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Indianapolis Colts News & Rumors

Pagano Doubts He’ll Be Back In Indy

September 27th, 2015 at 8:38am CST by Rory Parks

Colts head coach Chuck Pagano has informed people around him that he “has doubts” he will return as Indianapolis’ head coach next year, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter). Of course, this does not come as much of a surprise; there were reports several weeks ago that 2015 would be Pagano’s last season with the Colts, and those reports came on the heels of an offseason full of articles describing a rift between Pagano and GM Ryan Grigson.

Owner Jim Irsay quickly tried to downplay news of a strained relationship between his head coach and his general manager, but given the team’s ugly start to the campaign, it is looking more and more as though both parties will be heading in different directions at season’s end (if not sooner). Earlier this week, Pagano made comments regarding his team’s offensive line that some interpreted as a shot at Andrew Luck and some believed was a thinly-veiled barb directed at Grigson. While Rapoport tweeted this morning that Pagano’s comments were simply meant to convey the difficulties the team has had with injuries to the unit, any negative statement from either the head coach or the front office at this point only serves to intensify the reported turmoil.

However, there are still 14 games to play, and Pagano and Grigson will both put forth their best efforts to get the Colts to the playoffs. As Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports writes, Pagano, who has a reputation as a defensive guru, has been even more hands-on with the defense than usual. But if the team’s early struggles persist, La Canfora writes that “any shuffling of the coaching staff would have to come from above Pagano. Sources said Pagano does not have the autonomy to hire or fire staff if he sees fit.”

The only question, then, is who will take over the reins as the Colts head coach in 2016, and where Pagano himself will end up. As Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes, Irsay could clean house, like he did when he hired Pagano in 2012, or he could retain Grigson and hire a new coach like he did in 2002, which would effectively “neuter” Grigson. The direction Irsay takes will have a direct impact on the number and caliber of coaching candidates available to him.

Pagano, meanwhile, has indicated that he plans to retire whenever his tenure with the Colts ends. Even if Indianapolis continues to struggle in 2015, Pagano would remain a viable defensive coordinator or positional coach candidate. At the moment, however, he is not thinking about his life after Indy, even if the rest of the football world is.

Extra Points: Manning, Wilkerson, Ivory, Texans

September 26th, 2015 at 9:25pm CST by Dallas Robinson

In his new book Brady vs. Manning, Gary Myers of the New York Daily News recounts the sequence of events that led to Peyton Manning eventually leaving the Colts following the 2011 season, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Per former Indianapolis GM Bill Polian, the Colts had little to no contact with Manning due to the ongoing lockout, and therefore believed he’d be ready to play following neck surgery. In turn, they didn’t use a draft pick on a quarterback such as Colin Kaepernick or Andy Dalton — either of whom likely would have allowed the Colts to finish better than their 2-14 record.

Also from Myers, Polian says he was willing to carry both Manning and Andrew Luck on the roster, similar to what the Packers did with Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. However, Colts owner Jim Irsay was adamant that the club couldn’t pay both QBs, so Manning was eventually released.

Here’s more from around the league…

  • The Jets and defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson are at a stalemate in contract talks, but that standstill could actually help New York land a franchise quarterback, writes Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. The Jets could slap the non-exclusive franchise tag on Wilkerson next season (at a value of around $16MM), and then trade him, potentially for a pick in the top 10, opines Mehta. Other clubs have made similar moves in the past: the Chiefs with Jared Allen in 2008, the Packers with Corey Williams the same year, and the Patriots with Matt Cassel in 2009.
  • A bit more pressing Jets news: running back Chris Ivory believes he’ll be able to play tomorrow against the Eagles, tweets Mehta. However, he will have to prove to both the coaching staff and the club’s medical personnel that he’s able to go.
  • The NFL will take a look at the rule that awards possession of the ball to the defense following an offensive fumble through the end zone (as happened with Matt Jones and Washington during Thursday night’s game), per Florio at PFT. NFL VP of officiating Dean Blandino tweeted that giving the ball back to the offense at the spot of the fumble “has merit.”
  • The Texans have yet to make a transaction after placing Jeff Adams on injured reserve earlier today, meaning they still only have 52 players on their roster, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). Presumably, they’ll make a move before tomorrow’s game against the Buccaneers.

Extra Points: Wilkerson, Graham, Manziel, Brady

September 26th, 2015 at 5:01pm CST by Sam Robinson

As Muhammad Wilkerson begins another standout season, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News begins wondering if he could be the trade chip that lands the Jets a quarterback.

After noting the Jets prefer the skill set of currently troubled 2013 defensive rookie of the year Sheldon Richardson to Wilkerson, Mehta speculates whether Wilkerson’s contract-year campaign could still benefit the Jets down the road by allowing them to keep the defensive end around for trade purposes. Using the Chiefs’ 2008 trade of Jared Allen to the Vikings as an example, Mehta proposes the Jets use a non-exclusive franchise tag on Wilkerson after this season and dangle him in trade talks, as Kansas City did seven years ago.

He continues in saying the only way the Jets could keep both of their star ends is one agreeing to take far less than their value, which will not happen. Of course, this talk of trading Wilkerson is contingent on Richardson re-routing his career, which is far from a certainty at this point.

Here is some other news from around the league.

  • Jimmy Graham‘s level of happiness with the Seahawks has been one of the key points of discussion in the NFL this week, and the sixth-year tight end might not experience a morale uptick, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk offers. While noting satisfaction could come in time as Graham and Russell Wilson increase their rapport, Florio suggests Graham is not a fit for what the Seahawks do. Graham’s begun to lobby for Wilson to not shy away from throwing his way, even if he’s covered. “Obviously, Drew (Brees) wasn’t running the read options, Graham told media. €œIf (Wilson) is in trouble, he was going to read me, and I was the option. … I tell Russ every day, it don’€™t matter (if coverage is tight) and sometimes just throw it because sometimes it just doesn’€™t matter.”
  • Sufficiently recovered from a high-ankle sprain, Eric Fisher will return to the Chiefs‘ starting lineup against the Packers, doing so at right tackle now, after sitting behind waiver pickup Jah Reid in the first two games, reports Kevin Patra of NFL.com. Although Andy Reid denied the speculation Fisher delayed his recovery in order to not have to face J.J. Watt in the Chiefs’ opener, Fisher hasn’t remotely lived up to expectations as a No. 1 pick and will begin a critical campaign in hopes of rescuing his career.
  • Nick Toon‘s workout itinerary now includes a stop in St. Louis, as the Rams examined the former Saints backup, per Florio. The Rams also worked out wideouts Issac Blakeney, Kain Colter, DaVaris Daniels, Jordan Leslie, Tyler Rutenbeck and Taylor Washington. Florio opines that the Rams, who carry six healthy receivers presently, are sending a message to some in the unimpressive group. Toon also worked out for the Cowboys and Titans this month after being waived by the Saints.
  • After news emerged on the timeline for the Tom Brady case, Michael Coyne of the Massachusetts School of Law explains to CSNNE.com how that will affect the 38-year-old quarterback’s season, should the Patriots return to the playoffs as expected. While distractions are inevitable given how this has unfolded, Coyne points out Brady will not have to be present for the appeal hearings.
  • Johnny Manziel fumbling twice in each of the Browns‘ first two games was the driving force behind them opting to relegate him back to the bench in favor of Josh McCown, Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com writes. The Browns lost possession on both mishaps against the Jets and recovered each loose ball against the Titans. “The No. 1 thing when you play quarterback is you have to protect the football,” Browns OC John DeFilippo told media. “. . . If you don’t protect the football, then you’re not giving yourself the best chance to win.”
  • A knee injury this week during practice will keep Trent Cole from traveling with the Colts to Nashville, Tenn., for their Week 3 tilt with the Titans, reports Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star (on Twitter). Robert Mathis‘ workload will increase as a result, Holder reports.

Minor NFL Transactions: 9/25/15

September 25th, 2015 at 9:45pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Friday’s minor moves from around the NFL:

  • Washington waived fullback Jordan Campbell with an injury settlement, per the team’s website. Campbell went undrafted out of New Mexico Highlands in 2013 and has since spent time with the Chiefs and Washington.
  • The Colts waived/injured cornerback Sheldon Price and promoted Eric Patterson from the practice squad, according to Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star (Twitter link). Price, an undrafted free agent out of UCLA in 2013, got his first taste of NFL action this year – making one tackle in two games. Patterson signed with the Colts as an undrafted free agent from Ball State. He debuted in the Colts’ loss to the Jets on Monday.

Community Tailgate: AFC South Outlook

September 24th, 2015 at 3:53pm CST by Luke Adams

With the NFL season underway, we have a whole new series of topics to discuss, and PFR’s Community Tailgate is designed to address those topics. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

Two weeks into the NFL season, the AFC South standings don’t look like what we would’ve expected heading into 2015 — the division’s top two teams from last season, the Colts and Texans, are currently tied for last place, while the Titans and Jaguars are each pretty darn close to matching their respective win totals from 2014.

The Colts have been the division’s biggest surprise so far — while the defense wasn’t expected to be a juggernaut, Indianapolis was considered one of the frontrunners to win the AFC this year, with Andrew Luck heading into the season as the MVP favorite. However, Luck and the offense have struggled mightily in the first two weeks, getting handled on the road by the Bills, then losing at home to the Jets.

Of course, at 0-2, the Colts have hardly dug themselves into an insurmountable hole. With the Jags and Titans at 1-1, the rest of the division’s teams have combined for just two total wins, which means the Colts could be tied for first place by as early as Sunday.

Last year, Indianapolis began the season with two losses before reeling off five straight victories, averaging 33 points per game in those wins. Still, with head coach Chuck Pagano and GM Ryan Grigson reportedly not seeing eye-to-eye on every roster decision, and owner Jim Irsay expecting a Super Bowl appearance this season, it’s possible things could go south quickly for the Colts if the team doesn’t start winning soon.

What do you think? Is it just a matter of time until the Colts regain first place and cruise to another AFC South title? Or will another challenger emerge and give Indianapolis a run for its money? Weigh in below in the comments section with your thoughts!

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/23/15

September 23rd, 2015 at 4:46pm CST by Luke Adams

Here are the latest practice squad signings and cuts from across the NFL:

Arizona Cardinals

Buffalo Bills

Dallas Cowboys

  • Signed: DE Efe Obada (Twitter link via Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com)

Detroit Lions

  • Signed: WR/KR Kaelin Clay (link via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press)
  • Cut: WR Kendrick Ings

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

  • Signed: TE Sean McGrath (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle), CB Eric Patterson (via Mike Chappell of FOX59 on Twitter)
  • Cut: OL David Arkin

Miami Dolphins

New Orleans Saints

  • Signed: TE Connor Hamlett (Twitter link via Evan Woodbery of the Times-Picayune)

Tennessee Titans

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/22/15

September 22nd, 2015 at 8:30pm CST by Luke Adams

Here are Tuesday’s practice squad signings and cuts from around the NFL:

Arizona Cardinals

Carolina Panthers

  • Signed: WR Damiere Byrd (Twitter link via David Newton of ESPN.com)
  • Cut: LB Brian Blechen

Chicago Bears

Cleveland Browns

Dallas Cowboys

  • Signed: RB Gus Johnson (Twitter link via Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

Indianapolis Colts

Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Signed: T Tyrus Thompson (Twitter link via agent Ken Sarnoff)

Oakland Raiders

Philadelphia Eagles

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Cut: WR Rannell Hall (Twitter link via Jenna Laine of Sports Talk Florida)

Minor NFL Transactions: 9/22/15

September 22nd, 2015 at 7:08pm CST by Luke Adams

As usual, plenty of teams around the NFL are shaking up their rosters a little on the Tuesday following a full slate of games. Here are today’s minor moves:

  • Cowboys defensive tackle Terrell McClain is done for the season with a badly sprained big toe, reports Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Twitter link). Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram adds (via Twitter) that the team has placed McClain on injured reserve.
  • The Cardinals have cut running back Kerwynn Williams in order to make room for offensive tackle Bobby Massie, who is returning from a two-game suspension, says Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com (Twitter link). We’ll see if Arizona re-adds Williams or another running back to the roster before the club’s Week 3 game, with Andre Ellington likely to be sidelined again. The Cardinals also cut Travis Harvey from injured reserve with an injury settlement, Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post tweets.
  • With Jay Cutler injured, the Bears activated quarterback David Fales from the taxi squad to the active roster, as Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets. To make room, the Bears waived Bryce Callahan, Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com tweets.
  • Washington linebacker Martrell Spaight, a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft, has been placed on injured reserve due to a concussion, tweets Tarik El-Bashir of CSNMidAtlantic.com. The move opens up a roster spot for reinstated cornerback Chris Culliver.
  • Besides Massie, Culliver, and Vikings cornerback Jabari Price, whose reinstatement we noted yesterday, Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell and Chargers offensive lineman Craig Watts are returning from suspensions this week, per Wilson (Twitter link). Pittsburgh and San Diego will have roster exemptions until tomorrow afternoon for those players.
  • The Colts have made a change at the cornerback spot, signing veteran free agent Josh Thomas and waiving Eric Patterson, owner Jim Irsay announced today (via Twitter). Perhaps more notably, the team an injury settlement with running back Vick Ballard, officially removing him from the roster. Ballard, who hasn’t played a game since the 2013 season, will become a free agent if and when he clears waivers.
  • The Dolphins are signing linebacker and special-teamer Terrell Manning, according to Wilson. The 25-year-old has already appeared in regular season games for five different NFL teams since entering the league in 2012.
  • With Austin Seferian-Jenkins set to miss some games, the Buccaneers are signing tight end Cameron Brate off the Saints‘ practice squad, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com. Brate started the season on Tampa Bay’s taxi squad before he landed on New Orleans’ unit last week.
  • The Buccaneers have also have also signed free agent defensive end Josh Martin and waived defensive end Kourtnei Brown, Roy Cummings of The Tampa Tribune tweets.
  • The Ravens waived running back Terrence Magee to open up spot for newly-acquired cornerback Will Davis, as Jeff Zrebiec of The Baltimore Sun tweets.
  • The Raiders cut Tevin McDonald, Wilson tweets.

AFC Notes: Colts, Decker, Raiders, McCown

September 22nd, 2015 at 2:13pm CST by Luke Adams

Prior to the season, we heard some reports about potential tension and unease between Colts general manager Ryan Grigson and head coach Chuck Pagano, and rumors of that possible rift have only intensified with the team off to a disappointing 0-2 start.

As Darin Gantt of Pro Football Talk observes, a comment made by Pagano about the team’s offensive line struggles was viewed as the head coach coming down hard on Andrew Luck, but it could also interpreted as a shot at Grigson. Mike Wells of ESPN.com notes that it was Grigson who decided not to completely address the offensive line in the offseason, leaving the unit as one of the biggest question marks on the team heading into the regular season.

Meanwhile, Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (Twitter link) hears from several sources that the Grigson/Pagano rift is a result of the two men having different agendas, with the GM focused on player development and the head coach looking to win now.

As we wait to see if the Colts can bounce back from their slow start, let’s check in on a few other teams from across the AFC….

  • Jets wide receiver Eric Decker suffered a knee injury in last night’s game vs. the Colts, but he was told that he won’t require surgery on it, and that it may be a PCL issue, according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (Twitter links). Decker, who is having an MRI today, said he’ll be smart about it and won’t rush back, so the Jets could add another receiver if they expect the veteran to miss some time. The club auditioned wideout Corey Washington today, per Jordan Raanan of NJ.com (Twitter link), but Washington said he isn’t saying with the Jets at this time (Twitter link).
  • Former Rams draft pick Daryl Richardson will try out for the Raiders, Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch tweets.
  • The Jaguars have a workout on their schedule for ex-Bengals linebacker Jayson DiManche this week, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com. Since being waived off Cincinnati’s injured reserve list earlier in the month, DiManche has also tried out for the Browns.
  • Speaking of those Browns, their veteran quarterback, Josh McCown, remains in the concussion protocol for now, but he could be as cleared as soon as Wednesday. If he is, he’ll receive strong consideration for the club’s starting role, writes Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
  • Even if new acquisition Will Davis doesn’t help Baltimore immediately, the move sends a message to the Ravens‘ cornerbacks that Sunday’s performance was unacceptable, Clifton Brown of CSNMidAtlantic.com writes. On Monday, Baltimore sent a seventh-round pick to the Dolphins for the former third-round choice. As Brown notes, Jimmy Smith, Lardarius Webb, and Kyle Arrington all had bad moments Sunday despite playing very well Week 1 against the Broncos.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

South Notes: Colts, Brees, Falcons

September 21st, 2015 at 8:22pm CST by Zachary Links

Joel Corry of CBSSports.com wonders if the potential for a Colts title run has been squandered. GM Ryan Grigson hit a home run with the 2012 rookie class, but he whiffed pretty badly in 2013. Making matters worse, Grigson also traded his 2014 first-round choice to the Browns for Trent Richardson in 2013, a deal that turned out to be a complete disaster. The 2013 free agent class was also pretty iffy. Overall, Corry concludes that the Colts will have to capitalize in the draft like they did in 2012 if they intend to make a run at the championship.

Here’s more from the South divisions as the Colts take on the Jets..

  • If Drew Brees is to miss extensive time, it should push the Saints towards the rebuilding effort they have avoided the last few years, Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap opines. If Brees’ injury does cost him several weeks of play, Fitzgerald wonders if this could even be the last we’ll see of the veteran in black and gold. New Orleans already has $14MM in dead money committed to 2016 despite a league high in $30MM this season. With a $27.4MM salary cap hit, one has to wonder if Brees will fit into the team’s plans.
  • The Saints tried out defensive ends Gerald Rivers and Josh Shirley and linebacker Trevardo Williams, Katherine Terrell of The Times-Picayune tweets.
  • With or without Drew Brees, Saints need to ground their offense, Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune writes.
  • Falcons coach Dan Quinn may be saying a lot of the same things as his predecessor, but he has given the team a new voice, Mark Bradley of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes.
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