NFL Rumors - ProFootballRumors.com

South Notes: Jones, Blackmon, LeBeau

February 3rd, 2015 at 9:37pm CST by Zachary Links

News out of the AFC and NFC South..

Some have concluded that since Julio Jones has one year left on his contract and is on the verge of getting a lucrative extension that new Falcons coach Dan Quinn would prefer to trade him for extra draft picks. However, his comments during a Tuesday news conference indicate that Jones is a part of Quinn’s gameplan going forward. “Absolutely — I can’t wait (to meet him). Just a chance to go through the process with him. … We love great players. We’re trying to celebrate all the good guys. We’re trying to collect more great players, not the other way around,” Quinn said, according to Jeff Schultz of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The odds are against guys like Josh Gordon and Jaguars receiver Justin Blackmon making it back to the NFL, opines Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (on Twitter). Both have lots of work ahead of them in the league substance abuse program and have spent a good deal of time away from the team structure.
Dick LeBeau might have several former players who could be available to join him with the Titans, as Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette tweets. Safety Troy Polamalu, defensive end Brett Keisel, linebacker James Harrison, and cornerback Ike Taylor could all be available and interested in a reunion with the 77-year-old coach. Polamalu currently has two years left on his deal with Pittsburgh but it’s conceivable that they could part ways. Taylor was considering retirement but recently decided that he would return to football.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera reassigned special teams coordinator Richard Rodgers, sources told Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. Carolina’s special teams finished at or near the bottom in a number of major special teams categories this past season. Rivera will promote Rodgers’ assistant Bruce DeHaven to fill that role.

North Notes: Felton, Webb, Branch

February 3rd, 2015 at 9:10pm CST by Zachary Links

Mike Zimmer led the Vikings to a 7-9 record in his first season despite a long list of personnel issues, including the loss of Adrian Peterson. Some folks might have been surprised, but not Bengals coach Marvin Lewis. “I thought he did an outstanding job, a fine job,” Lewis said of his longtime defensive coordinator, according to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press. “I know they’re excited for next year (in Minnesota).” More from the North divisions..

Fullback Jerome Felton, who has decided to opt out of the final year of his deal with the Vikings, told Ben Goessling of ESPN.com that he was frustrated by the absence of Peterson in 2014. “Once Adrian went down, it changed things,” Felton said. “For a while there, my numbers went back up and I started playing well. But when you have the best running back in the world, that changes the offense. (Offensive coordinator) Norv (Turner) and (running backs coach) Kirby (Wilson) were always great communicating with me. The team supported me in what I was doing. It was a tough year from the standpoint of wanting to do more, but I felt like I grew as a leader this year. I didn’t let those things turn me into a negative influence in the locker room. I tried to keep supporting my guys.”
Lardarius Webb’s contract is an offseason issue the Ravens will likely have to address, Clifton Brown of CSNBaltimore.com writes. Webb still has three years remaining on a contract due to pay him $8MM in base salary next season. The Ravens could use a more cap-friendly deal, because even if they cut him, they would only save $2MM in cap room. Webb should be open to some sort of adjustment because he probably wouldn’t get more than $8MM on the open market.
Patriots defensive tackle Alan Branch told Alex Marvez of FOX Sports (Twitter link) that the Browns expressed interest in signing him in October. However, he liked the defense in New England and wanted to play alongside Vince Wilfork.

West Notes: Parker, Chiefs, Wilson

February 3rd, 2015 at 8:35pm CST by Zachary Links

Chiefs defensive back Ron Parker, who had a breakout season in which he contributed at both safety and cornerback, looks poised to hit the open market, and is expected to be seeking a four- or five-year deal worth $6MM annually, according to Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star. Though he only had one interception, Parker kept receivers from burning the Chiefs deep. All in all, KC went from the 25th ranked pass defense in 2013 to the second best in 2014. More from the AFC and NFC West..

Meanwhile, Paylor (on Twitter) says that he can’t see Rodney Hudson getting less than $5MM per year. The Chiefs center, ranked third at his position last year by Pro Football Focus (subscription required), could be headed for upwards of $7MM per year.
So much for playing hard-to-get. On Tuesday, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson reiterated his desire to stay in Seattle for the remainder of his career, as Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times writes. “To be honest with you, I haven’t really thought anything about it. You know, I obviously want to play in Seattle forever. That’s my goal, and I want to be with this organization. I love this organization. I love this city. I love these fans, and I love winning here,” Wilson said. Wilson was also asked about the idea of being the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL, but he doesn’t “worry” about having that mantle.
Dick LeBeau turned down an offer to become the associate head coach of the Cardinals because it was too far from his home in Cincinnati, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (on Twitter). The Titans, meanwhile, are only a four-hour car ride away in Nashville.

Titans To Hire Dick LeBeau As Assistant

February 3rd, 2015 at 7:27pm CST by Zachary Links

Former Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is expected to be named the assistant head coach of the Titans, sources tell Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean (on Twitter). LeBeau, 77, parted ways with Pittsburgh after a ten year stint with the team.

LeBeau was honored by the city of Pittsburgh earlier today and played coy when asked about what was next for him, as Bob Bauder of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review writes. LeBeau said he “talked to some people” about coaching again, but would not offer specifics after he was given the key to the city. The Hall of Famer helped guide the Steelers to two Super Bowl trophies during his time there.

After leaving the Steelers, LeBeau had multiple suitors calling him, including the Cardinals. Arizona was set to make him a linebackers coach, but things fell apart for undisclosed reasons. At one point it was said that LeBeau would only seek defensive coordinator openings, but he had a change of heart as he has taken a different staff job with the Titans for 2015.

Minor Moves: Tuesday

February 3rd, 2015 at 5:47pm CST by Luke Adams

The NFL’s waiver period for 2015 officially opened this week after the Super Bowl, which means we should see an uptick in transactions over the next few weeks, even before free agency opens on March 10. Here are Tuesday’s minor moves from around the league:

The Colts announced today that they have agreed to terms with guard Ben Heenan. Heenan, 6’4″, 316 pounds, spent the last three seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL. In 2014, he started all 21 games for the Roughriders, released Heenan from his CFL deal this week to allow him to pursue NFL opportunities. Heenan had offers from five NFL teams, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).
The Bills have claimed wide receiver Justin Brown off waivers from the Steelers, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (via Twitter). The Steelers waived Brown back in December to make room for the addition of Ben Tate. Brown, a sixth-round choice in 2013, caught 12 passes for 94 yards during his time in Pittsburgh.
While Brown didn’t clear waivers, several other players who were cut since the end of the regular season made it through, tweets Wilson. Safety Jakar Hamilton (Cowboys), offensive lineman Darren Keyton (Lions), and tight end Steve Maneri (Patriots) all went unclaimed.
After signing a reserve/futures contract with the Lions at the end of the regular season, tight end Ifeanyi Momah was cut today by the team due to a failure to disclose a physical condition, tweets Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com. Momah spent time on the Lions’ and Browns’ practice squads in 2014.
The Saints formally terminated the contract of linebacker Cheta Ozougwu today, says Evan Woodbery of the Times-Picayune (Twitter links). Ozougwu spent the entire 2014 season on New Orleans’ reserve-PUP list.
Fullback Greg Jones, who announced his retirement last month, has officially been moved to the reserve/retired list by the Jaguars, per Wilson (via Twitter).

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Josh Gordon Suspended For At Least One Year

February 3rd, 2015 at 5:42pm CST by Dallas Robinson

FEBRUARY 3RD, 5:42pm: Browns GM Ray Farmer released a statement regarding Gordon.

“As we have conveyed, we are disappointed to once again be at this point with Josh,” Farmer said, according to ESPN.com. “Throughout his career we have tried to assist him in getting support like we would with any member of our organization. Unfortunately our efforts have not resonated with him. It is evident that Josh needs to make some substantial strides to live up to the positive culture we are trying to build this football team upon. Our hope is that this suspension affords Josh the opportunity to gain some clarity in determining what he wants to accomplish moving forward and if he wants a career in the Nation Football League. We will have no further comment on Josh as he will not be permitted in our facility for the duration of his suspension.”

5:05pm: The NFL announced that it has officially suspended Gordon without pay for at least one year, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal (on Twitter).

JANUARY 25TH: 3:50pm: Due to his suspension, Gordon will be under contract with the Browns through the 2016 season, at which point he will only become a restricted free agent, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

2:50pm: Browns receiver Josh Gordon has failed another substance abuse test and will be subject to a one-year suspension, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN (Twitter link). Unlike his past bans, which were marijuana-related, Gordon reportedly tested positive for alcohol, a source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (on Twitter). Gordon will presumably miss the entire 2015 season.

Gordon will be able to appeal the decision, but given his history of transgressions, it seems unlikely that the league will reverse course. Indeed, a source tells Florio (via Twitter) that a successful appeal is improbable, and that the one-year ban is a “done deal.” An NFL player being suspended, or even being tested for, alcohol use, seems odd on its face, but Florio tweets that Gordon was being screened for alcohol due to his DUI arrest last year. The NFL’s drug policy is clear on the issue: “Alcohol is prohibited only if a player’s treatment plan explicitly prohibits alcohol,” according to the agreement, which lists more than .06 grams per deciliter as a failed test, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com (Twitter link).

Since his entry into the league in 2012, Gordon’s NFL career has been tumultuous to say the least. He missed the first two games of the 2013 season following a drug suspension, but then went on to lead the NFL in receiving yards, finishing with 87 receptions for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns. Hopes were high for the 2014 season, but Gordon’s off-the-field issues arose again, as he was first arrested for DUI, and then suspended for one year after again violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. He was eventually reinstated after only 10 games as part of the NFL and the players’ union agreeing to a new drug policy, which reduced the sentences for some players-in-limbo. The Browns subsequently suspended Gordon for the final contest of the season after he reportedly violated team rules.

This latest development could be the final nail in the coffin for Gordon’s tenure in Cleveland. Trade rumors have surrounded the 23-year-old dating back to the 2012 season, as Browns coaches and management were reportedly growing increasingly frustrated with his actions. A trade is almost inconceivable now, as no club would part with draft pick compensation to acquire a player who will miss the entirety of the upcoming season. But a release seems like very real possibility, especially if Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, who reportedly blocked a Gordon-to-San Francisco trade, is fed up with his receiver’s struggles.

Gordon was set to count $1.68MM against Cleveland’s cap in 2015. About $565K of that total was due to signing bonus proration, money that the Browns could look to recoup following this suspension. Additionally, Gordon’s contract will now toll for another season, making it unclear when he’ll be a free agent. Because he wasn’t active for six games in 2014, there was speculation that he did not accrue a season towards free agency. Gordon and his representatives had planned to appeal that decision or take legal action, but that point now appears moot, at least for the time being.

For the Browns, this latest development will mean ever more fluctuation for an offense that lost its coordinator, Kyle Shanahan, to Atlanta following reports of friction between the coaching staff and the front office. Not only will Gordon be absent more the 2015 season, but the club’s other offensive playmaker, tight end Jordan Cameron, is a pending free agent, so it’s possible he won’t return. Quarterback Brian Hoyer is also an FA, while Johnny Manziel, last year’s first-round pick, didn’t show much in his limited playing time. It’s fair to wonder if Cleveland will select a receiver in the draft, or perhaps target someone like Randall Cobb or Jeremy Maclin in free agency.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

AFC North Notes: Manziel, Browns, J. Jones

February 3rd, 2015 at 5:00pm CST by Luke Adams

Experts in the field say that a rehab program may not be effective, particularly for young people, if they’re not willing to go on their own, but that’s not the case for Johnny Manziel, who voluntarily entered treatment last Wednesday, writes Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Based on Manziel’s willingness to seek help, friends and family of the Browns quarterback are confident that he’ll take it seriously and do the work needed to get well, according to Cabot.

While we wait for updates on Manziel and wish him the best, let’s check in on a few other items from out of the AFC North….

Responding to tweets from his followers about the likelihood of the Browns retaining a pair of their notable free agents, Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com put the odds of Brian Hoyer‘s return at 51%, but gave tight end Jordan Cameron just a 1% chance to re-sign (Twitter links).
Although Ben Tate was a disappointment, rookies Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West had solid rookie seasons for the Browns in 2014. Still, Pat McManamon of ESPN.com thinks running back is a position the team ought to address in the offseason, perhaps by bringing in a veteran to complement the youngsters.
Within his look at 10 of the most noteworthy NFL storylines to watch this offseason, ESPN.com’s Mike Sando (Insider link) suggests keeping an eye on the Ravens‘ offense and the Steelers‘ defense, after the two rivals lost coordinators Gary Kubiak and Dick LeBeau, respectively.
Wide receiver Jacoby Jones may be a luxury rather than a necessity for the Ravens, according to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun, who explains why the club may consider cutting one of the most productive kick returners in football this winter.

Jerome Felton Opts Out Of Contract

February 3rd, 2015 at 4:52pm CST by Rob DiRe

FEBRUARY 3: Felton confirmed to Ben Goessling of ESPN.com (Twitter link) that he has officially opted out of his contract with the Vikings, which will make him a free agent.

DECEMBER 26: Vikings fullback Jerome Felton said he has decided to opt out of his contract at season’s end and become a free agent this offseason, reports Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press.

“The economics of my thing is they’re not going to pay me $2.5 million,’’ said Felton. “You wouldn’t just stay in a contract knowing your salary is that high. There’s no guarantee in the contract, so it wouldn’t make sense for me to opt in. So I’m a free agent after this season. If they wanted, they could re-sign me (at a lesser amount).’’

Felton has been considering opting out for a while now, despite having his base salary reduced this past offseason. A number of factors have contributed to his decision, including a heavy snap reduction under offensive coordinator Norv Turner.

Part of that could be the presence of Zach Line on the roster, and also the lack of commitment to the running game without Adrian Peterson in 2014.

Felton has not ruled out the possibility of returning to the Vikings despite opting out. “You never say never,’’ Felton said. “I like the coaching staff and I appreciate the organization. We’ll see what the future holds.’’

NFC Notes: Lynch, Sherman, Lions, Houston

February 3rd, 2015 at 4:02pm CST by Luke Adams

On a radio appearance, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said that the team has been “in the midst” of contract talks with running back Marshawn Lynch for a while now, according to Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times (via Twitter). Earlier this week it was reported that Seattle made a “huge” offer to the Skittles-loving tailback that would likely keep him with the team for the remainder of his career. The 28-year-old running back is set to make $5MM next year, but that offer would reportedly give him $10MM in 2015 alone.

Let’s round up a few more items from across the NFC….

Carroll also admitted today that he “might have been misled” regarding Richard Sherman‘s injury situation, suggesting that the Seahawks cornerback may not need to undergo Tommy John surgery after all. “He’s not a pitcher, and he’s not a left-hander,” Carroll said, per ESPN.com. “Sherm might not have to have that kind of surgery. If he was a thrower he would.”
Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com takes a look at the free agent decisions facing the Lions on their defensive line, where Ndamukong Suh is far from the only player with an expiring contract. Twentyman figures that if the team can get a deal done with Suh, it figures to be worth around $100MM, with $50MM+ in guarantees.
Lamarr Houston‘s $5.9MM base salary for 2015 with the Bears will now be fully guaranteed, according to Joel Corry of CBSSports.com (on Twitter). Houston’s contract called for his salary to be locked in on the second day of the 2015 waiver period, which is today. The defensive end’s season ended prematurely when he tore his ACL while celebrating a sack in October. It wasn’t exactly a banner year for Houston, as that sack was his very first of the 2014 campaign.
Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff says he has no problem with the way the team’s front office is set up, with new head coach Dan Quinn having final say on Atlanta’s 53-man roster — in fact, according to Dimitroff, he encouraged that. “It’s not about who has final 53 or who has authority over one thing or another,” Dimitroff said (link via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution). “It’s about working together. It’s about nice equal footing and a partnership.”
The St. Louis group attempting to build a new stadium for the Rams has hired John Lloyd, who has “extensive experience” in the field, as a consultant on the project, as Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch details.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Ravens Offered Torrey Smith Five-Year Deal

February 3rd, 2015 at 2:41pm CST by Luke Adams

Prior to the 2014 season, the Ravens offered wide receiver Torrey Smith a five-year, $35MM contract extension, which included $19MM guaranteed, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter). It’s not clear if such an offer remains on the table, but clearly Smith decided to pass at the time it was proposed.

Coming off a 2013 season in which he established new career highs in receptions (65) and receiving yards (1,128), Smith took a step backward in ’14, with just 49 catches for 767 yards. Still, he scored 11 touchdowns, and led the league in pass interference penalties drawn (12), which resulted in another 261 yards. Additionally, his presence on one side of the field likely played a large part in Steve Smith having a bounce-back year across from him.

When our Rory Parks examined Smith as an extension candidate before the season, he suggested that Baltimore would likely have to commit between $40-60MM on a five-year offer for Smith, so it makes sense that the wideout would turn down an offer worth just $35MM. Still, that proposal may look a bit more appealing now. Structurally, it’s fairly similar to the contract Eric Decker signed with the Jets a year ago — Decker’s deal included a little more overall money ($36.25MM), but a slightly smaller guarantee ($15MM).

If Smith reaches the open market, he should draw plenty of interest from teams in need of receivers, such as the Raiders, Panthers, and Chiefs. His value would be particularly strong if potential free agents like Demaryius Thomas, Dez Bryant, and Randall Cobb were locked up by their current teams prior to March 10. Still, Smith has indicated that he’d like to work out an extension with the Ravens before that point, so we’ll see if the two sides reach an agreement in the next few weeks.