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Jared Veldheer

Jared Veldheer To Continue Playing

March 4th, 2020 at 11:39am CST by Zachary Links

Jared Veldheer already retired from the NFL once. His next retirement can wait. The Packers free agent plans to continue playing in 2020, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter). 

Veldheer’s first exit from the game didn’t stick. In May of last year, he walked away from the NFL shortly after signing with the Patriots. But, in late November, the Pats granted his request to be released from the retired list. The Packers swooped in to claim him, and he went on to suit up for them in a pair of games.

Multiple teams inquired about Veldheer at the combine, Schefter hears, so it sounds like he’ll have a decent market waiting for him in a couple of weeks. Interested clubs will want to take a close look at his hip, however – he cited that lingering injury as the main reason for his abrupt and short-lived retirement last year.

Veldheer may be past his prime, but he did start 12 games for the Broncos in 2018. And, up until last year, he was a starter for almost every season since 2010.

Veldheer has appeared in 120 career games with 113 starts throughout his career. After starting out with the Raiders for his first four years, the third-round pick suited up for the Cardinals and Broncos before hooking on with the Packers in 2019.

Extra Points: Ebron, Packers, Guenther

November 29th, 2019 at 7:56pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

Eric Ebron was recently placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury, and it apparently came as a surprise to the Colts. Ebron said in a statement at the time that he had been dealing with severe ankle pain since the beginning of the season, but Indianapolis apparently was caught off-guard. Colts coach Frank Reich said recently he was “not aware there was anything significant” with Ebron’s ankle, per Zak Keefer of The Athletic. Keefer notes that the tight end “missed only one legitimate practice due to ankle pain all season,” and that was back in Week 9.

Ebron’s statement on Twitter read, in part, “up to this point, the team and I have done everything in our power to manage the pain and get me out there each and every week.” That seems to be at odds with the Colts’ recollection. The team wasn’t happy “about how it went down,” tweets Stephen Holder of The Athletic. Keefer notes that Ebron is set to be a free agent in March, and the implication from the team seems to be that Ebron wanted to save himself for free agency, even if they aren’t saying it directly. Reich did say that Ebron had a scan on his ankle during training camp, but that “to the best of [his] knowledge, the scan was fine.” If the reports that Indy isn’t happy are true, then it’s probably safe to say Ebron will be finding a new home this spring.

Here’s more from around the league:

  • Jared Veldheer is officially a member of the Packers. The offensive tackle retired with the Patriots during training camp as he battled a lingering hip injury, and was released off their reserve/retired list after expressing interest in a comeback. Green Bay claimed Veldheer, and there was apparently some concern he wouldn’t be able to pass a physical. Those fears were unwarranted, as Veldheer indeed passed his physical and practiced with the team Friday, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com.
  • Oakland’s defense has struggled mightily at times this season, and it was terrible last year, but don’t expect Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther’s job to be in jeopardy anytime soon. Guenther’s seat is “ice cold” writes Vic Tafur of the Athletic, who notes that head coach Jon Gruden “loves him.” Gruden himself has been given a seemingly endless leash from owner Mark Davis, and that apparently extends to his assistants as well. Interestingly, Tafur writes that “everything has always been directed toward Las Vegas with this staff” and that nobodies jobs will be in danger “until they are all sitting in a meeting room in the desert.”
  • In case you missed it, Cowboys coach Jason Garrett won’t be fired during the season.

Packers Claim T Jared Veldheer

November 27th, 2019 at 3:29pm CST by Sam Robinson

Cut from the Patriots’ reserve/retired list on Tuesday, Jared Veldheer will have a comeback opportunity. The Packers submitted a successful claim for the free agent tackle, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.

Veldheer announced his retirement in May, shortly after signing with the Patriots. While the former Raiders, Cardinals and Broncos tackle cited a lingering hip injury as the reason for his retirement, the 32-year-old blocker has worked his way into form. The Packers will see what the nine-year veteran has left, though he will need to pass a physical before going forward with the team.

Green Bay recently lost Bryan Bulaga to an MCL sprain, and Matt LaFleur indicated the team might have a reconfigured line when it takes the field in Week 13. Veldheer may represent depth at this point, but he did start 12 games for the Broncos last season and has been a first-stringer for nearly every game since the Raiders took him in the 2010 third round.

The Packers initially replaced Bulaga with second-year UDFA Alex Light, who struggled against the 49ers’ fearsome pass rush. They will likely be without Bulaga for multiple games, so it will be interesting to see if Veldheer can work his way into playing time given his recent retirement choice. Veldheer has battled injuries for several seasons now, but Green Bay will attempt to see if he can stay healthy for an abbreviated slate.

Patriots To Release T Jared Veldheer From Reserve/Retired List

November 26th, 2019 at 2:30pm CST by Sam Robinson

Jared Veldheer appears to be backtracking from his retirement stance. The veteran tackle will no longer reside on New England’s reserve/retired list and is looking for a job before season’s end, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.

This is interesting given Veldheer’s offseason comments. The 32-year-old tackle said a hip injury did not progress much during his time between the Broncos and Patriots, inducing him to call it quits. The Pats signed the former Raiders, Cardinals and Broncos blocker in May but saw him opt to retire shortly after the agreement.

Despite Veldheer’s injury issues, Rapoport adds the nine-year veteran is in shape. He could profile as an emergency starter or a swing man for a contender in need at the position. Veldheer started 12 games for the Broncos last season and has been a starter for 113 of the 118 games in which he’s been active.

Injuries have limited Veldheer for years. A partially torn triceps muscle ended his 2016 season, and he battled an ankle malady in 2017. He also suffered a concussion last year.

This transaction comes a week after the Texans cut Seantrel Henderson from their NFI list, and the former right tackle starter has begun making visits. It will be interesting to see if a team meets with Veldheer, who has extensive experience at both tackle spots. The longtime left tackle moved to the right side in 2017 to accommodate D.J. Humphries in Arizona and stayed there in Denver last season.

Jared Veldheer On Retirement Decision

June 29th, 2019 at 2:27pm CST by Sam Robinson

In a two-week span this May, Jared Veldheer went from the free agent market to the Patriots to retirement. A starter in each of his nine NFL seasons, Veldheer called it quits — largely because of a previous injury.

Serving as the Broncos’ right tackle last season, Veldheer dealt with a knee malady that shelved him for four games. But that was not the health-related concern that drove him to backtrack on his decision to sign with the Patriots.

“My hips, particularly my left one, was in pretty bad shape (after the season),” Veldheer said, via MLive.com’s Peter Wallner. “When March rolled around I thought I could give it a go, but once I went out there to do actual football stuff, the hip felt exactly how it did at the end of the season. There was just no way I was going to put my body through that. I couldn’t conceive even trying to make my body do that.”

Stem cell therapy and other treatments did not do the trick, Veldheer added. In addition to this hip trouble, the 32-year-old tackle dealt with a litany of injuries late in his career. An ankle problem ended his 2017 season and lingered into 2018, and early last season Veldheer suffered a concussion. A partially torn triceps muscle ended his 2016 campaign with the Cardinals.

Veldheer signed a one-year, $3.5MM deal with the Patriots, to serve potentially as insurance for Isaiah Wynn. The second-year Patriots left tackle is recovering from the torn Achilles’ tendon that erased his rookie season. After one OTA practice, Veldheer said he informed Bill Belichick of his decision.

“(Deciding to retire) was easy because of knowing what my body was telling me, but it was hard because I was leaving a very good situation being with the Patriots,” Veldheer said. “(Belichick) understood, and everyone in the NFL building understands that the sport can do a number on your body and different guys have different timelines on how long they can make it through.”

Patriots’ Jared Veldheer Retires From NFL

May 21st, 2019 at 11:22am CST by Zachary Links

Jared Veldheer signed with the Patriots just two weeks ago, but he’s had a change of heart. On Tuesday, the veteran offensive tackle informed the club that he plans to retire (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss). 

Veldheer was set to play out the 2019 season on a one-year, $3.5MM deal with a maximum value of $6.5MM. That’s significant money to leave on the table, so it’s possible that he is retiring for health reasons.

Veldheer started 12 games in Denver last season and graded as Pro Football Focus’ No. 58-rated tackle. The veteran, 32 in June, profiled a swing option for the Patriots. Instead, he’ll leave the game after nine seasons with the Raiders, Cardinals, and Broncos.

Meanwhile, the Patriots are expected to scour the offensive line market once again for front five depth.

Patriots To Sign Jared Veldheer

May 7th, 2019 at 12:24pm CST by Zachary Links

The Patriots are planning to sign free agent offensive tackle Jared Veldheer later this week, sources tell Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (on Twitter). The veteran met with the Pats last week and, days later, the two sides appear to have agreed on numbers. Once completed, it’ll be a one-year, $3.5MM deal with a maximum value of $6.5MM, according to Adam Caplan of SiriusXM (on Twitter).

A nine-year veteran, Veldheer started 12 games in Denver last season and graded as Pro Football Focus’ No. 58-rated tackle. Veldheer has more experience playing left tackle, having lined up there with the Raiders and Cardinals for several years. But, the Cards switched Veldheer and D.J. Humphries in 2017, moving him over to the right side. The 31-year-old (32 in June) may be a swing option for the Patriots in the upcoming year.

New England drafted third-round tackle Yodny Cajuste but lost Trent Brown and LaAdrian Waddle this offseason. Meanwhile, they have 2018 first-rounder Isaiah Wynn coming off a season-nullifying torn Achilles. All of this leaves them with a depth need that Veldheer can fill.

Patriots Meet With Jared Veldheer

April 30th, 2019 at 4:40pm CST by Sam Robinson

Not much has emerged surrounding Jared Veldheer this offseason. After the Broncos made their annual right tackle switch, pivoting quickly to Ja’Wuan James, their previous option began an anonymous free agency stay.

Veldheer, however, secured a post-draft meeting with the Patriots and visited the defending Super Bowl champions, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets. This is believed to be Veldheer’s first 2019 visit.

New England drafted third-round tackle Yodny Cajuste but lost Trent Brown and LaAdrian Waddle this offseason. They have 2018 first-rounder Isaiah Wynn coming off a season-nullifying torn Achilles, potentially pointing to a depth need.

A nine-year veteran, Veldheer started 12 games in Denver last season. He graded as Pro Football Focus’ No. 58-rated tackle during his one-season Broncos stint. Veldheer has more experience playing left tackle, having lined up there with the Raiders and Cardinals for several years. But the Cards switched Veldheer and D.J. Humphries in 2017, beginning his right tackle career. The 31-year-old blocker may be a swing option for the Patriots.

Broncos Rumors: Amos, Barrett, Paradis, James

March 11th, 2019 at 10:17am CST by Zachary Links

Here’s the latest on the Broncos, with all links going to Troy Renck of Denver7’s Twitter:

Broncos Rumors: Murray, Paradis, Keenum

February 27th, 2019 at 3:27pm CST by Sam Robinson

Although the Broncos agreed to acquire Joe Flacco, they will still be linked to this year’s top rookie quarterbacks — as they were last year. If Kyler Murray is available at No. 10, they may serve as a spot for teams looking to trade up. John Elway does not appear to believe the shorter passer would be a fit for an offense that will use plenty of under-center looks under new OC Rich Scangarello, per Mike Klis of 9News (Twitter link). The Broncos passed on Josh Allen and Josh Rosen last year and have been connected to Drew Lock. If Denver sticks at No. 10 and chooses a non-quarterback, the team will have had back-to-back top-10 picks without addressing its long-term QB need with one of them. The 2020 draft is expected to have high-profile passers, but it’s obviously no lock the Broncos will be in position to draft or trade up for one.

Here is the latest from Denver (via Indianapolis):

  • Despite the Flacco deal, Elway’s preference is to keep Case Keenum. It would take a restructured deal, though, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic tweets. Keenum is attached an untenable $21MM cap number. With Flacco set to bring an $18.5MM figure to Denver, it is hard to see Keenum staying due to the pay cut it would require. The 30-year-old incumbent has not requested a trade, Elway said (per the Denver Post’s Ryan O’Halloran, on Twitter), adding the Broncos would allow him to seek one.
  • Matt Paradis probably looms as the Broncos’ top free agent priority. Elway has spoken with the Broncos’ center of the past four years and informed him they would like him back, Jhabvala tweets. But Paradis’ injury and price point will be a factor. The 29-year-old snapper has been expected to reach free agency, where a new market-setting deal may well await him — considering teams’ need for higher-end linemen. However, multiple executives predicted (via O’Halloran, Twitter link) Paradis will end up back in Denver on a one-year deal because of the broken fibula that ended his season last November.
  • The Broncos’ need for a cornerback is as great as it has been in five years, and Elway acknowledged (via Klis, on Twitter) the team needs to find a No. 2 corner to team with All-Pro Chris Harris. This would seem to point to Bradley Roby departing, which has been the expectation. Vic Fangio said (via Jhabvala) the Broncos will let Roby test free agency, a good sign he will not be back in 2019.
  • As for Harris, Elway said the team has not considered an extension yet and whether or not the Broncos do go in this direction will depend on their free agency period, per Troy Renck of Denver7 (on Twitter). However, Renck added earlier (Twitter link) the expectation is the Broncos will meet with Harris’ agent at the Combine. The 29-year-old corner has been one of Denver’s cornerstone players this decade, and with Roby likely to leave and Aqib Talib having been traded, Harris represents the Broncos’ only surefire option at corner. Denver is also set to let Tramaine Brock walk.
  • On its offensive line, Denver will bring back Ronald Leary, Elway confirmed (via Jhabvala, on Twitter). Leary has more than $5MM in injury guarantees due if he cannot pass a physical by March 17. It’s been previously reported the veteran guard will be unable to pass said physical by then. Leary has seen both of his Denver seasons end early because of injury. Also on the Broncos’ O-line: Elway said (per Renck, on Twitter) the team would like to re-sign right tackle starter Jared Veldheer and utility blocker Billy Turner. If Veldheer departs, the Broncos would have a sixth Week 1 right tackle starter in six years.
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