49ers Notes: Kaepernick, Eagles, Singletary
Here’s a look at the 49ers as they look ahead to the Seahawks on November 22nd:
- Cam Inman of the Mercury News wonders what’s next for 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. “The handwriting is on the wall,” a league source said of an imminent, offseason breakup between Kaepernick and the 49ers. It’s believed Kaepernick would be willing to restructure his contract if he’s dealt in the offseason, and that might be the likeliest scenario awaiting him, Inman writes.
- So, if a breakup is inevitable, where will No. 7 land? In a separate piece, Inman runs down ten possible destinations for Kaepernick. The list of possible teams for Kaepernick starts with the Eagles, who haven’t been soaring with Sam Bradford. Kaepernick’s dual-threat skills, he argues, would be a better fit for the Philly offense. The Broncos, Browns, Jets, and Texans are among the other teams listed as possibilities.
- The NFL Network took a look at ex-49ers coach Mike Singletary and revealed some interesting stories from his time in SF. CSNBayArea.com looked at a few of the highlights.
Breer’s Latest: P. Manning, Browns, L.A.
There’s a widely-held assumption in NFL circles that Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning will call it a career after the 2015 season and will subsequently find work as an NFL executive, says Albert Breer of the NFL Network in his latest column. According to Breer, Cleveland and Tennessee are frequently mentioned as potential landing spots for the future Hall-of-Famer, with Indianapolis and New Orleans “not to be completely discounted” either.
It’s not clear whether or not Manning would be immediately effective if he were to transition into a decision-making role in a team’s front office so soon after his playing career ended. Still, as Breer observes, “it’s easy to figure someone with Manning’s football acumen would be able to figure things out on the fly, so long as the right structure existed around him.”
Here are a few more items of interest from Breer’s column:
- While the Browns made clear to other teams that they were open for business prior to the deadline, some of their potential trade chips – such as Joe Thomas and Paul Kruger – drew interest, while others – like Barkevious Mingo – didn’t. According to Breer, some potential trade partners had trouble determining “who was carrying the hammer” in Cleveland, since GM Ray Farmer said he’d have to check with other members of the organization before engaging in serious discussions.
- Continuing to address the Browns, Breer notes that, internally, the team doesn’t see chain of command as having been an issue this year, including at the deadline. Other clubs viewed Cleveland as being indecisive “when the heat was turned up” though.
- There continues to be steady progress on getting the NFL back to Los Angeles, according to Breer, who provides an update from this week’s relocation committee meetings. As Breer details, some owners are concerned about allowing a team to bend relocation guidelines in order to move, so that club must provide a strong case that its existing market has failed.
- While there’s no guarantee the Seahawks make a second-half run – as they did last season – the team is confident it still has an impressive core in place. “The guys here feel like once they play for each other the way they know they can, there’s something really strong here,” one Seahawks source tells Breer.
AFC North Notes: Gaddis, Pitta, Bengals
Former Towson linebacker Monte Gaddis wants to play for the Browns and he has taken some unusual steps to get their attention, as Zack Meisel of The Plain Dealer writes. Gaddis has been standing outside of the Browns’ complex with a sign with messages such as “Overlooked Cleveland native,” “Starving for my first shot,” and “Why not?” On Wednesday, GM Ray Farmer came outside, speaking with Gaddis and requesting some game film. Now, Gaddis is waiting at home to see if his phone rings with an opportunity to audition for the Browns.
As we look forward to seeing if Gaddis’ unusual job application pays dividends, let’s check out some more items from out of the AFC North….
- Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta should retire, but his determination won’t let him, writes Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com. Pitta was placed on IR Wednesday, meaning that he will not play a snap in 2015. Still, Pitta is dead set on returning to the field next year, despite his constant hip problems. “I’m a football player and that’s what I’ve always wanted to do,” said Pitta. “I have a sense of duty to my teammates, the team and to this organization. This organization has given me a lot over the last few years.” The tight end has played in only three games since receiving a five-year deal with $16MM guaranteed in February 2014.
- Despite Pitta’s perseverance, Rob Carlin and Brian Mitchell of CSNMidAtlantic.com (video link) are concerned that the Ravens tight end’s playing days are through.
- The Bengals worked out quarterback Cody Fajardo, along with wide receivers Donte Foster, Colin Lockett, and DeVier Posey this week, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
Extra Points: Stafford, Los Angeles, Packers
If Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is made available, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link) would expect the Texans, 49ers, Browns, and Jets to all express interest given their quarterback needs. Stafford has reasonable base salaries of $17MM and $16.5MM (both non-guaranteed) in 2016 and 2017, so he could have appeal to clubs despite his struggles. Meanwhile, teams looking at QBs feel that Stafford has more to offer than any signal caller in the draft.
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- Jets owner Woody Johnson says a decision on Los Angeles could come after January and perhaps even as late as March, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report tweets. It sounds like we’ll have to wait a while before we learn the fate of the Raiders, Rams, and Chargers.
- The Packers worked out defensive tackle Toby Johnson, according to Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle (on Twitter).
- The Saints worked out wide receiver Damarr Aultman, cornerback Dwight Bentley, and fullback Trey Millard, Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle (on Twitter).
- The Patriots worked out offensive tackle Reid Fragel, as Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle tweets.
- Former Texans wide receiver DeVier Posey worked out for the Bengals today, according to a source who spoke with Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle (on Twitter).
Practice Squad Updates: 11/11/15
Here’s a rundown of Wednesday’s practice squad moves from around the NFL:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: CB Kevin White (Twitter link via Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com)
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: LB Jayson DiManche, DB De’Ante Saunders (press release)
- Cut: TE Brian Leonhardt
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: OT Donald Hawkins (Twitter link via Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald)
San Diego Chargers
- Signed: G Craig Watts (Twitter link via Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego)
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: TE Harold Spears, DL Julius Warmsley (Twitter link via Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times)
- Cut: DT Robert Thomas
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: OLB J.R. Tavai, TE Kevin Greene (press release)
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/10/15
Here are Tuesday’s minor signings, cuts, and other moves from around the NFL:
- The Saints have signed linebacker James Anderson, as Katherine Terrell of The Times-Picayune tweets. The Saints have been thin at linebacker recently, with injuries to strongside linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha (ankle), weakside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (hip/groin), and backup Ramon Humber, so Anderson will provide additional depth for New Orleans. To make room for Anderson, the Saints have cut fellow linebacker Mike Mohamed, as Mike Triplett of ESPN.com tweets.
- The Vikings announced that they have signed linebacker Jason Trusnik while placing fellow linebacker Audie Cole on IR. Trusnik, a former Division-III standout, was cut by the Panthers before the final trim down to a 53-man roster. He first broke into the league as a UDFA with the Jets in 2007. The Ohio native has played in 109 career games with 24 starts, tallying 146 total tackles, 4 PDs, 4 FRs and 1 FF in his first eight NFL seasons. Cole wasn’t a factor on the Vikings’ defense, but he was playing more than half of the club’s special teams snaps before fracturing his ankle.
- The Giants announced that they have added defensive tackle Montori Hughes to the active roster while placing defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins on IR. Hankins suffered a torn pectoral muscle over the weekend, ending his 2015 season prematurely. Hughes, who stands at 6’4″ and weighs 350 pounds, played in 16 games for the Colts between 2013 and 2014.
- The Browns announced that they have activated defensive back Charles Gaines and running back Glenn Winston. Both players were previously sidelined with injuries.
- The Buccaneers announced that they have signed safety Kimario McFadden, who played with them in the preseason. To make room for McFadden on the 53-man roster, the Buccaneers waived defensive end Lawrence Sidbury.
- The Chargers announced that they have signed tight end Sean McGrath while waiving guard Craig Watts. McGrath briefly retired following his second season in 2013, a season in which he caught 26 balls for 302 yards and two touchdowns.
- The Chiefs will promote safety Saalim Hakim from the practice squad, Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle tweets.
- The Bears will promote wide receiver Deonte Thompson to the 53-man roster from the taxi squad, Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune tweets.
North Notes: Joe Thomas, Bengals, Peterson
We’re a full week removed from the trade deadline, but whispers about the blockbuster deal that didn’t get done on that day – Joe Thomas to the Broncos – continue to linger. For his part, Thomas today denied a weekend report suggesting he and/or his agent asked the Browns to explore the trade market for a possible deal.
“I’m not sure where that report came from, but I can say in no uncertain terms that I never asked the Browns for a trade, that I never talked to them about wanting to be traded, (nor) did any of my representatives talk to the Browns about wanting to be traded,” Thomas said today, per Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com. “From what I understand about how things went, the Browns were contacted by the Broncos and that’s where the trade came from.”
That weekend report also indicated that Thomas wanted the Broncos to guarantee his 2016 and 2017 salaries before agreeing to a deal, which the Browns star tackle also denied.
“The other thing I’m going to be very firm and make no qualms about is myself was never involved in any contract discussions with the Denver Broncos, my agent was never involved in any contract discussions, there was never any guaranteed money discussed,” Thomas said. “I was off the grid this weekend, so I was a little surprised to see (the report).”
Let’s round up a few more Tuesday notes from across the NFL’s North divisions….
- The Browns will add running back Glenn Winston and cornerback Charles Gaines to their active roster at some point this week, according to head coach Mike Pettine (Twitter link via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal). Having cut linebacker Jayson DiManche and defensive back De’Ante Saunders yesterday, Cleveland shouldn’t need to make any other roster moves to accommodate the returning players.
- A pair of Bengals players that opened the year on reserve lists returned to practice for the team today, according to Coley Harvey of ESPN.com. As Harvey notes, Cincinnati will now have a three-week window to decide whether or not to activate offensive tackle Cedric Ogbuehi (non-football injury list) and linebacker Sean Porter (physically unable to perform list).
- As Joel Corry of CBSSports.com observes (via Twitter), Adrian Peterson needs at least 1,350 rushing yards and a Vikings playoff berth to keep his 2016 roster bonus from dropping by $2MM. While those may have seemed like tall orders before the season, Peterson – the league’s leading rusher – is currently on pace to exceed 1,500 yards, and Minnesota is tied for first place in the NFC North.
Browns Waive Robert Turbin
The Browns have cut running back Robert Turbin from their 53-man roster, the team announced today (via Twitter). Turbin’s roster spot will now be occupied by offensive lineman Darrian Miller, who has been elevated from the practice squad.
Turbin, who turns 26 next month, was claimed off waivers by the Browns prior to their first regular season game, despite the fact that he was still recovering from an ankle injury. After sitting out for five weeks, Turbin made his Cleveland debut against the Broncos last month, and appeared in three games for the team.
In those three games, Turbin ran the ball 18 times for 60 yards, adding another eight yards on two receptions. While it briefly appeared as though he may become a significant part of the offense, fumbling issues plagued Turbin against the Cardinals, and may have ultimately led to his release. The Browns will move forward with Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson Jr. carrying the load.
Crowell and Johnson are currently the only running backs on Cleveland’s roster, outside of fullback Malcolm Johnson, so we’ll see if the team makes another move later in the work to fortify the position. As for Turbin, he’ll have to pass through waivers before becoming a free agent.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/9/15
Today’s practice squad moves:
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: CB Sammy Seamster (Twitter link via Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News)
- Cut: WR Titus Davis
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: OL Garth Gerhart (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle)
Washington
- Signed: WR LaRon Byrd, LB Carlos Fields & DL Anthony Johnson (via team on Twitter)
- Cut: WR Corey Washington
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/9/15
Today’s minor signings, cuts, and other moves from around the NFL:
- The Buccaneers activated Demar Dotson from IR-DTR, as Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle tweets. He’ll be taking the place of cornerback Tim Jennings, who has been waived, as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.
- The Lions were awarded defensive end C.J. Wilson off waivers from Raiders, as Wilson tweets. He’ll have a place on the roster now that the Lions have placed Andre Fluellen on injured reserve, Wilson tweets.
- The Eagles (on Twitter) announced that they have officially re-signed linebacker Emmanuel Acho.
- The Browns waived linebacker Jayson DiManche and defensive back De’Ante Saunders, Wilson Post tweets. DiManche, 25, was signed by Cleveland off of the Chiefs’ taxi squad in October. For his career, DiManche has appeared in 29 total games, mostly with the Bengals.
- In need of a third reserve offensive lineman for Monday night, the Chargers placed center Chris Watt (shoulder) on IR while promoting guard Craig Watts from the taxi squad, as Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego tweets. Watt, a third-round pick in 2014, has yet to really produce at the NFL level thanks to various injuries.
- The Chiefs cut wide receiver Frankie Hammond, Wilson tweets.