East Notes: Freeman, Eagles, Easley, Bills
Josh Freeman was on the Giants’ roster for just over a month before being released at the end of May, but now it appears he is trying to get his career back on track. In an instance of two former Buccaneers employees reuniting, Freeman will work with Jon Gruden next week, according to Gil Brandt of NFL.com (Twitter link). The 26-year-old will then spend the following week with noted quarterback tutor Terry Shea.
More notes from the NFL’s two East divisions:
- Eagles running back LeSean McCoy says the release of DeSean Jackson was a wakeup call for the rest of the team, per NFL.com’s Albert Breer. “The whole DeSean Jackson thing, that helped out, to be honest, in making all the other guys aware,” said McCoy. “It’s all possible. They’ll cut one of your best guys if (he’s) not buying in. On any team — any team — you look at that, and as a player, you can look at it from so many different sides, but no matter how good you are, you gotta follow these guidelines. And if you don’t, you could be gone. You gotta buy in.”
- Dominique Easley is one of only five first-round picks who has yet to sign a contract, but injury protection language isn’t the reason the Florida product hasn’t signed with the Patriots, tweets Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. Rookie contracts are standardized under the new CBA, so it’s unclear what the two sides could be haggling over.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News believes it would be a risky proposition if Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula purchased the Bills, as Pegula sometimes failed to listen to his advisors early on in his NHL tenure. Pegula would keep the team in Buffalo, however, which would obviously sit well with local fans.
- Bills general manager Doug Whaley is trying to dispel the notion that his recent moves, including trading up to select Sammy Watkins, are indicative of a new, must-win strategy, writes Mike Rodak of ESPN.com. “Everybody’s like, ‘Whoa, you’re in a win-now mode.’ The NFL is a win-now mode,” said Whaley. “I disagree when people have been saying it’s a win-now mode because of the ownership. It’s always a win-now mode in this. So that’s something I’d like to dispel as quickly as possible. It’s a results-based business.”
- The Giants had a workout with former Air Force linebacker Alex Means, reports Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (via Twitter).
NFC Notes: Redskins, Eagles, Bears
Let’s check out some notes from ESPN.com’s NFC writers on this Father’s Day evening…
- If the Redskins young guards play well, Chris Chester could be a release candidate, writes John Keim. Spencer Long, Josh LeRibeus and Adam Gettis would be among the players looking to replace the 31-year-old.
- In the same article, Keim mentions that veteran Adam Carriker hopes to make a comeback. The defensive end was cut by the Redskins in March.
- It is unlikely that Eagles rookie kicker Carey Spear (also known as “Murderleg”) beats out Alex Henery, says Phil Sheridan. The former Vanderbilt kicker signed with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent in May.
- Assuming the Bears hold on to three running backs, Michael C. Wright believes that Jordan Lynch would be the odd man out. In spite of the players skills, Wright doesn’t think he’ll receive enough repetitions in the preseason to display his talent. Lynch figures to be competing with Ka’Deem Carey and Michael Ford.
NFC Notes: Brent, 49ers, Foles, Bucs, Redskins
Josh Brent, who has been out of the NFL following his drunken-driving crash that resulted in the death of teammate Jerry Brown, was released from jail today, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. We learned several weeks ago that the Cowboys have not ruled out re-signing Brent, who announced his retirement last summer. Dallas would need to answer several questions about Brent, ranging from the public perception of adding him to the roster, to his fit within the team’s new defensive scheme, before bringing him aboard.
More from the NFC:
- In his latest mailbag, Bill Williamson of ESPN.com posits that 49ers rookie Carlos Hyde will likely receive more work behind starting running back Frank Gore than will second-year player Marcus Lattimore, who is recovering from a major knee injury.
- While OTAs may not be the most game-like environment in which to practice, Eagles quarterback Nick Foles is using the sessions to work on small improvements to his game, writes Martin Frank of USA Today. “My goals are to continue to move better. When I say that, I mean in the pocket, be more efficient, stay tight,” said Foles. “I like throwing the ball down field, so continuing to grow with my teammates on that, but being smart, find the check-downs early, not staying on a read too long.”
- In an extensive piece, Sports Illustrated’s Doug Farrar explains that Buccaneers hope to get rookie receiver Mike Evans in single coverage while the defense focuses on Vincent Jackson, and compares the duo’s potential usage to that of the Bears’ Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall.
- Despite his lackluster 2013 season, safety Bacarri Rambo is still in the Redskins’ plans, writes Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington.com. “He’s got great ball skills,” said Washington head coach Jay Gruden. “He’s not afraid to tackle. He’s got to do a better job tackling. Obviously, we missed too many tackles as a group last year, not just him but everybody, so we think he’s progressing nicely.”
East Notes: Flowers, Maclin, McClain
The recent release of Brandon Flowers has triggered a predictable series of rumors and rumblings as fans and beat writers try to determine if Flowers could be a realistic fit for the teams they root for and cover. The Jets were one of the many teams named as potential landing spots for the former Chiefs’ corner, but Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com would be surprised if GM John Idzik made a play for him.
Cimini believes that Flowers would make sense for the Jets, considering his talent-level, the fact that the team has $21MM of cap space, and the fact that New York paid $3MM for the less-talented and injury-prone Dimitri Patterson. However, Cimini notes that Idzik is not a “hurry-up kind of general manager,” and he goes on to point out that Flowers’ struggles in 2013 came in a similar system to the one employed by Rex Ryan.
Now for some more notes from the league’s east divisions:
- In the same piece, Cimini writes that although Jets defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson is staying quiet about a long-term contract, teammate Sheldon Richardson is zealously advocating on Wilkerson’s behalf. Cimini does note that a deal for Wilkerson will be consummated at some point.
- Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com writes that the Patriots actually offered Kevin Williams a contract with greater earning potential than the Seahawks, which reflects on the way New England feels about players dealing with injury concerns like Tommy Kelly, Armond Armstead, Vince Wilfork, and Dominique Easley. Of course, “earning potential” is not the same thing as real money, so it is unclear if Williams actually turned down a more lucrative deal with the Pats to sign with the defending champs.
- Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com writes that, given the outstanding class of wide receivers due to become free agents after the 2014 season, the Eagles could have enough leverage to sign Jeremy Maclin to a reasonable long-term deal if they like what they see from him this year.
- Redskins head coach Jay Gruden is committed to developing Robert Griffin III into a more well-rounded quarterback and will use the read-option only as a change-of-pace, according to Rich Tandler of RealRedskins.com.
- Rainer Sabin of the Dallas Morning News looks at five questions the Cowboys still face after OTAs, including what they will do to replace Sean Lee and whether Terrell McClain can carry over his impressive OTA performance into training camp.
NFC Notes: Cards, Lions, 49ers, Rams
The Cardinals have plenty of time to evaluate the players on their roster before they have to cut it down to 53 men, but Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com has predicted which 53 will be suiting up for the team Week 1. Weinfuss writes that the first 45 were easy, but narrowing down the final eight was a difficult decision. Paul Fanaika, Brittan Golden and Jaron Brown were some of the toughest cuts on this list.
Here are some other notes from around the NFC:
- Since the Lions released veteran cornerback Chris Houston, they are left with a thin secondary, writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Rashean Mathis should be slotted to be the team’s top corner, but the 33-year old veteran is not what he once was. After Mathis, the team has last year’s second-round pick Darius Slay, who struggled mightily in 2013. Aside from those two, there is a long list of question marks rounding out the depth chart.
- The 49ers acquired Jonathan Martin earlier this offseason, and are now trying to move him inside from tackle to guard, writes Tyson Langland of Bleacher Report. However, Langland is far from optimistic about Martin’s ability to change positions with his new team. Although he has struggled at both left and right tackle, his inexperience at the position as well as his alleged lack of arm strength and aggressiveness make Langland believe he will be a bad fit at guard.
- With Radio City Music Hall unavailable for the 2015 NFL Draft, other cities aside from New York are getting excited at the prospect of hosting the draft either next year or down the road. With Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York (at Madison Square Garden) fighting to host the draft, Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post Dispatch reports that the Rams are getting into the mix as well. Rams executive vice president Kevin Demoff and President of the St. Louis Sports Committee Frank Viverito have discussed a willingness to bring the Draft to St. Louis. “We’ve had conversation about what it would take, and would be interested if the NFL winds up doing this on a long-term basis,” Demoff said. While the 2015 NFL Draft might not be a possibility, the city is open to the possibility of obtaining a future NFL Draft.
- Eagles‘ kicker Alex Henery struggled in 2013, including a missed field goal and short kickoffs in a playoff loss to the Saints. Even still, he is not worried about his job security, writes Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “Competition can always make you better, but it’s not like I’m worried about it,” Henery said recently. “I’m here to do my thing and do it the best I can. . . . I’m a perfectionist. That’s what drives me.”
NFC East Notes: Giants, Benn, Roberts
The Giants‘ wideouts will have some adjustments to make as they adapt to new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s offensive system, writes Kieran Darcy of ESPNNewYork.com. The group is optimistic about how they will fit in to the new scheme.
“I’m liking it, it’s going to be pretty exciting,” said Rueben Randle. “Coach [Ben] McAdoo has done a great job putting us in positions to make plays and using our abilities. We still have a lot of work to put in out there on the field, but as far as now, we’re in a good spot.”
“I think it’s an offense that fits my game,” Jerrel Jernigan said, “And also spreads the ball out to everyone and gives everybody the chance to make plays.”
“It’s actually not that bad once you get into it and you break it down by formation and things like that,” said first-round pick Odell Beckham Jr. “It’s really not that bad. It’s just a lot of memorization.”
Here are some other notes from around the NFC East:
- On the Eagles‘ depth chart, veterans have the slight edge over their younger teammates, writes Matt Giraldi of InsideTheIggles.com. Former Jet Mark Sanchez has the inside track to the backup quarterback job over fellow USC Trojan Matt Barkley, and although the team has promising young players in the secondary and at receiver, those players will have to prove themselves before they see significant playing time.
- New Eagles‘ receiver Arrelious Benn is looking to bounce back from a torn ACL, writes Chris McPherson of PhiladelphiaEagles.com. McPherson says that Benn knows he is going to have to compete for a roster spot, but that the receiver is ready to work for his job. “I embraced it. You’ve got to embrace that type of stuff,” said Benn. “I’m not one to shy away from competition. I love competition. My life has been competition. I compete in everything that I do. The thing for me, when these younger guys come in, I want to help them out. If there’s any way to teach them so they can learn from my mistakes, something I could have done better, should have done better, I definitely tell them. The biggest thing for me honestly is I’m competing against myself.”
- While star pass rusher Brian Orakpo and new addition Jason Hatcher will be hogging the attention for the Redskins’ defense this season, head coach Jay Gruden sees importance in the performance of two other defensive linemen, reports Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington.com. Chris Baker and Jarvis Jenkins still figure to play key roles in the team’s defense this season. “We expect big things out of Chris and Jarvis,” Gruden said. “Baker’s going to be a major part of our nickel pass rush also, as is Jarvis Jenkins at some point.”
- The Redskins are looking for help returning both punts and kickoffs, and new receiver Andre Roberts wants to fill both positions, writes Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com. “I feel like I’m one of those players who when he gets the ball in his hands he can make some big plays,” said Roberts. “That’s what I want to bring to this team as well, not just as a receiver but also on special teams.”
- If Tony Romo continues to play at a high level, the Cowboys will not prioritize quarterback until the 2016 NFL Draft, writes Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com. However, if Romo struggles with performance or health this year, the team could target someone early in the upcoming draft.
Brandon Flowers Notes: Jets, Panthers
Since Brandon Flowers was released by the Chiefs yesterday afternoon, rumors began to fly about what teams could be interested in the Pro Bowl cornerback. The Falcons were established as one of the frontrunners for his services, and a number of other teams have been linked to the former Chief.
- The Jets, Falcons, Texans, Lions, and Eagles are all still potential landing spots for Flowers’ services, writes Lorenzo Reyes of USAToday.com. The Jets need secondary help in general, as do the Eagles. The Texans and Falcons have personnel connections with defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel and general manager Scott Pioli, respectively. The Lions make sense after the release of veteran corner Chris Houston.
- The Jets certainly could use an upgrade in the secondary, but Rich Cimini has held firm that he would not expect the team to reach out to Flowers. He reports that the team has not expressed interest yet (via Twitter), and reiterated that he would be surprised if they do.
- The Panthers could also be in the mix, despite signing former first-round pick Antoine Cason this offseason, writes Reid Foster of Cover32.com. The team has just over $5MM in cap space to work with, and a need in the secondary. Foster also writes that making a run at Flowers could keep him away from one of their rivals in the NFC South, the Falcons.
- The Raiders have a need at corner, that has only been magnified after 2013 first-round selection D.J. Hayden went down with an ankle injury, according to Justin Smith of BleacherReport.com. With Hayden hurt, the team is looking to a pair of 49er castoffs Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers to play big roles this upcoming season.
- The Vikings corners were bad in 2013, and Flowers could provide an upgrade their as well writes Christopher Gates of DailyNorseman.com. Although Flowers measured poorly according to Pro Football Focus’ numbers last season, he still performed better than Marcus Sherels, Josh Robinson, and Chris Cook and would provide a higher upside than all three.
NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Giants, Eagles
It took three years, but the Cowboys managed to turn a makeshift offensive line into one of the strengths of the roster, and should head into the 2014 season with a line that features three first-round picks, writes Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com. As Archer outlines, Dallas’ defensive line is beginning to undergo the same retooling process that the O-line did. While they added several low-cost veterans with plenty of upside and question marks, it may take multiple seasons for the Cowboys to count the defensive line among the club’s strengths.
Here’s more from around the NFC East:
- Former Rutgers linebacker Jamal Merrell was expected to be among the players working out for the Giants today, according to Conor Orr of the Star-Ledger. Merrell was signed by the Titans after going undrafted last month, but only lasted about a week on the roster.
- Tight end Tom Crabtree is among the veteran players auditioning for the Giants recently, but tweeted today that the team didn’t offer him a contract right away. “No luck with NYG (yet),” Crabtree wrote, hinting that perhaps an offer could come later. “Grateful for the opportunity.”
- Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer takes a look at the safety situation for the Eagles, examining which players are expected to see the most snaps, and which ones may be in danger of not making the regular-season roster.
Eagles Notes: Foles, Kendricks, OTAs, Casey
The Eagles likely kept a close eye on negotiations between Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers and the new contract that eventually emerged from those talks, since it’s just a matter of time until Philadelphia will have to discuss an extension with its own quarterback. But for his part, Nick Foles insists he’s not thinking about cashing in, as Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com details.
“The most important thing is you get a contract like that because you’ve played well and you’ve shown that you can be that guy for the franchise, whereas I have to continue to prove that each and every day,” Foles said. “I have a lot of guys on this team that look to me to go out here and work hard. When I’m playing out there, there’s no dollar sign on me when I’m throwing the ball.”
As Foles continues to focus on proving his worth to the Eagles, let’s check in on a few other updates out of Philadelphia….
- Linebacker Mychal Kendricks has been playing a vocal role on defense for the Eagles this spring, calling plays and taking on other responsibilities that are typically assigned to DeMeco Ryans, writes Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. McLane isn’t sure exactly why the club is leaning more heavily on Kendricks, but wonders if the Eagles are preparing for a time when Ryans is no longer on the roster.
- McLane also passed along several observations from the Eagles’ latest practice sessions, including updates on Mark Sanchez, Matt Barkley, and Jordan Matthews.
- Although tight end James Casey will accept whatever role the Eagles hand him, he hopes to prove his value on offense in addition to special teams this season, as he tells Kevin Rossi of CSNPhilly.com. Casey, who has two years left on his deal, is slated to earn $3.985MM in 2014.
Eagles Sign Marcus Smith, Lock Up Draft Class
The Eagles have signed first-round edge defender Marcus Smith to his four-year rookie contract, the team announced today (via Twitter). Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports first reported earlier this afternoon (via Twitter) that the Eagles were closing in on an agreement with Smith, whose deal will also include a fifth-year team option for 2018.
Smith’s selection at 26th overall was viewed as a bit of a surprise, considering the Eagles already have Trent Cole and Connor Barwin at the outside linebacker spots in their 3-4 defense. Brandon Graham also played well when given the opportunity last season. Still, Smith had an excellent senior season at Louisville in 2013, racking up 14.5 sacks and being named the AAC Defensive Player of the Year. Philadelphia picked up the selection used to draft Smith in a trade with the Browns — the Eagles sent Cleveland the No. 22 pick and also received the No. 83 pick in the swap.
As Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap details, Smith’s signing bonus comes in at just under $4MM, while his four-year total amounts to nearly $7.8MM. Based on what we’ve seen from first-round signings so far, most – but not all – of that money should be guaranteed.
By signing Smith, the Eagles have now locked up all seven members of their 2014 draft class. To keep tabs on all of this year’s draft pick signings, be sure to check out our tracker.