AFC Notes: Bills, Allen, Gase, Mays, Texans
It’s been a rough few weeks for Jon Bon Jovi‘s Toronto-based group that is bidding on the Bills. The group had to resubmit its initial bid, which was unacceptably low, and only advanced to the final stage of the sale process after providing additional assurances that the team wouldn’t be moved out of Western New York. Now, according to John Kryk of the Toronto Sun, the Toronto group is debating whether or not to even continue its pursuit of the Bills.
“They’re hanging on by the skin of their teeth,” one source told Kryk. “The bid’s on life support.”
As Tim Graham of the Buffalo News writes, finalists have been invited to tour the Bills’ facilities at Ralph Wilson Stadium, but a source tells Kryk that Bon Jovi and company canceled their Wednesday visit to the stadium, and don’t have plans to reschedule. According to Kryk, the Toronto group will take the next week or so to assess and discuss what they do at this stage to mount “a formidable, effective bid.”
Let’s check out a few more links from out of the AFC….
- After locking up kicker Shaun Suisham and tackle Marcus Gilbert to contract extensions, the Steelers continue to work on new deals for their players. According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (via Twitter), the team is now focusing on an extension for cornerback Cortez Allen, and is hoping to get something done before the preseason ends.
- While Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase focused on the Broncos’ playoff run last season rather than actively pursuing a head coaching job elsewhere, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com thinks the demand for Gase will be too high after this season for him not to be running his own team in 2015.
- Linebacker Joe Mays, who signed with the Chiefs this offseason, will undergo wrist surgery, a source tells ESPN.com’s Adam Caplan (Twitter link). The timetable for Mays’ recovery isn’t yet known.
- Texans general manager Rick Smith spoke at length to Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle on the team’s disappointing 2013 season, and the retooling process that followed. “We’re trying to get our organization to a place where we are successful every year,” Smith said. “We were moving along that path and we had the setback.”
- Monotony may be boring, but it’s welcome when it comes to the Raiders‘ offensive line, writes Jerry McDonald of the Bay Area News Group. Oakland had an NFL-high eight different combinations up front, and no starter made it through all 16 games last season. Now, center Stefen Wisniewski has had guard Khalif Barnes and tackle Donald Penn to his left and guard Austin Howard and tackle Menelik Watson to his right all offseason long.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Le’Veon Bell, LeGarrette Blount Arrested
3:25pm: Charges have officially been filed against both Bell (possession of marijuana, DUI) and Blount (possession of marijuana) by the Ross Township Police Department, tweets Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports. However, as Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette tweets, the Steelers will allow the NFL to deal with any potential discipline for the two running backs, which isn’t likely to happen this season.
THURSDAY, 9:06am: As first reported last night by Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter), Blount was not charged with anything and was allowed to leave the scene and travel with the team. Andrea Hangst of Bleacher Report tweets that neither player is likely to face discipline from the league this season, since it usually takes time for the case to be resolved and the NFL to determine the severity of a potential suspension.
WEDNESDAY, 6:47pm: Steelers running backs Le’Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount were arrested earlier today for marijuana possession, according to Colin Dunlap of CBS Pittsburgh (on Twitter). Things are a little more serious for Bell, who was also charged with driving under the influence.
According to Will Graves of The Associated Press (on Twitter), a traffic officer detected smoke coming from the car and police found about 20 grams of marijuana in the vehicle. According to NORML.org, a pro-legalization website, a possession charge for carrying 30 grams or less of marijuana can result in a misdemeanor and up to 30 days of incarceration. A DUI charge, of course, carries additional consequences. Both players could face punishment from the league office but that likely won’t be discussed until the case is resolved.
Bell, last year’s No. 48 overall pick, won the starting job as a rookie in 2013 and finished with 860 yards and eight touchdowns. Blount spent last year with the Pats and tallied 772 yards and seven touchdowns. While there won’t be an NFL suspension anytime soon, the Steelers could be on the lookout for reinforcements if punishment does come down from Commissioner Roger Goodell. There’s also the possibility that the Steelers will levy a suspension of their own.
Steelers Re-Sign Brett Keisel
THURSDAY, 11:46am: According to Brian McIntyre (via Twitter), Keisel’s two-year deal has an overall value of $3MM. That includes a 2014 base salary of $1MM and a signing bonus of $500K.
WEDNESDAY, 10:05am: The Steelers have officially re-signed Keisel to a two-year contract, the team announced today in a press release. To make room on the roster, Pittsburgh has waived defensive tackle Al Lapuaho.
TUESDAY, 5:01pm: After drawing interest from the Cardinals in the wake of Darnell Dockett‘s season-ending ACL injury, veteran defensive lineman Brett Keisel will instead return to Pittsburgh. According to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter), the Steelers have reached an agreement to re-sign Keisel. Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette tweets that a deal should be done by the end of the week. Bouchette was also the first to report (via Twitter) that the two sides were closing in on a deal.
Keisel, 35, is entering his 13th season in the NFL, all of which have been spent in Pittsburgh. He started 12 games in 2013, missing the final four contests while dealing with plantar fasciitis, and racked up 20 tackles and four sacks. Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required) were bearish on Keisel’s work, ranking him as just the 36th-best 3-4 end out of 45 qualifiers. However, the Steelers likely place a high value on Keisel’s experience in defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau’s scheme, as Pittsburgh’s current rotation at end includes rookie Stephon Tuitt, third-year player Cameron Heyward, and free agent addition Cam Thomas.
After Keisel cited proximity to his family as the reason for declining to sign with Arizona, it seemed likely that the Steelers might be the only team the veteran was willing to join. In fact, Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com wonders (via Twitter) if Keisel’s flirtation with the Cardinals was simply a leverage play in order to pique the Steelers’ interest. However, as of July 28, Pittsburgh general manager Kevin Colbert was still open to a reunion with Keisel, so perhaps the team was waiting for his price to come down.
Dallas Robinson contributed to this post.
Steelers Extend Marcus Gilbert Through 2019
THURSDAY, 10:19am: Gilbert received a $7.65MM signing bonus on his new extension, which is the only fully guaranteed part of the deal at this point, according to Brian McIntyre (via Twitter).
TUESDAY, 3:52pm: The Steelers have locked up one of the key cogs on their offensive line through the 2019 season, announcing today in a press release that right tackle Marcus Gilbert has signed a five-year extension. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (via Twitter), the five new years on the contract are worth $30MM.
“It means I am locked in hopefully as a Steeler for the rest of my career,” Gilbert said of his new deal. “It’s a blessing to work for a great organization, the Rooney family, Kevin Colbert and Coach [Mike] Tomlin. Just to be around in Pittsburgh, where they show you so much love, I couldn’t be happier and in a better place.”
We heard earlier this month that the Steelers and agent Drew Rosenhaus were negotiating a new deal for Gilbert, with the intention of either getting something done by September or waiting until after the season. The 26-year-old has been the Steelers’ regular starter at right tackle since entering the league in 2011. Because he was a second-round pick, Gilbert’s rookie contract didn’t feature a fifth-year option for 2015, meaning his free agency was looming and the club was likely a little more motivated to work something out.
As our Rory Parks pointed out when he examined Gilbert as an extension candidate in June, the young tackle hasn’t been exceptional during his stint with the Steelers, at least according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics. Still, as I noted last week, non-elite tackles like Austin Howard, Breno Giacomini, and Michael Oher made out reasonably well on the open market back in March.
Based on the initial numbers reported, Gilbert’s extension looks awfully similar to the contract Howard signed with the Raiders. That deal was also worth $30MM over five years, though before we can determine exactly how they stack up, we’ll need to know the structure of Gilbert’s contract. Howard’s pact included $9.9MM in fully guaranteed money, including a $7MM up-front bonus.
Gilbert is the latest Steeler to sign an extension in what has been a busy summer for the team. Center Maurkice Pouncey inked a new deal of his own back in June, and the club also secured kicker Shaun Suisham to a long-term contract earlier this month. Jason Worilds is among the potential 2015 free agents who could still try to get something done with Pittsburgh before the season begins, but according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter), despite some conversations, the two sides aren’t close to an agreement at this point.
With a handful of players who had been eligible for 2015 free agency now locked up, the Steelers will soon be able to shift their focus to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who is expected to discuss an extension with the team after the season. Roethlisberger is currently under contract through the 2015 season.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports.
AFC North Notes: Burfict, Bengals, Keisel
Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton took to Twitter to congratulate teammate Vontaze Burfict on his new contract. “Congrats to @King55Tez on the extension! Well deserved! #whodey #letsroar.” The linebacker tacked another three years on his contract, keeping him in Cincy through 2017. Here’s more from the #AFCNorth..
- Burfict is now in the “show me” phase of his career after agreeing to a four-year, $20MM extension earlier today with the Bengals, writes Coley Harvey of ESPN.com. Once this deal ends for Burfict at the ripe age of 28, he’ll have more leverage when negotiating his third contract. Combine that with the steady increase in salary-cap money teams will soon have, and Burfict could really cash in on his next pact.
- In a piece for ESPN Insider (subscription required), Aaron Schatz of Football Outsiders turned in his top ten impact rookies for 2014. While big names like Johnny Manziel and Jadeveon Clowney are on the list, day three offensive lineman Russell Bodine of the Bengals also made the cut. The former UNC center will be starting and must learn the intricate system of audible calls and line checks in Hue Jackson’s offense.
- Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review looks at what the signing of Brett Keisel really means for the Steelers.
Minor Moves: Monday
We’ll round up Monday’s minor transactions from around the NFL below, with the latest moves added throughout the day to the top of the list:
- The Bears announced (via Twitter) that they have also signed KR/WR Darius Reynaud and have released LS Chad Rempel and P Tress Way. As Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune tweets, the release of Way means that sixth-round pick Pat O’Donnell has won the team’s punting competition.
- Cornerback Peyton Thompson, who was cut by the Redskins earlier this month, has agreed to sign with the Bears, according to his agent, Doug Hendrickson (via Twitter). Chicago will have to make a move to clear room on the roster for Thompson.
Earlier updates:
- The Vikings have claimed former Lions linebacker Justin Jackson off waivers, a source tells Field Yates of ESPN.com (Twitter link). According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter), Minnesota waived-injured linebacker Dom DeCicco in a corresponding roster move.
- In a series of three tweets, Wilson passes along a list of players who have been removed from their teams’ injured reserve lists: Korey Lindsey (Cowboys), David Snow (Steelers), and Steve Hull (Saints). Per Wilson (via Twitter), the Saints also terminated Richard Quinn‘s contract from their reserve-retired list. Lindsey and Snow both received settlements, while Hull and Quinn are ending their careers.
- Having officially moved tackle Sam Baker to injured reserve, the Falcons have brought aboard another veteran lineman, announcing today (via Twitter) that they’ve signed Pat McQuistan, who has played for five NFL teams and has 11 career starts.
- After recently being cut by the Redskins, defensive lineman Doug Worthington has signed with the Chargers, who announced today that defensive end Damik Scafe will be waived-injured to make room (Twitter link).
- The Steelers completed a series of roster moves today, signing offensive tackle Graham Pocic and cornerback Dayonne Nunley. The team also cut wideout James Shaw and waived-injured guard Bryant Browning. The team’s PR man, Burt Lauten, has the details via Twitter.
- Running back Cameron Marshall has been waived by the Dolphins to clear a roster spot for the team to sign defensive end Rakim Cox, the team announced today (via Twitter).
AFC Notes: Steelers, Jets, Patriots, Jaguars
Let’s round up some links from the AFC…
- The Steelers should consider keeping two quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, opines Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. With Bruce Gradkowski locked in as the backup to Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh could save a roster spot by moving Landry Jones to the practice squad. Jones, a 2013 fourth-round pick, would have to be exposed to waivers before being sent to the practice squad, a transaction Bouchette allows is unlikely.
- In a report labeling the Jets’ risers and fallers, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com lauds the progress of general manager John Idzik’s 2014 draft class, noting that both Calvin Pryor and Jace Amaro, New York’s top two picks, fared well against the Bengals on Saturday.
- Brian Tyms hasn’t wanted for media attention lately, and Jeremy Gottlieb of Boston.com lists the receiver among four surprising Patriots roster locks, noting that Tyms’ upcoming suspension will actually help him make New England’s squad because management won’t be forced to make a decision on his status until after Week 4.
- An interesting note from ESPN’s Field Yates, who tweets that Patriots offensive lineman Jordan Devey is the only NFL player to play every snap this preseason; he’s lined up at every O-line position save for center. Devey, a 2013 undrafted free agent, wasn’t listed on Mike Reiss of ESPN.com’s most recent New England roster projection, but perhaps the coaching staff has been quietly impressed with the 26-year-old’s versatility.
- Some have labeled the Jaguars’ plan to slowly develop rookie quarterback Blake Bortles a response to the failure of former Jag Blaine Gabbert, who was almost immediately thrown into the fire. In his latest chat at ESPN.com, however, Michael DiRocco disputes that argument, noting that general manager David Caldwell & Co. were not involved in the Gabbert flameout.
- More Jaguars: Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union offers his latest roster projection, which includes a few updates in the secondary.
AFC North Links: Browns, Ravens, Steelers
Browns‘ head coach Mike Pettine had a lot to say about his team, and spoke with reporters after today’s final practice of training camp. Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com transcribed his thoughts about how the team has fared since training camp opened. Pettine broaches many subjects, notably the fight that occurred during practice, various injury questions, and the current quarterback situation.
Here are some other links from around the AFC North:
- In case Pettine couldn’t answer all the Browns‘ fans’ questions, Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com took a stab at answering some reader e-mails. The majority of the questions dealt with the quarterback position, but were not limited to Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer. Third and fourth stringers Connor Shaw and Rex Grossman drew their own inquiries as well.
- The Ravens wrapped up their own training camp, and Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com gave his breakdown of the entire camp. He announced his best, most disappointing, and most improved players on each side of the ball, as well as highlighted some of the best and worst individual plays from camp.
- The Ravens have as many as seven wide receivers competing for the final spot or two on the team’s active roster, writes Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun. “Nobody has really separated themselves because nobody has fallen off right now,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “They’ve all played well. The games are going to be a big thing now. If practice doesn’t separate guys, then maybe the games will.”
- The Steelers‘ have five serious candidates competing for four roster spots at offensive tackle, writes Scott Brown of ESPN.com. While the starters are more or less in place, and Mike Adams is cemented as the backup at both spots, Guy Whimper and Wesley Johnson are battling for the final spot. Whimper has the experience, but Johnson is versatile and still has room to develop after being drafted this past May.
AFC North Notes: Gordon, Manziel, Roethlisberger
A decision in the Josh Gordon appeal case might not be delivered until the end of next week, sources tell Adam Schefter of ESPN (Twitter link). On August 4, we heard that a ruling would be handed down within one to three weeks — that time frame would set August 25 as the deadline, meaning the end of next week would be plausible. Gordon is facing a one-year ban for violating the league’s policy on drugs of abuse. As of last week, no settlement had been discussed, though it seems like a reduced suspension would benefit all parties involved.
- We heard earlier today that the NFL is considering harsher penalties for domestic abuse incidents after the fallout of Ray Rice‘s two-game ban, but a source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that increased discipline might not be that easy. The league would need to consult the NFL Players Association before installing stiffer suspensions, and per Florio, league management has not yet raised the topic with the union. While the NFL’s position might be that it controls all disciplinary regulations, Florio notes that the NFLPA would argue that any changes would need to be negotiated.
- It had previously been reported that Johnny Manziel would start the Browns’ second preseason game, but according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter), Brian Hoyer will take the reins at quarterback against the Redskins. Both players will spend time with the first-team offense, tweets Rapoport, alternating every two series.
- More Manziel: ESPN’s Chris Mortenen reports that the rookie quarterback, along with several other first-year players, were a few minutes late to a team meeting on Monday. The incident is being handled intenally, and was not a factor in the Browns’ decision to start Hoyer next week. The episode shouldn’t be a big deal, but it speaks to the media coverage that surrounds everything Manziel-related.
- Ben Roethlisberger was hurt by former teammate Emmanuel Sanders‘ recent declaration that Peyton Manning is a “far better leader” than the Steelers quarterback, writes Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I wish he would have reached out to me and just say that and I would have been fine with it,” said Roethlisberger. “Whether he meant it or not, it hurt in a sense that I tried so hard to keep him here last year and was always supporting him.”
Minor Moves: Thursday
We’ll use this post to round up Thursday’s minor transactions from around the NFL, adding the latest moves to the top of the page throughout the day as they’re reported or announced….
- The Steelers have signed long snapper Luke Ingram, the team announced (Twitter link via Scott Brown of ESPN.com). Ingram was a 2013 undrafted free agent out of Hawaii, and spent time in Pittsburgh’s camp last summer.
Earlier updates:
- The Cowboys have officially added tight end Asa Watson, and in order to clear a roster spot, waived tight end Dallas Walker, whom Dallas added just under a month ago, per Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News.
- The following players were released from their respective teams’ injured reserve lists with injury settlements, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (Twitter links): running back Ben Malena (Cowboys), defensive end Shelton Johnson (Raiders), and linebacker Marshall McFadden (Raiders).
- Raiders cornerback Jansen Watson is back on Oakland’s 90-man roster, as his exempt-left squad designation period expired, tweets Wilson.
- The Browns have filled an open roster spot, announcing today that they’ve signed linebacker Caleb McSurdy (Twitter link). A former seventh-round pick, McSurdy has yet to appear in a regular season game since being selected by the Cowboys 222nd overall in 2012.
- The Patriots‘ tight end carousel continues, with the team announcing in a press release that Ben Hartsock has been released. Hartsock was one of three tight ends signed by New England on Sunday, and of the three, only Steve Maneri remains on the roster.
- Free agent tight end Matt Veldman has signed with the Redskins, according to the team (Twitter link). Defensive end Doug Worthington is the roster casualty, having been waived to clear a spot for the newcomer.
- The Cowboys have signed defensive tackle Zach Minter and cut cornerback Korey Lindsey, per Wilson (via Twitter). Wilson adds that the team is still expected to sign tight end Asa Watson, as we heard yesterday, though a corresponding roster move will be required.