Johnny Patrick

Extra Points: Chiefs, Sam, Ravens

The football world is abuzz over Jay Gruden‘s decision to bench Robert Griffin III, but the quarterback is taking a diplomatic approach to the situation. “Coach’s decision,” Griffin said when asked about the move, according to John Keim of ESPN.com. “I’m here to help this team win.” This is a lost season for Washington, but the decision to go with Colt McCoy raises all sorts of questions about their future. More from around the NFL..

  • The Chiefs worked out defensive backs Ellis Lankster, DeMarcus Van Dyke, and Johnny Patrick, a league source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (via Twitter). Both Lankster and Patrick are former Jets. Lankster, 27, has 47 NFL games to his credit between 2009-2013. He auditioned for the Lions and Panthers this fall but he has yet to find an NFL home since his release from the Jets in September.
  • Montreal Alouettes GM Jim Popp said that Michael Sam was close to joining the team with three weeks to go in the CFL season, tweets David William Naylor of TSN. Maggie Hendricks of USA Today identified the Bears and Lions as a couple of clubs that might have interest in the linebacker earlier this month, but no one has signed him since he was dropped from the Cowboys’ practice squad.
  • The Ravens were smart to listen to Kirk Ferentz when they took a chance and drafted offensive guard Marshal Yanda, writes Childs Walker of The Baltimore Sun. In fact, Walker argues that Yanda is quietly becoming one of the greatest players in Ravens history. “He’s definitely one of the best linemen in the league,” said Steve Palazzolo, a senior analyst for Pro Football Focus. “He can play the power game and maul people but then you see some of the reach blocks he makes, and he moves awfully quickly over a short space.”

Jets Cut Stephen Hill, Eight Others

The Jets have already cut nine players this afternoon, and there are certainly some notable names in the group. According to the New York Post’s Brian Costello (via Twitter), former second-round pick Stephen Hill is on his way out. The 23-year-old has disappointed since entering the league in 2012, but there’s a good chance he’ll have an opportunity to catch on with another team.

The New York Daily News’ Manish Mehta also reports (via Twitter) that running back Daryl Richardson will be released. However, based on the new practice squad rules, ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini thinks there’s a chance that Richardson could stick around (via Twitter).

Below is the full list of the team’s moves:

Additionally, Costello tweets that linebacker Antwan Barnes will likely start the season on the physically unable to perform list.

Jets Claim Johnny Patrick Off Waivers

The Jets have been awarded cornerback Johnny Patrick off waivers, according to Brian McIntyre (via Twitter). Patrick was cut by the Chargers yesterday.

Patrick, 25, started four games for San Diego last season and appeared in 13 total contests, recording 38 tackles, 1.5 sacks, an interception, and a negative overall grade (-7.6), according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics. While his results on the field in 2013 were middling, Patrick is a former third-round pick and his contract is very low risk — he’s slated to earn the minimum for 2014, with a modest $55K workout bonus.

Chargers Cut Johnny Patrick

In addition to releasing fullback Le’Ron McClain and cornerback Derek Cox, the Chargers have also cut cornerback Johnny Patrick, the club announced today (Twitter link via Ricky Henne of Chargers.com).

Patrick, 25, was drafted by the Saints in the third round of the 2011 draft and spent two seasons with the club before being cut and claimed off waivers by the Chargers. The 25-year-old started four games for San Diego last season and appeared in 13 overall contests, recording 38 tackles, 1.5 sacks, an interception, and a negative overall grade (-7.6), according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics.

The cap savings for the Chargers will be minimal, as Patrick had been slated to earn the minimum salary, plus a $55K workout bonus.