Charles Johnson: 'Hate Factor' Played Role in Spurning Bucs
Some assorted notes from around the NFL to wrap up the weekend…
- Following a 2015 Al Jazeera America documentary that linked multiple players to PED use, the NFL is still planning on interviewing those players about the accusations, reports ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). Schefter lists Steelers linebacker James Harrison and Packers linebackers Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers, although the documentary also linked free agent linebacker Mike Neal and former tight end Dustin Keller.
- With the Chargers and rookie Joey Bosa still engaged in a stare down over the defensive end’s contract, the third-overall pick’s mother has taken to Facebook with some interesting comments. “It bums me out for him so much,” she wrote (via Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union Tribune). “Wish we pulled an Eli Manning on draft day.” Manning, of course, forced his way out of San Diego after being selected with the top pick in the 2004 draft.
- The Eagles have a need at linebacker, leading Philly.com’s Zach Berman to agree with the team’s reported pursuit of free agent Stephen Tulloch. The 31-year-old has a natural connection to the team, as he previously played for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. “I have a lot of respect for that guy and his production,” Schwartz said. “Whoever is out there that can improve our team, whether it’s a guy like ‘Tully’ who is unsigned or guys that are on other teams . . . we’re going to watch preseason games and be looking at the waiver wire, who might be cap casualties.”
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Charles Johnson spent his entire career with the Panthers, so it was a bit odd for the veteran to visit the Buccaneers, his longtime division rival, when he was a free agent this offseason. In fact, the veteran admitted that his battles against the Bucs played a role in him spurning the organization to return to the Panthers. “Don’t get me wrong, because Tampa has a great organization, but it was awkward playing against them so many years,’’ Johnson told ESPN.com’s David Newton. “You really have a hate factor for them and it was just really awkward.’’
Bucs Waive O-Lineman Signed This Week
- The Buccaneers waived offensive lineman Caylin Hauptmann, the team announced on its Twitter account. The Bucs, after signing Hauptmann earlier this week, waived him with a “left squad” designation, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times tweets.
Buccaneers’ George Johnson Done For Season
The Buccaneers announced that defensive end George Johnson is done for the season and going on injured reserve, as Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times tweets. Johnson went down during Thursday’s practice with an injury that has yet to be disclosed, though Jenna Laine of ESPN.com hears that it’s a hip fracture. 
[RELATED: Buccaneers Not Shopping QB Mike Glennon]
The Bucs acquired Johnson and a seventh-round pick from the Lions last offseason in exchange for a fifth-round choice. Initially, the Buccaneers signed the defensive end to a three-year, $9MM offer sheet as a restricted free agent, but the Lions contested the proposal, arguing that they did not have to match de-escalators in the latter years of the deal since the RFA rules were ambiguous in that area. Without those de-escalators, the Lions only would have had to give Johnson a $7MM deal to retain him. Ultimately, however, the two teams were able to work something out.
An undrafted free agent in 2011, Johnson originally signed multiple contracts early in his career with the Buccaneers, and spent parts of the next two seasons with the club. He was quietly effective in 2014, appearing in all 16 games for the Lions and earning a positive grade from Pro Football Focus (subscription required), largely thanks to his excellent pass-rushing acumen. Last year, Johnson appeared in 11 games for the Bucs, tallying 23 tackles and two forced fumbles.
To fill Johnson’s spot, the Bucs have signed defensive end Martin Ifedi. The 6’3′, 275-pound athlete spent part of last season on Tampa Bay’s taxi squad and was with the team this offseason until being waived in May.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Buccaneers Not Shopping QB Mike Glennon
The Buccaneers are not shopping quarterback Mike Glennon, nor have they gotten any calls on him as of late, a source tells Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (on Twitter). A report earlier today indicated that Glennon is a potential trade target for the Cowboys as they look to fill Kellen Moore‘s role, but Dallas has apparently yet to inquire on him. 
Glennon is currently slotted in as the backup to Jameis Winston on the Bucs’ depth chart with Tulane product Ryan Griffin as the team’s No. 3 QB. Griffin has yet to see live action, so the Buccaneers aren’t necessarily in position to part with him. Glennon, a former third-round draft choice, has not played since 2014.
The Bucs reportedly turned down a second-round pick for Glennon in March, though GM Jason Licht denies rumblings that he was looking for a first-round selection in order to part with the 6’7″ signal caller. In any event, the Bucs are not currently shopping Glennon, despite having conversations about him with other teams in the earlier stages of the offseason. By extension, we can say that there is nothing in motion with the Cowboys and the QB, though things could change quickly. For what it’s worth, Cowboys VP Stephen Jones told reporters this afternoon that the team has spoken with the agent for Nick Foles.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Cowboys Interested In Nick Foles, Other QBs
2:30pm: The Cowboys are considering other free agent options, including Jimmy Clausen, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter).
For what it’s worth, the Bucs reportedly are not shopping Glennon, nor have they received calls on him as of late.
2:08pm: Cowboys executive Vice President Stephen Jones said the Cowboys have been in talks with the agent for free agent quarterback Nick Foles, as Todd Archer of ESPN.com tweets. However, the team is looking at multiple options to replace Moore. Jones said the Cowboys want to sign a backup QB “sooner rather than later,” but they want to get it right too.
1:47pm: The Cowboys are one of a handful of teams in on Foles, sources tell Mike Garafolo of NFL Network (on Twitter). He could sign somewhere as early as today, Garafolo adds.
9:15am: The Cowboys are back in the market for a veteran quarterback. Following Kellen Moore‘s ankle fracture, the Cowboys are considering Nick Foles as an option and discussing trades for other QBs, according to Ed Werder of ESPN.com. Josh McCown of the Browns and Buccaneers QB Mike Glennon could also be considered by Dallas. 
[RELATED: Cowboys QB Kellen Moore Suffers Injury]
Recently, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shot down the notion that the Cowboys would contact Foles, saying that the club would instead turn to its internal options. However, Moore’s injury has changed everything. With Tony Romo‘s primary backup sidelined, Dallas is left with only rookie Dak Prescott and 2015 UDFA addition Jameill Showers. If the Cowboys still intend on the recovering Romo taking every third practice session off, they’ll need to add a capable QB quickly.
McCown‘s status with the Browns has been in some dispute with some reports indicating that the club would only trade McCown if they received a tremendous offer. Meanwhile, other roster projections have had McCown left off of the 53-man roster. After waiving Connor Shaw earlier this summer, the Browns now field Robert Griffin III, McCown, Austin Davis, and third-round rookie Cody Kessler on their depth chart, as Roster Resource shows. McCown was thought to be a trade candidate earlier this offseason, with the Broncos among the teams that reportedly expressed interest. If Cleveland ends up releasing McCown, the team would save nearly $3.4MM on its salary cap.
Glennon, the backup to Jameis Winston, has not played since 2014 and was speculated as a trade target for quarterback-needy teams this spring. The 2013 third-round pick is entering his contract year and may view the Cowboys as a team that would give him a better chance to play given Romo’s health issues. The Bucs reportedly turned down a second-round pick for Glennon in March.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Buccaneers Sign Caylin Hauptmann
- The Buccaneers have agreed to terms with offensive lineman Caylin Hauptmann, agent Sean Stellato tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link), who notes that Hauptmann is the only player in NFL history with two Super Bowl rings despite never having played in a game. To create a roster spot for Hauptmann, Tampa waived quarterback Dan LeFevour, according to Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times (Twitter link).
Could Bucs Be Landing Spot For Roddy White?
- Florio also adds the Buccaneers to the list of potential landing spots for White. The writer cites the receiver’s relationship with head coach Dirk Koetter, who was previously the Falcons offensive coordinator.
[SOURCE LINK]
Buccaneers Try Out OT Caylin Hauptmann
- The Buccaneers auditioned free agent offensive tackle Caylin Hauptmann on Thursday, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. Hauptmann, 25, has garnered just one NFL appearance, which came back in 2013 as a member of the Seahawks. He has also spent time with the Browns and Patriots organizations.
Buccaneers Cut One CB, Add Another
- The Buccaneers have cut cornerback Joel Ross, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). They’ve also been awarded corner Daniel Davie off waivers from the Colts, per Wilson.
Buccaneers Waive Garrett Gilkey, Sign Joel Hale
- Center Garrett Gilkey has been waived by the Buccaneers with a failed physical designation, tweets Roy Cummings of FanRag Sports. Gilkey appeared in all 16 games for Tampa Bay in 2014, starting one contest. To fill his roster spot, the Bucs have signed offensive lineman Joel Hale.