Workout Updates: Wednesday
Although NFL teams have been working out players all season, most of this week’s auditions will be conducted with an eye on the future, since clubs will soon be able to start signing players to reserve/futures deals for the 2015 season. Listed below are the most recently reported workouts from around the league, with all links pointed to Aaron Wilson’s Twitter account, unless otherwise indicated…
- Prior to signing long snapper Charley Hughlett, the Browns auditioned several other long snappers, taking a look at Dax Dellenbach, Brandon Hartson, and Luke Ingram. The club also worked out defensive tackle Torell Troup.
- While the Raiders elected to sign linebacker Justin Jackson to their practice squad yesterday, the team also tried out fellow linebacker Terrance Bullitt. Bullitt reached an agreement as an undrafted free agent with the Ravens in May, but it fell through due to a shoulder issue.
- The Vikings brought in defensive end Leon Mackey and linebacker Justin Anderson for tryouts this week — the latter ended up signing to Minnesota’s practice squad.
- A pair of running backs and a pair of defensive backs worked out for the Falcons this week. Atlanta opted to sign RB Ronnie Wingo and DB Brandan Bishop to its taxi squad, passing on RB Michael Ford and DB Malcolm Branson.
- In addition to working out for the Jaguars this week, defensive end Shawn Lemon auditioned for the Colts.
- Undrafted free agent center Jared Wheeler tried out for the Buccaneers, along with kicker Travis Coons, wide receiver Derrick Johnson, defensive back Shelton Johnson, and offensive linemen Adrian Battles, Stetson Burnett, Brett Van Sloten, and Brett Jones.
- The Seahawks auditioned wide receivers Lamont Bryant, Mike Davis, Jeremy Gallon, and Douglas McNeil, along with ex-Ravens outside linebacker Michael McAdoo, per Wilson. Adam Caplan of ESPN.com adds (via Twitter) that Seattle also looked at quarterback Brett Smith, who was waived by the Buccaneers in May.
- Caplan also passes along word of one more workout, tweeting that former seventh-round kicker Zach Hocker tried out for the 49ers.
Examining Notable Pro Bowlers’ Contracts
The NFL announced its Pro Bowl rosters on Tuesday night, a collection of 42 offensive players, 36 defenders, and eight special teams players. The list features the usual suspects such as Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Aaron Rodgers, as well as new faces like Le’Veon Bell, T.Y. Hilton, and Chris Harris, and can be viewed in full right here (PDF link).
Among the 86 players initially selected to appear in the game, several have signed new contracts in 2014, many more will be eligible for new deals in 2015, and others will receive a bump in pay based on their Pro Bowl nods. Here’s a breakdown of the Pro Bowl players with notable contract situations:
Recently signed or extended:
- Jamaal Charles, RB (Chiefs): Signed two-year, $18MM extension in July.
- Vontae Davis, CB (Colts): Signed four-year, $36MM contract in March.
- Jimmy Graham, TE (Saints): Signed four-year, $40MM contract in July.
- Brent Grimes, CB (Dolphins): Signed four-year, $32MM contract in March.
- Joe Haden, CB (Browns): Signed five-year, $67.5MM extension in May.
- Chris Harris, CB (Broncos): Signed a five-year, $42.5MM extension in December.
- Devin Hester, KR (Falcons): Signed three-year, $9MM contract in March (changed teams).
- Jason Kelce, C (Eagles): Signed six-year, $37.5MM extension in February.
- John Kuhn, FB (Packers): Signed one-year, $1.03MM contract in April.
- Pat McAfee, P (Colts): Signed five-year, $14.5MM contract in March.
- Gerald McCoy, DT (Buccaneers): Signed seven-year, $95.2MM extension in October.
- Jordy Nelson, WR (Packers): Signed four-year, $39.05MM extension in July.
- Jason Peters, T (Eagles): Signed four-year, $38.3MM extension in February.
- Patrick Peterson, CB (Cardinals): Signed five-year, $70.05MM extension in July.
- Maurkice Pouncey, C (Steelers): Signed five-year, $44.14MM extension in June.
- Robert Quinn, DE (Rams): Signed four-year, $57MM extension in September.
- Darrelle Revis, CB (Patriots): Signed two-year, $32MM contract in March (changed teams).
- Richard Sherman, CB (Seahawks): Signed four-year, $56MM extension in May.
- Matt Slater, ST (Patriots): Signed two-year, $4MM extension in November.
- Tyron Smith, T (Cowboys): Signed eight-year, $97.6MM extension in July.
- Darren Sproles, PR (Eagles): Traded by Saints, then signed two-year, $7MM extension in March (changed teams).
- Joe Staley, T (49ers): Signed two-year, $19.6MM extension in July.
- Aqib Talib, CB (Broncos): Signed six-year, $57MM contract in March (changed teams).
- Earl Thomas, S (Seahawks): Signed four-year, $40MM extension in April.
- Adam Vinatieri, K (Colts): Signed two-year, $5MM contract in March.
- T.J. Ward, S (Broncos): Signed four-year, $22.5MM contract in March (changed teams).
- DeMarcus Ware, OLB (Broncos): Signed three-year, $30MM contract in March (changed teams).
- J.J. Watt, DE (Texans): Signed six-year, $100MM extension in September.
Eligible for free agency in 2015:
- Dez Bryant, WR (Cowboys)
- Tashaun Gipson, S (Browns), restricted
- Stephen Gostkowski, K (Patriots)
- Justin Houston, OLB (Chiefs)
- Mike Iupati, G (49ers)
- John Kuhn, FB (Packers)
- DeMarco Murray, RB (Cowboys)
- Ndamukong Suh, DT (Lions)
- Demaryius Thomas, WR (Broncos)
- Julius Thomas, TE (Broncos)
Received Pro Bowl bonuses:
(via Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap)
- Mario Williams, DE (Bills): $400K
- Matt Slater, ST (Patriots): $300K
- Pat McAfee, P (Colts): $250K
- Josh Sitton, G (Packers): $250K escalator
- Kyle Williams, DT (Bills): $150K
- Kam Chancellor, S (Seahawks): $100K
- Joe Haden, CB (Browns): $100K
- Marcel Reece, FB (Raiders): $100K
- Darren Sproles, PR (Eagles): $100K
Perhaps the most interesting – or at least unusual – takeaway from this data is the abundance of cornerbacks on the first list. In fact, all eight cornerbacks initially named as Pro Bowlers (Davis, Grimes, Haden, Harris, Peterson, Revis, Sherman, and Talib) have signed new contracts, either extensions or free agent deals, since March. Rival teams hoping to get their hands on a Pro Bowl corner this offseason will have to focus on Revis — he’s the only one of the eight who can reasonably be expected to become available within the next few months, due to the structure of his contract with the Pats.
Data from Over the Cap was used in the creation of this post.
Extra Points: Colts, Ngata, Royal, Jets
Let’s take a look at some assorted notes from around the league as we wrap up this Saturday evening…
- While linebacker Jonathan Newsome has established himself this season with 4.5 sacks and eight quarterback hits, Mike Wells of ESPN.com says the Colts should still focus on selecting a pass-rusher in this year’s draft.
- Ravens rookie Timmy Jernigan has played well recently, and Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com writes that the defensive end’s play over the final two weeks may determine whether the team keeps Haloti Ngata. Baltimore can clear $8.5MM by releasing the former Pro Bowler.
- Chargers wideout Eddie Royal caught his 50th pass of the season during the first quarter of tonight’s matchup against the 49ers, activating a $500K bonus (via Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego on Twitter).
- Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News believes the Jets need a “culture change,” and the writer suggest owner Woody Johnson steals two members of a rival organization: Patriots player personnel director Nick Caserio and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
- As Black Monday approaches, Bob McManaman of AZCentral.com compiles a list of coaches who shouldn’t be comfortable with their job security: Jim Harbaugh (49ers), Marc Trestman (Bears), Tony Sparano (Raiders), Rex Ryan (Jets), Joe Philbin (Dolphins), Jay Gruden (Washington), Tom Coughlin (Giants), Mike Smith (Falcons), Ron Rivera (Panthers), Gus Bradley (Jaguars) and Ken Whisenhunt (Titans).
AFC South Notes: Colts, Jaguars, Daniels
Let’s round up a few Friday notes from around the AFC South….
- Despite dealing with some injuries to their receiving corps, the Colts aren’t likely to add any wideouts to the roster, per head coach Chuck Pagano (Twitter link via Mike Chappell of RTV6). Indianapolis’ tight ends give the club some flexibility to get away without a ton of active receivers.
- The Jaguars had a nice win over the division-rival Titans last night, but at just 3-12 for the season, head coach Gus Bradley knows there’s still plenty of work to do on the club’s roster. “I know we’re going to have to add some players in the draft and free agency to add our strengths,” Bradley said today, according to Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union (Twitter link).
- Those Jaguars at least will have plenty of flexibility to add players in free agency, as Joel Corry of CBSSports.com outlines, pointing out that Jacksonville has the most projected cap space for 2015, with over $61MM. Expect the Jags to be “very active” in free agency, says Corry, who notes that the Titans have the fifth-most projected cap room.
- With the Ravens preparing to play the Texans this weekend, with playoff hopes on the line, tight end Owen Daniels recalls that he was “shocked and extremely upset” when he learned that Houston was releasing him last year. John McClain of the Houston Chronicle has the details and the quotes from Daniels.
Practice Squad Updates: Wednesday
A number of practice squad players have received promotions to their respective clubs’ 53-man rosters this week, or have been signed by a rival club. As such, we should expect plenty of signings today, as teams fill in their openings. Here’s the latest:
- After his suspension was lifted by the league, fullback Nikita Whitlock signed on with the Giants‘ practice squad, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (via Twitter).
- Chargers taxi squad guard Craig Watts has been suspended four games for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances, according to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego (via Twitter). To replace him, the Bolts signed former San Diego State offensive lineman Bryce Quigley (link).
- Wide receiver and kick returner Greg Jenkins, who spent last season with the Raiders, has returned to the club, signing today with the taxi squad, per Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com (Twitter link). The team has since confirmed the signing, tweeting that defensive back Vernon Kearney has joined the practice squad as well.
- The Saints have filled the final opening on their practice squad by signing kicker Dustin Hopkins, head coach Sean Payton confirmed today to reporters (Twitter link via Chad Sabadie of FOX8).
Earlier updates:
- The Vikings have signed rookie guard Jordan McCray to their practice squad to fill the spot vacated when Ahmad Dixon received a promotion, tweets Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Minnesota will have another spot to fill after losing cornerback Chris Greenwood to the Ravens.
- In addition to making changes to their 53-man roster today, the Patriots also tweaked their practice squad, adding quarterback Garrett Gilbert, according to a team release.
- The Packers have filled out their practice squad by signing safety Jean Fanor to the unit, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Fanor played for the Arena League’s Tampa Bay Storm this year, setting a team record for tackles in a season.
- Former sixth-round guard Jon Halapio has signed with the Broncos‘ practice squad, per Ben Volin of the Boston Globe (via Twitter).
- Having entered the day with three openings on their practice squad, the Dolphins added a pair of players to the unit, signing defensive end Emmanuel Dieke and guard Mark Asper, according to Chris Perkins of the South Florida Sun Sentinel (via Twitter).
- The Falcons have filled the 10th and final spot on their practice squad by signing cornerback Jordan Mabin, the team announced today in a press release. The opening was created earlier in the week when the club promoted cornerback Ricardo Allen to the 53-man roster.
- The Steelers have also filled out their taxi squad, signing former South Carolina offensive lineman Ronald Patrick, tweets Burt Lauten, the team’s PR rep.
- Defensive back Varmah Sonie, who played this year for Portland’s Arena League team, has signed to the Buccaneers‘ practice squad, per Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com (Twitter link).
- The Panthers have signed linebacker Horace Miller to their practice squad, giving them a full 10-man unit, tweets David Newton of ESPN.com. Miller was cut by Carolina over the weekend and has since cleared waivers.
- Offensive tackle Tyler Hoover, who started the season with a brief stint on the Colts‘ practice squad and has since spent time with the Eagles as well, has rejoined Indianapolis’ squad, according to Mike Chappell of RTV6 (Twitter link).
AFC Notes: L.A., Dolphins, Workouts
The Chargers announced last night that the franchise would be remaining in San Diego for at least one more year, and that doesn’t appear to bode well for an NFL team landing in Los Angeles for the 2015 season, writes Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times. As Farmer writes, it’s “almost inconceivable” that Chargers owner Dean Spanos would make such an announcement so much earlier than necessary if he weren’t fairly confident that neither the Raiders nor the Rams would be moving to L.A. for 2015 either.
As we wait to see whether that’s indeed the case, let’s round up a few more notes from across the AFC….
- If the Dolphins finish strong and end up with a 9-7 record, the head coaching picture for the team is murky, writes Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. As Salguero explains, owner Stephen Ross won’t necessarily replace Joe Philbin for 2015 if he surveys the market and doesn’t identify anyone who would be a clear upgrade on Philbin.
- According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter), the Colts worked out a handful of players this week, including offensive lineman Terrael Williams, defensive back Demond Washington, and wide receivers Dan DePalma and John Chiles.
- Wilson also passes along the names of the players who auditioned for the Raiders this week (Twitter link): defensive back Malcolm Bronson, offensive tackle Chris Faulk, defensive back David Van Dyke, and offensive tackle Tyler Hoover, who signed with the Colts’ practice squad today.
- Defensive end Travis Chappelear tried out for the Chiefs yesterday, a source tells Wilson (Twitter link).
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News looks into whether the Bills might take a shot at Bears quarterback Jay Cutler at some point, if the underachieving signal-caller becomes available via trade or free agency.
Minor Moves: Monday
Here are Monday’s minor transactions from around the NFL, including practice squad signings and cuts, with the latest moves added to the top of the list throughout the day:
- Washington cut Chase Minnifield from injured reserve, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (via Twitter). Minnifield had been on IR ever since suffering a concussion in November.
- Tight end Gerell Robinson has received a promotion in Miami, as the Dolphins added him to their 53-man roster from the practice squad (Twitter link). To accommodate the move, tight end Gator Hoskins has been cut.
- The Rams have filled one of their two practice squad openings by signing defensive lineman Doug Worthington, per Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Twitter link).
- The Colts have promoted cornerback Sheldon Price from their practice squad to their active roster, the team announced today in a press release. To make room for Price, the club waived tackle Andrew McDonald.
Earlier updates:
- Although it appeared last month that cornerback Robert Alford would return this season after suffering a broken wrist, Falcons head coach Mike Smith confirmed today that Alford will have surgery on that wrist and is being placed on the team’s injured reserve list, tweets D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
- The Panthers have made a change on their defensive line, parting ways with defensive tackle Micanor Regis and signing fellow defensive tackle Kyle Love to take his place on their 53-man roster, according to the team (Twitter link). Carolina also re-added defensive end Frank Alexander to its roster following his suspension — the club receives a week-long roster exemption for Alexander, so nobody needs to be cut to accommodate him quite yet (Twitter link).
- As expected, in the wake of Drew Stanton‘s knee injury, the Cardinals have added a quarterback to their practice squad for emergency purposes. According to Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com (via Twitter), the team has added former Cornell signal-caller Jeff Mathews to its taxi squad, cutting linebacker Kion Wilson to create space.
AFC South Links: Jaguars, Wayne, Titans
Jaguars rookie Storm Johnson is finally going to get an opportunity to be the team’s featured running back. The seventh-rounder has been inactive for the past six weeks, but an injury to Denard Robinson has forced the 22-year-old into the lineup. Even without the injuries, the coaching staff was trying to find a way to promote their talented young player. Via Hays Carlyon of The Florida Times-Union:
“We were trying to find a way, regardless of the injury to D-Rob, to get Storm up,” said coach Gus Bradley. “I think it’s been based on the last couple weeks of practice. That’s what I’ve been talking to him about. It wasn’t because of injury that you’re getting this opportunity. We were talking to him about it anyway. He’s earned it.”
Johnson, who has compiled 64 rushing yards and two touchdowns this season, appreciated the recognition:
“It meant a lot that my hard work has been noticed. People have been watching me. It makes me want to work harder and do what I’ve been doing.”
Let’s see what else is happening in the AFC South…
- ESPN.com’s Mike Wells can’t envision the Colts letting go of Reggie Wayne at the conclusion of the season. Instead, he suggests the team should let the veteran make his own decision, since he’ll likely retire when his tenure with the Colts is finished. “This is what I am. This is what I believe in,” Wayne told Wells. “I’ve been here this long, I just don’t see myself anywhere else. This is where I want to finish. At the end of the day, when it’s all said and done, whenever that day is, I just want to be wearing blue and white. That’s just what I want to do.”
- Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com previews the Titans‘ tops needs in free agency, focusing on a pass-rushing linebacker and help on the offensive line. The writer adds that the team will not be afraid to spend.
- John Glennon of The Tennessean collects the opinions of various NFL pundits regarding the future of Zach Mettenberger. All of the analysts believe the rookie will certainly be in the running to be the Titans quarterback of the future. However, none would be surprised if the team pursued a veteran in free agency or another young player in the draft.
- Following news that offensive lineman Michael Oher was placed on the injured reserve, Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean tweets his belief that the tackle’s tenure with the Titans is over.
AFC South Notes: Wayne, Jaguars, Titans
As the Colts prepare to try to lock up the AFC South by defeating the Texans this coming Sunday, let’s round up a few Friday notes from out of the division….
- If Reggie Wayne retires after this season, he’ll stay retired, as Zak Keefer of the Indy Star writes. “Whatever the decision is, that will be the decision,” the Colts wide receiver said. “I won’t do the whole Brett Favre thing.“
- The Jaguars are in no rush to move running back Denard Robinson to injured reserve, even though his season is over, since any call-up would be inactive this Sunday anyway, says Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union (Twitter links). Robinson will likely be placed on IR before next week’s game against the Titans, allowing Jacksonville to see if there are any positions requiring additions following Week 15’s game against the Ravens.
- There are no easy answers for the Titans, but declaring Zach Mettenberger the Titans’ No. 1 quarterback for 2015 based on his body of work would be foolish, opines David Climer of The Tennessean. Climer would rather see the Titans be open to the draft or the free agent pool, even if the offseason’s crop of available QBs is not all that appealing.
- With injuries to their top two right tackles, the Titans could wind up starting Terren Jones, who was signed last week off the Ravens’ practice squad, or Jamon Meredith, who signed as a free agent earlier this week, writes John Glennon of The Tennessean.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
AFC Notes: Browns, McCourty, Miller
Let’s check in on a few Monday morning links from around the AFC….
- In his latest notes post at CBSSports.com, Jason La Canfora touches on a handful of topics, suggesting the Colts should take a flier on Ray Rice, speculating that the Dolphins could make an offseason run at Jim Harbaugh, and arguing that the Chiefs need to consider quarterback options besides Alex Smith for 2015.
- It’s time for the Browns to make the switch from Brian Hoyer to Johnny Manziel for the rest of the season, so the team can see what it has for the future, says Tom Reed of the Northeast Ohio Media Group. If Cleveland is going to start Manziel in Week 15, head coach Mike Pettine and the club should make the decision swiftly and announce it soon, rather than letting it linger until the middle of the week again, writes Pat McManamon of ESPN.com.
- Hoyer earns a spot on Jason Fitzgerald’s “Stock Down” piece at OverTheCap.com for the second consecutive week, with Fitzgerald suggesting that if the Browns signal-caller gets a chance to start next year, it will likely just be as a stopgap for a team developing a young quarterback. Fitzgerald also writes that the recent play of Titans cornerback Jason McCourty has made him a reasonable candidate to be cut during the offseason.
- On the other hand, Percy Harvin‘s performance on Sunday could make the Jets think long and hard about guaranteeing his “bloated” 2015 salary, given the team’s lack of big-play talent on offense, says Fitzgerald in his “Stock Up” post.
- Appearing on WSVN in Miami, agent Drew Rosenhaus said yesterday that it’s disappointing the Dolphins don’t use his client – running back Lamar Miller – more often, tweets Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. Miller has one year remaining on his rookie contract after this season.