AFC East Links: Revis, Moreno, Pryor
Darrelle Revis was the star acquisition of the Patriots‘ offseason, and now he is the star of their training camp, writes Ben Violin of the Boston Globe. Revis intercepted two Tom Brady passes, and broke up a third. Violin was also impressed by fellow cornerback Logan Ryan and rookie tailback James White.
Here are some more links from around the AFC East:
- Revis may have been the most impressive player in Patriots‘ camp, but the pass catchers let their offense down, writes Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com. Reiss counted eight drops from receivers and backs, including two from Kenbrell Thompkins.
- Knowshon Moreno is the best pass protector the Dolphins have at running back, but may also get the starting job over Lamar Miller. If Moreno wins the starting job, that would make him an every down back, and the team may be smarter to let Miller carry the ball on early down to save Moreno, writes Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.
- Dolphins‘ rookie receiver Jarvis Landry has impressed with his work ethic, writes Steven Wine of USA Today. He has been the last receiver on the practice field, and has been a force during drills.
- With Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline, Brandon Gibson, and Landry pencilled in as the top four receivers on the Dolphins, that leaves one spot open on the roster for the position, writes Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Fighting for that spot are Rishard Matthews, Armon Binns, Damian Williams, and Marcus Thigpen. The team may be able to keep six receivers is one of them is Thigpen, due to his value on special teams.
- Jets‘ first-round pick Calvin Pryor suffered a head injury and possible concussion during special teams practice, reports Seth Walder of the Daily News. Pryor is expected to be a starting safety for the team.
AFC East Notes: Smith, Coples, Kouandijo
Jets second-year quarterback Geno Smith has received 74 percent of the snaps through two days of camp, per Brian Costello of the New York Post. However, GM John Idzik claims the “competition” isn’t tilted: “There will be a little bit of fluctuation in reps. Going into camp, we feel like we’re going to give the lion’s share to Geno and we’ll see how he responds.”
Here’s some more AFC East reading:
- Jets 2012 first-round defensive lineman Quinton Coples hasn’t lived up to expectations, but he dedicated himself in the offseason, writes Costello in the New York Post. Coples reported to camp at 270 pounds (20 pounds lighter) and approximately nine percent body fat.
- Sammy Watkins has “stolen the show” early in Bills camp, according to ESPN’s Mike Rodak, who provides an update on the team’s rookies. As for second-rounder Cyrus Kouandijo, “He’s the heir apparent at right tackle but that transition might not take place until next season,” says Rodak.
- Kamaal McIlwain has impressed early in Bills camp, according to WGR 590’s Joe Buscaglia, who says, McIlwain could be in the mix for the final cornerback spot. Buscaglia also noted the team is making an effort to train linebackers to learn each of the three positions. Accordingly, Keith Rivers, Nigel Bradham, Preston Brown and Stevenson Sylvester have rotated with the first team, flanking Brandon Spikes in the middle.
- The Patriots have ongoing competitions for the center and right guard jobs, according to Boston.com’s Ben Volin. Additionally, “There’s been a lot of talk about the competition between WRs Kenbrell Thompkins and Josh Boyce for a roster spot,” says Volin, “and if that is indeed the case, Thompkins appears to be ahead by a sizable margin right now.”
- Not surprisingly, the new-look Dolphins offensive line is enduring early growing pains as the new starters work to develop chemistry, but Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel says the remodeled blocking unit should still be held to a high standard: “For those creating built-in excuses for the Dolphins’ offensive line, concerned that they’ll hold Miami’s offense back, keep in mind that this present unit collectively has 287 regular-season NFL starts heading into September.” Kelly cites the Bears, whose offensive line was atrocious in 2012 before they turned over four starters and improved drastically last season.
Minor Moves: Pats, 49ers, Titans, Panthers
Here are a few of today’s minor transactions from around the NFL:
- The Rams have added defensive end Kourtnei Brown, reports Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (via Twitter). Brown will replace wideout Jamaine Sherman, who was waived/injured.
- Just five days after signing him, the Patriots have parted ways with tight end Nate Byham, per Brian McIntyre (Twitter link).
- After having been waived by the Redskins earlier this week, long snapper Kyle Nelson has caught on with the 49ers, tweets Jayson Braddock of RotoExperts.com.
- The Titans have cut tight end Adam Schiltz and used the newly-freed roster spot to sign guard Kevin Danser, according to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean (via Twitter).
- The Panthers have waived UDFA defensive tackle Shaq Rowell, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
Earlier updates:
- Armed with an open roster spot, the Cardinals have signed former Utah wideout Reggie Dunn, making him their 90th man, tweets Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com. Dunn went undrafted in 2013, but spent some time on the Packers’ practice squad last season.
- A pair of wide receivers signed contracts with the Vikings today, with Andy Cruse and Ty Walker coming aboard, according to a team release. To make room for the new additions, the Vikings have cut former Browns wideout Josh Cooper and tackle Matt Hall.
- The Bills have signed cornerback Bobby Felder and waived defensive tackle Colby Way, the club announced today in a press release. Felder has spent time on the practice squads of the Vikings and Buccaneers.
AFC East Notes: Philbin, Wilkerson, Brady
The Bills did a little roster shuffling earlier this afternoon, picking up cornerback Bobby Felder and waiving defensive tackle Colby Way. While none of Buffalo’s AFC East rivals have made any signings or cuts yet today, there’s still plenty of news coming out of the division, so let’s round up the latest….
- There has been some speculation that Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin will be in danger of losing his job this year if the Dolphins miss the postseason again. Asked today about that possibility, owner Stephen Ross said that he expects Philbin to remain with the team “for a long time,” but conceded that you want to see improvement every year (Twitter link via Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald).
- Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com agrees with what Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News wrote last night, tweeting that an extension for Muhammad Wilkerson should be the No. 1 priority for the Jets’ front office. However, according to La Canfora, there has been “no real progress” on that front so far.
- On the set of SportsCenter today, former Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi suggested he thinks Tom Brady could play for four more years, to which Brady jokingly replied, “You’re out of your mind” (link via ESPNBoston.com). While Brady may have taken mock offense to Bruschi’s estimate, the star quarterback has four years left on his current contract, so if he intends to play longer than that, it would be on a new deal and it would be into his 40s.
- Sources tell Gary Myers of the New York Daily News that when Darrelle Revis was cut by the Buccaneers earlier this year, his first choice was to return to the Jets. However, New York wasn’t interested, and the standout cornerback ultimately landed with the division-rival Patriots.
AFC East Notes: Vick, Wilkerson, Idzik, Pats
Michael Vick has said repeatedly that he expects Geno Smith to be the Jets‘ starting quarterback in 2014, but that doesn’t mean he’s ready to wind down his career, writes Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com. “I still feel like I’m a premier quarterback in this league,” Vick said today after reporting to training camp. Vick, entering his 12th season, acknowledged this situation feels different because he’s entering camp as the presumed backup. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said recently that Smith will get 70- to 75-percent of the first-team reps, a clear indication that it’s Smith’s job to lose. Here’s more on the Jets and other notes from the AFC East..
- The honeymoon is over for Jets GM John Idzik, writes Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. Idzik is only entering year two with Gang Green but his predecessors, Terry Bradway in 2001 and Mike Tannenbaum in 2006, reached the postseason in their first seasons as GMs. Cimini notes that Idzik has been around long enough to put his stamp on the team as there are only seven starters that can be considered true holdovers from the previous administration: D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Nick Mangold, Muhammad Wilkerson, David Harris, Damon Harrison, Quinton Coples, and Demario Davis.
- Muhammad Wilkerson said he never considered holding out because he sees himself as the leader of the Jets, tweets Brian Costello of the New York Post. The defensive lineman will earn just $1.2MM this season and has been pushing for a new deal.
- Tight end Nate Byham‘s deal with the Patriots is for one year, $645K and includes no bonuses, tweets MIke Reiss of ESPNBoston.com. He’s expected to compete for a backup spot in a role similar to the one Matthew Mulligan used to occupy. Byham has 11 career catches for 83 yards and one touchdown but has a reputation as a solid blocker. Interestingly enough, the stats from Pro Football Focus don’t grade him as a tremendous run-blocker.
Minor Moves: Packers, Jaguars, Chargers
It’s been a busy Wednesday in the NFL, with a handful of veteran signings (including Jason Babin), a confirmed suspension and a retirement. Let’s take a look at some of the more under-the-radar moves from this afternoon…
- The Packers have signed linebacker Korey Jones, the player’s agent told Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). The former Wyoming player spent 2013 with the BC Lions of the CFL after a brief stint with the Cardinals.
- The Jaguars have announced the signing of rookie defensive back Deion Belue. The team subsequently waived rookie running back Beau Blankenship. Belue, a former standout for Alabama, has already spent time on the Dolphins and Steelers rosters. Blankenship had a 15-touchdown season for Ohio University in 2012 and was signed by the Jaguars in May.
- The Cardinals announced that they have cut rookie wide receiver Kelsey Pope. The former Samford Bulldog broke multiple Southern Conference receiving records during his collegiate career.
- The Chargers have waived (failed physical) former second-round pick Jonas Mouton, the team announced. The linebacker made three appearances in three seasons with the team.
- The Vikings have waived defensive end Spencer Nealy and signed tight end Michael Higgins, the team announced on Twitter. Nealy, a former undrafted rookie, is suspended for the first four games of the 2014 season. Higgins previously spent time with the Saints.
- The Patriots have released wide receiver Tyler McDonald and re-signed wideout Greg Orton, reports the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe (via Twitter). McDonald, a former Maine Black Bear, was signed by New England less than a week ago. Orton spent last season on the Patriots practice squad.
AFC Notes: Pouncey, Bengals, McCourty
While Mike Pouncey‘s initial recovery timetable from hip surgery suggested he’d miss the first month of the season, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports that the veteran center may not return for a few more weeks after that. According to Salguero, Pouncey’s rehab could extend into late October, meaning he’d miss nearly half the regular season.
Meanwhile, extension talks between Pouncey and the Dolphins have been put on hold for now, says Salugero (via Twitter). Besides the fact that Pouncey, who turns 25 tomorrow, isn’t healthy, it’s still a little early to make serious progress on a new contract, considering the team has exercised its fifth-year option for 2015. So far, no 2011 first-rounders have signed extensions, since their teams still have most of the leverage.
Here’s more from around the AFC:
- For years, Bengals owner Mike Brown has served as the team’s de facto general manager, but speaking to reporters – including Joe Danneman of Fox19 – Brown said yesterday that his daughter Katie Blackburn and head coach Marvin Lewis are now running the franchise (Twitter link). As Paul Dehner of the Cincinnati Enquirer details, Brown still has the final say on personnel decisions, but typically follows the lead of Blackburn and Lewis.
- A report in early June suggested extension talks between the Patriots and safety Devin McCourty had gotten underway, but according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald (via Twitter), there have been no new talks since that initial dialogue. Regardless, McCourty isn’t phased by heading into the regular season on an expiring deal.
- Focusing on how contract situations may affect players’ roster security, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe breaks down the Patriots who may be on the hot seat as roster cuts approach.
- Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star consults cap expert Joel Corry to determine whether or not the Chiefs will be able to lock up both Jamaal Charles and Justin Houston to new long-term contracts. The answer: Yes, though the team will have to be careful about how it spreads out the money on the cap.
AFC Notes: Watt, Glenn, Gordon
Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, who will make approximately $3.6MM this year, should be in line for a four-year deal worth nearly $58MM in the opinion of Jason Fitzgerald at OverTheCap.com. Fitzgerald supplements his proposed contract with a thorough evaluation of all the factors involved.
Here’s some AFC news and notes:
- With the waiving of Brennan Williams, the Texans will get nothing out of two 2013 third-round picks, notes Brian T. Smith in the Houston Chronicle.
- Bills fans hoping for encouraging news about Cordy Glenn didn’t get any on Monday, as head coach Doug Marrone merely told the media he’s not allowed to go into specifics about the illness keeping his starting left tackle on the Active/Non-Football Illness list. “It’s a medical condition,” Marrone told WGR 550’s Joe Buscaglia. “I’m preparing to go on as if he’s not playing, which he’s not. I’m just waiting for the doctors, and I can’t speak about the condition because it’s something that happened outside of football.”
- A disciplinary hearing looms for Browns receiver Josh Gordon, and the team does not seem intent on releasing the troubled receiver at this time, writes ESPN’s Pat McManamon.
- The Titans defensive line is previewed by the Tennessean’s John Glennon, who tabbed defensive lineman Jurrell Casey as the unit’s “offseason star”: “After racking up a career-best 10.5 sacks at defensive tackle in the 4-3, Casey certainly could have been upset about the shift to a 3-4 defensive end – especially in a contract year. But he seems genuinely enthusiastic about the new scheme and new defensive coordinator Ray Horton.” Meanwhile, Jim Wyatt, Glennon’s Tennessean colleague, tweets that the team and Casey are in negotiations for a new deal.
- Patriots second-year linebacker Jamie Collins “clearly added muscle mass as he prepared for 2014, though he wouldn’t admit how much, and he looks much more the part of an NFL linebacker,” reports Boston.com’s Jeff Howe.
Minor Moves: Hagg, Giants, Pats, Cowboys
After a quiet few weeks, roster moves around the NFL are picking up again, with most training camps just around the corner. We’ll track today’s minor moves here, including signings and cuts of players with no or little NFL experience. Here are the latest moves, with additional transactions added to the top of the page throughout the day:
- Safety Eric Hagg has informed the Broncos he intends to retire, reports Mike Klis of the Denver Post. Hagg, who appeared in 23 total games in two season with the Browns in 2011-12, had signed a futures contract with Denver earlier this year.
- According to Field Yates of ESPN.com (via Twitter), the Giants have acted quickly to fill Chris Snee‘s roster spot, signing offensive lineman John Sullen, who auditioned for the team last month.
- Former BYU defensive tackle Eathyn Manumaleuna, who was cut by the Giants last month has signed with the Patriots, according to a team release. The club waived Seali’i Epenesa to clear room on the 90-man roster for Manumaleuna.
Earlier updates:
- Free agent wideout Dezmon Briscoe has signed with the Cowboys, according to agent Erik Burkhardt (via Twitter). Briscoe, who caught 35 passes for the Buccaneers in 2011, was waived-injured by the Redskins prior to the 2013 regular season. In order to sign Briscoe, the team waived defensive tackle Chris Whaley with a non-football injury designation, tweets Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.
- The Bengals have maintained an opening on their 90-man roster, waiving rookie wideout Alex Neutz today, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer (Twitter link).
- The Chargers have waived center Nick McDonald, the team announced today (via Twitter). The offensive lineman had inked a reserve/futures contract with the club back in January.
- With the newly-open roster spot, the Chargers will bring aboard Khalil Wilkes, a Stanford product who participated in the club’s minicamp in May. Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports (via Twitter) that the team has agreed to terms with the undrafted center.
- One of the players who went unselected in this month’s supplemental draft has found a home, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post, who reports that defensive tackle LaKendrick Ross is signing with the Bengals. Ross, who tried out for the Bengals today, had 11 teams attend his workout prior to that supplemental draft, though Cincinnati wasn’t among that list. The Bengals had an open roster spot already, so no corresponding move will be necessary to bring Ross aboard.
AFC East Links: Bills, Patriots, Jets
After a summer hiatus, Peter King is back for the first of 48 straight weeks of his Monday Morning Quarterback column, and this week’s installment focuses on the Bills, the first NFL team to open training camp this summer. In addition to describing the scene in Pittsford, New York, King also speaks to quarterback E.J. Manuel, who says he “jumped out of [his] chair” when the club drafted Sammy Watkins in May and is looking forward to working with the rookie wideout and the rest of the offense this season.
Here’s more from around the AFC East:
- A league source tells ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio that the Bills franchise is expected to sell for at least $1.1 billion, well above the Forbes valuation of $870MM (Twitter link via Mike Rodak of ESPN.com).
- After struggling a little on the defensive side of the ball last season, the Patriots restocked their defense this offseason, adding Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner, and rookie Dominique Easley, among others. Howard Ulman of The Associated Press takes a look at the changes.
- As Dennis Waszak Jr. details in a piece for The Associated Press, the Jets haven’t really had a franchise quarterback on their roster since the days of Joe Namath. While Geno Smith may not be the likeliest candidate to fill that role, he’s excited about training camp and about trying to hold off free agent signee Michael Vick for the starting job, writes Laura Albanese of Newsday.