NFC North Notes: Bears, Lions, Starks
“The chemistry developing among the defensive linemen — especially starters Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston, Jeremiah Ratliff and Stephen Paea — might be the most exciting thing brewing for the Bears, especially after the unit was last in sacks in 2013,” writes Chicago Sun-Times staff reporter Adam Jahns, who lists 10 things gleaned during the Bears’ offseason.
Here’s some more news and notes from the NFC North:
- Jahns also says rookie Brock Vereen, a fourth-round rookie from Minnesota, “has the lead” in the free safety competition.
- “There should be no excuses going forward for Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford,” according to USA Today’s Tom Pelissero, who explains the team has done everything in its power to accommodate its inconsistent franchise quarterback.
- The Lions’ cornerback situation has been a continual topic of conversation this offseason, and the chatter (concern?) isn’t slowing down yet: ESPN’s Michael Rothstein says it’s a “probability” the Lions will pursue a veteran cornerback.
- Fox Sports Detroit’s Dave Dye has a question: “It sounds funny to say, but…where would the Lions be without [Rashean] Mathis?” Dye says Mathis established himself as the Lions most reliable cornerback, but admits that’s as much of an indictment of the secondary as it is a compliment to Mathis.
- Meanwhile, Dye thinks Cassius Vaughn could be a sleeper.
- And finally, Rothstein and Mlive.com’s Kyle Meinke don’t think free agent Brandon Flowers is a fit in Detroit.
- Packers new running backs coach Sam Gash thinks improved balance and body control could help James Stark avoid nagging injuries, writes Tyler Dunne in the Journal Sentinel.
- Vikings GM Rick Spielman says the development of receiver Adam Thielen has jumped out at him during the offseason (radio interview with 100.3 FM here). A 6-2, 195-pound undrafted free agent out of Mankato State, Thielen was on the Vikings’ practice squad last season, but Star Tribune blogger Master Tesfatsion speculates Thielen might have a shot at a roster spot if he continues to impress and show chemistry with Teddy Bridgewater.
Johnathan Franklin To Retire Due To Neck Injury
FRIDAY, 2:29pm: The Packers have officially waived Franklin, the team announced today in a press release.
THURSDAY, 2:56pm: Agent Kenny Zuckerman says Franklin will be cut by the Packers with a waived-injured designation, and that he and his client will talk to another group of doctors “just to get peace of mind” (Twitter link via Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com).
2:23pm: Packers head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters today, including Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com (Twitter links), that running back Johnathan Franklin won’t return to the team — a major neck injury will end Franklin’s Packers’ career. While Green Bay’s medical staff is notoriously strict about clearing players with neck injuries, it sounds as if the injury will force Franklin to retire from the NFL.
“Unfortunately this week I have been ruled out of returning for the 2014/15 season and returning to play in the NFL,” Franklin wrote today, on his Twitter account. “But I understand God knows what he is doing and for now he has another platform for me to step upon.”
As Wilde notes, McCarthy told the media today that Franklin’s status will be further addressed and clarified on Friday, so we’ll have to wait for an official announcement on whether the running back’s playing career is over. It certainly seems as if that’s the case though, which would be a devastating turn of events for the former UCLA rusher.
Franklin, 24, was selected in the fourth round of the 2013 draft by the Packers and ran well in limited action for Green Bay last season, piling up 107 rushing yards and a touchdown on just 19 carries.
NFC North Links: Bears, Vikings, Franklin
The Bears didn’t adhere to the philosophy of the last one to arrive being the first one to leave when it came to their quarterbacks, cutting Jerrod Johnson yesterday rather than the recently-signed Jimmy Clausen. As Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com details, head coach Marc Trestman has been impressed by Clausen during his brief time with the club so far.
“Jimmy’s done a very good job, very maturely fit in and taken the place of trying to learn and work to learn the offense,” Trestman said. “He’s grinded at it. He spent long hours here. He’s had help from the guys in the room to get him to the place he is today. So we’ll see. We’re going through the process of working with our roster. I think he’ll be one of the guys that we do bring back, and we’ll take it one day at a time when we get to training camp.”
Here’s more from around the NFC North:
- The Bears‘ release of veteran defensive lineman Israel Idonije warrants more than just a line on the league’s transactions wire, according to John Mullin of CSN Chicago, who writes that it represents a statement – and the end of an era – for the team’s defensive line.
- After signing a lucrative contract with the Vikings a year ago, Greg Jennings‘ first year in Minnesota was an inconsistent and frustrating one, but as he tells Ben Goessling of ESPN.com, Jennings is optimistic about year two.
- Former Vikings quarterback Rich Gannon believes that the club’s current QB situation is in good hands, writes Michael Rand of the Star Tribune. Rookie Teddy Bridgewater is competing for the No. 1 job with veterans Matt Cassel and Christian Ponder.
- Head coach Mike McCarthy and a few Packers teammates spoke to Weston Hodkiewicz of PackersNews.com about the devastating news that a neck injury will likely end Johnathan Franklin‘s NFL career.
- Earlier today, we learned that longtime Bears long snapper Patrick Mannelly has decided to retire. NFL players don’t come classier than Mannelly, in the opinion of the Chicago Tribune’s David Haugh.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
NFC Notes: Panthers, Sherrod, Cowboys, Vikings
After being cut eight times in five years, Rutgers product Tiquan Underwood is fighting to beat the odds, writes Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer. “I wouldn’t say anything changes because you want to take a serious approach, but I would just say I’m more mindful of the fact that it’s not just me anymore,” Underwood said today at Panthers practice. “I have a fiancée and a daughter that also rely on what I do.” Underwood has an opportunity in Carolina to replace Ted Ginn Jr., the speedy wide receiver who filled the No. 3 role for the team in 2013, but he hasn’t separated himself from the pack yet this offseason. Here’s more from around the NFL…
- Oft-injured offensive lineman Derek Sherrod wasn’t surprised when the Packers turned down his fifth-year option for the 2015 season, and is hoping to stay healthy and have a productive contract year in 2014, as he tells Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com.
- The Cowboys may be content to let the Kyle Orton situation play out, but Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram thinks it’s just a matter of time until the team has to cut its losses. In Hill’s view, the Cowboys aren’t likely to collect any money for fines from Orton, let alone bonus money.
- The Cowboys would like to sign Dez Bryant to an extension, but the wide receiver isn’t sweating it, writes David Moore of the Dallas News. “That’s going to take care of itself,’’ Bryant said. “I’m very confident in the work I put in. Whatever happens, happens,” Bryant said. “All I know is I’m going to continue to keep doing my job. That alone shows my dedication and love I have for the game. I’m going to let it work out.’’
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Former guard Steve Hutchinson, who made four straight Pro Bowls as a member of the Vikings, hopes to return to the organization in a scouting role, writes Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. “I got to get settled in down there first and see what the lay of the land is,” Hutchinson said. “If they need a presence down South or something, depending on what they might need my skill set for. But it’s nothing that’s set in stone right now. It’s kind of just talk right now.”
- Giants running back Peyton Hillis has signed with Drew Rosenhaus’ agency, tweets Liz Mullen of the Sports Business Journal. Rosenhaus is the fifth agency to represent the former Madden cover athlete. Hillis will be repped by Jason Katz and Michael Katz (link).
- Bears offensive lineman Michael Ola has spent the last two days working with the first team at right tackle and left guard, tweets the Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs. As a result, the writer believes Ola will be among the players competing for a roster spot come training camp (via Twitter). The 26-year-old spent the last two seasons playing in the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes.
Ben Levine and Luke Adams contributed to this post.
NFC Notes: Graham, Lynch, 49ers, Vikings
Both Jimmy Graham and the Saints have plenty to lose depending on what an arbitrator rules this week on Graham’s franchise tag positional designation. Mike Triplett of ESPN.com believes it’d be in the best interest of both sides to reach a long-term agreement before that ruling is made. In Triplett’s view, a multiyear deal with a value of $10-11MM seems about right.
Here’s more from around the NFC:
- Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett told NFL AM today (link via NFL.com) that he hopes the standoff between Marshawn Lynch and the club is short-lived, though he threw some support behind his teammate: “Obviously he’s one of the best running backs in the game, and he feels like he should be paid like one of the best backs in the game. And, of course, I agree with him.” Of course, even without a new contract, Lynch already ranks among the league’s top five RBs when it comes to average annual salary.
- In addition to discussing his contract situation, Vernon Davis also shed some light on his long-term plans at TheMMQB.com today, writing that in 10 years his goal is to “host my own show, start acting, and continue to build a business empire.”
- Although it’s not 100% clear whether or not Davis will show up at the Niners‘ minicamp this week, offensive lineman Alex Boone will only be in attendance if he has a new deal in place, which appears unlikely, tweets Bill Williamson of ESPN.com.
- While the Vikings expect a big season from Kyle Rudolph, the team also needs a second tight end to step up and fill the void left by John Carlson’s departure, writes Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune.
- Rather than choosing a team in free agency that lacked talent on the defensive line so he’d have a better chance at playing time, Alex Carrington elected to sign with the Rams this offseason in order to surround himself with talent, as he explains to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com.
- The Packers have a decent chunk of cap space still available, but will need to decide how to use it, writes Wes Hodkiewicz of PackersNews.com, adding that extensions for Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb or a new deal for Jermichael Finley are all possibilities.
Packers Notes: Rodgers, Finley, Jones
In an exhaustive Q&A with Packers All-Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com delves into the psyche of the former Cal standout and 10-year vet, with questions ranging from dealing with public scrutiny to his relationship with coach Mike McCarthy.
Wilde also touches on the length of Rodgers’ career, which has been a topic of discussion after the quarterback hinted at how many years he has left in a tweet on the nine-year anniversary of his drafting. Here’s Rodgers’ response when asked if he has changed his timeline:
I think the way I’ve been feeling the last two years, with changing some things off the field in the offseason with my eating patterns, my body’s been feeling really good. To the point of, I feel like I can really keep my legs underneath me for a long time and as long as I have my legs, I feel like I can play the position the way I want to play it. I’d love to be able to play this contract out and then do a few more [years]. I think that’d be a lot of fun. This is a great place to play and live and work, and this is what we do. This is what I’m talented at more than anything else in my life, and I want to keep doing it.
More links and notes from the NFC North can be found below…
- After suffering through a 2013 season filled the hamstring injuries, many Packers have taken to alternative methods of prevention, in particular yoga, writes Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
- Even without mainstay Jermichael Finley, the Packers still have plenty of tight ends on the roster, including third-round choice Richard Rodgers and intriguing undrafted free agent Colt Lyerla, Dunne writes.
- 2013 first-round defensive lineman Datone Jones headlines a group of six Packers who need to step up this season, reports Mike Vandermause of Green Bay Press-Gazette. The other five are B.J. Raji, Nick Perry, Derek Sherrod, Jerel Worthy and Johnathan Franklin.
- In his weekly mailbag, ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky writes that fourth-round wide receiver Jared Abbrederis could find his niche in the slot for the Packers, allowing Randall Cobb to play more on the outside.
- Demovsky details a series of players who have returned from injuries, as well as those who are still recovering.
NFC North Notes: Suh, Vikings, Packers
So far today, the Lions have officially signed first-round pick Eric Ebron to his rookie contract, and the Vikings have brought aboard former Browns wideout Josh Cooper. A few more Friday updates out of the NFC North have trickled in over the course of the day, so let’s round up the latest on the Lions, Vikings, and one of their division rivals….
- A restructure of Ndamukong Suh‘s contract is a good bet to happen at some point this summer, but a trade remains unlikely. A source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that no discussions or negotiations about a potential deal involving the Lions star have occurred.
- While Harrison Smith will be one of the Vikings‘ starting safeties this fall, the team continues to audition players for the other starting job, writes Ben Goessling of ESPN.com. According to Goessling, Kurt Coleman, Robert Blanton, Brandan Bishop, and rookie Antone Exum have all received plenty of looks during OTAs.
- Packers head coach Mike McCarthy continues to insist that the club hasn’t closed the door on the possibility of bringing back free agents Jermichael Finley, Ryan Pickett, and Johnny Jolly. “I would love to work with all three of those guys again,” McCarthy said during an appearance on the Bill Michaels Show on SportsRadio 1250 (hat tip to Pro Football Talk). We’ve heard for months that the Packers have been monitoring those free agents, with health an ongoing concern for Finley and Jolly.
Packers Sign Davante Adams, Richard Rodgers
4:14pm: Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun confirms (via Twitter) that the Packers have signed Rodgers to his four-year rookie contract, which includes a signing bonus of around $506K.
3:40pm: The Packers have signed second-round wideout Davante Adams to his four-year contract, according to Field Yates of ESPN Boston (Twitter link). Locking up Adams ensures that third-round tight end Richard Rodgers is the only Green Bay draftee who remains unsigned, though the team is also expected to get him under contract today, tweets Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com.
Adams, who was selected 53rd overall out of Fresno State, will receive a signing bonus worth about $1.181MM, according to Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap. In total, the four-year contract will have a value in the neighborhood of $3.933MM.
When the Packers get Rodgers signed, they should be the 19th team in the NFL to secure their entire 2014 draft class. You can follow all the draft pick signings using our tracker, right here.
NFC Links: Simpson, Lynch, Giants, Davis
Veteran wide receiver Jerome Simpson was surprised that he had to take a pay cut from the Vikings, write Chris Tomasson and Brian Murphy of the Pioneer Press. Simpson set a career high last season for receiving yards and was two catches shy of his best season ever in that category, but a DUI hurt his leverage. Ultimately, he saw his salary chopped from $2.1MM in 2013 to $1MM in 2014.
“I can’t lie. I was definitely surprised that I get paid less than what I got last year,” Simpson said. “I had my best numbers. But I guess when you got that negative thing on you, they kind of got you behind the eight-ball.“
Here are several more Thursday links from around the NFC:
- No one knows for sure yet if Marshawn Lynch will or won’t be in attendance when the Seahawks‘ mandatory minicamp gets underway, but if the running back holds out for a new contract, it won’t be a surprise, says Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Meanwhile, Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap explains why Lynch has to do this now if he wants to strengthen his job security going forward. We heard last night that the Seahawks aren’t expecting Lynch to show up for the start of the camp.
- Although they haven’t signed any new players yet, the Giants are believed to have hosted about 10 non-roster players for auditions yesterday, according to Jordan Raanan and Conor Orr of NJ.com.
- Tight end Vernon Davis is seeking a new contract and didn’t show up for the 49ers‘ voluntary workouts, but he recognizes the mandatory nature of the team’s upcoming minicamp, as Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News writes. “It’s mandatory, so I should be there, for sure,” Davis said during an appearance on KNBR 680-AM in San Francisco.
- While the Packers‘ decision to sign troubled tight end Colt Lyerla last month raised some eyebrows, Green Bay takes pride in developing all kinds of young players, according to Dan Pompei of Bleacher Report, who wonders if Lyerla could fill a void at the position for a club that no longer has Jermichael Finley on its roster.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Packers Notes: Shields, Starks, Burnett
Potential free agents tend to play down their loyalty in order to preserve their value but over the weekend, Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson made no secret of his love for Green Bay. “My wife and I have enjoyed it,” Nelson said Sunday of his time with the Packers. “Let’s see, it’s six years, going on seven years now. We don’t want to go anywhere else. We love it here. We want to be here, and hopefully we can get to that point.” More on the Packers..
- The Packers are lucky they didn’t lose Sam Shields this offseason, writes Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. Shields explained that before he signed a four-year, $39MM to stay in Green Bay, the Browns and other clubs were hot on his tail. “Most of the time I was scared because, like I said, I wanted to be a Packer,” Shields said. “You know how that business goes. It’s kind of scary at first, but they came with it. I’m happy to be back.”
- James Starks re-signed with the Packers this offseason on a two-year, $3.25MM deal. Some might see that as a little light, but Starks isn’t complaining, writes Pete Dougherty of the Press-Gazette. “(Running backs) have got a high risk of injuries, it’s a more dangerous position,” Starks said. “When you can keep yourself healthy and do what you’re supposed to do, you get paid well. We’re making enough money I think. We make a lot of money, I don’t see how anybody can’t be happy with this contract. I’m happy. I like playing football, so being paid for that in itself is good.”
- Safety Morgan Burnett says he’s not feeling any extra pressure after inking a four-year, $24.75MM contract extension with the Packers, writes Tyler Dunne of the Journal Sentinel. The arrival of first-round pick Ha Ha Clinton-Dix should also help Burnett peform to the fullest of his abilities this year.