Workout Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Browns, Broncos
In our roundup of several AFC East and NFC East items this morning, we passed along word on a handful of free agents who recently worked out for East teams. Across the rest of the league, several more auditions took place, so we’ll take a look at all those updates right here. All links are from Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, and go to Twitter:
- The Colts brought in a few notable free agents for tryouts, taking a look at running back Mikel Leshoure, ex-Jets cornerback Ellis Lankster, and former LSU wideout Kadron Boone. Of the three players, Leshoure is the most interesting name, considering Indianapolis is believed to be considering adding running back depth.
- Linebacker A.J. Edds ultimately signed with the Jaguars, joining the team’s active roster yesterday, but Edds also worked out for the Bengals earlier in the week. Additionally, Jacksonville auditioned veteran linebacker Victor Butler before deciding on Edds.
- Browns kicker Billy Cundiff has had his ups and downs this season, missing six field goals, including three from less than 40 yards. While I don’t expect Cleveland to replace him, the team did take a look at a couple other kickers this week, bringing in Michael Barnard and Zach Hocker.
- The Broncos worked out an extensive list of players this week, and Wilson has all the previously-unreported names: Rodney Barnes (S), Deion Belue (CB), Kenny Horsley (DE), M.D. Jennings (S), Vernon Kearney (CB), Keon Lyn (CB), Leon Mackey (DL), Ross Madison (S), and Danny Mason (LB).
- In addition to trying out wideout Jace Davis, who signed with their practice squad, the Texans auditioned quarterback Brad Sorensen and several other receivers, including Rashad Ross, Willie Snead, and former Niner Kyle Williams.
- Former Cardinals defensive end Ronald Talley worked out for the Chiefs. Talley spent some time with the Buccaneers earlier this year, but was removed from the roster prior to the regular season.
- The Packers tried out cornerback Lavelle Westbrooks, a 2014 seventh-round pick waived by the Bengals during the preseason.
- Tight end Xavier Grimble, who hit the open market once again last week after a brief stint with the Patriots’ practice squad, worked out for the Panthers.
Extra Points: Rice, Smith, Manziel, Panthers
No one worked out former Ravens running back Ray Rice today, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (via Twitter). There are a handful of teams with running back needs at the moment, but it would appear that there is little to no interest in the embattled running back. Lions coach Jim Caldwell recently said that the team hasn’t considered Rice while the Cardinals reportedly aren’t interested, despite the hip pointer injury suffered by starter Andre Ellington.
- In an interview on SiriusXM, Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said that Arizona called the 49ers to try and acquire quarterback Alex Smith after he was hired in 2013, according to Alex Marvez of FOX Sports (via Twitter). The talks of a potential intra-divisional trade went nowhere, however.
- Peter King of TheMMQB.com lays out why the Browns ought to start Johnny Manziel over Brian Hoyer this weekend against the Colts, making the case that it’s about not just this season, but about 2015 and beyond.
- The Panthers did little to improve their roster during the offseason and look nothing like the team that made a tremendous run last season, writes Terrance Harris of The Times-Picayune. Among the changes was overhauling their receiving core and bidding farewell to Steve Smith over the offseason.
- The Broncos, in addition to recently working out punter Chase Tenpenny, brought in several defensive players today for auditions, including FXFL linebacker Quandon Christian and former Monmouth cornerback Tevrin Brandon, per Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (all Twitter links). Wilson adds (via Twitter) that the team has an eye toward end-of-season reserve/futures contracts.
- Ultimately signing Garrison Smith to their practice squad, the Saints also recently tried out several other defensive tackles, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, who tweets that the club took a look at Michael Brooks, Jermelle Cudjo, and Kyle Love.
AFC Notes: Ray Rice, Colts, Broncos, Locker
Let’s look at the latest from around the AFC…
- We learned earlier today that the Colts are one of four clubs that have expressed interest in free agent running back Ray Rice, but ESPN.com’s Mike Wells argues that the backlash from adding Rice would be too great for Indianapolis to withstand. The Colts recently lost Ahmad Bradshaw for the rest of the season, and fellow RB Trent Richardson is also dealing with injuries. Head coach Chuck Pagano is familiar with Rice from the duo’s time in Baltimore, but it doesn’t seem like a reunion is likely.
- Meanwhile, Denver makes sense as a potential destination for Rice (at least on paper), as the Broncos’ running back situation has been in flux all year. Injuries to Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman have clouded the backfield pecking order, and though C.J. Anderson is thriving as the new starter, Denver could conceivably use a veteran presence. However, sources tell Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that the Broncos have no interest in Rice; with just six regular season games remaining, Rice wouldn’t have much time to pick up Denver’s offense.
- More on the Rice front, as Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun writes that although teams have declared interest in Rice, sources say that “nothing concrete has developed quickly.”
- There will undoubtedly be several head coaching jobs available during the offseason, and Ben Volin of the Boston Globe identifies a few candidates for those positions by examining which assistant coaches have performed the best in 2014. Chiefs defensive coordinator Bob Sutton, Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, and Dolphins OC Bill Lazor are among the coordinators singled out by Volin.
- Titans quarterback Jake Locker entered today’s game following an injury to Zach Mettenberger, and completed just six of 12 passes for 93 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He’s a free agent after the season, and Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap wonders (via Twitter) if Locker will be able to secure any guaranteed money on his next contract, or whether he’ll be forced to attend a training camp as something of a “tryout” player.
Ray Rice’s NFL Future
Now that Ray Rice is eligible to sign with an NFL team as a free agent, his chances of joining a team this season are not high. While Rice still carries a high profile as far as running backs go, his value as a ballcarrier has been greatly diminished.
Albert Breer of NFL Network points out that his disastrous 2013 season is hurting his chances on top of the baggage that he will bring to his next team (via Twitter). He averaged a dismal 3.0 yards per carry, which raises question about how much he would help a team anyway. Breer notes that the on-field performance is the biggest difference between the cases of Rice and fellow embattled tailback Adrian Peterson (via Twitter). Peterson’s talent and ability does not have the questions attached to it that Rice’s does. NFL teams have always been willing to take chances on players with checkered pasts, but only if their talent justifies it (via Twitter).
Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report reiterated that he does not believe that Rice will ever play in the NFL again (via Twitter). The public relations nightmare that will come with Rice will be a deterrent for teams, and Freeman believes that the video attached to the running back’s case will be the difference between his case and others in similar situations (via Twitter).
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports that Rice has stayed in phenomenal shape throughout the process, waiting for the opportunity to play this season. He disagrees with Freeman, saying that if no one signs Rice in the next month, he will be able to find a team during the offseason (via Twitter).
The chances Rice signs with a team after the season are much better than an immediate signing, and Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times believes he will have a team shortly after the Super Bowl (via Twitter). His reasoning is that it will give a new fan base six months to get used to him before he takes the field.
An added wrinkle is that any team that signs Rice will still be defying NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s suspension. If a team were to sign him for the stretch run, it would be “directly slapping Goodell in the face,” according to Ben Volin of The Boston Globe (via Twitter).
Even still, there are a few potential playoff teams that could be potential landing spots for Rice’s services, writes Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. Among them are the Colts, Cardinals, Falcons, Lions, Broncos, and Chargers. Still, the need would have to outweigh the overwhelming negative publicity that would likely come along with Rice.
AFC Notes: Harris, Broncos, Jets, Rice
After a Thanksgiving Day heavy on NFC action, this weekend’s slate of games will focus more on the AFC, including a Sunday night showdown between the Broncos and Chiefs that could go a long way toward determining the winner of the West division. As we look forward to the rest of Week 13’s contests, let’s check out some AFC items….
- Broncos cornerback Chris Harris has become one of the most unheralded elite defensive backs in the league, as Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com details. The timing of Harris’ impending free agency is inconvenient for the Broncos, who will also have to lock up Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas this offseason. Speaking to Legwold, one NFC personnel director offered the following evaluation of Harris: “He’s an upper-tier player, a top player, and somebody is going to pay him if [the Broncos] don’t.”
- The Jets should take a chance on Robert Griffin III, but not by trading for him, writes Brian Costello of the New York Post. Costello wouldn’t deal for the embattled QB unless it’s for a rock-bottom bargain price, like a seventh-round pick. Instead, the Post scribe suggests that Gang Green should wait and see if Washington is forced to cut RGIII. Then, the Jets can draft a QB and have the rookie compete with Griffin and Geno Smith for two spots.
- In the midst of a lost season, the Jets are hoping to find another Wayne Chrebet, Costello writes. The beloved Jets receiver saw plenty of losing seasons during his time but he used those opportunities to establish himself as a key piece for the future.
- Earlier this month, we learned that a ruling on Ray Rice‘s suspension appeal was expected to happen by Thanksgiving weekend. Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (video link) indicates that the decision still could come any day, including today, but it looks increasingly unlikely to happen this week. While the former Ravens running back would immediately be eligible to return to action if his suspension is overturned, teams may shy away from signing him this season.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Practice Squad Updates: Tuesday
Already today, we’ve passed along word on practice squad signings and cuts made by the Buccaneers and Lions. Here are the rest of Tuesday’s practice squad transactions from around the NFL, with the latest updates added to the list throughout the day:
- According to the NFL transaction report, the Chargers added cornerback Richard Crawford to their practice squad, according to Eric Williams of ESPN.com (on Twitter). San Diego waived Crawford from the active roster late last week.
- The Colts have signed defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles to their practice squad, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (on Twitter). Quarles, 22, was released by the Colts yesterday to make room for linebacker Victor Butler. The Colts’ practice squad is currently full, so another move should be on the way.
- Although he auditioned for the Cardinals today, running back Kapri Bibbs will return to Denver and be added to the Broncos‘ practice squad, reports Troy Renck of the Denver Post.
- Linebacker Keith Pough, who was released to make room for Josh Gordon the Browns‘ roster, has been re-signed to the club’s practice squad, replacing wide receiver L’Damian Washington, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
- The Cardinals released tackle Kelvin Palmer from their practice squad today, creating an opening on the unit, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
- The Texans cut a tackle of their own, removing Chris Martin from their taxi squad, tweets Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle.
- After being released from the Falcons‘ active roster, receiver Freddie Martino cleared waivers and joined the team’s practice squad, replacing wideout Ryan Spadola, per ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure (via Twitter).
Earlier updates:
- Former Patriots linebacker Ja’Gared Davis has signed with the Chiefs‘ practice squad, tweets Mike Reiss of ESPN.com. Kansas City had been carrying nine players on its squad, so Davis fills that 10th and final spot, and no corresponding move is necessary.
- In addition to confirming the addition of wide receiver and return man Griff Whalen to their practice squad, the Colts announced today that they’ve signed Jeff Demps to the unit, releasing running back Michael Hill to make room. Demps, a former Olympic sprinter, is also listed as a running back by Indianapolis.
- You can find the up-to-date list of all 32 practice squad rosters right here.
Broncos Sign Connor Barth
4:47pm: Klis clarifies (via Twitter) that Barth is signed for two more years after the 2014 season.
4:40pm: It’s a multiyear contract for Barth, according to Klis (via Twitter). The Denver Post report indicates that it’s a “two-year contract that last through 2016,” which seems to be conflicting info — a deal through the 2016 season would be for three years, including the current season. In any case, it appears the Broncos view Barth as a potential long-term option, which may be one reason the team signed him instead of Feely, who is 10 years older.
2:32pm: The Broncos are replacing kicker Brandon McManus, according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post, who reports that the team is signing veteran free agent Connor Barth. Adam Schefter of ESPN.com confirms (via Twitter) that McManus has been waived as the corresponding move to accommodate the team’s new kicker.
Barth, 28, started his NFL career in 2008 with the Chiefs and moved on to Tampa Bay, where he was the Buccaneers’ kicker for four seasons. After missing the 2013 season with a torn Achilles, Barth was beaten out for Tampa Bay’s kicking job by Patrick Murray this past summer, leading to his release. The North Carolina product, who has made 84.2% of 120 career field goal attempts – including 12 of 19 from 50+ yards – also auditioned for the Lions last month before landing with the Broncos.
McManus was acquired by the Broncos at the end of the preseason from the Giants after Matt Prater received a four-game suspension. Denver ultimately elected to keep the rookie over the veteran, cutting Prater when his suspension ended, but McManus was inconsistent, making just nine of 13 field goal tries, and missing a 33-yarder against the Dolphins this past Sunday.
We first heard yesterday that the Broncos were considering a change at kicker, with Barth and fellow veteran Jay Feely coming in to try out for the team. Per Schefter (via Twitter), Feely also impressed during his workout, making 14 of 15 attempts, including a 60-yarder.
AFC Notes: Broncos, Patriots, Mallett
As the Bills finish up their rout of the Jets in an impromptu Monday Night Football contest, let’s take a look at some assorted notes from the AFC…
- The Broncos scoring 39 points on Sunday without the services of Julius Thomas doesn’t help the tight end’s contract leverage, opines Joel Corry of CBSSports.com (on Twitter). Without Orange Julius, Manning looked to Demaryius Thomas – also a pending free agent – in the red zone.
- Following the news that the Broncos auditioned a pair of kickers, John Fox clarified that it was business as usual (via ESPN.com’s Jeff Legwold). “…We have tryouts every week, at a lot of different positions,” said Fox. “As far as my satisfaction with Brandon McManus, is kind of like our record, we’re 8-3, wish we were 11-0. But we are kind of where we are and we’re always looking to improve our team if we feel need be.” If the team ultimately decides to add a kicker, Legwold believe it would be wise for the Broncos to keep McManus as a kickoff specialist.
- Ryan Mallett‘s season-ending injury means that he won’t hit the playing time triggers that would have increased the Patriots‘ draft pick compensation for him, tweets Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com. New England will now receive Houston’s seventh-round choice for the quarterback.
- Mallett’s season may be over, but that doesn’t mean his tenure with the Texans is finished. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that the team wants the young quarterback to return next season, adding that the Texans will likely add a young player for competition.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Broncos Considering Kicker Change
4:36pm: There could be others joining Feely and Barth at tomorrow’s audition, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com.
3:32pm: It will be Connor Barth auditioning alongside Jay Feely on Tuesday, according to Mike Klis of The Denver Post.
2:30pm: Broncos coach John Fox denies that he’s looking for a new leg, tweets Lindsay Jones of USA Today. “Contrary to whatever Adam Schefter is reporting, there is no ‘search’ for a kicker,” Fox said. Regardless of how Fox wants to frame it, the Broncos are still having kickers in for tryouts (link).
2:23pm: The Broncos will bring Jay Feely in for a workout on Tuesday, two NFL sources tell Mike Klis of The Denver Post. Feely, 38, has kicked in 13 NFL seasons for five teams, most recently last season with the Cardinals.
Klis adds that Denver will also audition a second veteran kicker, though it’s not known who that might be. Among the veterans available are Alex Henery, Garrett Hartley, Connor Barth, John Potter, and Nate Kaeding.
2:22pm: The Broncos are considering a kicking change and they’re planning to work out kickers this week, sources tell Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Brandon McManus has missed four field goal attempts this season, including a 33-yard attempt in the third quarter of Sunday’s game against Miami.
The Broncos could go on to win 39-36, but McManus’ struggles understandably have Denver concerned. Looking ahead to the final five games of the season and the postseason, Denver could be compelled to move on to their third kicker in 2014. Matt Prater, of course, was set to be the Broncos’ kicker this season before a four-game suspension threw a wrench into those plans. McManus was originally brought aboard as a stopgap but General Manager John Elway wound up keeping him and releasing Prater. Prater connected on 25-of-26 field goal tries in 2013, including a 64-yard kick that broke a 43-year-old record.
AFC Notes: Sanders, Bengals, Gipson, Steelers
After joining the Broncos on a three-year, $15MM contract during the offseason, receiver Emmanuel Sanders is enjoying the best season of his career. In fact, his production will allow him to collect on several incentives that were included in his deal. Per Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, Sanders can earn $250K for catching 90 passes, another $250K for scoring 14 touchdowns, and $500K for accruing 1,200 receiving yards. Currently, Sanders is posting a 67-954-7 line, so those goals remain in reach (though the TD mark will be tough to attain). At the link, La Canfora lists each increment of Sanders’ incentives in chart form. Here’s more from the AFC…
- After missing the previous two games while dealing with an ankle ailment, Bengals right tackle Andre Smith was forced from today’s game with a triceps injury, and the team believes it could be a significant concern, according to Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports (Twitter link). If Smith tore his triceps, he would likely miss the remainder of the season, meaning Cincinnati would turn to reserve lineman Marshall Newhouse (who was also sidelined today).
- Browns safety Tashaun Gipson, who leads the NFL with six interceptions, had to be carted off the field during today’s game after suffering a knee injury, writes Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. Losing Gipson would be a major blow to Cleveland defense that boasts the league’s seventh-best DVOA against the pass.
- The Steelers expect safety Troy Polamalu and linebacker Ryan Shazier, both of whom have been dealing with health concerns, to return for next week’s game against the Saints, reports La Canfora. However, LB Jarvis Jones (who was placed on IR-DTR) and CB Ike Taylor might need a bit more recovery time before they return to action.
- The Bills will host the Jets tomorrow night in Detroit due to extreme weather conditions in Buffalo, but Bills president Russ Brandon tells La Canfora that Ralph Wilson Stadium will be ready for next week’s contest against the Browns.