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Breer’s Latest: Lions, Manning, Hardy, Brady

October 30th, 2015 at 6:46pm CST by Dallas Robinson

As he does each week, Albert Breer of NFL.com spoke with several executives and scouts around the league, delving into some of the pertinent topics in the NFL heading into Week 8. Let’s dive in…

The Lions made several changes to their coaching staff this week, including firing their offensive coordinator, but there could be more staff alterations on the horizon, per Breer. Martha Ford, the owner of the club, didn’t play a role in hiring head coach Jim Caldwell, so his status going forward remains unclear. Additionally, if the rest of the coaching staff is terminated after the conclusion of the season, it’s likely that the front office, including GM Martin Mayhew, would be fired as well, adds Breer.
Peyton Manning is in the middle of the worst season of his career, and some personnel men feel the veteran Broncos quarterback’s play might stagnate even more as the weather gets colder. “I thought it was pretty clear he’s not the same guy, and he’ll probably never be the same guy,” one AFC scout told Breer. “Now, it’s a matter of whether they can function the offense well enough with him. And with that defense, they can,” added the scout, noting the importance of Denver’s run game as an aid to Manning.
The uproar surrounding Greg Hardy‘s recent behavior is nothing new — as evidenced by his run-ins with the law that caused him to miss nearly all of the 2014 season — and Breer writes that concerns about Hardy’s off-the-field behavior date back to his college days at Ole Miss. Once he entered the league in 2010, Panthers teammates would often have to ensure that Hardy simply made it to practice. As one source noted about the Cowboys defensive end: “You never know what you’re gonna get.”
Following the NFL’s filing of a brief to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the Tom Brady appeal decision, the court announced that the hearing would take place on February 1 — the Monday of Super Bowl week. The NFLPA, unsurprisingly, finds the decision “alarming” (in the words of union spokesman George Atallah), while the league indicated it would comply with the schedule handed down by the court.
Noting the gap in appeal between NFL and NCAA head coaching jobs isn’t what it once was, Breer puts together a preliminary list of NFL candidates who might be interested in moving to the college ranks, including the Colts‘ Rob Chudzinski, Bengals OC Hue Jackson, and Bills OC Greg Roman.

East Notes: Hardy, Bills, Marrone, Mallett

October 27th, 2015 at 3:35pm CST by Luke Adams

Cowboys executives Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones have each said this week that they’d like to get a deal worked out with Greg Hardy to keep the veteran defensive end with the team beyond the 2015 season. While those comments could simply be interpreted as a public show of support for Hardy, the Cowboys are expressing a similar sentiment privately, having reached out to Hardy’s representatives to make it clear they have no issues with the pass rusher on or off the field, a source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

A report from NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport on Monday indicated that there was some confusion about Hardy’s absence from practice last Thursday, but Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com says the 27-year-old’s whereabouts was no mystery for the team. According to Mortensen, Hardy first sent a text message to the Cowboys’ head athletic trainer, Jim Mauer, at 5:30am to communicate an illness. David Moore of the Dallas Morning News has since published a similar report.

While the Cowboys insist no one was caught off guard by Hardy’s absence from practice, it’s hard to know for sure — after all, neither Hardy’s camp nor the Cowboys would be eager to confirm such a report, so it’s in everyone’s best interest to shoot down Rapoport’s report, whether or not it’s accurate. In any case, it’s clear that the Dallas organization isn’t upset about Hardy’s missed practice, or any of his other actions.

Here’s more on Hardy, along with a few other items from around the NFL’s East divisions….

Hardy and his agents “would love” to begin talks on a long-term extension with the Cowboys, according to Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Twitter link), who admits that probably goes without saying.
In an engaging feature for ESPN, Elizabeth Merrill speaks to former Bills head coach Doug Marrone about his decision to leave Buffalo following the 2014 season.
Mike Rodak of ESPN.com explains why he has a hard time envisioning the Bills seriously pursuing quarterback Ryan Mallett, who was released by the Texans today.
The NFL officially filed its appeal of Judge Richard Berman’s ruling that overturned the league’s four-game suspension of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady several weeks ago, as Christopher Price of WEEI.com details. Within the filing, the NFL insisted Roger Goodell and the league acted within the parameters of the CBA, insisting that “the district court’s decision cannot stand.” The Deflategate saga figures to drag on well into 2016.

AFC Notes: Harvin, Brady, Bengals, Moore

October 22nd, 2015 at 12:27pm CST by Luke Adams

Earlier today, we heard conflicting reports on whether Bills wide receiver Percy Harvin, who is battling hip and knee issues, is truly considering retirement. As Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports writes, the fact that Rex Ryan and the Bills have made sure to stress that Percy Harvin’s absence in London this week is “personal” and not injury-related suggests that there’s something to the retirement rumors.

If Harvin were to retire during the season, he’d risk forfeiting several million dollars in salary and signing-bonus money, as the Bills would be within their rights to try to recoup that money. For his part, the veteran wideout would probably rather avoid a contract stand-off, which would help explain why he’d want to continue his career, even if health problems had him contemplating the idea of retirement.

As we wait to see how the Harvin situation plays out in Buffalo, let’s round up a few more AFC notes….

Tom Brady said this week that his goal is to play “maybe 10 more years,” according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Pressed on whether or not he was serious, the Patriots quarterback added: “That’s what my goals are, that’s what I’m hoping.” Of course, as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk points out, it’s not the first time Brady has repeated that “10 more years” mantra, and if he really wants to play that long, there’s no guarantee he’ll do so in New England.
Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter links) passes along news on a pair of Bengals workouts, reporting that quarterback Bryn Renner and linebacker Alex Singleton got a look from Cincinnati today.
After spending the first four years of his NFL career with the Broncos, safety Rahim Moore signed with the Texans this offseason. Those teams’ respective places in the standings indicate that Moore may regret his decision, but that’s not the case, as Wilson writes for the Chronicle. “I think this is a great decision,” Moore said. “Some people can make the wrong decision in free agency and have regrets. I don’t have any”

AFC Notes: Broncos, Mingo, Revis, Brady

October 15th, 2015 at 8:09pm CST by Luke Adams

In a mailbag this week, a reader asked Troy Renck of The Denver Post whether the Broncos should consider benching Peyton Manning in favor of backup Brock Osweiler. Manning is off to a rough start in 2015 and the concerns about him are understandable, but Renck says it’s not time to panic, especially with Denver at 5-0.

Manning, 39, had another excellent season for the Broncos in 2014, putting up 4,727 passing yards to go along with 39 touchdown passes. However, he was hampered by injuries late in the season and struggled down the stretch, particularly in the team’s divisional playoff loss to the Colts, in which he totaled just 211 passing yards on 46 attempts.

This offseason, Manning agreed to a contract restructuring that included a no-trade clause. However, in theory, Denver would be free to deal the future Hall of Famer after the season.

Here’s more from across the AFC:

Jeff Guerriero, the agent for Browns linebacker Barkevious Mingo, expressed some unhappiness with his client’s playing time, telling Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com (Twitter links) that Mingo “is an impact player and needs to be on the field.” According to Cabot, Guerriero wouldn’t say whether or not he’d ask the Browns to trade Mingo — if he and his client want a deal, they’ll have a couple more weeks to make that request, with the trade deadline coming up on November 3.
In an interview scheduled to air this weekend, Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis spoke to 60 Minutes about the fact that he has signed five contracts in seven years, suggesting that the best players should be willing to take some risk to maximize their value (Twitter links via Brian Costello of the New York Post).
Jimmy Smith joked about it, but cornerback Shareece Wright says that he actually chose to sign with the Ravens, in part, for chance to be reunited with his good friend, Jon Meoli of The Baltimore Sun writes. The opportunity to play with Smith “played a big role” in him choosing Baltimore, but not the only one. “We always talked about if we had the opportunity to play on the same team, and be playing corner on the same team one day like we did in high school, it’d be a blessing,” Wright said.
In a sitdown with The Associated Press, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was asked about how much longer he sees himself playing. “I’ve got a lot of football left,” the 38-year-old said. “Football is a contact sport and there’s a lot that goes into it. But I have committed myself for a long time to doing it, and because I love doing it so much I want to make that commitment.”

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Extra Points: Wilkerson, Graham, Manziel, Brady

September 26th, 2015 at 5:01pm CST by Sam Robinson

As Muhammad Wilkerson begins another standout season, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News begins wondering if he could be the trade chip that lands the Jets a quarterback.

After noting the Jets prefer the skill set of currently troubled 2013 defensive rookie of the year Sheldon Richardson to Wilkerson, Mehta speculates whether Wilkerson’s contract-year campaign could still benefit the Jets down the road by allowing them to keep the defensive end around for trade purposes. Using the Chiefs’ 2008 trade of Jared Allen to the Vikings as an example, Mehta proposes the Jets use a non-exclusive franchise tag on Wilkerson after this season and dangle him in trade talks, as Kansas City did seven years ago.

He continues in saying the only way the Jets could keep both of their star ends is one agreeing to take far less than their value, which will not happen. Of course, this talk of trading Wilkerson is contingent on Richardson re-routing his career, which is far from a certainty at this point.

Here is some other news from around the league.

Jimmy Graham‘s level of happiness with the Seahawks has been one of the key points of discussion in the NFL this week, and the sixth-year tight end might not experience a morale uptick, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk offers. While noting satisfaction could come in time as Graham and Russell Wilson increase their rapport, Florio suggests Graham is not a fit for what the Seahawks do. Graham’s begun to lobby for Wilson to not shy away from throwing his way, even if he’s covered. “Obviously, Drew (Brees) wasn’t running the read options, Graham told media. If (Wilson) is in trouble, he was going to read me, and I was the option. … I tell Russ every day, it don’t matter (if coverage is tight) and sometimes just throw it because sometimes it just doesn’t matter.”
Sufficiently recovered from a high-ankle sprain, Eric Fisher will return to the Chiefs‘ starting lineup against the Packers, doing so at right tackle now, after sitting behind waiver pickup Jah Reid in the first two games, reports Kevin Patra of NFL.com. Although Andy Reid denied the speculation Fisher delayed his recovery in order to not have to face J.J. Watt in the Chiefs’ opener, Fisher hasn’t remotely lived up to expectations as a No. 1 pick and will begin a critical campaign in hopes of rescuing his career.
Nick Toon‘s workout itinerary now includes a stop in St. Louis, as the Rams examined the former Saints backup, per Florio. The Rams also worked out wideouts Issac Blakeney, Kain Colter, DaVaris Daniels, Jordan Leslie, Tyler Rutenbeck and Taylor Washington. Florio opines that the Rams, who carry six healthy receivers presently, are sending a message to some in the unimpressive group. Toon also worked out for the Cowboys and Titans this month after being waived by the Saints.
After news emerged on the timeline for the Tom Brady case, Michael Coyne of the Massachusetts School of Law explains to CSNNE.com how that will affect the 38-year-old quarterback’s season, should the Patriots return to the playoffs as expected. While distractions are inevitable given how this has unfolded, Coyne points out Brady will not have to be present for the appeal hearings.
Johnny Manziel fumbling twice in each of the Browns‘ first two games was the driving force behind them opting to relegate him back to the bench in favor of Josh McCown, Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com writes. The Browns lost possession on both mishaps against the Jets and recovered each loose ball against the Titans. “The No. 1 thing when you play quarterback is you have to protect the football,” Browns OC John DeFilippo told media. “. . . If you don’t protect the football, then you’re not giving yourself the best chance to win.”
A knee injury this week during practice will keep Trent Cole from traveling with the Colts to Nashville, Tenn., for their Week 3 tilt with the Titans, reports Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star (on Twitter). Robert Mathis‘ workload will increase as a result, Holder reports.

Latest On Tom Brady Case

September 25th, 2015 at 5:30pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

The NFL and the NFL Players Association jointly filed a motion Friday on an expedited briefing schedule in the Tom Brady case, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweeted. Arguments in the case are likely to take place in early 2016. The schedule, according to Rapoport, is as follows (via Twitter):

Oct. 26: Opening briefs

Dec. 7: Response due

Dec. 21: Reply due

Oral arguments would happen in January if the Second Court’s schedule permits.

Given the timeline, it’s doubtful Brady will face any kind of suspension this season for his role in the DeflateGate scandal. However, unlike this season, there shouldn’t be any suspense regarding his status leading up to the 2016 campaign. All parties involved should know his fate well before next September. If the NFL wins, then, Brady could start off next year suspended for up to four games.

East Notes: Cassel, Bills, Brady, Eagles

September 25th, 2015 at 10:33am CST by Luke Adams

After being traded to the Cowboys by the Bills, quarterback Matt Cassel is joining his fifth team in 11 NFL seasons, but as Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram details, he’s looking forward to the new challenge.

“I’m just coming in trying to learn a new playbook,” Cassel said. “There’s a lot to get done obviously. It was explained to me that Brandon [Weeden] is the starter, and I’m going to support him in any way I can, help the team in any capacity they want me to. At the same time, I’m going to try to learn the playbook and see how far I can move along and how quickly I can move along, so if an opportunity does come up, I’m ready to play.”

As Cassel adjusts to his new team, let’s check in on a few other items from around the NFL’s East divisions….

Babe Laufenberg of the Dallas Morning News “loved” the Cowboys‘ trade for Cassel, since it gives the club a viable veteran backup option if Weeden struggles in Tony Romo‘s absence.
Jerry Sullivan of the Buffalo News addresses the Cassel trade, the Rex Ryan/Doug Whaley relationship, and a handful of other topics in his latest Bills mailbag.
Responding to a report that suggested a “very influential” person in the NFL is confident that Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will still serve a suspension this season, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk says that such a belief is skewed to the point of being delusional.
Phil Sheridan of ESPN.com takes a look back at some of Chip Kelly‘s most noteworthy offseason transactions for the Eagles, weighing in on the early impact of those moves. So far, only the club’s signing of defensive back Walter Thurmond and selection of rookie linebacker Jordan Hicks get a thumbs-up from Sheridan.

Patriots Notes: Deflategate, Brady, F. Jackson

September 8th, 2015 at 11:49am CST by Luke Adams

Anyone who expected the Patriots-related drama to come to an end when Judge Richard Berman ruled in favor of Tom Brady and the NFLPA last week received a rude awakening today, as Don Van Natta Jr. and Seth Wickersham of ESPN’s Outside the Lines published an extensive report on Deflategate and Spygate. The piece, which is worth reading, suggests that Roger Goodell and the NFL may have reacted so aggressively to the Deflategate allegations to compensate for what many team owners felt was an undercooked Spygate investigation.

In response to the OTL report, the Patriots issued a strongly-worded statement denying the additional Spygate allegations that were part of the story, as Ben Volin of the Boston Globe tweets.

“This type of reporting over the past seven years has led to additional unfounded, unwarranted and, quite frankly, unbelievable allegations by former players, coaches and executives,” the Patriots’ statement read, in part. “None of which have ever been substantiated, but many of which continue to be propagated.”

Here’s more on the Pats:

Brady made an appearance on WEEI in Boston today, admitting that “it’s been a tough, challenging several months.” While Brady didn’t drop any bombshells, he fielded a number of questions about Deflategate over the course of the conversation. The audio transcript of his comments can be found right here.
In the wake of the NFL’s court loss last week, one report indicated that team owners would discuss changing Goodell’s role in the player disciplinary process. Appearing on Mike and Mike on ESPN Radio today, Goodell acknowledged that he’s “very open” to changing his role (link via The Associated Press). However, he’s still reluctant to give up final say.
Within an hour of being released by the Bills, Fred Jackson received a call from the Patriots, as the veteran running back tells Tim Graham of The Buffalo News. Jackson also got a call from the Seahawks in that first hour, and ultimately signed with Seattle.

Extra Points: Brady, Orton, Seahawks

September 4th, 2015 at 9:10pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady issued a Facebook statement Friday in response to Judge Richard Berman’s decision on Thursday to overturn the four-game suspension the NFL handed him for his role in DeflateGate. Here are a couple snippets from the full statement, which can be found here (courtesy of ESPN’s Josina Anderson):

“While I am pleased to be eligible to play, I am sorry our league had to endure this. I don’t think it has been good for our sport – to a large degree, we have all lost.”

“I love the NFL. It is a privilege to be a member of the NFL community and I will always try to do my best in representing my team and the league in a way that would make all members of this community proud.”

More from around the league as Saturday’s 53-man roster deadline draws closer:

Multiple teams – including the Jets – reached out to retired quarterback Kyle Orton this summer about a possible comeback, but he spurned their advances. Orton told Chris Trapasso of NFL.com that retirement had been on his mind for the past couple seasons, so he finally walked away from the game for good (Twitter link). Buffalo coaxed Orton out of a brief retirement last year and he proceeded to throw 18 touchdowns against 10 interceptions, giving him 101 and 69, respectively, for his career. The former fourth-round pick played for five different franchises after entering the NFL in 2005.
With Marshawn Lynch, the newly added Fred Jackson and Robert Turbin on the Seahawks’ running back depth chart, Christine Michael could be the odd man out. The team is exploring trade options for him, reports Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link).
The Eagles are shopping second-year cornerback Jaylen Watkins, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
The Texans are mulling signing another quarterback after third-stringer Tom Savage suffered a severely sprained throwing shoulder Thursday, Wilson writes. “It’s a discussion that we’re having, whether to go out and possibly get a third quarterback or maybe have a quarterback on the practice squad, something like that,” head coach Bill O’Brien said. “We haven’t made a final decision on that.”

More Reactions To DeflateGate Ruling

September 3rd, 2015 at 8:39pm CST by Zachary Links

Judge Richard Berman’s reversal of the Tom Brady suspension is nothing less than a scathing rebuke of Roger Goodell and the NFL, Andrew Brandt of The MMQB writes. When one considers the Brady case, the Saints bounty episode, Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson, and Greg Hardy, the NFLPA now has a solid list of major wins on appeal. Brandt believes that the union could parlay this leverage into CBA negotiations to improve the disciplinary process.

Here’s a look at more of the fallout from today’s ruling plus some reactions to Brady’s victory..

Jonathan Kraft told reporters, including Ben Volin of The Boston Globe (on Twitter), that fans “are not the only ones” who want the team to recoup its draft picks. However, he went on to say, “as we sit here today, it’s not our intention” to fight those penalties.
While awaiting the Brady ruling, attorneys for the NFL and NFLPA met Tuesday in New York to discuss possible revisions to the personal conduct policy, sources tell Tom Pelissero of USA Today Sports (Twitter links). Those talks weren’t necessarily fruitful, however. The two sides are still hung up on key issues such as neutral arbitration for appeals and the commissioner’s use of exempt list.
It doesn’t sound likely at this juncture, but Dan Shaughnessy of The Boston Globe wants to see the Patriots go for complete vindication. Shaughnessy argues that the Patriots should fight to get their draft picks back and also restore their reputation.