C.J. Spiller - Pro Football Rumors

Extra Points: Chiefs, Jaguars, Williams

August 20th, 2017 at 9:01pm CST by Sam Robinson

Andy Reid said the Chiefs might not have to choose between Charcandrick West or C.J. Spiller. The team might retain all four of its top running backs, Reid said (via Adam Teicher of ESPN.com).

“If we only keep three, then somebody’s going to get a heck of a player,” Reid said of a running back competition fronted by Spencer Ware and rookie Kareem Hunt. “… If we can keep all four, then that’s great.”

This may not be an automatic indication Kansas City plans keep both West and Spiller, and one could well be trade bait since both smaller backs might not make sense as Nos. 3-4 options. The Chiefs signed Ware and West to identical contracts during the 2016 offseason, and West has two years and barely $3MM remaining on his deal. He received the initial crack at replacing Jamaal Charles in 2015 and led the Chiefs in rushing that season with 634 yards (4.0 per carry). He operated as Ware’s backup last season but possesses top-end straight-line speed that could be useful on a team with less backfield depth.

Spiller caught on with the Chiefs in February after being cut by several teams. The former first-round pick is making the league minimum. Kansas City also has veteran fullback Anthony Sherman in line to occupy a roster spot.

The Jaguars’ quarterback situation has become a key topic this week; here’s the latest on that and other key stories as preseason Week 2 winds down.

Doug Marrone opened up the Jaguars‘ quarterback competition after Blake Bortles continued to struggle. But Chad Henne looks like he will be the only in-house challenger, with Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union noting Brandon Allen‘s inexperience (zero regular-season snaps) won’t be ideal in Week 1 against a Texans defense that ranked No. 1 last season. O’Halloran anticipates Henne receiving the nod. The Jags are not currently looking at outside options for this job. Allen is a second-year player out of Arkansas.
Aaron Colvin has come off the Jags’ Active/PUP list and resumed practicing in team drills for the first time since December 2011, and O’Halloran notes he’s still expected to be the team’s top nickel option. The fourth-year player is slated to line up in the slot inside of Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye. Colvin confirmed he experienced a rehab setback this offseason while recovering from an ankle injury that took more than seven months to heal sufficiently.
Brandon Williams is playing like he will come out ahead of recent UFA addition Tramon Williams, although he’s now unlikely to usurp Justin Bethel in the Cardinals‘ competition to see who starts opposite Patrick Peterson this season. Bruce Arians said (via Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com) Williams played “really well” in the Cards’ game against the Bears on Saturday.
The Giants will work out offensive lineman Matt Rotheram on Monday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle tweets. Rotheram has bounced around the league for the past two seasons, residing on the Packers and Lions’ practice squads in 2015 and ’16, respectively. The Lions signed him to a reserve/futures contract in January but cut him earlier this week.
Before signing linebacker Kelvin Sheppard to a deal, the Bears worked out fellow ‘backer Michael Scherer, Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch tweets.

AFC Notes: Bills, Pats, Bolts, Jets, Chiefs

February 28th, 2017 at 8:22pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk speculated over the weekend that the Bills could cut running back LeSean McCoy, but the five-time Pro Bowler’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, shot down that possibility Tuesday. Rosenhaus told PFT that he hasn’t had any discussions with the Bills about moving on from McCoy. Moreover, he expects the two-year Bill to remain in Buffalo for “many years to come” (via Mike Rodak of ESPN.com). McCoy is coming off one of his best campaigns – 1,623 total yards, 5.4 yards per carry, 14 touchdowns and 50 receptions – and is due to count $8.875MM against the cap in 2017, his age-29 season.

Chiefs Sign RB C.J. Spiller

February 24th, 2017 at 9:19am CST by Zachary Links

C.J. Spiller has a new NFL home. The Chiefs announced on Friday morning that they have signed the veteran running back.

In 2016 alone, he bounced between three teams. He started the campaign with the Saints and he was quickly signed by the Seahawks following his release by New Orleans. The former first-rounder eventually found his way to the Jets, but his stint there ended after about five weeks. Spiller finished the year with six carries for 18 yards.

At one point in time, Spiller was considered to be a starting-caliber back. Now, on the cusp of his 30th birthday, it’s not clear if he’ll be able to stick on anyone’s roster. The Chiefs are about to find out.

The Chiefs now have four running backs under contract for 2016: Jamaal Charles, Spencer Ware, Charcandrick West, and Spiller. Charles is scheduled to count for nearly $6.2MM on Kansas City’s 2017 salary cap and is considered to be a release candidate.

As Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (on Twitter) points out, Spiller shares an agent with pending free agent safety Eric Berry. The Chiefs may or may not be paying a favor to agent Chad Speck, but we at least know that the two sides are speaking.

Jets Waive RB C.J. Spiller

December 6th, 2016 at 2:27pm CST by Zachary Links

The Jets announced that they have waived running back C.J. Spiller and wide receiver Jeremy Ross. Spiller was handed a pink slip after recording two carries for five yards last night. He is now seeking his fourth team this year.

Spiller was signed on November 1st, moments after the Jets claimed Knile Davis off waivers from the Packers. To sign Spiller, the Jets bounced Davis, making his stay in New York just three hours long. Spiller only got a month-and-change, but that’s a reminder things could have been worse for him.

The 29-year-old started the campaign with the Saints and he was quickly signed by the Seahawks following his release by New Orleans. The former first-rounder only had three rushes for nine yards during his two-game tenure in Seattle, and he added another five catches for 43 yards and a touchdown. Not long ago, Spiller was viewed as a starting-caliber back. Now, it’s not clear if he has a place in the NFL.

Jets Sign C.J. Spiller, Waive Knile Davis

November 1st, 2016 at 8:00pm CST by Ben Levine

8:00pm: The Jets actually waived running back Troymaine Pope to originally make room for Davis, according to Mehta (via Twitter).

6:09pm: Knile Davis‘ tenure with the Jets didn’t even last three hours. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), the team is planning on releasing the running back as they finalize a deal with veteran C.J. Spiller. Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News confirms (via Twitter) that the Jets will indeed by signing Spiller. Davis was claimed off waivers by the Jets earlier today.

Similar to Davis, Spiller will be joining his third team this season. The 29-year-old started the campaign with the Saints, and he was quickly signed by the Seahawks following his release by New Orleans. The former first-rounder only had three rushes for nine yards during his two-game tenure in Seattle, and he added another five catches for 43 yards and a touchdown. The Seahawks ended up cutting bait with the veteran last week.

Spiller is certainly an upgrade over Davis, as the veteran running back put up solid numbers in 2015. During his lone full-season with the Saints, Spiller rushed for 112 yards on 36 carries. He also added another 34 catches for 239 yards and two scores. Meanwhile, Davis only collected 96 offensive yards in 2015, and he’s followed that up with only 21 total yards in 2016. Rapoport tweets that the Jets had been in talks with Spiller, but they claimed Davis as insurance in case the veteran didn’t sign. Ultimately, Spiller decided to take the Jets’ offer.

The Jets already have a crowded running back corps, led by Matt Forte and Bilal Powell. Spiller will likely compete with rookie Troymaine Pope to be the team’s third-string running back. Spiller will certainly get an opportunity, as he’ll be reunited with former Bills coach Chan Gailey, who is now the Jets’ offensive coordinator. Spiller’s best seasons came under Gailey, including a 2012 season where he rushed for 1,244 yards.

Seahawks Release C.J. Spiller

October 26th, 2016 at 3:38pm CST by Zachary Links

The Seahawks announced that they have released C.J. Spiller. C.J. Prosise is healthy and good to go, making Spiller expendable. In a related move, the team has re-signed fullback Will Tukuafu.

Spiller signed on with the Seahawks in late September and reportedly heard from eight interested clubs before choosing a landing spot. The 29-year-old had the luxury of being selective because his $1.7MM salary with the Saints was still guaranteed, even after his release.

Unfortunately, his stay in Seattle lasted about three weeks. Spiller was at his best as a rusher and pass catcher in Buffalo from 2011-13, but his numbers declined in 2014 and he then inked a deal in free agency with the Saints. Spiller averaged just 3.1 yards per carry on 36 attempts last season, though he did catch 34 passes and two touchdowns during his 13-game Saints tenure. This year, Spiller appeared in two games for the Seahawks, totaling nine yards off of three carries. He did slightly more in the passing game, catching five of nine targets for 43 yards and one touchdown.

With Spiller out of the picture, the Seahawks’ RB depth chart is once again headlined by Christine Michael and Prosise. Fifth-round rookie Alex Collins and Terrence Magee comprise the balance of the group.

8 Teams Reached Out To C.J. Spiller

September 29th, 2016 at 7:13pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Running back C.J. Spiller found no shortage of interest in his services during the two-plus weeks he was unemployed, reports Rand Getlin (Twitter link).

Spiller, whom the Saints released Sept. 13, signed with the Seahawks on Wednesday, but Seattle was only one of eight teams that reached out to him. Spiller could have joined any of those clubs a week ago, per Getlin, who tweets that the 29-year-old had the luxury of being selective because his $1.7MM salary with the Saints is guaranteed. New Orleans also paid Spiller a $1.55MM bonus after he cracked its opening roster, though the ex-Clemson star was inactive for Week 1 and on the outs two days later.

The Seahawks were one of at least three teams that met with Spiller, joining the Packers and Jets, and his visit went so well that Seattle immediately secured him to a deal. Their hope is that Spiller will serve as a quality complement to Christine Michael, who has been the lone bright spot in a running game that ranks 15th in the NFL in yardage and tied for 26th in yards per carry. Michael has averaged a terrific 5.2 yards per rush on 45 attempts, while Thomas Rawls, Alex Collins, Terrence Magee and C.J. Prosise have combined for a paltry 47 yards on 29 carries. Rawls is currently felled by a cracked fibula, and the Seahawks waived Magee after signing Spiller.

While Spiller hasn’t been much of a threat over the past couple years, the 2010 ninth overall pick is an upgrade on paper over the Seahawks’ contingent of non-Michael options. Spiller was at his best as a rusher and pass catcher in Buffalo from 2011-13, but his numbers declined in 2014 and he then inked a deal in free agency with the Saints. Spiller averaged just 3.1 yards per carry on 36 attempts last season, though he did catch 34 passes and two touchdowns during his 13-game Saints tenure.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Seahawks To Sign C.J. Spiller

September 28th, 2016 at 6:46pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Seahawks and free agent running back C.J. Spiller have agreed to terms, Rand Getlin of NFL.com reports (on Twitter). Spiller will head west and join Christine Michael and Thomas Rawls in the Seahawks’ backfield.

It’s a one-year deal for Spiller, Adam Caplan of ESPN.com reports (via Twitter). He previously signed a four-year contract with the Saints in March of 2015 but barely made it into Year 2 of that accord.

The Seahawks now have an additional weapon to help their banged-up backfield, which features an ailing Rawls and C.J. Prosise. This, of course, will continue a pipeline that’s resulted in the Seahawks adding former Bills ball-carriers. Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson each were listed above Spiller on respective Buffalo depth charts in the past and enjoyed varying degrees of success in the Pacific Northwest, with Lynch obviously redefining his career in Seattle. Jackson joined the Seahawks after his prime concluded and didn’t see extensive time last season.

The 29-year-old Spiller, though, should have much more left in the tank than Jackson. He did not prove to be a fit with the Saints but did twice surpass 1,100 yards from scrimmage with the Bills. His top season came back in 2012, when the former Clemson back scampered for 1,700+ yards from scrimmage.

With the Saints, Spiller’s stock plummeted. Multiple injuries cost him three games last season, one he concluded on IR after gaining just 351 yards from scrimmage. He signed a four-year, $18MM deal but the Saints opted to carry dead money rather than pay out that deal in full.

This could certainly crowd the Seahawks’ backfield when it returns to full strength. Michael rushed for 106 yards and two touchdowns last week, and Rawls proved quite effective when healthy last season. Seattle drafted Prosise as a potential passing-down specialist in the third round.

To make room, the Seahawks waived running back Terrence Magee, as Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times tweets. The second-year player received three carries and gained 12 yards in his only in-game work this season.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Jets To Meet With C.J. Spiller

September 26th, 2016 at 5:29pm CST by Zachary Links

C.J. Spiller is headed out to visit the Jets tonight, a source tells freelance NFL reporter Rand Getlin (on Twitter). The running back is set to work out for Gang Green tomorrow.

Spiller appeared in 13 games for the Saints in 2015 before being placed on IR. Spiller struggled during his lone Saints season, totaling just 112 rushing yards on 36 carries. However, he did contribute in the passing game, hauling in 34 receptions for 239 yards and a pair of scores. Spiller’s best= season came in 2012, when he finished with 1,244 rushing yards and six touchdowns (along with 43 receptions for 459 yards and two scores). Earlier this month, the Saints released the veteran.

The Packers kicked the tires on Spiller last week but the running back left without a deal. It’s not immediately clear if the Jets have a spot for him either, but they could be evaluating him as an alternative to No. 3 RB Troymaine Pope. It’s also possible that the Jets simply want to evaluate Spiller in the event of an injury to Matt Forte or Bilal Powell.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Packers Hosting C.J. Spiller On Visit

September 20th, 2016 at 2:09pm CST by Zachary Links

The Packers are hosting C.J. Spiller on a visit, as Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets. Spiller has been on the open market since being cut loose by the Saints one week ago.

Spiller’s release came as a surprise because of the unusual timing. After initially making the 53-man cut in New Orleans, Spiller was cut on Sept. 13, two days after the team’s season opener against the Raiders. Spiller’s release also left the Saints on the hook for a $1.55MM roster bonus a guaranteed salary of $1.7MM salary. The Saints have $4.5MM in dead money left on the cap after releasing the veteran and didn’t save a whole lot, which means that his release was more of a football decision than anything.

Still, the Packers are wondering if Spiller still has something left in the tank. If Green Bay thinks he can help, Spiller could be brought in as a complement to primary tailback Eddie Lacy. In two games this year, Lacy has run for 111 yards off of 26 carries, good for a 4.3 yards per carry average.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.