49ers Trim Roster To 75 Players
The 49ers have reduced their roster count to 75 players in advance of tomorrow’s deadline, announcing a series of transactions today in a press release.
The club placed offensive lineman Daniel Kilgore on the reserve/PUP list and receiver DeAndre Smelter on the reserve/NFI list, meaning both players will be sidelined for at least six weeks. Additionally, wideout Dres Anderson and linebacker Desmond Bishop were placed on injured reserve, which will end their respective seasons, barring an eventual injury settlement.
The 49ers also waived the following players:
- K Corey Acosta
- LB Steve Beauharnais
- CB Mylan Hicks
- T Sean Hooey
- WR Mario Hull
- WR Chuck Jacobs
- WR Nigel King
- LB Shawn Lemon
- FB Trey Millard
- DL Lawrence Okoye
Extra Points: Brooks, Dead Money, Quarterbacks
Let’s take a look at a few stories from around the NFL as this Friday comes to a close:
- Ahmad Brooks was accused of assault back in May, and was officially charged with sexual battery earlier this week. The 49ers have not made a decision yet on whether they will retain the embattled linebacker, and the NFL is dragging their feet on making a decision as well. The league could choose to place him on paid leave or the commissioner’s exempt list while his legal situation gets sorted out, writes Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.
- As teams continue to trim down their rosters on the way to coming up with the best 53 players, it is fun to remember all the players who have already been cut or traded during recent offseasons who are still a burden to the salary cap. The Saints pace the league in dead money with 20% of their cap tied up, led by Jimmy Graham, Ben Grubbs, Junior Galette, and Curtis Lofton, per Spotrac.com. The Bengals sit on the other side of the spectrum, only having .57% of their cap devoted to players no longer on the roster.
- While teams like the Bills, Browns, and Jets might still have uncertain quarterback situations, the likelihood of finding a starter on the trade market in late August isn’t very high, writes Zac Jackson of Pro Football Talk. The precedent isn’t there, and even when players get traded this time of year, it is rarely for anything more than a backup. Brett Favre being traded to the Jets is the exception, but special circumstances surrounded that ordeal in Green Bay.
Niners GM: No Decision Yet On Ahmad Brooks
Within the last year, the 49ers have cut multiple impact defenders – Ray McDonald and Aldon Smith – following repeated legal run-ins. However, the team has yet to make a decision on whether or not to follow suit with Ahmad Brooks, the latest Niner to face charges. For now, Brooks remains on the roster, but is away from the club indefinitely.
“Ahmad is still a member of this team,” 49ers general manager Trent Baalke told reporters today, including Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. “We excused him from team activities to get on top of this … Obviously, when you’re in a situation like this, it’s important that you get back to your family. It’s also important for him to start taking care of business on his end. And it’s our job to stay focused here on what we need to stay focused on
Brooks, who is facing a sexual battery charge, was accused of assault and battery, false imprisonment, and infliction of emotional distress by the same alleged victim in the McDonald case. The accusation against Brooks came about following a defamation lawsuit McDonald filed against his accuser in March.
At the time, McDonald was a free agent and claimed the woman defamed him and interfered with his livelihood as he struggled to find his next team. In a cross complaint filed in May, she alleges that Brooks “groped her person in a sexual manner” when she was passed out from hitting her head. Having known about Brooks’ alleged involvement since May, the 49ers knew the charges would likely be coming.
“The one thing that we have to realize is this is not a new matter,” Baalke said. “This is a new development within that matter. Our players are well aware of the consequence that go along with their actions and are supportive of it. But they also understand that every situation is different.”
In 2014, Brooks arrived at 49ers’ camp out of shape and was benched twice during the season for off-the-field actions. This year, there was some speculation that his legal situation, coupled with the presence of young linebackers, could put Brooks on the roster bubble. Now that charges have been filed, with roster cutdowns around the corner, the team will soon have to make a decision one way or the other on the outside linebacker.
West Notes: Chancellor, Seahawks, 49ers
You have questions about Kam Chancellor‘s holdout with the Seahawks and Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times has answers. Condotta notes that there is precedent for a player coming back to the team after holding out deep into training camp – former Jaguars star Maurice Jones-Drew held out for 38 days in 2012 before coming back and playing the season. It seems quite possible that the two sides could work something out, but the Seahawks are afraid of setting a dangerous precedent and it is unlikely that the safety will get everything he is asking for. Here’s more out of the West divisions..
- The Seahawks refuse to do anything to Chancellor’s contract, one league source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. At this point, Florio believes the only questions remaining are whether Chancellor will cave and whether the Seahawks will waive all or part of daily fines in the amount of $30K.
- Niners fullback Bruce Miller continues to be under review for discipline under the NFL’s policy on personal conduct more than two months after pleading no contest to disturbing the peace, a source told Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. Miller, 28, a four-year NFL veteran, has started 42 of the 61 career games in which he has appeared. On Wednesday, 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks was charged with sexual battery.
- It took nearly six months, but Broncos GM John Elway properly repaid his Hall of Fame quarterback for giving back $4MM in salary with the blockbuster signing of Evan Mathis on Tuesday, Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post writes. Mathis, 33, figures to bring the kind of experience and skill that Denver’s offensive line desperately needs. Without Manning’s paycut, the deal would not have been possible for the Broncos.
- In a mailbag on Wednesday, a reader asked Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post if Montee Ball be in danger of being traded by the Broncos. Renck isn’t ready to say that Ball is on his way out of Denver, but he says that he has to make a strong impression on coaches for the remainder of the preseason.
Brooks Charged, McDonald Indicted
7:18pm: 49ers GM Trent Baalke issued a statement regarding Brooks (via Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports on Twitter):
“The organization is aware that a misdemeanor charge has been filed against Ahmad Brooks stemming from a December 2014 matter. We take any charge against a member of this organization seriously and are in communication with the NFL. Ahmad is returning home to California and will not participate in Saturday’s game.”
6:55pm: A district attorney has charged 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks with sexual battery, according to court reporter Tracey Kaplan (on Twitter). Meanwhile, a grand jury has indicted Ray McDonald on rape. McDonald was indicted on one count of rape of an intoxicated person, Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee tweets.
Brooks was accused of assault and battery, false imprisonment and infliction of emotional distress by the same alleged victim in the McDonald case. The accusation against Brooks came about following a defamation lawsuit McDonald filed against his accuser in March. At the time, McDonald was a free agent and claimed the woman defamed him and interfered with his livelihood as he struggled to find his next team. In a cross complaint filed in May, she alleges that Brooks “groped her person in a sexual manner” when she was passed out from hitting her head.
Last season, Brooks came to camp out of shape and during the season he was benched twice for off-the-field actions. This year, there was some talk that his legal situation coupled with the presence of young linebackers could put him on the roster bubble. Now that charges have been filed, Brooks’ stay with San Francisco could be coming to an end.
McDonald signed a one-year contract with the Bears earlier this offseason, with team ownership expressing confidence in the defensive lineman’s character after some initial apprehension. The NFL cleared McDonald of any violation of the league’s personal conduct policy relating to an August, but had yet to make a decision on a December sexual assault accusation. When the 30-year-old was arrested yet again in May, the Bears acted swiftly and released him. Not long after that, McDonald was arrested again for violating a restraining order.
Chicago’s agreement with McDonald was a modest $1.05MM deal that didn’t include any guaranteed money, so they were able to drop him without financial penalty. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), McDonald was the league’s 12th-best 3-4 defensive end in 2014, grading well both against the run and as a pass rusher. Over the last four regular seasons as the 49ers’ starting left defensive end, McDonald racked up 14.5 sacks, 153 tackles, five forced fumbles, and a safety. As of today, McDonald’s football future is very much in doubt.
NFC Notes: 49ers, Walsh, Vikings, Lions
Despite suffering three concussions during his two years in the league, 49ers safety Eric Reid said he hasn’t thought about retiring. The comments come after former teammate Chris Borland hung up his cleats due to concerns over brain trauma.
“No. Not at all,” Reid told Eric Branch of SFGate.com. “Every guy has to evaluate their decision, whether it’s a concussion, whether it’s an ankle sprain, a torn ACL. With any injury, you have to evaluate yourself and make a personal decision.”
Let’s check out some more notes from the NFC…
- 49ers nose tackle Mike Purcell is set to play a bigger role this season, and Branch notes that the former undrafted rookie is going to have to adjust to the spotlight. “I just want to stay humble and keep working,” said the 24-year-old. “My goal right now is to show I can do it back-to-back.”
- Vikings kicker Blair Walsh missed three field goals during last night’s game, and Matt Vessel of the Star Tribune says the team should definitely be concerned about the position. Walsh inked a four-year extension with Minnesota in July.
- Even with the emergence of Vikings rookie receiver Stefon Diggs, Vessel believes Marcus Sherels‘ roster spot is still secure. The writer cites the player’s production on both the kick and punt return units.
- Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn could very well be a backup for the Vikings, notes Vessel. However, even with the veteran’s $3.45M salary, the writer believes the team should retain their depth.
- Jermelle Cudjo has been a revelation during Lions camp, and ESPN.com’s Michael Rothstein says the player is ready for an opportunity. “I’m just hungry, you know,” Cudjo said. “Sitting out last year, having a chip on my shoulder and I just want to come out here and blessed with the opportunity to showcase my skill.”
Extra Points: Brees, Mathis, Seahawks
Let’s take a look at the latest from around the NFL as Saturday comes to a close…
- Saints quarterback Drew Brees spent two months working with coach Tom House to improve poor throwing mechanics that came as a result of an oblique injury last year, ESPN’s Ed Werder tweeted. “There was a lot I needed to fix,” said Brees (Twitter link). Despite the injury, Brees still appeared in all 16 games in 2014 and completed over 69 percent of his passes for 4,952 yards, 33 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.
- Free agent guard Evan Mathis’ visit with the Seahawks on Saturday went well, according to Fox Sports’ Mike Garafolo (via Twitter). While a signing doesn’t appear imminent, Garofalo tweeted that Seattle will remain an option for the two-time Pro Bowler.
- Although 49ers safety Eric Reid has suffered three concussions during his first two NFL seasons, ex-teammate Chris Borland‘s offseason decision to retire over head-trauma concerns didn’t tempt Reid to do the same. “No. Not at all,” Reid said, per Eric Branch of SFGate.com. “Football is a violent sport, but you know what you sign up for when you put those shoulder pads on. I agree with certain aspects of it. I disagree with certain aspects of it. But you have to respect his decision either way. I’ve had concussions and I’m still here. I still love the sport. I think I’m still very healthy.”
- One of the main focuses of the Steelers’ Keith Butler is making sure his defense is unpredictable. Butler, who’s taking over for longtime defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, is loath to call Pittsburgh a 4-3 or 3-4 team. “We are not strictly anything,” he said, according to Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “We just can’t be a 3-4 team and can’t just be a 4-3 team. I don’t think you can get around that. Offenses are multiple, so you have to do what you have to do to stop them. In order to do that, you try to match up your people with their people.”
NFC Links: Saints, Washington, 49ers, Eagles, Lions
Here are some notes from the NFC just before Week 2 of the preseason continues.
- Before Washington agreed to a trade for 49ers tight end Derek Carrier, the Saints and Bears were interested in doing the same, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The Saints, in particular, now have a need at tight end, with 34-year-old Ben Watson possibly serving as their starter while the player previously thought to be ready to replace Jimmy Graham, Josh Hill, having an uneventful camp, per Katherine Terrell of NOLA.com.
- Despite Nick Toon‘s struggles in training camp, the fourth-year receiver with just 21 career catches should make the 53-man roster, Terrell opines. She views R.J. Harris as a developmental player New Orleans hopes to have on its practice squad.
- The Saints scribe, however, doesn’t view Anthony Spencer as a lock to make the roster with his health again serving as a deterrent. The veteran edge presence carries a $230K dead-money charge.
- Carrier’s arrival represents one of the reasons Chris Cooley‘s last-ditch attempt to return to Washington is over, writes JP Finlay of CSNMidAtlantic.com. Aside from the fact Washington GM Scot McCloughan said Cooley would not be re-signed, the veteran’s inability to play special teams would get in the way of a potential return.
- In what’s become a rebuilding look in San Francisco, the 49ers are building toward the future with their two summer trades, writes Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. A source told Maiocco they insisted on acquiring 2017 draft choices in trades of Andy Lee to Cleveland and Carrier to Washington and now have nine picks in that draft. Maiocco also posits the team could trade a defensive lineman for a pick before roster cutdown day. With three compensatory picks projected, the 49ers have 12 selections in next year’s draft, along with two fifth- and seventh-round selections in 2017.
- Safety Earl Wolff‘s waived/injured distinction will likely play out with the third-year performer receiving an injury settlement rather than going through to the Eagles‘ injured reserve, offers Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer (on Twitter).
- Zach Zenner is pushing George Winn for the Lions‘ fourth tailback job behind Joique Bell, Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick, writes Kyle Meinke of MLive.com. Winn’s special teams value could still win out after Pro Football Focus ranked him as Detroit’s third-best special-teamer last year, but Zenner has shown more upside as a runner, per Meinke.
Washington Acquires Derek Carrier From 49ers
5:33pm: According to Barrows (via Twitter), the pick the 49ers acquired from Washington in the Carrier swap is for 2017, not 2016. Meanwhile, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that the Bears and Saints were also in the mix for Carrier before the Niners shipped him to D.C.
5:05pm: The 49ers have traded a tight end for the second time this week, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, who reports (via Twitter) that Washington has acquired Derek Carrier from San Francisco. The Niners will get a fifth-round pick in exchange for Carrier, per Barrows.
On Tuesday, armed with a ton of tight end depth, the 49ers sent Asante Cleveland to the Patriots in exchange for offensive lineman Jordan Devey. At the time, Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com reported that both Cleveland and Carrier had been receiving trade interest, and since neither player was viewed as a lock to make San Francisco’s roster, it makes sense that they’d be traded.
Carrier, 25, saw his first real regular-season action on offense last year for the Niners, appearing in 11 games and grabbing nine balls for 105 yards. In Washington, he’ll have a clearer path to playing time, as the team will be without Niles Paul and Logan Paulsen this season — both players have sustained season-ending injuries during the preseason.
For their part, the 49ers will be hoping Carrier gets plenty of playing time in Washington. According to Barrows (via Twitter), the fifth-round pick San Francisco gets in the deal is a conditional selection. So if Carrier doesn’t reach certain thresholds for playing time and production, the Niners figure to get a lesser pick.
More Minor NFL Transactions: 8/18/15
Earlier today, we rounded minor signings, cuts, and other transactions from around the league. Here’s the latest batch..
- The Giants announced that they have claimed defensive tackle Jimmy Staten off waivers from the Seahawks and waived rookie defensive tackle Carlif Taylor, Ralph Vacchiano of the Daily News tweets.
- The Jets announced that they have acquired tight end Arthur Lynch off waivers from the Dolphins. Lynch was the fifth-round pick (No. 155 overall) of Miami in the 2014 draft out of Georgia. He had 56 career receptions for 907 yards and eight touchdowns for the Bulldogs and was an All-Southeastern Conference first-team selection as a redshirt senior.
- The Raiders announced that they have signed free agent receiver Devon Wylie. Wylie, originally drafted by the Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft, appeared in six games during his rookie campaign, recording six receptions for 53 yards.
- Offensive tackle Chris Martin, who was waived by the Dolphins recently, was awarded to Patriots, Wilson tweets. Martin, who is 6’5″ and 305 pounds, has had two prior stints with the Patriots.
- The Patriots cut tight end Logan Stokes, Wilson tweets.
- The Saints will sign defensive tackle David Hunter, according to Brett Martel of The Associated Press (on Twitter). Hunter joins New Orleans after DT Austin Brown went down with an injury.
- The Lions released David Ausberry with an injury settlement, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (via Twitter).
- The Lions waived/injured center Darren Keyton, Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com tweets.