AFC East Links: Gronk, Dolphins, Saunders
Rob Gronkowski‘s impact on the Patriots’ offense is undeniable, but ESPN’s Kevin Seifert wonders, “Are we obsessing over the right issue? Rather than trying to pinpoint Gronkowski’s return to full strength, perhaps it would be more productive (and realistic) to gauge whether the Patriots are any better equipped to play without him than they were last season.” Seifert spoke to colleague Matt Williamson, who is optimistic the Pats are better prepared this year if/when they’re without a healthy Gronk.
Here’s a handful more AFC East links:
- Dolphins defensive tackle Jared Odrick is a bargain, says ESPN’s James Wilder, but it doesn’t appear the fifth-year defensive tackle should expect a contract extension this season.
- Rookie defensive tackle Anthony Johnson hopes to be a teammate of Odrick. While the undrafted free agent faces an uphill battle to secure a roster spot, MiamiDolphins.com’s Alain Poupart profiles Johnson and calls him one of team’s most intriguing rookies. A highly coveted recruit out of high school, Johnson looked like a budding star as a sophomore at LSU, but he did not have a strong junior season. Additionally, concerns about his character and work ethic contributed to him tumbling out of the draft despite being considered a second- or third-round talent by some evaluators. If there’s a silver lining for Johnson’s outlook, by virtue of his status as an undrafted free agent, the “boom-or-bust” prospect now becomes a low-risk, high-reward proposition for the Dolphins.
- The Jets are hoping fourth-round receiver Jalen Saunders establishes himself as a dangerous punt returner, writes ESPN’s Rich Cimini. A smallish, underpowered slot receiver/punt returner, Saunders flashed speed and quickness to flip the field in college. However, Cimini cautions fans there’s no guarantee Saunders’ skills will translate: “I remember when Aaron Glenn came out in 1994 and everybody was raving about his punt-returning prowess in college. Well, he was a bust as a returner.” While Glenn, a first-round pick, was a much more ballyhooed draftee, the Jets will be satisfied if Saunders can provide a spark on special teams and allow Jeremy Kerley to focus on his slot receiver duties.
- On the Bills website, A.J. Devine looks at five training camp position battles to watch, including the offensive line, where “An influx of young, powerful linemen was one of the highlights of the Bills offseason. It seems as though head coach Doug Marrone has left every position along the line open for competition and will give everyone the opportunity to fight for a starting spot.”
AFC East Links: Dolphins, Landry, Pats, Bills
Earlier today, we learned that veteran Daryn Colledge is planning a visit with the Dolphins as Miami attempts to add offensive line depth in the wake of center Mike Pouncey‘s injury. Let’s look at some more notes from South Beach and the rest of the AFC East:
- There’s no doubt that the Dolphins’ locker room atmosphere suffered last season as a result of strife along the offensive line, but defensive end Cameron Wake disputes that the team is completely rudderless, writes James Walker of ESPN.com. “Obviously, it’s unfortunate what happened [last season] and we’re not going to dive too deep into that,” said the 2013 Pro Bowler. “But, as a whole, you look around this team [and] there are guys that may be vocal or guys that maybe do it by example. We have leaders all over the place.”
- The Dolphins’ offense needs an upheaval, and new offensive coordinator Bill Lazor is the right coach to lead the unit, opines Lorenzo Reyes of USA Today in a profile of new assistants around the league. Lazor worked wonders with Nick Foles as the quarterbacks coach with the Eagles last season, and Joe Philbin and Co. hope the 42-year-old can do the same with Ryan Tannehill.
- The Jets drafted safety Calvin Pryor in the first round of last month’s draft, and his presence in the defensive backfield prompts questions about Dawan Landry‘s role, writes Brian Costello of the New York Post. Landry and fellow 2013 starter Antonio Allen graded as the 56th- and 57th-best safeties in the league per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), so Pryor would likely be an improvement over either veteran. Ultimately, Costello believes the team will keep both Landry and Allen and utilize a lot of three-safety schemes.
- Phil Pryor of CSSNE.com analyzes potential standouts among the Patriots’ undrafted free agent haul, and specifically points to running backs Roy Finch and Stephen Houston as rookies who could have an impact in 2014.
- Greg Gabriel of the National Football Post previews the 2014 Bills season, writing that although the team is much improved, Buffalo fans will likely watch a 15th straight playoff-free season.
Patriots Notes: Connolly, Ridley, Aiken
It’s tough for athletes to find work once their playing days are over. However, former Patriots offensive lineman Quinn Ojinnaka is proving otherwise. Earlier this week, Ring of Honor Wrestling (a second-tier pro wrestling promotion similar to WWE) announced that they have signed the 30-year-old.
Ojinnaka, or “Moose” as he’s known in the ring, was drafted in the fifth-round of the 2006 draft by the Falcons. He stuck around Atlanta for four seasons, appearing in 39 games. He spent 2010 with the Patriots before bouncing around to the Colts and Rams.
At the very least, we can be assured that the group of players still seeking a job for 2014 have a fallback plan.
Let’s take a look at some more Patriots notes from ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss…
- If the team were to release a veteran, Reiss thinks it would be offensive lineman Dan Connolly. The 31-year-old is set to earn $3MM next season, and the writer thinks the team could turn to cheaper, younger players.
- In regards to a “surprise” release, the writer points to Stevan Ridley. Reiss ultimately believes that Ridley will make the team, but things could get interesting if undrafted running back Stephen Houston impresses.
- If Rob Gronkowski misses time, Reiss thinks we’ll see “a de-emphasis on the tight end position” in New England. However, the writer could still see the team making a move for a veteran such as Dustin Keller.
- When asked which undrafted rookie could stick around, Reiss said long snapper Tyler Ott has the best shot. The player’s cheap, three-year commitment would allow the Patriots to move on from the more expensive Danny Aiken.
AFC East Notes: Wilkerson, Tuel, Moreno
Let’s take a swing around the AFC East on this Sunday afternoon:
- There are a number of Patriots items today. Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com writes that, with all the attention being directed towards Dominique Easley and Jimmy Garoppolo, fourth-round running back James White–whom coach Bill Belichick has compared to Shane Vereen–has quietly put together a very impressive spring.
- Christopher Price of WEEI.com writes that the Patriots made eight personnel moves between the end of minicamp and the beginning of training camp last year, and similar roster tweaks could be on the way this season. For instance, a veteran tight end like Jermichael Finley or Dustin Keller might be added to the roster, and there has been some speculation as to the team’s interest in recently-released players like Jason Babin and Brandon Flowers (though Price sees New England as something of an unlikely destination for Babin and Flowers).
- Eric Frenz of Boston.com looks at a number of Patriots-related topics, including his opinion on what he believes to be the team’s strongest position (cornerback), and weakest (tight end).
- Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com expects the Jets to make a run at signing Muhammad Wilkerson to an extension before training camp, and he advises fans to keep an eye on the J.J. Watt situation in Houston as a measuring stick for Wilkerson negotiations.
- In the same piece, Cimini adds that the Jets are unlikely to add a veteran corner, and that Jalen Saunders was the rookie wideout that most impressed in minicamp.
- Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com writes that Bills‘ quarterback Jeff Tuel has made significant strides and will push Thaddeus Lewis for the backup quarterback spot.
- Andrew Abramson of The Palm Beach Post writes that Dolphins‘ running back Knowshon Moreno has a knee injury that could require arthroscopic surgery, but he would be expected to heal in time for the regular season, if not training camp.
- Christopher L. Shelton of The Sun-Sentinel describes the path that undrafted defensive tackle Anthony Johnson has taken to the Dolphins’ roster. Shelton believes Johnson, who has impressed this spring, could make the club as a reserve behind Randy Starks, Jared Odrick, and Earl Mitchell.
AFC Links: Ravens, Patriots, Raiders
Since being cut by the Chargers in early March, fullback Le’Ron McClain has been keeping in shape, eyeing a return to the NFL. The 29-year-old told Andrew Gribble of Al.com that he’s shed 15 pounds and is at a “great weight.” As a result, McClain, who was listed at 260 pounds at the end of 2013, is looking to change up his game.
“I’m trying to evolve my game also and do more than just blocking and everything,” McClain said. “Just trying to evolve my game as in catching, running routes, just trying to be a difference-maker on the field. That’s what I’ve been working on this offseason.
“Whatever team calls me, they’re going to get that different type of player this year.”
McClain’s best season was with the Ravens in 2008, when he ran for 902 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Let’s see what else is going on around the AFC…
- Ravens rookie defensive end Brent Urban has been looking good in his recovery from offseason ankle surgery, writes Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun. The fourth-rounder was supposed to be ready by about training camp, but took plenty of snaps at minicamp.
- The Patriots young receivers are going to have to make a jump this season, Boston.com’s Zuri Berry said on Comcast Sportsnet New England’s Sports Tonight (via CSNNE.com). “It’s going to be a lot harder for those guys to make those mistakes and get away with it because [the Patriots] have more receivers now,” Berry said. “They have other guys to go to.”
- Raiders owner Mark Davis had previously been talking business about a new stadium in Oakland. Following initial talks with the real estate firm, Davis told reporters that communications have stalled. “All the talks we have with them are positive, but there’s no progress after the talks,” he said (via Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com). “Everybody is trying. Whether it can get done, I don’t know.”
AFC East Notes: Bills, Vick, Thomas, Pats
The Bills have one month before they open up training camp on July 20th, but players are still posturing themselves to win starting jobs this summer, write Joe Buscaglia of WGR 550 SportsRadio. According to Buscaglia, the team will be having open competition at strong safety, right tackle, right guard, and fullback. The team also will be giving long looks to their tight ends, despite bringing back Scott Chandler, who led the team in receiving in 2013.
Here are some other notes from the AFC East:
- As reports have been coming out of Jets‘ camp that Michael Vick is falling behind second-year quarterback Geno Smith, Vick is remaining supportive of his teammate, writes Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com. Vick voiced his belief that Smith could lead the Jets to a Super Bowl. “I think it can happen this year,” said Vick. “I think Geno can take us to where we need to go.”
- Another second-year player is poised to make his impact on the division is Dolphins‘ left guard Dallas Thomas, who spoke with James Walker of ESPN.com about the upcoming season. Thomas said his biggest keys to improving this offseason were mastering the playbook, finding a consistent position as left guard, and coming into the season lighter than he did as a rookie.
- The Patriots got better as the season went on last season, and Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com highlighted a group of players that finished the season with some momentum earlier today. He also put together a list of players who need to find their momentum this offseason, so the team can begin the season with a head of steam.
AFC East Notes: Bills, Wilfork, Jets
The Bills franchise is officially on the market, writes John Kryk of QMI Agency, who reports that the club has mailed a non-disclosure agreement from law firm Proskauer Rose and a teaser sale document to prospective bidders. According to Kryk, potential buyers must sign the non-disclosure agreement in order to receive the “offering memorandum,” or sale book, which will contain confidential information regarding the Bills, including financial details such as revenues, assets, and operational costs.
Here’s more on the Bills, and a couple of their AFC East rivals:
- In the aforementioned piece, Kryk goes on to explain that the NFL would like the Bills‘ eventual buyer to be “financially liquid to the extent of possessing at least $200MM in available cash over and above his or her portion of the sale price.” Additionally, financial firm Morgan Stanley will vet prospective buyers before the NFL does, since the firm is familiar with what the NFL accepts and what it doesn’t.
- Speaking today to reporters, including Shalise Manza Young of the Boston Globe (Twitter link), Vince Wilfork said that any issue he may have had with the Patriots and his contract in the offseason has been laid to rest, and that there are no lingering grudges. The veteran defensive tackle reportedly requested his release at one point, but ultimately worked out a new agreement to remain in New England.
- Like coach Rex Ryan, Jets GM John Idzik is feeling playoff pressure this season, writes Gary Myers of the New York Daily News. Other Jets general managers have enjoyed playoff success relatively early in their tenures, which might put the squeeze on Idzik to deliver.
- Jets owner Woody Johnson isn’t concerned about his club’s relatively cost-conscious offseason, writes Kimberly A. Martin of Newsday. “John is picking (players) using the cash that he has,” Johnson told reporters. “Number one, he has some obligations that he has going forward, as you guys know. But it’s really trying to find the best value and best fit for the team and not just wantonly spending in free agency.”
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Minor Moves: Jets, Dolphins, Falcons, Giants
Plenty of teams around the league are making transactions today as minicamps wrap up and clubs look to finalize their rosters in advance of next month’s training camp. Let’s dive right in and check out the latest minor roster moves, with any additional transactions added to the top of the page throughout the afternoon and evening….
- Undrafted rookie tight end Terrence Miller has been cut by the Jets, creating a second available roster spot after yesterday’s release of Mike Goodson. As the team reveals in a press release, kicker Andrew Furney and punter Jacob Schum will fill those openings.
- The Dolphins have replaced one defensive back with another, announcing today (via Twitter) that they’ve signed Kevin Fogg and parted ways with Anthony Gaitor.
Earlier updates:
- The Falcons have waived quarterback Dominique Davis, the team announced today (via Twitter). Davis saw a little playing time last season in relief of starter Matt Ryan, but his grip on a roster spot was tenuous after Atlanta acquired T.J. Yates in a trade with the Texans yesterday. Davis will have to clear waivers before officially becoming a free agent.
- In a series of three tweets, Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News passes along word of a series of signings and cuts for the Giants, who have added offensive tackle Demarcus Love and defensive lineman Everett Dawkins, parting ways with defensive tackle Eathyn Manumaleuna and offensive lineman Steven Baker to make room on the 90-man roster.
- Long snapper Charley Hughlett, punter Kasey Redfern, and wide receiver Nathan Slaughter, who auditioned for the Jaguars earlier this week, have been signed by the club, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. In addition to Jason Babin, wide receivers Kevin Smith and Brandon Wimberly were cut by Jacksonville to create roster space.
- The Chiefs have waived defensive lineman Chas Alecxih, according to the club (Twitter link).
- For the third straight summer, defensive lineman Brandon McKinney will try to earn a roster spot with the Colts, who inked him to a deal today, tweets Craig Kelley of Colts.com.
- The Bears have informed tight end Fendi Onobun of his release, reports Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (Twitter link).
- The Patriots have cut wide receiver Reggie Dunn, the team confirmed in a press release.
Free Agent Rumors: Flowers, Vilma, Muir
Earlier today, we heard that cornerback Brandon Flowers, the most noteworthy name on the free agent market, will likely make a decision on where to sign within the next three to five days. The afternoon has brought a couple of updates on Flowers, along with several items on other free agents. Let’s dive in and check out the latest….
- The Chargers are hosting Flowers for a free agent visit today, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). As I pointed out this morning, the most serious suitors for the veteran corner may be teams we haven’t heard many rumblings about yet, and San Diego fits that bill.
- According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter), Flowers has also received significant interest from the Falcons and Vikings. Sources from both of those clubs have downplayed their interest to local reporters, so it’s hard to get a read on whether their interest is being overstated by sources close to Flowers or understated by team sources. Besides those clubs, the Patriots and Ravens also have some interest, tweets Wilson.
- As they continue to weigh options to replace Sean Weatherspoon, the Falcons are working out veteran linebacker Jonathan Vilma today, according to Rapoport (via Twitter). A source confirms to ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure (Twitter link) that the workout went well, though the team didn’t sign Vilma right away.
- Defensive tackle Daniel Muir, who spent last season with the Raiders after also playing for the Packers, Colts, and Jets, auditioned for the Ravens today, according to Wilson (via Twitter).
- Guards Steve Greene and John Sullen and defensive tackles Gilbert Pena and Everett Dawkins tried out for the Giants at the team’s minicamp today, tweets Paul Schwartz of the New York Post.
Minor Moves: Patriots, Ravens, Bucs
Tonight’s minor moves..
- The Buccaneers signed former Panthers receiver David Gettis, according to Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times. The 26-year-old turned heads as a tryout player at the team’s minicamp last week. As a rookie with Carolina in 2010, Gettis hauled in 37 passes and 508 yards with three touchdowns.
- The Ravens have released former seventh-round wide receiver Aaron Mellette and outside linebacker Adrian Hamilton, according to Ryan Mink of BaltimoreRavens.com. Both young players spent last year on injured reserve and were attempting comebacks this season but were waived after failing physicals. Mink says the Ravens could re-sign one or both of the players. If Mellette hadn’t failed a physical and was just a routine cut, he could have been a popular waiver claim, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com.
- The Patriots announced on their website today that they have signed rookie free agent defensive lineman Seali’i Epenesa. Epenesa, 22, played in 41 games and finished with 46 total tackles and one sack during his four year college career. The 6’1″, 310-pounder played in 12 games with seven starts as a senior in 2013 and was credited with 16 tackles and one sack.
- The Buccaneers cut tackle Emmett Cleary and linebacker Steven Jenkins, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Cleary, an undrafted free agent out of Boston College, and was signed in October 2013 but did not appear in any games. Jenkins was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M this year.
- The Bears cut safety Sean Cattouse, Wilson tweets. Cattouse spent most of 2013 on Chicago’s practice squad.