Week In Review News & Rumors

The headlines from the past week at PFR:

Key News:

• The Falcons officially hired former Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as head coach, signing him to a five-year deal.
• After sitting out all of 2014, guard Richie Incognito agreed to a one-year pact with the Bills.
• The Titans released offensive tackle Michael Oher just one season into his four-year contract.
• Vikings fullback Jerome Felton opted out of his contract.
• Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel entered a rehab facility following a rookie season full of off-the-field drama.
• The order for the first round of the 2015 draft is now set.
• The Browns may lose a draft pick for the “TextGate” scandal.
• The NFL released a full list of the combine invitees.

Coaching:

• Cardinals – James Bettcher, DC (link)
• Falcons – Richard Smith, DC (link)
• Rams – Frank Cignetti, OC (link)
• Raiders – Ken Norton Jr., DC (link)
• Titans – Dick LeBeau, AHC with control of the defense (link)

Re-Signed:

• Saints – QB Luke McCown (link)
• Steelers – LS Greg Warren (link)

Retired:

• C Nick Hardwick (link)

Other:

• Ravens offered Torrey Smith a five-year, $35MM extension prior to 2014 season (link)
• Patriots to begin working on Darrelle Revis extension (link)
• Lance Moore requested his release from the Steelers (link)

The headlines from the past week at PFR:

Key News:

• Browns receiver Josh Gordon faces a yearlong suspension after testing positive for alcohol, a violation of his treatment plan.
• The Lions are in good position to retain defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.
• The Seahawks have reportedly offered running back Marshawn Lynch an extension.
• The Rams will use a year-to-year lease agreement with the Edward Jones Dome.
• Potential suitors are eyeing Eagles quarterback Nick Foles.
• The Eagles promoted Ed Marynowitz to vice president of player personnel.

Coaching:

• 49ers – Geep Chryst, OC (link)
• Broncos – Wade Phillips, DC (link)
• Falcons – Raheem Morris and Richard Smith (link)

Signed:

• Colts – WR Duron Carter (link)
• Raiders – DB Charles Woodson (re-signed)

Retired:

• T Max Starks (link)

The headlines from the past week at PFR:

Key News:

• The Broncos hired ex-Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak as head coach.
• The Falcons plan to hire Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as their head coach following the Super Bowl.
• The NFL investigated the inflation levels of the Patriots’ game balls, and determined that 11 balls used in the first half were deflated.
• Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is leaning towards returning for the 2015 season.
• The Broncos will likely place the franchise tag on pending free agent receiver Demaryius Thomas.
• 84 underclassmen declared for the 2015 draft.
• We learned the Colts had suspended running back Trent Richardson for two games, a move that could affect the guarantees in Richardson’s contract. He’ll serve the second game of the suspension in 2015, granted he’s still on the Indianapolis roster.

Coaching:

• 49ers – DC Eric Mangini and TE coach Tony Sparano (link)
• Bears – DC Vic Fangio (link) and OC Adam Gase (link), fired DC Mel Tucker (link)
• Broncos – OC Rick Dennison (link)
• Browns – OC John DeFilippo (link)
• Falcons – OC Kyle Shanahan (link)
• Jaguars – AHC/OL Doug Marrone (link) and OC Greg Olson (link)
• Jets – OC Chan Gailey (link)
• Ravens – OC Marc Trestman (link)
• Raiders – OC Bill Musgrave (link)
• Saints – defensive assistant Dennis Allen (link)
• Washington – DC Joe Barry (link)

Signed:

• Saints – S Delvin Breaux (reached agreement, can sign February 10)
• Steelers – DE Shawn Lemon (reached agreement, can sign February 10) and P Brad Wing (exclusive rights free agent)

Released:

• Ravens – DT Terrence Cody (after Super Bowl)

Other:

• Cowboys plan to exercise CB Morris Claiborne‘s fifth-year option (link)
• Lions won’t re-sign C Dominic Raiola (link)

The headlines from the past week at PFR:

Key News:

• After parting ways with the Broncos, John Fox signed a four-year deal to become the head coach of the Bears.
• The Raiders hired ex-Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio as head coach.
• The Jets also found a new head coach, agreeing to terms with former Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles.
• The 49ers hired from within, promoting defensive line coach Jim Tomsula to HC.
• Meanwhile, the Cowboys retained their head coach, re-signing Jason Garrett to a five-year, $30MM deal.
• Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota declared for the 2015 draft, while Ohio State QB Cardale Jones will remain in school.

Coordinators:

• Bills – hired Dennis Thurman as DC after parting ways with Jim Schwartz
• Cowboys – re-signed DC Rod Marinelli
• Jets – hired Kacy Rodgers as DC
• Giants – hired Steve Spagnuolo as DC
• Steelers – promoted Keith Butler to DC

Retired:

• FB Greg Jones (link)

Draft Early Entrants:

• Eddie Goldman, DT – Florida State (link)

Other:

• Colts preparing massive extension for Andrew Luck (link)
• 2015 proven performance escalator raises (link)
• Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray likely to test free agency (link)
• Texans promoted Brian Gaine to director of player personnel (link)

The headlines from the past week at PFR:

Key News:

• The Bills are expected to hire Rex Ryan as head coach, signing him to five-year deal worth $27.5MM. Buffalo is also set to bring in Greg Roman as its offensive coordinator.
• Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston will forgo his senior season and enter the 2015 NFL draft.
• Rams owner Stan Kroenke plans to build a stadium in Los Angeles, while the city of St. Louis unveiled plans for a new stadium of their own.
• The Dolphins hired Mike Tannenbaum as executive VP of football operations.
• The Bears hired Saints director of player personnel Ryan Pace as general manager.
• Washington hired ex-49ers and Seahawks executive Scot McCloughan as general manager.
• The Jets are expected to hire Texans director of college scouting Mike Maccagnan as general manager.
• The Falcons restructured their front office.
• Investigator Robert Mueller released his report of the Ray Rice case.

Coaching:

• The Buccaneers hired ex-Falcons play-caller Dirk Koetter to the same position.
• The Steelers and offensive coordinator Todd Haley agreed to an extension through 2016.
• Longtime Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau resigned his position.
• The Browns and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan parted ways.
• The Giants parted ways with defensive coordinator Perry Fewell.
• Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer left the Rams to join the University of Georgia.

Extended:

• Patriots – RB Brandon Bolden (link) and S Patrick Chung (link)

Signed:

• Chargers – WR Austin Pettis (link)
• Saints – RB Tim Hightower (link)
• Seahawks – DT Landon Cohen (link)

Retired:

• Chargers – OL Jeromey Clary (link)

Draft Early Entrants:

• Malcom Brown, DT – Texas (link)
• Landon Collins, S – Alabama (link)
• Amari Cooper, WR – Alabama (link)
• Dorial Green-Beckham, WR – Oklahoma (link)
• Benardrick McKinney, LB – Mississippi State (link)
• Andrus Peat, T – Stanford (link)
• Shane Ray, DE – Missouri (link)
• Shaq Thompson, LB – Washington (link)
• P.J. Williams, CB – Florida State (link)
• T.J. Yeldon, RB – Alabama (link)

The headlines from the past week at PFR:

Key News:

• The University of Michigan hired Jim Harbaugh as their next head coach (link)
• Jets fired head coach Rex Ryan, GM John Idzik (link)
• Bears fired head coach Marc Trestman, GM Phil Emery (link)
• Falcons fired head coach Mike Smith (link)
• Bills head coach Doug Marrone opted out of contract (link), Jets early favorites (link)
• Jaguars fired offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch (link)
• Head coach Jay Gruden will remain with Washington (link)
• Washington, defensive coordinator Jim Haslett parted ways (link)

Coaching/Front Office News:

• Bill Polian will stay at ESPN, won’t accept position with Bills (link)
• Bills interested in Chargers offensive coordinator Frank Reich (link)
• Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase changed agents (link)
• Eagles GM Howie Roseman, head coach Chip Kelly received new roles in organization (link)
• Thomas Dimitroff‘s job as Falcons GM is not safe (link)
• Ravens assistant GM Eric DeCosta will stay in Baltimore (link)
• Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn received interest from multiple teams (link)
• Vikings assistant GM George Paton turned down Jets, Bears (link)

Reserve/Futures Contracts:

• Bills sign 10 (link)
• Browns sign seven (link)
• Buccaneers sign seven (link)
• Chargers sign nine (link)
• Chiefs sign 14 (link)
• Dolphins sign six (link)
• Eagles sign nine (link)
• Falcons sign 11 (link)
• Giants sign 11 (link)
• Jets sign six (link)
• Raiders sign nine (link)
• Rams sign seven (link)
• Texans sign 10 (link)
• Titans sign eight (link)
• Vikings sign nine (link)
• Washington signs eight (link)

Signed:

• Steelers – RB Ben Tate (link)

Activated From Injured Reserve:

• Ravens – DT Haloti Ngata (link)

Placed On Injured Reserve:

• Colts – OL Gosder Cherilus (link)
• Cowboys – DT Henry Melton (link)
• Ravens – LB Arthur Brown (link)

Retired:

• Bills – QB Kyle Orton (link)
• 49ers – DE Justin Smith (link)

Early Draft Entrants:

• Ereck Flowers, OT – University of Miami (link)
• Jordan Phillips, DT – Oklahoma (link)
• Leonard Williams, DE – USC (link)
• Randy Gregory, DE – Nebraska (link)
• Tevin Coleman, RB – Indiana (link)
• Trae Waynes, CB – Michigan State (link)

Other:

• Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh fined, not suspended for stepping on Aaron Rodgers‘ leg (link)
• Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins prefers trade if Robert Griffin III chosen as starter (link)
• Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes has no intention of taking hometown discount (link)

The original content produced by the PFR staff during the past week:

• Luke Adams examined the contract situations of some of the more notable Pro Bowlers. In doing so, he noted the abundance of Pro Bowl cornerbacks who have recently signed contract extensions — in fact, all eight Pro Bowl CBs have inked multi-year deals within the past year.
• In the wake of the deluge of Jim Harbaugh news, Ben Levine wondered what the 49ers could get in return if they traded Harbaugh’s rights. About 45% of you believed San Francisco wouldn’t receive any compensation because Harbaugh will be released from his contract (which appears to be the case if he heads to Michigan). Thanks for voting!
• The Trade Rumors app is now available, bringing you content from PFR, MLBTR, and Hoops Rumors. Download it today on iTunes or Android!

The headlines from the past week at PFR:

Key News:

• Jim Harbaugh is expected to accept the head coaching position at the University of Michigan.
• The Dolphins will retain head coach Joe Philbin for the 2015 season.
• The Browns suspended receiver Josh Gordon for the final game of the season.
• Following an infection, Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton could be out for the rest of the year.
• Vikings fullback Jerome Felton will opt out of his contract.
• Peyton Manning expects to play next season.

Extended:

• Bears – C Roberto Garza (one year, $1.5MM)
• Buccaneers – WR Louis Murphy (three years)
• Patriots – executive Nick Caserio (through 2020)

Restructured:

• Buccaneers – TE Brandon Myers (link)

Signed:

• Browns – QB Tyler Thigpen (link)

Released:

• Bills – WR Mike Williams (link)
• Vikings – RB Ben Tate (link)

Placed On Injured Reserve:

• 49ers – G Alex Boone (link)
• Bears – DE Willie Young (link)
• Browns – QB Johnny Manziel (link)
• Chargers – P Mike Scifres (link) and OL Johnnie Troutman (link)
• Ravens – T Ricky Wagner (link)
• Saints – DE Akiem Hicks and RB Pierre Thomas (link)
• Vikings – LB Anthony Barr (link)
• Washington – DE Jason Hatcher (link) and LB Trent Murphy (link)

Early Draft Entrants:

• Todd Gurley, RB – Georgia (link)
• Duke Johnson, RB – Miami (link)
• Jaelen Strong, WR – Arizona State (link)
• Maxx Williams, TE – Minnesota (link)

The headlines from the past week at PFR:

Key News:

• The NFL will not relocate a team to Los Angeles for the 2015 season.
• The 49ers released defensive end Ray McDonald after he was accused of sexual assault.
• The University of Michigan offered 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh a six-year, $48MM contract.
• The Bears opted to bench quarterback Jay Cutler, starting Jimmy Clausen in his place.
• The NFLPA formally filed a lawsuit on behalf on Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, challenging arbitrator Harold Henderson’s decision to deny Peterson’s appeal of his suspension.

Extended:

• Jaguars – DT Roy Miller (four years, ~$16MM)
• Seahawks – DE Cliff Avril (four years, $28.5MM) and LB K.J. Wright (four years, $27M)

Signed:

• 49ers – LB Desmond Bishop (link) and RB Phillip Tanner (link)
• Texans – QB Case Keenum (link)

Major Injuries:

• Broncos – LB Danny Trevathan (link)
• Browns – S Tashaun Gipson (link)
• Buccaneers – DT Gerald McCoy (link)
• Chargers – LB Donald Butler (link)
• Raiders – LB Sio Moore (link)
• Texans – QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (link)
• Titans – QB Jake Locker (link)
• Washington – QB Colt McCoy (link)

Draft Early Entrants:

• Sammie Coates, WR – Auburn (link)
• Gerod Holliman, S – Louisville (link)

Coaching News:

• Giants leaning towards retaining Tom Coughlin (link)
• Washington to retain Jay Gruden (link)
• Jon Gruden signed an extension with ESPN (link)
• Bears likely to fire Marc Trestman (link)
• Falcons to dismiss Mike Smith after season (link)

The headlines from the past week at PFR:

Key News:

• An arbitrator denied Vikings running back Adrian Peterson‘s appeal, meaning he will remain suspended for the remainder of the season. Since the announcement, Peterson expressed that he has considered retirement.
• The Broncos signed cornerback Chris Harris to a five-year, $42.5MM extension, with initial reports citing a $24MM guarantee.
• Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton is expected to miss four weeks while dealing with knee injuries, meaning he could return at some point during the playoffs.
• The 2015 salary cap is expected to be in the neighborhood of $138.6MM.
• Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was involved in a car accident, and suffered two transverse process fractures in his back. He isn’t playing against the Buccaneers today, and his timeline for return is unclear.
• NFL owners unanimously approved a new personal conduct policy.

Extended:

• Patriots – OL Marcus Cannon (two years, $9MM)

Signed:

• Cardinals – S Chris Clemons (link)
• Chargers – P Mat McBriar (link)

Major Injuries:

• 49ers – LB NaVorro Bowman and DL Glenn Dorsey (link)
• Broncos – RB Montee Ball (link)
• Cardinals – RB Andre Ellington (link)
• Dolphins – S Louis Delmas (link)
• Jaguars – RB Denard Robinson (link)
• Titans – T Michael Oher (link)

Draft Early Entrants:

• Devin Funchess, WR – Michigan (link)
• Melvin Gordon, RB – Wisconsin (link)
• Brett Hundley, QB – UCLA (link)