Carolina Panthers Rumors & News - Pro Football Rumors

NFL Mailbags: Titans, Panthers, Lions

By Ben Levine | at November 7, 2015 10:47 am

It’s Saturday, and that means ESPN.com’s NFL writers are opening their mailbags and answering questions from readers. Let’s check out some of the more interesting notes, with a cameo from Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com…

Wyatt wonders if Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt may have lost the lockerroom after having gone 3-20 over the past season-plus. The writer also believes the team may have felt more pressure playing under their former coach, and he wouldn’t be shocked to see a more relaxed squad this weekend.
If the Panthers could only afford to keep one dynamic defender, David Newton would pick defensive tackle Kawann Short over cornerback Josh Norman. However, the writer is confident that the organization will be able to retain both players.
The pair may be naturally connected, but Mike DiRocco believes Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles is already better than 49ers signal-caller (and former Jaguars QB) Blaine Gabbert. The biggest difference for the writer is Bortles’ poise in the pocket.
If Brian Xanders was going to be considered as a candidate to be the next Lions general manager, Michael Rothstein writes that the Senior Personnel Executive would have been given the interim role.

NFC Notes: Eagles, Panthers, Packers, 49ers

By Luke Adams | at November 3, 2015 12:32 pm

After rounding up several AFC notes earlier today, let’s shift our focus to the NFC and check out the latest….

Eagles head coach Chip Kelly doesn’t expect his team to make any deals before today’s trade deadline, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer (via Twitter). Asked specifically about defensive end Vinny Curry, Kelly said he hasn’t come up in trade discussions (Twitter link via Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer).
Another NFC contender, the Panthers, will likely stand pat as well, tweets Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. Carolina could use a wide receiver, but as Person points out, general managers typically don’t want to risk upsetting the chemistry of a 7-0 team.
Before the 49ers sent him to Denver, the Packers didn’t inquire on tight end Vernon Davis, says Rob Demovksy of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Green Bay has been searching for consistent production from the tight end position since Jermichael Finley‘s days with the team, but apparently didn’t have real interest in Davis.
Speaking of that Davis trade, Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com explains how the 49ers were able to trade the same seventh-round pick twice within two months.
Free agent running back Ben Tate, whose workout with the 49ers was scheduled before the team signed Shaun Draughn and Pierre Thomas, will still audition for San Francisco today, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee (via Twitter). It seems unlikely that Tate would get an offer from the Niners at this point, but he could be added to the club’s emergency list for later in the season.

1 comment Carolina Panthers Green Bay Packers Philadelphia Eagles San Francisco 49ers Ben Tate Vernon Davis Vinny Curry

Trade Rumors: Mack, Weddle, Boldin

By Zachary Links | at November 2, 2015 4:05 pm

Cardinals GM Steve Keim says that while there are always talks going on, there is “nothing imminent” for his team, as Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com writes. When asked specifically about targeting a pass rusher, Keim noted that teams aren’t really offering up anyone that fits the bill unless they are overpaid or dealing with off-the-field issues. Even if the Cardinals aren’t on the precipice of anything, a whole lot can change between now and the deadline. Meanwhile, plenty of other teams are assessing their trade options at the midway point. Here’s the very latest:

Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (on Twitter) hears that Bears defensive end Willie Young and Eagles defensive end Vinny Curry can be had via trade. Neither player is getting much playing time so far in 2015.
More from Cole (video link), who hears that the Browns expect Alex Mack to exercise his opt-out clause and go to the highest bidder, therefore making him a prime trade candidate heading into the deadline. The center’s deal features a no-trade clause, but he is allowed to waive it to expedite a move to a contending team.
Cole adds that pending free agents Eric Weddle (Chargers) and Anquan Boldin (49ers) aren’t really in play since both teams are hoping to net compensatory draft picks for them in the offseason if they head elsewhere. As a result, it would take a significant haul to pry either player loose.
When asked if a trade for a running back could happen, Texans head coach Bill O’Brien said, “I don’t see that coming,” as John McClain of the Houston Chronicle tweets.
Falcons head coach Dan Quinn says that trades are not a priority for the team right now, as Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com tweets.
Browns linebacker Paul Kruger isn’t surprised to hear his name in trade rumors because of “the way [he’s] been used,” Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer writes.
Joel Corry of CBSSports.com came up with some creative hypothetical trade ideas, including one that would have the Panthers acquire Calvin Johnson from the Lions.
Keeping up with the theme of hypothetical deals, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com would like to see Washington send Robert Griffin III to the Chiefs for fellow QB Chase Daniel. Another interesting idea would have the Bears ship Alshon Jeffery to the Falcons in exchange for a second-round choice.

4 comments Arizona Cardinals Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers Chicago Bears Cleveland Browns Detroit Lions Houston Texans Kansas City Chiefs Los Angeles Chargers Philadelphia Eagles San Francisco 49ers Washington Commanders Alex Mack Anquan Boldin Chase Daniel Eric Weddle Paul Kruger Vinny Curry Willie Young

NFL Mailbags: Panthers, Coples, Titans

By Ben Levine | at October 31, 2015 8:48 am

Every Saturday, several ESPN.com NFL writers answer questions from their readers. We’ve compiled some of the more notable answers below, with a cameo from Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com…

There are a variety of reasons why the Panthers won’t pursue a receiver via trade, writes ESPN.com’s David Newton. While acquiring a player like Steve Smith or Calvin Johnson would help this season, the writer believes the players would be too expensive and would only provide a temporary fix. Furthermore, he notes the Seahawks’ recent success without a top wideout, and he believes the Panthers’ hot start is an indication that they could follow the same route.
Considering the linebacker’s lack of playing time, it wouldn’t shock ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini if the Jets listened to trade offers for Quinton Coples. The Jets probably won’t keep the former first-rounder and his $7.75MM salary next season, but it’s uncertain if any team would be willing to take on that contract.
The lack of a fifth receiver on the Titans depth chart is because the squad values their tight ends, writes Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com. While the team could reasonably replace any of their five tight ends with a wideout, the writer believes backups Craig Stevens, Phillip Supernaw, and Chase Coffman are all safe.

2 comments Carolina Panthers New York Jets Tennessee Titans Quinton Coples

Extra Points: Manziel, Pryor, Ratliff

By Zachary Links | at October 28, 2015 9:28 pm

The next round of CBA discussions could include some talks on a revamp of team practices, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com writes. In the last Collective Bargaining Agreement, there was a reduction in the number of practices and changes as to how teams practice and coaches have been fighting for more teaching opportunities for young players who are still learning. Ultimately, one of the key changes could see the size of the practice squad roster – currently at 10 – increase.

Here’s more from around the NFL:

At this point it would be a surprise if Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel is found culpable and faced discipline for his incident, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Either way, we should all know for sure this week. The NFL is interviewing Manziel tonight about his role in the incident and they’ve already interviewed several of the parties involved (link).
Terrelle Pryor continues to work out in the hopes that a team will take a shot on him as a receiver, writes ESPN’s Ashley Fox. Pryor’s lack of practice squad eligibility has perhaps discouraged clubs from rolling the dice on him, but agent Drew Rosenhaus says his client’s workouts have all gone well: “We’re confident that it’s just a matter of time until one of these teams decides to make the move.”
The Bears notified the Cowboys of Jeremiah Ratliff’s release as a security precaution, sources tell David Moore of The Dallas Morning News. The Bears cut Ratliff last week after an incident at their practice facility and it sounds like things got fairly hostile. Ratliff has not attempted to come by the Cowboys facility in the past week, but due to the acrimonious nature of their split, the Bears felt compelled to give them a heads up.
Calvin Johnson to the Panthers? Tamba Hali to the Falcons? Those trade ideas may be far-fetched, but they’re two of eight deals that Gil Brandt of NFL.com would like to see happen by next Tuesday’s deadline.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

3 comments Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers Chicago Bears Cleveland Browns Dallas Cowboys Jeremiah Ratliff Johnny Manziel Terrelle Pryor

AFC Notes: Mallett, Jets, Luck

By Zachary Links | at October 28, 2015 9:19 pm

Tonight’s look at the AFC:

Speaking today to reporters, including John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, Texans head coach Bill O’Brien downplayed the idea that he and GM Rick Smith had a confrontation over Ryan Mallett‘s place on the team this week. Acknowledging that there are occasional disagreements between the two men, O’Brien said that “the majority of the time we agree,” adding that he and Smith “work together and communicate every day,” and aren’t engaged in any sort of power struggle.
Jets first-round pick Leonard Williams wasn’t shocked when the Raiders selected Amari Cooper instead of him at No. 3 in this year’s draft. “I wasn’t too surprised,” Williams said, as Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com writes. “Everyone watches those pre-draft analysis and stuff like that, but it’s never completely accurate. I did think I was going to go top three or something like that, but I think it worked out pretty well that I came to the Jets. I’m under a lot of great players to learn from Sheldon Richardson, Muhammad Wilkerson, Damon Harrison, those guys have been able to take me under their wing and show me a lot of stuff.”
Some have speculated that Andrew Luck returned to Stanford for a fourth year to avoid going to the Panthers with the first pick of the 2011 draft. On Wednesday, the Colts quarterback shot that theory down, as David Newton of ESPN.com writes. “Absolutely not,” the first pick of the 2012 draft said. “And I hope people don’t think that.”

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

0 comments Carolina Panthers Houston Texans Indianapolis Colts Las Vegas Raiders New York Jets Bill O'Brien Rick Smith

Workout Notes: Saints, Seahawks, Jaguars

By Zachary Links | at October 28, 2015 5:13 pm

Today’s workouts from around the NFL..

The Jets worked out defensive end Lawrence Okoye, Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com tweets. Okoye, a former University of Kentucky discus hurler, had previous stops with the 49ers and Cardinals.

Earlier updates:

The Saints tried out John Conner and Henry Hynoski, a league source tells Mike Florio of PFT. New Orleans already has a fullback on the roster in Austin Johnson, but he was a surprise scratch on Sunday and he may have fallen out of favor with coaches. Conner, nicknamed the Terminator, was a favorite of Rex Ryan while with the Jets. Conner followed Ryan to Buffalo in 2015, but he was let go before the start of the season. Hynoski, a four-year veteran, spent his full career with the Giants and appeared in every game last year.
The Seahawks had ten players in for tryouts on Monday, including running back Isaiah Pead and defensive end Lawrence Okoye, a source tells Florio. Linebacker John Lotulelei, tackle Jesse Davis, guard Taylor Boggs, defensive end Keith Browner, guard Kadeem Edwards, defensive end Efe Obada, and defensive end DeAngelo Tyson were also showing their stuff for Seattle.
The Jaguars brought in kickers Zach Hocker and Randy Bullock for a workout on Wednesday, but Josh Scobee was not among those in attendance, according to Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com (Twitter links).
In addition to their previously reported look at Jeff Demps, the Jets tried out running back Akeem Hunt on Tuesday, a league source tells Florio. Wide receiver Larry Pinkard also got a look from Gang Green. Chris Ivory is dealing with tightness in his quad, so the Jets might opt to add a running back if he needs to sit out for a while.
The Browns recently worked out cornerbacks Bill Bentley, Chase Casey, Al Louis-Jean, and Robert Steeples, Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets.
The Cardinals worked out Emmanuel Acho, James Anderson and Ja’Gared Davis, Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle tweets.
The Falcons worked out Mike Gillislee and Devin Wylie, Wilson tweets.
The Panthers worked out Andrew Miller, Wilson tweets.
The Jets worked out wide receiver Larry Pinkard, Wilson tweets.
The Steelers worked out Dwight Bentley and Montell Garner, Wilson tweets.
The Raiders worked out Dyshawn Davis, Wilson tweets.
The Saints worked out Jeff Luc, Patrick Scales, Jason Williams, and Christian Yount, Wilson tweets.
The Packers worked out Justin Anderson, Curtis Grant, and Ronald Powell, Wilson tweets.
The Colts worked out Sean Baker, Matt Daniels, outside linebacker Mike McAdoo, and Dreamius Smith, Wilson tweets.

1 comment Arizona Cardinals Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers Cleveland Browns Green Bay Packers Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars Las Vegas Raiders New Orleans Saints New York Giants New York Jets Pittsburgh Steelers Seattle Seahawks Akeem Hunt Al Louis-Jean Andrew Miller Austin Johnson (FB)Bill Bentley Chris Ivory Christian Yount Curtis Grant DeAngelo Tyson Dreamius Smith Dyshawn Davis Efe Obada Emmanuel Acho Henry Hynoski Isaiah Pead James Anderson Jason Williams Jeff Demps Jeff Luc Jesse Davis John Conner John Lotulelei Josh Scobee Kadeem Edwards Keith Browner Larry Pinkard Lawrence Okoye Matt Daniels Mike Gillislee Montell Garner Patrick Scales Randy Bullock Rex Ryan Robert Steeples Ronald Powell Sean Baker Taylor Boggs Zach Hocker

NFC South Notes: Panthers, S. Smith, Martin

By Zachary Links | at October 27, 2015 8:37 pm

Here’s tonight’s look at the NFC South:

As much as Panthers fans would love to see it happen, there’s no way that Steve Smith is coming back to Carolina via trade, David Newton of ESPN.com writes. The Panthers opted to release Smith back in March of 2014 and Newton notes that nothing has really changes since then. GM Dave Gettleman was concerned that the aging wide receiver couldn’t maintain his productivity over the course of the season and last year he was proven right as Smith slowed down towards the end. Smith was also cut because he was sometimes a disruptive and divisive force in the locker room. Not only do the Panthers clearly have some issues with Smith, but they’re also sitting at 6-0 even without a true No. 1 wide receiver.

Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap looked at some of the top unrestricted free agents this season at the running back position, including Buccaneers back Doug Martin. Martin has surprised many with his play thus far in 2015, averaging 90+ yards per game and putting himself on pace to crack 1,400 yards on the year. Martin will have to convince teams that his resurgence is not the byproduct of playing in a contract year and while that could be tough, Fitzgerald could see him entering free agency with stronger credentials than C.J. Spiller and Mark Ingram, tailbacks who signed for ~$4MM/year. All in all, Fitzgerald projects that Martin coudl sign for $20-22MM over a four year period.

The Bucs may be promoting wide receiver Adam Humphries to the active roster to replace the injured Louis Murphy, according to Roy Cummings of The Tampa Tribune (on Twitter).

0 comments Baltimore Ravens Carolina Panthers Tampa Bay Buccaneers Adam Humphries

Practice Squad Updates: 10/27/15

By Zachary Links | at October 27, 2015 4:09 pm

Today’s practice squad moves from around the NFL:

Atlanta Falcons

Signed: RB Gus Johnson (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle), WR Devon Wylie (Twitter link via Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com)
Cut: RB Juhwan Edwards, LB Derek Akunne (link)