Broncos Notes: Davis, Thomas, Clady
In today’s mailbag, a reader asked Troy Renck of The Denver Post if he thinks that the newly-acquired Vernon Davis will have a similar impact to Julius Thomas at tight end. Renck writes that Davis will not have the same impact because the offense is not the same. However, he can be a tantalizing weapon for an offense that is starting to turn the corner. Denver didn’t give up much to land Davis, and Renck feels that was a flyer worth taking for the Broncos.
Here’s more out of Denver..
- A potential deal that would have sent Joe Thomas from the Browns to the Broncos broke down over a holdup on converting his remaining salary for 2016 and 2017 into guarantees for security, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. The Browns and Broncos agreed on the deal including a Broncos first-round pick in 2017, Mike Klis of 9NEWS tweets. However, in 2016, the Browns wanted to orchestrate a high-round pick swap and Denver declined.
- Klis (link) supports the Broncos’ refusal to part with that much. If Manning were to retire after the season and Denver were to tank in 2016, they might be unable to get a top QB if they finished worst than the Browns and had the picks swapped.
- On the surface, the Broncos’ play for Joe Thomas looks like an effort to replace left tackle Ty Sambrailo, who is done for the year with a shoulder injury. On a deeper level, Mike Florio of PFT writes, the talks can be interpreted as a bad sign for left tackle Ryan Clady, who has suffered two season-long injuries in three years and is earning major money. Clady is set to earn $9.5MM in 2016 and $10MM in 2017.
Trade Rumors: Cowboys, Young, McCourty
Will we see any trades finalized around the NFL today? Teams have less than an hour before this afternoon’s 3:00pm CT deadline arrives, so they’ll have to act fast to get anything done. Here are a few of the latest rumors and rumblings:
- The Cowboys won’t be making any trades today, according to owner Jerry Jones (link via Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com). Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones said the team had some calls, but nothing serious developed.
- According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), the defensive end market has been the most active today, with names like Vinny Curry (Eagles), Willie Young (Bears), and Jeremy Mincey (Cowboys) generating interest. It’s not clear yet whether their respective teams will move them, however.
- Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link) also mentions Young in his list of the players he’s heard mentioned the most today. La Canfora’s other names include 49ers tackle Joe Staley, Rams right end Jared Cook, Browns linebackers Paul Kruger and Barkevious Mingo, Raiders wideout Rod Streater, and Chiefs cornerback Marcus Cooper.
- Per La Canfora (via Twitter), the Jets are among the teams that have been “sniffing around” pass rushers.
- After reporting earlier that the Patriots had interest in Titans cornerback Jason McCourty, Rapoport says he’s now hearing that McCourty is no longer available (Twitter link).
No Major Trades Expected For Browns
1:47pm: The Browns continue to discuss possible trades involving Mingo and Kruger, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter).
1:35pm: Within the last few days, the Browns have emerged as one of the most fascinating teams to watch at the trade deadline, with names like Joe Thomas, Alex Mack, and Barkevious Mingo emerging as potential trade candidates. However, despite all the rumors and speculation, Cleveland isn’t expected to participate in any major deals at this afternoon’s deadline, says ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter).
As I noted earlier today, there was a chance of the Browns becoming the day’s biggest seller if their asking prices were met, but those prices sounded quite steep. Several reports indicated the team was seeking more than a single first-round pick for Thomas, while one report suggested Cleveland wanted a third-round pick for either Mack or Mingo.
General manager Ray Farmer still has nearly 90 minutes to make a trade, and it remains possible he’ll make a move or two. It doesn’t sound like a player as notable as Thomas will be involved in any deal, however.
Here are a couple more Browns-related notes, as the deadline nears:
- If the Browns do make a move, outside linebacker Paul Kruger is another player worth keeping an eye on. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (via Twitter) that the team is willing to pay some of Kruger’s remaining salary to complete a deal.
- While Josh McCown hasn’t been ruled out yet, the Browns are preparing for Thursday’s game as if Johnny Manziel will start, tweets Rand Getlin of the NFL Network. The short week doesn’t allow for a banged-up McCown to get much in the way of recovery time.
Broncos Offered First-Rounder For Joe Thomas?
12:19pm: According to Mike Klis of 9NEWS (via Twitter), the Broncos talked to the Browns about Thomas some time ago, but didn’t make a firm offer — the two sides “talked conceptually,” says Klis. Of course, it’s possible that just means the Broncos indicated they’d be willing to give up a first-round pick, even if they didn’t officially put that offer on the table.
10:12am: According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter), the Browns were asking for two first-round pick for Thomas. While reports on Cleveland’s asking price for Thomas have varied slightly, it seems clear that a lone first-rounder won’t get it done.
9:15am: After the Broncos’ starting left tackle, Ryan Clady, went down earlier this year, the team engaged in trade talks with the Browns, offering Cleveland a first-round pick for Joe Thomas, reports Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com. However, according to Grossi, the Browns also asked for second-year linebacker Shaquil Barrett, and the Broncos balked.
Those trade discussions reportedly occurred early in the season, before the Broncos’ lost another left tackle, Ty Sambrailo, to a season-ending injury of his own. As such, it’s possible Denver will increase its offer for Thomas as today’s trade deadline approaches. Still, Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald tweets that he’d be shocked if Cleveland moves its standout left tackle, adding that a club would have to overpay to land Thomas.
Jason Cole of Bleacher Report and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com have also weighed in with the latest on the Browns’ asking prices, with Cole tweeting that an NFC GM told him Cleveland wants a first- and second-round pick for Thomas. Rapoport adds (via Twitter) that Cleveland wants a third-round pick for either Alex Mack or Barkevious Mingo, so none of the club’s trade candidates will come cheaply.
If those asking prices are met, the Browns could become the NFL’s biggest seller at today’s deadline, but it’s also possible the team ends up simply standing pat — GM Ray Farmer and company have less than six hours to make decisions on Thomas, Mack, and others.
Browns’ Alex Mack Won’t Waive No-Trade
Browns center Alex Mack has been heavily mentioned as a trade candidate leading up to the Tuesday deadline, but it doesn’t sound like he’ll be going anywhere.
“I have a ‘no trade’ clause in my contract. It was included for good reason: I’m not leaving my teammates, coaches and Browns fans while there is work this season to be finished,” Mack said in a statement to reporters, including Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (via Twitter).
Mack has an opt-out clause following the 2015 season and he is widely expected to exercise it in an effort to secure a more lucrative deal. Mack, of course, got that opt-out in the 2014 offseason when he signed an offer sheet with the Jaguars. Jacksonville gave Mack an opt-out after two years in hopes of dissuading Cleveland from matching, but that plan did not work.
While Mack is staying committed to the Browns for the remainder of the season, tonight’s statement guarantees nothing for 2016 and beyond.
Trade Rumors: Mack, Weddle, Boldin
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.
Broncos’ Ty Sambrailo Out For Season
4:01pm: Sambrailo revealed today that he sustained a torn labrum, according to Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post (Twitter link).
2:58pm: After battling with a shoulder injury for several weeks, offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo will be shut down for the season and will land on injured reserve, Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak said today (Twitter link via Troy Renck of the Denver Post). Sambrailo, who began his rookie season as the team’s left tackle, will undergo surgery on the troublesome shoulder, per Kubiak.
While Sambrailo’s absence will hurt the Broncos’ offensive line depth, the group has managed to do a decent job keeping Peyton Manning upright since the rookie first went down. Over the last several weeks, Ryan Harris has slid over to the left side to protect Manning’s blind side, with Michael Schofield stepping into the starting lineup as Denver’s right tackle.
With Sambrailo heading to IR, the Broncos will open up a roster spot and could use that opening on an offensive lineman. Asked today if his club would pursue external help at left tackle, Kubiak said the Broncos are still considering their options (Twitter links via Renck).
Browns left tackle Joe Thomas would appear to be a logical trade target for Denver, but the Broncos aren’t considered one of the teams with interest in the Pro Bowler, according to Renck (via Twitter). It’s also not clear yet if Cleveland would seriously consider moving Thomas.
Update On IR-DTR Players
We’re now through eight weeks of the NFL season, which means we’re approaching the year’s halfway point. It also means that players who were placed on the injured reserve list with the designation to return prior to the regular season are eligible to be activated and play in their respective teams’ next games.
Players placed on IR with the designation to return are eligible to begin practicing after six weeks, and can return to game action after eight weeks, so there are some IR-DTR players who have begun practicing already, and some of them could be activated for Week 9. Not every player will be healthy enough to return immediately now that they’ve become eligible to do so, but we should see at least a handful of the 10 players who have been on IR-DTR all year be activated to 53-man rosters in the coming days.
Here’s a breakdown of the 10 IR-DTR players eligible to be activated for Week 9:
- Jay Ajayi, RB (Dolphins): Ajayi recently said that he’s back to full health, though the Dolphins may have a decision to make in their backfield if they decide to activate the rookie runner.
- Alex Carter, CB (Lions): Carter is on track to begin practicing after the Lions’ Week 9 bye, and likely won’t be activated right away.
- David Cobb, RB (Titans): Cobb is expected to be activated this week, and at least one Titans beat reporter believes the rookie is capable of earning a high percentage of the team’s carries.
- Demar Dotson, T (Buccaneers): When he began practicing, Dotson admitted his injured knee wasn’t where he wanted it to be, but it sounds like he’s made enough progress to be activated this week.
- Charles Gaines, CB (Browns): Gaines returned to practice when he was eligible to do so, and sounds like he’s eager to get back on Cleveland’s roster. If the Browns want him active for Week 9, they’ll have to make a move soon, since the team plays on Thursday this week.
- Dee Milliner, CB (Jets): Head coach Todd Bowles said last week that he believes Milliner will be ready to play as soon as he becomes eligible, though he cautioned that the team will need to find room on the active roster.
- Maurkice Pouncey, C (Steelers): There has been some speculation that Pouncey could be sidelined for the entire season, but head coach Mike Tomlin still expects his veteran center back this year. That likely won’t happen for a few more weeks though, since the initial diagnosis put Pouncey on track to be out until at least Week 12.
- Bryan Stork, C (Patriots): The Patriots’ offensive line has been hit hard by injuries this season, so having to decide between Stork and David Andrews at center will be a welcome problem for the team. Stork appears on track to return in Week 9.
- John Sullivan, C (Vikings): After suffering a setback and undergoing another surgical procedure, Sullivan won’t be back anytime soon, and may not play at all this season.
- Brent Urban, DE (Ravens): Asked two weeks ago about Urban, head coach John Harbaugh said that the defensive end wasn’t practicing, adding that his recovery would probably take “a few more weeks.”
While these 10 players are the only ones on IR-DTR eligible to return in Week 9, there are 12 more who will gain eligibility in the coming weeks. The full list can be found right here.
Among those 12 other IR-DTR players, the most notable name is Tony Romo, who can’t play until Week 11. The Cowboys quarterback is eligible to begin practicing this week, but Rand Getlin of the NFL Network (Twitter link) hears that won’t happen quite yet. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), Romo is still on track to return to the field when he’s eligible for game action, but it makes sense to keep getting Matt Cassel first-team practice reps in the meantime.
AFC Notes: Patriots, Grigson, Thomas
The Patriots have been very active in midseason trades in recent years, but playing on Thursday didn’t give them a big advantage in terms of trade talks ahead of the Tuesday deadline this year, writes Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com. “Teams are involved with games here, yesterday, today, so even though we had a little time, I’d say teams have their rosters set for this game and probably wouldn’t want to do something, maybe a disruptive move at the end of the week,” Belichick said. “I don’t really think there’s not too much talk going on in the league. We’ll see what happens next week.”
Here are some other notes from around the AFC:
- Reports that Andrew Luck has been playing through broken ribs for much of this season has forced Colts general manager Ryan Grigson to defend his injury reports, writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. The Colts have been accused of not accurately communicating player injuries with the league in wake of the Luck news. “Our injury reports are accurate,” Grigson said. “If people have any questions about player injuries, they should refer to our injury reports.”
- Browns All-Pro left tackle Joe Thomas may be on the trading block, but that doesn’t mean he is looking to get out of Cleveland. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports that Thomas does not want to be traded. “I’m not a quitter,” said Thomas. “I’m not a guy that gives up on my goals and my goal from day one was to be part of the turnaround here and that hasn’t changed.”
Extra Points: Luck, Trades, Draft, Browns
Andrew Luck‘s difficult navigation through his fourth season’s caused ripples throughout the Colts‘ organization, and Jay Glazer of Fox Sports shed some light on why, noting that Luck’s been playing with multiple fractured ribs. Luck already missed two games with a shoulder injury. This further explains some of Luck’s struggles (56 percent completion rate, 11-to-9 touchdown-to-interception ratio) while giving opponents some ammunition, writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
As the early games get going, here’s some additional information from around the league.
- The Browns are putting more names on the trading block, according to Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com, by adding 2013 first-rounder Barkevious Mingo to a list that already included Joe Thomas, Alex Mack and Paul Kruger. Mingo has not lived up to his draft position, No. 6 overall, with seven career sacks — none this season. But as a young edge-rusher, he’d be able to warrant a return. Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith writes the Browns would be willing, most likely, to part with Mingo for even a low-level haul. Cabot reports Mingo would be open to a move at this point.
- The NFL has no plans to revisit its three-year waiting period for prospects to enter the draft despite what LSU coach Les Miles said about the rule’s flaws. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk argues against the rule’s merits.
- With the trade deadline set for 3 p.m. CT, CBSSports.com’s Joel Corry offers six trades that would make sense, with Calvin Johnson-to-Carolina the splashiest of the list. The former agent has the Lions sending Megatron to the Panthers for a second-rounder, while Corry also suggests Kelechi Osemele-to-Seattle for a fourth-rounder and the Chiefs sending Tamba Hali to the Giants for a sixth. Both of those talents are on expiring contracts.
- Jonas Gray or Damien Williams could be on their way out of Miami, with Dolphins rookie Jay Ajayi due to be activated off IR-DTR, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes.