Broncos Acquire Brandon McManus
4:06pm: In order for the Giants to acquire that seventh-round pick from the Broncos, McManus will need to remain Denver’s kicker after Prater is eligible to return from his suspension, according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post. It’s hard to imagine that happening, so I doubt a pick changes hands as a result of this deal.
Klis adds in a tweet that kicker Mitch Ewald has been cut to make room on the roster for McManus.
2:30pm: The Broncos have added some kicking insurance, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, who reports (via Twitter) that Brandon McManus has been sent to Denver by the Giants in exchange for a conditional seventh-round draft pick. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk first reported (via Twitter) that McManus had been traded instead of waived, as had been announced earlier today.
McManus, 23, lost the Giants’ competition to veteran kicker Brown, but he has a big leg, having reportedly made a 75-yard field goal in training camp, as well as frequently putting kickoffs 10 yards out of the end zone, per Bill Pennington of the New York Times. McManus was expected to draw interest on the waiver wire, so the Broncos – who would’ve been near the back of the priority list – prudently agreed to part with a conditional seventh-rounder, which figures to land near the very end of the 2015 draft.
Broncos kicker Matt Prater has been suspended for the first four games of the 2014 season, so McManus looks like a good bet to take over kicking duties in Denver for September. The Broncos had previously whittled their roster down to 75 players, so they’ll now have to make one more cut to make room for the former Giant.
Giants Waive 13 Players, Place Two On IR
10:49am: Graziano provides the last four Giants moves, reporting in a pair of tweets that the team has also cut safety C.J. Barnett and defensive tackle Everett Dawkins, as well as placing wideout Marcus Harris and safety Cooper Taylor on season-ending injured reserve.
10:27am: Vacchiano adds two more names to the list of Giants’ cuts (via Twitter): Travis Harvey (WR) and John Sullen (G). The team still has to part ways with four more players by this afternoon.
9:26am: In addition to McManus and James, the Giants have cut the following players, according to reports from Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News and Conor Orr of the Star-Ledger:
- Spencer Adkins, LB
- Justin Anderson, LB (waived-injured)
- Jerome Cunningham, TE
- Emmanuel Dieke, DE
- Xavier Grimble, TE (waived-injured)
- Kyle Sebetic, S
- Ross Weaver, CB
The seven additional cuts bring the Giants’ roster count down to 81.
8:34am: The Giants’ first wave of roster cuts is underway, and one of the team’s first moves will settle the kicking battle in New York. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the Giants have informed Brandon McManus that Josh Brown will be the club’s kicker, with McManus being cut. Additionally, defensive back Charles James will be waived, according to Dan Graziano of ESPN.com (via Twitter). James announced that move himself this morning, via Instagram.
McManus, 23, may have lost the Giants’ kicking competition to the veteran Brown, but he has a big leg, having reportedly made a 75-yard field goal in training camp, as well as frequently putting kickoffs 10 yards out of the end zone, writes Bill Pennington of the New York Times. He’ll have to make it through waivers to become a free agent, so we’ll keep an eye out this week on whether another team decides to put in a claim for him.
As for James, he spent last season with the Giants and only saw two total defensive snaps, but was a frequent contributor on special teams — he recorded six overall tackles in kick and punt coverage. Graziano tweets that New York would have liked to delay its decision on James, but recent injuries on the offensive line have forced the team to change its plans.
The Giants have yet to announce these transactions, but figure to make them official later today when they finalize the rest of their cuts. The team will have to part ways with 13 more players by this afternoon’s roster cutdown deadline.
East Notes: Sanchez, Hill, Schwartz, Cowboys
As one of the league’s premier backups, Eagles signal-caller Mark Sanchez figures to be the subject of trade rumors when starting QBs like Sam Bradford go down for the season. However, as he tells Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Sanchez isn’t interested in listening to that sort of speculation.
“I’m an Eagle. I love being an Eagle,” Sanchez said. “There’s a ton of quarterbacks. Talk about someone else.”
Here’s more from around the NFL’s two East divisions:
- With final cuts approaching, some trade chatter is starting to surround Jets wide receiver Stephen Hill. Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter) notes that the team has already tried to move Hill this summer, with no takers so far, while Brian Costello of the New York Post (via Twitter) is skeptical that the Jets could get anything for the wideout. On the other hand, one AFC exec tells Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com that he thinks there’d be some interest, since the free agent market for receivers is thin.
- The Giants received some good news on Geoff Schwartz’s foot injury, announcing today in a press release that the guard will be in a walking boot for the next seven to 10 days, then will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis. The timetable suggests that Schwartz will avoid hitting any sort of PUP or IR list.
- Cowboys linebacker DeVonte Holloman tells Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that it was an “easy decision” to retire after sustaining his latest neck injury, though he admitted it’ll be “tough not to be out there” on the field with the team.
- As Drew Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram outlines, Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones weighed in on position battles at a few key positions in Dallas as the team prepares to cut its roster down to 53 players.
East Notes: Griffin, Brent, Branch
Robert Griffin III struggled in the Redskins‘ third preseason game against the Ravens on Saturday night, and that has led to a great deal of chatter as to whether he or backup Kirk Cousins represents the team’s best option under center. Redskins’ legend Joe Theismann weighed in on the conversation in the fourth quarter of last night’s game (as transcribed by Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post) stating:
“Let’s stop beating around the bush. Kirk Cousins has played much better at the quarterback position than Robert Griffin III has…Now, if there was a quarterback competition, it wouldn’t be a competition. Kirk Cousins would be the man I believe [head coach Jay Gruden] would have to go to.”
Theismann continued to sing Cousins’ praises after the game ended. Former Redskin Brian Mitchell, an analyst on the team’s post game show, disagreed with Theismann’s assessment, stating that Griffin, not Cousins, gives Washington the best chance of winning. For what it’s worth, Liz Clarke of the Washington Post writes that Griffin rejects the belief that he has regressed this preseason.
Now for some more notes from the league’s east divisions:
- Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com points out the obvious flaw in Theismann’s analysis, writing that, since there never was a quarterback competition in Redskins camp–Griffin entered the offseason as the undisputed starter–there is no way to determine whether Griffin or Cousins would have won such a competition. If the starting job was up for grabs, Cousins would have had a chance to work with the first team offense against the Ravens’ first-team defense, and no one can say how that would have altered the evaluation.
- Jean-Jacques Taylor of ESPNDallas.com reports that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expects a decision from the league regarding a potential suspension for DT Josh Brent “imminently.” Jones has previously stated that the team will have a roster spot for Brent if the NFL allows him to play.
- Ebenezer Samuel of the New York Daily News writes that undrafted free agent wideout Corey Washington has had a monster preseason for the Giants and has thrust himself into serious consideration for a roster spot.
- Jordan Ranaan of NJ.com tweets that it will be a few days before a final diagnosis is made on Geoff Schwartz, and in a full-length piece Ranaan describes how the Giants might go about replacing him.
- In a pair of articles, Paul Schwartz of the New York Post offers a little more on Schwartz, some Giants‘ roster machinations, and he describes the quality performances displayed by a few of the Giants’ younger players.
- I rounded up a few Eagles links here.
- In the wake of Alan Branch‘s recent arrest, Mike Rodak of ESPN.com reexamines the financial ramifications the Bills would face if they were to release Branch.
- Marc Sessler of NFL.com writes that Bills coach Doug Marrone is open to shopping for a new backup quarterback. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com wonders (via Twitter) if the team would consider Luke McCown if he is cut by New Orleans, as the Saints and the Bills have a similar offensive system.
- Ben Volin of the Boston Globe describes how the new practice squad rules could impact several players on the Patriots‘ roster bubble.
- Shalise Manza Young of the Boston Globe provides a closer look on how the Patriots will pare their roster down to 75 players by Tuesday’s deadline.
- The Jets released six players earlier today.
Extra Points: Cowboys, 49ers, Browns, Giants
Let’s check out some leftover links on this Saturday night…
- The Cowboys broke ground on a $115MM training facility in Frisco, Texas yesterday, tweets Gil Brandt of NFL.com.
- ESPN.com’s Todd Archer says (via Twitter) that Ryan Williams is among the 53-best players on the Cowboys roster, but that there is no guarantee that he’ll make the final cut.
- Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com believes the 49ers will likely roll with either Blaine Gabbert or Josh Johnson as the backup quarterback. If the players struggle, the team might be forced to look outside of the organization.
- Josh Gordon was not in the Browns starting lineup on Saturday, and Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com thinks that this could be an indication by the team that Gordon will not be around for the start of the season.
- Giants wide receiver Marcus Harris will be out for about three weeks, and it’s a tough blow for the player. While he was originally expected to be the team’s fifth receiver, Jordan Raanan of NJ.com questions whether the player will now even make the roster.
NFC East Links: Schwartz, Cowboys, Redskins
Giants‘ guard Geoff Schwartz was brought in this offseason to sure up the offensive line, but in light of his recent injury, the team needs to look at potential replacements on the roster, writes Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. Rookie center Weston Richburg is the logical replacement, although he was thought of as the center of the future and was already competing to be the starter at the other guard spot with Brandon Mosley. John Jerry and Dallas Reynolds are the other guards on the roster.
Here are some more links from around the NFC East:
- The Giants‘ offensive line is not the only cause for concern heading into the regular season, as the team’s tight ends and their quarterback Eli Manning have struggled as well, writes Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. The team is also short on wide receivers with rookie Odell Beckham Jr. and former practice squad star Marcus Harris struggling with injuries. Harris was thought to be a lock to make the roster before his injury, writes Raanan.
- There are still a few starting spots on the Cowboys‘ depth chart up for grabs, and David Moore of DallasNews.com points out three places where those jobs are up for grabs. The team still has a decision to make at left guard, left defensive end, and middle linebacker.
- The writers of DallasCowboys.com have highlighted two players each to watch going into the Cowboys‘ preseason game against the Dolphins. The players to watch are not necessarily in straightforward position battles, and range from rookie Devin Street to franchise quarterback Tony Romo.
- The Redskins‘ cornerback depth chart is still up in the air, with multiple players impressing so far during camp. Tracy Porter seems to have the slot corner spot locked up, but if his injury history comes back to haunt him, that could open up a roster spot for a player like Chase Minnifield, writes John Keim of ESPN.com. Bashaud Breeland has also had an excellent camp, but must learn how to play the slot before he sees significant playing time.
Friday Night Game Notes: East Edition
Patriots third-year pass rusher Chandler Jones, who is being used as a stand-up rusher this season, had six tackles and two sacks in a win over Carolina last night, earning praise from Bill Belichick: “Chandler’s worked really hard at whatever we’ve asked him to do since he’s been here. Last year, he also played some inside over the guard. He’s played outside over the tackle or the tight end, up, down. He’s a versatile player and he’s very conscientious to try to do whatever we ask him to do and playing in all those different spots. He’s a very athletic player with good length, good playing strength so he has a lot of versatility athletically, he has a lot of versatility mentally.” CSNNE’s Greg Bedard believes Jones is poised to become an elite defender.
Here’s some more news and notes produced after Friday night’s batch of preseason games:
- Patriots second-year receiver Josh Boyce, a fourth-rounder a year ago, didn’t play an offensive snap until late in the third quarter. “That reflects how he’s decisively behind” on the depth chart, notes ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
- Geno Smith will start the Jets’ season opener, Rex Ryan told Manish Mehta of the Daily News.
- Jets defensive back Antonio Allen sustained a concussion, reports ESPN’s Jane McManus.
- There’s no competition for the Giants’ starting quarterback job, but Ryan Nassib shined last night, solidifying his standing as Eli Manning‘s backup, according to ESPNNewYork’s Kieran Darcy.
- Giants second-year pass rusher Damontre Moore looked like a “potential star” last night in the eyes of Darcy.
- The Giants are worried about a toe injury sustained by offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz.
Poll: Which Rookie WR Will Have Best Season?
They say there are some things you can’t teach in sports. One of them is size. Another is the ability to make a jaw-dropping one-handed catch after tripping just one second prior. Bills rookie wide receiver Sammy Watkins is lacking in the first department but he’s got the latter down pat.
With top-level speed, excellent agility, and soft hands, Watkins was almost universally regarded as the top WR talent in the 2014 class. So, he’s a lock to win this poll, right? Maybe not. Second-year quarterback EJ Manuel boasts a strong arm but he’s far from elite and one has to wonder how many quality balls he can deliver to Manuel. The Clemson product is also working through a rib injury which could possibly hamper him to start the season.
Moving further down the draft board, there are plenty of other wide receivers with an opportunity to make a name for themselves in year one. The Panthers overhauled their entire receiving corps this offseason and many are expecting big things out of FSU’s Kelvin Benjamin. In New Orleans, many are skeptical of what the once solid Marques Colston can do and the hype around Brandin Cooks is reaching a fever pitch. And, without DeSean Jackson, Jordan Matthews could see a lot of balls thrown his way in Philadelphia. Beyond those guys, there are even more promising WR’s from this year’s receiver-heavy draft. Who among them will have the best 2014 season?
Which Rookie WR Will Have The Best 2014?
-
Brandin Cooks (Saints) 18% (142)
-
Jordan Matthews (Eagles) 17% (138)
-
Kelvin Benjamin (Panthers) 16% (125)
-
Sammy Watkins (Bills) 12% (92)
-
Mike Evans (Bucs) 11% (88)
-
Other 9% (71)
-
Odell Beckham Jr. (Giants) 7% (59)
-
Cody Latimer (Broncos) 6% (49)
-
Marqise Lee (Jaguars) 4% (30)
Total votes: 794
NFC Notes: Bowers, 49ers, Giants, Davis
Former Buccaneers second round defensive end Da’Quan Bowers could be on the hot seat, writes Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com. Bowers has been sidelined by a groin injury and missed another practice on Wednesday.
“I think every day you don’t practice you’re hurting your chances,” coach Lovie Smith said. “We’ve seen enough to like Da’Quan a lot, but all the reps that he’s not getting, someone else is getting. The best way to beat your competition sometimes is just to stay on the field. You can’t get Wally Pipped.”
Here’s more from around the NFC:
- Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com explains why the 49ers are pushing to get a new deal done with Michael Crabtree. Maiocco writes that the team is feeling extra pressure to get a deal done, in part, because of Colin Kaepernick’s willingness to take less in guaranteed money in order to give the organization more cap space this season to get contracts done with teammates.
- The Giants are definitely on the lookout for offensive line reinforcements, according to Jordan Raanan of NJ.com, who suggests (via Twitter) that the team is unsure whether right guard Brandon Mosley is a starter and will be keeping a close eye on the waiver wire when roster cutdowns begin.
- Falcons wideout Drew Davis, who underwent foot surgery earlier this summer, will begin the season on the team’s PUP list, head coach Mike Smith tells ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure.
- Matt Cassel says he has no ill will toward the Chiefs organization or fans, and is looking forward to returning to Kansas City for the first time this week when the Vikings play the Chiefs, as Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune details.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
East Notes: Bills Sale, Branch, DRC, Jackson
Bids for the Bills franchise are due in about two weeks, a source tells John Wawrow of the Associated Press. Morgan Stanley, the bank supervising the sale of the team, hopes to have a new owner in place by October, and as of now, Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula is considered the favorite to land Buffalo’s club. Former Bills quarterback Jim Kelly recently turned down an offer from rocker Jon Bon Jovi to join forces, while entrepreneur Donald Trump and former Sabres owner Tom Golisano are also among the contenders to purchase the team.
More from the NFL’s East divisions:
- The Bills signed Alan Branch to a contract extension last December, but they might already be looking to rid themselves of the defensive tackle. Mike Rodak of ESPN.com looks at how a release of Branch would affect Buffalo’s cap.
- As Steve Serby of the New York Post details, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie almost chose to sign with the Jets rather than the Giants during the offseason. In hindsight, it seems as though the Jets should have pressed harder for Rodgers-Cromartie, as their secondary has struggled during camp and the preseason.
- DeSean Jackson‘s failure to get separation against press-man coverage last season has been cited among the reasons why he was released by the Eagles. Now that referees intend to crack down on illegal defensive holding this season, Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer wonders if Jackson, and other less physical receivers, will benefit from the rule change.
- Guard Dallas Thomas is among the Dolphins whose stock is falling, writes James Walker of ESPN.com. Thomas was beat several times by Gerald McCoy in Miami’s last preseason game, and it looks like free agent signee Shelley Smith might be able to regain his spot among the starters in place of Thomas.