West Notes: Raiders, 49ers, Cardinals
NFL executive Eric Grubman sounds as if he’s skeptical of Oakland’s ability to put an offer on table to keep the Raiders, Jerry McDonald of the Bay Area News Group writes. “I have been to Oakland many times over the last four or five years,” Grubman said. “Each time I’ve gone there I’ve heard that the promise is right around the corner of a master development of that parcel that will include substantial proceeds from a developer, a third party, fourth party or multiple-party developers. I’ve heard that for three or four years and it hasn’t been produced and we have now lost all that time, the time has shrunk. No results have been produced. That, to me is going backward, because the time has shrunk but the probability hasn’t gone up.” Here’s more on the Raiders’ stadium situation and other items from the West divisions..
- Oakland mayor Libby Schaaf told Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle (Twitter links) that she last spoke with Grubman on Tuesday. She added that she has a potential meeting with Roger Goodell to discuss the Raiders when she’s in New York in early June.
- Mark Davis doesn’t want to share a stadium with the 49ers because he feels that his Raiders would play second fiddle to the building’s primary tenants, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle writes. “There’s not going to be a No. 1 team and No. 2 team” in Carson, he said. “There’s going to be two No. 1 teams, if in fact that’s how it happens (referring to the Chargers-Raiders partnership). We’re designing it together. We’re making all the decisions together.… “San Francisco did a phenomenal job of getting something done in California — on their own. To finance a stadium and get it built. And you give them a lot of credit. But it’s not a Raider type of area. It’s just not going to work for the Raiders.”
- Things are wide open when it comes to the Cardinals‘ third quarterback battle and it’s a race worth watching, Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com writes.
Extra Points: Brown, Wilkerson, Raiders
The NFL and NFLPA recently reached a settlement that capped the number of unsigned veterans who can participate in tryouts at rookie minicamp to five players, sources tell Alex Marvez of FOX Sports. The financial compensation for participating veterans was one of the NFLPA’s concerns, and that apparently outweighed the upside of deals coming together for players like Josh Morgan, who signed with the Saints after an impressive tryout during rookie minicamp. Here’s more from around the NFL..
- The Patriots had free agent cornerback Tarell Brown in for a visit today, a team source tells Mike Reiss of ESPN.com (on Twitter). This is the second time that the Pats have hosted Brown for a visit.
- Jets owner Woody Johnson didn’t make it sound like a new deal for Muhammad Wilkerson is coming anytime soon, as Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post writes. “We’re continuing to have dialogue sporadically, but it’s got to be something that works for both sides,” Johnson said.
- The Raiders are open to selling a minority stake in the team to a Bay Area company if that company can help fill the $400MM stadium financing gap that currently exists, Peter Schrager of FOX Sports tweets.
- Washington proposed that roster cuts should go from a 90-man roster to a 53-man roster, but that idea was voted down, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter).
- With 49ers defensive lineman Justin Smith retiring in May, he has more than $2.1MM in unearned signing bonus money, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes. The 49ers could try and recoup that money, but they might feel indebted to Smith after he restructured his deal in 2013. Meanwhile, the former defensive end known as Cowboy says he checked out 49ers rookie minicamp and he might want to “dip my toe into coaching” after a couple years, Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com tweets.
- Saints receivers coach John Morton probably had some input in the signing of wide receiver Lance Lewis, who spent last year under Morton on the 49ers’ practice squad, Evan Woodbery of The Times Picayune tweets. Earlier today, New Orleans signed Lewis and dropped kicker Shayne Graham.
- The release of Graham leaves the Saints on the hook for his $10K signing bonus, Woodbery notes (on Twitter). The team’s dead money total has now risen a tad, from $21.67MM to $21.68MM.
Extra Points: Tebow, Smith, Falcons
Can Tim Tebow find success with the Eagles? Former teammate Eric Decker seems to think so. “Chip’s been doing a lot of stuff this year, so I think anything’s possible,” Decker, now with the Jets, told Manish Mehta of the Daily News. “Really, (Tebow) can create his own role. I know he wants to be head quarterback, but he can create a role for himself that can help a team in many ways (whether it’s) the two-point conversion if it’s moved up or a goal-line package. He has the athletic ability to be a personal punt protector… and can play other positions. They’ll figure out a way to utilize him if it’s going to help them be a better football team.” Here’s more from the NFC..
- Justin Smith told reporters, including Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group (on Twitter), that the left side of his body hasn’t been responding well as of late. “If you don’t have the tools, you can’t do the job. It’s time to go,” said the 49ers defensive end, who walked away from the game of football earlier today.
- The Falcons rearranged their front office this winter, giving more responsibility to new head coach Dan Quinn and assistant GM Scott Pioli while taking some duties away from GM Thomas Dimitroff. So far, owner Arthur Blank is happy with how things have worked out, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com writes. “I think it’s working great,” Blank said. “There is tremendous respect both ways. They’re working off each other; playing off each other’s strengths. They’re both good listeners to each other and to others. And I think the dynamic has worked out as well as anybody could have possibly thought. I think Thomas and Scott have worked beautifully together as well. So I’m very happy with all of that.”
- Buccaneers defensive tackle Clinton McDonald says fellow DT Henry Melton is a great addition to the defense and will help the Bucs get to the quarterback, Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com tweets.
Minor Moves: Monday
Today’s minor moves..
- The Buccaneers have signed safety Derrick Wells, according to Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com (on Twitter). The Lehigh, Florida native was one of the players in attendance for the team’s rookie mini-camp.
- The Cowboys welcomed back fullback Tyler Clutts on a one-year deal and cut Jed Collins, as Todd Archer of ESPN.com tweets. Clutts joined the Cowboys late in 2013 and played in every game last season, helping DeMarco Murray to an NFL-high 1,845 yards.
- The Giants removed Thomas Gordon from their injured reserve with an injury settlement, Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun tweets.
- The Patriots have said goodbye to Cameron Gordon and Devin Gardner, Wilson tweets. Gardner was a former quarterback at Michigan and was looking to transition to wide receiver in the NFL.
- Washington signed linebacker Alonzo Highsmith while waiving Brey Cook, James Gayle, LaKendrick Ross, wide receiver Tyler Rutenbeck, and quarterback Connor Halliday, as John Keim of ESPN.com tweets. Halliday’s release was just formality after he abruptly announced his retirement from football.
- The Saints announced the signings of linebacker Henry Coley, kicker Zach Hocker, offensive lineman Antonio Johnson, wide receiver Josh Morgan, and wide receiver Kyle Prater, as Larry Holder of The Times-Picayune tweets. To make room, offensive lineman Doniel Gambrell, guard Andrew Miller, and linebacker Stephon Sanders were shown the door while New Orleans waived/injured receiver Malcolme Kennedy (link).
- The Titans announced (on Twitter) that they have agreed to terms with tight end Tevin Westbrook and outside linebacker Dezmond Johnson. Running back Lache Seastrunk and outside linebacker Dontay Moch were waived.
- The Toronto Argonauts signed former NFL linebacker Brian Rolle, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Rolle, 27 in November, was drafted by the Eagles in the sixth round of the 2011 draft. His last NFL gig was with the Steelers, who signed him on a futures/reserve contract in 2013. Meanwhile, the Argos said goodbye to wide receiver Mike Thomas and safety David Sims, who both have had multiple stops in the NFL (link).
- Wide receiver/kick returner DeShon Foxx has agreed to terms with the Seahawks, accoridng to Wilson (on Twitter).
- The 49ers signed Mylan Hicks and Justin Renfrow, according to Wilson (on Twitter).
- The Seahawks signed Earnest Pettway and Charles Tuauu, according to Wilson (on Twitter).
- The Chiefs cut Curtis Feigt with a non-football injury designation, Wilson tweets.
49ers’ Justin Smith To Retire
After months of speculation, the 49ers announced that defensive end Justin Smith has decided to retire.
Smith spent the last seven years in San Francisco after a seven-year stint with the Bengals. From his rookie season through 2014, he appeared in 221 total regular season contests, racking up 87 total sacks and earning spots in five consecutive Pro Bowls from 2009 to 2013. Last year, in his age-35 season, Smith totaled five sacks (giving him 87 for his career) and Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked him the NFL’s 11th-best 3-4 defensive end out of 47 qualifiers.
“Tough. Physical. Durable. Hard-working. Dedicated. Selfless. Justin embodies each of those qualities and brought even more with him to work each and every day,” said 49ers CEO Jed York in the press release. “Whether it was chasing down a wide receiver and forcing a fumble to seal a win, or driving a tackle back into the quarterback’s chest, he gave everything he had every play. Justin has earned the respect of the entire NFL community and he will always be remembered as one of the 49ers all-time greats.”
The former No. 4 overall pick has the unique distinction of having been named an Associated Press All-Pro at two different positions in the same year. In 2011, he ws named as a first-team defensive tackle and a second-team defensive end. Smith was also named Second-Team All-Pro at defensive tackle and defensive end in 2012.
During his career, Smith started 217 of 221 games played, including a streak of 185 consecutive starts from his rookie season through December of 2012. He finished his career with 1,370 tackles, 87.0 sacks, 16 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries, three interceptions and 30 passes defensed.
Justin Smith To Announce Decision Today
Justin Smith has made a decision about his future, but it’s not clear which way he’ll be going. The 49ers defensive end tells Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee (on Twitter) that the verdict is in and an announcement is expected to come from the team later today. Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (Twitter link) adds that the news could come down at 1pm PT (3pm CT/4pm ET).
On Thursday, 49ers GM Trent Baalke said that he hoped to get a better grasp on Justin Smith‘s future on Friday. At the time, it sounded like the team didn’t gain any clarity on his decision. “As of right now, there’s not [any additional clarity on his situation],” coach Jim Tomsula said. “[Friday] morning, we were working and meeting and doing our thing. The guys were lifting. Then we came out here. So, no, I haven’t seen or talked to him.”
Smith has indicated that if he does come back, it would probably be for only one more season. Some speculated that the 49ers picking Oregon defensive lineman Arik Armstead was a sign that Smith was set to call it quits but, since Smith doesn’t intend on being around beyond 2015 anyway, that draft choice meant very little in terms of the veteran’s future. Smith has been the 49ers’ top defensive lineman since he arrived in free agency in 2008, but he has battled injuries in recent years, including a triceps injury in 2012 and a shoulder injury in 2013.
In 2014, his age-35 season, Smith totaled five sacks (giving him 87 for his career) and Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked him the NFL’s 11th-best 3-4 defensive end out of 47 qualifiers.
West Notes: Chiefs, Smith, Cardinals
The Chiefs have an interesting class of rookies at their three-day minicamp, as Dave Skretta of The Associated Press. Kansas City’s group includes a Star Wars expert, the son of wrestling superstar Sting, and a player who beat cancer. While you get to know the newest prospective members of the Chiefs, here’s a glance at the AFC and NFC West..
- On Thursday, 49ers GM Trent Baalke said that he hoped to get a better grasp on Justin Smith‘s future on Friday. That didn’t exactly happen, as Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com writes. “As of right now, there’s not [any additional clarity on his situation],” coach Jim Tomsula said. “[Friday] morning, we were working and meeting and doing our thing. The guys were lifting. Then we came out here. So, no, I haven’t seen or talked to him.” Tomsula added he has not scheduled a meeting with the 14-year NFL veteran.
- Rookie quarterback Dylan Thompson went undrafted two weeks ago, but he stands as the third quarterback on the 49ers‘ roster. Tomsula sees a bright future for the young signal caller, Maiocco writes. “He’s a collected individual. He’s got those, you talk to him, there’s the intangibles. Then you watch the tape. This guy can throw a football around. He spins it. We’re excited about him. We really are.”
- Cardinals coach Bruce Arians sees an outstanding future for third-round running back David Johnson. “Very, very bright,” Arians said of Johnson, according to Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic. “The kid can do anything as far as a wide receiver, running back, fullback. He will find a niche quick because he can learn so much.”
49ers Sign Arik Armstead
The 49ers announced that they have signed first-round pick Arik Armstead, as Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets. The defensive end was selected with the No. 17 overall pick.
Armstead comes from a family of high-level athletes. His father, Guss, was a basketball player at Sacramento State. His brother Armond, meanwhile, played football at USC and enjoyed a stint with the Patriots.
Armstead took a major leap forward from 2013 to 2014, according to NFL.com’s Mike Mayock. Armstead already has great size for the position at 6’7″ and 292 pounds, but Mayock writes that he can still add more bulk to his frame. At the same time, he’s also fairly raw and may need time before he’s a major contributor at the next level.
NFC Notes: Collins, J. Smith, Giants, Davis
In a piece for TheMMQB.com, Robert Klemko details La’el Collins‘ unusual draft journey, from the death of his former romantic partner Brittany Mills to his decision to sign with the Cowboys. Klemko’s story is full of interesting details, including a reveal that, despite telling teams their client would refuse to sign and would re-enter the 2016 draft if he was selected on Day 3, Collins’ agents were probably bluffing.
“We can put it on the record now: We were never going back in the draft,” Rick Smith of Priority Sports said of waiting for the 2016 draft. “If someone had drafted him, we would’ve had a long, long discussion about it, but at the end of the day you can’t go back in the draft. He could get injured, gain weight, or 10 great tackles could come out. Too many risks.”
Smith also revealed that a team – one that had already drafted four offensive lineman – told Collins’ camp it planned to select him in the seventh round, but ultimately decided against it after being informed again by Smith that it would be a waste of a pick. As Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk notes, the only team that drafted four offensive linemen was the Rams.
Here’s more on Collins, along with a few more items from around the NFC:
- Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link) has the specific details on Collins’ three-year, $1.599MM contract with the Cowboys, which includes a $21K signing bonus.
- Speaking on Thursday to Pro Football Talk, 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said he should have “more of a feel” for defensive end Justin Smith‘s future today, per Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. Smith has been mulling either returning for another season or retiring, and is expected to make his decision soon.
- Jordan Raanan of NJ.com passes along signing bonus and salary info for the Giants‘ undrafted free agent class. The team’s biggest UDFA investment was Tulane offensive lineman Sean Donnelly, who received $15K in guaranteed salary, along with a $15K signing bonus.
- Asked again about his contract negotiations with the Panthers, linebacker Thomas Davis referred to those talks as “a work in progress,” though he expressed optimism that “it’ll eventually get done.” Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer has the full quotes and details.
- Defensive tackle Josh Brent has decided to end his playing career, but that doesn’t mean his ties to the Cowboys will be severed, according to David Moore of the Dallas Morning News, who writes that owner Jerry Jones plans to continue to support Brent in different ways.
49ers Sign Nine Draft Picks
The 49ers announced they have signed nine of their ten draft picks. That group includes second round safety Jaquiski Tartt but does not include first round defensive end Arik Armstead.
Tartt, third-round linebacker Eli Harold, third-round tight end Blake Bell, third-round running back Mike Davis, fourth-round wide receiver DeAndre Smelter, fifth-round punter Bradley Pinion, sixth-round lineman Ian Silberman, seventh-round lineman Trent Brown, and seventh-round tight end Rory Anderson.
Tartt, 23, played in 44 games and totaled 277 tackles, six interceptions, 20 passes defensed and 6.5 tackles for loss in his career. The Samford product was named American Football Coaches Association FCS All-America team and Second-Team AP All-America in his senior season.