Workout Notes: Texans, 49ers, Giants
The Texans tried out Canadian Football League wide receiver Eric Rogers, according to a source who spoke with Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle. Rogers, who is in the process of auditioning for a reported 14 NFL teams, is not eligible to sign with an NFL club until January when he can ink a reserve/futures contract. The 6’3″, 210-pound former Division III standout at California Lutheran caught 87 passes for 1,448 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Here are more of today’s workout notes from around the NFL:
- In addition to working out Rogers, the Texans also took a look at former Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still, per Pro Football Talk (Twitter link). Wilson adds a couple more defensive linemen to the list of players auditioned by Houston, tweeting that Glenn Foster and Josh Watson were brought in by the club as well. No one from the group was signed to a contract for now.
- The 49ers tried out offensive lineman Colin Kelly, tweets Wilson.
- Tight end Mike McFarland is among the players who worked out for the Giants on Tuesday, a source tells Wilson (Twitter link). Jordan Raanan of NJ.com (Twitter link) hears that former Washington wide receiver Aldrick Robinson was part of that workout group as well.
Luke Adams contributed to this post.
Workout Notes: Pats, Saints, Seahawks
Earlier tonight, we learned that the Ravens hosted former Browns first-round pick Phil Taylor for a workout on Tuesday. However, he wasn’t the only notable NFL veteran auditioning today. Here’s a roundup of today’s workouts from around the league:
- The Patriots worked out running back Daryl Richardson on Tuesday, a source tells PFT (on Twitter). Richardson, 25, was dropped from the Texans’ practice squad earlier this month. He appeared in 24 games for the Rams between the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
- The Saints worked out cornerbacks Bradley Fletcher and Chris Owens as well as wide receivers Aldrick Robinson and Greg Salas, Howard Balzer of USA Today tweets.
- Tight end Chase Coffman tried out for the Seahawks, Balzer tweets.
- The Jaguars tried out offensive linemen Kadeem Edwards and Xavier Proctor, Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle tweets.
Workout Notes: Patriots, Texans, Chargers
The latest workouts from around the NFL:
- The Titans worked out quarterback Christian Ponder, according to Terry McCormick of TitanInsider (Twitter links). The team also auditioned linebacker Yannik Cudjoe Virgil plus tight ends Michael Egnew, Kevin Greene, Connor Hamlett, and Ryan Taylor.
- The Patriots worked out tight end Cameron Clear, kicker Garrett Hartley, punter Will Johnson, punter Cody Mandell, long snapper Tyler Ott, cornerback Garry Peters, kicker Matt Wile, and long snapper Christian Yount, Wilson tweets.
- The Texans worked out running back Cyrus Gray, center Josh Allen, center Dalton Freeman, center Eric Kush, guard Jacques McClendon, and center Daniel Munyer, Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle tweets.
- The Chargers are working out former Eastern Washington offensive tackle Jake Rodgers today, according to a source who spoke with Wilson (on Twitter).
- Slot wide receiver Damaris Johnson is working out for the Jets today, Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets. Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter) adds Jarrett Boykin, Aldrick Robinson, and Greg Salas to that list. The Jets also worked out tight end David Ausberry, a source tells ESPNNewYork.com’s Rich Cimini (on Twitter).
- The Bills worked out running back Mike Gillislee and defensive backs Jocquel Skinner and Robert Steeples, Wilson tweets.
- The 49ers also worked out Gillislee, Wilson tweets.
- The 49ers worked out former Texans linebacker Lynden Trail and ex-Chargers corner Chris Davis, Wilson tweets. Davis, 24, signed with the Bolts in 2014 as a UDFA out of Auburn. The Chargers cut Davis on September 1st.
- The Colts worked out offensive guards Ben Heenan and Donald Thomas on Saturday, Wilson tweets. Indianapolis also brought in linebacker Josh Martin for a visit, Wilson adds.
- Tight ends James Casey and Adrien Robinson worked out for the Giants on Tuesday, sources tell Jordan Raanan of the Star-Ledger (via Twitter).
- The Ravens worked out wide receivers Joe Morgan and Chuck Jacobs along with quarterback Chase Rettig, as Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com tweets.
Ravens Waive Eight Players
The Ravens are the latest team to announce a handful of cuts, reducing their roster from 90 players to 82. Baltimore will have to make at least seven more roster moves before tomorrow afternoon’s deadline to ensure its roster is down to 75 players.
Here are the players who were waived by the club today, according to a press release:
- Leon Brown, G
- DeAndre Carter, WR
- Tramain Jacobs, CB
- Marcel Jones, G/T
- Justin Manton, P
- Aldrick Robinson, WR
- Patrick Scales, LS
- Trent Steelman, WR
Minor Moves: Thursday
Today’s minor moves..
- The Ravens announced they have signed receiver Aldrick Robinson to a reserve/futures deal, tweets Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun. Robinson, 26, was a sixth-round pick by Washington in 2011. After being waived by Washington on December 6, Robinson joined Baltimore’s practice squad three days later.
- The Broncos signed quarterback Zac Dysert to a reserve/futures deal, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (via Twitter). Dysert was one of a handful of practice squad players earning more than the minimum salary in 2014. Dysert made $10K per week on Denver’s taxi squad versus the league minimum of $6,300 per week. Dysert, 24, was taken in the seventh round of the 2013 draft by Denver.
AFC North Notes: McPhee, Ravens, Browns
With Ravens outside linebacker Pernell McPhee approaching the end of his rookie contract, he’ll be a hot item if he hits the open market this winter. However, as he tells Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, the pass rusher would like to work out a long-term deal that keeps him in Baltimore.
“I would love to be here,” McPhee said. “It’s a business. I hope they’ll want me back. I hope so, man. I don’t know if they’re talking, but I hope so. This is where I was born in the NFL, and I wouldn’t mind continuing to live here and keep it going.”
Here’s more on the Ravens and one of their AFC North rivals:
- Ravens wide receiver Aldrick Robinson is being paid an upgraded practice squad salary of $10K per week, above the usual rate of $6,300 per week, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (on Twitter).
- Wilson (via Twitter) also has the goods on the Ravens‘ deal with defensive back Antoine Cason. The deal is worth the veteran’s minimum of $730K and he’ll earn the prorated portion of that for the last three games (~$129K). Cason, a former first-round pick, signed with Baltimore earlier this week to help provide depth in a secondary that has been hit hard by injuries.
- There was some speculation earlier in the week, particularly after the club worked out multiple kickers, that the Browns would replace kicker Billy Cundiff, who has been inconsistent this season. While Cleveland initially elected not to sign another kicker due to Cundiff’s performance, the team may have to do so anyway, with the veteran listed as questionable on this week’s injury report due to a knee injury, writes Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com. The Browns took a look at Garrett Hartley, Zach Hocker, and Nate Freese this week.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Ravens Sign Antoine Cason
12:15pm: The Ravens have confirmed in a press release that they’ve signed Cason and placed Gorrer on IR. The team added that wide receiver Aldrick Robinson has been added to the practice squad, replacing fellow wideout LaQuan Williams.
8:51am: A week after being released by the Panthers, Antoine Cason has found a new home, according to Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports, who reports (via Twitter) that the Ravens are signing the veteran cornerback.
Cason, a former first-round pick, started 11 of the Panthers’ first 12 games, but had plenty of ups and downs throughout the year. The 28-year-old was benched in Week 13 after allowing a touchdown to Vikings wideout Greg Jennings, and has a grade of -10.2 on the season, according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics (subscription required). Although he has grabbed a pair of interceptions, Cason has also allowed six touchdowns, a 122.2 passer rating, and an 80.3% completion rate on passes thrown into his coverage, per PFF.
Despite Cason’s struggles in 2014, he could help provide some depth in a Ravens’ secondary that has been ravaged by injuries this season. Top cornerback Jimmy Smith landed on injured reserve earlier in the year, and Danny Gorrer is headed there as well, in what will be the corresponding move to accommodate the signing of Cason, tweets Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun.
According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter), Cason worked out for the Bears this week before landing with the Ravens.
Minor Moves: Saturday
Here are Saturday’s minor moves, with the most recent transactions added to the top of the list:
- Washington has placed cornerback Chase Minnifield on injured reserve, reports Mike Jones of the Washington Post (via Twitter). The team promoted defensive back Kenny Okoro to the 53-man roster.
- The Seahawks have promoted wide receiver Chris Matthews from their practice squad to the active roster, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (via Twitter).
- The Steelers have activated outside linebacker Jarvis Jones off the injured reserve-designated to return, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). The team placed cornerback Cortez Allen on injured reserve to make room for Jones.
- The Patriots have activated defensive tackle Sealver Siliga from the injured reserve-designated to return, reports Field Yates of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Siliga will join the active roster in time for the Sunday Night matchup against the Chargers tomorrow.
Earlier Updates
- The Broncos‘ kicking carousel continues, as Mike Klis of the Denver Post tweets that the team has promoted kicker Brandon McManus from the practice squad. The former undrafted free agent made his NFL debut with Denver earlier this season, connecting on nine of his 13 attempts. To make room, the team waived returner Isaiah Burse.
- The Giants have signed linebacker/defensive end Paul Hazel from their practice squad, tweets ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano. The 24-year-old appeared in 13 games with the Browns last season. To make room on the roster, the team released defensive tackle Dominique Hamilton.
- Washington has promoted linebacker Gabe Miller from their practice squad to the 53-man roster, according to agent Brett Tessler (via Twitter). A fifth-round pick in the 2011 draft, the 27-year-old finally made his NFL debut earlier this season. To make room on the roster, the team cut third-year wideout Aldrick Robinson (via ESPN’s John Keim on Twitter). Robinson signed a one-year deal with Washington following a solid 2013 campaign, but he hasn’t seen the field since Week 5.
- The Ravens have activated cornerback Asa Jackson from the injured reserve, tweets ESPN.com’s Jamison Hensley. The former fifth-rounder started four games earlier this season before succumbing to a foot injury. The team also placed undrafted rookie Tramain Jacobs on the injured reserve.
NFC East Notes: Thurmond, Eagles, Cowboys
When asked about the most impressive player he’s seen in Giants camp, ESPN’s Dan Graziano identified cornerback Walter Thurmond, saying the free-agent acquisition has been “making life miserable for slot receiver Victor Cruz in practice. Thurmond could be a difference-maker at that nickel corner position for the Giants this year.” Thurmond, 26, signed a one-year, $3MM deal in March, at which time ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, a former director of pro personnel for the Eagles, lauded the signing as a potential steal: “If he can stay healthy and out of trouble, it’s a tremendous value signing. . .He’s a dynamite press corner, who is as good with his technique as [Seattle’s] Byron Maxwell, as [Seattle’s] Richard Sherman. Walter is very good. He can play in the nickel because he’s big enough, because he can tackle, because he’s a good blitzer. And he can play on the outside. Not only can he press, he can play them all.”
The numbers back up Riddick’s assessment. Despite starting just three of 12 games played last season for the Super Bowl champion Seahawks, Thurmond tallied 24 tackles, six pass breakups, an interception (29-yard TD) and a forced fumble. Additionally, his 5.7 coverage rating was higher than teammate Brandon Browner, who signed for three years and $16.8MM in New England.
So why did the Giants land such a good player at such an affordable deal? He’s been plagued by injuries since entering the league, and was popped for a four-game suspension last season for violating the substance-abuse policy. Nevertheless, he brings supreme confidence to the Giants secondary. In April Thurmond proclaimed himself the best slot corner in the league. By July, he was drawing praise from teammates and coaches, including head man Tom Coughlin, who likes Thurmond’s attitude. Now, a week into August, he’s established himself as the ‘Quiet Assassin.”
Here’s a few more NFC East links:
- Eagles rookie receiver Jordan Matthews had a pair of drops in an “inconsistent” pro debut last night, according to PhillyMag.com’s Tim McManus.
- On the flip side, Eagles head coach Chip Kelly was impressed by a defensive rookie. “I thought Beau Allen was a disruptive force out there,” Kelly told PhillyMag.com’s Sheil Kapadia.
- With DeMarco Murray and Lance Dunbar sitting out, Joseph Randle was a bright spot for the Cowboys, according to Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News.
- Cowboys.com analyst Bryan Broaddus broke down the tape from the first preseason game and posted his observations. Among them, he praised the offensive line, as well as second-year receiver Terrance Williams, who is rapidly becoming a complete receiver.
- With DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon sitting out, Aldrick Robinson took advantage of an opportunity in the Redskins’ first preseason game. “Aldrick Robinson, he just continues to make play after play after play,” head coach Jay Gruden told CSN Washington’s JP Finlay after the game. Robinson could be a breakout candidate in his third season, but he’ll have to earn targets since the team added Jackson and Andre Roberts in the offseason to go along with Garcon and veteran Santana Moss. Additionally, rookie Ryan Grant has been impressive early in camp.
NFC Mailbags: Giants, Redskins, Packers, Rams
It’s Saturday, and that means ESPN.com’s NFL writers are opening up their mailbags and answering questions from readers. Let’s check out some interesting tidbits from the NFC…
- The Giants have liked what they’ve seen from offensive tackle Brandon Mosley, writes Dan Graziano. The team hopes he can establish himself as a reliable backup or replacement for Chris Snee.
- If Redskins wideout Aldrick Robinson ultimately makes the squad, John Keim envisions some roster repercussions. Nick Williams would likely stick around on the practice squad while Leonard Hankerson could start the season on the physically unable to perform list. Keim adds that veteran Santana Moss is “in a good spot.”
- While former first-round pick Nick Perry is a “lock” to make the Packers, Rob Demovsky believes some of the team’s other early draft picks will have to prove their worth. The writer says that former first-rounder Derek Sherrod will have to use the preseason to “finally show whether he can play left tackle in the NFL.” Meanwhile, former second-rounder Jerel Worthy will have to battle off a number of worthy competitors.
- When asked which members of the 2013 Rams may not make this year’s roster, Nick Wagoner points to defensive tackle Matt Conrath and safety Matt Daniels. The writer also includes running back Isaiah Pead, quarterback Austin Davis and offensive tackle Mike Person.