Minor NFL Transactions: 8/6/15
Here are Thursday’s minor transactions from around the NFL, with the latest moves added to the top of the page throughout the day:
- The Broncos have re-signed nose tackle Sione Fua for another stint in Denver, per Troy Renck of the Denver Post (Twitter link). The former third-round pick, who played for Cleveland last season, last spent time with the Broncos in 2013. Denver waived punter Karl Schmitz in a corresponding move. The Broncos have also reached an injury settlement with rookie offensive tackle Connor Rains, removing him from their IR, tweets Mike Klis of 9News.
- The Buccaneers have signed former Arena League quarterback Sammuel Lamur, the team announced today in a press release. Lamur, the brother of Bengals linebacker Emmanuel Lamur, will be moved to linebacker in Bucs camp.
- The Titans have made a change in their secondary, signing safety Josh Aubrey and waiving safety Cody Prewitt with an injured designation, per a team release.
- The Cowboys swapped one tight end for another this week, signing Brandon Barden and cutting Ray Hamilton, tweets Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. As Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post tweets, the club also moved linebacker Justin Anderson and offensive lineman Reshod Fortenberry to its injured reserve list.
- Patriots tight end A.J. Derby and Eagles outside linebacker Travis Long landed on their respective teams’ injured reserve lists after going unclaimed on waivers, according to Wilson (via Twitter).
- The Panthers have moved retired offensive tackle Jonathan Martin from the reserve/retired list to the reserve/did not report list, tweets Wilson.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/3/15
Today’s minor moves and signings in the NFL..
- Cowboys linebackers Justin Anderson and guard Reshod Fortenberry were waived/injured, Clarence Hill of the Star-Telegram tweets. Linebackers Jonathan Brown and Ka’Lial Glaud were signed.
- The Patriots have agreed to bring back second-year linebacker Cameron Gordon to address some depth concerns, as Mike Reiss of ESPN.com tweets. The Patriots also announced that they have claimed guard Harland Gunn off waivers from the Falcons.
- The Chiefs announced that they have signed former Missouri wide receiver L’Damian Washington.
- The Patriots waived-injured Kevin Hughes and cut Vince Taylor with a failed physical designation, Wilson tweets.
- The Packers announced that they have signed wide receiver Ed Williams.
- The Cowboys waived-injured Justin Jackson, who tore his ACL over the weekend, Wilson tweets.
- The Broncos signed wideout Corbin Louks, Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post tweets. Louks, who was cut by the Chiefs in May, will fill the roster spot previously filled by Kyle Williams, who has hit the IR.
- The Chargers signed former Packers defensive tackle Luther Robinson, Wilson tweets.
- The Browns announced that they have signed running backs Timothy Flanders and Jalen Parmele and waived wide receiver Kevin Cone and defensive back Brandon Stephens, Nate Ulrich of the Beacon Journal tweets.
- The Bills have signed free agent cornerback Merrill Noel, according to Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News (on Twitter). Noel was released by Buffalo back in June.
Earlier Updates:
- The Chiefs waived backup defensive tackle Jerel Worthy, as Blair Kerkhoff of The Kansas City Star tweets. Worthy signed a futures deal with KC back in December. Worthy, a 2012 second-round pick out of Michigan State, tore his ACL in the final game of the 2012 season and played only 12 snaps in 2013. Worthy was traded from the Packers to the Pats in August of 2014 but he did not get on the field last season.
- The Eagles signed rookie free agent wide receiver Mike Johnson, Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer tweets. The Delaware product participated in the Eagles rookie mini-camp on a tryout basis and, apparently, he impressed the right people.
- Linebacker/defensive end Austen Lane, who had stints with the Jaguars, Lions, and Bears, took to Twitter to announce his retirement.
Broncos, Britton Colquitt Rework Deal
The Broncos and Britton Colquitt have agreed to rework their deal for the upcoming season, according to Jeff Legwold and Field Yates of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Colquitt had a 3.75MM cap figure and his salary will now be closer to $1.6MM, Legwold tweets.
Until the pay cut was agreed to, Colquitt had the ninth-highest salary cap figure on the Broncos for this season. The reworked contract, Yates tweets, will give Denver an additional $1.4MM in cap space. Colquitt, 30, has appeared in every regular season game for the Broncos over the last five seasons.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/2/2015
Here are Sunday’s minor transactions from around the NFL:
- The Patriots have claimed offensive lineman Harland Gunn off waivers from the Falcons, reports Field Yates of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Gunn, 25, played in 10 games for Atlanta last season, starting one.
- Cornerback Justin Green has decided to retire from the NFL, according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald (Twitter link). The Cowboys acquired Green from the Patriots last year, but he never suited up for Dallas. The 24-year-old had been back with New England until they cut him yesterday.
- The Broncos announced that they’ve signed tackle Charles Sweeton while waiving injured tackle Connor Rains. Rains injured his foot during the first day of Denver’s camp.
- The Chiefs have made a switch a running back, signing Darrin Reaves and waiving LaVance Taylor, tweets Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star. Reaves appeared in six games for the Panthers last season, starting one.
- The Jets have filled an open spot on their roster, signing receiver Jarrod West, an undrafted rookie out of Syracuse, per Brian Costello of the New York Post (Twitter link).
Earlier updates:
- Mark Kaboly of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review tweets that the Steelers have signed RB Jawon Chisholm placed RB Ross Scheuerman on the waived/injured list in a corresponding move. The team also cut TE Michael Egnew to make room for the newly-acquired Brandon Boykin.
- The Panthers have signed WR Paul Browning to take the roster spot of Stephen Hill, who has been put on the team’s waived/injured list with a torn ACL (via Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer).
- John McClain of The Houston Chronicle tweets that the Texans, who are in desperate need of defensive line depth, have signed veteran NT Chris Neild.
- The Giants have added rookie DE Brad Bars and second-year wide receiver Derrick Johnson, per James Kratch of NJ.com.
West Notes: Von, Chancellor, McDaniel, Hawks
After getting drug tested multiple times a week for two years, Broncos LB Von Miller has been released from the league’s substance abuse program, according to Mike Klis of 9News.com. The news comes at a great time for Miller, who is in the final year of his contract and who now has a long track record of clean drug tests to present to teams interested in his services.
Let’s take a look at some more from the West divisions, including notes from Seattle:
- Now that the Seahawks have extended both Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner, head coach Pete Carroll says the club can turn its attention to bringing safety Kam Chancellor back in the fold (Twitter link via Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times). Chancellor, set to earn $4.55MM in 2015, is holding out while aiming for a new contract.
- Former NFL receiver Tim Brown told SiriusXM NFL Radio (Twitter link) that Seattle’s decision to release Tony McDaniel in order to fit in Wilson and Wagner’s contracts could lead to a locker room problem. While that may be true, I find it hard to believe that Seahawks players wouldn’t accept the club making the moves necessary to keep two of its stars.
- McDaniel might not be gone for long, as Carroll tells Condotta (via Twitter) that the Seahawks would like to re-sign the veteran defensive tackle, obviously at a lower salary.
- NFL agent Brett Tessler tweets that the Seahawks are bringing in Gabe Miller for a workout tomorrow. Miller played outside linebacker for Washington last season, but he will try out for Seattle as a tight end.
- The Broncos will bring in former Kansas receiver Nigel King for an audition today, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link). King went undrafted earlier this year.
Dallas Robinson contributed to this post.
AFC Notes: Miller, Rivers, Dareus, Jets
Two years ago, Broncos pass rusher Von Miller was suspended six games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse program, and missed nearly half the 2013 season. However, last season, he played all 16 of Denver’s regular season contests, and a source tells Mike Klis of 9NEWS that after not testing positive for two years, Miller is no longer in the league’s drug program.
Typically, multiple positive tests result in harsher and harsher penalties for players, as we’ve with someone like Josh Gordon. But a positive test for Miller at this point wouldn’t result in significant discipline, since his status has been reset, writes Klis. It’s an extremely positive development for Miller as he enters a contract year, since the Broncos will have less reason to be concerned about him missing games in the future, making the team more likely to offer him a lucrative extension.
Here’s more from around the AFC:
- Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers confirmed today that there are no new developments on the contract extension front, tweets Alex Marvez of FOX Sports. According to Rivers, the two sides will likely shelve negotiations until 2016 if they don’t reach an agreement within the next 10 or 12 days.
- According to Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News, Marcell Dareus seems encouraged by the progress that has been made in contract discussions between him and the Bills, joking that he owes a thank-you to Ndamukong Suh for resetting the market this offseason.
- Jets GM Mike Maccagnan expressed support for Sheldon Richardson following his recent arrest, indicating that he and the Jets will devote resources to helping the standout defensive lineman, as Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com outlines. However, Maccagnan was noncommittal on Richardson’s long-term future with the Jets, and acknowledged that there’s “a degree of trust that has been broken.”
- Chargers defensive end Tenny Palepoi suffered a fractured foot, and will likely be sidelined for two months, a source tells Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Depending on how Palepoi’s recovery progresses, he could be a candidate for the injured reserve list with the designation to return, though the Chargers may prefer to save that one-time designation for someone else.
AFC Rumors: Broncos, Ravens, Bills
Facing a suddenly thin defensive end situation, with Derek Wolfe‘s recent PEDs suspension and Malik Jackson‘s calf strain, the Broncos are in need of some good news on their line.
They’ll have to settle for Antonio Smith being able to practice and hoping his being investigated in a child sex-abuse complaint doesn’t deter his time in Denver. The Broncos previously excused him from OTAs in late May once word of this allegation emerged.
“I have faith in the end it’s going to be all right,” Smith told Arnie Stapleton of the Associated Press. “I love football. I love my teammates more than I love the game. To be away from them was definitely a hard situation.”
GM John Elway permitted the 33-year-old end who he signed as a depth piece earlier this offseason to practice since he hasn’t been arrested or charged.
Here’s some more news out of Denver and as well as the Broncos’ AFC brethren’s training camps.
- A second consecutive preseason and third straight season for Broncos wideout Kyle Williams looks to have been marred by a severe injury, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. Williams, who suffered his previous injuries with the 49ers and Chiefs, confirmed on his Instagram page a knee injury sustained Saturday will end his 2015 season. The Broncos signed Williams to a futures contract in Dec. 2014 despite his missing the last six games of the 2013 season and all of the 2014 campaign with ACL and shoulder maladies. Most known for the fumble that propelled the Giants into the Super Bowl past the 49ers in overtime of the 2011 NFC championship game, the 27-year-old Williams has to be considered questionable at best to resume his career.
- 2014 Bills second-rounder Cyrus Kouandjio‘s second chance appears to still be in full bloom, with Tyler Dunne of the Buffalo News reporting the Bills’ right tackle job is his to lose despite a slow rookie year. Per Dunne, when Rex Ryan‘s staff arrived, they cleaned the slate of the former Alabama starter. This could mean a demotion for 16-game starter Seantrel Henderson, a 2014 seventh-rounder. “That absolutely could be his job,” Ryan said of Kouandjio. “That’s competition. Seantrel, I hope will feel differently. He’s going to think ‘I’m going to battle to win that job.’ But right now, he’s running with the 1’s so look at it any way you want.”
- Scott Cohen will join the Ravens as a consultant after the Buccaneers fired him earlier this year, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Cohen previously worked as Mike Tannenbaum‘s assistant GM for five years with the Jets.
Extra Points: Jets, Long, Randle, Bears
Jets head coach Todd Bowles expressed concern Friday over the well-being of defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, who was charged Thursday with resisting arrest and traffic violations after a July 14 incident in Missouri. “Clearly, he needs some help,” said Bowles, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini.
Richardson, who was clocked going 143 mph, tried to avoid police apprehension. It was discovered that he had a gun and a 12-year-old in the vehicle, and there was a “very strong odor of marijuana” in the car.
“I let (the organization) down, simple as that,” Richardson said. “I’m not afraid to say that. … This is a wake-up call.”
This “wake-up call” comes less than a month after the NFL suspended Richardson for marijuana use. He’ll face further discipline for this incident.
More on the Jets and the rest of the league:
- Jets rookie wide receiver Devin Smith, a second-round pick, suffered broken ribs in practice Friday and will miss the majority of training camp, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports (via Twitter). He’ll stay at a local hospital overnight as a precaution. Cimini tweeted that Smith was getting a lot of first-team reps prior to the injury.
- There’s concern from some people around the NFL that Jake Long’s career may be over, says Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). Long, who visited the Falcons, Giants and Broncos this week, is coming off his second torn ACL, and it doesn’t sound like he’s back to 100%.
- Browns free safety Tashaun Gipson said contract negotiations are ongoing and he plans to be with the franchise long term, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron-Beacon Journal (Twitter link). Gipson is entering the final season of his rookie deal after piling up a career-best six interceptions last season, giving him 12 for his three-year career.
- The Cowboys view their starting running back job as Joseph Randle‘s to lose, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). The team loves his vision and explosiveness, Rapoport tweeted. Randle, a fifth-round pick in 2013, is coming off a season that saw him average a prolific 6.7 yards per carry on just 51 attempts while backing up now-Eagle DeMarco Murray. Randle finished 2014 with with 343 rushing yards and three touchdowns. His main competition for the No. 1 job is oft-injured veteran Darren McFadden, who is currently on the physically unable to perform list with a pulled hamstring.
- Bears cornerback Tim Jennings, who was arrested in January on charges of speeding, DUI, and reckless driving, pleaded guilty to reckless driving and speeding today. His DUI charge was dismissed, the Chicago Tribune’s Dan Wiederer tweeted.
Luke Adams contributed to this post.
Free Agent Rumors: Bengals, Cherilus, Long
The Bengals are considering adding a veteran receiver to compete in training camp for a roster spot and playing time, and they worked out a couple interesting names today, according to Rand Getlin of the NFL Network (Twitter link). Getlin reports that, in addition to Greg Little, Santonio Holmes and David Nelson also auditioned for Cincinnati. Holmes, a longtime Jet, played for the Bears in 2014, while Nelson has accumulated 138 receptions in five seasons with the Bills and Jets. So far, none of the three wideouts have signed with the Bengals.
Here are a few other notes, rumors, and updates on free agency around the NFL:
- Having visited the Bills and Lions, offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus headed home today without a deal in place, and will assess his options, tweets Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports. If Cherilus is deciding between Buffalo and Detroit and doesn’t plan on making any more visits, I’d expect him to sign soon.
- Another veteran offensive lineman who made some visits this week also remains on the market, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, who writes that Jake Long‘s meeting with the Broncos ended without the club signing the former No. 1 pick. Long is also said to be drawing interest from the Falcons and Giants.
- The Cowboys have been linked to free agent running backs most of the offseason, but executive VP Stephen Jones says the team doesn’t have any plans to bring in another one at this point. The team will, however, add a couple linebackers, according to Jones (Twitter link via Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram).
- Free agent cornerback Josh Victorian, who last played a regular season game for Houston in 2013, tried out for the Titans, a source tells Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (Twitter link).
Jake Long Visiting Giants, Broncos
2:24pm: It does not appear that Long will be signing with the Giants today, Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News tweets. The tackle is now planning to leave tonight to visit the Broncos.
10:00am: Former No. 1 overall pick Jake Long will visit the Giants after completing his visit with the Falcons, a source tells Rand Getlin of NFL.com (on Twitter). Long touched down in Atlanta on Tuesday to take a physical and audition for Atlanta brass.
Long, 30, visited the Giants earlier this offseason and while he didn’t come away with a deal, the door remained open for a signing. The veteran, who spent the past two seasons in St. Louis after spending the first five in Miami, saw time in just seven games for the Rams last season thanks to a torn ACL. There was some talk that Long could play on the right side with 2014 No. 2 overall pick Greg Robinson taking his place on the left, but that never came to fruition.
Long has torn his ACL in each of the prior two seasons, playing in just 22 games during that stretch. Last season, Pro Football Focus as (subscription required) ranked him as just the No. 36 tackle out of 84 qualified players. In 2013, however, Long graded out as the seventh-best tackle in the league with a strong 22.5 overall score, based on PFF’s advanced metrics. Yesterday, Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap expressed skepticism that Long will land anywhere, tweeting that a contract would probably have to be heavy on incentives for games played and overall playing time given his health issues.