over the use of beach chairs. The victims told Walton County deputies that Kromer grabbed their fishing pole and threw it in the water, then pushed one of the boys to the ground and punched him in the face. The victim, a juvenile, also said Kromer threatened to kill his family if he reported the incident to the police.
The decision to place Kromer on paid leave is based on the NFL’s personal conduct policy, which last season applied to players like Adrian Peterson and Greg Hardy — those players were placed on the commissioner’s exempt list while their legal situations played out. In Kromer’s case, I imagine the process will be similar, with the Bills possibly deciding to let him go and/or the league opting to suspend him if he’s determined to be guilty.
With Kromer on leave from the club, assistant offensive line coach Kurt Anderson figures to be the top candidate to take over his role, at least in the interim.
Sunday Roundup: Bills, L.A., Dalton, McClain
Among all the chaos surrounding Aaron Kromer in Buffalo, the Bills are more than likely going to be looking for a new offensive line coach for the upcoming season. Jason Cole of Bleacher Report is asked if the organization could convince former Bills offensive line coach Jim McNally out of retirement.
McNally spent 28 seasons as an NFL offensive line coach, retiring in 2007 after a four-year tenure in Buffalo. He semi-unretired in 2010 to serve as a consultant to the Jets under Rex Ryan for two years, before taking on a similar role with the Bengals, where he began and spent most of his NFL career.
Cole notes that at 71 years old, McNally isn’t a prime candidate for the job, but that he does have the background to make him an interesting option (via Twitter).
Here are some more notes from around the NFL:
- With all the excitement surrounding the possibility of a team coming to Los Angeles, Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times makes several predictions about what to expect in the coming months from the NFL regarding the potential move. Among them, he opines that San Diego and St. Louis will present their cases at the owners’ meeting in New York but Oakland will not, that the league will sign leases with one or two temporary stadiums by the end of the year, and that the NFL will begin counting potential season ticket holders this fall.
- Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton took some swings during the Legends and Celebrity Softball Game as part of All-Star Weekend in Cincinnati, but he arrived to a mix of boos and cheers among the hometown fans, writes Paul Dehner Jr. of Cincinnati.com. Dalton was not worried about the reaction, and went on to hit two mammoth home runs during the game, to which brought the cheers in the stadium, and plenty of snark from the Twitter faithful, many of which Dehner compiled in his piece.
- With linebacker Sean Lee set to return for the Cowboys and Rolando McClain suspended for the season’s first four games, Bob Strum of the Dallas Morning News says he wouldn’t assume McClain will stick with Dallas all year, suggesting the club may decide at some point that the off-field issues aren’t worth it.
- The Broncos have until Wednesday to reach a long-term deal with franchise player Demaryius Thomas, leading Benjamin Hochman and Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post to debate as to the receiver’s value. Noting that Denver has a limited Super Bowl window given Peyton Manning‘s age, the scribes agree that the club will want to work out an extension, ultimately landing on a five-year deal in the neighborhood of $65-70MM. PFR’s Luke Adams projected the exact same figures last June.
- Staying in Denver, Broncos general manager John Elway is still positive that the disappointing 2014 draft class will have a bigger impact, even with a brand new coaching staff, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com. Only Bradley Roby saw significant snaps, with a number of the players selected not seeing any action at all. Second-round pick Cody Latimer saw only 37 snaps at receiver for the season, but the group should see significantly increased roles in 2015.
Luke Adams and Dallas Robinson contributed to this post.
NFL Could Place Aaron Kromer On Leave
Regardless of what the Bills end up deciding to do with offensive line coach, Aaron Kromer, who was arrested last night, the NFL has the ability to place Kromer on paid administrative leave immediately, according to Mike Rodak of ESPN.com.
The league has the right to make such a move based on the NFL’s personal conduct policy, which extends not only to players but to all NFL employees as well. Consider it likely that the league will take this route while it conducts a thorough investigation into the matter. While such an investigation could take weeks or months, according to Rodak, the league would reserve the right to keep Kromer out of his job on paid leave until it came to a decision on his punishment.
Rodak also reproduces the relevant part of the updated player conduct policy that applies to this situation. This new policy was enacted last December, and therefore Kromer is subject to it. It states that the league has the right to place anyone on paid administrative leave if they are formally charged with a crime of violence or if an investigation leads the Commissioner to believe the personal conduct policy was violated.
Importantly, Rodak notes that this paid leave will last until the league office comes to a final decision, even through the appeals process if necessary: “Leave with pay will generally last until the league makes a disciplinary decision and any appeal from that discipline is fully resolved.”
For Kromer, that means that even if the Bills decide to keep him on staff, he won’t be involved with the team in any capacity until after the league investigates these allegations and decides whether to suspend, fine, or clear him.
Latest On Bills OL Coach Aaron Kromer
The details of Bills offensive line coach Aaron Kromer‘s arrest are pretty unsettling, and while it’s obviously too early for speculation, it’s hard to see how Buffalo can keep Kromer on staff. Let’s take a look at some reaction to the incident, as well as some preliminary options if the Bills do decide to move on from Kromer…
- If Kromer loses his job as a result of his arrest, Buffalo will need to find someone to fill his role, and Mike Rodak of ESPN.com runs through several options. Promoting assistant OL coach Kurt Anderson probably makes the most sense, writes Rodak, as Anderson is the only Bills coach who has dealt with club’s offensive line since the spring. Other options might include asking OC Greg Roman to handle dual roles, or hiring from the outside, which is unlikely. Rodak adds that Buffalo did interview both Chris Foerster and Mike Solari during the offseason, but both have since found work with other teams.
- Along the same lines, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (Twitter link) says the Bills could look to bring Pat Thomas — who was the club’s offensive line coach from 2013-14 — back in the fold. Thomas was let go by the Rex Ryan regime following last season, so it’d be a little strange for him to return to Buffalo at this point. Ex-Jaguars O-line coach George Yarno could also be an option, per Cole; Yarno is doing quite well in his recovery from cancer, so much so that he could re-enter the coaching ranks.
- In a separate piece, Rodak examines which Bills offensive lineman would be most affected by the loss of Kromer, pointing to two young lineman — Seantrel Henderson and Cyrus Kouandjio — as two players whose outlook might change if Kromer is out. Henderson, for his part, was recently demoted to the second team, and Rodak believes he might actually benefit from a change in coaches. Kouandjio, however, seems to have to taken to Kromer, so the loss of a position coach would presumably have an adverse effect.
Bills OL Coach Aaron Kromer Arrested
Former Bears offensive coordinator and current Bills offensive line coach Aaron Kromer was arrested on Saturday night by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, as first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter links). Police arrested Kromer on a misdemeanor battery charge, the department confirmed today in a press release (Facebook link).
According to the Walton County Sherrif’s Office, Kromer and his son allegedly confronted a group of three boys – who had been fishing – over the use of beach chairs. The victims told Walton County deputies that Kromer grabbed their fishing pole and threw it in the water, then pushed one of the boys to the ground and punched him in the face. The victim, identified as a juvenile, per Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (Twitter link), also said Kromer threatened to kill his family if he reported the incident to the police.
While Walton County police continue to look into the incident, and Kromer has not yet been found guilty, we’ve seen NFL teams release players following lesser charges this offseason. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Bills decided to part ways with their offensive line coach without waiting for the legal process to play out, though there has been no indication yet which way the team is leaning.
Kromer was at the center of another story in Chicago last season, when he admitted to being the leak for a report in which an anonymous Bears source criticized the play of quarterback Jay Cutler. Having gone from an interim head coach in New Orleans to an offensive coordinator in Chicago to an offensive line coach in Buffalo, Kromer had already seen his coaching career trending in the wrong direction in recent years. If the Bills decide to let him go, it’s hard to imagine the former Bears OC landing another job in the NFL this year.