Chiefs Sign Mike McGlynn
THURSDAY, 1:04pm: Per ESPN.com’s Adam Caplan (via Twitter), McGlynn’s one-year deal is worth $1.125MM, and counts $925K against the cap. That sounds like it’s more than a minimum salary contract, so I’d guess the discrepancy between the total figure and the cap number means it includes some incentives.
WEDNESDAY, 9:58am: The Chiefs have made a move in the hopes of fortifying their offensive line, signing free agent guard Mike McGlynn to a contract, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). The club has waived offensive lineman Ben Gottschalk to make room on the 75-man roster for the new addition, tweets Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star.
McGlynn, 29, was brought in by the Redskins as a free agent back in March and received $200K in guaranteed money on a two-year deal with the team. The former fourth-round pick, who had been the Colts’ primary right guard for the last two seasons, was expected to compete for a starting role in Washington, but struggled in training camp and the preseason and lost his grip on a roster spot. He was released yesterday.
For Kansas City, McGlynn figures to vie for playing time on an offensive line that took a significant hit in free agency — 2013 regulars Branden Albert, Geoff Schwartz, and Jon Asamoah all signed with new teams this offseason. Additionally, starting right tackle Donald Stephenson was hit with a four-game suspension and will miss the first month of the season.
AFC Notes: Alex Smith, Lindell, Ravens, Pats
Alex Smith has indicated that he would prefer not to let extension talks bleed into the regular season, but with Week 1 fast approaching and no agreement in place yet, the Chiefs quarterback told Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star yesterday that he didn’t have a specific deadline in mind for ending negotiations.
“I wish I had an answer for you,” Smith said. “I feel like I’ve kind of been locked into games and practicing. With camp winding down here, preseason winding down, certainly we’ll see. But sorry. No answer for you today.”
As we wait to see if Smith and the Chiefs can agree on a new deal before the team begins its season, let’s check in on a few other notes from around the AFC…
- We heard yesterday that ex-Cardinals kicker Jay Feely would be working out for the Titans this week, and Alex Marvez of FOX Sports says (via Twitter) that Rian Lindell will also be a part of that audition. Brazilian youngster Maikon Bonani currently sits at the top of the team’s depth chart, but he has yet to attempt a regular-season NFL kick, so Tennessee may be seeking a veteran alternative.
- While a deal isn’t necessarily likely, it sounds as if the Ravens are keeping their trade options open, as Aaron Wilson and Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun detail. In the view of Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com, the fact that Baltimore restructured Lardarius Webb‘s deal is notable and could signal that another move is forthcoming, since the team usually tries to avoid reworking contracts.
- According to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link), Tom Brady wasn’t overly pleased with the Patriots‘ decision to trade Logan Mankins to Tampa Bay. However, Cole suggests that it should only take a day or two for Brady to move past it.
- The Patriots‘ trade of Mankins is the latest example of the lack of sentimentality the team has for its long-tenured veterans, writes Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. Although Mankins probably has some good years left in him, the Pats likely concluded he wasn’t worth carrying on an eight-digit cap number, says Volin.
- Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star lays out the pros and cons for the Colts hypothetically signing free agent guard Richie Incognito.
- Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News takes a look at Reggie McKenzie‘s track record since joining the Raiders, suggesting that the general manager hasn’t brought in many impact players since taking over the reins.
Extra Points: HGH, Incognito, Jammer, Welker
The NFL and the NFLPA have yet to come to an agreement on how to institute HGH testing for the league’s players, but according to a new survey conducted by ESPN, most players would be willing to sign off on HGH testing in exchange for guaranteed contracts.
As Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com details, 82 current players were asked which concession they’d make if it meant earning guaranteed contracts, like those in Major League Baseball. 63% of the respondents said they’d submit to HGH testing, while the other options – an 18-games schedule (17%), free agency after five years instead of four (14%), and more offseason practices (6%) – garnered less support.
While the results of the survey are interesting, they may ultimately be moot, as the NFL is unlikely to agree to fully guaranteed contracts for any reason. Here’s more from around the NFL:
- If the Buccaneers decide not to sign free agent guard Richie Incognito, there are a couple teams that would be willing to do so, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (via Twitter). As Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune tweets, Tampa Bay GM Jason Licht said the team’s meeting with Incognito went well and that he remains an option, but no move is imminent.
- Veteran free agent Quentin Jammer doesn’t intend to retire this year, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN, who tweets that the longtime Chargers cornerback is hoping to play for at least another season.
- Albert Breer of the NFL Network (Twitter link) hears that retirement isn’t currently an option being considered by Wes Welker, and that the Broncos receiver was feeling better yesterday after sustaining a concussion in the team’s most recent preseason contest.
- A league source tells Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (Twitter link) that the Chiefs are mulling the possibility of keeping two kickers on their roster. While carrying a second kicker may not be the best use of a regular season roster spot, Kansas City has two solid options in Ryan Succop and Cairo Santos, so the team may not want to lose one for nothing.
Chiefs Waive Three, Down To 75 Players
The Chiefs have become the ninth team in the NFL to get down to 75 players in advance of this afternoon’s deadline, announcing in a press release that they’ve waived tackle Ryan McKee, cornerback Kevin Rutland, and cornerback Damond Smith.
Of the three players cut today by Kansas City, only Rutland has previous NFL regular season experience, having spent time with the Jaguars in 2011 and 2012. McKee and Smith signed with the club earlier in the offseason, and weren’t expected to challenge for 53-man roster spots.
The latest series of roster moves by the Chiefs comes on the heels of the team removing 10 players from its active roster yesterday after having made two cuts on Sunday.
Chiefs Release Nine Players, Place Commings On IR
Teams still have about 31 hours to trim their rosters to 75 players, and the Chiefs are getting an early start on the process by releasing nine players this morning, the team announced in a press release. Kansas City also placed second-year safety Sanders Commings on injured reserve, ending his season.
- Deon Anthony, WR
- Jairus Campbell, DL
- Jermelle Cudjo, DT
- Weston Dressler, WR
- Otis Hudson, G
- Jerrell Jackson, WR
- Brandon Jones, CB
- Jeron McMillian, CB
- Daryl Surgent, WR
The Chiefs’ roster count sits at 78, meaning they need to make three more transactions before tomorrow’s 3pm deadline.
Minor Moves: Sunday
Here are Sunday’s minor transactions from around the NFL, with the latest moves added to the top of the page throughout the day:
- The Falcons have placed G Mike Johnson and LB Marquis Spruill on their injured reserve list, per ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure (Twitter links).
- The Bears have cut return man Darius Reynaud, tweets Wilson. Reynaud was signed by Chicago on August 18.
- CB Vernon Kearney has been cut by the Chiefs, according to Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (on Twitter).
Earlier Updates:
- The Chiefs have cut tight end Adam Schiltz, tweets Wilson. Schiltz was claimed off waivers from the Titans in July.
- The Panthers have cut WR Tiquan Underwood, who signed a two-year deal with the club back in March, writes Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. The team also released WR Toney Clemons, according to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. The fact that Underwood and Clemons could not crack Carolina’s fairly thin receiving corps does not speak well of their chances to land another job in the league this season.
AFC Notes: McPhee, Hurns, Amaro, Mack
Ravens outside linebacker Pernell McPhee is a player to watch in tonight’s third preseason game against the Redskins, says Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun: “Healthy this year after having no surgeries this offseason — unlike previous years when he’s undergone groin and knee procedures — the Ravens’ outside linebacker has been one of the best pass rushers in the NFL this preseason with one sack and five quarterback hurries. McPhee appears to have recaptured his rookie form from 2011 when he finished second on the Ravens with six sacks.” Meanwhile, ESPN’s Jaymison Hensley points out that McPhee is in the final year of his rookie deal, meaning the Ravens should benefit from healthy, motivated player seeking a contract extension.
Here’s a roundup of more links from around the AFC:
- T.J. Graham is the Bills’ top “bubble” player, says ESPN’s Mike Rodak: “With six receivers already considered locks for the 53-man roster, Graham might need an injury to make the cut. However, he can make a strong push for a job with another team with a good outing Saturday. Graham saw more time with the first-team offense as training camp progressed, and with Sammy Watkins not expected to play Saturday, Graham should have chances to catch passes from starting quarterback EJ Manuel. The Bills will need to make a decision on Graham shortly after Saturday’s game. Would they release him early and allow him time to catch on elsewhere? Or do they hold onto him and try to get him back on their practice squad, now that he is eligible under the NFL’s new rules?”
- With Donald Stephenson facing a four-game suspension and Joe Mays injured, the competition for replacement snaps at right tackle and inside linebacker is something to watch in the Chiefs’ third preseason game, writes Terez Paylor in the KC Star.
- The Broncos are in need of a punt returner following the torn ACL suffered by Jordan Norwood. Isaiah Burse will get the first chance to claim the role, according to an AP story.
- The Jaguars used a pair of second-round picks on receivers, but undrafted free agent Allen Hurns has been the best rookie in camp, writes Hays Carlyon in the Florida Times-Union: “The question now isn’t if Hurns makes the 53-man roster. He’s a virtual lock, a difficult position for an undrafted rookie to work his way to after three games. . . Hurns has put himself in position to perhaps start opposite Cecil Shorts when the Jaguars open the regular season at Philadelphia on Sept. 7.”
- Jace Amaro is impressing Rex Ryan. Speaking about the rookie tight end, Ryan told the New York Post’s Brian Costello, “I told you guys he reminds me of [Mike] Ditka the more I see him. The kid gets better and better and better. That’s the thing you love about this guy.” Amaro had four catches and a touchdown last night against the Giants.
- Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack looked worthy of the No. 5 overall selection last night, according to Marcus Thompson II of the San Jose Mercury-News.
- Raiders running back Kory Sheets (Achilles) is out for the season. Sheets broke the news himself via Twitter. As a result, Latavius Murray will begin the season as the team’s primary kick returner.
- A pair of young veterans — Dontay Moch and Orson Charles — could be candidates for the Bengals’ practice squad, speculates ESPN’s Cole Harvey, who says “coaches have grown tired of the Charles experiment and are all-in on undrafted rookie free agent Ryan Hewitt.”
Justin Houston Expected To Play Out Contract
2:40 PM: Houston’s negotiations could be pushed along if another top pass rusher secures a new contract to set the market, according to Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star (via Twitter). Either the Texans’ J.J. Watt or the Rams’ Robert Quinn could be in line for an extension soon, that would serve as a guideline to the annual salary a terrorizing pass rusher is worth.
12:20 PM: Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston had hoped to sign a new contract with the team before the regular season gets underway, but the two sides remain so far apart in negotiations that there’s virtually no chance of an agreement within the next couple weeks, reports Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter). According to La Canfora, Houston will play out his current deal, which expires at season’s end.
Houston, 25, has racked up 21 sacks in 27 games for the Chiefs in the last two seasons, earning spots in consecutive Pro Bowls. The Georgia product ranked as the league’s best all-around 3-4 outside linebacker in 2013, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), scoring positive grades against the run, in pass coverage, and as a pass rusher. However, since he was a third-round pick in 2011 and didn’t have a fifth-year option on his contract, Houston is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will earn a base salary of just $1.4MM in 2014.
La Canfora had previously reported earlier in August that Houston and the Chiefs were far apart in contract talks, so it appears not much progress has been made in recent weeks. As the CBSSports.com scribe notes (via Twitter), quarterback Alex Smith is also still without an extension, so if the Chiefs don’t lock him up either, the team could face a tough decision at year’s end on which player gets the franchise tag.
Donald Stephenson Suspended Four Games
The Chiefs’ offensive line took another hit today, as the team confirmed that offensive lineman Donald Stephenson has been suspended for four games. According to Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (via Twitter), the penalty is for a violation of the league’s policy on performance enhancing substances.
Stephenson, who started 14 of the 32 games he played for the Chiefs in his first two seasons with the team, was penciled in as the team’s starting right tackle heading into the 2014 campaign. Having lost regulars like Branden Albert, Geoff Schwartz, and Jon Asamoah in free agency, Kansas City has some question marks on its line this year, and now will have to incorporate yet another new starter, with Stephenson out of the mix for the first month. Former Texan Ryan Harris, who signed a month ago, looks like he’ll be next in line at right tackle, though the Chiefs’ remaining preseason action should help determine that definitively.
Addressing Stephenson’s suspension, the team released a succinct statement this afternoon: “This morning the NFL notified the team of Donald Stephenson’s four-game suspension. Obviously losing Donald is disappointing, but we are in full compliance with the league’s policy. We will have no further comment on the situation.”
AFC Notes: Hill, Burleson, Flowers, CJ2K
The Jets don’t sound like they’re ready to give up on 2012 second round pick Stephen Hill and cut him, writes Brian Costello of the New York Post. “I was pleased with his progress [last year] up until he got nicked and then he got nicked again,” Mornhinweg said. “This year he was even more impressive in the offseason and through training camp, with a few exceptions. There were a couple of days there. So, he’s coming along. And in many cases, this is what happens, at all positions, but especially at the receiver position, that third year they make a pretty good jump. That’s what we’re looking for there.” More out of the AFC..
- Browns free agent addition Nate Burleson hopes that his strained hamstring won’t keep him off the final roster, writes George M. Thomas of the Akron Beacon Journal. Burleson was held out of Monday’s tilt against Washington and the plan now is for him to play Saturday against the Rams. Meanwhile, Burleson says he’s anxious to learn the outcome of Josh Gordon‘s case.
- There were rumblings that cornerback Brandon Flowers didn’t want to play on the inside in Kansas City, but he’s playing inside and out without complaint for the Chargers, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
- Some may be questioning how much new Jets running back Chris Johnson has in the tank, but you won’t find any of those skeptics in green and white. “Oh yeah, he still has it,’’ linebacker David Harris said, according to Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post. “We noticed it the first day when we were in Cortland. He’s still the fastest guy on the field. He’s still got a lot of juice in those legs.’’