Extra Points: Murray, Cowboys, McKenzie
This may sound like blasphemy in Dallas, but Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News doesn’t think it’d be the end of the world if the Cowboys are outbid for DeMarco Murray in free agency. Machota argues that while Murray is immensely talented, a lot of his success can be attributed to the Cowboys’ powerful offensive line. More from around the NFL..
- After years of mediocrity, the Cowboys have turned their roster around, writes Field Yates of ESPN.com (Insider sub. req’d). As he explains, Dallas has upgraded their 53-man roster in a major way with investments in the offensive line, nailing skill player draft picks, and getting lucky with guys like Rolando McClain.
- General Manager Reggie McKenzie finally had the financial flexibility to put his stamp on the Raiders in the offseason after limited cap space forced him to be a bargain shopper. His moves left a lot to be desired, writes Joel Corry of CBSSports.com. McKenzie let defensive end Lamarr Houston and offensive tackle Jared Veldheer go without making a concerted effort to retain them while running back Darren McFadden was re-signed over Rashad Jennings, who led the team in rushing.
- Chris Wesseling of NFL.com wonders if the Raiders will be able to turn things around without the services of linebacker Nick Roach. Roach was placed on season-ending IR earlier today thanks to concussion symptoms.
- The good news is that Raiders coach Tony Sparano is optimistic that Roach will be able to play again eventually, tweets Alex Marvez of FOX Sports 1.
- In a press conference this afternoon, commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters that five hours were spent on social responsibility and personal conduct issues, which was longer than scheduled, tweets Tom Pelissero of USA Today.
Practice Squad Updates: Tuesday
With practices resuming following the weekend’s games, and teams having a better of idea of how serious its players’ injuries are, Tuesdays are often a busy day for practice squad transactions, as clubs replenish their rosters and swap in players at potential positions of need. As such, we expect to update this post plenty of times throughout the day, with the latest news of practice squad signings and cuts from around the NFL. Here’s the latest:
- Defensive tackle Joe Vellano, who was waived by the Patriots on Monday, has agreed to stay with New England on its practice squad, tweets Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com. Vellano is the beneficiary of the new practice squad rules that allow a second-year player to be eligible despite playing in 16 games in 2013.
- Defensive back Chandler Fenner and wide receiver Julian Talley, both waived by the Giants yesterday, have been re-signed to the practice squad, tweets Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News.
- The Eagles re-signed linebacker Brandon Hepburn to their practice squad, according to Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com (via Twitter).
- The Packers signed Joe Kruger, the brother of Paul Kruger, to their practice squad, tweets Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun.
- Former Ravens defensive tackle A.J. Pataiali’i has been added to the Browns’ taxi squad, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).
- As noted below, cornerback Mike Harris has signed with the Lions‘ practice squad, replacing fellow defensive back Josh Victorian, tweets Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com.
- The Jets have released cornerback LeQuan Lewis from their practice squad, signing another cornerback – Dashaun Phillips – in his place, the team announced today (via Twitter).
Earlier updates:
- One wide receiver has replaced another on the Cowboys‘ practice squad, tweets Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, as Tim Benford has been cut and LaRon Byrd has been signed.
- The Rams are down to nine players on their practice squad, having cut wide receiver Justin Veltung today, according to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (via Twitter).
- The Lions have signed defensive back Mike Harris to their taxi squad, a source tells Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link). Detroit had a full 10-man unit, so a corresponding cut will be necessary to finalize the move.
- Offensive tackle Ryan Miller has been cut from the Broncos‘ practice squad, reports Mike Klis of the Denver Post (via Twitter).
- The Browns have cut long snapper Charley Hughlett from their practice squad, per agent Brett Tessler (via Twitter). Hughlett was brought in to provide competition for the team’s regular long snapper, Christian Yount, but Cleveland has opted to continue on with Yount.
- The 49ers have swapped one offensive lineman for another on their practice squad, cutting tackle John Fullington in order to bring aboard guard Andrew Tiller, according to the club.
- Guard William Campbell and defensive tackle Jeremy Towns are the newest members of the Bills‘ practice squad, replacing fullback Lonnie Pryor and tight end Jamie Childers, according to Mike Rodak of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
- Three days after cutting him from their active roster, the Jaguars have re-signed tight end Mickey Shuler to their practice squad, the team announced today in a press release. To make room on the squad, wide receiver Kerry Taylor has been cut.
- Last week’s promotion of quarterback Chandler Harnish to the active roster suggested the Vikings were more confident in him than McLeod Bethel-Thompson in an emergency scenario, and the team’s moves today reflected that as well. The Vikes announced in a press release that Bethel-Thompson has been let go from the practice squad, with Harnish, wideout Donte Foster, and defensive back Pierre Warren joining the unit.
- To keep tabs on all 32 practice squad rosters, be sure to check out our complete list.
Extra Points: Smith, McClain, Prater, Saints
Time is running out to determine if Geno Smith is the answer for the Jets, writes Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post. It’s starting to feel as if the Smith era is in the process of mirroring the Mark Sanchez era, but the key difference is that Sanchez got the Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship games. Sanchez got four years before the Jets finally pulled the plug, and the Jets don’t have that kind of time. More from around the NFL..
- Rolando McClain is having a career renaissance in Dallas and Cowboys COO Stephen Jones says he’d like to keep the linebacker beyond this season, writes Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News. In four games, the starting middle linebacker has 23 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and an interception. McClain is a former top ten pick and Jones feels that he’s finally starting to realize that potential.
- While the move saves money, Broncos GM John Elway is taking a risk with his release of Matt Prater, who is arguably the best kicker in the game, writes Peter King of The MMQB. Even though Brandon McManus has a great leg, he hasn’t really been tested on field goals in 2014.
- Former Packers tight end Tom Crabtree has a workout scheduled with the Saints, according to Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (on Twitter).
- Patriots coach Bill Belichick says that recent acquisition Tim Wright still has “a long way to go” to learn the Pats offense, but he is impressed with his work ethic and intelligence, writes Phil A. Perry of CSNNE.com.
- If there’s a hot seat for Rex Ryan, there needs to be one for Jets GM John Idzik as well, writes Steve Serby of the New York Post. So who should take over? Bill Polian, who built Super Bowl teams in Buffalo and Indianapolis, is Serby’s suggestion.
- Agent David Canter (via Twitter) issued a statement regarding the suspension of Dolphins defensive end Derrick Shelby.
Minor Moves: Monday
We’ll keep track of today’s minor moves here….
- The Packers will welcome back offensive lineman Jordan McCray on their practice squad, according to the FXFL’s Twitter account. Wes Hodkiewicz of the Press Gazette (on Twitter) notes that the Packers had a spot open on the practice squad, so no corresponding move is necessary.
- The Giants have promoted running back Michael Cox from their practice squad to their 53-man roster, tweets Dan Graziano of ESPN.com. The move provides some backfield insurance, with Rashad Jennings expected to be sidelined through the team’s Week 8 bye.
- After seeing another center go down with an injury, the Chargers are set to sign center Trevor Robinson off the Bengals’ practice squad, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter). San Diego opened up a roster spot today by placing Doug Legursky on the injured reserve list, as noted below.
- The Rams have waived linebacker Ray Ray Armstrong, who had been a key contributor on the special teams unit, tweets Brian McIntyre.
Earlier updates:
- Wideout Kevin Dorsey has been promoted to the Packers‘ 53-man roster from their practice squad, tweets Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. Former Utah State defensive back Tay Glover-Wright is taking Dorsey’s spot on the taxi squad, per Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Twitter link).
- The Saints have waived 2014 fourth-round pick Khairi Fortt, a source tells Field Yates of ESPNBoston.com (Twitter link). It’s a somewhat surprising move, since Fortt hasn’t really had an opportunity to play yet, and his release won’t open up a roster spot, since the club had used its injured reserve/designated to return spot on him.
- Safety Jakar Hamilton was activated today by the Cowboys, who waived linebacker Keith Smith to make room on the 53-man roster, writes Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com. The team previously had a roster exemption for Hamilton, who missed the season’s first four weeks due to a suspension.
- The Dolphins have made a series of moves, signing wide receiver Damian Williams to their 53-man roster and waiving running back Orleans Darkwa to make room (Twitter link). The team also announced that the roster exemption for previously-suspended safety Reshad Jones has been lifted, meaning he’s now officially a part of the 53-man roster (Twitter link).
- Linebacker Marcus Benard has re-signed with the Cardinals, per Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter). Benard was initially signed during John Abraham‘s absence from the team, and now takes the place of Matt Shaughnessy, who was placed on injured reserve with the designation to return today.
- In a surprising transaction, the Packers have parted ways with tight end Ryan Taylor, who hasn’t been a huge part of the club’s passing game since being drafted in the seventh round in 2011, but has been with the team since then and contributed on special teams. Weston Hodkiewicz of the Green Bay Press-Gazette has the details on the move, which brings the Packers’ roster count down to 52.
- The Chargers have lost another center, announcing today (via Twitter) that Doug Legursky is heading to injured reserve with a knee injury. Longtime San Diego center Nick Hardwick was previously placed on IR with an injury of his own.
- Cornerback Brandon Browner and wideout Brian Tyms are both being formally activated by the Patriots, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter links). To make room for the duo, whose roster exemptions expire today, the Pats had to cut a pair of players — Shalisa Manza Young of the Boston Globe initially reported that defensive lineman Joe Vellano would be one of the two to go (Twitter link), and the team has since announced that defensive lineman Michael Buchanan is the other. Vellano has been waived, while Buchanan was placed on IR.
- The Eagles have made a change to their practice squad, cutting wide receiver Cobi Hamilton and replacing him with safety Jordan Kovacs, the team announced today (Twitter link).
- The Giants are releasing Trindon Holliday from IR, a source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (Twitter link). The veteran kick returner was placed on IR in August with a hamstring injury.
Luke Adams contributed to this post.
NFC Notes: Harbaugh, Orton, Palmer, Johnson
Amid numerous reports of discontent in the 49ers locker room stemming from head coach Jim Harbaugh’s management style, the team’s owner has taken to social media to dispute the claims. “Jim is my coach,” said Jed York on Twitter. “We are trying to win a [Super Bowl], not a personality or popularity contest. Any more questions?” Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported earlier today that there is “no way” Harbaugh returns to San Francisco in 2015, even if the team wins the Super Bowl. Until Harbaugh agrees to a contract extension, York & Co. will be forced to continue to respond to queries on their coach’s status. Let’s look at more from the NFC.
- Among the reasons that new Bills starter Kyle Orton left the Cowboys was that his relationship with Tony Romo was “untenable,” according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link via NFL Network’s Around the League). Ed Werder of ESPN reported (via Twitter) much of the same last week, noting that Orton “hated the offensive power struggle.”
- Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer, out since Week 1, has been working with a nerve specialist and has shown some improvement, per Glazer (on Twitter). Arizona is hopeful Palmer can return to the field by Week 6 or 7.
- Vikings defensive tackle Tom Johnson was arrested for trespassing and disorderly conduct last night, tweets James Monical of KSTP in Minneapolis.
Cowboys Offered Murray Four-Year Deal
The Cowboys have jumped out to a 3-1 start thanks in large part to the success of DeMarco Murray, and according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link), Dallas has engaged in preliminary extension talks with the fourth-year running back, offering him a four-year deal. Per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the negotiations are in the infancy stages, and no agreement is imminent.
Rapoport reports that the four-year offer is worth more than any contract signed by a free agent running back during the offseason. Whether Rapoport is referring to total value, guaranteed money, or per-year salary is unclear, but in any regard, it doesn’t mean much, as RB deals were significantly depressed during the free agency period. Donald Brown inked the top running back pact in terms of total worth ($10MM), Toby Gerhart garnered the most guarantees ($3.5MM), and Chris Johnson netted the largest AAV, at $4MM. Given Murray’s age, talent level, and current production, he would certainly top all three of of those figures should he sign an extension.
Murray, 26, was a third-round draft pick out of Oklahoma in 2011. After dealing with injuries for much of his first two years in the league, he managed to stay healthy for 14 games in 2013, totaling 1,191 yards on the ground and nine touchdowns; he added 53 receptions for 350 yards. So far this season, Murray leads the league 534 rushing yards, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He is first among running backs in both DVOA and DYAR, and is second only to Ahmad Bradshaw according to Pro Football Focus’ grades (subscription required).
Murray’s 2014 production surely warrants some sort of fresh contract, but there are several factors that could make the Cowboys wary of handing him an exorbitant salary. First, RBs simply aren’t earning the type of cash they used to, no matter their talent. Second, Murray has a lengthy injury history; he’s on pace for nearly 400 carries this season, a figure that could give Dallas pause. Finally, the Cowboys have assembled one of the finest offensive lines in the NFL, which could lead them to wonder if any runner with a modicum of ability could be successful behind their front five.
Playing under the final year of his rookie contract, Murray is earning $1.406MM in base salary this season. It’s hard to imagine Murray settling for a contract worth less than Matt Forte‘s four-year, $30.4MM ($13.8MM guaranteed) extension. Forte was the same age as Murray at the time, and had accrued similar statistics; given that that deal was signed more than two years ago, Murray could conceivably ask for even more. Regardless, it seems likely a new pact would place Murray among the top-five RBs in terms of total value, guarantees, and AAV.
Of course, if an extension is not agreed to, the Cowboys could slap Murray with the franchise tag. In 2014, the running back franchise tag figure was $9.54MM. Dallas could also choose to let Murray hit free agency, where he would top a FA RB class that includes Frank Gore, C.J. Spiller, Ryan Mathews, Mark Ingram, Shane Vereen, and Stevan Ridley. That’s quite a few talented players, and even though running backs are earning a pittance compared to other positions, teams might refuse to offer Murray much cash with so many other options available. Combine that fact with Murray’s injury history, and it might behoove him to accept the Cowboys offer.
Minor Moves: Saturday
Today’s minor moves, with recent updates added to the top of the list…
- The Giants have signed cornerback Chandler Fenner off of their practice squad, reports Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports (via Twitter). The team has waived linebacker Dan Fox to make room for Fenner.
- The Patriots have promoted linebacker Ja’Gared Davis from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Davis, 24, went undrafted out of SMU in 2013. New England claimed him off waivers from the Texans on August 28. The Pats will need to make a roster move to clear a spot for Davis.
Earlier updates:
- The Cowboys have promoted linebacker Keith Smith to take Morris Claiborne‘s spot on the roster, tweets Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com.
- The Jaguars have activated wide receiver Ace Sanders and waived tight end Mickey Shuler, tweets the Florida-Times Union’s Ryan O’Halloran. The writer also tweets that Schuler could catch on with the team’s practice squad.
- The Vikings announced that they have signed fullback Zach Line from their practice squad. To make room, the team waived quarterback Chandler Harnish.
NFC Mailbags: Fitzgerald, Suh, Murray
It’s Saturday morning, and that means a fresh batch of NFL mailbags from ESPN’s writers. Let’s start off with notes from the NFC…
- When asked about the prospects of Brian Orakpo, Brandon Meriweather and Perry Riley returning to the Redskins next season, John Keim says that he’d be surprised if more than one of the group returns. Riley is signed for 2015, but cutting him could save the team $3MM.
- Josh Weinfuss believes the Cardinals will “consider all the possible options” in regards to trading Larry Fitzgerald after the season.
- Following news that Ndamukong Suh would like to play in New York, Dan Graziano writes that it might be difficult for the Giants to add the defensive tackle. The team is prepared to hand large contracts to Eli Manning and Jason Pierre-Paul, and the writer also notes that the team hasn’t shown a willingness to spend at that position.
- Even with DeMarco Murray‘s incredible start to the season, Todd Archer still doesn’t think that the Cowboys should extend him to a “crazy” offer. The writer suggests a contract worth $4MM annually.
Extra Points: HGH, Cowboys, Panthers, Bortles
The NFL will begin testing for HGH on Monday, reports Albert Breer of NFL.com (via Twitter). Each week, five players from eight teams will be tested, adds Breer (Twitter link). The league and the union announced a new drug policy on September 17, which included revamped structures for drug violations and other discinplary actions. In exchange for reduced drug penalties, the NFLPA agreed for HGH testing to be implemented. More from around the league:
- The Cowboys are 3-1 behind an impressive offense through the first month of the NFL season, and a big part of their success is the dynamic duo of Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray. Both players are in line for big time extensions, and Brandon George of DallasNews.com believes that the team will be able to keep both on the roster going forward. He notes that giving both big extensions would tie up a lot of cap space but is doable, and also writes that the team could elect to place the franchise tag on one of the player.
- The Panthers have become so thin at defensive end they’re getting outside linebacker Jason Williams and several defensive tackles ready to line up there in case of emergency Sunday against Chicago, writes Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. Person’s report doesn’t mention Carolina looking at out-of-house DE options, but one has to think that will be a consideration if their woes at the position continue. Greg Hardy is on the commissioner’s exempt list, Frank Alexander is suspended for a violation of the substance abuse policy, and Charles Johnson missed a second consecutive practice with a hip flexor injury. That leaves Carolina with only rookie Kony Ealy and a pair of undrafted free agents – Wes Horton and Mario Addison – at defensive end.
- Blake Bortles made his starting debut for the Jaguars last week, and at least one talent evaluator was pleased with that he saw from the rookie. “He’s a better athlete than you think,” an AFC scout told Tom Pelissero of USA Today. “He can make plays off schedule. He doesn’t have a huge arm, but he’s got a good arm, and he’s a tough guy…I think they’ve got a guy that they can settle the position for a while.”
- In a lengthy chat for the Kansas City Star, Terez A. Paylor offers several thoughts on the Chiefs, including his belief that Justin Houston will sign a contract extension at some point, as well as observing that Matt Prater could be an option in K.C. if Cairo Santos struggles.
Rob DiRe and Luke Adams contributed to this post.
Morris Claiborne Done For Season
FRIDAY, 4:31pm: The Cowboys have formally placed Claiborne on the IR, according to Brian McIntyre (via Twitter).
MONDAY, 5:35pm: Cowboys COO Stephen Jones says that Morris Claiborne‘s season is over due to his torn patellar tendon, tweets Desmond Purnell of the NFL Network. The cornerback was believed to have a torn ACL after his injury on Sunday night and it appears that today’s MRI has confirmed that early diagnosis.
It’s been a rough couple of weeks for the former No. 6 overall pick. Claiborne was torched for much of the team’s close 34-31 Week 3 victory and was subsequently bumped down on the depth chart in favor of veteran Orlando Scandrick. Claiborne didn’t take kindly to that news as he skipped that Tuesday’s walkthrough practice and left the team facility. The corner allowed five catches for 108 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown pass to Brian Quick, but apparently felt that he was unfairly getting the hook. Claiborne was also likely frustrated by Jerry Jones’ recent comments:
“Is he what we had hoped for at this point when we drafted him with the sixth overall pick, giving up the [second-round] pick to go up to the sixth pick to get him? No,” Jones said. “But he’s going to be a good player.”
Claiborne came back to the team’s facilities the next day but never really got the chance to prove Jones wrong.