Cowboys Acquire Lavar Edwards From Titans
As teams around the league part ways with players in advance of today’s 3pm cutdown deadline, the Cowboys have added to their roster, acquiring defensive end Lavar Edwards from the Titans in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick, according to Todd Archer of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Adam Schefter of ESPN adds (on Twitter) that it’s a 2015 draft pick.
Edwards, 24, was selected by Tennessee in the fourth round of the 2012 draft after playing his college ball at LSU. He played in seven games last season, starting one contest, and ultimately saw time on 153 snaps. Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required) graded Edwards as below-average, especially in terms of pass-rushing, where he finished with a -4.1 mark.
In Dallas, Edwards will act as depth along a defensive line that, save for a recovering Henry Melton, doesn’t have many stirring options.
Minor Moves: Friday Night
As our transactions log shows, it’s been a busy day for roster moves around the NFL, and tomorrow will be even more hectic, as teams cut their rosters down to 53 active players in advance of the 3:00pm CT deadline. As we look forward to what should be a fun Saturday, let’s round up a few more odds and ends from Friday’s transactions wire….
- Kicker John Potter (Dolphins) and defensive back Devin Smith (Steelers) have been removed from their team’s respective injured lists with injury settlements, tweets Wilson.
- Two Raiders have posted the news of their own waiving via social media: DE Jack Crawford (via Instagram) and TE Jake Murphy (via Twitter) each indicated they had been cut by Oakland.
Earlier Updates:
- According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter links), the Cowboys waived a pair of players today, parting ways with wide receiver Jamar Newsome and running back D.J. Adams.
- The Dolphins began trimming their roster from 75 players to 53 today, informing tight end Kyle Miller that he’s being cut, reports Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.
- Packers tackle Aaron Adams has suffered a torn ACL and MCL, and will be placed on injured reserve, tweets Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. Adams would have been in contention for a spot at the back end of the 53-man roster had he remained healthy.
- The Lions and 49ers both freed up some cap space by restructuring the contracts of safety Glover Quin and defensive lineman Ray McDonald, respectively, per reports by Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com and Tom Pelissero of USA Today (Twitter link). We don’t have the specific details yet on either move, but they were likely simple restructures, converting a portion of the players’ base salaries into signing bonuses.
- The following players were cut off their respective teams’ injured reserve lists with injury settlements, according to reports from John Oesher of Jaguars.com, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com, and Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (all Twitter links): Defensive end David Carter (Jaguars), linebacker Jamar Chaney (Broncos), and safety DeJon Gomes (Lions).
NFC East Notes: Eagles, Bryant, Garrett, Giants
Although undrafted free agent Carey Spear’s performance wasn’t worthy of wresting a roster spot from incumbent Eagles kicker Alex Henery, it appears recent Philadelphia acquisition Cody Parkey has in fact unseated the veteran. Sources tell Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com that Parkey has won a place on the Eagles’ 53-man roster — if confirmed, the news doesn’t bode well for Henery, as most teams don’t carry two kickers. Parkey, acquired from the Colts on August 20, made two field goals from 50-plus yards in Philadelphia’s preseason game against the Jets on Thursday. More from Philly and the rest of the NFC:
- The Eagles are trying to trade third-year receiver Damaris Johnson, according to Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com (via Twitter). It sounds like the 24-year-old Johnson, who saw just 53 offensive snaps last season, will be waived if Philadelphia can’t find any takers.
- Though progress has been made towards an extension, “there’s nothing all that close” to a new deal between Dez Bryant and the Cowboys, tweets Jason Cole of Bleacher Report.
- Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett is entering the final year of his contract, and owner/GM Jerry Jones tells Rainer Sabin of the Dallas Morning News that he’s content to let Garrett lead the team as a lame duck coach. “I, in no way, have shut that door [on extending Garrett’s deal],” said Jones. “But I have already decided that we were going to operate this year with his contract status the way that it is.”
- Unsurprisingly, Garrett’s name is on Adam Caplan of ESPN.com’s list of coaches entering 2014 on the hot seat. Mike Smith and Jeff Fisher are the other NFC head men that Caplan thinks could be in trouble.
- Paul Schwartz of the New York Post looks at some Giants who could be on the roster bubble.
NFC Notes: Mankins, Eagles, 49ers, Bears
At his introductory press conference, new Buccaneers guard Logan Mankins admitted that he has a lot of work to do (via Jeff Howe of The Boston Herald). “It’s going to be tough, we have a week before the first game and I’m going to take it in stride. I’ve got all weekend to try and get down some of the mental part of it and then all next week at practice. I’m sure the guys are going to help me as much as possible and I’m going to try my best to be up to speed with those guys, I don’t know if it will happen, but I’m shooting for it,” said the veteran. More from around the NFL:
- Having recently been cut by the Bills, quarterback Thad Lewis had an audition for the Eagles, according to Tom Pelissero of USA Today (via Twitter).
- Blaine Gabbert looked shaky in the 49ers‘ preseason finale while Josh Johnson has looked good over the last few weeks, which could prompt the club to carry three quarterbacks, writes Cam Inman of the Mercury News. Gabbert, who has a $2MM guaranteed salary, won’t be going anywhere, but SF might want to have Johnson in place as a failsafe.
- 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh sounds intent on keeping quarterback Johnson in addition to Gabbert, writes Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. However, he won’t commit to putting Johnson ahead of Gabbert on the depth chart, despite the former first-round pick’s struggles.
- After giving himself a “B+” grade for his Thursday night performance, Michael Sam believes that he’ll be on an NFL roster somewhere, even if it’s not with the Rams, writes Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press. “I’m very confident,” Sam said. “I’m going to sleep really well tonight and I’m very confident I’m going to be on a team, the Rams or any other team in the NFL.”
- Adam L. Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times believes that Matthew Mulligan will have a spot on the Bears‘ roster as the tight end behind Martellus Bennett and Dante Rosario thanks to his blocking ability. The injury to Zach Miller opened the door for Mulligan, who is a solid blocker.
- The Bears have done their homework on long snappers and Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (on Twitter) hears that they worked out four long snappers last week. Currently, Brandon Hartson has the job in Chicago.
- Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed that he has met face-to-face with Dez Bryant, something he doesn’t do with every player who is seeking a new deal, writes Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com. “We have had good visits,” Jones said. “It’s a little different to be talking directly, for me to be talking directly with the player. I know of two that I’ve spent a lot of time directly talking with in some pretty sensitive areas when you’re talking about money. We all understand what that means. One of them Michael Irvin. He asked me to induct him into the Hall of Fame later and Emmitt Smith, he asked me to induct him into the Hall of Fame later. Troy [Aikman] always had Leigh Steinberg there, but we kind of talked straight in there together.”
NFC East Notes: Brent, Hynoski, Eagles
Eagles linebacker Brandon Graham was unsure about his future just a few months ago, but it looks like the former first-round pick will make the roster and remain in Philadelphia, writes Paul Domowitch of the Philadelphia Daily News. “When we first came back for the minicamps, I kept hearing all this talk about being traded,” he said. “I thought I was going to get traded before I got back [for the start of training camp]. But they stuck with me, and I feel I owe the team and the fans a lot because I know things haven’t gone the way they’re supposed to for a first-rounder. But I know I can play. It’s time to take off.” More from the NFC East..
- The Cowboys are expecting a decision from the NFL on defensive tackle Josh Brent, maybe as soon as today, tweets Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Dallas is bracing for a four-game suspension.
- Henry Hynoski‘s shoulder injury could mean that John Conner – the man known as The Terminator for the other Meadowlands team – will make the Giants‘ roster at fullback, writes Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. “I don’t wish that on anybody,’’ Conner said. “He’s a tough guy, he’s having a great camp and hopefully comes back all right.’’
- Giants wide receiver Preston Parker was once again the team’s first punt returner in Thursday night’s preseason finale, which indicates to Ralph Vacchiano of the Daily News (on Twitter) that he’ll be one of the receivers on the final 53-man roster.
- Cody Parkey made a strong case to be the Eagles‘ kicker after connecting on three field goals, including a 53-yarder and a 54-yarder, writes Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Alex Henery, who did not attempt a field goal, entered the game 1 of 3 in the preseason with a career long of 51 yards.
- The competition for the Eagles‘ final wide receiver spot comes down to a three-man race between Damaris Johnson, Arrelious Benn and Jeff Maehl, writes Sheil Kapadia of Philadelphia Magazine. His pick is Maehl, a fomer Oregon Duck.
Cowboys Waive B.W. Webb
In order to clear a roster spot for incoming running back Phillip Tanner, the Cowboys have waived defensive back B.W. Webb, the team announced today (via Twitter). With the move, which was first reported by Tom Pelissero of USA Today (via Twitter), Dallas’ roster continues to sit at the maximum 75 players.
A fourth-round pick a year ago, Webb was a part-timer in the Cowboys’ secondary during his rookie season, appearing in 185 total defensive snaps, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). In addition to recording 12 tackles and one pass defended on defense, the 24-year-old also contributed in kick and punt coverage, logging four special teams tackles.
Although Webb had been dealing with a hip flexor earlier this summer, he’s healthy now and has a decent chance to catch on with another club, according to Pelissero (via Twitter). Webb will have to pass through waivers before becoming a free agent. Assuming he clears waivers, he’ll also be eligible for practice squad duties for the Cowboys or for any other club.
Adrian Peterson Expressed Interest In Playing For Cowboys
1:30pm: Peterson and the Vikings have issued an official statement on the ESPN report. Peterson’s comments read, in full:
“This was a casual conversation between NFL colleagues in which I never indicated I wanted to leave the Vikings. I have always said I understand the NFL is a business but that I would love to retire as a Viking.”
1:00pm: Star running back Adrian Peterson told Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in a June telephone call that he’d have interest in joining the Cowboys after his tenure with the Vikings comes to an end, according to an ESPN.com Outside the Lines report by Don Van Natta Jr. Van Natta recounts Jones’ side of the conversation with the Vikings running back, writing that it’s “obvious” Peterson told Jones he’d like to play for Dallas.
“Well, I understand, Adrian,” Jones said during the conversation. “I’d like that, too … Well, I love your story. I love your daddy’s story. I’ve always respected what you’ve been about. I’ve always been a fan of yours.”
The NFL’s rules related to tampering dictate that if a team is contacted by a player who is under contract with another club, that team must immediately report the contact to the club which holds the player’s rights. Jones, confirming that Peterson told him he’d like to play for the Cowboys, said he didn’t contact the Vikings about the discussion, so it’s not clear whether he’ll be subject to a penalty from the league.
Van Natta’s story also includes details on Jones’ desire to draft Johnny Manziel back in May, rather than offensive lineman Zack Martin.
“If we had picked Manziel, he’d guarantee our relevance for 10 years,” Jones said. “When we were on the clock, I said, if we pick the other guy – any other guy – it would be a ticket to parity, more 8-8 seasons. The only way to break out is to gamble — take a chance with that first pick, if you wanna dramatically improve your team. That’s why I wanted Manziel, but I was the only guy who wanted him.”
Cowboys Notes: Hamilton, Brent, Bryant
Let’s round up the latest items out of Dallas, as the Cowboys gear up for their final preseason game against the Broncos….
- The Cowboys’ defense hadn’t expected to be an elite unit this season by any means, but suspensions may further diminish its effectiveness. As ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter and Todd Archer report, second-year defensive back Jakar Hamilton is facing a four-game ban for violating the league’s policy on substances of abuse. Hamilton becomes the second member of Dallas’ secondary this month to be hit with a four-game suspension, as Orlando Scandrick will also miss the season’s first month. Of course, unlike Scandrick, Hamilton isn’t necessarily guaranteed a spot on the Cowboys’ 53-man roster.
- Now that the Josh Gordon situation has been resolved, one player still awaiting a decision from the NFL is Cowboys defensive lineman Josh Brent. Brent, who was charged with intoxication manslaughter, and served a six-month jail sentence, has already voluntarily taken a full season off. So, as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes, it’ll be interesting to see whether the NFL suspends him upon reinstating him or whether the league determines that by voluntarily – and temporarily – retiring, Brent has already served his penalty.
- Kevin Sherrington of The Dallas Morning News doesn’t think it’d be a bad idea for the Cowboys to let Dez Bryant play for his money. Bryant and owner Jerry Jones met yesterday to discuss a possible contract extension, but the talks did not advance.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Bryant, Cowboys Making Progress On Extension
WEDNESDAY, 7:43pm: Cowboys owner Jerry Jones met with Bryant this morning and an extension was discussed, tweets Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. However, the talk didn’t bring the two sides closer to a deal.
TUESDAY, 10:30pm: Michael Silver of the NFL Network says a deal could be struck between now and Thursday night’s preseason finale against the Broncos, writes NFL.com’s Chris Wesseling.
6:45pm: Talks between Bryant and the Cowboys have “intensified greatly,” according to Mike Silver of NFL.com (via Ian Rapoport on Twitter). He adds that it’s now clear that the team is ready to commit to Bryant as its franchise wide receiver.
9:19am: Earlier this month, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones suggested there was no need to accelerate extension talks for star wideout Dez Bryant. However, according to Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Bryant said yesterday that there’s a “big chance” the two sides work something out before the regular season begins, and Jones didn’t rule out that possibility.
“I wouldn’t refute that. I just wouldn’t,” Jones said. “I think that’s the best way to respond to that. He’s got a good sense of it. He obviously feels in the right circumstances he wants to get something done. We do, too. That can be good.”
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link) also hears that Bryant and the Cowboys have been making progress on a new contract, though his source says it’s “up in the air” whether anything will get done by Week 1. As Rapoport adds in a second tweet, both sides are motivated to reach an agreement, but it remains to be seen if the Cowboys are willing to pay the 25-year-old like one of the league’s top five wideouts.
If no deal is reached within the next couple weeks, discussions will likely be tabled until after the season. Bryant is eligible for free agency in 2015, but it’s hard to imagine the club letting him hit the open market rather than signing him to an extension, or at least using its franchise tag. As Jones tells Williams, he has no problem with not negotiating during the season if the two sides don’t finalize a new deal by Week 1.
“I know Dez, know him well, and he wants to have his mind on nothing but football,” Jones said. “Obviously, he wants to be responsible as it pertains to his business, but it’s a pleasure to have someone that the only thing other than his family that matters to him is playing football for the Dallas Cowboys. I know he wants to be able to walk out there against San Francisco and not think about anything else. That’s a plus for everybody.”
Our Rob DiRe examined Bryant as an extension candidate back in June.
Minor Moves: Wednesday
A day after 2014’s deadline for rosters to be reduced from 90 players to 75, the transactions wire isn’t nearly as busy today, but things will undoubtedly pick up soon, with the deadline for 53-man rosters just three days away. In the meantime, here are a few of Wednesday’s minor moves from around the league:
- Running back Demitrius Bronson was one of the Seahawks‘ roster casualties earlier this week, but with Christine Michael nursing a hamstring injury, Seattle has re-signed Bronson for the team’s final preseason game this week, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (Twitter links). Center Greg Van Roten has been cut to clear space on the roster.
- The Cowboys claimed defensive back Jemea Thomas off waivers from the Patriots today, according to Todd Archer of ESPN.com (via Twitter). The Georgia Tech product was a sixth-round pick in this year’s draft. As Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram tweets, Dallas waived wideout Tim Benford to open up a roster spot.
- Cornerback Danny Gorrer has been released off the Buccaneers‘ injured reserve list with a settlement, says Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com (Twitter link).