Wednesday NFL Transactions: AFC North
Following the 53-man roster cutdown deadline Tuesday, many teams will make slight tweaks to their rosters. In addition to waiver claims, teams can begin constructing their 16-man practice squads today. These Bengals, Browns, Ravens and Steelers moves are noted below.
Cincinnati Bengals
Claimed:
Waived:
Signed to practice squad:
- DT Domenique Davis, RB Demetric Felton, CB Allan George, C Nate Gilliam, QB Will Grier, DE Jeff Gunter, LB Shaka Heyward, TE Tanner Hudson, WR Shedrick Jackson, CB Sidney Jones, G Jaxson Kirkland, WR Kwamie Lassiter II, WR Stanley Morgan, LB Tyler Murray, S Michael Thomas
Baltimore Ravens
Claimed:
Waived:
Signed to practice squad:
- QB Anthony Brown, G Tykeem Doss, RB Melvin Gordon (story) CB Jeremy Lucien, G Tashawn Manning, FB Ben Mason, LB Jeremiah Moon, C Sam Mustipher, DT Rayshad Nichols, LB Josh Ross, WR Sean Ryan, WR Laquon Treadwell, TE Travis Vokolek, S Daryl Worley, RB Owen Wright
Cleveland Browns
Claimed:
Placed on IR:
Waived:
- CB A.J. Green
Signed to practice squad:
- CB Lorenzo Burns, WR Jaelon Darden, G Michaell Dunn, RB Hassan Hall, K Lucas Havrisik, DT Trysten Hill, DE Sam Kamara, T Alex Leatherwood (story), S Tanner McCalister, TE Zaire Mitchell-Paden, DE Lonnie Phelps, LB Charlie Thomas, DE Isaiah Thomas, QB P.J. Walker, WR Austin Watkins
Pittsburgh Steelers
Released:
Claimed:
Waived:
Signed to practice squad:
- CB Luq Barcoo, RB Greg Bell, CB Anthony Brown (story) DL Breiden Fehoko, WR Dez Fitzpatrick, DL Jonathan Marshall, LB David Perales, S Trenton Thompson, TE Rodney Williams
Minor NFL Transactions: 3/13/23
Today’s minor moves:
Buffalo Bills
- Re-signed: CB Cameron Lewis
Cincinnati Bengals
- Re-signed: S Michael Thomas
Cleveland Browns
- Re-signed: CB A.J. Green
Denver Broncos
- Signed: TE Chris Manhertz
Detroit Lions
- Re-signed: RB Craig Reynolds
Green Bay Packers
- Re-signed: CB Keisean Nixon
Kansas City Chiefs
- Re-signed: DE Tershawn Wharton
New York Giants
- Re-signed: OL Wyatt Davis, LS Casey Kreiter
New York Jets
- Released: G Dru Samia
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: OL Brett Toth
Nixon was a first-team All-Pro returner for the Packers this year. He’s signed to a new one-year deal with a maximum value of $6MM, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Wharton’s new one-year deal is reportedly worth $2.03MM, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. The contract has a guaranteed amount of $850,000 consisting of a $500,000 signing bonus and $350,000 of the base salary (worth $1.01MM total).
Bengals Make Three Waiver Claims
SEPTEMBER 2: To no surprise, the Bengals are indeed re-signing Allen, Thomas and Williams now that they have the open roster spots to do so, per a team announcement. Cincinnati is also placing safety Tycen Anderson and tackle Isaiah Prince on IR.
AUGUST 31: The Bengals have made some notable additions in the aftermath of yesterday’s roster cutdowns. Per the waiver wire, they have claimed tight end Devin Asiasi, guard Max Scharping and defensive tackle Jay Tufele.
[RELATED: Bengals Expected To Sign TE Howard]
Asiasi came to New England with significant expectations, given his draft status and the organization’s success at the position. The third-rounder made just 10 appearances in his first two seasons, though, recording only a pair of receptions. The Patriots made a substantial free agent investment in Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith last offseason, limiting his future with the team. In Cincinnati, he will face steep competition for playing time from Hayden Hurst and, in all likelihood, O.J. Howard.
Scharping is in a similar situation to Asiasi in terms of being an underwhelming high draft choice yet to finish their rookie contract. A 2019 second-rounder, the 26-year-old started 33 of the 48 contests he appeared in with the Texans, moving from the left to right guard spot this past season. Regardless of where he lined up, the Northern Illinois alum graded out in the mid-to-high 50s with respect to PFF rating, leaving him on the roster bubble. Scharping’s vacated spot is likely to be filled by A.J. Cann; he will challenge for a backup role behind top free agent addition Alex Cappa with the Bengals.
Tufele, meanwhile, has seen the least playing time of the new trio. As a rookie last season, he made just four appearances in Jacksonville, totaling two tackles. His PFF pass rush grade of 77 indicates some upside on third downs, which dates back to his time in college. Moving on from the USC alum so soon may have come as a surprise, though the additions of Folorunso Fatukasi and Adam Gotsis along the d-line were likely to significantly lessen his chance of seeing significant playing time with the Jaguars. The Bengals lost Larry Ogunjobi in free agency, but re-upped B.J. Hill, whom Tufele will look to provide depth behind his new home.
The defending AFC champions will return many of the members of last season’s team, but these additions could prove effective at areas of relative need. Among the cuts necessary to accommodate the new arrivals is veteran quarterback Brandon Allen. The 29-year-old signed a one-year deal for the third consecutive offseason to remain in Cincinnati.
For now, Allen’s departure leaves the Bengals with only Joe Burrow under center. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo tweets, however, that Allen “will be back.” Cincinnati is also parting ways with safety Michael Thomas and running back Trayveon Williams.
Wednesday NFL Transactions: AFC North
Following the 53-man roster cutdown deadline Tuesday, many teams will make slight tweaks to their rosters. In addition to waiver claims, teams can begin constructing their 16-man practice squads today. These Bengals, Browns, Ravens and Steelers moves are noted below.
Here are Wednesday’s AFC North transactions, which will continue to be updated throughout the day.
Baltimore Ravens
Signed:
- DE Brent Urban
Claimed:
Waived:
- G Tyre Phillips (story)
Placed on IR:
- TE Charlie Kolar, LB David Ojabo
Signed to practice squad:
- RB Tyler Badie, QB Anthony Brown, FB Ben Mason, DT Isaiah Mack, DT Kahlil McKenzie, OLB Steven Means, OLB Jeremiah Moon, DL Rayshad Nichols, WR Makai Polk, CB Kevon Seymour, T David Sharpe, WR Binjimen Victor, S Ar’Darius Washington, WR Raleigh Webb, CB Daryl Worley
Cincinnati Bengals
Claimed:
- TE Devin Asiasi (from Patriots), G Max Scharping (from Texans), DT Jay Tufele (from Jaguars) (story)
Released:
- QB Brandon Allen, S Michael Thomas
Waived:
Placed on IR:
Signed to practice squad:
- LS Cal Adomitis, QB Jake Browning, P Drue Chrisman, T Devin Cochran, DT Domenique Davis, G Nate Gilliam, WR Trenton Irwin, DE Raymond Johnson, LB Keandre Jones, WR Kwamie Lassiter II, TE Thaddeus Moss, LB Tegray Scales, DT Tyler Shelvin
Cleveland Browns
Claimed:
- QB Kellen Mond (story)
Released:
Signed to practice squad:
- LB Dakota Allen, WR Daylen Baldwin, TE Miller Forristall, WR Mike Harley Jr., OL Brock Hoffman, CB Shaun Jolly, RB John Kelly Jr., CB Herb Miller, TE Zaire Mitchell-Paden, DT David Moore, DT Roderick Perry, OL Alex Taylor
Pittsburgh Steelers
S Michael Thomas Re-Signing With Bengals
Michael Thomas (the defensive back) will be sticking with the AFC champs. Thomas is re-signing with the Bengals, reports NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (via Twitter).
Despite going undrafted out of Stanford in 2012, Thomas has managed to put together a 10-year career. He spent the 2021 campaign with the Bengals after catching on with their practice squad. The veteran ended up seeing time in eight games (one starts) for Cincy, collecting 18 tackles while appearing primarily on special teams. Thomas also saw time in each of the Bengals’ four playoff games.
Thomas spent the first five seasons of his career with the Dolphins before moving on to the Giants, where he earned his lone Pro Bowl appearance. Following two seasons in New York, Thomas spent the 2020 season with the Texans.
During the early parts of free agency, the Bengals have been focused on retaining their own guys. They franchise safety Jessie Bates, and they re-signed defensive tackle B.J. Hill and linebacker Joe Bachie.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/5/21
We’ll keep track of today’s minor moves here:
Atlanta Falcons
- Promoted: DT Mike Pennel
Chicago Bears
- Waived: WR/KR Nsimba Webster
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: S Michael Thomas
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: OL Hjalte Froholdt (from Texans’ practice squad)
Detroit Lions
- Signed: OL Ryan McCollum (from Texans’ practice squad)
Kansas City Chiefs
- Designated for Return: LB Willie Gay
- Placed on IR: DE Joshua Kaindoh
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: CB Brandon Facyson (from Chargers’ practice squad)
Minnesota Vikings
- Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: CB Harrison Hand
New York Jets
- Placed on IR: LB Hamsah Nasirildeen
- Promoted: OL Isaiah Williams
Washington Football Team
- Promoted: CB Danny Johnson, LB Jordan Kunaszyk
“A Couple Of Teams” Interested In FA DB Michael Thomas
Veteran defensive back Michael Thomas was limited to only nine games in 2020 thanks to a pectoral injury, but the former Pro Bowler told Aaron Wilson that he’s been fully cleared by Dr. James Andrews.
“I feel amazing,” Thomas said (via Wilson on Twitter). “The pec is feeling good, my body feels healthy. Texans, whoever, come get me. My agent told me a couple of teams have been poking around. I would love to go back with the Texans. We’ll see.”
Thomas inked a one-year deal with Houston this past offseason, and he collected 16 tackles in nine games before suffering a torn pectoral in late November. The defensive back later underwent season-ending surgery, but it sounds like the 31-year-old is now fully recovered. Teams searching for secondary and/or special teams depth would surely consider adding the veteran to their depth chart.
The 2012 undrafted free agent out of Stanford has put together a very solid NFL career. Following a stint with the 49ers to kick off his professional career, Thomas ended up spending five seasons with the Dolphins, starting 25 of his 56 games. He got a two-year deal from the Giants prior to the 2018 campaign, and he earned his lone Pro Bowl nod that season after compiling 59 tackles, one sack, and two picks.
Texans DB Michael Thomas Done For Season
Texans defensive back Michael Thomas is done for the year. NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero reports (via Twitter) that the veteran has a torn pectoral and will undergo season-ending surgery.
The 30-year-old apparently suffered the injury during last week’s loss to the Browns, but he still managed to finish the contest. The former Pro Bowler is set to hit free agency following the 2020 campaign, and Pelissero notes that Thomas should be “healthy in plenty of time for camp.”
The 2012 undrafted free agent out of Stanford has put together a very solid NFL career. Following a stint with the 49ers to kick off his professional career, Thomas ended up spending five seasons with the Dolphins, starting 25 of his 56 games.
He got a two-year deal from the Giants prior to the 2018 campaign, and he earned his lone Pro Bowl nod that season after compiling 59 tackles, one sack, and two picks. Thomas inked a one-year deal with Houston this past offseason.
Texans To Sign S Michael Thomas
The Texans are signing veteran safety and special teamer Michael Thomas, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (Twitter link). It’s a one-year deal, tweets Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com.
Thomas, not to be confused with the Saints receiver of the same name, is widely considered one the best special teams players in the NFL. Throughout his career with the Dolphins and Giants, Thomas has regularly played more than 75% of his team’s ST snaps. In addition, he’s viewed as an excellent locker room presence and was New York’s nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2018, tweets Raanan.
A Pro Bowler as a special teamer in 2018, Thomas has seen significant action on the defense in the past, as he played more than 45% of his club’s defensive snaps in 2015, 2016, and 2018. However, Houston already has Justin Reid and Tashaun Gipson lined up as starters at safety, and the team also signed defensive back Eric Murray to a three-year deal last month. Thus, Thomas will likely spend most of his time on special teams duty.
The Texans have placed an emphasis on special teams in recent years, so the addition of Thomas shouldn’t come as a total surprise. Houston ranked fifth in Football Outsiders‘ special teams metric in each of the past two seasons.
J.C. Tretter, Michael Thomas, Sam Acho Nominated For NFLPA President
Three players will join Russell Okung in vying for the role of NFLPA president. Browns center J.C. Tretter, Giants safety Michael Thomas and Buccaneers linebacker Sam Acho have received nominations for union president, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets.
Okung, who unveiled his candidacy earlier this year, was also nominated Monday. Okung, Thomas and Acho are current members of the NFLPA’s executive committee. Tretter serves as the Browns’ third co-alternate union representative.
The NFLPA will elect its next president on Tuesday; the union’s board members are meeting in south Florida this week to discuss key matters. One item obviously overshadows the rest this week. Players now have until 10:59pm CT Saturday to vote on the CBA. The NFLPA voted Monday to delay the deadline for two days.
Eric Winston has served in the role since 2014, but he will cycle out of it after ending his playing career after the 2018 season. The next president may or may not be thrust into a high-stakes situation. If more than 50% of players vote against CBA ratification, the 2020 season will be played under the 2011 CBA. That CBA expires in March 2021. Players voting against the proposal will increase the prospects of a strike or lockout next year.
Of the new members, Okung and Thomas submitted “no” votes on the CBA; Acho voted “yes” on the proposal, Albert Breer of SI.com tweets. Tretter did not indicate which way he has voted on the owners’ offer, Pelissero adds (via Twitter). Okung has been a hard-liner against the 17-game schedule, so much so he filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board against the staff of the NFLPA, Ken Belson of the New York Times reports.
Okung’s filing accuses union executive director DeMaurice Smith of forcing a union-wide CBA vote despite objections from the executive committee, Belson adds. The executive committee voted 6-5 in February not to recommend the owners’ CBA proposal, and after the Combine meeting, the executive committee was at 7-4 against recommending the CBA, Belson reports. However, the union’s 32-player board voted to send the proposal for a union-wide vote.
Should the recent Panthers trade acquisition receive the keys after the players vote down a proposal Smith and Winston championed, the league could be set for period of uncertainty over the next several months.