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Kurt Coleman

AFC West Notes: Manning, Coleman, Raiders

February 10th, 2015 at 2:50pm CST by Luke Adams

Our latest look at the AFC West touches on three of the four teams in the division. Let’s dive in….

  • While Peyton Manning seems set to eventually announce his intent to return to the Broncos for the 2015 season, the team will need to make a decision of its own on the veteran quarterback. As Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link) explains, Denver could fail Manning on his physical and opt not to bring him back, reducing his cap hit by $16.5MM. Still, despite Manning’s huge cap hit and his potential injury risk, I’d be pretty shocked if the Broncos decided to go in another direction if the future Hall-of-Famer wants to return, and Cole concedes as much — however, he adds that he’d be surprised if Manning plays more than one final year in Denver.
  • Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star profiles free-agent-to-be Kurt Coleman, who is coming off a bounce-back season. Although he only played about 36% of the Chiefs‘ defensive snaps, Coleman was productive when he saw the field, ranking 26th out of 87 qualified safeties, per Pro Football Focus’ grades (subscription required). According to Paylor, Coleman is expected to seek an annual salary in the $1.5-2MM range, and will favor opportunities where has a chance to compete for a starting job.
  • According to new Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio, the topic of possible relocation surfaced when he met with owner Mark Davis during the interview process, and Davis assured him that he wants to keep the franchise in Oakland. “Those discussions absolutely came up and my question was ‘Are we going to stay in Oakland?’ and he said ‘My intent is to keep the team there,'” Del Rio said on the Jim Rome Show. “Look, I’m from this area, and that’s exactly what I wanted to hear. He’s trying to keep the team here and hopefully that will happen.”
  • New Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips confirmed that he’ll be bringing the 3-4 defense to Denver for the 2015 season, tweets Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com.

Chiefs Sign Kurt Coleman

September 2nd, 2014 at 4:08pm CST by Luke Adams

4:08pm: The Chiefs have officially announced the signing of Coleman, moving linebacker Joe Mays to the injured reserve list with a designation to return, according to a team release.

9:53am: The Chiefs have reached an agreement to sign free agent safety Kurt Coleman, according to agent Blake Baratz (via Twitter). Coleman had hit the open market after being released by the Vikings over the weekend when the team went from 75 players to 53.

Coleman, 26, spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Eagles, who selected him in the seventh round of the 2010 draft. Although he was the team’s starter at free safety in 2011 and 2012, he ranked 85th out of 88 total qualified safeties in ’12, according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required). Those grades may have contributed to the team reducing Coleman’s role in 2013, a season in which he played just 74 defensive snaps. However, he still played a significant role on special teams, racking up nine tackles in kick and punt coverage.

Coleman, who also visited the Jets and Colts this offseason before signing with the Vikings, will join a Chiefs secondary that includes standout strong safety Eric Berry. However, the team has some question marks at the other safety spot, with Husain Abdullah looking like the probable starter, replacing the departed Kendrick Lewis.

In order to fit Coleman on the 53-man roster, Kansas City will need to make a corresponding move.

Vikings Cut Fred Evans, Others

August 30th, 2014 at 7:05pm CST by Luke Adams

7:05pm: The Vikings roster is officially down to 53 players, as the team formally announced their transactions in a press release. The following players have been cut by Minnesota:

Released:

Placed on Injured Reserve:

  • Antonio Richardson, OT

2:24pm: The Vikings have released veteran defensive lineman Fred Evans on their way down to 53 players, according to Pro Football Talk (via Twitter). The longtime Viking has 94 games under his belt for the team since arriving in Minnesota in 2007, but it seems he won’t have a spot on the club’s regular-season roster this time around. Here are all of the Vikings’ Saturday roster cuts:

Extra Points: Coleman, Ingram, Costa, Spiller

April 22nd, 2014 at 4:36pm CST by Luke Adams

Kurt Coleman, who signed with the Vikings on a one-year, $900K contract that doesn’t include any guaranteed money, says he turned down offers featuring guaranteed money from two other teams, according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. According to the 25-year-old safety, both the Colts and Jets offered some guaranteed money, though he didn’t specify how much. One of those two clubs also offered a higher salary than the $900K he got from Minnesota, Coleman tells Tomasson.

Here are a few more odds and ends from around the NFL:

  • Saints running back Mark Ingram hasn’t heard from the club one way or the other on whether his 2015 option will be picked up, as Larry Holder of the New Orleans Times-Picayune outlines. “I’m not sure if they will pick up the fifth-year option,” Ingram said. “I’m just working one day at a time and I’m just glad I’m on a team that’s a championship contender.”
  • Phil Costa, who unexpectedly retired this week after signing with the Colts last month, issued a statement this morning through his agent, explaining his decision (link via Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News). According to Costa, the “day-to-day physical rigor” of the NFL has taken a toll on his body, and contributed to his decision. Although Costa’s deal included $450K in guaranteed money, the Colts won’t be on the hook for that money, according to Mike Chapell of the Indianapolis Star (Twitter link), who says the agreement included default language.
  • In an informative piece at OverTheCap.com, Jason Fitzgerald explains how workout bonuses function, and provides a breakdown of the team-by-team amounts for those bonuses this year.
  • C.J. Spiller, who is eligible for free agency in 2015, spoke to Mike Rodak of ESPN.com about his upcoming contract year, suggesting he’ll talk to former teammates Jairus Byrd about the process. Spiller, who will have to hire an agent before any negotiations begin with the Bills, indicated he’d be open to a long-term deal to remain in Buffalo.
  • Baylor cornerback Demitri Goodson should come off the board a little higher than expected in next month’s draft, says Adam Caplan of ESPN.com, tweeting that the third or fourth round sounds about right for Goodson.
  • Kyle Williams‘ minimum salary benefit contract from the Chiefs includes a $10K workout bonus and will count for $580K against the team’s camp, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.

NFC Notes: Clayborn, Falcons, Vikings, Lions

April 21st, 2014 at 4:01pm CST by Luke Adams

Although a number of teams exercised fifth-year options on 2011 first-rounders today, one player who doesn’t appear likely to have his option picked up is Adrian Clayborn of the Buccaneers, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. A source tells Florio that the Bucs aren’t expected to exercise the defensive end’s option, and also aren’t considering trading him to another team that would pick up the option. As such, it looks like the former 20th overall pick will be eligible for unrestricted free agency after the 2014 season.

Here’s more from around the NFC:

  • Jadeveon Clowney‘s visit with the Falcons will happen on Wednesday, tweets Josina Anderson of ESPN.com. Meanwhile, running back Carlos Hyde will pay a visit to Atlanta on Wednesday as well, according to Tom Pelissero of USA Today (via Twitter). Hyde has also visited the Titans and Patriots, adds Pelissero (via Twitter).
  • Kurt Coleman‘s new one-year contract with the Vikings is worth $900K, but none of that total is guaranteed, says Ben Goessling of ESPN.com.
  • The Vikings hosted North Carolina defensive end Kareem Martin for a pre-draft visit last week, a source tells Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Tomasson’s source suggests that Martin, who figures to be a second- or third-round pick, would be a nice fit in Minnesota.
  • USC center Marcus Martin and Nebraska cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste both visited the Lions today, and Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com has details on the pair of prospects.
  • The Seahawks also hosted a couple of prospects today — Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post says Washington State safety Deone Bucannon has a two-day visit with the club, while Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net tweets that Fresno State wideout Davante Adams was also in Seattle.

Vikings Sign Kurt Coleman

April 17th, 2014 at 10:26am CST by Luke Adams

THURSDAY, 10:26am: The Vikings have officially signed Coleman, the team announced today in a press release.

MONDAY, 2:13pm: Free agent safety Kurt Coleman, who visited the Vikings last week, plans to sign a deal with the team, according to Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune. Vensel reports that the two sides agreed to terms on a contract today, after Minnesota reportedly extended an offer to Coleman following his visit. It’ll be a one-year deal (Twitter link).

Coleman, who turns 26 in July, spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Eagles, who selected him in the seventh round of the 2010 draft. Although he was the team’s starter at free safety in 2011 and 2012, he ranked 85th out of 88 total qualified safeties in ’12, according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required). Those grades may have contributed to the team reducing Coleman’s role in 2013, a season in which he played just 74 defensive snaps. However, he still played a significant role on special teams, racking up nine tackles in kick and punt coverage.

The Jets and Colts also hosted Coleman for visits before the unrestricted free agent reached an agreement with the Vikings. In Minnesota, Coleman will likely find himself battling for playing time – or even a roster spot – among a group of safeties that includes returning players Harrison Smith, Andrew Sendejo, and Jamarca Sanford, all of whom started at least seven games at safety for the Vikes last season.

North Notes: Coleman, Vikings, Lions, Steelers

April 11th, 2014 at 10:59am CST by Luke Adams

After hosting Kurt Coleman for a visit this week, the Vikings offered the free agent safety a contract, but it wasn’t enough to get him to pull the trigger, according to Ben Goessling of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Although the two sides may revisit talks at a later time, Coleman appears to still be exploring all his options.

Here are a few more notes from the NFL’s two North divisions, with a focus on pre-draft visits:

  • The Vikings are conducting a private workout today with Eastern Illinois quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, tweets ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter.
  • We know the Lions have real interest in receiver Sammy Watkins, but apparently he’s not the only member of the family drawing attention from the club. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports (via Twitter) that the Lions also had a private workout for Florida defensive back Jaylen Watkins, Sammy’s brother.
  • Ohio State cornerback Bradley Roby, Boston College linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis, and Arizona State linebacker Carl Bradford are visiting the Steelers today, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
  • The Ravens recently met with Virginia Tech signal-caller Logan Thomas, who has also met with the Bengals, according to Wilson. As Wilson details, in addition to those AFC North teams, Thomas has also worked out for or met with the Patriots, Cardinals, and Texans.

NFC Visits: Rams, Coleman, Latimer

April 9th, 2014 at 8:46pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Rams are piling up their pre-draft activity, as the team brought in Pittsburgh quarterback Tom Savage today, reports Adam Caplan of ESPN (via Twitter). Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the team has also shown interest in South Carolina’s Connor Shaw and SMU’s Garrett Gilbert (via Twitter).

Thomas also noted that offensive lineman Zack Martin of Notre Dame was also scheduled to visit, but that meeting was cancelled (via Twitter). Thomas did not give a reason for the cancellation.

Here are some other visit information from around the NFC:

  • Kurt Coleman is visiting with the Vikings today, and will spend the night and continue to meet with the team tomorrow, reports Ben Goessling of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
  • Indiana wide receiver Cody Latimer had a meeting tonight with the Panthers, reports Alex Marvez of Fox Sports 1 (via Twitter). Latimer will have his pro day on April 25.
  • Iowa tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz is visiting the Buccaneers today, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. The 6’5″ tight end has worked out privately for the Buccaneers previously. He’s will visit the Jets next.

NFC Notes: Jackson, Hawkins, Coleman, Giants, Panthers

April 5th, 2014 at 9:02am CST by Matt Feminis

Former Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson claims the team never specified why he was cut. “I was sitting there waiting for the reason why, but that’s basically all I can (recall) from the conversation,” Jackson told ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. “. … I got off the phone. I was like, ‘Are you sure? That’s it?’ We hung up. That was it.” 

While the Eagles haven’t addressed the issue directly, more details of Jackson’s behavior have emerged thanks to Joseph Santoliquito of CBS Philly.

In other news and notes from around the NFC. . .

  • Receiver Lavelle Hawkins worked out for the Buccanneers, according to Aaron Wilson of National Football Post. Hawkins, who was cut by the Patriots last year, played for Bucs offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford at Cal.
  • Wilson also reports that former Eagles safety Kurt Coleman worked out for the Colts.
  • The Bears are not actively seeking to replace second-year right tackle Jordan Mills, writes ESPN.com’s Michael C. Wright in a mailbag piece. Says Wright: “…the Bears are fairly happy with Mills, and expect him to improve in his second year. Mills to me has a very bright future in the NFL, and has the right attitude in terms of doing what it takes day in and day out to be a pro.”
  • The Packers’ biggest defensive weakness is a lack of speed at inside linebacker, writes ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky, who suggests Alabama’s C.J. Mosley for the 21st pick.
  • The Panthers could very well draft two receivers and two offensive tackles, speculates ESPN.com’s David Newton, who also says the “Double Trouble” running back tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart should remain intact for two more seasons.
  • The Giants earned a B-minus grade in free agency in the eyes of NJ.com’s Jordan Raanan, who recaps and reviews the team’s signings.

Pre-Draft Visits: Garopollo, Cooks, Lee

April 4th, 2014 at 7:44pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Browns brought Eastern Illinois quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in for a private visit earlier today, writes Jeff Schudel of the Morning Journal (he writes March 4, but he most likely means April 4). Schudel examines the idea of the Browns selecting a position other than quarterback at the top of the first round, and looking to grab the rookie signal caller with the 26th pick in the first round, or the third pick in round two.

Schudel writes that Browns star receiver Josh Gordon believes the team will take a quarterback with the fourth pick, and that Teddy Bridgewater would be his choice.

Here are some notes from some other pre-draft visits:

  • Oregon State wide receiver Brandin Cooks is visiting the Jets, according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (via Twitter). Cooks also has received interest from the Patriots and the Panthers.
  • In addition to Cooks, the Patriots have expressed interest in receivers Marqise Lee of USC, Mike Evans of Texas A&M, Odell Beckham Jr. of LSU, and Kelvin Benjamin of Florida State, according to Doug Kyed of NESN (via Twitter).
  • The Saints have scheduled a visit with Lee, but have not yet set a date to meet with Cooks, reports Larry Holder of NOLA.com (via Twitter).
  • The Giants worked out quarterback Rusty Smith, reports Howard Balzer of LockerDome.com (via Twitter). Smith appeared in three games for the Titans between 2010 and 2012, throwing no touchdowns and four interceptions.
  • Balzer also notes that Kurt Coleman visited the Colts, and while he is not an ideal candidate to replace the departed Antoine Bethea, he could add depth to the safety position
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