NFL Reserve/Futures Contracts: 1/2/18
Here are the latest reserve/futures contract signings from around the NFL. These deals will go into effect on the first day of the 2018 league year, with players joining their respective clubs’ offseason 90-man rosters:
Arizona Cardinals
- WR Carlton Agudosi
- DT Peli Anau
- CB Jarell Carter
- OLB Vontarrius Dora
- CB Jonathan Moxey
- WR Rashad Ross
- DT Pasoni Tasini
- RB Darius Victor
- OL Josh Allen
- LS Drew Williams
Baltimore Ravens
Chicago Bears
- OL Travis Averill
- WR Demarcus Ayers
- DB Doran Grant
- WR Mekale McKay
- OL Will Pericak
- TE Colin Thompson
Cincinnati Bengals
Dallas Cowboys
- WR Brian Brown
- WR K.D. Cannon
- T Jarron James
- S Jameill Showers
- DT Joe Vellano
- CB Marquez White
- RB Trey Williams
Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers
- WR Jake Kumerow
- WR Colby Pearson
- TE Robert Tonyan
- LS Zach Triner
- WR DeAngelo Yancey
Eric Reid Discusses Free Agency
Eric Reid looks set to become a UFA for the first time. The fifth-year safety’s 49ers contract expires after Week 17, and should the former first-round pick hit the market, he’ll be doing so at age 26 and with five seasons of full-time starter work. However, Reid is aware his protest participation over the past two years could play a role in his market.
“I wouldn’t use the word ‘concerned.’ I’d say I understand that that’s a possibility,” Reid said, via Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, when asked about his potential UFA market diminishing because of his participation in the Colin Kaepernick-led protest movement. “And I’m completely fine with that. The things that I’ve done, I stand by. And I’ve done that for my own personal beliefs. Like I said I’m fine with whatever outcome comes because of that.”
49ers To Retain DC Robert Saleh
Robert Saleh hovered behind Gus Bradley and Vic Fangio in the 49ers’ search for a new defensive coordinator this offseason, but the first-time DC’s performance will ensure the franchise doesn’t look to upgrade that spot after the season.
Saleh will stay on as DC for 2018, Kyle Shanahan said (via Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com).
“Yeah, there’s no doubt about that,” Shanahan said, on 49ers Game Plan, of Saleh returning to the DC role next season. “Robert has been great. I think he’s gotten better throughout the year, and I think he’ll be even better next year. Robert has a great future ahead of him. And I feel very fortunate that he’s the coordinator for the Niners.”
The former Jaguars linebackers coach has the 49ers in a better spot defensively than they were a year ago. The 49ers rank 22nd in total defense and 23rd in scoring defense. While not exactly upper-echelon placements, they allowed the most points and yards in the league last season under Jim O’Neil.
Fangio looks to be headed out of Chicago, with his contract set to expire, and the new San Francisco regime wanted to bring him back to the Bay Area in January. The Bears blocked that move, leading to the Saleh hire. Instead, Saleh switched the 49ers to a 4-3 scheme. And a younger defense has shown signs of improvement. Saleh appears to have ensured the 49ers won’t pursue Fangio again this offseason.
Lynch Focused On Building Around Garoppolo
The 49ers have won every game that Jimmy Garoppolo has started this season. However, general manager John Lynch knows that the team’s priority this offseason must be to surround his new signal caller with better talent, reports Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk.
NFL Workout Updates: 12/21/17
Today’s workout updates, with all Twitter links via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle and veteran NFL reporter Howard Balzer:
Arizona Cardinals
- WRs Harvey Binford, Rashad Ross, Brandon Zylstra; DBs Jonathon Mincy, Kacy Rodgers (link)
Cincinnati Bengals
- OL Gabe Ikard, Max Rich, Austin Shepherd, Jerry Ugokwe (link)
Cleveland Browns
- RB Kelvin Taylor; DT Jimmy Staten; LB Max Bullough; CBs Makinton Dorleant, Demetrius McCray, Sheldon Price; DBs James Sample, Earl Wolff (link)
Dallas Cowboys
- WRs K.D. Cannon, Dezmin Lewis, Tevaun Smith; LBs Tyrell Adams, Arthur Miley; DBs Jeremy Boykins, Marcus Cromartie, Marqueston Huff, Ezra Robinson (link)
Denver Broncos
- TE Gavin Escobar; DTs Paul Boyette, Will Sutton; LBs Houston Bates, Jayrone Elliott, Connor Harris, Marcus Rush; DBs Rickey Jefferson, Jordan Moore, J.R. Nelson, D’Joun Smith, Malik Smith (link)
Detroit Lions
- CB Jarnor Jones (link via Balzer)
Houston Texans
- DE Kasim Edebali; DT Rickey Hatley; DB Tracy Howard (link)
Kansas City Chiefs
- TE Marcus Lucas (link)
New Orleans Saints
- WR Diontae Spencer (link)
New York Giants
- QB Brandon Burge; WR Nick Demski; OL Freddie Burden; DBs Malik Golden, Ed Reynolds (link)
New York Jets
- G Greg Pyke (link via Balzer)
Pittsburgh Steelers
- RB James Summers (link)
San Francisco 49ers
- TE Brandon Barnes; OL Erik Austell; DT Euclid Cummings; LB Chris Casher; CB Shaq Richardson (link)
Seattle Seahawks
- RBs Kalif Phillips, Jalen Simmons (link)
Shanahan Not Against 1st-Round RB Picks
- The 49ers did not have Leonard Fournette as a top-three player in this past draft, leading to the Solomon Thomas selection. Kyle Shanahan attempted to douse any rumors he’s against taking running backs with a high pick, saying certain backs are worthy of that draft slot. However, the first-year coach’s comments may be interpreted as having an emphasis on making the correct evaluation of a later-round back rather than investing a Round 1 choice on one. “It’s been proven that you can get guys (running backs) later,” Shanahan said, via Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. “But that by no means makes it that I’m going to say we’re never going to draft a running back high. … A big-time running back, whether it’s Fournette; whether it’s Adrian Peterson, who was a top-10 pick; whether it was Terrell Davis in the sixth round; whether it’s David Johnson, I think was a third-rounder; Le’Veon Bell, I think was a second-rounder. All those guys are worth top-five picks, but they were all found in different places.” The 49ers are currently in position to hold the No. 4 pick, and Penn State’s Saquon Barkley could put the team to a decision.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/20/17
Here are today’s practice squad moves.
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: C Gabe Ikard
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: CB Trovon Reed
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: WR Devin Lucien
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/16/17
Here are today’s minor moves:
Buffalo Bills
- Signed off Raiders‘ practice squad: CB Breon Borders
San Francisco 49ers
- Promoted to active roster: CB Tyvis Powell
NFL Workout Updates: 12/15/17
Today’s workout updates, with all links going to veteran NFL reporter Howard Balzer’s Twitter account:
New York Giants
- LB Tyrell Adams (link)
New York Jets
- Ts Korren Kirven, Javarius Leamon (link)
San Francisco 49ers
49ers Shut Down Trent Brown
The 49ers will place Trenton Brown on injured reserve, coach Kyle Shanahan announced on Friday. The tackle will miss the team’s final three games. 
[RELATED – 49ers Rumors: Garoppolo, Ward, Reid, Tartt]
With little to play for this season, it was the logical move for the Niners. The team views the right tackle as a cornerstone of the offensive line and it is expected that they will discuss an extension with him in the offseason. Brown’s current deal is slated to expire after the 2018 campaign.
Brown, 25 in April, ranks as Pro Football Focus’ No. 19 ranked tackle. His 84.7 pass block grade is eight amongst all players at his position, though his 50.3 run blocking score leaves something to be desired.
Left tackles earn more money than their counterparts on the right side, but we’ve seen some right tackles cash in with big contracts in recent years. Eagles veteran Lane Johnson leads all RTs with a deal averaging $11.25MM per year. This past offseason, Ricky Wagner pushed the market with his five-year, $47.5MM free agent deal in Detroit.