Minor Moves: Sunday
We will post any and all “minor moves” right here over the course of the day:
- The Colts have signed undrafted rookie tackle Matt Hall, the team announced. Hall originally signed with the Vikings in May, but was cut by the team on Friday.
- The Redskins have waived 2013 fifth-round draft pick Brandon Jenkins, and activated Mo Hurt after he passed his physical, reports Mike Jones of the Washington Post (via Twitter). Moving on from Jenkins was not a surprise, as John Keim of ESPN.com, Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington, and Jones all took to Twitter to comment on the player’s struggles and inability to contribute.
- The Panthers have signed former Brown Fozzy Whittaker to replace the injured Tyler Gaffney, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Whitaker can contribute both as a tailback and kick returner.
- The Bears have waived guard James Dunbar out of TCU, reports Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com (via Twitter).
- The Dolphins have signed offensive tackle Steven Baker, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).
Earlier updates
- The Colts have waived tackle Jack Breckner, tweets Craig Kelley of Colts.com.
- The Panthers have signed safety Tom Nelson, tweets David Newton of ESPN.com. Newton adds that the club still has a roster spot to replace injured RB Tyler Gaffney.
- The Patriots have waived wide receiver Greg Orton, tweets Jeff Howe of The Boston Herald. Howe adds that Orton will revert to IR once he clears waivers. Shalize Manza Young of The Boston Glove tweets that the team has signed wideouts Cole Stanford and Brian Tyms and that the 90-man roster is once again full.
- The Colts have signed running back Davin Meggett, tweets Matt Zenitz of The Baltimore Sun. Meggett, who has spent time on the practice squads of four different NFL clubs since leaving the University of Maryland in 2011, signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League in June but was released by the team earlier this month. Meggett provides backfield depth in the wake of Vick Ballard‘s season-ending injury. Prior to the signing, Stephen Holder of The Indianapolis Star examined the different options the Colts might pursue to replace Ballard, options that still may be on the table after acquiring the unproven Meggett.
- In a corresponding move, the Colts have place LB Aaron Morgan on IR, tweets Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun.
Rob DiRe and Ben Levine contributed to this post.
North Notes: Suh, Smith, Allen, Manziel, Cobb
Ndamukong Suh‘s contract has been a popular topic of discussion in Detroit for much of the offseason, but now that the Lions‘ defensive tackle has reported to camp, he has taken up a common refrain when it comes to his contract: He’s not too concerned about it.
“That’s what you’ve got agents for,” Suh told Noah Trister of The Associated Press. “They can take care of business, and just go from there. … I don’t have a timetable. That’s my agent. I don’t have to worry about it. I can focus on football, and that’s my job, and that’s what I’m going to do.”
Here’s more from around the NFL’s two North divisions:
- Torrey Smith is another player who claims not to be thinking about an extension as he enters the final year of his current deal, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Sources tell Wilson that discussions between Smith and the Ravens aren’t heating up at this point, though that doesn’t mean progress won’t be made before the wideout is eligible for free agency.
- Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune spoke at length to Jared Allen about the defensive end’s decision to sign with the Bears after leaving the Vikings this offseason. As Wiederer writes, Allen left Minnesota with no hard feelings, and the spring rumor that he was considering retiring wasn’t just an empty threat.
- Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said today that rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel has “made some mistakes” and that the team expects “better from him” (link via Mary Kay Cabot of the Northeast Ohio Media Group). While Haslam is entitled to his opinion on Manziel’s off-field behavior, the timing is interesting, considering Haslam’s Pilot Flying J company was recently fined $92MM for cheating customers out of promised rebates and discounts.
- It’s not clear yet where the Packers‘ new long-term deal with Jordy Nelson leaves Randall Cobb, but you can count quarterback Aaron Rodgers and head coach Mike McCarthy among those who would like to see Cobb sign an extension of his own, as Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com details.
AFC East Notes: Smith, Coples, Kouandijo
Jets second-year quarterback Geno Smith has received 74 percent of the snaps through two days of camp, per Brian Costello of the New York Post. However, GM John Idzik claims the “competition” isn’t tilted: “There will be a little bit of fluctuation in reps. Going into camp, we feel like we’re going to give the lion’s share to Geno and we’ll see how he responds.”
Here’s some more AFC East reading:
- Jets 2012 first-round defensive lineman Quinton Coples hasn’t lived up to expectations, but he dedicated himself in the offseason, writes Costello in the New York Post. Coples reported to camp at 270 pounds (20 pounds lighter) and approximately nine percent body fat.
- Sammy Watkins has “stolen the show” early in Bills camp, according to ESPN’s Mike Rodak, who provides an update on the team’s rookies. As for second-rounder Cyrus Kouandijo, “He’s the heir apparent at right tackle but that transition might not take place until next season,” says Rodak.
- Kamaal McIlwain has impressed early in Bills camp, according to WGR 590’s Joe Buscaglia, who says, McIlwain could be in the mix for the final cornerback spot. Buscaglia also noted the team is making an effort to train linebackers to learn each of the three positions. Accordingly, Keith Rivers, Nigel Bradham, Preston Brown and Stevenson Sylvester have rotated with the first team, flanking Brandon Spikes in the middle.
- The Patriots have ongoing competitions for the center and right guard jobs, according to Boston.com’s Ben Volin. Additionally, “There’s been a lot of talk about the competition between WRs Kenbrell Thompkins and Josh Boyce for a roster spot,” says Volin, “and if that is indeed the case, Thompkins appears to be ahead by a sizable margin right now.”
- Not surprisingly, the new-look Dolphins offensive line is enduring early growing pains as the new starters work to develop chemistry, but Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel says the remodeled blocking unit should still be held to a high standard: “For those creating built-in excuses for the Dolphins’ offensive line, concerned that they’ll hold Miami’s offense back, keep in mind that this present unit collectively has 287 regular-season NFL starts heading into September.” Kelly cites the Bears, whose offensive line was atrocious in 2012 before they turned over four starters and improved drastically last season.
Bears Sign Dylan Gandy
The Bears have signed veteran offensive lineman Dylan Gandy to a one-year deal, the team announced on Twitter. The team also waived rookie defensive end Jamil Merrell. We heard last week that the team was trying out some offensive lineman, and Kyle Long‘s absence from camp may have convinced the team to add some depth.
The nine-year veteran has bounced around since being selected by the Colts in the fourth round of the 2005 draft. He won a Super Bowl with Indianapolis in 2007, played for the Broncos and Raiders in 2008 and was with the Lions for the past five season. The 32-year-old has played in 120 career games with 19 starts. He’s appeared in at least 15 games each season since joining the Lions in 2009.
Gandy has played center and both guard positions during his career, but his impact with the Lions came on special teams. Gandy was one of seven players on last year’s squad (excluding the kicker and punter) to have a positive special teams rating, per Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required).
Merrell was signed by the Bears in June after lasting a week on the Titans’ roster in May.
North Notes: Bears, Jimmy Smith, Packers
After submitting his choices for the 50 best trade assets in the NFL earlier this week, Grantland’s Bill Barnwell shifts gears and takes a look today at the worst contracts in the league. Leading the way on offense is Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, whose contract will be stuck on the club’s books for several more years. On the other side of the ball, Everson Griffen of the Vikings, Paul Kruger of the Browns, and Troy Polamalu of the Steelers are a few of Barnwell’s picks for players with the least team-friendly deals.
Here’s more from out of the NFL’s two North divisions:
- The Bears have twice tried to re-sign Kyle Orton since trading him away five years ago, and Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune wonders if the team could look his way once again if neither Jordan Palmer nor Jimmy Clausen steps up as the No. 2 QB behind Jay Cutler. It’s unclear at this point whether Orton intends to continue his playing career in 2014.
- Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith doesn’t anticipate signing a contract extension anytime soon, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com (via Twitter). That doesn’t mean Smith isn’t interested in a long-term stay in Baltimore, but he likely recognizes his leverage is limited with two years still left on his deal.
- Speaking to reporters today, including Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Twitter link), Packers coach Mike McCarthy continued to leave the door open to the possibility of Jermichael Finley rejoining the team, adding that the tight end is “still a Packer” in his opinion.
- With both the team and the league enjoying “unparalleled financial prosperity” and the salary cap continuing to rise, the Packers will have plenty of money to invest both on and off the field going forward, team president Mark Murphy said yesterday (link via Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel).
Extra Points: Giants, Davis, Bucs, Clabo
Giants linebackers coach Jim Herrmann believes the team may have stumbled on a true gem with fifth-round pick Devon Kennard, writes Howie Kussay of the New York Post. “I liked him on film, obviously our college scouting liked him on film,” Herrmann said. “He played at USC and he played under four different coordinators, and played four different positions, so I think he kind of got lost in the college shuffle a little bit there.” More from around the NFL..
- Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters, including Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram (on Twitter), that a lot of the team’s “dramatic” offseason decisions freed up money that the club can use to hammer out extensions with Tyron Smith and Dez Bryant. It’s likely that Jones is referring to the situation with Kyle Orton that ended with his release earlier this month
- According to a report from WUSA 9, former Redskins tight end Fred Davis is wanted by D.C. police for a domestic violence incident. It’s just the latest in a string of troubles for the former NFL notable who was suspended indefinitely for substance abuse and charged with a DUI over the winter.
- Bucs GM Jason Licht says he will keep five running backs on the roster if they can help win games, tweets Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Licht added that the team is excited about Bobby Rainey. There has been speculation that the 26-year-old, who was picked up off waivers in October of last year, was on the bubble heading into the season.
- After Tyson Clabo was signed by the Texans, the best available right tackles in the NFL are David Stewart, Eric Winston, Tony Pashos, Jonathan Scott, Dennis Roland, and Jeremy Trueblood, opines Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
- Bears GM Phil Emery was highly complimentary of new backup quarterback Jimmy Clausen, according to Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune (on Twitter). “That’s as good of a quarterback workout we’ve seen since I’ve been here,” the GM said of the former Notre Dame QB’s June tryout.
- The Bears put veteran tight end Travis Beckum and journeyman offensive lineman Thomas Austin through tryouts Wednesday, a source told Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Beckum, 27, has been looking to find a home in the league after suffering a torn ACL in the Giants in their Super Bowl XLVI victory following the 2011 season. Austin has played eight games in the NFL with one start, spending time with the Colts last season. Unfortunately for both men, Biggs gets the sense that it’s unlikely either will get contract offers from Chicago.
- Scott Brown of ESPN.com (on Twitter) is glad to see center Fernando Velasco catch on with the Panthers after the way he stepped up for the Steelers last season in the absence of Maurkice Pouncey. The 29-year-old was graded as Pittsburgh’s fourth-best lineman by Pro Football Focus (subscription required) in 2013.
- The deal for new Lions wide receiver Reese Wiggins is a minimum salary deal for three years with nothing guaranteed and no bonuses, according to Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
NFC Links: Giants, Bucs, Eagles, Mathieu
After rounding up a few odds and ends from out of the AFC earlier today, let’s shift our focus to the league’s other conference, and check out the latest from around the NFC….
- Former Super Bowl hero David Tyree has been hired by the Giants as the team’s director of player development, according to a press release.
- Running back Bobby Rainey, guard Carl Nicks, and defensive end Da’Quan Bowers are among the veteran Buccaneers who may find themselves fighting for roster spots in training camp this summer, writes Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.
- Although he thinks Brent Celek, Trent Cole, and Riley Cooper are a few Eagles with good contracts, Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap picks Jason Kelce’s as the team’s best deal. On the other end of the spectrum, James Casey’s contract qualifies as the least team-friendly one on Philadelphia’s books, says Fitzgerald.
- Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu has parted ways with agent Pat Lawlor, tweets Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports. Having just been drafted a year ago, Mathieu is still several seasons from free agency.
- Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times takes an extended look at Bears capologist Cliff Stein, who takes the lead in contract negotiations and helped the team determine how to sign Jared Allen and dozens of other free agents this offseason.
NFC Notes: Austin, Wilson, Conte
Tavon Austin did not provide the degree of immediate impact the Rams were hoping for when they chose him eighth overall last year. In an AP story, Austin was bluntly honest about why he didn’t play as fast as he’s capable: he struggled with the complexities of his first NFL playbook. “I didn’t really know what was going on,” Austin said. “Everything looked like Spanish and sounded like Spanish to me.”
Here’s some NFC links:
- Giants running back David Wilson, recovered from neck surgery, announced on Twitter that he’s been cleared for full-contact action.
- Bears safety Chris Conte faces a training-camp battle for a starting position, but it’s unknown if he’s physically ready for the beginning of camp, writes the Chicago Tribune’s Rich Campbell. Conte had shoulder surgery in late March, at which time the team said he would need four to five months to recover.
- Bears second-year right tackle Jordan Mills has hired Drew Rosenhaus as his contract adviser, according to Yahoo Sports reporter and legal analyst Rand Getlin.
- Buccaneers free agent acquisition Evan Dietrich-Smith has just one year as a full-time starter under his belt, but “the Bucs see him as an anchor on their offensive line,” says ESPN’s Pat Yasinkas in a post listing the team’s top five newcomers. “At 28, Dietrich-Smith may be just entering his prime.”
- Jeremy Ross was a pleasant surprise for the Lions last season, especially on special teams, says MLive.com’s Kyle Meinke. With him and Ryan Broyles expected to have spots on the roster behind Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate, that leaves fifth-rounder T.J. Jones, Corey Fuller and veterans Kris Durham and Kevin Ogletree battling for one or two spots.
- This season is make-or-break for Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett, writes ESPNDallas.com’s Todd Archer.
NFC North Notes: Cutler, Bears, Packers
After inking a massive contract extension in January, Jay Cutler heads into the 2014 season having never been in a better position to succeed, according to Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times. Cutler’s deal has been described as one where the team is paying for what they expect from him in the future rather than what he’s accomplished in the past, so 2014 will be the signal-caller’s first opportunity to prove that the Bears were right to commit to him.
Let’s round up a few other Monday morning links from around the NFC North….
- While the loss of Johnathan Franklin to a career-ending injury is an immense disappointment for both the player and team, running back is still an area of strength for the Packers, writes Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, noting that DuJuan Harris and the re-signed James Starks provide “uncommon depth” behind Eddie Lacy.
- Jordy Nelson is an extension candidate, but for now, his contract remains the most team-friendly on the Packers‘ books, in the estimation of Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap. Fitzgerald identifies Sam Shields‘ new four-year deal as the least team-friendly contract for Green Bay, arguing that nearly every aspect of the agreement favors the cornerback rather than the club.
- ESPN.com’s team of beat writers has projected the 53-man rosters for each NFL squad, including the Vikings, Lions, and Bears, courtesy of Ben Goessling, Michael Rothstein, and Michael C. Wright, respectively.
Extra Points: Dunbar, Bengals, McKnight, Bucs
Two central ideas are evident in the NFL as teams enter training camp, John Clayton of ESPN.com writes. First, offensive units are trying to run more plays per game than ever before. Perhaps due to the influence of Chip Kelly, Clayton can envision at least a half-dozen teams running over 70 plays per game next season. On defense, teams will have to react to the news that the league plans to call more pass defense penalties. Clubs like the Seahawks and the Patriots, who emphasize physicality in the secondary, might have to tone it down in order to avoid the ire of officials.
- Rams linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar was arrested and charged with battery and disorderly conduct after an incident at a Miami nightclub on Sunday, reports CBS Miami. Dunbar, an undrafted free agent in 2008, missed the first four games of the 2013 season after being suspended for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
- LakKendrick Ross, an undrafted free agent out Virginia-Lynchburg, will work out for the Bengals on Monday, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (Twitter link). Ross was eligible for the supplemental draft, but was not selected.
- Chiefs running back Joe McKnight had an offseason knee scope and is still recovering, tweets Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star.
- The Buccaneers are pinning their hopes on a veteran, journeyman quarterback in Josh McCown, writes Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, and history shows that isn’t the best decision. An ideal scenario entails McCown continuing his late-career revival à la Rich Gannon, continues Stroud.
- Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times runs through the Seahawks’ 2013 draft class, and examines what each player drafted last year can contribute in 2014.
- There are 10 players who will be crucial to the Bears’ success in 2014, opines Adam L. Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times, who lists Lance Briggs, Jared Allen, and Jordan Mills in that camp.