AFC East Notes: L. Thomas, Dolphins, Bills, Pats
When the Bengals expressed interest in signing quarterback Logan Thomas off the Dolphins‘ practice squad earlier this week, Miami protected its young signal-caller by promoting him to its own 53-man roster, preventing him from going to Cincinnati. However, it wasn’t quite as simple as the Dolphins telling Thomas they’d put him on their roster.
According to Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald (Twitter link), the new deal Thomas signed with Miami included a $125K signing bonus. That $125K, which is part of a two-year pact, as Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald tweets, is a coup for Thomas, since signing bonuses aren’t typically a part of contracts signed at this point in the year. It also reflects Cincinnati’s serious interest in poaching him, and the Dolphins’ unwillingness to let him get away.
Here’s more from around the AFC East:
- Despite the fact that it hasn’t particularly been an area of the strength for the team, the Dolphins‘ offensive line in 2016 will likely look pretty similar to 2015’s unit, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, who suggests that a big offseason shake-up of the line is unlikely.
- With the third year on his contract now set to void, Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor should head into the 2016 season firmly in the driver’s seat when it comes to extension talks, writes Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News. In Carucci’s view, Taylor shouldn’t be rushing to sign a long-term deal unless the money is “staggering.”
- Offensive tackle might be the most unsettled position for the Bills as the offseason approaches, especially given the possibility of left tackle Cordy Glenn reaching free agency, says Mike Rodak of ESPN.com.
- As the Patriots consider their options at running back, with both Dion Lewis and LeGarrette Blount out for the season, CSNNE’s Marc Bertrand makes the case for why the team should sign Steven Jackson, while new practice squad back Montee Ball says he’s happy to get a fresh start in New England (link via Mike Reiss of ESPN.com).
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/16/15
Let’s round up Wednesday’s minor 53-man roster moves from around the NFL:
- To make room for Mostert (see below), the Browns waived wideout Darius Jennings, tweets Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. The writer expects Jennings to return to the team’s practice squad.
- After having claimed Davis (see below), the Colts released linebacker Edwin Jackson, reports Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (via Twitter).
- Following a busy day of transactions, the Patriots signed defensive lineman Ishmaa’ily Kitchen (via Wilson on Twitter).
Earlier updates:
- The Colts have filled the 53rd spot on their roster by claiming safety and special-teamer Akeem Davis off waivers from the Seahawks (Twitter link via Kevin Bowen of Colts.com).
- The Dolphins have elevated quarterback Logan Thomas from their practice squad to their active roster, cutting veteran offensive lineman Jeff Linkenbach to accommodate the move, the team announced today (via Twitter). Per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), the move was motivated by a desire to protect Thomas from the Bengals, who attempted to sign him off Miami’s practice squad.
- The Bengals have officially announced a move that was reported yesterday, confirming (via Twitter) that they’ve promoted quarterback Keith Wenning from their practice squad. Wenning will provide some insurance at the position while Andy Dalton remains on the shelf.
- Former Colts cornerback Tony Carter is signing with the Saints, tweets Rand Getlin of the NFL Network. Meanwhile, Kristian Garic of WWL 870AM reports (via Twitter) that running back and kick returner Marcus Murphy will be placed on IR by New Orleans due to an ankle injury, so that may be the corresponding move for Carter’s signing.
- A day after he was cut by the Ravens, RB/KR Raheem Mostert has been claimed off waivers by the division-rival Browns, according to agent Brett Tessler (via Twitter). It’s been an eventful season for Mostert, who was signed by the Dolphins off the Eagles’ practice squad, then claimed off waivers from Miami by Baltimore.
- The Titans have officially placed injured running back Dexter McCluster on IR, using the open roster spot to sign safety Josh Aubrey from their practice squad, tweets Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com.
- The Chargers have filled their two open roster spots by bringing back a pair of familiar faces, re-signing safety Adrian Phillips and quarterback Brad Sorensen, according to a team release.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/16/15
Here are Wednesday’s practice squad signings and cuts from around the NFL, with the latest moves added to the list throughout the day:
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: G Eric Herman (Twitter link via team)
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: WR Michael Bennett (Twitter link via team)
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: RB LaDarius Perkins (press release via team), LB Amarlo Herrera (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle)
New England Patriots
- Signed: LB Kevin Snyder (link via Dan Duggan of NJ.com)
- Cut: WR Austin Hill, DT Kelcy Quarles (Twitter link via Doug Kyed of NESN.com)
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: WR Shane Wynn (Twitter link via Evan Woodbery of NOLA.com)
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: CB Mike Lee (Twitter link via team)
- Cut: S Craig Bills (failed physical)
San Diego Chargers
- Signed: S Matt Daniels, CB Keith Lewis (press release via team)
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: WR B.J. Daniels, DT Justin Hamilton (Twitter links via Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times)
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: WR Nick Harwell, QB Mike Kafka (Twitter link via Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com)
Washington
- Signed: TE Ray Hamilton (Twitter link via Mike Jones of The Washington Post)
Patriots Meeting With Steven Jackson
7:05pm: There’s nothing imminent between the two sides, reports Rapoport (via Twitter), who notes that the Patriots appear to be “set for the time being.”
9:00am: Jackson will work out for the Patriots when he visits the team today, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Rapoport also notes that Jackson wants to play for a contender, as the veteran free agent said back in May.
8:54am: With LeGarrette Blount and Dion Lewis both out for the rest of the season, the Patriots figure to rely more heavily on Brandon Bolden and James White going forward. However, the team signed Montee Ball to its practice squad on Tuesday, and now seems to be considering at least one more veteran free agent.
According to Ed Werder of ESPN.com (via Twitter), the Patriots are meeting with former Rams and Falcons running back Steven Jackson today, based on mutual interest between the two sides. Between his time as Denver’s head coach and his return to New England, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels served as the Rams’ offensive coordinator for a season in 2011, so he has some history with Jackson.
While Jackson had an excellent run in St. Louis, rushing for more than 1,000 yards in eight straight seasons and earning three Pro Bowl nods, he appeared to have lost a step during his two years with the Falcons. In 27 games with Atlanta, Jackson ran for 1,250 yards on 347 carries, an average of 3.6 yards per attempt. He was cut by the team in February and there have been no reports of him working out for NFL teams since then.
Still, if the Patriots think Jackson has stayed in game shape during his absence from the NFL – he hasn’t played a game in nearly a full year – then perhaps the team will take a flier on him down the stretch. For now, we’ll have to wait to see how today’s meeting goes.
Workout Notes: 12/16/15
It’s been a busy last couple of days around the NFL, with teams still looking to fill up their squads for the rest of the season. Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle tweeted a whole bunch of workout notes this afternoon, which we’ve compiled for you below…
Arizona Cardinals
- CB Mitchell White (link)
Atlanta Falcons
- OT Cody Booth (link)
- DE Xzavier Dickson (link)
- OG Cole Manhart (link)
Buffalo Bills
- TE Andrew Gleichert (link)
- LB James-Michael Johnson (link)
- TE Jacob Maxwell (link)
Carolina Panthers
- OG Al Bond (link)
- DT Eric Crume (link)
- CB Travell Dixon (link)
- QB Zac Dysert (link)
- TE Joseph Fauria (link)
- NT Ishmaa’ily Kitchen (link)
- C Tyler Larsen (link)
- OG Matthew Masifilo (link)
- OG Shelley Smith (link)
- S Usama Young (link)
Patriots To Place LeGarrette Blount On IR
WEDNESDAY, 4:15pm: The Patriots have officially placed Blount on the Injured Reserve, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter).
TUESDAY, 5:45pm: Awful news for the Patriots as the club will be forced to place LeGarrette Blount on IR, according to a report from WEEI. The powerful tailback suffered a hip injury on Sunday night against the Texans. Blount finishes out the season with 703 yards and six touchdowns off of 165 carries.
As it stands, the Pats have only James White and Brandon Bolden on their active roster at running back. However, Trey Williams is on the practice squad along with Montee Ball, who was signed on Tuesday, so it’s not guaranteed that they will sign an RB for the 53-man roster. At the very least, however, one would expect them to sign a tailback for the taxi squad if they promote Williams or Ball.
Of course, this hasn’t been the best day for New England. Earlier this afternoon we learned that defensive tackle Dominique Easley would be placed on IR, ending his season. Now, the team has major holes to fill on both sides of the football.
AFC East Notes: Jets, Taylor, Dolphins, Ball
The 2015 Jets are showing a lot of similarities to the 2011 Jets, and they’d better hope those similarities end soon, Manish Mehta of the Daily News writes. Four years ago, the Jets crushed the a pitiful Chiefs team to go 8-5. On Sunday, this year’s Jets team crushed the hapless Titans to improve to 8-5. In 2011, the Jets imploded in their last three games to finish 8-8, and that’s a fate that Gang Green must try and avoid.
“8-5… That’s all it is: 8-5,” linebacker David Harris said over the weekend. “We still have three games to go. So come see me January 4th.”
Here’s more from around the AFC East, including one more Jets note:
- In addition to helping make the Jets competitive this season, Ryan Fitzpatrick‘s solid year has had the added benefit of allowing the team to be patient with rookie Bryce Petty, says Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. Within the piece, Mehta also makes the case for why Fitzpatrick should get a multiyear extension offer from the Jets.
- While New York beat writers are calling for Fitzpatrick to be extended, Mike Rodak of ESPN.com says the Bills don’t need to rush a new deal for quarterback Tyrod Taylor. In Rodak’s view, Taylor is well on his way to proving he can be a long-term solution at QB in Buffalo, but the Bills should be 100% sure before they invest big money in him.
- Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk believes it’s time for Dolphins owner Stephen Ross to either move to Miami or sell the franchise.
- Although running back Montee Ball earned a spot on the Patriots‘ practice squad, he isn’t in top shape, tweets Ed Werder of ESPN.com. According to Werder, Ball – who weighed about 205 pounds when he was drafted by the Broncos – was up to 240 when he worked out for the Packers earlier this season, and is now in the 230s.
- Earlier today, we heard that the Patriots are bringing in free agent running back Steven Jackson for a look.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Practice Squad Updates: 12/15/15
Here are today’s practice squad signings and cuts from across the league:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: LB Curtis Grant, WR R.J. Harris, WR Jordan Leslie, DE Dontay Moch (press release)
- Cut: WR Devon Wylie
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: T Marcel Jones (Twitter link via Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun)
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: TE Blake Annen (Twitter link via Joe Buscaglia of WKBW)
Chicago Bears
- Signed: DL Toby Johnson, WR/TE Marcus Lucas (Twitter link via team)
Dallas Cowboys
- Cut: LB Darius Eubanks (Twitter link via Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Detroit Lions
- Signed: CB Kendall James (press release)
- Cut: CB Stanley Jean-Baptiste
Indianapolis Colts
- Placed on PS-IR: RB Josh Robinson (press release)
New England Patriots
- Signed: RB Montee Ball (story), WR DeAndre Carter (link via Tom Curran of CSNNE.com)
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: S Craig Bills (Twitter link via team)
- Cut: CB Mike Lee
St. Louis Rams
- Signed: LB Matthew Wells
Washington
- Cut: RB Christine Michael (press release)
Patriots To Place Dominique Easley On IR
One of the key members of the Patriots’ defensive line rotation is headed to the injured reserve list, according to Tom E. Curran of CSNNE.com. Curran reports (via Twitter) that the team is placing defensive tackle Dominique Easley on IR, ending his season.
Easley, 23, has been plagued by injuries since being selected by the Patriots in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft. After recovering from an ankle injury, Easley went down with another leg injury on Sunday against the Texans, and it appears his latest ailment is a season-ender.
Easley’s numbers as a second-year player were modest – 15 tackles and two sacks – but he has been one of the Patriots’ more effective defensive linemen in his part-time role. Pro Football Focus ranks Easley 26th out of 128 qualified interior defenders this season, which easily places him first among New England players at the position.
Patriots Sign Montee Ball To Practice Squad
With LeGarrette Blount banged up, the Patriots have added some insurance at running back by signing former Bronco Montee Ball to their practice squad, tweets Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Depending on Blount’s status, Ball could be a candidate for promotion this week or later in the season.
A Heisman finalist while at Wisconsin in 2011, Ball was selected by Denver in the 2013 draft, and was expected to be inserted as the starting running back in the Broncos’ high-powered offense. Over the course of two seasons though, Ball was never able to secure the No. 1 role in Denver’s backfield, losing the job to Knowshon Moreno in ’13 and C.J. Anderson in ’14. All told, Ball saw less than 200 carries during his time with the Broncos, and totaled less than 800 yards on the ground.
Since being cut by the Broncos in September, Ball has been out of work, though he had multiple tryouts, including one for the Pats. Most recently, the 25-year-old auditioned for the Packers earlier this month, and according to Ed Werder of ESPN.com (Twitter link), Green Bay was unimpressed with his physical conditioning.