The Lions auditioned free agent linebacker Andrew Gachkar on Wednesday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
Gachkar, 29, has become a special-teams only player as NFL career has advanced, and he didn’t play a single defensive snap for the Panthers in 2017. A former seventh-round pick, Gackhar has been in the league since 2011 but has only made 11 starts. He signed with Carolina last October and played in six games for the club, appearing on roughly two-thirds of the Panthers’ special teams plays during that time.
Detroit, for its part, has been willing to pay for special teams play in the past. Under general manager Bob Quinn, the Lions have steadily improved on special teams, and last season ranked fifth in Football Outsiders’ DVOA. Gackhar would surely focus on that area of play if signed, especially given that Detroit added other linebackers such as Devon Kennard, Christian Jones, Cam Johnson, and Jonathan Freeny.
October 17th, 2017 at 12:57pm CST by Zachary Links
The Panthers have signed linebacker Andrew Gachkar, according to a team announcement. The veteran will serve as insurance in the event that Luke Kuechly is out for an extended period of time.
Kuechly was forced out of last week’s loss to the Eagles when he suffered a head/neck injury. The collision with Eagles guard Brandon Brooks was extra concerning given Kuechly’s history of head injuries. He did not practice on Tuesday and he remains in concussion protocol, so his timetable for recovery remains unclear.
Gachkar is obviously not of the same caliber as Kuechly, but he will provide depth for however long the four-time Pro Bowler is out. For now, David Mayo seems likely to start at middle linebacker with Jared Norris as his primary backup. Gachkar, a special teams specialist, will probably see more time on kick and punt coverage than actual defensive plays.
October 3rd, 2017 at 9:58pm CST by Dallas Robinson
Even after absorbing a violent hit from Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan last week, Packers wide receiver Davante Adams may be in line to play in Week 5, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Adams was taken to the hospital following the hit — which resulted in a two-game suspension for Trevathan — and thankfully escaped with only a concussion. If available, the 24-year-old Adams would be a boon to Green Bay’s offense against the Cowboys on Sunday, as he’s recorded 16 receptions, 219 yards, and two scores thus far in 2017.
Here’s more from the NFC North:
The Bears‘ decision to start rookie Mitch Trubisky over Mike Glennon speaks to the No. 2 overall selection’s development this year, opines Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com. Trubisky, who started only 13 collegiate games before entering the NFL draft, was so raw that had to be taught how to take snaps under center in the spring, per Breer. But Trubisky has displayed so much improvement in the months since that Chicago formulated a plan to have the North Carolina product take starter’s practice reps in the fall. Of course, Glennon’s sub-par performance also made the Bears’ call a simple one, as the former Buccaneers ranks near the bottom of the league in nearly every quarterback metric.
The Lions took a look at tight ends Jace Amaro, Gavin Escobar, Cory Harkey, and David Johnson and linebackers Akeem Ayers, Andrew Gachkar, and Spencer Paysinger, today, reports veteran NFL reporter Howard Balzer (Twitter link). Detroit’s linebacker auditions are particularly notable, as the club just lost base package starter Paul Worrilow to an MCL strain. All three of Ayers, Gachkar, and Paysinger appeared in at least 15 games a season ago, but were mostly relegated to special teams duty.
Offensive tackles Andrew Wylie, Stephen Evans, and Storm Norton, plus running back Joel Bouagnon, worked out for the Packers on Tuesday, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Wylie went undrafted out of Eastern Michigan earlier this year, but signed with the Colts shortly thereafter. He took a spot on Indy’s practice squad until being waived in September. Bouagnon, too, is a rookie UDFA (Northern Illinois) who spent eight weeks with the Bears this summer.
The Bears auditioned safety Jordan Moore yesterday, tweets Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Moore, a rookie undrafted free agent out of the University of Texas at San Antonio, signed with the Falcons earlier this year but has been on the workout circuit since August.
August 13th, 2017 at 2:33pm CST by Dallas Robinson
The Jaguars have signed free agent linebacker Andrew Gachkar, the club announced today. In a related move, Jacksonville has waived/injured linebacker Justin Horton.
After finishing 23rd in special teams DVOA a season ago, the Jaguars are seemingly attempting to improve that ranking in 2017. In addition to hiring Joe DeCamillis as its new special teams coordinator, Jacksonville has signed a number of free agents whose primarily responsibility will come on fourth down. Audie Cole, Jeron Johnson, and Stanley Jean-Baptiste all fit that mold, and Gachkar joins them as a special teams-first player.
Gackhar, 28, has appeared in 95 career games but boasts only nine starts. Last season, Gackhar wrapped up a two-year stint with the Cowboys, and played in all 16 games but played only 75 defensive snaps. The former seventh-round draft pick was still highly involved, however, as he saw action on nearly 70% of Dallas’ special teams plays.
Even if he makes the Jaguars roster, Gackhar wouldn’t be counted on to play in the Jaguars’ defense, as the team has already bit up a good deal of positional depth this year. In addition to starters Telvin Smith, Myles Jack, and Paul Posluszny, Jacksonville has Cole, Josh McNary, Lerentee McCray, and fifth-round rookie Blair Brown on its depth chart.
Before signing with the Jaguars, Gachkar had met with both the Patriots and Bills.
Seventh-year linebacker Andrew Gachkar will visit the Bills on Tuesday, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets. It will be the Bills’ second meeting with a linebacker in as many days. They met withGerald Hodges today.
This will also be Gachkar’s second visit this offseason. He met with the Patriots two weeks ago. Gachkar spent the past two seasons with the Cowboys, serving as a backup linebacker and special-teamer.
Buffalo’s defensive second level has some returning cogs, like Lorenzo Alexander and Preston Brown, and saw Reggie Ragland return to workouts last week. The Bills’ linebacker group, though, has some questions after converting to a 4-3.
Gachkar operated as a part-time player with the Cowboys, making just 10 total tackles since signing there in 2015. He played just 76 snaps last season, and 45 of those came in a Week 17 game that saw Dallas use many backups after clinching home-field advantage. The former Chargers seventh-round pick played in all 32 Cowboys regular-season games throughout the duration of his contract, however.
The Patriots hosted free agent linebacker Andrew Gachkar on a visit Tuesday, as Mike Reiss of ESPN.com tweets. The seven-year veteran has played with Chargers and Cowboys.
Gachkar, 28, saw time in every possible regular season game for the Cowboys over the last two years. However, he has played primarily on special teams. In 2016, he saw only 76 snaps on defense with 45 of those reps coming in Week 17. The Patriots are likely looking at him as a special teamer and a depth option.
For the second consecutive season, Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain will serve a suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on substance abuse. In 2015, Dallas only had to survive without McClain for a quarter of the season, but given that McClain is facing a 10-game ban for 2016, the Cowboys will need to more seriously consider how they’re going to make up for the loss of their middle linebacker.
We’ve examined how Dallas might go about finding a replacement for McClain, looking at players already on the Cowboys’ roster, free agents sitting on the open market, and veterans who could be on the roster bubble with their respective clubs. Let’s dive in…
Internal options:
The primary name being floated to replace McClain in the middle is third-year linebacker Anthony Hitchens, whom the Cowboys selected in the fourth round of the 2014 draft. Thing is, Hitchens was already a starter — he played on the inside in McClain’s absence last year, and then moved to the outside, ultimately seeing action on about half of Dallas’ defensive snaps. So if Hitchens is being counted on to man the middle full-time, including in sub packages, the Cowboys would need to find a replacement at strong-side linebacker, meaning Kyle Wilber and/or Andrew Gachkar could see meaningful snaps after spending most of their respective careers as special teams players.
Gachkar, meanwhile, is another option to fill in at middle linebacker, and he has experience at the position. If chosen, Gachkar would likely be a two-down player, as Pro Football Focus’ grades have shown him to be effective against the run but a liability in pass coverage. The 27-year-old has never been a major defensive contributor — he was forced to step into the starting lineup when the Chargers suffered a variety of injuries at the linebacker position in 2014, but even then, he only played on 36.5% of San Diego’s defensive snaps.
The “wild card” in this race is second-year player Mark Nzeocha, according to Bryan Broaddus of the Cowboys’ website. A seventh-round pick in last year’s draft, Nzeocha only appeared in two games during his rookie season, managing 14 snaps, all of which came on special teams. Extremely athletic, Nzeocha was all over the field at Wyoming, playing safety and all three linebacker positions. His learning curve might be steep, but he clearly has all the physical tools to play the position.
A source tells PFR that the Cowboys are, for the most part, satisfied with the current state of their linebacker room, and are looking forward to have their young players compete for playing time while McClain is suspended. Dallas, says the source, hasn’t shown a lot of interest in scouring the free agent market for substitutes, so one of Hitchens, Gachkar, or Nzeocha might be the favorite to earn significant snaps this fall.
Free agents:
Donald Butler — After selecting Denzel Perryman in 2015 and Joshua Perry in this year’s draft, the Chargers parted ways with Butler, who had spent the past five seasons with the club. At age-27, Butler is the youngest free agent option on this list, but he’s coming off the worst season of his career, having posted just 40 tackles during the 2016 campaign. Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune accused Butler of “losing interest” after receiving a massive extension prior to the 2014 season, so perhaps some other clubs have made that same assessment.
Justin Durant — Durant started 12 games for the Falcons last year, but prior to his time in Atlanta he spent two seasons with the Cowboys, so at the very least he’d offer some familiarity with Dallas defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli‘s playbook. Versatility is another point in Durant’s favor, as he played mostly inside linebacker with Atlanta and Detroit, roamed the middle during his Jacksonville tenure, and moved between both positions with the Cowboys.
A.J. Hawk — The Bengals signed Hawk to a two-year deal before the 2015 campaign, but despite injuries limiting fellow linebacker Vontaze Burfict to just 10 games, Hawk rarely saw the field, playing on roughly a quarter of Cincinnati’s defensive snaps. Hawk recently told Jim Owczarski of the Cincinnati Enquirer that although he’s aware a club might not express interest until late in camp (or perhaps after the season begins), he’s staying in shape in the hopes of receiving a phone call.
David Hawthorne — Like Durant, Hawthorne offers positional versatility, having seen action at both inside and outside linebacker. In 2015, Hawthorne was shifted to the weak side in favor of rookie Stephone Anthony, but was then benched, declared inactive, and ultimately released after an unproductive season. Still, he’s got 83 career starts under his belt, and would presumably feel comfortable in the middle of the Dallas defense.
Keep reading for more external options that could be on the Cowboys’ radar…
Curtis Lofton — There’s no getting around the fact that 2015 was a bad year for Lofton. The 30-year-old graded as one of the four worst linebackers in the entire league, according to PFF, and was benched late in the season. However, Lofton recently admitted that he’d undergone offseason knee and ankle surgeries, so it’s fair to wonder if injuries limited him during the season. He’s always been an above-average force against the run, and he’s expressed a desire to continue his career in 2016.
Joe Mays — Having bounced around the league for the duration of his career, Mays has never seemed to be any club’s first option. But he’s always filled in when needed, and he’s never been abysmal when doing so. Mays is a run-stuffer, and probably shouldn’t be on the field for passing downs, but he also adds special teams value, and would certainly sign for the veteran’s minimum.
DeMeco Ryans — Ryans is probably the player on this list about whom I’m the least confident. Physically, he could be nearing the end — after suffering two ruptured Achilles during his career, Ryans struggled against both the run and the pass last year,
and with 10 NFL seasons in his rearview mirror, he has quite a bit of tread on his tires. But Ryans has always been viewed as a cerebral player, so adding a veteran with his level of mental acumen could be an appealing option for the Cowboys. Ryans, for what’s it worth, has said that he’d like to continue playing.
Stephen Tulloch— Tulloch might be the most high-profile name on this list, at least at the moment, given that he was finally released by the Lions this week after months of speculation. Detroit waited so long to execute the move to avoid paying an injury guarantee, as Tulloch had undergone surgery earlier this year. Clearly, that could give some clubs pause as they inquire on Tulloch’s health, but he was evidently able to pass a physical prior to his release, and he managed to hold up for 15 games last season.
Veterans on roster bubbles:
Jon Bostic, Lions — Due to a variety of factors, Bostic might not be leaving Detroit any time soon. First, Lions general manger Bob Quinn was formerly the Patriots’ director of scouting, so the fact that he acquired Bostic from New England could mean he has an affinity for the former Florida Gator. Second, Detroit recently released veteran linebacker Stephen Tulloch, meaning there could be room for Bostic on the Lions’ roster. But if he were to be cut loose during the next few months, I’d imagine the Cowboys would show some level of interest. Or perhaps Bostic, who’s already been dealt twice during his career, could be had via trade once again.
Arthur Brown, Ravens — A former second-round pick, Brown has completely fallen out of favor in Baltimore, as he’s played only 10 defensive snaps during the past two seasons combined. But with Daryl Smith no longer on the Ravens’ roster, there could be room for Brown to earn playing time, if he can finally put it all together. Brown is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and doesn’t look to have a real future with Baltimore, so it’s conceivable the club finally cuts bait this summer.
Bruce Carter, Jets — Entering his age-28 season, Carter evidently didn’t attract much free agent interest after being released by the Buccaneers earlier this year, as he settled for a one-year, minimum salary benefit contract with the Jets. New York, however, has not only re-signed Erin Henderson to play opposite David Harris at inside linebacker, but spent a first-round pick on Ohio State’s Darron Lee, who would likely be the next man up if either Harris or Henderson suffered an injury. Carter, then, could potentially be available in the next few months, and could be especially attractive to the Cowboys given that he spent 2011-14 in Dallas.
Christian Jones, Bears — In just his second NFL campaign, Jones, a former undrafted free agent, started 13 games on the inside, leading all Bears linebackers in snaps. And though he graded as the league’s No. 38 linebacker per PFF, Chicago sought to replace him this offseason, inking both Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman to multi-year deals. Jones has since been moved to outside ‘backer, but Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com recently projected that he would be a surprise cut. Given that Jones is only 25 years old, the Bears could conceivably get something in return via trade.
Nate Palmer, Titans — It’s not a good sign that the Packers, who have a lengthy history of inside linebacker problems, waived Palmer earlier this year. Tennessee evidently saw something they liked and claimed Palmer, but it’s unclear if he’ll be able to earn a role on the team. The Titans are projected to start Wesley Woodyard and Avery Williamson at middle linebacker in their 3-4 scheme, according to Roster Resource, while free agent signee Sean Spence — who has a history with defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau — is the top reserve on the inside, meaning Palmer could be the odd man out.
Perry Riley, Redskins — The 28-year-old Riley is the only veteran on this subsection of the list who is making serious money, and Washington could save $4MM by releasing him this summer. And given that he’s not expected to be a starter, Perry could certainly be in danger of losing his roster spot. Will Compton will start at inside linebacker next to Mason Foster, whom the Redskins re-signed to a two-year deal. Riley will compete for a role with former Steelers special teams ace Terence Garvin, who was handed a $75K guarantee over the offseason.
After years of being proactive with their quarterbacks in the post-Donovan McNabb era, the Eagles are still at a crossroads with their projected starter.
Brandt estimates Bradford, with the huge caveat of whether the 27-year-old signal-caller makes it through the season unscathed, could be somewhat of a prize next offseason for a quarterback-needy franchise considering a market that as of now houses Russell Wilson, Philip Rivers and Eli Manning could be left with only Bradford with the cost of inking QBs on a perpetual rise. But despite Bradford having already earned a preposterous $65.1MM as the last No. 1 overall pick of the old CBA, the sixth-year veteran could be worth next to nothing with another season-ending malady, increasing the urgency to negotiate a deal with the Eagles before the season begins.
Although traded for 2013-14 starter Nick Foles, who has won almost as many games (14) in three seasons than Bradford has in five (18), Brandt notes there remains a remote trade possibility, and Andrew Kulp of CSNPhilly.com writes a Week 1 starting lineup featuring Sanchez is not beyond the realm of possibility. On the books for $12.99MM cap number, Bradford’s still in a solid position, with what could be a scant quarterback derby next March and the possibility of the position’s franchise tag skyrocketing to around $20MM next season, per Kulp.
Let’s look at some additional Eastern items this afternoon.
Jason Pierre-Paul intends to play this season at around 265 pounds, notes the New York Post’s Paul Schwartz. Weight’s served as a bit of an issue for Pierre-Paul since his dominant 2011 showing. The 2010 first-round pick hasn’t signed his franchise tender worth $14.8MM yet and hasn’t showed at the Giants‘ facilities for OTAs or minicamp, instead opting to train in his native Florida. Schwartz adds only a “remote” chance exists JPP and the Giants agree on a long-term deal by July 15.
Special teams coach Rich Bisaccia and linebackers boss Matt Eberflus influenced Andrew Gachkar to sign with the Cowboys, along with Texas’ absence of a state tax, reports Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News. Gachkar said his primary position will likely be strongside linebacker while playing under his former instructors at Missouri and with the Chargers, respectively.
At the moment, the Jets‘ starting tight end is sixth-year veteran Jeff Cumberland, as Jace Amaro is listed as the H-back under Todd Bowles. But the Jets won’t wait around for the inconsistent Cumberland, writes Brian Costello of the New York Post. Although the 28-year-old hasn’t exactly had proficient quarterbacks throwing to him, Cumberland rated as the worst tight end last season among players who garnered at least 25% of their team’s snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Dolphins are likely to deploy Jeff Linkenbach as their starting right guard, offers James Walker of ESPN.com. Walker predicts the former Kansas City Chiefs and Indianapolis Colts cog will beat out Billy Turner for the position. Possibly the most reported Evan Mathis suitor, Miami would be giving snaps to a sub-par guard in Linkenbach in this scenario. The sixth-year veteran’s last full season as a starter — 2011 in Indianapolis — produced some ghastly results, according to PFF (subscription required). Linkenbach hasn’t started more than eight games since.
