AFC Notes: Gruden, Kaepernick, Texans, Watson
Raiders coach Jon Gruden is surprised to see Colin Kaepernick without a job in the NFL, but he’s not necessarily of the belief that he is starting caliber.
“I think there’s a lot of intrigue there. His performance on the field wasn’t very good, on tape,” Gruden said (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Paul Gutierrez). “I think, Robert Griffin III, a rookie of the year, surprised he’s out there. Tim Tebow, takes a team to the playoffs, there’s some surprise that he never came back. You know, Johnny Manziel, he’s out there. Back to Kaepernick, you know he got beat out by (Blaine Gabbert), to start the (2016) season. I think that says something. (But) I am surprised he’s not in camp with somebody. He probably will be soon.”
Here’s more from the AFC:
- Texans coach Bill O’Brien says quarterback Deshaun Watson is ahead of schedule in ACL rehab and could be on the field throwing for OTAs (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). It’s unlikely that he’ll participate in team periods, but he has a chance at doing some individual workouts.
- The Browns‘ two-year deal with Drew Stanton is worth $6.5MM, a source tells Rapoport (Twitter link). The deal includes $4.15MM fully guaranteed and carries a maximum value of $11.3MM.
- With Tyrod Taylor, Stanton, and a quarterback to be drafted later, the Browns are expected to shop Cody Kessler, Rapoport tweets. Kessler started eight games for Cleveland in 2016, but didn’t necessarily shine. Given Kessler’s performance and the fact that the Browns probably do not have him in their plans, I wouldn’t expect much of a trade market for him.
- The Colts moved down from No. 3 to No. 6, but they do seem inclined to trade down any further unless the expected run on quarterbacks fails to materialize, Stephen Holder of the Indy Star writes. The Colts believe that at least two of this year’s top four quarterbacks (Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, Josh Allen, and Baker Mayfield) will go in the top five, leaving them to choose some of this year’s very best overall talents. If that’s the case, they’re content to stay put. “If it’s beneficial for us, and we think we have a deal that works long term, we’ll make the deal,” GM Chris Ballard said recently. “But (No. 6) is a good spot for us.”
Colts Reject Trade Offers For Jacoby Brissett
The Colts have received two trade offers quarterback Jacoby Brissett, according to Stephen Holder of the Indy Star. The identities of those teams and the strength of those offers are not known, but the Colts declined those overtures with the idea that they will retain him this season. 
Given Andrew Luck‘s health issues, it’s no surprise that the Colts are putting a great emphasis on the backup quarterback role. Brissett is not a world beater, but he is a capable QB who can fill in if needed. He’s also significantly cheaper than other signal callers at his level. The former third round pick is slated to earn just $735K this year and $890 in 2019.
Brissett, who is still just 24, threw 13 touchdowns against seven interceptions for the Colts last season. He graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 29 ranked quarterback out of 39 qualified players.
Patriots’ Josh McDaniels Discusses Colts Flip Flop
Josh McDaniels turned down his second chance to become an NFL head coach this year when he left the Colts at the altar. Nearly two months later, the Patriots offensive coordinator opened up about what took place and the circumstances that led him to staying put in New England. Here’s a look at the highlights of his chat with Jim McBride of the Boston Globe: 
On why he remained with the Patriots:
“I wasn’t 100 percent sure what the future was. I just hadn’t had any clarity on that. So, where did I fit in? Where there any plans? I just didn’t have much clarity on what my role was here moving forward. Once I heard from Robert and Bill on that Tuesday, it just gave me reason to pause and consider this whole situation. The opportunity to stay here and work for who I think is the greatest owner in sports and the best head football coach in the history of our game, to work with the best quarterback that has ever played . . . Look, I’m privileged to have the opportunity to do that and when they kind of crystallized that — ‘Hey, here’s what we see going forward and here’s how we would like you to fit into it’ — it gave me a reason to stop and say, ‘all right, what’s the best decision for me?’ And certainly it was difficult. But I made the decision on my own, nobody pushed me into it.”
On Colts GM Chris Ballard:
“Chris was tremendous the whole entire time. He’s an incredible human being. He’s great at what he does. He’s going to be successful. It was difficult. I had a friendship with him — I still do . . . He’s a guy that I have a lot of respect for and admiration for. He was a big reason why I was interested in that job in the first place. It was as difficult a decision as I’ve ever made professionally. He handled it extremely well, he was a complete professional about it.
On his would-be Indy assistants:
“I spoke to all of them that night right away, shortly after I talked to Chris. They were professionals. Like I said, it wasn’t easy for anybody. I apologized to them if it put them in an awkward position. They’re all there [in Indianapolis], which I’m very happy about. They have great opportunities, they’re great coaches, they’re great people, and I’m happy that it worked out for them in that regard. Again, it was never my intention to go into this and put anybody in an awkward position or do any harm to anybody or do anything to hurt anybody’s career. That certainly wasn’t a part of my thought process. I just felt like, once I knew the whole picture and I had the opportunity to make a decision, it was tough but I feel like I made the right one.’’
On speculation that his family persuaded him not to relocate:
“My family was ready to go to Indianapolis because at that point that was the decision I had made. So, this isn’t a thing where I’m telling you, ‘I couldn’t move and all that’ — that’s not the case. If that were the case I wouldn’t interview. They’re very supportive. My wife’s incredible, my kids are great. Do they love New England? Absolutely . . . And have we been blessed to be part of this organization? No doubt. But I’d say in the long run, this coaching profession is kind of crazy. And they know that. And at some point, if I have to move or if we end up moving, they understand that’s part of the situation and they were ready to do that.’’
Dolphins To Sign RB Frank Gore
The Dolphins have agreed to sign running back Frank Gore, according to Mike Florio of PFT (on Twitter). It’s a one-year deal for the veteran. 
Gore, a potential future Hall of Famer, now has the opportunity to finish his career where it all began. Gore was born in Coral Gables, Florida and made his name at the University of Miami. After ten seasons in San Francisco and three seasons in Indianapolis, he gets to ply his craft in Miami once again.
The Dolphins project to start Kenyan Drake at running back, but the opportunity is there for Gore to split carries with him. The remainder of the Dolphins’ running back depth chart is decidedly less accomplished than Gore as Senorise Perry, De’Veon Smith, and Brandon Radcliff are all former undrafted free agents with minimal live action on their resume.
Gore, 35 in May, has 14,000+ career rushing yards to his credit, as well as five Pro Bowl selections. He nearly turned in a tenth 1,000 yard season in 2017, but he averaged just 3.7 yards per carry. Gore is no longer the star that he was with the 49ers, but he can still be a useful piece in Miami’s backfield. From the Dolphins perspective, it’s a low-risk proposition that they can bail on, if necessary, without any real financial penalty.
[RELATED: Dolphins Depth Chart]
Dolphins To Meet With Frank Gore
Frank Gore could finish his football career back where it all started. Gore is slated to visit with the Dolphins on Thursday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). 
Gore was born in Coral Gables, Florida and played his college football at the University of Miami. With the Hurricanes, Gore averaged 5.7 yards per carry and became a third round pick of the Niners in 2005. Thirteen years later, GMs regret allowing him to slip all the way to No. 65 overall. Gore has had a remarkable career and has been shockingly durable throughout as well. He has missed only 12 possible regular season games in his career and has missed none since 2010.
The five-time Pro Bowler is no longer among the very best at his position, but he remains healthy and somewhat productive on the verge of his 35th birthday. Last year, Gore ran for 961 yards off of 261 carries, giving him a 3.7 yards per carry average. That wasn’t terribly efficient, but he did add 29 catches for 245 yards and one score.
It’s possible that Gore can perform better after moving on from the Colts, who finished 18th in run blocking last season, per Football Outsiders. The Dolphins were ranked even lower by FO’s stats, but they do have a new look offensive line that features guard Josh Sitton and Daniel Kilgore and is bookended by a pair of former first round picks in Laremy Tunsil and Ja’Wuan James.
Colts Re-Sign RB Christine Michael
The Colts have re-signed running back Christine Michael, the club announced today.
Michael, 27, has typically been long on talent and upside, but short on results, during his five-year NFL career. Last season, the former second-round pick signed with Indianapolis in early June only to be placed on injured reserve two weeks later. The Colts must have liked what they saw from Michael during that brief stay on the roster, as they’ve now agreed to bring him back for another campaign.
Michael’s most productive season came in 2016, when he split time between the Seahawks and Packers. After beginning the year as Seattle’s starting running back, Michael managed six touchdowns before being surprisingly released at midseason. He managed only 3.7 yards per carry after being picked up by the Packers, who eventually cut him the following summer.
The Colts do not plan to re-sign veteran Frank Gore, so Michael will join a running back depth chart currently comprised of Marlon Mack, Robert Turbin, Matt Jones, George Winn, and Josh Ferguson.
Colts Meet With WR Dontrelle Inman
The Colts hosted free agent WR Dontrelle Inman on a visit, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets. New Colts OC Nick Sirianni was Inman’s WR coach in Los Angeles. 
The Cowboys also have interest in Inman, so there’s a market for him despite a strange year 2017. Inman slid down the Chargers’ depth chart and was traded to the Bears during the year. After doing little in Los Angeles, he caught 23 passes for 334 with one touchdown in eight games. He finished out third in catches and receiving yards amongst Bears players, despite having just half a season with the team.
In 2016, Inman had the best year of his career with 58 grabs for 810 yards and four TDs. The potential is there for him to be an impact player and he’s still just 29 years old.
The Colts have ten wide receivers under contract, but T.Y. Hilton and free agent pickup Ryan Grant are the only real notables of the bunch.
Colts To Re-Sign G Jack Mewhort
The Colts are bringing back guard Jack Mewhort. It’s a one-year deal with a base value of $1.5MM and another $1.5MM in incentives, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets. 
Mewhort’s season ended in October thanks to a knee injury, marking his second straight incomplete campaign. However, he did have three quality years as an NFL starter before that and the Colts did not want to let him get away. Mewhort doesn’t turn 27 until October, so he’s still young enough to bounce back and be a difference maker in 2018.
Mewhort will likely compete with Matt Slauson for the starting job at left guard. Beyond that, the Colts currently project to start left tackle Anthony Castonzo, center Ryan Kelly, right guard Joe Haeg, and right tackle Denzelle Good.
Colts Host Cameron Meredith On Visit
The Colts hosted Bears restricted free agent Cameron Meredith for a visit, a league source tells Field Yates of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The Bears have the right to match any offer after using the low level tender on Meredith. If they do not match an offer sheet, they will not receive any draft compensation. 
Meredith, 26 in September, missed all of 2017 with a knee injury. Before that, he had a breakout season for Chicago. In 2016, Meredith hauled in 66 receptions for 888 yards and four touchdowns. If healthy, the former undrafted free agent could be a big contributor for the Colts, Bears, or another team in 2018.
The Colts signed Ryan Grant on Tuesday, but their WR group is a bit thin outside of him and T.Y. Hilton. Donte Moncrief left to sign a surprisingly lucrative free agent deal with the Jaguars earlier this month, leaving Indianapolis with a clear need to fill in free agency or the draft.
In other Colts news, the team has signed tight end Eric Ebron, re-signed cornerback Pierre Desir, and added offensive lineman Matt Slauson.
Colts Sign OL Matt Slauson
The Colts have signed offensive lineman Matt Slauson, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (on Twitter). It’s a one-year deal worth $3MM, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. 
Slauson, 32, started seven games at left guard the Chargers before he was sidelined in October with a biceps injury. He also offers previous experience at center and could be an option in the middle should Ryan Kelly miss time again.
Free agent Jack Mewhort continues to float in free agent limbo and it’s not clear if he’ll be retained. If he is brought back into the fold, the Colts could have the two veterans compete in camp to see who will start at one guard spot opposite of Joe Haeg. Last season, Jeremy Vujnovich started all 16 games at left guard, but he graded out as Pro Football Focus’ worst qualified player at the position.
The Lions met with Slauson last week, but he’s headed to Indianapolis instead.