Justin Gilbert - Pro Football Rumors

Extra Points: Gilbert, RGIII, Dolphins, CAA

September 12th, 2015 at 12:46pm CST by Ben Levine

Browns cornerback Justin Gilbert was involved in a road rage incident on Friday, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). The 23-year-old crashed his car into a ditch after being pursued by another driver, who he had had a previous disagreement with.

Rapoport notes that Gilbert was sober and not injured, and police ultimately issued him a ticket for lack of reasonable control. Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com tweets that Gilbert notified the Browns organization immediately, and Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com says (via Twitter) that the cornerback will be on the team plane to New Jersey.

Some more notes from around the NFL…

Now that Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III has been cleared of concussion symptoms, Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com believes the organization should part ways with the former second-overall pick.
The Dolphins have seemed to patch together an offseason line for this season, but the group is confident in their ability. “We are going to surprise people,” Branden Albert told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. “Everyone doubted us last year and I think they’re doubting us again.”
Creative Artist Agency (better known as CAA) is set to acquire Five Star Athlete Management, the agency run by Todd France, reports Kurt Badenhausen of Forbes.com. CAA will add 50 clients to their agency, meaning they’ll represent around 180 players.

AFC Links: Mettenberger, Manziel, Cyprien, Broncos

August 15th, 2015 at 12:41pm CST by Sam Robinson

After an impressive showing Friday night behind already-anointed starter Marcus Mariota, Zach Mettenberger should be a Bills or Jets trade target, offers Louis Riddick of ESPN.com.

But the value the Titans would extract in such an exchange wouldn’t equal what they’ll receive with the second-year quarterback serving as key depth behind the No. 2 overall pick, writes Riddick’s ESPN cohort, Paul Kuharsky.

The ESPN Titans reporter notes Mettenberger’s value will go up in time and trading him for what could amount to merely a conditional draft pick now won’t outweigh having a potentially talented backup in case Mariota struggles or experiences health concerns.

Let’s look at some more news from around the AFC.

Joining Julius Thomas as an injury-induced preseason spectator will be Jaguars starting safety Jonathan Cyprien, who will miss August with a broken finger in his right hand sustained Friday night, according to Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union (via Twitter). The 2013 second-rounder’s Week 1 status is uncertain, but Cyprien did play through the injury Friday night and won’t require surgery. Jags coach Gus Bradley is optimistic both will be available, however, per Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
Mike Pettine admitted in an interview with Sports Illustrated he fired quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains due to Johnny Manziel not being held accountable for a disastrous rookie season, notes Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “What we did not do a good enough job here [last year], not nearly a good enough job, is holding [Manziel] accountable, even when he wasn’t the guy,” Pettine told Sports Illustrated. “That’s the main reason why I made the switch at the QB coach position.” The Browns now have 30-year-old Kevin O’Connell in charge of Manziel’s development.
The Browns’ coach has been publicly challenging players all week, noting his disagreement with Justin Gilbert‘s “flawless” assessment of his play Thursday night, per Jeff Schudel of the News-Herald.
The Broncos‘ hopes at attaining a third Super Bowl title hinge on their defense making good on expectations, unlike last year, writes Troy Renck of the Denver Post. They bring back most of the starting unit, with Terrance Knighton‘s nose tackle spot being the most noticeable void.
Dan Herron shouldn’t expect to serve in any type of committee with Frank Gore this season, and the fourth-year runner may not have a claim to the third-down back role he occupied at the end of last season, writes Kevin Bowen of Colts.com. Herron did catch 21 passes last season despite starting just three games, while Gore snagged 11 throughout the season.

Cornerback Notes: Cromartie, Gilbert, House

February 14th, 2015 at 6:13pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Free agent Cardinals cornerback Antonio Cromartie reiterated his interest in returning to the Jets, tweets the New York Post’s Paul Schwartz. On rejoining the Jets, whom he spent the 2010-13 seasons with before they released him last year, Cromartie said, “It would be an easy choice, if the opportunity presented itself,” according to Schwartz. Cromartie racked up 13 interceptions and two Pro Bowl nods during his tenure in New York.

Here’s more on Cromartie and a couple of his fellow NFL corners:

The 31-year-old Cromartie spent 2014 with the Cardinals, for whom he appeared in all 16 regular-season games, amassed three interceptions and made another Pro Bowl. Cromartie’s defensive coordinator in Arizona was Todd Bowles, whom the Jets hired as their coach last month. Despite being in the midst of a four-year playoff drought and hiring a first-time head coach, Cromartie said, “I don’t think the Jets are rebuilding at all,” according to Schwartz.
The Browns‘ Justin Gilbert is drawing heat from team owner Jimmy Haslam. “Justin clearly needs to mature,” Haslam told reporters earlier this week, according to the Akron Beacon Journal’s Nate Ulrich. Gilbert, the eighth overall pick in 2014, totaled just 29 tackles and one interception during his rookie year. Despite his less-than-glowing appraisal of Gilbert, Haslam isn’t giving up on the 22-year-old, whom he called a “very gifted athlete.” Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith writes that Gilbert will be in danger of being labeled a bust if he doesn’t mature in his second year.
Finding a starting job will be the main priority for Packers free agent CB Davon House this offseason, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Tom Silverstein. “I don’t like the role just playing special teams, especially when I know I can contribute,” said House. The 25-year-old went on to acknowledge that, although he’d like to stay with the Packers, he doesn’t think he’ll be one of the team’s main priorities this offseason because Randall Cobb and Bryan Bulaga also need new contracts. “I won’t be back until they all get done. It makes no sense for me to get done before them,” he told Silverstein.

North Links: Steelers, Peppers, Browns

January 4th, 2015 at 1:55pm CST by Ben Levine

We learned earlier today that the future is uncertain for a couple of veteran Steelers defenders. Troy Polamalu and James Harrison could soon call it a career, but neither player wanted to address the speculation following their loss to the Ravens on Saturday.

“Honestly, we just lost a game,” said Polamalu (via ESPN.com’s Scott Brown). “I don’t think I’m prepared to even think about that or talk about that at this time.”

“We’ll see,” Harrison said. “I’m not going to answer a question [about the future] right now because I’m not in the right mind frame.”

Let’s check out some more notes from the NFL’s north divisions…

Packers general manager Ted Thompson probably has a “good idea” about whether he’ll have Julius Peppers back next season, ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky writes. If the organization thinks Peppers can repeat his production from 2014, Demovsky believes they’ll bring the veteran (and his $9.5MM salary) back for a second year.
Even though the Packers are interested in extending defensive tackle Letroy Guion, that doesn’t mean B.J. Raji‘s tenure with the organization is over, writes Demovsky.
It’s sounding like Browns general manager Ray Farmer has zero intention of giving up on quarterback Johnny Manziel, writes Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. If the team was to move on and trade up for Marcus Mariota, Cabot estimates that it would cost three first-rounders.
Furthermore, Cabot says the turnaround of cornerback Joe Haden proves that the Browns shouldn’t give up on Manziel or Justin Gilbert.

Morning Notes: Tryouts, Browns, Ravens

January 3rd, 2015 at 8:23am CST by Ben Levine

As the Steelers and Lions prepare for their playoff contests this weekend, both organizations looked to solidify their depth, as the teams brought in players for workouts. Let’s see who was brought in for a tryout…

With star running back Le’Veon Bell out for this evening’s playoff matchup against the Ravens, the Steelers worked out back Roosevelt Nix, according to Aaron Wilson (via Twitter). The team also worked out defensive backs Alden Darby, Isaiah Lewis and Ian Wild.
The Lions had a pair of free agents come in for workouts, according to Wilson (via Twitter): offensive tackle Ben Heenan and defensive back Delvin Breaux.
The Dolphins‘ season may be over, but that doesn’t mean they’re not being active on the free agent front. According to Wilson (on Twitter), the team brought in guard Stetson Burnett for a workout.
The Browns have lifted the suspensions of receiver Josh Gordon and cornerback Justin Gilbert, tweets Wilson.
Wilson estimates that the Ravens could have about $5.785MM in cap space this offseason. That amount includes about $1.4MM that was subtracted following Ray Rice‘s filing of a grievance against the organization.

Browns GM Talks Manziel, Hoyer, Gordon

December 30th, 2014 at 11:03am CST by Luke Adams

Appearing before reporters in Cleveland today, Browns general manager Ray Farmer addressed a number of topics, including the status of quarterback Johnny Manziel, who has been the subject of a number of headlines related to his action on and off the field in recent weeks. According to Farmer, Manziel’s words don’t mean anything — it’s all about action, and the rookie has the opportunity to make changes. Farmer adds that he believes Manziel can develop into a solid NFL starter, and that patience is required (all Twitter links via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal).

Here’s more from Farmer, with all links heading to Ulrich’s Twitter account:

The foundation in Cleveland isn’t perfect, but it’s heading in the right direction, according to Farmer.
Asked about the possibility of releasing Manziel, Justin Gilbert, and Josh Gordon, the GM said he intends to discuss the possibility with the club’s coaches — if it happens, it won’t happen today.
While Manziel will be given an opportunity to compete for the QB job in 2015, the team will try to bring in a signal-caller through free agency, trade, or the draft as well. Farmer didn’t rule out the possibility of using a first-round pick on a quarterback for the second consecutive season, which would be easier to stomach since the Browns had multiple first-rounders in 2014, and will again in 2015.
Farmer acknowledged that Brian Hoyer has some leverage heading into free agency, and will have to make some decisions that will determine whether or not he returns to Cleveland.
The jury’s still out on the quality of the Browns’ first draft under Farmer, according to the GM, who added that the team made a lot of changes to its processes following May’s draft.
Farmer reiterated that owner Jimmy Haslam didn’t make the call to draft Manziel.
Noting that he expects Gordon’s camp to contest his one-game suspension, Farmer said he’s not willing to call the embattled wideout a lost cause. According to Farmer, the Browns will try to help their players, and if those players don’t want the help, then the team will move on.
In spite of Gordon’s uncertain future, Farmer says he doesn’t regret not drafting a wide receiver in May.

Browns Notes: Gordon, Manziel, Gilbert

December 29th, 2014 at 5:09pm CST by Zachary Links

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam says he won’t tolerate bad behavior or poor effort from any of his players, including young stars Johnny Manziel, Justin Gilbert, or Josh Gordon. “I think this is the ultimate team game, and I think a player who can’t show up for meetings, can’t make practice, can’t make weight lifting, disrespects himself,” said Haslam after the Browns’ 20-10 loss to the Ravens, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer. More out of Cleveland..

Browns safety Donte Whitner is all for getting rid of players who can’t comply with team rules, Cabot writes.
For his part, Manziel denies reports that he threw a party last Friday in Cleveland and says he was just out with some friends, as Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com tweets.
Brian Hoyer said he hasn’t heard anything from the team about wanting to retain him, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron-Beacon Journal (via Twitter). Meanwhile, coach Mike Pettine says that the quarterback situation is “very much a question mark,” as Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald tweets.
Pettine says that Gordon is now at a crossroads with the team: he wants him to remain with the club but also wants him to be accountable for his actions (via Ulrich on Twitter).
Pettine says that he has a good relationship with Hoyer, but he isn’t sure if the stars will align for a reunion, Ulrich tweets.
The Browns should back up their talk by releasing Manziel and Gordon, Pat McManamon of ESPN.com writes.

Browns Notes: Manziel, Pettine, Gilbert

December 25th, 2014 at 8:54am CST by Rob DiRe

Reports that the Browns will explore all options at quarterback have rookie Johnny Manziel fired up, writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

Manziel, who has only seen limited playing time this season before being placed on the injured reserve, thinks the team would be wrong to move on from him after such a small sample of snaps.

“I don’t think it would be fair to give up on somebody after seven quarters of football,” said Manziel. “If that’s what they were in the business for and what they intended on me coming in here doing — just giving him seven quarters, giving him a couple of games and then looking somewhere else — I don’t think that’s a lot of commitment and sticking with somebody.”

Manziel struggled in his limited playing time, but spoke about the process of learning how to play in the NFL. He does not believe he has had enough opportunity to be evaluated at the professional level.

“If that’s what they think is enough to evaluate a quarterback, then that’s really up to them, but I’m going into this offseason working extremely hard and wanting to be the guy next year,” said Manziel. “If that’s not the case, then obviously we’ll see down the road, but that’s my mindset going into it and I’m 100-percent sticking with it.”

Florio writes that this idea is not totally accurate, as Manziel had plenty of time during the offseason, training camp, and preseason to compete for the starting job, and failed to take advantage of those opportunities. He also notes that the injury Manziel suffered against the Panthers only magnifies concerns about his ability to stay healthy in the league.

Here are some other notes about Manziel and the team’s other first round pick:

Head coach Mike Pettine responded to the idea that the organization had already written off Manziel, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal (via Twitter). Pettine agrees that it would be unfair to think the book is closed on Manziel after just one season where he did not even get to play two full games.
Manziel isn’t the only rookie who has drawn the ire of the organization, as Justin Gilbert failed to live up to expectations after being drafted eighth overall in 2014. Browns’ safety Donte Whitner was critical of his season, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. “It’s time to grow up and not be a kid anymore. It’s a wasted year for him,” Whitner said. “There were so many ups, so many downs — a lot of it has been brought on by himself.”
Whitner was not the only teammate of Gilbert’s who was critical of him after one season. Karlos Dansby agreed that both Gilbert and Manziel wasted a year of their career, writes Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland.com. “When you’re a first-round pick, you’ve got to c’mon, man” said Dansby. “They’ve got to reset their goals and they’ve got to do it fast,” said Dansby. “There’s so much (Gilbert) could’ve done better and he didn’t put forth the effort. So yeah, it’s a wasted year.”
Still, Pettine is not ready to label Gilbert as a bust either, reports Cabot. “Are we ready to write both of those players off as busts because they didn’t produce as rookies?” Pettine said. “I’m not anywhere near that point. That’s just a knee-jerk. Some rookies come in and play right away. Others it takes some time.”

Injury Updates: Sunday

December 14th, 2014 at 9:01pm CST by Dallas Robinson

We’ll keep track of the latest injury news here, with the newest updates added to the top of the list…

Lions‘ right tackle LaAdrian Waddle left today’s game with a right knee injury, according to Josh Katzenstein of DetroitNews.com. Waddle’s teammates were not optimistic about the injury, writes Michael Rothstein of ESPN (via Twitter).
Seahawks‘ left tackle Russell Okung was forced out of the matchup with the 49ers before halftime with a chest injury, reports Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (via Twitter).
The 49ers were eliminated from playoff contention earlier today, and were down to their third string running back at times. We heard that Frank Gore was knocked out of the game with a head injury, which was diagnosed as a concussion, according to Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News (via Twitter).
Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy hyperextended his knee, an injury that could end his season, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. With no chance of playoffs and the 2015 top pick in their grasp, keeping McCoy on the sidelines for the final two games could be the smart long-term decision for the team.
Washington lost two starters earlier today, with left tackle Trent Williams and quarterback Colt McCoy both leaving the game and not returning, reports Tarik-El Bashir of CSNWashington.com. Williams suffered a shoulder injury, while McCoy aggravated his neck during the game.

Earlier updates:

After having his right ankle taped during the first half of today’s game against the Broncos, Chargers receiver Keenan Allen had to be carted off the field during the second half, tweets Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego. It’s unclear whether Allen re-aggravated his ankle ailment, or suffered a new injury.
Texans quarterback Tom Savage was limping after today’s game against the Colts, and will have an MRI tomorrow, tweets John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. Savage, selected in the fourth round of this year’s draft, was filling in for Ryan Fitzpatrick, who is likely lost for the year. If Savage can’t go next week, Houston would presumably turn to journeyman Thad Lewis, who was signed less than a month ago.
49ers running back Frank Gore is headed to the locker room after suffering an head injury while blocking in today’s game against the Seahawks, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (Twitter link).
The Ravens’ secondary has been ravaged by injuries this season, and it appears as though they’ve lost a few more key defenders. Rookie safety Terrence Brooks‘ season is over after he suffered damage to his PCL and possibly his MCL on a kickoff today, while cornberback Asa Jackson‘s status is unclear after he injured his PCL, writes Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
Another AFC North team is down several players in its defensive backfield, as Browns corners Joe Haden (shoulder) and Joe Haden (concussion) were forced from today’s game against the Bengals, according to Tony Grossi of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Starting in the absence of an injured Zach Mettenberger, Titans quarterback Jake Locker suffered what appears to a shoulder injury after taking a hit from the Jets’ Quinton Coples, per Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Charlie Whitehurst has taken over at QB for Tennessee.

Browns Sign Justin Gilbert

July 23rd, 2014 at 6:20pm CST by Luke Adams

6:20pm: The Browns confirmed the signing via Twitter.

12:40pm: First-round cornerback Justin Gilbert has agreed to terms on his rookie contract with the Browns, reports Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Once Gilbert officially puts pen to paper, Cleveland will have locked up its entire 2014 draft class, just in time for its rookies to report to camp.

Gilbert, who played his college ball at Oklahoma State, was selected eight overall by the Browns in May after the team traded down from No. 4 and then back up from No. 9. The first cornerback off the board in the ’14 draft, the 22-year-old won the 2013 College Football Performance Award as the nation’s top defensive back.

As Jason Fitzgerald’s figures at OverTheCap.com show, Gilbert should be in line for a signing bonus worth in excess of $7.65MM, while the overall value of his four-year deal will be around $12.834MM. The reason for the holdup on an agreement isn’t yet known, but it may have something to do with the two sides haggling over offset language in the contract.

With Gilbert now locked up, Tennessee’s Taylor Lewan is the only 2014 draftee who has yet to reach an agreement with his NFL team.