Los Angeles Chargers Rumors & News - Pro Football Rumors

AFC Notes: Pats, Gregory, Bolts, Steelers, Jets

April 10th, 2015 at 9:28pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler went from a little-known name to a Super Bowl hero when his late-game interception of the Seahawks’ Russell Wilson helped New England earn its fourth championship in February. Now, with the departure of star corner Darrelle Revis, Butler will have a chance to make a full-season impact in 2015. One of Butler’s teammates, linebacker Chandler Jones, believes he’s up to the task.

“I know you guys only heard of Malcolm Butler during the whole Super Bowl thing and that big play, but Malcolm has been making plays for us the whole season in practice, and he’s been getting good looks for us,” Jones said, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “So I’m excited for him to step up as one of the impact players as well.”

Here’s more from around the AFC:

Nebraska pass rusher Randy Gregory will visit the Chargers on Saturday, and Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune writes that the team has to weigh the risk and reward of drafting the 22-year-old. Gregory is already in the NFL’s substance-abuse program for a failed drug test at the combine, but he is worth the Chargers’ first-round pick (17th overall) based on talent alone. Gregory says his past issues are behind him and he is “focused” on his dream to play in the NFL. The Chargers will have an opportunity to gauge his sincerity this weekend.
Gregory will visit the Steelers next week, according to Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter).
The Jets will visit with Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty early next week, tweets Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. Petty could be a target for the Jets in the second round (37th overall).
In the unlikely event Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers hits the trading block, Bills general manager Doug Whaley will do everything in his power to land the five-time Pro Bowler, according to Joe Buscaglia of WKBW (Twitter link).

West Notes: Barksdale, Dunkley, Vincent

April 10th, 2015 at 11:43am CST by Luke Adams

As teams attempt to expand their prospect visit itineraries, here is some early-afternoon news from the western divisions.

Offensive tackle Joe Barksdale paid a visit to the Titans this week, but according to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Twitter links), the veteran free agent left Tennessee without a deal, and the Rams remain in the mix for him.
Missouri defensive tackle Lucas Vincent has a workout today with the Chiefs, according to Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (Twitter link). Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun passes along word of another local workout, tweeting that the Broncos are taking a look at Colorado State-Pueblo defensive lineman Josh Bredl.
Also from Paylor (via Twitter): cornerback prospect DeVante Bausby is attending the Chiefs’ local pro day. A longtime starter at Division II power Pittsburg State, Bausby attended high school in Kansas City, Kan.
South Florida cornerback Chris Dunkley will trek to the 49ers‘ and Chargers‘ facilities this week, respectively, according to the Tampa Bay Times’ Greg Auman on Twitter. The converted wide receiver who also returned kicks for the Bulls previously visited the Patriots and Bills.
In addition to lining up summits with DeVante Parker and Sammie Coates, the 49ers will also meet with Ohio State wide receiver Devin Smith next week, per Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. ESPN’s Todd McShay rates the ex-Buckeyes deep threat as his 34th-best prospect (subscription required). The 49ers have also had discussions with wideouts they’d have to trade up to draft in Amari Cooper and Kevin White, reports Barrows.

Sam Robinson contributed to this report

AFC West Notes: Chiefs, Chargers, Raiders

April 9th, 2015 at 7:51pm CST by Zachary Links

The Chiefs could have training camp battles at several positions, writes Adam Teicher of ESPN.com. At center, third-year player Eric Kush is the favorite to replace Rodney Hudson, but as Teicher notes, it’s unlikely that Kansas City will hand Kush, who has appeared in only three games during his career, the starting job without competition. As such, it’s possible that the club could bring in other options, either through the draft, where Florida State’s Cameron Irving is the top available center, or through free agency, where former Raiders Stefen Wisniewski remains unsigned.

Let’s take at look at some draft news from the rest of the AFC West:

Central Michigan wide receiver Titus Davis is visiting the Chargers today, according to U-T San Diego’s Michael Gehlken (on Twitter). The wideout ran a 4.51 second 40-yard-dash at the combine and is projected as a third-to-fifth round choice given this year’s deep wide receiver class. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter) is hearing a lot of mid-round buzz on Davis.
The Raiders will be bringing in cornerback Travis Lee for a visit, according to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (via Twitter). Pauline views the Miles College product as a sleeper in this year’s class.
UConn defensive lineman B.J. McBryde is visiting the Chiefs today, according to Pauline (on Twitter).
Chargers running backs coach Ollie Wilson spent 1-on-1 time with a handful of prospects before their pro days, including Jay Ajayi of BSU and Matt Jones of Florida, according to Gehlken (on Twitter).

Dallas Robinson contributed to this post.

Draft Notes: Gregory, Sambrailo, Hundley

April 9th, 2015 at 5:43pm CST by Zachary Links

Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory, once viewed as a top-10 pick, could fall toward the late first round after his failed drug test. Now, the top-five talent could drift into the early 20s, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). He’ll be evaluated extensively given the concerns, but his agent tells Cole that tons of teams are highly interested in him. The Saints are viewed by many as the most likely destination for him at No. 13 but the Lions, Bengals, and Colts could all be interested if he falls further. The latest draft news..

When all is said and done, Colorado State tackle Tyler Sambrailo will have met with or worked out for the Colts, Buccaneers, Seahawks, Broncos, Falcons, and Chargers, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter). The 6’5″, 311 pound athlete is considered to be one of the top offensive linemen in this year’s class. Teams like his versatility and ability to play at either tackle position or on the inside and at least one team told Caplan (link) that they’ve worked him out at center.
The Cardinals will host UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley for a visit next week, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Rapoport (link) adds that Hundley has auditioned for the Bengals, Eagles, and Jets. Given the widespread interest in him, Hundley stands as something of a wildcard as we approach the draft.
The Vikings, Colts, and Giants are all “in love” with Arizona State safety Damarious Randall, according to Matt Miller of Bleacher Report (video link). Miller previously had Randall rated in the second round but he could find his way into the first thanks to his budding interest.
More from Miller, who says that Oregon defensive lineman Arik Armstead will not fall further than the middle of the first round. While he’s a boom-or-bust player, the Dolphins, 49ers, and Texans are all high on him and all pick in the middle of the first.
The Vikings “love” Michigan State shutdown cornerback Trae Waynes, according to Miller. He checks all the boxes for Mike Zimmer‘s defense and while Miller sees him as a late first round guy, Minnesota could make a play for him earlier on.

Extra Points: Tillman, Talib, Los Angeles, Peterson

April 8th, 2015 at 10:30pm CST by Luke Adams

Let’s take a look at some assorted notes from around the league as we wrap up this Wednesday night…

Former Bears cornerback Charles Tillman visited the Panthers earlier this evening, reports ESPN.com’s Jeff Dickerson (via Twitter). The reporter notes that the two sides have yet to discuss a contract.
Rebecca Lopez of WFAA-TV in Dallas reports (via Twitter) that Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib is being investigated for aggravated assault earlier this morning. The 29-year-old’s brother, Yaqub, is also being investigated by police. According to ESPN.com’s Jeff Legwold, the pair were questioned by police early Wednesday, but no one was arrested.
Addressing a rumor going around, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (Twitter link) dismisses the notion that the Eagles have any real interest in acquiring Johnny Manziel. According to Cole, the Browns tossed out the idea in a conversation with Philadelphia, but it didn’t gain any traction. Of course, Cleveland also reportedly offered the Eagles a first-round pick for Sam Bradford.
In an extensive and interesting piece, Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times examines nine potential outcomes for an NFL move to Los Angeles, including scenarios in which multiple teams relocate and scenarios in which just one of the Rams, Chargers, or Raiders makes the move.
The NFL submitted it’s appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court regarding Adrian Peterson, according to USA Today’s Tom Pelissero (via Twitter). Once it’s filed, the NFL Player’s Association will have 14 days to respond. As Pelissero notes (via Twitter), the appeal “has more to do with precedent than Peterson,” adding that the running back could realistically be reinstated regardless of the outcome.
Count Reggie Bush among those who are rooting for Australian rugby star Jarryd Hayne to make the 49ers. The running back expressed his confidence to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. “I’m sure he’ll make it, I don’t think there’s any doubt in anybody’s mind he’ll make the roster,” Bush said. “He has all the talents and athleticism to be able to play in this league and to be able to play at a high level in this league…I think making the team is actually the least of his worries.”

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

Draft Notes: Patriots, Browns, Titans

April 8th, 2015 at 9:20pm CST by Ben Levine

We’ve already passed along plenty of news pertaining to prospect workouts today, including those visiting the Buccaneers and Ravens. There have been some additional rookie visits reported throughout the evening, and you can find that information below…

Following his meeting with the Buccaneers, Marcus Mariota is in Tennessee to presumably meet with the Titans this evening, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). The reporter adds that the quarterback is set to meet with the Chargers a week from tonight.
Samford safety Jaquiski Tartt worked out for the Patriots today at South Alabama, sources tell Matt Miller of Bleacher Report (Twitter link). Tartt is considered a probable mid-round pick.
Defensive end/linebacker Andrew Hudson has scheduled a visit with the Browns, reports agent Brett Tessler (via Twitter). We learned earlier this evening that the former Washington Husky was also meeting with the Buccaneers.
Louisville outside linebacker Deiontrez Mount is set to meet with the Titans on Thursday and Friday, according to Terry McCormick of 247sports.com. As the writer notes, Mount was a versatile member of the Cardinals defense, playing outside linebacker, inside linebacker, defensive tackle and defensive end.
Miami offensive tackle Ereck Flowers will meet next week with the Browns, Panthers and Washington, according to Fox Sports’ Alex Marvez (on Twitter). There’s been speculation that Flowers could be the first tackle off the board during this year’s draft.

Extra Points: Peterson, Jimbo, Mariota, Draft

April 7th, 2015 at 10:28pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is not expected to face any further discipline when he comes off the commissioner’s exempt list, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. For Peterson, being clear of any more punishment was a key goal of today’s meeting with league officials in New York, per Rapoport. Peterson is eligible to be reinstated next Wednesday.

Here’s more from around the NFL:

Appearing on Pro Football Talk Live, Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher told Mike Florio that he’s received interest from NFL teams in the past, allowing that he “would never say never” to a pro opportunity. With a NCAA title under his belt, and a history of developing quarterbacks, it’s unsurprising that NFL clubs would inquire as to Fisher’s availability.
Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, having already worked out for the Titans privately, will meet with Tennessee again on Thursday, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com (Twitter link).
The Dolphins are assessing collegiate linebackers, writes Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, going as far as to send linebackers coach Mark Duffner to spend private time with Clemson’s Stephon Anthony. Miami has also met with Georgia’s Ramik Wilson and Anthony’s teammate, Vic Beasley, and have had several conversations with Utah State’s Zach Vigil, a potential late-round pick, says Jackson.
Purdue tight end Gabe Holmes, who has already drawn interest from the Cardinals and Raiders, will work out for the Dolphins on Friday, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
Searching for a replacement for Mike Iupati, the 49ers have scheduled an official visit for Utah guard Jeremiah Poutasi which will take place later this month, writes Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.
Both the city and county of San Diego independently voted to pay the cost of hiring consultants with stadium experience as they look for a new home for the Chargers, according to David Garrick of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Chargers Pick Up Ingram’s 2016 Option

April 7th, 2015 at 3:49pm CST by Luke Adams

3:49pm: Ingram’s fifth-year option for 2016 will be worth $7.751MM, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.

3:45pm: The Chargers have exercised their fifth-year option for linebacker Melvin Ingram, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (via Twitter). The option will keep Ingram under contract with the team through the 2016 season.

As part of the league’s current Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams hold fifth-year options for first-round draftees, allowing the club to lock up their former first-rounders for an extra year. The exact amount of the option for Ingram, 2012’s 18th overall pick, isn’t yet known, but for 2015, the figure for linebackers is $7.038MM. As such, Ingram’s salary for 2016 figures to be a little higher than that.

Ingram, who turns 26 later this month, has had a hard time staying on the field for the Charger during his first three seasons with the team, playing just 29 regular season games. In 2014, a hip injury sidelined him for seven games, as he spent nearly half the season on injured reserve with the designation to return. In the nine games he did play, Ingram was effective as a pass rusher, recording 26 overall quarterback pressures, including four sacks. He also forced a pair of fumbles.

Extra Points: A. Smith, Draft, Lions, Eagles

April 6th, 2015 at 10:43pm CST by Dallas Robinson

After being released by the Raiders on March 31, defensive lineman Antonio Smith received a phone call from the Broncos just hours later, according to Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post. Smith, who agreed with Denver on a one-year deal worth $2MM, is pleased to be joining a contender. “I am excited. Every piece that you need is on this team, and I know what [the coaching staff] can do with a good quarterback and good offense,” said Smith. “It will be a dangerous combination. I believe wholeheartedly we have a chance of making the last dance.”

Let’s take a look at some more notes from around the NFL…

Utah defensive back Eric Rowe is flying up draft boards, and while he’s already worked out for the Eagles, he has another workout planned with the Lions, per Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net. The Packers are also interested, per Pauline, but they haven’t scheduled a visit.
We heard earlier tonight the Cowboys will visit with Arizona State safety Damarious Randall, and Pauline reports that the Lions and Falcons will do so, as well.
Oklahoma cornerback Julian Wilson has worked out for the Eagles and Patriots and is scheduled to work out for the Falcons, league sources Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. At the NFL scouting combine, Wilson ran a 4.58 40-yard-dash and had a 36-inch vertical leap.
Wake Forest cornerback Kevin Johnson will is expected to visit the Cowboys, according to Wilson (Twitter link), who adds that Johnson has already worked out for Chargers, Falcons, and Eagles, and will work out for the Ravens, Patriots, and Cardinals. Per Wilson (link), Johnson also had a dinner meeting with the Steelers.
Using his expected contract value metric, Bryce Johnston of Over the Cap examines the free agent contracts handed out to quarterbacks this offseason.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

NFL Won’t Vote On LA Proposals For 6 Months

April 6th, 2015 at 10:06pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Though a total of three clubs have produced two plans for stadiums in Los Angeles, — the Rams have proposed a location in Inglewood while the Chargers and Raiders have announced a joint proposal for a stadium in Carson — the NFL isn’t likely to vote on either project for at least six months, according to Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times.

NFL executive Eric Grubman, who had lead the LA efforts, confirmed the league won’t vote on the issue at the owners’ meeting next month. “…[T]here’s been an awful lot of progress made on the two sites in Los Angeles, and it’s beginning to be tangible,” said Grubman. “But the fact is we’re not planning for a vote in May or any time soon. We have a process. It’s deliberate. There are steps that need to be taken, and I think that’s much more likely to be later in this calendar year at the soonest.”

Per Farmer, Grubman presented the latest on the LA situation to NFL owners last month in Phoenix, and he’ll do the same in San Francisco next month. Proponents of both the Inglewood and Carson plans will brief the owners on their respective proposals. But the league won’t vote on anything until both design and financing plans are finished, and a temporary stadium has been decided upon. As such, a vote isn’t likely until later this year, possibly in October or November.

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