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Minor NFL Transactions: 7/27/22

July 27th, 2022 at 5:45pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor NFL transactions:

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

Chicago Bears

Cincinnati Bengals

Dallas Cowboys

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

Kansas City Chiefs

Miami Dolphins

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

New York Jets

Pittsburgh Steelers

Seattle Seahawks

  • Signed: OL Keenan Forbes, G Eric Wilson

NFL Workouts: 7/25/22

July 25th, 2022 at 9:25pm CST by Ely Allen

As players are moved to the PUP and NFI lists and rosters are starting to take shape for the start of training camps, many players are searching for opportunities to make a team.

Here’s the list of players who have received workouts or taken visits today and this past weekend:

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

Buffalo Bills

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Cincinnati Bengals

Green Bay Packers

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

Jacksonville Jaguars

Kansas City Chiefs

Las Vegas Raiders

New England

New York Giants

New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

 

Minor NFL Transactions: 7/24/22

July 24th, 2022 at 7:00pm CST by Rory Parks

Here are today’s minor moves:

Baltimore Ravens

Houston Texans

Jacksonville Jaguars

Sloter just took a visit with the Jaguars on Saturday, and he did enough to land a contract. He has been a member of a number of NFL practice squads since signing with the Broncos as a UDFA in 2017, but he has yet to appear in a regular season NFL game. In nine starts for the USFL’s New Orleans Breakers in 2022, he was not especially impressive, completing 57.7% of his passes for 1,798 yards while throwing only nine touchdowns against 11 interceptions. With three other QBs on the Jacksonville roster, Sloter appears to be simply replacing Perry as a camp body at this point.

Texans WR John Metchie III To Miss 2022 Season

July 24th, 2022 at 12:43pm CST by Rory Parks

Texans wide receiver John Metchie III, a second-round rookie, will miss the 2022 season, but it has nothing to do with the torn ACL he suffered in this year’s SEC title game. Unfortunately, the Alabama product has been diagnosed with leukemia.

Metchie released a statement indicating that the diagnosis is Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia, which he says is the most curable form of the disease. He added that he is in good spirits and expects to make a full recovery, but that he will not be playing football this year.

Although the Texans knew that the ACL tear would quite possibly force Metchie to miss time in his rookie campaign, it was expected that he would be able to suit up at some point this season. Indeed, the club was comfortable enough with his medicals to trade away pick nos. 68, 108, and 124 to move up the board and nab Metchie with the No. 44 overall selection.

In 13 games in his final collegiate season, Metchie posted 96 receptions for 1,142 yards and eight scores. Whenever he was medically cleared, he was expected to serve as Houston’s primary slot receiver and as a high-upside weapon for second-year QB Davis Mills. At present, the Texans’ WR depth chart is topped by Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins, but the options behind those two are fairly uninspiring.

Now, Metchie and Houston can only hope that 2023 will bring better fortune. We here at PFR wish Metchie the best in his recovery.

Latest On Texans RB Darius Anderson

July 19th, 2022 at 8:58pm CST by Ben Levine

Texans running back Darius Anderson was charged with burglary with intent to commit assault following an incident on Friday morning, according to Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com. Initial reports listed a charge of burglary with intent to commit rape, but per Wilson, a police official attributed that to a coding error.

According to his attorney, the player only learned of the arrest warrant when he saw the news on television, and he went to the courthouse on Monday morning. He was later released on $20K bond. Anderson’s arraignment was rescheduled from Wednesday to September 20.

According to court records, Anderson’s ex-girlfriend claimed that the athlete forced his way into her home on Friday morning and didn’t leave until she locked herself in a bathroom and called police. Anderson allegedly tried to assault the woman once they entered the home, and the player took “some shoes” before leaving (via Miya Shay of ABC13.com). Anderson denies the allegations.

“We are aware of the report involving Darius Anderson,” the Texans said in a statement. “We are gathering information and have no further comment at this time.”

Anderson scored 18 touchdowns in four seasons at TCU. He had one of his most productive collegiate seasons as a senior in 2021, finishing with 951 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns on 173 touches. He went undrafted during the 2020 draft, and after spending his rookie season with the Cowboys and Colts, Anderson joined the Texans late during the 2021 campaign. He inked a reserve/future contract with the organization back in January. The 24-year-old was already facing an uphill battle to make the roster; at best, he was battling with Royce Freeman and Dare Ogunbowale to be the team’s fourth RB.

Texans Settle 30 Lawsuits Related To Alleged Deshaun Watson Sexual Misconduct

July 15th, 2022 at 2:57pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Texans attempted to end their part in the Deshaun Watson saga Friday, settling 30 lawsuits with women who had made or were planning to make claims against the team related to alleged sexual misconduct by the former Houston quarterback, according to Houston TV station KPRC.

A civil suit against the Texans emerged not long after a lengthy New York Times report detailed the quarterback’s alleged improper behavior during massage therapy sessions. The first woman to file suit against the Texans, one of the four who did not settle with the embattled quarterback, accused the team of turning a blind eye to Watson’s off-field misconduct. The Texans believe the NFL, through recent inquiries, did not uncover wrongdoing on their part, Josina Anderson of USA Today tweets. Though, a thorough investigation of the Texans has not believed to have taken place.

That lawsuit alleged that the Texans, by giving Watson a Houstonian hotel and spa membership and arranging nondisclosure agreements for him, enabled their then-QB’s behavior, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com notes. Texans trainer Roland Ramirez confirmed in a deposition the team arranged for the hotel membership. Watson allegedly used the room for massages. The Times reported he received massages from at least 66 women from fall 2019 to spring 2021.

“We were shocked and deeply saddened when we first learned of the allegations against our then franchise quarterback in March 2021,” Cal, Hannah and Janice McNair, the family the owns the Texans, said in a statement. “Although our organization did not have any knowledge of Deshaun Watson’s alleged misconduct, we have intentionally chosen to resolve this matter amicably. This is not an admission of any wrongdoing, but instead a clear stand against any form of sexual assault and misconduct.”

Rumors of other accusers coming forward against Watson have surfaced this offseason, and while Friday’s count would seem to confirm those, no other lawsuits have been filed against the sixth-year QB. Watson attorney Rusty Hardin said Friday the Texans’ settlements have “no significance” to Watson’s cases, Wilson adds (via Twitter). Watson’s civil cases will run into 2023, with both Hardin and the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Tony Buzbee, agreeing on a moratorium which will last until March 1, 2023.

Watson and the Browns are awaiting disciplinary officer Sue Robinson’s ruling, which may not occur until after next week. The NFL has pushed for a full-season suspension, something the league could ensure upon appeal — unless Robinson rules Watson did not violate the league’s personal conduct policy. That scenario, one in which Watson is eligible to play Week 1, has long been considered unlikely.

Browns Unlikely To Pursue Jimmy Garoppolo?

July 14th, 2022 at 10:02am CST by Sam Robinson

Deshaun Watson‘s initial suspension length is unlikely to surface until at least next week, and even that announcement might not happen until the Browns break for training camp. But the likely appeal process should be expected to drag into August, complicating matters for the team that surrendered three first-round picks and change for the former Texans Pro Bowler.

The prospect of Jimmy Garoppolo serving as an emergency option for Cleveland, in the event the NFL does suspend Watson for a full season or close to it, has come up in recent weeks. But the team is comfortable with Jacoby Brissett guiding the offense in Watson’s absence, per ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler, who said during an appearance on KNBR’s Tolbert & Copes (h/t 49erswebzone.com) he is not sure the Browns will emerge in the Garoppolo mix.

[RELATED: How Will 49ers’ Garoppolo Saga End?]

Not long after acquiring Watson, the Browns traded Case Keenum — their backup of two years — and signed Brissett to a one-year, $4.65MM deal. Cleveland also gave up one of the top trade packages in NFL history for Watson. In addition to the first-rounders being dealt, the Browns gave the Texans a third-rounder (in 2023) and two fourths (in 2022 and ’24). The team’s draft capital may be an issue regarding a Garoppolo pursuit, Fowler adds. Baker Mayfield went for only a 2024 fifth-rounder, and the 49ers are in a somewhat similar salary spot with Garoppolo — attached to a $24.2MM base salary that becomes guaranteed in Week 1 — so draft capital being a hang-up is interesting here.

Brissett, 29, has 37 career starts under his belt; five of those came with the Dolphins last season. The former third-round pick averaged just 5.7 yards per attempt in Miami, though he fared better during the second of his years as the Colts’ primary starter. Garoppolo would certainly be a more inspiring option than Brissett, but the Browns may stand down.

Garoppolo, 30, has resumed throwing. The 49ers could stash him on the active/PUP list to start camp, if they want to both give the veteran QB more recovery time and/or sideline him as they negotiate a trade, but Kyle Shanahan said in June the 49ers would likely have their trade chip at practice instead of stashed on the PUP list. The 49ers excused Garoppolo from minicamp, but he was not ready to throw at that point.

The Seahawks loom as a Garoppolo option but are more likely to wait out a potential release. The Texans have been loosely linked to Garoppolo this offseason, with Nick Caserio having been in New England throughout the ex-Tom Brady backup’s stay there. But Fowler adds it would be a bit of a surprise if Garoppolo ended up in Houston, given the team’s interest in developing Davis Mills.

After the Mayfield trade, Cleveland gained more than $8MM in cap space. The team’s $48.5MM is $25MM north of any other team’s cap room, providing options in the event Watson is shut down for the season. (The 49ers’ $4.9MM in space ranks 30th on that list.) Watson being shelved for all of 2022 would cause his five-year contract to toll, making it a 2023-27 pact. The Browns structured the $230MM guaranteed deal to minimize Watson’s penalties in a suspension — one the team did not expect to be a full-season ban when it made the trade. Watson’s $1MM base salary would move to 2023, pushing the run of $50MM-plus cap figures to 2024 and beyond.

Latest On Texans’ Receiver Situation

July 13th, 2022 at 6:25pm CST by Ely Allen

After finishing the 2021 season as one of the five teams with the lowest passing yardage totals, the Texans made some moves this offseason to address their passing game. Houston utilized the draft in order to bring in some high-level, young protection and weapons for their second-year quarterback. As Houston starts to work towards a final regular-season roster, the Texans are looking to have a solid two-deep throughout the wide receiver position on their depth chart. 

The top three receivers on the depth chart are easy decisions. Brandin Cooks is going into his third year with the team after coming over from the Rams. The eight-year veteran has taken a leadership role in Houston’s receivers room, leading the team in receiving yards and receptions during both years with the team. Cooks acted a bit as rookie quarterback Davis Mills‘ security blanket last year, getting more than twice as many targets as the next receiver on the team.

The other two receivers in the starting lineup are inexperienced but promising. Second-year receiver Nico Collins stepped up during his rookie season. In the absence of Will Fuller, the team’s No. 2 receiver in the prior season, the third-round pick was second on the team in receptions and receiving yardage despite missing three games. Collins could have a breakout season with the development of Mills and Brevin Jordan, the expected starting tight end, as well as the draft addition of John Metchie III.

Metchie was drafted in the second-round this year to add another spark to the room. In his two full seasons at Alabama, Metchie totaled 2,058 receiving yards on 151 catches with 14 touchdowns. The only reason not to project Metchie to surpass Collins this year is the fact that Metchie is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in Alabama’s SEC title game this past season. Houston drafted him with the understanding that he may miss some time to start his career but sounded hopeful recently that he could play this year.

Beyond the starting three of Cooks, Collins, and Metchie, Houston has a few solid backup options. Veteran Chris Conley returns on another one-year deal after finishing third on the team in receiving yards last season. Conley had shown the ability to be a starter during his time in Jacksonville. His best career season came as a Jaguar when he started 14 games, catching 47 balls for 775 yards and five touchdowns.

Another veteran returning on a one-year deal is midseason addition from last year Phillip Dorsett II. Dorsett’s career has been largely disappointing as a former first-round pick out of Miami (Fla.). His career highs for a season are 59 catches for 528 yards during his second year in Indianapolis and five touchdowns during his last season in New England. The deep threat will continue his search for the right team fit as a back up in Houston.

A sixth roster spot is likely going to come down to Chris Moore or Chad Beebe. Moore signed with Houston last year after five years in Baltimore that slowly saw his usage decline toward the end of his tenure. In his first season with the Texans, Moore was able to catch a career-high 21 passes, recording 227 yards and two touchdowns as a result. Beebe had the best statistical season of his career during his third season in Minnesota (2020). Very similar to Moore, Beebe had 20 catches for 201 yards and two touchdowns. Both may find their way onto the roster through special teams roles, though, as Beebe has punt return experience from his time with the Vikings and Moore has kick return experience from his time with the Ravens. Houston’s main return man from last year, Andre Roberts, is now with the Panthers, though they did utilize defensive back Desmond King II on punt returns last season.

That’s the six- to seven-deep Houston will work with to start the season: Cooks as a bona fide No. 1, Collins and Metchie striving to be effective early in their careers, and a stable of veterans ready to contribute. On paper, it doesn’t look like a huge upgrade, but the potential for a break-out season from Collins and the addition of a potential new No. 2 receiver in Metchie, could really open things up for Mills and the Texans offense.

Latest On NFL’s Case Against Deshaun Watson

July 10th, 2022 at 4:01pm CST by Adam La Rose

The ongoing Deshaun Watson situation recently reached an important milestone, with the hearing during which the NFL and NFLPA presented their arguments for and against suspension taking place. A report from Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio sheds light on some of the allegations Watson faced, and their absence from the NFL’s case made against the Browns QB. 

[RELATED: No Settlement Talks On Watson Suspension Length]

“It was recently reported that none of the five cases presented by the NFL involved violence, coercion or force,” plaintiff’s attorney Tony Buzbee detailed in a letter. That was to be expected, however, since, as he further writes, the two women who made that particular accusation have settled their cases with Watson, as have 18 others. More to the point, neither member of the pair spoke with the NFL during its independent investigation into Watson.

“The majority of the civil cases we filed instead alleged indecent exposure and assault; that is, touching without consent,” the letter clarifies. The scale of Watson’s actions during his time with the Texans have been well-documented this offseason, to the point where the first suit related to his alleged sexual misconduct has been filed against the franchise. Buzbee’s communication confirms that his legal team is “preparing to file” further litigation against the Texans, as expected.

With respect to the details of the NFL’s argument made during the three-day hearing, Buzbee writes that his team is not currently “privy to what was presented… but we expect we will know soon enough.” While the specifics of the league’s case will be critical to Watson’s on-the-field future, the report recalls the important fact that it is separate from the remaining civil litigation Watson faces. The court cases determining the outcome of the outstanding civil suits are scheduled to take place after the season.

While it will be a matter of months before Watson learns his fate on that front, the ruling on his behavior relative to the league’s Personal Conduct Policy should be handed down much sooner, marking another chapter in the top NFL story of the offseason.

AFC Roster Rumors: Van Roten, Jefferson, Scharping, Reed

July 7th, 2022 at 7:58pm CST by Ely Allen

As the calendar year ticks away the days, NFL teams are having to start thinking about the difficult decisions they will have to make to eventually get their rosters down to 53 players to start the season. While the teams still have almost two months to make all the necessary cuts, many veterans are entering training camp on roster bubbles.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the players who may find themselves looking for a new team by the time the season begins:

  • The Bills brought in free agent offensive guard Greg Van Roten to solidify their depth on the interior of the offensive line. The 32-year-old veteran has starting experience with the last two clubs he’s spent time with, the Panthers and Jets, but he may not even make it to the final 53-man roster in Buffalo, according to Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN. As the Bills figure out just who will receive their coveted roster spots, the final spot will likely become a battle between Van Roten, Greg Mancz, whose experience at center could give him an edge, and rookie sixth-round pick Luke Tenuta.
  • The Ravens are overloaded with talent at the safety position. With free agent addition Marcus Williams, first-round pick Kyle Hamilton, and incumbent starters from last year Chuck Clark and Brandon Stephens all crowding the depth chart, veteran Tony Jefferson may find himself on the outside looking in, according to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. Jefferson was released by Baltimore two offseasons ago, following a season mostly lost to a torn ACL, but was brought back last year after starting safety DeShon Elliott went down with a season-ending injury and Baltimore needed another veteran presence in their defensive backfield. Unfortunately, with the influx of new talent combined with the presence of last year’s starters, the Ravens may find that rostering Jefferson is not crucial to their depth at the position.
  • After trading cornerback Lonnie Johnson Jr. to the Chiefs this offseason, the Texans‘ 2019 draft class is down to two remaining players: first-round tackle Tytus Howard and second-round guard Max Scharping. While Howard has established himself as a starter on the line, Scharping is not a lock for the 53-man roster, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN. Scharping stepped up as a starter during his rookie season but could not manage to hold onto the spot in his second year. The 2021 season saw Scharping struggle enough that his roster spot is now in question.
  • Over the past three seasons, pass rusher Malik Reed has been a lifesaver for Denver as the Broncos saw stars Von Miller and Bradley Chubb each miss time over the 2019, 2020, and 2021 seasons. Some roster moves by the Broncos, though, seem to be pointing toward some roster danger for Reed, according to ESPN’s Jeff Legwold. Free agent Randy Gregory was brought in on a $70MM contract, Denver drafted rookie Nik Bonitto in the second round this year, and the Broncos moved Baron Browning to outside linebacker after he played his entire rookie season on the inside. That trio will all be under contract until at least 2025, while Reed is in a contract year. This doesn’t necessarily spell doom for the former undrafted free agent, who has done a lot to earn his spot. But, with only one roster spot likely to be available at the position, Reed will potentially be duking it out with 2021 seventh-round pick Jonathon Cooper for the final OLB roster spot.
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