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Spring League To Debut In 2017

December 22nd, 2016 at 4:25pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

We’ll have a spring football league in 2017, but, despite previous reports to the contrary, this particular venture will not be run by the NFL. The same person behind the now-defunct Fall Experimental Football League will spearhead a league which consists of four teams comprised of veteran free agents. The league will conduct practices and play six games from April 5 through April 26. Players who are currently on NFL rosters will not be eligible to participate.

The FXFL kicked off in 2014 and ceased to exist in 2015. It was not a fiscal success, but the minor league football operation did showcase a few players who signed NFL deals, like quarterbacks Josh Freeman and Jake Heaps. At its launch, commissioner Brian Woods said that his goal was for the FXFL to partner with the NFL as a feeder league. That did not happen and it is not clear whether that is the aim of this new spring league.

For its part, the NFL is continuing discussions with coaches, players and the competition committee regarding a developmental league of its own, per CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora (Twitter link). As of last month, the NFL Players Association was reportedly “lukewarm, at best” on the idea of a spring league, but longtime defensive back Troy Vincent – now the NFL’s head of football operations – has been pushing for one. The concept has also drawn support from fellow heavy hitters like Seahawks general manager John Schneider, Colts GM Ryan Grigson and two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Tom Coughlin, who now works for the NFL.

SiriusXM NFL Radio (Twitter links here) first passed along the news of the new league. Mike Florio of PFT first reported (via Twitter) that this league is not affiliated with the NFL.

Extra Points: Salary Cap, NFL D-League, Rams

December 14th, 2016 at 9:46am CST by Zachary Links

NFL teams were informed this week that the the per-team salary cap for 2017 is projected to be $166MM to $170MM, Tom Pelissero of USA Today Sports tweets. That’s an increase from the $155.27MM cap figure this year. A previous report indicated that the cap would range from $163MM-$165MM, but it appears that league revenue will push that number even higher.

Here’s more from around the NFL:

Coaching Notes: Bowles, Fisher, Kelly

December 7th, 2016 at 8:43pm CST by Ben Levine

Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News defends Todd Bowles, saying the second-year Jets head coach should be given at least another season at the helm. Furthermore, he notes that firing Bowles could create a toxic environment, comparing that scenario to the Cleveland Browns.

“Woody needs to stay the course,” a league executive told Mehta. “He can’t be switching this every two years, because (the coaching vacancy) would become unattractive for a lot of coaches. He doesn’t want to have that job that’s turning over every two years. He’s got to give Bowles another shot.”

In his one-plus seasons in New York, Bowles has compiled a 13-15 record.

Mehta also reports that the Jets gave one-year extensions to position coaches prior to the season, although “it’s a near certainty” that some of those assistants won’t stick around.

Let’s check out some other coaching notes from around the NFL…

  • Meanwhile, Jets wideout Brandon Marshall pointed to his former organization, the Bears, when explaining why the team shouldn’t fire Bowles. “No, I would hope not,” Marshall told Darryl Slater of NJ.com. “How did that work out for Chicago? Sometimes, you blow up stuff, and you feel like that’s the answer. And it’s not. That’s one of the reasons why football is so terrible in the NFL these days, is because there’s so much turnover…And it’s not just football at this level. People expect guys to win right away. You bring in a new regime, and they say you have a year or two to do it. You need time to build things. You need chemistry.” 
  • The Rams have been widely criticized for giving extensions to coach Jeff Fisher and GM Les Snead, but Snead says the new deals mean the team has “unfinished business” to address. “First of all, what it means is, we’re not satisfied with where we’re at. We’ve got unfinished business,” Snead said, according to Rich Hammond of the Los Angeles Daily News. “We think we can get this thing tipped, and that’s our goal. That’s where all the energy is spent. You’re not going to sleep until it gets done. We have great fans and we’ve been supported. It’s unbelievable. Any time you’re having a disappointing season, you feel for the fans first, because they come and they spend their energy and passion, and we’ve got to do a better job.”
  • Despite the team’s 1-11 record, 49ers receiver Torrey Smith is convinced that head coach Chip Kelly will be sticking around. “He ain’t going anywhere anyways,” Smith told Eric Branch of SFGate.com. “I don’t think it’s a situation where guys are really concerned about that.”

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Jets Notes: Hackenberg, Garoppolo, Raymond

December 2nd, 2016 at 3:30pm CST by Zachary Links

The Jets have a lot of questions to answer at the quarterback position and, at the same time, there are lots of question marks about second-round pick Christian Hackenberg. Hackenberg hasn’t played in any games this season and remains something of a mystery to the Jets.

“I think he’s a developmental player at this point, and there is a lot of talent there. The sky is the limit. But we don’t know yet,” offensive coordinator Chan Gailey said (via Darryl Slater of NJ.com).

Gailey says that Hackenberg has grown in practice, but it is strange that he has not been mentioned as an option in a year where three other QBs have started for the Jets. The Jets could go in a number of directions this offseason, but elevating Hackenberg to starter probably isn’t a viable option.

Here’s more on the Jets:

  • Jimmy Garoppolo would be the perfect quarterback for the Jets, but Patriots coach Bill Belichick would never let Gang Green have him, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News opines. Garoppolo is expected to be dangled this offseason and could fetch a high price for the Pats in a trade. However, the Patriots know better than to let their divisional rivals get a promising 25-year-old quarterback. As Mehta notes, Garoppolo’s value is enhanced by an uninspiring 2017 quarterback draft class that will likely include Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer, North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky and Clemson’s DeShaun Watson. Also helping his value is that he is due to make only $820K in 2017. In 2018, the team that has him could apply the franchise tag and hold off on giving him an expensive long-term deal.
  • The Jets tried to sign wide receiver Kalif Raymond off of the Broncos’ practice squad last week, Mike Klis of 9News tweets. To keep him, Denver bumped his salary. Then, today, they promoted him to the 53-man roster.
  • Yesterday, Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis responded to the retirement rumors surrounding him.

PFR Social Media Feeds By Team

December 2nd, 2016 at 10:40am CST by Zachary Links

We’ve detailed how you can follow Pro Football Rumors on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or using an RSS reader to ensure that you receive all of our updates, 365 days a year. If you prefer to only receive news about your favorite NFL team, PFR has you covered. Below are links to our Facebook, Twitter, and RSS pages and feeds for all 32 teams.

AFC East

AFC North

AFC South

AFC West

NFC East

NFC North

NFC South

NFC West

Transactions only: Twitter / RSS

Extra Points: Mexico, Saints, Packers, Broncos

November 22nd, 2016 at 9:10pm CST by Zachary Links

Could Donald Trump’s campaign promises affect the NFL’s games staged in Mexico? The league says that won’t be the case.

“I’m a firm believer that any international focus requires you to manage within the political climate that exists,” NFL executive vice president/International Mark Waller told Alex Marvez of The Sporting News. “You can’t control what government is or is not in place. Our job irrespective of that is doing everything we can do to expand the popularity of our sport.”

The NFL estimates that it has 28.3 million fans in Mexico with 9.9 million categorized as “hardcore” supporters. The league does big business south of the border and hopes to grow the fanbase going forward.

Here’s more from around the NFL:

  • The Saints added Kevin O’Dea as an assistant coach to help with their struggling special teams, as Christopher Dabe of The Times-Picayune writes. “I think when you have some struggles in an area immediately I think the reaction is people want heads to fly,” Payton said. “I think for us, it’s about bringing in someone that can help. I think [special teams coordinator] Greg [McMahon] and [special teams assistant] Stan [Kwan] and those guys, this is a low-ego business. We want to win, and that’s the most important thing. So a guy like Kevin I think can help us. He was fired up. He got in here (Monday) afternoon.”
  • Packers inside linebacker Blake Martinez is expected to miss multiple games with an MCL sprain, a source tells Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The fourth-round pick has started nine games for Green Bay this year.
  • The Broncos placed a claim on running back Ronnie Hillman, tweets Mike Klis of 9News in Denver (via Twitter). The 25-year-old was waived by the Vikings yesterday and landed on the Chargers today.

Ben Levine contributed to this report.

Minor NFL Transactions: 11/22/16

November 22nd, 2016 at 8:41pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor NFL signings, cuts, and other moves..

  • The Bengals announced that they have formally cleared defensive tackle Brandon Thompson – previously on the PUP list – to return to practice. They now have an open spot on the roster. Thompson has spent four-plus seasons in Cincinnati, appearing in 39 games.
  • The Falcons announced the signing of punter Matt Wile to the 53-man roster. The deal could be a sign that Matt Bosher‘s hamstring will cause him to miss games. Before coming to Atlanta, Wile had contracts with Carolina and Dallas. He was a kicker at Michigan and a hopeful NFL kicker, but he’ll be punting for the Falcons.
  • The Jets signed wide receiver Jeremy Ross and waived linebacker Taiwan Jones. This marks the third time that the Jets have signed Ross in 2016. If the speedy wideout takes over return duties, the Jets could look to utilize C.J. Spiller in the running game.
  • The Lions announced that they have waived wide receiver Corey Fuller. The 2013 sixth-round pick had 18 catches for 288 yards over two-plus seasons in Detroit.
  • The Chargers have promoted cornerback Trovon Reed from the practice squad, the team announced. The former Auburn standout has yet to make an NFL appearance. The defensive back will be taking the roster spot of defensive tackle Brandon Mebane, who was placed on the injured reserve today.
  • The 49ers have promoted safety Vinnie Sunseri from the practice squad, reports Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (via Twitter). The former Alabama star last played in the NFL with the Saints in 2014. The 25-year-old will be taking the roster spot previously held by Eric Reid, who was placed on the injured reserve today.

Zach Links contributed to this report.

Execs Pushing For Marijuana Policy Update

November 13th, 2016 at 7:26pm CST by Sam Robinson

As the nation continues to see states legalize recreational and medicinal marijuana, the NFL could be headed in the same direction. One of flexibility, that is.

Several owners and ownership sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL.com the issue of marijuana punishment looks set to become a key issue over the next few years and as the next CBA negotiations take shape. Those surveyed want more research done regarding this issue and many of those anonymously questioned would prefer to see lighter punishments involving weed, with two of the sources wanting suspensions for marijuana wiped out and replaced only with fines.

A “groundswell” of support exists for reducing suspensions for marijuana, one of the sources told Rapoport. Suspensions of Josh Gordon and Randy Gregory have raised awareness of this issue, and several league execs want owners to “follow the country” on the relaxation of weed-induced penalties. Seven NFL teams play in states where recreational marijuana use is legal, with more playing in states where medicinal usage is. The league’s current stance appears draconian by comparison, although it’s progressed to some degree in recent years.

The NFL in 2014 raised the threshold for what it takes to be suspended for marijuana. Two- and four-game fines now precede a suspension once in the drug program, something with which Washington left tackle Trent Williams became familiar earlier this season.

With the national consensus moving away from the stricter penalties of the past, many decision-makers around the league are ready to discuss this further. However, what exactly will be done remains a mystery and an alteration here might not be imminent.

“Medical experts have not recommended making a change or revisiting our collectively bargained policy and approach related to marijuana,” an NFL spokesman said, via Rapoport.

The NFLPA, though, is forming a committee to study the effects of marijuana for pain management.

Latest On NFL’s Marijuana Policy

November 10th, 2016 at 9:50pm CST by Dallas Robinson

As of Tuesday’s elections, 28 states now allow some sort of medicinal marijuana use, but that doesn’t mean the NFL and the players’ union will come together on any near-term alterations to the league’s drug policy, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com. However, the NFLPA will continue to convene a “pain management committee” that will evaluate the effects of marijuana on health.

Privately, at least three owners have stated support for medical marijuana, especially in contrast to other medication — such as painkillers — that are often abused, reports Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). Officially, however, the NFL doesn’t sound ready to make any changes to its current stance.

“We continue to follow the advice of leading experts on treatment, pain management and other symptoms associated with concussions and other injuries,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy said. “However, medical experts have not recommended making a change or revisiting our collectively-bargained policy and approach related to marijuana, and our position on its use remains consistent with federal law and workplace policies across the country. If these advisers determine a change would be in the best interest of our players, we would discuss it.”

As Seifert notes, a recent ESPN survey found that nearly two-thirds of current NFL players believe that lessening the penalties associated with marijuana use — or perhaps, eliminating discipline for the drug altogether — could help reduce excessive painkiller usage.

NFC Notes: Romo, Cousins, Eagles, Saints

November 9th, 2016 at 7:16pm CST by Ben Levine

Tony Romo ran the scout team for 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills during today’s Cowboys practice, and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com says (via Twitter) this a clear indication that the quarterback won’t be active this weekend. However, there is optimism for Romo’s return, as the 36-year-old was listed as a full participant in practice for the first time this year.

For what it’s worth, Romo’s teammates were excited for his return.

“He looks great,” linebacker Sean Lee told ESPN.com’s Todd Archer. “I mean he looks like he hasn’t missed a beat. His ability to throw the ball, I always say I’ve been here seven years and I haven’t been near a football when he goes against us just because of how great he is with this eyes, how quick he is with his release. It’s amazing taking the time off, he looks fantastic, like he hasn’t missed any time.”

Let’s take a look at some other notes from the NFC…

  • As the Eagles look to fill their final roster spot, coach Doug Pederson told Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com that wideout Paul Turner or cornerback Aaron Grymes could be possible candidates for the opening (Twitter link). Grymes, a former CFL standout, has been on the Eagles’ practice squad since late October. Turner, an undrafted free agent out of Louisiana Tech, has been on the practice squad all season.
  • Before signing linebacker Sam Barrington earlier today, the Saints looked at a handful of defenders. According to Nick Underhill of The Advocate (via Twitter), the team worked out linebackers James-Michael Johnson, John Lotulelei, Casey Matthews, and Jason Trusnik.
  • The Redskins final eight games will not only determine their playoff fate, but they’ll also determine quarterback Kirk Cousins‘ future in Washington, writes ESPN.com’s John Keim. Since the team is seeking consistency from their signal-callers, Keim takes a look at Cousins’ potential performances against his upcoming opponents.
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