Eagles Move Bennie Logan To IR
Bennie Logan will finish his third Eagles season on injured reserve, Geoff Mosher of 97.5 The Fanatic reports (on Twitter).
The Eagles promoted cornerback Randall Evans from their practice squad to take the ailing nose tackle’s roster spot, per Mosher.
Before a calf injury ended his season, Logan played in 14 games for Philadelphia this year, making 55 tackles and a sack. The 2013 third-round pick’s started 38 games in his career and will enter his contract year after this season’s conclusion.
The former LSU cog finished as Pro Football Focus’ 45th-best interior defender, a category that also includes 3-4 defensive ends, this season, coming in behind teammates Fletcher Cox and Vinny Curry.
A sixth-round rookie, the 24-year-old Evans hasn’t been active for a game yet.
East Notes: Eagles, Giants, Patriots, Hickey
The Eagles interviewed running backs coach Duce Staley for their head-coaching job, Ed Werder of ESPN.com reports (via ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter, on Twitter).
The former Eagles running back has been on the Philadelphia staff since 2010, serving as the running backs coach since 2013.
Staley’s coaching experience doesn’t meet the usual criteria for a realistic shot at the job. This pre-offseason summit does, however, allow the Eagles to meet the Rooney Rule requirements put in place for the consideration of minority candidates. Not exactly in the spirit of the rule, as more qualified candidates are certain to follow the 40-year-old Staley in interviewing once the season ends.
Here is some more from the Eastern divisions on the eve of the final regular-season Sunday.
- Chip Kelly‘s year of full personnel control went awry quickly, and the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Zach Berman takes a look at the steps that led to the early divorce. Not paying enough attention to keeping the offensive line fortified after releases of Evan Mathis and Todd Herremans proved to be part of the downfall, Berman writes.
- The Giants expect Owa Odighizuwa to come off IR-DTR today, per NJ.com’s Jordan Raanan (on Twitter). The 23-year-old defensive end’s been out since October with a hamstring malady, playing in just four games as a rookie. When the Giants used their IR-DTR slot on their third-round pick Nov. 5, the playoffs remained in sight. But Sunday was the earliest Odighizuwa could play, and present circumstances mean he’d make a rare return for a meaningless contest.
- In the likely event Tom Coughlin‘s 12-season Giants tenure concludes after Sunday’s game, Big Blue needs to pursue former OC Sean Payton or Nick Saban, Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News writes. The New York reporter notes those two candidates wouldn’t require any on-the-job training, although Saban’s Dolphins stint left much to be desired, and the Giants’ winning pedigree shouldn’t force them to settle for an unseasoned coordinator. Vacchiano also reports the Giants interviewed the 64-year-old Saban for their head-coaching job in 1997 and offered the then-Michigan State head coach the position. Jim Fassel eventually became Big Blue’s coach, and Coughlin took over seven years later. The Giants would have to trade for Payton, who earns $8MM per season and is signed through 2017.
- Dennis Hickey remains unlikely to be retained as Dolphins GM, Armando Salguero reports (on Twitter). Hickey has not been fired yet and could be reassigned, Salguero notes. Mike Tannenbaum‘s presence stripped power from Hickey, who’s only been on the job two years after being hired to succeed Jeff Ireland in Jan. 2014.
- Danny Amendola, who has 63 receptions, can earn $225K in incentives with seven catches against the Dolphins, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe reports. The inconsistent Patriots wideout’s made $525K in incentives already this season. Julian Edelman missed out on $500K in incentives by finishing nine catches shy of 70. The bonus only applies to the regular season, meaning the top Pats receiver’s prospective playoff receptions wouldn’t count toward it. Sebastian Vollmer will miss out on a $750K bonus by falling short of the 80% snap threshold this season, and Alan Branch won’t hit the 50% standard to receive a $250K bonus.
Dolphins Place Rishard Matthews On IR
Rishard Matthews may have played his final game with the Dolphins, with the fourth-year receiver heading to injured reserve, Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald tweets.
The Dolphins promoted linebacker Mike Hull from the practice squad to assume Matthews’ Week 17 roster spot, ESPN.com’s James Walker reports (on Twitter).
Missing the past four games, Matthews entered Miami’s Week 17 clash with the Patriots with a questionable designation. However, the team shelved the 26-year-old free agent-to-be who has missed December after fracturing ribs against the Jets late last month.
Thought to be on the outside of the Dolphins’ receiver rotation after the team traded for Kenny Stills, signed Greg Jennings and drafted DeVante Parker, Matthews proved to be the team’s best outside target for most of the season.
The above moves prompted a disgruntled Matthews to demand a preseason relocation, but the 2012 seventh-rounder went on to have his best season. Matthews’ 662 yards and four touchdowns in 11 games represented notable progressions from his previous three years’ work.
As a result of his contract-year campaign that may have produced 1,000 yards if he’d stayed healthy and a thin receiver market, Matthews figures to draw steady attention this offseason.
Parker and Jarvis Landry are the Fins’ cornerstones at receiver, but beyond Alshon Jeffery, the upcoming free agency class of receivers lags far behind 2015’s. Travis Benjamin, Rueben Randle and Jermaine Kearse are among the top names out there.
Extra Points: Marshall, Bills, Prospects
Some assorted notes from around the NFL…
- Brandon Marshall‘s tenure with the Bears didn’t end on the most pleasant terms, and the current Jets wideout has used that as motivation for this season. “I can care less about stats and the awards,” Marshall told Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com. “I wanted my character to be rebuilt [in Chicago], and I did that. Then it was ripped away from me. So I’m still a little angry about that, but I’m just going to use that for motivation to keep going.”
- With Mario Williams on his way out of Buffalo, linebacker Preston Brown wants to be “the guy” for the Bills in 2016. However, considering the constant roster turnover, the 23-year-old isn’t certain he’ll even be on the team next season. “You always want to go be that guy,” Brown told Tyler Dunne of The Buffalo News. “But I’m not in control of that. If I’m here, if I’m not, I don’t know what happens with everybody. You never know. I’ll just go out there and try to do my job each week.”
- Oklahoma cornerback Zack Sanchez and linebacker Dominique Alexander have both declared for the upcoming draft (via Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller on Twitter).
- The Dolphins would be “wise” to pursue Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, tweets Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole. If the coaching staff in Detroit is let go, Cole believes Austin could fill a variety of roles for Miami, including defensive coordinator or head coach.
NFC Notes: Caldwell, 49ers, Eagles
Lions coach Jim Caldwell refuses to defend himself to anybody, including owner Martha Ford. Despite professing his love for the organization, the 60-year-old will not fight to keep his job. The coach explained his logic to Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press.
“I don’t believe in it,” Caldwell said. “It’s not a matter of fighting for my job. When you take a look at it, the record speaks for itself. I’m not going to go into any long sort of explanation or those kinds of things. I never have, never will.”
As we wait to see whether that approach helps Caldwell retain his job, let’s take a look at some more notes from the NFC…
- Following reports that 49ers linebackers coach Clancy Pendergast is expected to leave for a gig at USC, coach Jim Tomsula wasn’t particularly eager to discuss any potential moves. “We’re fully on board with the St. Louis Rams, and we’ll take care of that stuff next week,” Tomsula said (via Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee).
- Besides his Philadelphia roots and experience with the Eagles organization, Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott‘s ability to develop an elite defense makes him a perfect fit for Philly’s head coaching gig, writes Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com.
- Set to become a free agent after this season, Rams quarterback Case Keenum has one final opportunity this weekend to make an impression on any potential suitors. “Any time the lights come on or we step on the field and the film’s on, that film goes around to everybody,” Keenum told Michael Wagaman of the Associated Press. “They see everything from a lot of different views. In the NFL, that’s what your resume is, what you put on tape. I want to put everything on tape that is the best I can.”
Doug Martin, Buccaneers Discussing New Contract
Doug Martin figured to be one of the more sought-after running backs in free agency this offseason, as the two-time Pro Bowler currently sits second in the NFL with 1,354 rushing yards. However, the 26-year-old may not even reach free agency if the Buccaneers have their way.
Martin and general manager Jason Licht told Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune that the two sides have already started discussing a new contract for the running back.
“We’ve already talked a little bit,’’ Licht said. “We will definitely be talking (more). We’d love to have Doug back.’’
2015 has been a bounce back season for the former first rounder. The four-year veteran has rushed for 1,354 yards on 273 carries, and he’s found the end zone seven times (including one receiving touchdown). This followed 2013 and 2014 campaigns where Martin combined to run for 950 yards on 261 carries. As a result of the underwhelming production, the Buccaneers declined Martin’s $5.621MM 2016 option.
While Martin would presumably garner some attention in free agency (Cummings suggests a deal rivaling DeMarco Murray‘s five-year, $42MM deal with the Eagles), the running back is apparently content in Tampa Bay.
“I love it here and I have a beautiful home here,’’ Martin said. “I’d love to come back. But right now I’m focused on our last game. I’m aware they’re talking, but I’ll let them handle that for now.’’
The 31st-overall pick in the 2012 draft, the Boise State product originally signed a five-year, $6.79MM contract with the Buccaneers. As a rookie, Martin compiled 1,926 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns.
AFC Notes: Mularkey, Jets, Texans
The Titans have only gone 2-6 under interim head coach Mike Mularkey, but the 54-year-old has still been thrilled with the opportunity.
“It’s been busy, very busy, but I enjoy my job,’’ Mularkey told Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com. “I really enjoy it and being around these guys. It’s fun to come into work. I think it’s fun for them and I’d like to end on a win, obviously. I think they all would.”
Of course, Mularkey understands that ‘Black Monday’ is quickly approaching, and his underwhelming record doesn’t make him a shoo-in to keep his job.
“I really don’t know what, to be honest, what the format is (for Monday),” Mularkey said. “I’m going to come in on Monday. We’re all going to come in on Monday. I’m going to remain the head coach until I’m told otherwise.
“We’ve got a plan for the week, really for the beginning part of the week, and then coaches are going to take some time off. We’re going to move forward that way.”
Let’s check out some more notes from around the AFC…
- Rich Cimini says cornerback Antonio Cromartie will be the Jets most likely cap casualty this offseason. The veteran has three years left on his contract, but none of the money is guaranteed, making him a relatively easy cut. The writer also suggests wideout Jeremy Kerley, tight end Jeff Cumberland, offensive linemen D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Nick Mangold, and Breno Giacomini, and quarterback Geno Smith as potential cap casualties.
- Texans first-round pick Kevin Johnson has had a solid rookie campaign, and the defensive back is hoping to carry over that play into 2016. “I feel good about my rookie season,” he told Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “It’s a blessing to come into an organization with guys I can learn from and take me under their wing like J-Jo and Kareem. I feel like I did some good things and also some things to learn from.”
- Texans lineman Brandon Brooks has missed several games this season due to an illness and toe injury. The 26-year-old recently returned to the lineup, and the impending free agent is hoping to boost his value before the season concludes. “I feel good, just trying to progress each week,” he told Wilson. “I’m doing some good things out there. There’s always things I can improve, just trying to finish strong. There’s a lot of things I can work on. I’m just trying to keep doing what I’ve been doing.”
Extra Points: Dolphins, Lynch, Giants, Browns
As the Dolphins get their head coaching search under way, the Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero lists a slew of candidates. Chip Kelly, Todd Haley, Josh McDaniels, Jim L. Mora, Jim Schwartz and Hue Jackson are those with NFL head coaching experience. The potential first-timers consist of three offensive coordinators – Carolina’s Mike Shula, son of legendary ex-Dolphins coach Don Shula, as well as Chicago’s Adam Gase and Tampa’s Dirk Koetter. The Dolphins are looking for a leader of men capable of assembling a great staff, according to Salguero.
More from around the league as the first day of 2016 wraps up:
- Welcome news for the Seahawks as the playoffs near: Running back Marshawn Lynch should return to practice Monday, head coach Pete Carroll said (link via The Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta). Lynch has been out since mid-November because of abdominal surgery.
- Sunday could be head coach Tom Coughlin‘s last game with the Giants. The same holds true for a pair of the club’s defensive institutions, writes Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, as end Jason Pierre-Paul and cornerback Prince Amukamara are both pending free agents. “I’d be lying if I said it’s never come up in my head or someone has never brought it up to me,” said Amukamara, whom the Giants chose in the first round of the 2011 draft. Amukmara added that he’d like to remain a Giant. “I love the organization, definitely treated first class here, so it’s been great.’’ There’s no word on whether the Giants want to retain Amukamara, but there was a report Thursday that they are hoping to keep Pierre-Paul, a 2010 first-rounder.
- Browns pass rusher Paul Kruger indicated Thursday that the team’s coaching staff hasn’t deployed him properly this year. “Personally, I probably wouldn’t say so. I don’t have too much more to say about it, and I don’t put everything personally this year on that, but I don’t think I was utilized in the best way,” he opined, per Jeff Schudel of the Morning-Journal. Kruger has just 27 tackles and 2.5 sacks, his lowest total since 2010, though Schudel notes that he’s second in the league in quarterback hurries (33, up from 18 in 2014). Assuming Kruger’s with the Browns next season, he’ll probably work under a different staff than the one with which he’s currently disenchanted, as head coach Mike Pettine and coordinator Jim O’Neil are both on the outs.
Giants’ Tom Coughlin Could Resign Monday
It appears the Giants’ matchup with the NFC East rival Eagles on Sunday will bring about the end of Tom Coughlin’s 12-year tenure with Big Blue. The two-time Super Bowl winner will resign after the game, sources tell Fox Sports’ Mike Garafolo.
Whether Coughlin steps down or the Giants fire him, it does look as if his reign with the team that hired him in 2004 will inevitably conclude after the season. Given the Giants’ inability to take advantage of their place in a mediocre-at-best division in 2015, questions about Coughlin’s job security have abounded throughout the campaign. The 6-9 Giants will miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season under Coughlin’s watch. The 69-year-old had previously led the Giants to playoff berths in five of his first eight seasons in New York. Two of those berths ended in titles for the Giants, who won eight-plus games in eight of Coughlin’s first nine seasons at the helm. Since 2013, however, the Giants haven’t had a season in which they’ve finished .500 or above, going an ugly 19-28 along the way. Nevertheless, Coughlin has amassed a solid regular-season record in New York (102-89). That, combined with his pair of championships and earlier success in Jacksonville (68-60, four playoff appearances from 1995-2002), could ultimately send him to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
While it’s too early to speculate on replacements for a coach who is still employed, the New York Daily News’ Ralph Vacchiano wrote Friday that the Saints’ Sean Payton and Alabama’s Nick Saban should both be targets to replace Coughlin. Last week, Vacchiano reported that Giants owner John Mara‘s ideal scenario included retaining Coughlin as the head coach and eventually handing the reins to offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo.
East Notes: Bills, Jets, Eagles
Given his 2016 cap hit ($19.9MM) and apparent inability to fit into head coach Rex Ryan‘s scheme, there’s a strong likelihood defensive end Mario Williams will play his final game with the Bills on Sunday. The 30-year-old has totaled just 17 tackles and a career-low four sacks this season, grading a terrible 94th out of 107 edge defenders by Pro Football Focus’ standards (subscription required). Williams’ downturn in performance could be symptomatic of his attitude, as an anonymous teammate alluded to (Twitter link via The Buffalo News’ Tyler Dunne).
“We could easily have 5 solid players contributing than 1 guy who doesn’t give a s—,” the player stated.
Williams issued a retort (Twitter link via Dunne).
“I could just literally not be out there,” he said. “When I get my opportunity, do it. Everybody who said that, they’ll see.”
More from the NFL’s two East divisions:
- Running back Bilal Powell‘s offseason decision to re-sign with the Jets on a one-year deal is paying dividends for both him and the team, the New York Daily News’ Manish Mehta writes. Powell had to choose between the Bills (and Ryan, his ex-coach) and Jets, whose backfield was less crowded than Buffalo’s at the time. Powell ended up staying in New York, and has been an important dual-threat weapon for a club that could be headed to the playoffs. Powell is averaging 4.5 yards per rush this season and, as Mehta notes, leads all NFL backs in receiving yards (299) and broken tackles on passing plays (12) since Week 11. In assessing Powell, head coach Todd Bowles said, “He’s been more of a complete back than even I thought he was coming in. He can block. He can run. He’s not just a pass catcher. He does a bunch of things for us.” Of course, what’s bittersweet for the Jets is that, as a pending free agent, Powell’s success could lead him to a raise and a different uniform in the coming months.
- Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie needs to clarify vice president of football operations Howie Roseman‘s role and hold him accountable for it – just as Lurie did with Chip Kelly – submits Jeff McLane of Philly.com. Lurie should give full control of the Eagles’ personnel department to Roseman and sink or swim with him in that position, according to McLane. Roseman’s say over the roster diminished when Kelly took the reins, which is ironic when you consider Roseman was key in the hiring of Kelly. He now has some of that power back with Kelly gone, but Lurie said that Roseman’s work with the personnel department will be “as a collaborator.” That isn’t enough for McLane, who believes someone needs to be in position to take the lion’s share of responsibility for building the roster. McLane also notes that Roseman could drive away potential head coaching candidates because he doesn’t have a scouting background and is perceived as a difficult person with whom to work. Nevertheless, Lurie and team president Don Smolenski will follow Roseman’s lead with respect to Philly’s coaching search, McLane reports.
- Earlier this week, after the Eagles fired Kelly, offensive tackle Lane Johnson claimed strife between Kelly and Roseman took a toll on the players. Johnson also stated players were hesitant to approach Kelly. Safety Malcolm Jenkins, Johnson’s teammate, disagrees. Regarding Johnson’s opinion on the Kelly-Roseman feud, Jenkins said (per Les Bowen of Philly.com) that Johnson “reads too many articles.” On Johnson’s notion that Kelly wasn’t approachable, Jenkins added, “I think the perception was not necessarily the reality.”