Hakeem Nicks, James Jones Drawing Interest
According to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link), Hakeem Nicks, James Jones, Deonte Thompson, and Vincent Brown are among the wide receivers drawing interest around the NFL as potential release candidates, in that order. He adds that the Panthers, Ravens, Packers are a few of the teams considering adding wideouts as the season draws near.
The Panthers, of course, are in the market for a reliable target after Kelvin Benjamin suffered a season-ending injury. The Ravens could also use a receiver with promising rookie Breshad Perriman currently sidelined. And the Packers are undoubtedly scouring the market for options now that Jordy Nelson is confirmed to be done for the 2015 season. While sources tell Cole that Nicks will generally get the most attention of this quartet, the Packers are more interested in Jones that the rest of the bunch, due in part to their familiarity with him.
Nicks, 27, first reached unrestricted free agency in March 2014, and signed a modest one-year contract with the Colts after spending the first five seasons of his NFL career with the Giants. While fellow 2009 first-round wideout Jeremy Maclin parlayed a one-year, prove-it deal in 2014 into a huge, long-term contract, Nicks was unable to do the same in Indianapolis. Currently, Nicks is on a one-year deal with the Titans that holds a modest guarantee and he could be days away from hitting the open market again.
Jones had 73 catches for 666 yards and six touchdowns last season with the Raiders in 2014. This offseason, the veteran hooked on with the Giants and it has been widely speculated that he could be released before the final rosters are set. His best individual output came in 2013, when he hauled in 64 passes for 784 yards and a career-best 14 TDs for the Packers.
Jordy Nelson Done For Season
5:35pm: Nelson’s MRI showed only an ACL tear and his other ligaments are in tact, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
4:14pm: The Packers announced that Jordy Nelson is done for the season with a “significant right knee injury.” The injury, according to reports on Sunday night, is a torn ACL.
The loss of Nelson, 30, constitutes a body blow to a Green Bay offense that ranked first in offensive DVOA last season. Nelson was a major part of that success, catching 98 passes for more than 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns en route to being named a second-team All Pro. Coming off offseason hip surgery, Nelson was recovering nicely and fully participating during the preseason, so this latest injury is especially devastating.
Second-year pro Davante Adams is likely to move into the starting lineup opposite Randall Cobb, but it’s highly doubtful that he can replicate Nelson’s production. In 15 games last season, the 22-year-old Adams caught 38 balls for 446 yards and three scores, numbers that should significantly increase if he becomes a starter. Jeff Janis, Myles White, and rookie Ty Montgomery could also become candidates for increased playing time in Nelson’s absence.
If the Packers opt to bring in a free agent receiver, they could have their pick of several veteran options, including Donnie Avery, Robert Meachem, and Kevin Ogltree. One other option — former Colt Reggie Wayne — is now off the table following his agreement with the Patriots.
Nelson becomes the second No. 1 receiver to suffer an ACL injury in the past week, joining the Panthers’ Kelvin Benjamin.
North Notes: Pouncey, Flacco, Guion, Lions
Injured Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey is undergoing surgery on his fractured ankle today, tweets Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com. According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter), the exact timetable for Pouncey’s recovery still isn’t known, but the injury is unlikely to be season-ending. Based on what we’ve heard so far regarding the veteran center, he would appear to be a viable candidate for Pittsburgh’s IR-DTR slot this season.
Here’s more from around the NFL’s two North divisions:
- As Ashley Fox of ESPN details, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has been keeping an eye on the megadeals signed by his fellow signal-callers, recognizing that Baltimore will almost certainly have to rework his contract in 2016, when his cap hit is set to jump to $28.55MM. Both Flacco and the team would like to see the former Super Bowl MVP become a “Raven for life.”
- The appeal hearing for Letroy Guion‘s three-game suspension concluded on Monday, but there has been no ruling yet on whether that penalty will be reduced for the Packers defensive lineman, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com.
- Demovsky also provided an update on former Packers receiver Kevin Dorsey, tweeting that the ex-Maryland wideout has retired. Green Bay used a seventh-round pick in the 2013 draft to nab Dorsey, but he only played in three games with the club.
- After losing Ndamukong Suh in free agency this offseason, the Lions were happy to acquire Haloti Ngata to fill the newly-created void on their defensive line. However, the club still isn’t sure when Ngata will return from the hamstring injury that has plagued him throughout training camp, writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
FA Rumors: Packers, Wayne, Mathis, Deering
The Packers are still waiting on the official results of Jordy Nelson‘s MRI, but if the star wideout has a torn ACL, as is feared, the team is expected to inquire on Reggie Wayne, reports Dianna Marie Russini of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Green Bay still has a good deal of wide receiver depth without Nelson, and the club typically doesn’t sign outside free agents very often, so it seems unlikely that Wayne would land with the Packers. It’s fair to wonder if Wayne’s camp is using Green Bay as a leverage play, as the veteran free agent attempts to negotiate a deal with the Patriots or perhaps another team.
As we wait to see where Wayne lands, let’s round up a few more notes on free agents….
- Agent Drew Rosenhaus expects free agent guard Evan Mathis to have a new team by the end of the week, he said during an appearance on South Florida’s WSVN-7 (link via Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald). According to Rosenhaus, his client has received interest from the Seahawks and “other teams,” and Salguero suggests the Dolphins should be in the mix if Mathis’ asking price is coming down at all.
- It’s a busy week for former Rutgers safety Jeremy Deering, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, who tweets that Deering tried out for the Eagles, is working out for the Colts today, and has an audition with the Jets later in the week.
- Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin examines the Packers‘ wide receiver situation, speculating that ex-Packer James Jones could be an option for the team. For now though, Jones is a Giant, so he’d probably have to be cut for Green Bay to consider him. Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports made a similar point yesterday.
Extra Points: Giants, Nelson, Packers, Moss
Some assorted notes from around the league as we wrap up the weekend:
- Six-year veteran safety Corey Lynch will workout with the Giants on Monday, reports Mike Kaye of First Coast News (via Twitter). The 30-year-old entered the league in 2008 with the Bengals before a three-year stint with the Buccaneers.
- If Jordy Nelson ends up missing the entire season, it’ll cost him $500K, according to Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com (via Twitter), noting that the contract tactic is used often by the Packers and 49ers.
- Yahoo’s Charles Robinson wonders if the Packers would consider James Jones if the receiver was cut by the Giants (Twitter link).
- Randy Moss sounds like he’d like to get back in the NFL, and the former receiver said as much during the Vikings broadcast on Sunday evening. “I actually have not lost the itch,” Moss said (via Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com). “I’ve been working out with a few guys over the offseason. I have been retired for the last two years, but you never know, Curt. But it’s the love of the game that I still have inside of me.”
Jordy Nelson Believed To Have Torn ACL
Initial tests show that Packers receiver Jordy Nelson suffered a torn ACL during today’s game, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). MRI results are still needed to confirm the diagnosis, but if true, Nelson would obviously be sidelined for the entire 2015 season.
The loss of Nelson, 30, constitutes a body blow to a Green Bay offense that ranked first in offensive DVOA last season. Nelson was a major part of that success, catching 98 passes for more than 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns en route to being named a second-team All Pro. Coming off offseason hip surgery, Nelson was recovering nicely and fully participating during the preseason, so this latest injury is especially devastating.
Second-year pro Davante Adams is likely to move into the starting lineup opposite Randall Cobb, but whether he can replace Nelson’s production is something of a question. In 15 games last season, the 22-year-old Adams caught 38 balls for 446 yards and three scores, numbers that should significantly increase if he becomes a starter. Jeff Janis, Myles White, and rookie Ty Montgomery could also become candidates for increased playing time in Nelson’s absence.
If the Packers opt to bring in a free agent receiver, they could have their pick of several veteran options, including Donnie Avery, Robert Meachem, and Kevin Ogltree. One other option — former Colt Reggie Wayne — might be off the table rather quickly, as reports earlier today indicated he was in New England to take a physical with the Patriots.
Nelson becomes the second No. 1 receiver to suffer an ACL injury in the past week, joining the Panthers’ Kelvin Benjamin.
NFC Mailbags: Packers, Lions, Rams, Washington
It’s Saturday morning, and that means ESPN.com’s NFL writers are opening their mailbags and answering questions from readers. Let’s take a look at some interesting whispers out of the NFC…
- Looking ahead to the Packers roster decisions, Rob Demovsky believes John Kuhn will be in Green Bay for at least another year. Meanwhile, he believes backup quarterback Brett Hundley is a lock to make the team.
- Michael Rothstein tries his luck at guessing which Lions players could make the squad and contribute on special teams. At the gunner position, the writer believes Jeremy Ross and Don Carey have the advantage, with Nevin Lawson having shown “mixed results.” For blockers, Rothstein opines that both Zach Zenner and George Winn will make the roster.
- Even though neither of the players have been very productive throughout their career, Rothstein is under the impression that the Lions will keep both of their backup quarterbacks, Dan Orlovsky and Kellen Moore.
- Nick Wagoner can’t envision the Rams holding on to defensive back Brandon McGee. The former fifth-rounder hasn’t seen the field much during training camp or the preseason.
- John Keim says it’ll be tough for Washington to keep three quarterbacks and four running backs. Trey Williams would seem to have the advantage over Chris Thompson, but the writer isn’t convinced that either of the running backs are safe.
North Notes: Benjamin, Vikings, Packers
Browns wide receiver Travis Benjamin, who is entering the final season of his rookie contract, recognizes that it’s a “big, big year” for him, as he tells Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal. Still, he’s not looking ahead to signing an extension or a free agent contract, suggesting that if he plays well, things will take care of themselves.
“I’m playing for now. I don’t look far into the future,” Benjamin said. “I’m just playing for the Browns right now, and hopefully, if things work out, I’ll be here for another couple more years.”
As Benjamin looks to surpass his career high of 18 receptions this year, let’s check out some more notes from out of the NFL’s two Central divisions….
- Head coach Mike Zimmer said earlier in camp that it’s not essential to keep a true fullback on the Vikings‘ roster this season, but you should still bet on the club hanging onto one, says Mark Craig of the Star Tribune, suggesting that Zach Line is a strong bet to make the team.
- Jared Abbrederis, selected by the Packers in the fifth round of the 2014 draft, isn’t giving up on his NFL career, writes Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. The former Wisconsin wideout missed his entire rookie season with a torn ACL, and has yet to be cleared this year due to a concussion, but Green Bay isn’t giving up on him, as Demovsky details.
- Yesterday, we heard that wide receiver Adrian Coxson had been cut by the Packers outright, and that Coxson would be seeking an injury settlement from the team. Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post clarifies (via Twitter) that Green Bay waived Coxson with a “failure to disclose physical condition” designation, suggesting he didn’t inform the team of concussion symptoms.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/17/15
Today’s minor signings, cuts, and other moves..
- To make room for Chris Johnson, the Cardinals have waived/injured Brandon Person, Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic tweets. Person tore his ACL on Saturday.
- The Chiefs announced that they have signed linebacker Ja’Gared Davis and cut wide receiver Adam Drake, Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle tweets.
- The Saints signed linebackers Justin Anderson and Chris Young, defensive tackle Austin Brown, and tight end Michael Egnew, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com tweets.
- The Packers released Adrian Coxson outright but the player will pursue an injury settlement, Wilson tweets.
- The Dolphins announced that they have waived tight end Arthur Lynch and signed free agent linebacker James Davidson in his stead, James Walker of ESPN.com tweets.
- The Seahawks released defensive tackle Jimmy Staten and linebacker Dakorey Johnson, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times (on Twitter). Seattle also signed defensive backs Jeremy Crayton and Keelan Johnson.
- The Jaguars have waived undrafted rookie linebacker Matt Robinson with an injury settlement, John Oehser of Jaguars.com tweets.
- The Panthers (on Twitter) announced that they have signed punter Matt Wile and waived/injured tight end Jamie Childers.
- The Colts announced that they have waived-injured linebacker Cody Galea and signed linebacker Nicklas Haag, Mike Chappell of the Indy Star tweets.
NFC Notes: Shembo, Washington, Packers
The Falcons cut linebacker Prince Shembo earlier in the offseason when he was facing felony charges in an animal cruelty case. Now that he has pleaded those charges down to a misdemeanor and resolved the case, Shembo may land on Atlanta’s radar again, says D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“I’m sure that we will [discuss Shembo], but general manager Thomas [Dimitroff] and I have not gotten together on that, at this point,” Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said.
As Darin Gantt of Pro Football Talk observes, you can make an on-field case for the Falcons re-signing Shembo, a former fourth-round pick. However, considering the linebacker admitted to killing his ex-girlfriend’s dog and was also investigated but not charged at Notre Dame with sexual assault of a woman who later committed suicide, Shembo may not be worth the trouble. He’ll also likely be facing NFL discipline for running afoul of the league’s personal conduct policy.
Here are several more Friday notes from across the NFC:
- Niles Paul and Logan Paulsen may both be out for the year for Washington, but the team isn’t eyeing free agent tight end Zach Miller, according to John Keim of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
- While many of their rivals around the league get impatient and pursue high-priced free agents to fill holes, the Packers have continued to “draft, develop, and reinvest,” writes Field Yates of ESPN.com in his Insider-only look at how Green Bay built its current roster.
- Several days after the Lions made DeAndre Levy the highest-paid 4-3 outside linebacker in the league, Lavonte David signed an even bigger deal with the Buccaneers to set the new standard at the position. Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap takes a closer look at how the two contracts stack up against to one another, throwing in Bobby Wagner‘s new extension with the Seahawks as a point of comparison.
- With Jimmy Graham no longer in the mix in New Orleans, the Saints will need a player – or a combination of players – to step up and provide help for quarterback Drew Brees this year, writes Zolan V Kanno-Youngs of USA Today.