Giants Work Out Tony Lippett, Kevin Minter
The Giants worked out cornerback Tony Lippett, linebacker Kevin Minter, and a host of other free agents on Tuesday, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Lippett, who transformed from a collegiate wideout to an NFL corner, was a 13-game starter for the Dolphins in 2016, but didn’t make it through final cutdowns earlier this week after missing the entire 2017 campaign with a torn Achilles. Provided he’s now healthy, Lippett could give New York’s secondary a boost, as the only experienced players on the Giants cornerback depth chart are starters Janoris Jenkins and Eli Apple. The Giants know they have a problem in the defensive backfield, as they claimed three cornerbacks off waivers on Sunday.
Minter, 27, was cut by the Jets earlier this week after inking a one-year deal during the offseason. After starting 32 games for the Cardinals from 2015-16, Minter has struggled to find playing time (or even a job) in recent seasons. While he could conceivably offer depth behind starters Alec Ogletree and B.J. Goodson (and has familiarity with Giants defensive coordinator James Bettcher, formerly of Arizona), Minter hasn’t played special teams since his rookie season. That’s a problem for a backup linebacker, and could be why New York signed ST standout Nate Stupar — also a part of today’s cattle call — instead.
Here’s the full list of players who auditioned for the Giants on Tuesday:
- QB Matt McGloin
- WR Jehu Chesson
- WR Quadree Henderson
- WR Brandon Tate
- WR Shane Wynn
- OT David Sharpe
- OT Dakoda Shepley
- DE Daeshon Hall
- LB Josh Keyes
- CB Michael Hunter
- CB Ronald Zamort
Giants Sign LB Nate Stupar
The Giants have signed free agent linebacker Nate Stupar, according to a tweet from his agency.
Stupar, 30, was released by the Saints earlier this week but quickly drew interest on the free agent market. Had Stupar not signed with New York, he had another visit lined up with an unidentified club, tweets Mike Triplett of ESPN.com.
Stupar entered the league as a seventh-round draft pick in 2012. He’s mostly served as a backup during his NFL career, but he’s played plenty of snaps on special teams, an area of great need for the Giants. New York ranked dead last in Football Outsiders’ special teams DVOA in 2017, but Stupar should be able to help the club improve.
Although he shouldn’t be expected to see much time on defense, Stupar is capable of playing inside linebacker in the Giants’ new 3-4 scheme. He’ll provide depth behind starters Alec Ogletree and B.J. Goodson.
Minor NFL Transactions: 9/4/18
Today’s minor moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Promoted from practice squad: CB Deante Burton
Los Angeles Rams
- Waived from injured reserve: LB Ryan Davis
New England Patriots
- Signed: WR Jace Billingsley, T Eric Smith
New York Giants
- Signed: DT John Jenkins
- Waived: LB Romeo Okwara
Washington Redskins
- Waived: DT Caushaud Lyons
Olivier Vernon Has High Ankle Sprain
The Giants’ pass rush was slated to look quite different entering this season, given the trade of Jason Pierre-Paul and switch to a 3-4 defense. It may start the year missing its most prominent component as well.
Olivier Vernon is dealing with a high ankle sprain, Pat Shurmur said during a radio interview with WFAN 660 (via Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, on Twitter).
Vernon was carted off a Giants practice field late last month but was believed to have avoided a serious injury. While a high ankle sprain isn’t considered an especially serious setback, it can take some time to surmount. Although Vernon’s status for Sunday’s Giants-Jaguars game isn’t known, Shurmur said his top pass rusher is a fast healer. That said, he probably shouldn’t be expected to be 100 percent if he is able to play in Week 1.
Vernon experienced ankle trouble last season. He missed four games — his first four absences as a pro — because of it.
James Bettcher‘s implemented his 3-4 scheme in New York, shifting Vernon from defensive end to outside linebacker. Vernon missing time would thrust Connor Barwin or Lorenzo Carter into a starting role opposite Kareem Martin, with each of these players not being quite on Vernon’s level in terms of pass-rushing consistency.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/4/18
Here are Tuesday’s practice squad moves.
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: CB Josh Hawkins
- Placed on injured list: DE Kiante Anderson
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: OL Brad Seaton
- Cut: OL Christian DiLauro
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: DB Treston Decoud, DT Aziz Shittu, G Cody Wichmann
- Cut: DE Charles Tapper
Houston Texans
- Signed: TE MyCole Pruitt
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: CB Lenzy Pipkins
- Cut: CB D.J. White
Kansas City Chiefs
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: RB Justin Jackson
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed: OL Evan Boehm
New York Giants
- Signed: DL Josh Banks
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: LB Joe Walker
- Cut: LB Asantay Brown
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: DE Branden Jackson
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: WR Damore’ea Stringfellow
- Cut: WR Austin Proehl
Workout Notes: Giants, Jets, Raiders, Colts
As Week 1 practices are underway, here’s the latest from the workout circuit:
- The Giants appear to envy the Raiders’ roster depth. After adding Mario Edwards and cornerback Antonio Hamilton, Big Blue will work out Raiders 2017 fourth-round tackle David Sharpe, Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal tweets. Sharpe’s shed 30 pounds this offseason, per Gehlken. He played in five games and started two as a rookie. The Giants will also audition former Broncos cornerback Michael Hunter, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (on Twitter). These workouts will take place Tuesday.
- Hunter was part of a four-cornerback contingent that auditioned for the Texans on Labor Day, with veteran NFL reporter Howard Balzer tweeting Hunter, Breon Borders, Chris Campbell and Jalen Myrick took part in the Monday showcase. Of this quartet, only Myrick has NFL experience. He played five games as a Texan last season.
- Dan Bailey appears to have a good chance to be the Jets‘ next kicker, but in the event the team doesn’t sign him, an insurance option is coming to the Big Apple for a workout. Matt McCrane will kick for Jets brass on Wednesday, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News tweets. The Cardinals cut McCrane last week. Jason Myers currently sits as Gang Green’s kicker, but he may not have a good grip on the job.
- Prior to the Raiders signing Brandon LaFell, they worked out one of their former wideouts. Brice Butler trekked back to Oakland for a Monday workout, Vic Tafur of The Athletic tweets. Although most of Reggie McKenzie‘s draft picks aren’t too popular with Jon Gruden right now, Butler joined the Raiders as a 2013 seventh-round and played sparingly in 2013 and ’14. The Raiders traded him to the Cowboys prior to the 2015 season. Butler did not impress the Cardinals in camp, despite signing a two-year deal this spring.
- The Patriots worked out tight end Stephen Anderson, tackle Eric Smith and wide receiver Jace Billingsley on Monday, Balzer tweets. New England will sign Smith to its practice squad.
- Thinner at wide receiver after losing Marqise Lee, the Jaguars will work out former Giants wideout Kalif Raymond on Tuesday, Ryan Dunleavy of NJ.com tweets. The former UDFA mostly served as a Giants return man last season.
- Multiyear Steelers backup Fitzgerald Toussaint visited the Colts on Monday, per Pro Football Talk (on Twitter). The Steelers cut the 28-year-old running back last week after what ended up being a three-year stay.
- Linebacker Jonathan Celestin will work out for the Browns on Tuesday, per NFL Draft Diamonds (Twitter link). The Falcons axed Celestin after the preseason.
- Lastly, the Chiefs auditioned tackle Pace Murphy on Monday, per Balzer.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/3/18
We’ll keep track of today’s practice squad moves here:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: RB Brian Hill
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: LB B.J. Bello, S Demetrious Cox, CB Chris Jones
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: DE Christian LaCouture
Chicago Bears
Signed:
- OL Dejon Allen
- DL Abdullah Anderson
- QB Tyler Bray
- WR Tanner Gentry
- DB Michael Joseph
- DB Jonathon Mincy
- RB Taquan Mizzell
- RB Ryan Nall
- OL James Stone
- LB Josh Woods
Cleveland Browns
Signed:
- OL Christian DiLauro
- DL Daniel Ekuale
- DL Zaycoven Henderson
- RB Dontrell Hilliard
- OL Kyle Kalis
- TE Pharoah McKever
- DB Jeremiah McKinnon
- DB Montrel Meander
- DB Tigie Sankoh (International Pathway Player, does not count against 10-man limit)
- WR Da’Mari Scott
- LB Brady Sheldon
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: RB Bo Scarbrough
Detroit Lions
- Signed: DT John Atkins, CB Cre’Von LeBlanc, DE Eric Lee
Denver Broncos
- Signed: G Avery Gennesy, OLB Jeff Holland
Houston Texans
- Signed: CB Mike Tyson
Indianapolis Colts
Signed:
- G Jamil Douglas
- RB Jeremy McNichols
- DE Carroll Phillips
- LB Ahmad Thomas
- DE Jihad Ward
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: TE Thomas Duarte, QB Cardale Jones
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: TE Cole Hikutini
New England Patriots
- Signed: WR Jace Billingsley, T Eric Smith
New York Jets
Signed:
- WR Deontay Burnett
- C Nico Falah
- OT Dieugot Joseph
- RB De’Angelo Henderson
- DL Bronson Kaufasi
- QB John Wolford
New York Giants
- Signed: LB Ukeme Eligwe
Oakland Raiders
- Signed: G/T Denver Kirkland, DB Terrell Sinkfield, DB Rico Gafford
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: OL Zack Golditch
Seattle Seahawks
Signed:
- RB Lavon Coleman
- DT Frank Herron
- CB Akeem King
- TE Marcus Lucas
- QB Alex McGough
- T Elijah Nkansah
- WR Keenan Reynolds
- G Jordan Roos
- WR Caleb Scott
- LB Antwione Williams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Signed:
- OL Cole Boozer
- CB Javien Elliott
- DE Demone Harris
- TE Tanner Hudson
- S Godwin Igwebuike
- DL Jeremiah Ledbetter
- LB Eric Nzeocha (International Pathway Player, does not count against 10-man limit)
- DE Pat O’Connor
- RB Dare Ogunbowale
- LB Azeem Victor
- WR Bobo Wilson
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: OL Coleman Shelton, WR Austin Proehl, DL Deon Simon, QB Logan Woodside
Giants To Work Out Perriman, McGloin
- It had previously been announced that former first round pick Breshad Perriman would be visiting the Jets, and if he doesn’t sign with them he’ll then visit other teams including the nearby Giants and Bills, Rapoport tweets. Wherever the pass-catcher lands, it seems likely he’ll be heading east.
- The Giants kept four quarterbacks initially, then waived Davis Webb, and still might not be done addressing their quarterback room. Rapsheet also tweets that Matt McGloin will work out for the Giants tomorrow. Giants coach Pat Shurmur has said he wants to have a veteran backup, and it’s possible the team will see him as an upgrade over Alex Tanney.
Sunday NFL Transactions: NFC East
Listed below are the Sunday roster moves for the four NFC East teams. Following the 53-man roster cutdown deadline yesterday, many teams will make slight tweaks to their rosters, claiming players off waivers or signing guys who clear waivers. Those transactions for the Cowboys, Giants, Eagles, and Redskins are noted below.
Additionally, as of 12:00pm CT today, teams can begin constructing their 10-man practice squads. You can check out our glossary entry on practice squads to brush up on those changes, as well as all the other guidelines that govern the 10-man units, whose players practice with the team but aren’t eligible to suit up on Sundays.
Here are Sunday’s NFC East transactions, which will continue to be updated throughout the day:
Dallas Cowboys
Claimed:
Cut:
Practice squad:
- WR Dres Anderson
- OT Jake Campos
- RB Jordan Chunn
- RB Darius Jackson
- WR Lance Lenoir
- CB Donovan Olumba
- LB Kyle Queiro
- DE Charles Tapper
New York Giants
Claimed:
- WR Kaelin Clay
- DL Mario Edwards
- DB Antonio Hamilton
- DB Michael Jordan
- DB Kamrin Moore
- C Spencer Pulley
Cut:
- TE Jerell Adams
- DT Josh Banks
- CB William Gay
- G John Jerry
- WR Hunter Sharp
- QB Davis Webb
Practice squad:
- LB Avery Moss
- LB Calvin Munson
- WR Alonzo Russell
- WR Jawill Davis
- TE Garrett Dickerson
- DB Grant Haley
- RB Jhurell Pressley
- T Victor Salako
Philadelphia Eagles
Claimed:
Cut:
- LB Joe Walker
Practice squad:
- RB Josh Adams
- CB Chandon Sullivan
- CB De’Vante Bausby
- DT Winston Craig
- LB Asantay Brown
- DE Joe Ostman
- C Jon Toth
- WR Greg Ward Jr.
- WR Rashard Davis
- TE Billy Brown
Washington Redskins
Practice squad:
- RB Kapri Bibbs
- WR Simmie Cobbs
- TE Matt Flanagan
- WR Darvin Kidsy
- DB Kenny Ladler
- LB Cassanova McKinzy
- T Timon Parris
- DL JoJo Wicker
Giants Waive Davis Webb
In a surprising move, the Giants have waived QB Davis Webb, per Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com (via Twitter). We learned earlier today that the Giants were open to trading either Webb or rookie signal-caller Kyle Lauletta, but it did not seem likely that either player would be waived. Instead, if the Giants could not find any trade partners, it appeared more plausible that the team would part ways with 30-year-old Alex Tanney.
But GM Dave Gettleman decided to cut ties with Webb, a 2017 third-round choice who played fairly well throughout the preseason and who at one point appeared to have a big lead over Lauletta for the backup QB job. Of course, Webb was selected by the Giants’ prior regime, so Gettleman & Co. did not have any attachment to him.
Raanan adds in a separate tweet that New York did discuss trading Webb to the Raiders before Oakland acquired A.J. McCarron to be its backup signal-caller. We will have to wait and see what the future holds for Webb, though he is not likely to be without work for long given his draft pedigree and the league-wide need for competent QBs.