Los Angeles Chargers Rumors & News - Pro Football Rumors

Chargers Optimistic About Rivers Extension

May 21st, 2015 at 6:16pm CST by Zachary Links

The Chargers are optimistic about working out a long-term extension with Philip Rivers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Weeks ago, the quarterback was uncertain about his future in San Diego, so this is a positive turn for both parties. There’s still work to be done between Rivers and the Bolts, Rapoport adds (on Twitter), but the team believes that they can work out a deal that would ensure that the QB retires with them.

Throughout the offseason, speculation was rampant that the Bolts could move on from their longtime franchise quarterback. In the weeks leading up to the draft, there was talk that San Diego could build a package centered around Rivers and the No. 17 selection to deal for the Titans’ No. 2 overall pick and take Marcus Mariota. Of course, that never came together.

Rivers, 33, started all 16 games for the Chargers last season, just like he has done in every season since 2006 when he broke in as the starter. The veteran threw for 4,286 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions. The advanced metrics at Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked Rivers as the seventh-best quarterback in the league last season, putting him ahead of Cam Newton, Andrew Luck, and Peyton Manning.

Back in April, Rivers rebuffed the Chargers’ attempts to hold contract extension talks. Rivers is scheduled to earn a total of $17.42MM in 2015, his final year under contract. Tight end Antonio Gates, tight end Ladarius Green, wide receiver Malcom Floyd and guard Johnnie Troutman are also entering their walk years and, along with Rivers, they represent the only holdovers from when GM Tom Telesco and coach Mike McCoy first arrived in 2013.

Los Angeles Relocation Notes: Thursday

May 21st, 2015 at 1:33pm CST by Luke Adams

With the league’s spring’s meetings having taken place in San Francisco this week, the possibility of moving one or two NFL franchises to Los Angeles was a point of discussion for owners and the commissioner. While no significant steps forward were made, we have a few more updates on the L.A. situation. Let’s round up the highlights….

There was “strong positive buzz” about the Carson stadium plan coming out of the owner’s meetings, several high-ranking ownership sources tell Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. La Canfora’s sources had plenty of praise for Chargers owner Dean Spanos, who has “moved expertly” through the process while Rams owner Stan Kroenke has rubbed the league office the wrong way.
As La Canfora details, the Chargers and Raiders appear more willing to cooperate with what the league wants, whereas Kroenke has “shown willingness to go rogue,” which could mean that the Carson plan has taken the lead as the favorite over Kroenke’s Inglewood project. With the Rams‘ lease in St. Louis up at season’s end, and Kroenke financing the Inglewood plan on his own, he could decide to go to court if the NFL objects to his moving to L.A., writes La Canfora.
If the Chargers and Raiders were to move to Los Angeles for 2016, the Rose Bowl could potentially support both teams in the short term, and possible realignment (with the Chargers moving to the NFC) would be “no hindrance,” per La Canfora.
While the Chargers‘ odds of moving to L.A. may be increasing, Spanos continues to insist that he’d like to see the franchise stay in San Diego, as Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune details.
49ers owner Jed York suggests that the Los Angeles stadium proposals are much further along than any stadium plans in St. Louis, San Diego, or Oakland, writes Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com. “The most progress that has taken place has been in Los Angeles,” York said. “Does that mean you’re going to have a team there in 2016? The chances you’re going to, they’re higher than not — based on all the work that has gone into it and the momentum behind it. And a lot of that is pushed by home markets not having viable solutions for teams.”

Minor Moves: Wednesday

May 20th, 2015 at 11:45pm CST by Luke Adams

Here are Wednesday’s minor moves from around the NFL, with the latest transactions added to the top of the page throughout the day:

The Raiders waived safety Terrell Pinson to make room for cornerback Chimdi Chekwa on the team’s 90-man roster, according to Steve Corkran (on Twitter). Pinson, a Louisiana Tech product, was signed as a UDFA earlier this month.
The Raiders announced that they have signed fifth-round linebacker Ben Heeney, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (on Twitter).

Earlier updates:

The Browns have signed fourth-round defensive back Ibraheim Campbell to his rookie deal, the club announced today in a press release. No team selected more players than Cleveland in the 2015 draft, and the Browns now have 11 of their 12 picks under contract.
The Chargers swapped one signal-caller for another at the back of their roster today, officially signing former Boston College quarterback Chase Rettig and cutting quarterback Cole Stoudt.
The Packers have moved one step closer to locking up their draft class by signing third-round receiver Ty Montgomery, per Rob Demovksy of ESPN.com (via Twitter). After locking up Montgomery, the 205th draft pick to reach a deal with his team, Green Bay only has first-rounder Damarious Randall left to sign.
Former Chargers defensive tackle Chas Alecxih has signed with the Panthers, the team announced today (via Twitter). To make room for Alecxih, Carolina has parted ways with offensive lineman Edmund Kugbila. Kugbila, who will have to pass through waivers before hitting the open market, was a fourth-round pick back in 2013.
After inviting him to their rookie minicamp as a tryout player, the Colts have signed kicker Taylor Pontius to a contract, the team announced today (Twitter link). Pontius almost certainly won’t displace incumbent kicker Adam Vinatieri, but as Mike Wilkering of Pro Football Talk observes, a couple Vinatieri understudies have found starting jobs elsewhere in recent years.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Minor Moves: Tuesday

May 19th, 2015 at 8:06pm CST by Luke Adams

Here are Tuesday’s minor transactions from around the NFL, with any additional moves added to the top of the list throughout the day:

The Colts have waived wide receiver Josh Lenz, who has spent a good chunk of the last two seasons on Indianapolis’ practice squad, the team announced today in a press release. Lenz had signed a reserve/futures contract with the Colts following the club’s elimination from the postseason back in January.
The Steelers have claimed former Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Gardner was previously attempting to hook on with the Pats as a wide receiver before his release on Monday. To make room, the Steelers waived wide receiver L’Damian Washington, according to Steelers PR man Burt Lauten (on Twitter).
The Chargers waived tackle Bryce Quigley, a San Diego State product, to create roster room for Joe Barksdale, Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego tweets.
Another player who signed a reserve/futures deal with his team this past winter, running back Demitrius Bronson has been waived by the Seahawks with an injured designation, writes Curtis Crabtree of Pro Football Talk. Bronson, who was on Seattle’s taxi squad for most of the 2014 campaign, suffered a hamstring injury earlier in the offseason.
The Buccaneers have signed UDFA Antoine Everett, according to Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com (on Twitter). To make room for the former McNeese St. guard, tight end Emmanuel Ogbuehi was waived with an injured designation.
Wide receiver Malcome Kennedy cleared waivers and was placed on the Saints‘ IR, Evan Woodbery of The Times Picayune tweets.
The Chiefs signed running back Keshawn Hill, guard Melvin Meggs, center Dan Munye, and tackle Kelvin Palmer, Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star tweets. To make room, KC cut fullback Manasseh Garner, tight end Earnest Pettway, and tackle Charles Sweeton.

Joe Barksdale, Chargers Agree To Deal

May 19th, 2015 at 1:23pm CST by Luke Adams

1:23pm: Barksdale gets a one-year, minimum salary contract from the Chargers, with a $350K signing bonus and an additional $1MM available in incentives, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Those incentives are very reachable, a source tells Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune (Twitter link), who adds that Barksdale will be rewarded if he starts.

12:40pm: The last unsigned player on PFR’s Top 50 Free Agents list has found a new home, according to Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports, who reports (via Twitter) that offensive tackle Joe Barksdale has agreed to terms with the Chargers. Years and dollars on Barksdale’s new deal aren’t yet known.

When I ranked Barksdale 36th overall among available players at the start of 2015’s free agent period, I observed that, given the lack of steady, reliable offensive tackles on the market, Barksdale looked like a decent bet to land a deal similar to the $6MM-per-year pacts signed by Austin Howard and Anthony Collins in 2014.

According to various reports, Barksdale was seeking a contract in that range, or close to it, at the start of free agency. However, many teams in need of offensive line help opted to roll the dice on more affordable alternatives, or ones with more upside, such as the Jaguars with Jermey Parnell. As such, Barksdale’s asking price has likely been reduced significantly.

As our Dallas Robinson observed when he examined Barksdale’s free agent stock, Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked the former Ram just 48th out of 84 qualified tackles. However, his +5.6 run-blocking grade placed him just outside the top 10 in that category.

Barksdale, who previously worked out for the Falcons and drew interest from the Titans and Rams, visited the Chargers this week before agreeing to terms with the team. Having re-signed King Dunlap to play left tackle and added Orlando Franklin as their probable starter at left guard, the Chargers are set on that side of the line, but have some question marks on the right side.

Although GM Tom Telesco suggested earlier in the offseason that he envisions D.J. Fluker playing right tackle in 2015, I’d expect Barksdale to challenge for the starting role at that spot, making Fluker a candidate to move inside.

Latest On Los Angeles Relocation

May 19th, 2015 at 10:44am CST by Luke Adams

Momentum continues to built toward the NFL returning to Los Angeles for the 2016 season, multiple sources tell Albert Breer of the NFL Network. One of those sources tells Breer that the league is “confident” there will be multiple viable options on the table before year’s end to make relocation to L.A. a realistic possibility.

While no significant movements forward are expected to be announced this week, Los Angeles will be a topic of discussion at the NFL’s spring meetings in San Francisco. Here’s more on what to expect at those meetings, and going forward:

The cities of St. Louis and San Diego have made progress toward new stadiums, but Oakland has moved backward since March, “losing time without making any progress,” writes Breer.
Breer also notes that Rams owner Stan Kroenke‘s Inglewood project continues to maintain an “incremental lead” over the Carson project spearheaded by the Raiders and Chargers. An outcome is “unlikely to crystallize” until late 2015, perhaps in advance of the NFL’s December meetings.
While NFL executive Eric Grubman appreciates the city of San Diego expediting the process by submitting a proposal to build a new stadium, he tells Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com that it still needs some work. “I don’t think they made a specific proposal that includes all the key elements of how they get entitled and so forth and so on,” Grubman said. “So first of all, I haven’t dug into it. And second of all, I don’t know what the timing of that proposal could be.”
As Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com details, Grubman also indicated that the league will look into compressing the window for teams to formally apply for relocation, which currently runs annually from January 1 to February 15.

Chargers Notes: Policy, Barksdale, Spanos

May 18th, 2015 at 9:21pm CST by Zachary Links

The Chargers and Raiders have hired Carmen Policy to oversee the potential football project the two teams would share, according to Daniel Kaplan of the Sports Business Journal (on Twitter). Policy, who held senior roles with the 49ers and Browns and has been out of the NFL for over a decade, believes that the NFL will put the project “on the fast track.” Since leaving the NFL, Policy’s main occupation has been his winery in Napa, but he says he’s excited to be back in football in some capacity. Here’s more on the Chargers..

Right tackle Joe Barksdale is visiting the Chargers, as Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego writes. The veteran started 29 games the past two seasons, all at right tackle, for the Rams.
Chargers Chairman of the Board Dean Spanos announced that his two sons will be elevated to President-level roles. A.G. Spanos has been named President – Business Operations and John Spanos has assumed the role of President – Football Operations. John held the position of executive vice president of football operations for the past two seasons.
Dean Spanos will now focus on the Chargers’ stadium situation, Jim Trotter of ESPN.com writes.

Extra Points: Deflategate, CBA, Tebow

May 17th, 2015 at 9:12pm CST by Sam Robinson

We heard earlier that Tom Brady‘s suspension may not in fact be reduced, but the Boston Globe’s Ben Volin cites some inconsistencies that need justification from Ted Wells as the Deflategate saga continues to gain depth.

The main issue Volin takes with Wells is why he charged the Patriots with not cooperating with his investigation fully. Specifically, the Boston reporter points out Wells had the “deflator” text from Jim McNally in his possession before meeting with him, but his team did not find it until after McNally’s deposition because the text was from May 2014.

The Patriots refused to make McNally available again due to the apparent lack of due diligence from Wells’ team, citing a February email from team attorney Daniel Goldberg to Wells that stated barring “unanticipated circumstances” there would be no second interviews with subjects.

“You refused to give me the information I requested except to say that the topic was ‘new,’ ” Goldberg wrote in an email to Wells on March 9 that the Patriots released Sunday regarding Wells’ request for a second summit with McNally. “It turned out, however, that the topic involved asking about texts that you had before his prior interview — so it was not something that arose from extraordinary or unanticipated circumstances, but was apparently just something you neglected to pursue in his earlier interview.”

Volin requested Wells’ end of the email chain from the NFL but did not receive those before publishing this story.

More from around the league on Sunday night …

Roger Goodell‘s ability to hear Brady’s appeal is not a power he’s unearthed from nowhere. The provision of safeguarding the game’s integrity has been present since the first CBA in 1968, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes. This provided then-commissioner Pete Rozelle power to impose discipline and designate the hearing officer for any appeals regarding issues of conduct detrimental to the “integrity of the game.”
Russell Wilson and the Seahawks are not discussing a fully guaranteed contract, writes Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. Condotta adds that, while the amount of guaranteed money will play a key role in this extension, teams must provide the full amount of the fully guaranteed deal up front. The player doesn’t receive it all then, but the amount must be accounted for — similar to Ndamukong Suh‘s deal with the Dolphins this year, with some of the money being placed in an escrow account for future payment — to prevent teams from not following through on financial promises.
Tim Tebow‘s odds of making an impact with the Eagles appear slim as of now, but Zach Berman of Philly.com writes the 6-foot-3, 236-pound quarterback could be of use should the Eagles’ extra point proposal, which would place two-point conversions at the 1-yard line, pass this week at the NFL owners’ meetings. Although the Eagles didn’t attempt a two-point play last year, they went 3-for-8 in 2013. Tebow’s scored from the 1-yard line in each of his three attempts and converted first downs on six of eight 1-yard-to-go scenarios in his last starting role in 2011. Berman also adds the Eagles’ preference for DeMarco Murray‘s north-south running style will help here, with Murray’s six 1-yard scores leading the league last season. So a lot could be riding on this week’s proposal in Philadelphia.
Vikings right tackle Phil Loadholt is “pretty much up to full speed” after sustaining a torn pectoral muscle last season, writes Minneapolis Star-Tribune columnist Sid Hartman. Brandon Fusco is not quite as far along after tearing a pectoral muscle, according to Mike Zimmer. With Charlie Johnson, a four-year starter on Minnesota’s front at either left tackle or left guard, still an unrestricted free agent, the Vikings are contemplating a reshuffle to fill the gaps. A starting right guard for two full seasons and three games into last year before suffering the chest injury, Fusco could potentially move to left guard, and rookie tackle T.J. Clemmings could begin his career by lining up at right guard.
The Chargers will not keep any of the 15 tryout players they brought in, Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports (on Twitter).
Adrian Robinson, a former NFL linebacker and recent CFL cog, died Saturday night at the age of 25, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. The cause of death was unknown. Robinson played for the Steelers, Broncos, Chargers and Washington from 2012-13 and was a member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Sunday Roundup: Ray, Eagles, Chargers

May 17th, 2015 at 12:42pm CST by Rory Parks

Let’s take a look a a few notes from around the league:

Shane Ray‘s draft stock took a hit because of a citation for marijuana possession and a toe injury, but the Missouri product was still selected in the first round, as the Broncos traded up to nab the high-ceiling pass rusher. As Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk writes, Denver hopes that Ray, who missed rookie minicamp as a result of the toe injury, will be able to participate in some capacity when the team resumes work tomorrow. As Alper points out, though, Ray’s work is likely to be limited, especially since the Broncos just lost third-round tight end Jeff Heuerman to a torn ACL at minicamp.
Of all the eyebrow-raising moves that Eagles head coach Chip Kelly has made during his brief tenure with the club, his decisions relating to Philadelphia’s wide receiving corps may be the most curious. But as David Murphy of The Philadelphia Daily News writes, with the addition of Nelson Agholor–a physical clone of Jeremy Maclin–the expected improvement from Zach Ertz and Jordan Matthews, and the team’s ability to shift Darren Sproles to more of a pass-catching role now that DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews are in the fold, the Eagles may actually have a more dynamic set of receivers than they had in 2014.
Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano says rookie Denzel Perryman will compete for time at inside linebacker with projected starters Manti Te’o and Donald Butler, but that ultimately everybody will see time on the field, ESPN’s Eric D. Williams writes. Pagano complimented his talent not only at the linebacker position, but also on special teams.
The Chargers don’t have a true fullback on their roster, but San Diego State product Chad Young hopes to change that, Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego writes. Young has experience on his side, having been in training camp last year with the Jets. But like other fullbacks, he has seen his position fade across the NFL over the past several years.
Former Maryland standout Andre Monroe tried out for the Chargers during the team’s rookie minicamp, writes Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun. Monroe set Maryland’s school record with 25 career sacks, 20 of which came in his last 26 games. But at 5’10” and 294 pounds, Monroe is a bit undersized for an NFL defensive lineman, and he was not immediately offered a contract by San Diego.
Longtime Ravens scout Joe Douglas has accepted a job with the Bears, according to a press release from the Ravens. Douglas will be Chicago’s new director of college scouting.
The Steelers have hired veteran NFL personnel man Rick Reiprish to join their player personnel department, writes Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Reiprish, who has over 30 years of experience in player personnel, was the Saints’ director of college scouting for 11 years until he was released in a front-office shakeup earlier this year.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

AFC Notes: Allen, Gipson, Raiders, Heuerman

May 15th, 2015 at 12:25pm CST by Zachary Links

After tight end Dwayne Allen didn’t initally report to the Colts‘ voluntary offseason program, a text message from head coach Chuck Pagano was enough to get him to show up, as Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star outlines. Allen is heading into a contract year and figures to seek a new deal with the team.

Here’s more from across the AFC:

Browns cornerback Joe Haden acknowledged that fellow defensive back Tashaun Gipson is upset about the contract tender he received from the team, but said Gipson will be in attendance for Cleveland’s mandatory minicamp and training camp (Twitter link via Pat McManamon of ESPN.com).
The Raiders seem unsatisfied with their safety depth, Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com writes. Oakland gave an offer sheet to restricted free agent Sean Richardson earlier in the offseason, but the Packers matched to retain him. Then, this week, Oakland put a waiver claim in on D.J. Swearinger but they were behind the Bucs (and the Jags, who also placed a claim) in the pecking order. The Raiders do have some quality depth at the position, but their actions have made it clear that they want more.
Broncos rookie tight end Jeff Heuerman hasn’t signed yet but he eventually will, despite his knee injury, per Troy Renck of the Denver Post (on Twitter). Recently, the Jaguars completed their deal with Dante Fowler Jr. after the No. 3 overall pick suffered his own season-ending injury.
Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com is excited to see what diamonds in the rough might emerge at the Chargers‘ rookie minicamp after last year produced Branden Oliver, Tenny Palepoi, and Chris Davis.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

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