RFA Tender Decisions: 3/9/16
Unrestricted free agent news will obviously dominate the day, but several clubs also had to make decisions on whether to offer tenders to restricted free agents. We’ll round up those decisions here:
Tendered
- Buccaneers – Bradley McDougald, S (Twitter link via Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times)
- Second-round tender (Twitter link via Auman)
- Jets – Kenbrell Thompkins, WR (Twitter link via Rand Getlin of NFL.com)
- Packers – Justin Perillo, TE (Twitter link via Wes Hodges of the Green Bay Press Gazette)
- Rams – Benny Cunningham, RB (Twitter link via Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com)
- Ravens – Chase Ford, TE (Twitter link via Jeff Zriebec of the Baltimore Sun)
- Saints – Josh Hill, TE; Tim Lelito, C (Twitter links via Mike Triplett of ESPN.com)
Non-Tendered
- 49ers – Tony Jerod-Eddie, DL (Twitter link via Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com)
- Bears – Patrick Omameh, G; LaRoy Reynolds, LB; Deonte Thompson, WR (Twitter link via Kevin Fishbain of ChicagoFootball.com)
- Bills – Stefan Charles, DT; Ty Powell, LB; Bacarri Rambo, S (Twitter link via Mike Rodak of ESPN.com)
- Chargers – Cordarro Law, LB; Brandian Ross, S; Damion Square, DL; Johnnie Troutman, G (Twitter link via Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune)
- Colts – Dan Herron, RB (Twitter link via Mike Chappell of FOX 59)
- Falcons – Nathan Stupar, LB (Twitter link via Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com)
- Lions – Tim Wright, TE (Twitter link via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press)
- Packers – Andy Mulumba, LB (Twitter link via Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
- Patriots – Kevin Hughes, T; Sealver Siliga, DL; Brian Tyms, WR (Twitter link via Mike Reiss of ESPN.com)
- Rams – Chase Reynolds, RB (Twitter link via Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post Dispatch ); Daren Bates, S and Brian Folkerts, C (Twitter link via Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com )
- Ravens – Marlon Brown, WR; Micajah Reynolds, DT; Brynden Trawick, S (Twitter links via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle and Jeff Zriebec of the Baltimore Sun)
- Seahawks – Alvin Bailey, OL; Derrick Coleman, FB; Ricardo Lockette, WR; Christine Michael, RB; Nick Moody, LB (Twitter links via Greg Bell of the News Tribune and Brady Henderson of 710 ESPN Seattle)
- Steelers – Terence Garvin, LB (Twitter link via Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
- Washington – Tom Compton, T (Twitter link via Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington.com)
Minor Moves: Tuesday
Here are Tuesday’s minor 53-man roster moves from around the NFL:
- The Vikings will sign tackle J’Marcus Webb once Phil Loadholt is placed on IR, according to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press (on Twitter). Webb was brought in for a workout today along with Eric Winston.
- Per Howard Balzer of the SportsXchange (via Twitter), the Rams have tweaked their 53-man roster, cutting wide receiver Damian Williams and promoting tight end Justice Cunningham from their practice squad.
- The Giants have confirmed their signing of Terrell Manning (noted below), waiving linebacker Justin Anderson to make the move official, tweets ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano.
- According to the Dolphins (Twitter link), cornerback Jalil Brown has been cut to make room for R.J. Stanford, whose signing is noted below.
Earlier updates:
- The Titans have swapped one offensive lineman for another, placing starting center Brian Schwenke on injured reserve and signing interior lineman Eric Olsen to replace him, says Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean (Twitter links). Presumably, Chris Spencer, who replaced Schwenke on Sunday after the second-year starter suffered a knee injury, will be the starting center going forward, with Olsen providing depth.
- The Dolphins have added a cornerback, according to agent David Canter, who tweets that his client R.J. Stanford has signed with Miami. The move has yet to be announced by the team, so it’s not clear yet what the corresponding cut will be, but there’s a decent chance that it could involve Jamar Taylor landing on injured reserve — the cornerback left Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury and at least one report indicated it could end his season.
- We heard earlier today that Chargers center Rich Ohrnberger was expected to miss the rest of the season with a back injury, and the team has confirmed as much, announcing in a press release that Ohrnberger has been placed on injured reserve. San Diego has promoted linebacker Cordarro Law from the club’s practice squad to the active roster to fill the newly-created opening.
- The Bengals announced another team’s roster move today, tweeting that linebacker Terrell Manning had been signed off their practice squad by the Giants. For their part, the Giants haven’t yet made the signing official by announcing a corresponding move.
- Washington has released linebacker Akeem Jordan from its injured reserve list, making him a free agent, tweets Zac Boyer of the Washington Times.
Practice Squad Updates: Tuesday
As usual, Tuesday means plenty of practice squad signings and cuts for teams around the NFL. Here are today’s practice squad moves, with the latest updates added to the top of the page throughout the day:
- To make room for their new practice squad additions, the Broncos have released defensive end Zach Thompson and wide receiver Douglas McNeil, tweets Mike Klis of The Denver Post.
- The Saints signed former Chiefs inside linebacker Jerry Franklin to their practice squad, Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets.
- According to Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com (via Twitter), tackle Mark Asper and defensive back Josh Bush have joined the Broncos‘ practice squad. Denver previously had a full 10-man unit, so we’ll have to wait for word on which players are being replaced.
- The Bengals have swapped one linebacker for another on their taxi squad, signing Terrell Manning and dropping Justin Jackson, per the team (Twitter link).
- The Cowboys have made a few changes to their practice squad, releasing guard Jeff Baca and linebacker Will Smith and adding linebacker Keith Smith and cornerback Robert Steeples to replace them (Twitter link).
Earlier updates:
- Rookie running back Dominique Williams, who was with the Vikings in camp, has re-signed with the team, joining the practice squad, according to a press release. Minnesota had a full 10-man unit, but now no longer lists safety Pierre Warren on its roster, so perhaps he was signed away by another club — the Saints, Warren’s former team, would be the most likely candidate.
- In addition to making multiple changes to their 53-man roster, the Colts also tweaked their practice squad today, adding running back Michael Hill and cutting wide receiver Eric Thomas, the team announced today. We’ll have to wait to see whether Hill, the only running back on Indianapolis’ practice squad, has a chance to be promoted in Ahmad Bradshaw‘s absence, or if the team will opt for a veteran replacement instead.
- The Falcons have filled the 10th and final spot on their taxi squad by signing former Oregon defensive tackle Ricky Havili-Heimuli, per Jay Adams of AtlantaFalcons.com (Twitter link).
- Having recently worked out for the club, cornerback Marcus Cromartie has joined the 49ers‘ practice squad, replacing tight end Xavier Grimble, who has been cut, according to the club (Twitter link).
- Outside linebacker Cordarro Law, who was cut from the Chargers‘ active roster prior to Sunday’s game against the Raiders, has re-signed with the team’s practice squad, according to the Chargers’ transactions list.
Chargers Activate Ingram, Put Verrett On IR
The Chargers have made several roster moves in advance of tomorrow’s game against the Raiders, according to Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Gehlken reports that the team has activated outside linebacker Melvin Ingram from injured reserve and promoted safety Adrian Phillips from the practice squad to the active roster. To make room for the new additions, San Diego placed rookie cornerback Jason Verrett on the IR list and waived outside linebacker Cordarro Law.
The loss of Verrett is another significant blow for a Chargers squad that has been plagued by injuries this year. The 23-year-old, selected 25th overall in May, had combined with free agent signee Brandon Flowers at cornerback to strengthen a San Diego secondary that was much improved in 2014. However, Verrett tore his left labrum in three places and will undergo season-ending surgery on his shoulder, per Gehlken (via Twitter).
While Verrett’s injury is bad news for the Chargers, the team will welcome back several players this weekend, including running back Ryan Mathews, inside linebacker Manti Te’o, and Ingram, who was placed on IR with the designation to return in September.
After their series of Saturday transactions, the Chargers are carrying a full 53-man roster and have one opening on their practice squad.
Chargers To Promote Cordarro Law
With two open roster spots to fill after placing Danny Woodhead and Melvin Ingram on IR, the Chargers will promote a player who has spent the season on their practice squad. According to Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune, linebacker Cordarro Law will be added to the team’s 53-man roster.
Law, 25, drew NFL interest last winter after a standout 2013 season with the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders, in which the outside linebacker racked up 14 sacks. Before he signed with the Chargers, the Jaguars, Patriots, and Ravens were among the teams who auditioned Law or at least had some interest in him, according to various reports. The former Southern Miss standout went undrafted in 2012 and was picked up by the Seahawks before being cut and heading north to the CFL.
For San Diego, Law will help reinforce a linebacking corps that has been depleted by injuries in recent weeks. Ingram is on injured reserved with the designation to return, meaning he won’t be eligible to return to game action for another seven weeks. According to Gehklen, Manti Te’o is also expected to miss significant time after suffering a foot fracture during Sunday’s game against the Bills. Te’o likely won’t land on injured reserve, but figures to miss multiple contests.
Once the Law promotion becomes official, the Chargers will still have one opening on their 53-man roster to fill. Presumably, that spot is earmarked for a running back.
Sunday Transactions: AFC West
Listed below are the Sunday roster moves for the four AFC West teams. Following the 53-man roster cutdown deadline yesterday, many teams will make slight tweaks to their rosters, claiming players off waivers or signing guys who clear waivers. Those transactions are noted below.
Additionally, as of 11:00am today, teams can begin constructing their 10-man practice squads. For the 2014 and 2015 seasons, changes were made to practice squad rules that allow teams to carry eight players instead of 10, and the eligibility requirements for those extra two spots were also loosened. You can check out our glossary entry on practice squads to brush up on those changes, as well as all the other guidelines that govern the 10-man units, whose players practice with the team but aren’t eligible to suit up on Sundays.
Here are Sunday’s AFC West transactions, which will continue to be updated throughout the day:
Denver Broncos:
- Signed to practice squad (officially announced): Shaquil Barrett, LB (via Aaron Wilson on Twitter), Kapri Bibbs, RB (via Wilson on Twitter); John Boyett, S (via Wilson on Twitter); Zac Dysert, QB (via Mike Klis on Twitter); Bennie Fowler, WR (via Lindsay Jones on Twitter); Nathan Palmer, WR (via Adam Caplan on Twitter); Vinston Painter, G (via Klis on Twitter); Matt Paradis, C (via Klis on Twitter); Gerell Robinson, TE (via Klis on Twitter)
Kansas City Chiefs:
- Claimed off waivers: Damion Square, DE (via Josina Anderson on Twitter)
- Cut: Richard Gordon, TE (via Terez Paylor on Twitter)
- Signed to practice squad (officially announced): Jordan Campbell, FB (via Paylor on Twitter); Ricky Henry, G (via Paylor on Twitter); Kona Schwenke, DL (via Paylor on Twitter); Darryl Surgent, WR (via Paylor on Twitter); Fred Williams, WR (via Paylor on Twitter); Ben Gottschalk, C; Nico Johnson, LB; Charcandrick West, RB; Jerry Franklin, LB (via Brad Biggs on Twitter).
Oakland Raiders:
- Claimed off waivers: Benson Mayowa, DL (via Tom Pelissero on Twitter)
- Cut: Kaelin Burnett, LB (via Burnett on Twitter)
- Signed to practice squad: Bojay Filimoeatu, LB (via Aaron Wilson on Twitter); Ricky Lumpkin, DT (via Damond Talbot on Twitter); Lamar Mady, G (via Talbot on Twitter); Scott Simonson, TE (via Mike Uva on Twitter)
San Diego Chargers:
- Signed to practice squad (officially announced): Chas Alecxih, DL; Torrence Allen, WR; Greg Ducre, CB; Javontee Herndon, WR; Cordarro Law, OLB; Ryan Lindley, QB; Adrian Phillips, S; Jeremiah Sirles, T; Craig Watts, G
Chargers Trim Roster To 53
The Chargers have announced their 53-man roster, and in doing so, parted ways with the following 18 players (via a press release):
- Victor Aiyewa (LB)
- Chas Alecxih (DT)
- Torrence Allen (WR)
- Vincent Brown (WR) (waived-injured)
- Alden Darby (S)
- Greg Ducre (CB)
- Michael Flacco (TE)
- Mike Harris (OT)
- Javontee Herndon (WR)
- Thomas Keiser (LB)
- Cordarro Law (LB)
- Adrian Phillips (S)
- Jeremiah Sirles (OT)
- Colton Underwood (LB)
- Craig Watts (G)
- Kenny Wiggins (OT)
- Khalil Wilkes (C)
- Doug Worthington (DL)
San Diego had already cut four players yesterday.
Chargers Sign Cordarro Law
FEBRUARY 26: The Chargers have officially finalized their deal with Law, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link).
FEBRUARY 14: Linebacker Cordarro Law is set to make the jump to the NFL, having reached a deal with the Chargers, according to Farhan Lalji of TSN.ca (Twitter link). Neither the team nor the league has officially announced the move, but it appears the two sides are at least in agreement. A league source tells Lalji that Law will receive a signing bonus on his new deal.
Law, 25, drew NFL interest this winter after a standout season with the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders, in which the outside linebacker racked up 14 sacks. The Jaguars, Patriots, and Ravens were among the teams who auditioned Law or at least had some interest in him this offseason, according to various reports. The former Southern Miss standout went undrafted in 2012 and was picked up by the Seahawks before being cut and heading north of the border.
AFC Rumors: Manning, Ravens, Sheets, Gaine
Earlier this week, Peyton Manning attempted to dispel any rumors or speculation that he’d retire if the Broncos win the Super Bowl, telling reporters that he intended to play beyond this season. Not everyone is buying that though, according to Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report, who writes that many people around the NFL think Manning will call it a career after this game, especially if he wins. “The belief around football,” according to Freeman, is that Peyton doesn’t want to announce such a decision now because it would be a distraction heading into Sunday.
As we wait to see whether Freeman is right, or whether Manning’s career will continue into 2014, let’s round up a few other Wednesday notes from around the AFC….
- The Ravens tried out a pair of free agents this week, auditioning linebacker Craig Wilkins and defensive end Cordarro Law, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Law spent last season with the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders, recording 14 sackes, while Wilkins was cut in the summer by the Seahawks after spending training camp with the team.
- Wilson also reports (via Twitter) that running back Kory Sheets worked out for the Raiders this week. The Regina Leader-Post first had the details on the 2013 CFL Grey Cup MVP’s audition with Oakland.
- Eric Decker will be a free agent this winter, and could interest the Jets as New York pursues receiving help. However, Decker said on Media Day in Newark that he hadn’t thought about the possibility of playing with the local team, writes Brian Costello of the New York Post.
- The Dolphins announced today that they’ve mutually parted ways with assistant GM Brian Gaine (Twitter link). Gaine had been a finalist to become Miami’s new GM, so when the team hired Dennis Hickey instead, Gaine’s departure was considered somewhat inevitable.
- Craig Kelley and Kevin Bowen of Colts.com look ahead to the Colts‘ offseason, with Kelley answering fans’ questions in a two-part mailbag, while Bowen focuses on question marks surrounding the club’s receivers, tight ends, and offensive line.