NFC East Rumors: Redskins, Cowboys, Giants
Essentially ruled out for 2019 before the Redskins selected Dwayne Haskins in the first round, Alex Smith will be set for at least one more surgery. The 35-year-old quarterback must wear an external fixator on his broken leg for at least another month, Jay Gruden said (via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, on Twitter). Smith was initially spotted equipped with this apparatus nearly five months ago. Its removal will mean another operation. The 14-year veteran underwent upwards of six procedures on his injury leg, and it is obviously uncertain the quarterback will play again. Smith is under Redskins contract through the 2022 season.
Moving to another Redskins cog with a cloudy future with the team, here is the latest news out of the NFC East:
- Trent Williams is believed to want out of Washington. Earlier this year, Williams had a tumor (or a similar growth) removed from his head. The 10th-year left tackle has expressed hard feelings toward the Redskins for their handling of this matter, but he is not staying away from the team only because of hard feelings. Gruden said (via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk) his longest-tenured player would not be able to practice anyway because of the recovery from the aforementioned operation. Williams rehabbed a damaged kneecap throughout the 2018 offseason and is entering his age-31 season.
- Three Kubiaks have now left the Broncos. After Gary Kubiak and his son Klint joined the Vikings’ staff, Klein Kubiak will become a Cowboys scout, according to Neil Stratton of Inside The League (on Twitter). The youngest of the coaching Kubiaks confirmed he will be Dallas-bound (Twitter link). Klein Kubiak spent five years with the Broncos. He will join the Cowboys after the organization lost area scout Jim Abrams to the Raiders.
- The Giants added three new members to their scouting staff. They brought in 16-year Notre Dame staffer Chad Klunder to become their scouting coordinator, Ralph Vacchiano of SNY tweets. Big Blue also hired former Jets pro personnel director and Lions pro scouting director Brendan Prophett as an area scout and added Corey Lockett to their scouting department. Additionally, the Giants promoted six-year pro scout Tim McDonnell to assistant director of player personnel, per Vacchiano (on Twitter).
Redskins’ Trent Williams Wants Out
Typically, player holdouts stem from a desire to secure a new contract. That’s not the case for Redskins left tackle Trent Williams, however. The veteran has told teammates that he has demanded a trade or release due to their handling of his recent medical situation, according to sources who spoke with Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (on Twitter). Furthermore, Williams has vowed to not play for the Redskins, meaning that this saga could drag on if he is not traded this summer. 
Earlier this year, Williams had a tumor (or a similar growth) removed from his head. Fortunately, Williams is now healthy and is expected to be able to play this season. However, for reasons that are currently unclear, the situation caused friction between the lifelong Redskin and the organization.
For now, Williams is under contract with the Redskins for another two years and is owed $24MM between now and the end of the 2020 season. Despite his injuries, that deal borders on being team-friendly, so there could be a ripe market for the soon-to-be 31-year-old.
Redskins’ Trent Williams Wants New Deal
Redskins tackle Trent Williams skipped the start of the Redskins’ mandatory minicamp in an effort to land a new deal, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter) hears. Williams is owed $24MM over the next two years, but wants a better deal now that the market has shifted. 
At the time of signing, Williams’ current deal positioned him as the highest-paid tackle in the NFL, edging Cowboys lineman Tyron Smith. Today, the deal positions him as the sixth-highest paid tackle in the league, thanks in part to recent deals for Trent Brown, Taylor Lewan, and Nate Solder that are worth at least $15.5MM per season.
Williams has missed 13 games over the last three seasons due to various issues, but He still stands as one of the better left tackles in the NFL. He graded out as the league’s best overall tackle in 2016, according to Pro Football Focus, and managed to place No. 21 in a down 2018.
In other Redskins news, the team is reportedly planning to stick with cornerback Josh Norman, despite the savings that would come with releasing him.
East Notes: Cowboys, Gregory, Pats, Gronk
This week, the Cowboys surprised many when they signed Randy Gregory to an extension. The immensely talented edge rusher is serving the fourth substance abuse suspension of his career, one that has him indefinitely banned. Still, the Cowboys gave him a new contract to take him through the 2020 season.
The Cowboys believe that Gregory can be an impact player once again, and coach Jason Garrett says the organization appreciates the seriousness of what he is dealing with.
“Again, without going into the details of all the things he’s done to try to get to the point where he can play for us, it’s been a very serious approach as an organization and his approach has been serious,” Garrett said. “He’s been able to make strides. He was able to come back and play for us and be a very productive player and a productive guy in our locker room but unfortunately, my understanding of all of this is sometimes relapse is part of rehab, so we’re working through the process of suspension right now with the NFL, but Randy Gregory is working very hard trying to get back, trying to get the situation under control and we’re doing everything we can under the rules to help him do that.”
The Cowboys are hopeful that Gregory’s ban will be lifted sometime in 2019, but if it’s not, they plan to have him on the field in 2020.
Here’s more from the East divisions:
- Redskins left tackle Trent Williams should be ready for training camp after having a growth or tumor on his head removed (via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). For a while, teammates were under the impression that the potentially malignant growth could keep Williams out for the season. Fortunately, that’s not the case, and Williams should be OK moving forward. The veteran has dealt with multiple health issues over the last few seasons – he’s missed time with thumb, knee, and rib injuries. In 2017, he managed to play through a torn patellar tendon and pushed off surgery until the offseason.
- A reminder from ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss – If Rob Gronkowski isn’t moved off the reserve/retired list by Week 13, he can’t return at all. There has been speculation that the tight end could make a mid-season return to the Patriots, though Gronk insists that he’s done with football.
Redskins’ Trent Williams To Miss Time
Redskins left tackle Trent Williams will miss “about a month” after undergoing thumb surgery, ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano (on Twitter) hears. If Willams is sidelined for the next four games, it will mark the third-straight campaign in which he has missed at least a quarter of the regular season.
The six-time Pro Bowler is in the midst of a solid season as he ranks among Pro Football Focus’ Top 15 tackles in the NFL. He’s a beat behind his usual marks with a so-so score for pass blocking that puts him 17th among all qualifying outside linemen, but the 5-2 Redskins will miss his presence as they fight for the divisional crown.
The Redskins’ next four games come against the Falcons, Buccaneers, Texans, and Cowboys. The Bucs, Texans, and Cowboys all boast Top 10 defensive lines, according to Football Outsiders, so it’s not an ideal time for the club to lean on backups such as Ty Nsekhe and third-rounder Geron Christian.
NFC East Notes: Owens, Redskins, Giants
Former Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens says he isn’t “actively seeking to get into the NFL” but would entertain the possibility, “as well as the CFL,” if an opportunity arises (via ESPN.com).
“I know that I do have the ability to play. I know everybody sees the shape that I’m in. There’s a lot of athletes that play their prospective sports, but there are few guys that defy the odds. I think I’m one of those guys,” Owens said Wednesday.
Owens’ CFL rights are owned by the Edmonton Eskimos and he recently triggered a clause that gives them until Tuesday to work out a deal. The 44-year-old, who is on the verge of being inducted into the Hall of Fame while he celebrates elsewhere, will become a CFL free agent if he does not receive an offer to his liking.
It’s fair to wonder whether Owens can compete in the CFL at his age, and the NFL appears to be a longshot since he is seven years removed from playing and has not drawn any recent interest. Still, when T.O. talks comeback, we can’t help but listen.
Here’s a look at the NFC East:
- By failing to participate in 90% of the team’s OTAs, Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams‘ 2018 base salary has now officially de-escalated from $10MM to $9.85MM, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets. Cornerback Josh Norman is in a similar boat. His salary has dipped from $13.5MM to $13.3MM.
- Giants third-round supplemental draft cornerback Sam Beal‘s deal is worth $4,082MM over four years and includes a $1.048MM signing bonus, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets.
- Meanwhile, Redskins cornerback Adonis Alexander, taken in the sixth-round of the supplemental draft, is set to earn $2.616MM over the course of his four-year deal.
East Rumors: Williams, Jets, Bills, Patriots
Trent Williams is on schedule to participate in Redskins training camp, as expected after a surgery that was slated to erase his offseason. While the official name for the operation the ninth-year left tackle underwent is a tibial tubercle osteotomy, Peter Hailey of NBC Sports Washington notes doctors performed a “slight” microfracture surgery as well. The TTO procedure repaired Williams’ damaged kneecap. However, microfracture surgery is among the most difficult to surmount for athletes and could be worth monitoring as the soon-to-be 30-year-old blocker returns to full-contact work. Nevertheless, Williams has been working toward a camp re-emergence and fully expects to be ready by the time Washington’s roster reconvenes late next month.
Here’s the latest from the east, moving to another recent surgically altered starter.
- The Jets were without one of their starting safeties during minicamp. Marcus Maye underwent ankle surgery this offseason. He is targeting a training camp return, per Calvin Watkins of Newsday. Maye started alongside Jamal Adams throughout last season. Third-year UDFA Doug Middleton, who missed all of last season with a torn pectoral muscle, took the first-team reps in Maye’s place.
- Lorenzo Alexander is not a lock to make the Bills‘ 53-man roster, Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News notes. Two years removed from a 12.5-sack season, one that secured him a two-year contract, the 35-year-old linebacker is unlikely to be a starter in 2018, per Skurski. Alexander started 11 of Buffalo’s 16 games last season, doing so in a 4-3 defense after he thrived in the 2016 Bills’ 3-4 look. Skurski notes rookie Tremaine Edmunds and 2017 fifth-rounder Matt Milano are the frontrunners to be the Bills’ three-down ‘backers.
- Despite playing only half of last season, one halted by a PED suspension and subsequent Jets release, Jeremy Kerley appears to be a lock to not only make the Bills but play a key role, Skurski writes. The veteran slot receiver is entrenched alongside Kelvin Benjamin and Zay Jones among Buffalo’s top three, in Skurski’s view. Kerley, 29, finished as the 49ers’ leading receiver in 2016 before signing a San Francisco extension. The 49ers then cut him before last season.
- On the subject of wide receiver battles, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com expects ArDarius Stewart to be given another chance with the Jets (Twitter link) in camp. The third-round pick out of Alabama caught just six passes as a rookie, and the Jets signed Terrelle Pryor and now have Quincy Enunwa healthy. And 2017 fourth-rounder Chad Hansen has fared well this offseason. Nevertheless, Mike Maccagnan using that third-round choice on Stewart likely keeps him safe for at least another training camp, per Cimini.
- One of the bigger free agency defections the Patriots have had to deal with in a while, Nate Solder‘s departure to the Giants leaves what looks like a two-man battle for his left tackle spot, Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston notes. Trent Brown took the lion’s share of the first-team reps during offseason work, with first-rounder Isaiah Wynn lining up at left guard more. However, left guard starter Joe Thuney is currently absent. Once he returns, Perry points out Brown and Wynn are likely set to compete for one spot. The other would become a swing backup, with Marcus Cannon now back at right tackle.
NFC East Notes: Scandrick, Eagles, Williams
Orlando Scandrick doesn’t sound like he’s counting on another Cowboys contract in 2018. Dallas placed the veteran slot cornerback on IR Friday and dangled him on the trade block earlier this year. Younger talents Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis and Anthony Brown are signed to rookie deals for the rest of the decade, leaving the 30-year-old Scandrick as a player who may need another team to swoop in to allow him to continue his career.
“I’m prepared for whatever,” Scandrick said, via Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “I’m still going to play football. I’m still a good football player when I’m healthy. We’ll see what happens. … I’m not at the point of my career where I’m willing to just be an inactive guy or a guy that’s not a part of what’s going on and can’t help the team win. I just want to play somewhere I can finish things out the right way.”
The 10th-year veteran will be entering free agency after fracturing multiple transverse processes and missing the final five Cowboys games. Scandrick also thanked the Cowboys for his 10 seasons of work. He will turn 31 in February.
Here’s the latest from the NFC East, shifting to another team’s cornerback situation.
- The Eagles‘ placement of linebacker Joe Walker on IR could open up roster a spot for cornerback Sidney Jones, who remains on the PUP list. Philadelphia’s roster stands at 52 players, and the rookie has to be activated by next week in order to be on the playoff roster. Zach Berman of Philly.com expects the Eagles to activate the second-round pick (Twitter link). This would allow Jones additional practice time to prepare for a small role in the postseason rather than a full redshirt year. The University of Washington product has not played in a game since New Year’s Eve of last year, but Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets he’s recovered sufficiently from the Achilles’ tendon tear that damaged his draft stock. However, Caplan adds a conditioning issue stands in the way of Jones’ potential activation now.
- Trent Williams‘ post-surgery clock started Friday. The Redskins tackle underwent the long-discussed knee operation, one performed by a patella specialist. He’s expected to be shelved for approximately six months, putting training camp well within reach for Washington’s stalwart edge blocker.
- The Redskins are expected to let fourth-year starter Bashaud Breeland walk as a free agent come March.
- Dave Gettleman discussed Eli Manning‘s status for 2018, and as of now, he’s slated to be the Giants’ starter.
Redskins Place Trent Williams On IR
The Redskins have formally placed tackle Trent Williams on injured reserve. Williams recently told reporters that he was due to undergo knee surgery, so he’ll now get a head start on the operation and recovery.
Last year, Williams gutted it out to play ten games on his injured knee. Finally, the injury has caught up with him. The 6-8 Redskins aren’t playing for much in these final two games, so it didn’t make sense for them to put him out on the field.
The Redskins face the Broncos on Sunday before wrapping up their season against the Giants. Against Denver, the Redskins will be shorthanded as running back LeShun Daniels and linebackers Zach Brown and Ryan Anderson have also been ruled out. Meanwhile, the status of running back Samaje Perine is up in the air after he suffered a groin injury in practice this week.
Trent Williams Likely Done For Season
Redskins tackle Trent Williams says he likely won’t play again this season, barring an emergency situation (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s John Keim).
Williams said earlier this season an offseason knee surgery will be required, and an approximate six-month rehab process will come with it. However, the eighth-year left tackle said there’s a chance he’ll undergo surgery on his knee next week before the team’s season finale. It’s not immediately clear whether the team will place Williams on IR, however.
Williams played through this injury and started 10 games this year. This surgery rehab going as planned would put him in line to be ready by training camp, witht eh former first-round pick presumably missing all other Washington offseason activities while he recovers.
The 29-year-old Williams is entrenched as the Redskins’ left tackle. He’s under contract through 2020, including a $13.95MM cap number for next year.