Minor Moves: Friday
Here are today’s minor transactions from around the NFL, with any additional moves added to the top of the list throughout the day:
- Wide receiver Damian Williams has signed a futures deal with the Rams, per Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (via Twitter). A former third-round pick, Williams spent some time on both St. Louis’ and Miami’s 53-man rosters this season.
- Washington has signed strong safety Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith and nose tackle LaKendrick Ross to reserve/futures contracts, according to Zac Boyer of The Washington Times (via Twitter). Cromartie-Smith was with Washington in training camp, while Ross, whose signing was reported earlier in the week, worked out for the club late in the regular season.
West Notes: Shanahan, Gase, 49ers, Fangio
Adam Gase and Mike Shanahan have several striking similarities — both are sharp offensive minds, have been employed by the Broncos, and most newsworthy, will be interviewed by the 49ers for their head coaching vacancy this weekend. According to Mike Klis of the Denver Post, Gase, Denver’s offensive coordinator, will meet with the Niners and the Falcons on Friday, before interviewing for the Bears’ HC position on Sunday. San Francisco’s decision-makers, owner Jed York and GM Trent Baalke, will also visit with Shanahan, who resides in the Denver area. Here’s more from the West divisions…
- The 49ers have a busy weekend ahead of them, as the club will also interview former Jets head coach Rex Ryan on Sunday, according to Kimberly Jones of NFL.com (via Twitter). Ryan, who is also a candidate for the Falcons job, could have leg up for the SF gig because he “loves” Colin Kaepernick, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (Twitter link).
- While their focus is on finding a new head coach, the 49ers could be on the verge of losing several key assistants. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio would like to be a head coach, and could opt to pursue other options if he’s passed over for the San Francisco job, reports Matt Barrows of the San Francisco Bee (via Twitter). Washington is interested in interviewing Fangio for its vacant DC position, but as he’s still in the mix for SF’s top job, they haven’t yet been granted permission to speak with him, tweets Mike Jones of the Washington Post. Washington wanted to meet with Fangio last year regarding its HC gig, but didn’t get the opportunity because of San Francisco’s extended playoff run, per Barrows (on Twitter).
- Meanwhile, Washington has been granted permission to speak to two other assistant coaches about its defensive coordinator job, and both are currently employed by West division clubs. Chargers linebackers coach Joe Barry and 49ers secondary coach Ed Donatell will meet with Washington as the team looks to replace Jim Haslett, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN (Twitter link).
- 49ers defensive line coach Jim Tomsula is a candidate for the team’s head coaching position, and if he is promoted to the top job, he’ll look to bring in Raiders defensive coordinator Jason Tarver for the same position in San Francisco, reports Tim Kawakami of the Mercury News (via Twitter), who notes that Fangio wouldn’t be interested in remaining on staff under Tomsula.
- Rams head coach Jeff Fisher told reporters, including Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com, that he doesn’t expect to make any changes to his coaching staff.
Rob DiRe contributed to this post.
NFC Notes: Cruz, Bradford, Carter, Harbaugh
Uh oh. “You’ve got to prepare as if, ‘What if Victor Cruz doesn’t come back?’ ’’ Giants GM Jerry Reese said Tuesday when looking ahead to 2015, according to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. “If you are a personnel guy, or a general manager, that is always in the back of your head. What if this guy doesn’t come back and be the player that we think he is?’’ While the Giants ponder the possibility of a season without a healthy Victor Cruz, let’s take a look around the NFC..
- Rams coach Jeff Fisher told reporters, including Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com (via Twitter) that there will be a quarterback competition next year. A quarterback from outside the building will compete with the talented but oft-injured Sam Bradford for the top job.
- Duron Carter, the son of Hall of Famer Cris Carter, had his first NFL visit today when met with the Buccaneers, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com tweets. Carter is also scheduled to visit the Vikings, Chiefs, and Colts on the first leg of the tour. If he does not sign this week, a second leg of visits could include visits with the Ravens, Seahawks, 49ers, and Cardinals (link). La Canfora adds that there’s lots of interest in the wide receiver.
- Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee gives the University of Michigan some operating instructions for their brand new coach, Jim Harbaugh. The polarizing 49ers coach left to join up with his alma mater this week.
- While the Lions waited to hear about Ndamukong Suh‘s fate, they worked out defensive tackles Jermelle Cudjo and Ogemdi Nwagbuo on Tuesday, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com. Fortunately for Detroit, Suh won his appeal and will be in the lineup on Sunday against Dallas.
- Sid Hartman of the Star-Tribune believes that former first-round pick Christian Ponder will start once again the NFL. Ponder was once the main guy for the Vikings but it seems unlikely that he will return to them in free agency this offseason.
Rams Sign Seven To Futures Contracts
Earlier today, the Rams announced that they have signed seven players to reserve/futures contracts. Here’s the full list, courtesy of USA Today’s Howard Balzer (on Twitter)..
- Steven Baker, T
- Emory Blake, WR
- Travis Bond, G/T
- Christian Bryant, S
- Marshall McFadden, LB
- Doug Worthington, DL
- Devon Wylie, WR
All seven of the signees above were previously on St. Louis’ practice squad. Two members of the Rams’ taxi squad, defensive tackle Matt Conrath and tight end Brad Smelley, were not signed.
Extra Points: Suh, David, Accorsi, Draft
Lions star Ndamukong Suh has a chance of winning the appeal of his suspension, Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk writes. If Suh can win the appeal, he’ll be in action for Sunday’s playoff game against the Cowboys. While we wait to see how that plays out, let’s take a look at more news from around the NFL..
- Discussing linebacker Lavonte David, Buccaneers GM Jason Licht said the team would “like to lock him up now,” tweets Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune, adding that negotiations on a new deal are underway. The 2012 second-round pick becomes extension-eligible this offseason for the first time.
- The Bears announced today that they’ve hired former Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi as a consultant as the team searches for a new GM and head coach, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Meanwhile, team president and CEO Ted Phillips confirmed today that besides offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer, whose contract was terminated, all of the other Bears assistants are still with the team (Twitter link). That includes defensive coordinator Mel Tucker.
- Texas defensive tackle Malcom Brown and Arkansas defensive tackle Darius Philon may be playing their final college games tonight, according to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (Twitter link), who says both players are leaning toward entering the 2015 draft. The two players’ teams square off in the Texas Bowl.
- Former star NFL wideout Cris Carter indicated today (via Twitter) that his son, CFL receiver Duron Carter, will visit the Colts on January 5 and the Vikings on January 9.
- According to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (all Twitter links), Carter isn’t the only notable CFL player drawing significant NFL attention. Caplan reports that Hamilton Tiger-Cats cornerback Delvin Breaux has 18 teams interested in bringing him in for a visit and/or a workout, including the Eagles, Patriots, Texans, Jaguars, Dolphins, Cardinals, Steelers, Lions, 49ers, and Broncos.
- Utah offensive lineman Jeremiah Poutasi announced that he will enter the 2015 draft, as Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports tweets. Poutasi projects as a mid-round prospect.
Luke Adams contributed to this post.
Draft Order Set For Non-Playoff Teams
The 2015 NFL Draft is looking clearer now, after the Ravens clinched the final playoff seed in the AFC. That means the 20 teams to miss the playoffs have their orders set.
The Chiefs will pick right after the Chargers based on divisional tiebreakers.
The first 20 picks are as follows, based on overall record and strength of schedule, according to Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com.
- Buccaneers
- Titans
- Jaguars
- Raiders
- Washington
- Jets
- Bears
- Falcons
- Giants
- Rams
- Vikings
- Browns
- Saints
- Dolphins
- 49ers
- Texans
- Chargers
- Chiefs
- Browns (from Bills, via trade)
- Eagles
Extra Points: Haslett, Rams, Lions, Draft
Let’s take a look at some notes from around the league on this Christmas evening…
- Washington defensive coordinator Jim Haslett certainly has an uncertain future, but the coach told ESPN.com’s John Keim that he’s only focused on the holiday season. “Whatever happens, happens,” Haslett said.
- This upcoming offseason will be key for the Rams, writes Joan Niesen of SI.com. According to the writer, the organization’s claim that they’re one year away from contention is getting “stale,” but the team showed flashes of dominance this season. Solidifying an inconsistent offense would be key for the team’s turnaround, opines Niesen.
- Lions left guard Rob Sims has been a consistent presence on the Lions’ offensive line, and Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press writes that the upcoming free agent has been “making a late-season contract-year push.” “I think early in the season I was trying to overcome some stuff and dealing with some stuff and I got over it,” Sims said. “I was struggling a little bit, but I would never use that as an excuse. I’ll take my lick. I think I returned to form shortly after that, after the first Minnesota game…I feel like I’ve returned to form, so I think that’s me.”
- The State’s Josh Kendall tweets that South Carolina running back Mike Davis will be entering the NFL Draft. The junior rushed for 927 yards and nine touchdowns this past season.
- Yahoo’s Rand Getlin tweets that MSU defensive lineman Shilique Calhoun could be entering the upcoming draft. The player’s mother has been meeting with a variety of agents, and Getlin says the player is considering leaving school. However, Getlin also tweets that some believe Calhoun will ultimately stick around for his senior season.
NFC Links: Bradford, Crabtree, Foster
A variety of factors will go into the offseason decision-making for the Rams, but with the defense clicking on all cylinders and the team playing themselves out of a high draft pick, the team’s best course of action may be to retain Sam Bradford, writes Joan Niesen of Sports Illustrated.
It would take too much for the Rams to trade for a quarterback or move up in the draft, and hoping for a healthy and consistent season from Bradford could be the best move for them if they hope to compete in the NFC West next season.
Here are some other links from around the NFC:
- The 49ers will have to make a decision on whether or not to keep Michael Crabtree with the team going forward, and the former first-round pick is excited to reach this offseason, writes Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. “I can’t wait to see what’s next, the next chapter in my career,” said Crabtree. “I’m going to go hard every day. I’m going to go hard every year, try to get better. Try to maximize my talent.”
- Buccaneers‘ linebacker Mason Foster is also set to hit free agency, but is looking forward to remaining with the team in 2015 and beyond, writes Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com. “I definitely want to stay in Tampa,’’ Foster said. “Both my sons were born in Tampa. I’ve got a lot of ties down here, and I love Tampa. It would be great. It would be amazing to stay here. But football is a business so you know there’s a chance you won’t be here.’’
- The Lions will be without center Dominic Raiola this weekend against the Packers with the lineman suspended for the game, but the team is confident in backup Travis Swanson, writes Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com. Raiola surely would love Swanson to play well as the Lions beat the Packers to win the division, but as an impending free agent, his leverage would be much better were Swanson to struggle to replace him.
- The Eagles are slated to be selecting around 20th in the 2015 NFL draft, and Jared Sherman of CSNPhilly.com has already taken a look at what players they could consider selecting in his first mock draft. Sherman has the team targeting a cornerback, going with Marcus Peters out of Washington. The way the Eagles have been burned by Dez Bryant and DeSean Jackson the past two weeks, it is no surprise Sherman sees corner as the team’s top priority.
Extra Points: Barkley, Raiders, Wagner
Let’s take a look at some assorted notes from around the league as we wrap up this Christmas Eve…
- As Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com points out, the Cowboys owe the Ravens a sixth round pick to complete the Rolando McClain trade. Since the linebacker played more than 50 percent of his team’s defensive snaps, the Cowboys will send off their pick and receive a seventh-rounder in return.
- Chip Kelly told reports that he believes quarterback Matt Barkley has a future with the Eagles, and Zach Berman of The Philadelphia Inquirer tweets that this would be a good weekend for the 24-year-old to prove his coach right.
- Raiders quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo could be a “strong candidate” to become the next offensive coordinator for the University of Pittsburgh, according to Fox Sports (via ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson).
- Cardinals coach Bruce Arians is among those questioning the 49ers for wanting to move on from Jim Harbaugh. “It’s very shocking to me,” Arians said (via Matt Maiocco CSNBayArea.com). “Jimmy’s done an unbelievable job. The fact that one bad season shouldn’t deter from what they’ve built there. And I think they have had pretty much everything you want culture-wise in place there. And the wins and losses speak for themselves.”
- Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner drew interest from the Rams during the 2012 draft, and the third-year pro revealed that he was expecting to call St. Louis home. “I remember everything was great,” Wagner said (via ESPN.com’s Nick Wagoner). “I talked to them before I knew they were very interested and I felt like if I wasn’t going to be in Seattle or whoever had the pick before that I was going to end there. I didn’t know what was going to happen, but I could definitely tell through the conversations that we were having and just the vibe that they really wanted me to be there. I actually got a text right before I got drafted by the Seahawks from the (Rams) linebackers coach, but I’m happy where I’m at.”
Goodell: No Teams To L.A. For 2015
Fans hoping to see a Los Angeles franchise will have to wait a bit longer. ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweets that the Chargers, Raiders and Rams were notified by Roger Goodell that they will not be relocating to the City of Angels for the 2015 season. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com writes that the league wants to first secure a stadium site, with three locations leading the way: Hollywood Park, the city of Carson, and AEG’s site in downtown LA. The league could ultimately choose a pair of sites, as Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com notes the general belief that two teams will eventually move to the city.
We heard earlier this week that the Chargers and Rams were in a “race” to secure a franchise in Los Angeles, but the optimism about a switch waned as the week continued. The Chargers revealed yesterday that they would not be terminating their lease in San Diego, and the Rams were expected to make a similar announcement. Rapoport notes that the Rams have until the end of January to make a decision regarding their lease in St. Louis.
Meanwhile, Raiders owner Mark Davis previously told Rapoport that the organization is focusing it’s energy on staying in Oakland. ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson believes the team will now sign a one-year lease to stay at the Coliseum, but will pursue a move to Los Angeles for the 2016 season (Twitter links). Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle tweets that Davis is “open” to being one of two teams to relocate to the city.