Cowboys Trim Roster To 53
The Cowboys navigated the busy cut week and moved down to the 53-man limit. Here are the players Dallas removed from its roster to reach the regular-season standard.
Released:
- S Robert Blanton (story)
- T Emmett Cleary
- RB Ronnie Hillman
- QB Luke McCown (story)
- QB Kellen Moore (story)
Waived:
- DE Richard Ash
- DE Woody Baron
- RB Brandon Brown-Dukes
- WR Brian Brown
- C Ross Burbank
- CB Dejaun Butler
- DT Jordan Carrell
- T Clay DeBord (injury settlement)
- G Kadeem Edwards
- LB Keenan Gilchrist
- CB John Green
- WR Karel Hamilton
- P Sam Irwin-Hill
- DT Joey Ivie
- TE Blake Jarwin
- WR Andy Jones
- LB Joseph Jones
- DE Lenny Jones
- WR Lance Lenoir
- DE Darnell Leslie
- LB Lamar Louis
- TE M.J. McFarland
- DE Lewis Neal
- WR Uzoma Nwachukwu
- CB Sammy Seamster
- S Jameill Showers
- G Dan Skipper
- G Nate Theaker
- CB Marquez White
- LS Zach Wood
Placed on Reserved/Suspended list:
- DE David Irving
- DE Damontre Moore
Placed on IR:
- RB Duke Thomas
Minor NFL Transactions: 1/31/17
Tuesday’s minor moves:
Reserve/Futures Contracts
Baltimore Ravens
- DB Otha Foster
- LB Boseko Lokombo
Dallas Cowboys
- WR Quincy McDuffie
- WR Uzoma Nwachukwu
ERFA Re-Signing
Pittsburgh Steelers
- RB Fitzgerald Toussaint (Twitter link via Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com)
Seahawks’ Roster Now At 53
The Seahawks haven’t officially released their moves today, but as Curtis Crabtree of KJR noted (Twitter link), the club has listed their transactions on their official team depth chart.
Cut:
- G Jahri Evans (story)
- FB Will Tukuafu
- DT Brandin Bryant
- TE Clayton Echard
- QB Jake Heaps
- LB Steve Longa
- WR Douglas McNeil III
- WR Uzoma Nwachukwu
- WR Kasen Williams
- RB Troymaine Pope
- G/C Will Pericak
- WR Antwan Goodley
- DE Tylor Harris
- S Keenan Lambert
- WR Kenny Lawler
- LB Kache Palacio
- DE Ryan Robinson
- CB Tye Smith
- DT Tani Tupou
Waived/injured:
- TE Joe Sommers
- CB Marcus Burley
- DTJordan Hill
- LB Eric Pinkins
- T Terry Poole
Waived From IR:
- RB George Farmer
- DB Trovon Reed
- WR Kevin Smith
- DT Sealver Siliga
The Seahawks also announced that they’ve acquired defensive back Dewey McDonald (for a conditional 2017 pick, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.com) from the Raiders, and, as we previously noted, acquired safety L.J. McCray from the 49ers.
Seahawks Waive Cooper Helfet
On a busy day in Seattle, the Seahawks waived fifth-year tight end Cooper Helfet, Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times reports, amid a wave of transactions.
The Seahawks extended Helfet a tender as an exclusive-rights free agents in March, and the 27-year-old pass-catcher signed it soon after. However, Helfet has missed almost all of training camp after breaking a bone in his foot.
Condotta expects the veteran tight end to pass through waivers and land on Seattle’s IR (Twitter link).
A former UDFA out of Duke, Helfet’s played with the Seahawks since 2012 and made a modest impact during the past two seasons. Starting four games combined during the 2014-15 campaigns, Helfet made 25 receptions for 315 yards and two touchdowns — both of which coming in 2015. An easier route to playing time opened after Jimmy Graham‘s season-ending injury last season.
But Graham is expected to return soon, and the Seahawks also drafted Nick Vannett in the third round this year. Luke Willson also returns for the Seahawks, who made more moves on Saturday in addition to signing Jahri Evans.
Seattle also waived Brandon Cottom, whom Condotta tabbed as a good bet to be the team’s primary fullback prior to suffering an Achilles injury Thursday, along with tight end Ronnie Shields, running back Tre Madden and defensive end David Perkins.
The Seahawks signed linebacker Kache Palacio, running back Troymaine Pope and wideout Uzoma Nwachukwu.
Workout Notes: Titans, Brown, Johnson, Dixon
Just over seven months after he announced his retirement from the NFL, cornerback Cortland Finnegan had a workout today with the Patriots. Finnegan, 31, was one of the league’s worst cornerbacks in 2013, according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics. PFF ranked Finnegan 109th out of 110 qualified corners, with a grade of -19.7 in just seven games. As such, it came as a bit of a surprise when Miami inked the former Ram to a two-year, $11MM deal in 2014. He might not be worthy of that kind of pay, but he could make for an intriguing depth option for the Pats or another team.
Here’s a rundown of today’s other workouts from around the NFL, with all links going to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post on Twitter, unless noted otherwise..
- The Titans worked out running backs Bryce Brown, Storm Johnson, George Arkinson and quarterback Michael German (link).
- Safety Ahmad Dixon worked out for the Bengals today, Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets.
- The Falcons worked out linebackers Emmanuel Acho, Carlos Fields, Khaseem Greene, and Ronald Powell (link).
- The Panthers tried out Nate Askew, Chykie Brown, Bradley Fletcher, Connor Hamlett, Douglas McNeil, Bear Pascoe, and cornerback Cassius Vaughn (Twitter links).
- The Bears worked out defensive backs Ri’Shard Anderson, Robert McClain, Brandian Ross, and Pierre Warren (link).
- The Broncos worked out Harold Spears, Paul Browning, DaVaris Daniels, Sage Harold, John Lowdermilk, Andrew McDonald, and Ryan Murphy (Twitter links).
- The Lions worked out Desmond Martin and Corey Washington (link).
- The Colts worked out Carrington Byndom and Jeromy Miles (link).
- The Dolphins worked out defensive backs Garry Peters and Kevin White (link).
- The Jaguars worked out wide receivers Jordan Leslie, Uzoma Nwachukwu, and L’Damian Washington (link).
- The Vikings worked out defensive lineman Chigbo Anunoby (link).
- The Patriots worked out center Jared Smith (link).
- The Jets worked out Greg Scruggs and Marcus Lucas (link).
- The Seahawks worked out Darius Eubanks, Danny Gorrer, Damaris Johnson, Nick Kasa, Horace Miller, Dontay Moch, Tyler Slavin, Matthew Wells (link). They also hosted Harold Spears and Dax Swanson (link).
- Washington worked out Tommy Streeter, Nick Harwell, Anthony Johnson, Toby Johnson, Ronald Powell, Kelcy Quarles, and Julius Warmsley (link).
Tryout Notes: Chiefs, Browns, Patriots
Let’s take a look at some assorted tryout notes from around the NFL…
- The Chiefs worked out a trio of players this week, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (via Twitter): defensive tackle Jimmy Staten, quarterback Cole Stoudt and wideout Rasheed Bailey (as had been previously reported). Staten, a fifth-round pick of the Seahawks in 2014, has already spent time with the Giants and Patriots this season. Stoudt, a former standout at Clemson, had previously spent time on the Chargers practice squad.
- In addition to working out Jerry Rice Jr., Wilson reports (via Twitter) that the Browns also auditioned receivers Rannell Hall and Uzoma Nwachukwu and safeties Robert Lester, Phillip Thomas and Tyrequek Zimmerman.
- Tight end Brian Leonhardt worked out for the Patriots earlier this week, reports Darren Wolfson of 1500ESPN (via Twitter). An undrafted free agent in 2013, Leonhardt compiled six catches for 35 yards and a touchdown with the Raiders in 2014. The 25-year-old has previously auditioned with the Vikings, Jets and Eagles.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/16/15
Here are Tuesday’s practice squad signings and cuts from around the NFL:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: WR LaRon Byrd (Twitter link via D. Orlando Ledbetter)
- Cut: T Pierce Burton
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: T Tony Hills (via Aaron Wilson on Twitter)
- Cut: QB Bryn Renner
Dallas Cowboys
- To be signed: C/G Ronald Patrick , T Darrion Weems (via Josina Anderson on Twitter + Wilson on Twitter)
Detroit Lions
- Signed: T Jordan Mills (press release)
Houston Texans
- To be signed: T Joe Treadwell (via Wilson on Twitter)
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: RB Jonas Gray, C Sam Brenner, QB Logan Thomas, DE Emmanuel Dieke (via Aaron Wilson on Twitter + Twitter link via James Walker)
- Cut: DT DeAndre Coleman, WR Uzoma Nwachukwu (Twitter link via Adam Beasley)
New England Patriots
- Signed: LB Eric Martin (via Mike Reiss on Twitter)
- Cut: LB Alex Singleton and DL Jimmy Staten
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: TE Cameron Brate, S Alden Darby, WR Seantavius Jones, FB Toben Opurum, T Bryan Witzmann (via Mike Triplett on Twitter)
New York Giants
- To be signed: LB James Morris, G Vinston Painter (via James Kratch on Twitter)
Oakland Raiders
- Signed: WR DeAndre Carter (via Vic Tafur on Twitter)
- Cut: LB Josh Shirley
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: TE Connor Hamlett (via press release)
- Cut: DE Brian Mihalik
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: CB Isaiah Frey, DT Derrick Lott (via Greg Auman on Twitter)
Washington
- Signed: LB Houston Bates (via John Keim on Twitter)
AFC Practice Squad Updates: 9/7/15
While many teams filled up their 10-man practice squads on Sunday, plenty of teams didn’t confirm their moves right away, or kept a few spots open on those units. On top of that, at least one club that signed 10 players to its taxi squad on Sunday has already made several changes, bringing in new players and jettisoning players who didn’t even spend 24 hours on the squad.
We’ll have updates on Monday’s AFC practice squad signings and cuts in this space, with teams listed in alphabetical order. When new moves occur, we’ll bump this post back to the top of the page. Here’s a round-up of today’s moves:
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed (press release):
- WR Daniel Brown
- TE Dominique Jones
- WR Jeremy Ross
Buffalo Bills
- Signed (press release):
- OLB IK Enemkpali
- T Chris Martin
- DE Cedric Reed
- QB Alex Tanney
Cleveland Browns
- Signed (press release):
- OL Garth Gerhart
- DL Dylan Wynn
Denver Broncos
- Signed (press release):
- RB Kapri Bibbs
- TE Arthur Lynch
- T Kyle Roberts
- DE George Uko
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed:
- DL Toby Johnson (Twitter link via Ryan O’Halloran)
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed (press release):
- DT Hebron Fangupo
- T Laurence Gibson
- CB Jeremy Harris
- DL David Irving
- TE Ross Travis
- FB Spencer Ware
Miami Dolphins
- Signed (Twitter link):
- RB Rajion Neal
- WR Uzoma Nwachukwu
New England Patriots
- Signed (Twitter links):
- OL Chris Barker
- T Blaine Clausell
- OL Cameron Fleming (Twitter link via Jeff Howe)
- LB Darius Fleming
- LB Brandon King
- WR Nathan Palmer
- DB Daxton Swanson
- DT Jimmy Staten
- Signed and subsequently released:
- LB Xzavier Dickson (Twitter link via Jeff Howe)
New York Jets
- To be signed:
- S Rontez Miles (Twitter link via Brian Costello)
Oakland Raiders
- Signed:
- George Atkinson III, RB
- Mitch Bell, G
- SaQwan Edwards, CB
- Shelby Harris, DE
- Dan Kistler, T
- Tevin McDonald, S
- Josh Shirley, LB
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed (Twitter link via Burt Lauten + team transactions page):
- WR Isaiah Burse
- LB Anthony Chickillo
- T Matt Feiler
- CB Doran Grant
- TE Xavier Grimble
- OL Barrett Jones
- RB Fitzgerald Toussaint
- Released:
- RB Dominique Brown
- OL Reese Dismukes
- LB Shayon Green
- DE Ethan Hemer
- OL Antonio Johnson
- TE Harold Spears
- WR Jarrod West
San Diego Chargers
- Signed:
- OL Michael Ola (link via Michael Gehlken)
Tennessee Titans
- Signed:
- LB Justin Staples (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson)
Texans Trim Roster To 53 Players
Warning: Hard Knocks spoilers ahead. The Texans finalized their initial regular season roster today, announcing several cuts and other transactions in order to get down from 75 players to 53. In addition to cutting defensive tackle Louis Nix, defensive tackle Brandon Deaderick, and wide receiver Damaris Johnson (as we heard yesterday), and placing quarterback Tom Savage on injured reserve (as we heard today), the club made the following moves, per a press release:
Waived:
- OLB Kourtnei Brown
- ILB Max Bullough
- S Kurtis Drummond
- T Matt Feiler
- C James Ferentz
- DE Tevita Finau
- RB Kenny Hilliard
- CB Charles James
- S Corey Moore
- WR EZ Nwachukwu
- DE Dan Pettinato
- T Joseph Treadwell
- WR Chandler Worthy
Released:
- DE Fili Moala
Waived/injured:
- OLB Lynden Trail
- OLB Tony Washington
Placed on injured reserve:
- G Chad Slade
Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle tweeted earlier today that the Texans were exploring trade scenarios involving cornerbacks Jumal Rolle and Charles James. James showed up on the list above as having been cut, so it’s clear Houston didn’t find a trade partner there. For now, Rolle remains on the team’s roster.
Meanwhile, another’s team’s roster casualty, veteran quarterback Matt Cassel, could be an option for Houston, writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Cassel and Texans head coach Bill O’Brien were in New England at the same time, and with Savage landing on IR, Houston is in the market for an insurance policy at quarterback behind Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett.
Texans Sign 10 To Futures Contracts
The Texans have locked up nine players to reserve/futures contracts for the 2015 season, according to Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle. Here are the players who inked new deals with the club:
- Kourtnei Brown, DE
- Jace Davis, WR
- Matt Feiler, T
- James Ferentz, C
- Charles James, CB
- Travis Labhart, WR
- Ben Malena, RB
- Uzoma Nwachukwu, WR
- Terrance Parks, S
Eight of the nine players signed by the Texans finished the season on the team’s practice squad. Labhart was the lone player who wasn’t on the taxi squad at season’s end, while two players who were a part of the unit – quarterback Ricky Stanzi and guard Alex Kupper – have yet to sign new deals.
Meanwhile, the Texans haven’t made an official announcement regarding his status, but agent David Canter tweeted that his client, defensive end Tevita Finau, has also signed a futures deal with the team, making it 10 overall signings for Houston.
