ASHBURN, Va. - Running back Michael Hill has signed with the Washington Redskins for a second go-round in the nation's capitol, the team announced on Monday.
Hill, a second year back from Missouri Western State, was on the team's practice squad last season before spending two months with the Colts. An undrafted free agent when picked up by the Chargers in 2013, he also spent time with the Buccaneers and Packers.
He spent twenty days on the Packers' roster before being waived, then was re-signed by the team four days later off waivers.
The 25-year-old back has 23 rushing yards and 23 receiving yards in his career.
He joins Silas Redd and exclusive-rights rusher Chris Thompson behind starter Alfred Morris in the Redskins' run offense that last season ranked 19th in football.
Head coach Jay Gruden said at the NFL Owners Meeting that he wanted to create more competition in the team's backfield.
"It's [a] very deep running back draft in my opinion, and we're excited to add another piece at some point, hopefully," he said. "We have seven picks. Hopefully one of them will be a running back, or a free agent to compete. There are some good free agents that haven't been signed yet.
"But, giving Chris [Thompson] an opportunity, Silas, Alfred, that's where it starts. And we'll add some more later on for competition."
Monday, March 30, 2015
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Report: Bears sign DE Jenkins
LAKE FOREST, Ill. - In their long overdue effort to revamp their defensive front, the Chicago Bears on Tuesday signed former Redskins defensive end Jarvis Jenkins to a one-year contract, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Brad Biggs of the Tribune said on Twitter that the deal would become official pending a physical.
Jenkins, a second-round pick by the Redskins in 2011, started 33 games in Washington the last three seasons, recording 28 combined tackles but no sacks.
The fourth-year man from Clemson leaves the Redskins' 29th-ranked defense to join a Bears group that is 30th-best in yards allowed and second-worst unit in scoring defense.
He will look to feature in first-year defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's 3-4 scheme, a group in dire needs of run-stoppers on the edge, though provides little in the way of run defense.
Jarvis missed his rookie campaign after tearing his ACL in a preseason game against the Ravens.
Brad Biggs of the Tribune said on Twitter that the deal would become official pending a physical.
Jenkins, a second-round pick by the Redskins in 2011, started 33 games in Washington the last three seasons, recording 28 combined tackles but no sacks.
The fourth-year man from Clemson leaves the Redskins' 29th-ranked defense to join a Bears group that is 30th-best in yards allowed and second-worst unit in scoring defense.
He will look to feature in first-year defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's 3-4 scheme, a group in dire needs of run-stoppers on the edge, though provides little in the way of run defense.
Jarvis missed his rookie campaign after tearing his ACL in a preseason game against the Ravens.
Eagles: Mathis may get cut if no market
PHILADELPHIA - Eagles guard Evan Mathis may get cut from the team even if he cannot be traded, according to Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com.
If so, he would be the latest victim of Chip Kelly's offensive blitzkrieg as the head coach enjoys his first offseason as the team's personnel man.
Mathis, 33, would be a victim not of his own talent, but his paycheck. The ten-year veteran is due for a cap hit of $6.5 million next season and $7 million the following season, numbers many feel Kelly is unwilling to shell out for a guard.
Mathis has indicated the opposite, that he's underpaid, according to Pro Football Talk, leading to a likely separation between the two.
The Eagles have not be sparing in their offseason moves, trading away starting quarterback Nick Foles and running back LeSean McCoy, also losing leading wide receiver Jeremy Maclin in free agency to the Chiefs.
On the defensive side, the Eagles also released linebacker Trent Cole, tackle Todd Herremanns, and cornerback Cary Williams.
If so, he would be the latest victim of Chip Kelly's offensive blitzkrieg as the head coach enjoys his first offseason as the team's personnel man.
Mathis, 33, would be a victim not of his own talent, but his paycheck. The ten-year veteran is due for a cap hit of $6.5 million next season and $7 million the following season, numbers many feel Kelly is unwilling to shell out for a guard.
Mathis has indicated the opposite, that he's underpaid, according to Pro Football Talk, leading to a likely separation between the two.
The Eagles have not be sparing in their offseason moves, trading away starting quarterback Nick Foles and running back LeSean McCoy, also losing leading wide receiver Jeremy Maclin in free agency to the Chiefs.
On the defensive side, the Eagles also released linebacker Trent Cole, tackle Todd Herremanns, and cornerback Cary Williams.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Dolphins extend Philbin one year
MIAMI, Fla. - Dolphins owner Stephen Ross announced on Monday he will extend the contract on his head coach Joe Philbin for one year into the 2016 season.
He told the media of his decision at the NFL Owners' Meetings held this week in Phoenix, expressing concern that Philbin would be thought a "lame duck" coach heading into the last year on his current deal.
"You don't get the best from someone when they're operating with a gun to their head," Ross said on Monday.
Philbin is 23-25 in three seasons with the team, facing concerns over in-game management, his failure to produce a winning season, and the bullying scandal of 2013 that saw offensive lineman Richie Incognito excused from the team.
Miami came off an 8-8 record last season and recently signed defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to a $114 million deal that made him the highest paid defensive player in NFL history.
He told the media of his decision at the NFL Owners' Meetings held this week in Phoenix, expressing concern that Philbin would be thought a "lame duck" coach heading into the last year on his current deal.
"You don't get the best from someone when they're operating with a gun to their head," Ross said on Monday.
Philbin is 23-25 in three seasons with the team, facing concerns over in-game management, his failure to produce a winning season, and the bullying scandal of 2013 that saw offensive lineman Richie Incognito excused from the team.
Miami came off an 8-8 record last season and recently signed defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to a $114 million deal that made him the highest paid defensive player in NFL history.
Chip Kelly: "always been a fan" of Tebow
PHILADELPHIA - "I've always been a fan of Tim."
That's the opinion of Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, seemingly enjoying his first offseason as the team's personnel man, a provocative campaign that saw the departure of a starting quarterback, running back, and wide receiver.
And when Kelly brought in Tim Tebow to practice for the team last week, even more questions were raised by those whose profession is gossip - and mockery.
Tebow, who has not appeared in an NFL uniform since being released by the Patriots in 2013, was marked by Kelly as one of the many regular workout afforded veteran free agents by NFL teams.
"We bring in a lot of players for private workouts," Kelly told Steve Wyche of NFL Media, "it's just he's the one that everyone keeps talking about. We brought in Terrelle Pryor for a workout and Thad Lewis in for a workout. When players are available for you to work them out, it's the same thing of going to the Veteran Combine or going to the Super Regional Combine."
Tebow would leave the NovaCare Complex without an offer.
That's the opinion of Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, seemingly enjoying his first offseason as the team's personnel man, a provocative campaign that saw the departure of a starting quarterback, running back, and wide receiver.
And when Kelly brought in Tim Tebow to practice for the team last week, even more questions were raised by those whose profession is gossip - and mockery.
Tebow, who has not appeared in an NFL uniform since being released by the Patriots in 2013, was marked by Kelly as one of the many regular workout afforded veteran free agents by NFL teams.
"We bring in a lot of players for private workouts," Kelly told Steve Wyche of NFL Media, "it's just he's the one that everyone keeps talking about. We brought in Terrelle Pryor for a workout and Thad Lewis in for a workout. When players are available for you to work them out, it's the same thing of going to the Veteran Combine or going to the Super Regional Combine."
Tebow would leave the NovaCare Complex without an offer.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
49ers: LB Borland retires, fears brain injury
SANTA CLARA, Ca. - 49ers linebacker Chris Borland, 24, announced on Monday that he will retire from the NFL out of concern for long-term injuries from repetitive head trauma.
It is an announcement that will likely do little or no good to a league that has extended itself greatly to limit this very concern.
A promising rookie last season, Borland recorded 107 tackles and two interceptions with the 49ers, though underwent a serious change of heart for his future after personal discussions with members of his family, friends, and current and former teammates.
He also researched the effects of long-term neurodegenerative disease and consulted with concussion specialists and researchers on his own.
What he heard from them must have been enough.
"I just honestly want to do what's best for my health," Borland told Outside the Lines. "From what I've researched and what I've experienced, I don't think it's worth the risk."
The decision had not come lightly, nor suddenly, as Borland said he had considered such a move as early as last season's training camp as his research was ongoing. He experienced what he thought was a concussion during a run play in practice, but played through to make the team.
The concern, though, stayed with him and began to progress.
"I just thought to myself, 'What am I doing? Is this how I'm going to live my adult life, banging my head, especially with what I've learned and know about the dangers?'"
He would write a letter to his family after a preseason game with Houston, describing to them how he thought his career would be brief out of concern for his long-term brain health.
"I feel largely the same, as sharp as I've ever been," Borland said of his current state. "For me, it's wanting to be proactive. I'm concerned that if you wait 'til you have symptoms, it's too late. . . There are a lot of unknowns. I can't claim that X will happen. I just want to live a long, healthy life, and I don't want to have any neurological diseases or die younger than I would otherwise."
The 49ers confirmed Borland's retirement in a statement released by general manager Trent Baalke.
"While unexpected, we certainly respect Chris' decision," he said. "From speaking with Chris, it was evident that he had put a great deal of thought into this decision. He was a consummate professional from day one and a very well-respected member of our team and community. Chris is a determined young man that overcame long odds in his journey to the NFL, and we are confident he will use the same approach to become very successful in his future endeavors. We will always consider him a 49er and wish him all the best."
Borland is the most prominent player to yet retire from the league because of head-injury fears. More than 70 former players have been given postmortem diagnoses of progressive neurological problems in recent years. Some have committed suicide from the onset despair resulting of this brain damage, and many studies have confirmed a connection between head trauma of the kind in football and diseases like general and major depression and memory loss.
The NFL, per senior vice-president of health and safety Jeff Miller, released a statement in support of Borland's decision, and their own efforts to curb major head injuries in the national game.
"Playing any sport is a personal decision. By any measure, football has never been safer and we continue to make progress with rule changes, safer tackling techniques at all levels of football, and better equipment, protocols, and medical care for players," Miller said.
"Concussions in NFL games were down 25 percent last year, continuing a three-year downward trend. We continue to make significant investments in independent research to advance the science and understanding of these issues. We are seeing a growing culture of safety."
A culture in which Chris Borland sees room for improvement.
It is an announcement that will likely do little or no good to a league that has extended itself greatly to limit this very concern.
A promising rookie last season, Borland recorded 107 tackles and two interceptions with the 49ers, though underwent a serious change of heart for his future after personal discussions with members of his family, friends, and current and former teammates.
He also researched the effects of long-term neurodegenerative disease and consulted with concussion specialists and researchers on his own.
What he heard from them must have been enough.
"I just honestly want to do what's best for my health," Borland told Outside the Lines. "From what I've researched and what I've experienced, I don't think it's worth the risk."
The decision had not come lightly, nor suddenly, as Borland said he had considered such a move as early as last season's training camp as his research was ongoing. He experienced what he thought was a concussion during a run play in practice, but played through to make the team.
The concern, though, stayed with him and began to progress.
"I just thought to myself, 'What am I doing? Is this how I'm going to live my adult life, banging my head, especially with what I've learned and know about the dangers?'"
He would write a letter to his family after a preseason game with Houston, describing to them how he thought his career would be brief out of concern for his long-term brain health.
"I feel largely the same, as sharp as I've ever been," Borland said of his current state. "For me, it's wanting to be proactive. I'm concerned that if you wait 'til you have symptoms, it's too late. . . There are a lot of unknowns. I can't claim that X will happen. I just want to live a long, healthy life, and I don't want to have any neurological diseases or die younger than I would otherwise."
The 49ers confirmed Borland's retirement in a statement released by general manager Trent Baalke.
"While unexpected, we certainly respect Chris' decision," he said. "From speaking with Chris, it was evident that he had put a great deal of thought into this decision. He was a consummate professional from day one and a very well-respected member of our team and community. Chris is a determined young man that overcame long odds in his journey to the NFL, and we are confident he will use the same approach to become very successful in his future endeavors. We will always consider him a 49er and wish him all the best."
Borland is the most prominent player to yet retire from the league because of head-injury fears. More than 70 former players have been given postmortem diagnoses of progressive neurological problems in recent years. Some have committed suicide from the onset despair resulting of this brain damage, and many studies have confirmed a connection between head trauma of the kind in football and diseases like general and major depression and memory loss.
The NFL, per senior vice-president of health and safety Jeff Miller, released a statement in support of Borland's decision, and their own efforts to curb major head injuries in the national game.
"Playing any sport is a personal decision. By any measure, football has never been safer and we continue to make progress with rule changes, safer tackling techniques at all levels of football, and better equipment, protocols, and medical care for players," Miller said.
"Concussions in NFL games were down 25 percent last year, continuing a three-year downward trend. We continue to make significant investments in independent research to advance the science and understanding of these issues. We are seeing a growing culture of safety."
A culture in which Chris Borland sees room for improvement.
Redskins keep QB McCoy
ASHBURN, Va. - Backup quarterback Colt McCoy will resign with the Washington Redskins, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN and a source near to the team.
McCoy started four games for the Redskins last season, leading the team to a come-from-behind win against the Titans, replacing then-starter Kirk Cousins in the second half.
He went 25-of-30 for 299 yards and rushed for a touchdown in an overtime win at Dallas in Week 8, one of the team's four victories. He finished last season with 1,057 yards passing and four touchdowns.
The quarterback position is still up in the air, however. Head coach Jay Gruden said publicly at the end of last season that Robert Griffin would be his starter, though the team does have the No. 5 overall pick in the coming NFL Draft, and rumors have been plentiful that Oregon signal caller Marcus Mariota is in the mix to be selected to the nation's capitol.
McCoy started four games for the Redskins last season, leading the team to a come-from-behind win against the Titans, replacing then-starter Kirk Cousins in the second half.
He went 25-of-30 for 299 yards and rushed for a touchdown in an overtime win at Dallas in Week 8, one of the team's four victories. He finished last season with 1,057 yards passing and four touchdowns.
The quarterback position is still up in the air, however. Head coach Jay Gruden said publicly at the end of last season that Robert Griffin would be his starter, though the team does have the No. 5 overall pick in the coming NFL Draft, and rumors have been plentiful that Oregon signal caller Marcus Mariota is in the mix to be selected to the nation's capitol.
Monday, March 16, 2015
Redskins sign SS Johnson
ASHBURN, Va. - Strong safety Jeron Johnson and the Washington Redskins came to terms on a two-year, $4 million contract on Monday.
Johnson is the fifth defensive free agent to be brought to the team by first year general manager Scot McCloughan as the Redskins seek to improve from their 20th-ranked spot in overall defense last season.
A fourth-year man out of Boise State, Johnson was signed as an unrestricted free agent by the Seahawks after the NFL Lockout of 2010, also by McCloughan, notching 43 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble in his time with Seattle, including a Super Bowl XLVII championship.
He featured largely on special teams as the backup to Kam Chancellor.
Washington, yet to sign a free agent on offense this offseason, added linemen Stephen Paea, Ricky Jean Francois, and Terrance Knighton. The team also signed cornerback Chris Culliver.
Johnson is the fifth defensive free agent to be brought to the team by first year general manager Scot McCloughan as the Redskins seek to improve from their 20th-ranked spot in overall defense last season.
A fourth-year man out of Boise State, Johnson was signed as an unrestricted free agent by the Seahawks after the NFL Lockout of 2010, also by McCloughan, notching 43 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble in his time with Seattle, including a Super Bowl XLVII championship.
He featured largely on special teams as the backup to Kam Chancellor.
Washington, yet to sign a free agent on offense this offseason, added linemen Stephen Paea, Ricky Jean Francois, and Terrance Knighton. The team also signed cornerback Chris Culliver.
Patriots sign TE Chandler
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Tight end Scott Chandler was signed by the New England Patriots on Monday, the team announced.
Chandler, a seven-year veteran, started for the Chargers, Giants, and Cowboys, and for the last five seasons the Bills, hauling in 47 receptions for 497 yards and three scoring catches.
"Obviously very excited to be part of a championship organization," Chandler told the team's website. "It's something I have I have always wanted to do with my career and now I get that chance. I am really looking forward to it."
Picked in the fourth-round of the 2007 NFL Draft out of Iowa, Chandler has 17 touchdown receptions on 182 catches for 2,120 career yards.
2013 was a career year for Chandler, ending a 16 game campaign with 53 receptions and 655 yards and two scores.
"It was a lot of what I expected, very warm and inviting," Chandler said of his welcoming to the franchise. "I feel comfortable here. Mr. Kraft runs a top class organization and obviously Coach [Bill Belichick] does a great job of keeping everyone around here. It was very inviting. Everyone was really nice."
Chandler is expected to feature as a compliment to three-time Pro Bowl end Rob Gronkowski, and says he can provide anything the team will ask of him.
"I can do a little bit of everything as a tight end," Chandler said. "I am a veteran guy. I am a guy you can count on to know what to do and to do my job."
Chandler, a seven-year veteran, started for the Chargers, Giants, and Cowboys, and for the last five seasons the Bills, hauling in 47 receptions for 497 yards and three scoring catches.
"Obviously very excited to be part of a championship organization," Chandler told the team's website. "It's something I have I have always wanted to do with my career and now I get that chance. I am really looking forward to it."
Picked in the fourth-round of the 2007 NFL Draft out of Iowa, Chandler has 17 touchdown receptions on 182 catches for 2,120 career yards.
2013 was a career year for Chandler, ending a 16 game campaign with 53 receptions and 655 yards and two scores.
"It was a lot of what I expected, very warm and inviting," Chandler said of his welcoming to the franchise. "I feel comfortable here. Mr. Kraft runs a top class organization and obviously Coach [Bill Belichick] does a great job of keeping everyone around here. It was very inviting. Everyone was really nice."
Chandler is expected to feature as a compliment to three-time Pro Bowl end Rob Gronkowski, and says he can provide anything the team will ask of him.
"I can do a little bit of everything as a tight end," Chandler said. "I am a veteran guy. I am a guy you can count on to know what to do and to do my job."
Friday, March 13, 2015
Cowboys sign RB McFadden
IRVING, Tex. - A day after losing last season's leading rusher DeMarco Murray to the rival Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys on Friday signed running back Darren McFadden to replace him, according to multiple sources.
The No. 4 overall pick by the Raiders in the 2008 NFL Draft, McFadden has 25 rushing touchdowns in seven professional seasons, gaining 4,247 yards on 1,038 attempts. He added 1,769 receiving yards and 5 scoring catches.
Last season marked the only outing that saw McFadden play an entire season, appearing in all 16 games with 12 starts. Though the veteran from Arkansas would carry only 155 times for 534 yards and two scores as second-year back Latavius Murray emerged.
McFadden had career-highs in rushing yards (1,157) , receiving yards (506), and all-purpose touchdowns (10) in the 2010 season, finishing six games with 100 yards on the ground. The Raiders would finish 8-8 after two 5-11 outings.
Dallas gained a postseason appearance on the back of DeMarco Murray last season after a flurry of 8-8 seasons. Murray led football last season in rushing yards (1,845) and touchdowns (13). He would break Emmitt Smith's Cowboys single-season rushing record with a 100 yard performance at the Redskins in December.
The No. 4 overall pick by the Raiders in the 2008 NFL Draft, McFadden has 25 rushing touchdowns in seven professional seasons, gaining 4,247 yards on 1,038 attempts. He added 1,769 receiving yards and 5 scoring catches.
Last season marked the only outing that saw McFadden play an entire season, appearing in all 16 games with 12 starts. Though the veteran from Arkansas would carry only 155 times for 534 yards and two scores as second-year back Latavius Murray emerged.
McFadden had career-highs in rushing yards (1,157) , receiving yards (506), and all-purpose touchdowns (10) in the 2010 season, finishing six games with 100 yards on the ground. The Raiders would finish 8-8 after two 5-11 outings.
Dallas gained a postseason appearance on the back of DeMarco Murray last season after a flurry of 8-8 seasons. Murray led football last season in rushing yards (1,845) and touchdowns (13). He would break Emmitt Smith's Cowboys single-season rushing record with a 100 yard performance at the Redskins in December.
Redskins ink CB Culliver
ASHBURN, Va. - Cornerback Chris Culliver and the Washington Redskins have agreed to a four-year, $32 million contract, according to multiple reports.
Culliver was drafted by San Francisco in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of South Carolina, collecting 127 tackles and 7 interceptions, adding three forced fumbles with the 49ers.
He sat out the 2013 season after tearing his ACL in training camp in August of that year.
The Redskins are in need of improvement in their secondary after losing DeAngelo Hall for most of last season with a torn Achilles. Washington finished 20th in yards allowed and 29th overall in scoring defense in a four-win campaign.
The team also recently added defensive linemen Stephen Paea, Terrance Knighton, and Ricky Jean Francois under first year defensive coordinator Joe Barry and GM Scot McCloughan.
Culliver was drafted by San Francisco in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of South Carolina, collecting 127 tackles and 7 interceptions, adding three forced fumbles with the 49ers.
He sat out the 2013 season after tearing his ACL in training camp in August of that year.
The Redskins are in need of improvement in their secondary after losing DeAngelo Hall for most of last season with a torn Achilles. Washington finished 20th in yards allowed and 29th overall in scoring defense in a four-win campaign.
The team also recently added defensive linemen Stephen Paea, Terrance Knighton, and Ricky Jean Francois under first year defensive coordinator Joe Barry and GM Scot McCloughan.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
It's official: DeMarco Murray signs with Eagles
PHILADELPHIA - DeMarco Murray, football's leading rusher last season with the Cowboys, has signed with the NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles, the team announced on Thursday.
The signature is worth a reported $42 million over five years, half of which is guaranteed money for the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2014.
"I'm excited about the future," Murray told a press conference in Philadelphia. "They have a great game plan and great coaches; whatever they decide to do, I'm in."
Discussions heated up on Wednesday and Thursday when reports surfaced that Murray had begun discussions with Eagles head coach Chip Kelly after the team found themselves in need of a backfield following a trade that sent LeSean McCoy to Buffalo last week.
Murray, a free agent, flew to Philadelphia to speak personally with Kelly and other team officials with the intent to sign a contract with the team provided the meetings went well.
Went well, they did.
"I felt this was a great opportunity to win a Super Bowl," Murray told the assembled media.
Murray's expected annual money ($8.4m) will exceed what was long the Cowboys' threshold offer of $6 million per year; the team believed that, though Murray was a good talent coming off a banner year, he was not worth more money.
"This came down to an allocation of dollars within the management of the salary cap," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement.
Though, "It was never about the money in any situation," Murray claimed in a text to Todd Archer of ESPN on Thursday. "If it was the money, I could've taken that a long time ago on a very high deal. It's about winning a Super Bowl and being fair."
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on Thursday morning that the Cowboys were commencing talks with other running backs of the belief that they had lost Murray to their rivals.
Murray carried the Cowboys to their first playoff appearance since 2009 with an NFL-best 1,845 yards on 392 rushes, adding 13 touchdowns (all career-highs) before the team was excluded from the postseason in the NFC Divisional Round at the Packers.
He carried for 100 yards in their regular-season finale at the Redskins in December to surpass Emmitt Smith's former franchise single-season rushing record.
"We are very grateful to DeMarco Murray for his contributions to the Dallas Cowboys," Jones added. "He is a quality person, a very good football player, and a player that we wanted to keep.
"I love those guys," Murray said of his time with the Cowboys, "but sometimes, things don't work out, and you gotta move on."
The fifth-year back will reunite with former Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, his roommate at the school who was traded to the Eagles this week in a deal that saw former starter Nick Foles moved to the Rams in exchange.
Murray told a league source recently that he and Bradford were "the best of friends", and Bradford admitted he was recruiting Murray to join the Eagles.
"Absolutely. I've been trying my hardest," he said on Wednesday of his efforts. "I've called him. I've texted him. I've done everything. We've been in communication. If we can somehow land him, it would be a great pickup. Not only is he a great player, he's a great person. He's a really close friend of mine, too. I think he can really help this ball club."
The two featured together on a successful spread offense with the Sooners from 2007-2009; Murray stayed on another year when Bradford entered the professional ranks.
They will seek to imitate that success in Kelly's signature spread-style offensive scheme, provided Bradford can overcome injuries in a twice-torn left ACL.
Philadelphia and former Chargers running back Ryan Mathews had agreed to terms on a three-year, $11.5 million deal ($5m guaranteed) earlier this week, and the contract was signed this afternoon along with Murray's.
The signing of Murray is the most high profile move by the Eagles in what has become a hectic, and often criticized, free agency period for the team: in addition to trading Foles and McCoy, they also lost leading receiver Jeremy Maclin to the Chiefs, and released cornerback Cary Williams and linebacker Trent Cole. Philadelphia also added cornerbacks Byron Maxwell and Walter Thurmond; Brandon Graham was retained on Tuesday after a flirtation with the division rival Giants.
Murray currently holds the all-time records at Oklahoma for all-purpose yards (6,718), touchdowns (65), and receiving yards for a tailback (1,571).
Named twice to the NFL Pro Bowl list, he has 4,526 career rushing yards on 934 attempts for 28 touchdowns, adding 1,200 receiving yards on 171 catches.
"I'm proud to be a part of this organization," he said.
The signature is worth a reported $42 million over five years, half of which is guaranteed money for the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2014.
"I'm excited about the future," Murray told a press conference in Philadelphia. "They have a great game plan and great coaches; whatever they decide to do, I'm in."
Discussions heated up on Wednesday and Thursday when reports surfaced that Murray had begun discussions with Eagles head coach Chip Kelly after the team found themselves in need of a backfield following a trade that sent LeSean McCoy to Buffalo last week.
Murray, a free agent, flew to Philadelphia to speak personally with Kelly and other team officials with the intent to sign a contract with the team provided the meetings went well.
Went well, they did.
"I felt this was a great opportunity to win a Super Bowl," Murray told the assembled media.
Murray's expected annual money ($8.4m) will exceed what was long the Cowboys' threshold offer of $6 million per year; the team believed that, though Murray was a good talent coming off a banner year, he was not worth more money.
"This came down to an allocation of dollars within the management of the salary cap," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement.
Though, "It was never about the money in any situation," Murray claimed in a text to Todd Archer of ESPN on Thursday. "If it was the money, I could've taken that a long time ago on a very high deal. It's about winning a Super Bowl and being fair."
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on Thursday morning that the Cowboys were commencing talks with other running backs of the belief that they had lost Murray to their rivals.
Murray carried the Cowboys to their first playoff appearance since 2009 with an NFL-best 1,845 yards on 392 rushes, adding 13 touchdowns (all career-highs) before the team was excluded from the postseason in the NFC Divisional Round at the Packers.
He carried for 100 yards in their regular-season finale at the Redskins in December to surpass Emmitt Smith's former franchise single-season rushing record.
"We are very grateful to DeMarco Murray for his contributions to the Dallas Cowboys," Jones added. "He is a quality person, a very good football player, and a player that we wanted to keep.
"I love those guys," Murray said of his time with the Cowboys, "but sometimes, things don't work out, and you gotta move on."
The fifth-year back will reunite with former Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, his roommate at the school who was traded to the Eagles this week in a deal that saw former starter Nick Foles moved to the Rams in exchange.
Murray told a league source recently that he and Bradford were "the best of friends", and Bradford admitted he was recruiting Murray to join the Eagles.
"Absolutely. I've been trying my hardest," he said on Wednesday of his efforts. "I've called him. I've texted him. I've done everything. We've been in communication. If we can somehow land him, it would be a great pickup. Not only is he a great player, he's a great person. He's a really close friend of mine, too. I think he can really help this ball club."
The two featured together on a successful spread offense with the Sooners from 2007-2009; Murray stayed on another year when Bradford entered the professional ranks.
They will seek to imitate that success in Kelly's signature spread-style offensive scheme, provided Bradford can overcome injuries in a twice-torn left ACL.
Philadelphia and former Chargers running back Ryan Mathews had agreed to terms on a three-year, $11.5 million deal ($5m guaranteed) earlier this week, and the contract was signed this afternoon along with Murray's.
The signing of Murray is the most high profile move by the Eagles in what has become a hectic, and often criticized, free agency period for the team: in addition to trading Foles and McCoy, they also lost leading receiver Jeremy Maclin to the Chiefs, and released cornerback Cary Williams and linebacker Trent Cole. Philadelphia also added cornerbacks Byron Maxwell and Walter Thurmond; Brandon Graham was retained on Tuesday after a flirtation with the division rival Giants.
Murray currently holds the all-time records at Oklahoma for all-purpose yards (6,718), touchdowns (65), and receiving yards for a tailback (1,571).
Named twice to the NFL Pro Bowl list, he has 4,526 career rushing yards on 934 attempts for 28 touchdowns, adding 1,200 receiving yards on 171 catches.
"I'm proud to be a part of this organization," he said.
Chiefs release WR Dwayne Bowe
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe was released by the Chiefs on Thursday, the team announced.
A first-round selection from LSU in 2007, he spent his entire eight year career with the team.
Bowe, a Pro Bowl selection in 2010, played in 118 games for the Chiefs, recording 532 receptions for 7,155 yards, adding 44 touchdowns. He led the league with 15 touchdown catches in his Pro Bowl campaign.
"It's been a pleasure working with Dwayne the past two seasons," Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said in a statement. "He showed up every day with a great attitude and did everything we asked of him. He was a productive player for a number of years here and I have a lot of respect for what he was able to accomplish."
A first-round selection from LSU in 2007, he spent his entire eight year career with the team.
Bowe, a Pro Bowl selection in 2010, played in 118 games for the Chiefs, recording 532 receptions for 7,155 yards, adding 44 touchdowns. He led the league with 15 touchdown catches in his Pro Bowl campaign.
"It's been a pleasure working with Dwayne the past two seasons," Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said in a statement. "He showed up every day with a great attitude and did everything we asked of him. He was a productive player for a number of years here and I have a lot of respect for what he was able to accomplish."
Redskins: Griffin not Gruden's guy?
ASHBURN, Va. - Former Redskins safety Ryan Clark has never been short of opinions since joining ESPN as an analyst before and following his retirement from football.
But after ESPN's John Clayton reported the team would draft Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota were he available in April's NFL Draft, Clark seemed sure the Griffin-era would be definitively over.
"Well, I guess if they draft Mariota, it's over [for Griffin] in Washington," he told ESPN's First Take.
That, despite Gruden announcing publicly after the regular season that Griffin would be under center for the team when next season began.
That didn't convince Clark, however.
"He [Gruden] comes out early in the offseason and says, 'You know what? Robert Griffin III is our quarterback.' I think that was to kind of try to show there's no issues in house, but there clearly is. He's not his guy. They want to go in a different direction.
"And to hear this early, though, at No. 5 [overall], if Marcus Mariota is there, has to be disheartening to RGIII. And even if they don't draft Marcus Mariota, it could create some problems in the locker room and in that building."
Though Clayton had reported Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan said he had not yet evaluated Griffin, and that even if Mariota were drafted, that would not mean Griffin was done in Washington.
Clark started all 16 games for the Redskins last season and said that from what he saw inside the building and at team meetings during that time, he saw nothing endearing in the relationship between coach and quarterback, and that Gruden's subtle public slights at Griffin reveals deeper private ambivalence.
"Jay Gruden, as you saw from last year - the media reports where he would say RG3 took a five-step drop where he supposed to take three, or he looked the wrong way this many times in a game - he showed the world that it wasn't his guy," Clark said.
Clark mentioned that any love lost between Gruden and Griffin did not exist between Griffin and Redskins owner Daniel Snyder.
"He loves RGIII," Clark said of Snyder's enthusiasm for Griffin.
"This is what I know about Dan Snyder," he added. "He wants to win, and when he puts somebody in place to make decisions, he gives them full trust and full go, whether it was Vinny Cerrato, Bruce Allen. Now you look at the new GM. I think he says, listen, we're going to put people in place that know football and I'm going to do what you want me to do, you have full go. I will put the money where you tell me if it allows this team to win."
All that said, should the Redskins pursue Mariota even somewhat, Griffin would have even more reason to think he may be less than wanted in Washington, despite any public declarations to the contrary.
But after ESPN's John Clayton reported the team would draft Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota were he available in April's NFL Draft, Clark seemed sure the Griffin-era would be definitively over.
"Well, I guess if they draft Mariota, it's over [for Griffin] in Washington," he told ESPN's First Take.
That, despite Gruden announcing publicly after the regular season that Griffin would be under center for the team when next season began.
That didn't convince Clark, however.
"He [Gruden] comes out early in the offseason and says, 'You know what? Robert Griffin III is our quarterback.' I think that was to kind of try to show there's no issues in house, but there clearly is. He's not his guy. They want to go in a different direction.
"And to hear this early, though, at No. 5 [overall], if Marcus Mariota is there, has to be disheartening to RGIII. And even if they don't draft Marcus Mariota, it could create some problems in the locker room and in that building."
Though Clayton had reported Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan said he had not yet evaluated Griffin, and that even if Mariota were drafted, that would not mean Griffin was done in Washington.
Clark started all 16 games for the Redskins last season and said that from what he saw inside the building and at team meetings during that time, he saw nothing endearing in the relationship between coach and quarterback, and that Gruden's subtle public slights at Griffin reveals deeper private ambivalence.
"Jay Gruden, as you saw from last year - the media reports where he would say RG3 took a five-step drop where he supposed to take three, or he looked the wrong way this many times in a game - he showed the world that it wasn't his guy," Clark said.
Clark mentioned that any love lost between Gruden and Griffin did not exist between Griffin and Redskins owner Daniel Snyder.
"He loves RGIII," Clark said of Snyder's enthusiasm for Griffin.
"This is what I know about Dan Snyder," he added. "He wants to win, and when he puts somebody in place to make decisions, he gives them full trust and full go, whether it was Vinny Cerrato, Bruce Allen. Now you look at the new GM. I think he says, listen, we're going to put people in place that know football and I'm going to do what you want me to do, you have full go. I will put the money where you tell me if it allows this team to win."
All that said, should the Redskins pursue Mariota even somewhat, Griffin would have even more reason to think he may be less than wanted in Washington, despite any public declarations to the contrary.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Bears sign WR Eddie Royal
LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Wide receiver Eddie Royal has signed with the Chicago Bears, according to reports from the Chicago Sun-Times and NFL.com.
Both sides agreed to a three-year deal, according to a league source.
Royal recorded 72 receptions for 778 yards and seven touchdowns last season with the Chargers and is expected to take the No. 1 spot after the departure of Brandon Marshall to the Jets.
He and Bears quarterback Jay Cutler played together for one season when both were with Denver, a banner year for the receiver, as they connected on 91 passes for 980 yards and five scores in 2008, Royal's rookie season.
He has 3,750 career yards on 338 catches and 25 touchdowns in a seven-year career, and in 2009 became the fourth-fastest receiver in NFL history to reach 100 career catches.
Both sides agreed to a three-year deal, according to a league source.
Royal recorded 72 receptions for 778 yards and seven touchdowns last season with the Chargers and is expected to take the No. 1 spot after the departure of Brandon Marshall to the Jets.
He and Bears quarterback Jay Cutler played together for one season when both were with Denver, a banner year for the receiver, as they connected on 91 passes for 980 yards and five scores in 2008, Royal's rookie season.
He has 3,750 career yards on 338 catches and 25 touchdowns in a seven-year career, and in 2009 became the fourth-fastest receiver in NFL history to reach 100 career catches.
Case Keenum traded to Rams
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Days after a quarterback swap sent Sam Bradford to Philadelphia for Nick Foles, the St. Louis Rams on Wednesday signed Case Keenum from the Texans in exchange for a seventh-round pick in 2016.
Keenum, undrafted from the University of Houston in 2012, has 11 career touchdowns on 2,195 yards, and earned his first two NFL victories to end last season's campaign.
He was on the Rams' practice squad in 2013 after being cut from the Texans, then returning to Houston again in place of starter Matt Schaub.
Keenum, undrafted from the University of Houston in 2012, has 11 career touchdowns on 2,195 yards, and earned his first two NFL victories to end last season's campaign.
He was on the Rams' practice squad in 2013 after being cut from the Texans, then returning to Houston again in place of starter Matt Schaub.
Andre Johnson: "I'm a Colt"
INDIANAPOLIS - Seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Andre Johnson has signed with the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday, the team announced.
"It's official, I'm a Colt," Johnson said on Instagram, posting a picture of himself and Colts head coach Chuck Pagano.
Houston released Johnson on Monday after allowing him to seek a trade a week ago; now he will play against the Texans twice a year in the uniform of the perennial AFC South winners.
The deal is worth a reported $21 million over three years, according to multiple sources including Pro Football Talk.
Johnson, the No. 3 overall pick from Miami in 2003, is the Texans' all-time leading receiver, leaving the club after twelve seasons with 1,012 receptions for 13,597 yards, adding 164 touchdowns in 169 games.
He finished last season with Houston on 85 catches for 936 yards and three scoring grabs.
"It's official, I'm a Colt," Johnson said on Instagram, posting a picture of himself and Colts head coach Chuck Pagano.
Houston released Johnson on Monday after allowing him to seek a trade a week ago; now he will play against the Texans twice a year in the uniform of the perennial AFC South winners.
The deal is worth a reported $21 million over three years, according to multiple sources including Pro Football Talk.
Johnson, the No. 3 overall pick from Miami in 2003, is the Texans' all-time leading receiver, leaving the club after twelve seasons with 1,012 receptions for 13,597 yards, adding 164 touchdowns in 169 games.
He finished last season with Houston on 85 catches for 936 yards and three scoring grabs.
Redskins sign DL Paea
ASHBURN, Va. - The Washington Redskins have made their first major free-agent acquisition of the offseason, signing defensive lineman Stephen Paea on Wednesday, the team announced.
Paea is coming off a career year with the Bears, notching 33 tackles and forcing two fumbles, adding six sacks last season in 16 starts.
"Other teams were offering me a little bit more, but the way Washington would use me in their defense was the reason I chose Washington," Paea told ESPN. "But whatever they feel that I would fit best, they'll put me in there. I'm there to help, not only playing the run but the pass. I'm all for that."
The Redskins did not announce the terms of the deal, though a source has told ESPN the contract is worth up to $21 million over four years, with $15 million guaranteed.
Paea, a New Zealand native, was drafted four years ago by Chicago in the second round, notching 94 tackles and 12 sacks in his career.
Paea is coming off a career year with the Bears, notching 33 tackles and forcing two fumbles, adding six sacks last season in 16 starts.
"Other teams were offering me a little bit more, but the way Washington would use me in their defense was the reason I chose Washington," Paea told ESPN. "But whatever they feel that I would fit best, they'll put me in there. I'm there to help, not only playing the run but the pass. I'm all for that."
The Redskins did not announce the terms of the deal, though a source has told ESPN the contract is worth up to $21 million over four years, with $15 million guaranteed.
Paea, a New Zealand native, was drafted four years ago by Chicago in the second round, notching 94 tackles and 12 sacks in his career.
Eagles sign CB Walter Thurmond
PHILADELPHIA - Eagles head coach Chip Kelly's crusade to sign more former Oregon Ducks to his roster continued on Wednesday as the team announced the signing of former Giants and Seahawks cornerback Walter Thurmond.
Thurmond is the ninth former Duck to sign with the Eagles since former Oregon coach Kelly joined the club two years ago. Kelly coached Oregon from 2009-2012.
Thurmond will rejoin free agent corner Byron Maxwell, who he played opposite in Seattle before heading to the Giants last season. Maxwell was lured to Philadelphia with a six-year deal worth up to $63 million.
Thrmund, a Los Angeles native, was integral in the Seahawks 2013 run to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory and received several offers in the following offseason, taking a one year deal with the Giants to prove himself away from Seattle.
Thurmond recorded 84 tackles and an interception in his professional career, adding two forced fumbles, recovering one against 16 defensed passes.
Cortland Finnegan retires
Veteran cornerback Cortland Finnegan has announced he will retire after nine seasons with the Titans, Rams, and Dolphins.
"Spent 9 years doing something I Loved and it has payed off in so many ways," Finnegan wrote on his Instagram page.
Finnegan, a seventh-round pick by the Titans out of Samford in the 2006 NFL Draft, collected 645 tackles and 18 interceptions, adding 4 defensive touchdowns in his career.
"To say I have been blessed is an understatement I am forever thankful," he added. "I have made my share of mistakes and had moments of glory. I even got into a fight in an NFL game," speaking of a scuffle he and Texans receiver Andre Johnson got into in 2010, taking a swipe at Johnson, saying he "hits like a bish".
Finnegan, always known for his feistiness, spent two seasons in St. Louis before finishing his career with Miami last season, who released him on March 2.
"I'm thankful for the friends I made on and off the field love yAll. . . Time to move on and enjoy new people and new ideas. . I forgot to thank all the haters I love yAll to."
"Spent 9 years doing something I Loved and it has payed off in so many ways," Finnegan wrote on his Instagram page.
Finnegan, a seventh-round pick by the Titans out of Samford in the 2006 NFL Draft, collected 645 tackles and 18 interceptions, adding 4 defensive touchdowns in his career.
"To say I have been blessed is an understatement I am forever thankful," he added. "I have made my share of mistakes and had moments of glory. I even got into a fight in an NFL game," speaking of a scuffle he and Texans receiver Andre Johnson got into in 2010, taking a swipe at Johnson, saying he "hits like a bish".
Finnegan, always known for his feistiness, spent two seasons in St. Louis before finishing his career with Miami last season, who released him on March 2.
"I'm thankful for the friends I made on and off the field love yAll. . . Time to move on and enjoy new people and new ideas. . I forgot to thank all the haters I love yAll to."
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Eddie Royal visits Bears
LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Former Chargers wide receiver and free agent Eddie Royal is visiting with the Chicago Bears, a league source has confirmed to ESPN.
The source says Royal has interest from other clubs, though the Bears are currently the front-runners to sign the seven-year veteran from Virginia Tech.
A second round pick in 2008, Royal snagged 7 touchdowns on 62 catches for 778 yards in San Diego last season.
Royal played with Bears quarterback Jay Cutler when both were together for one season in Denver, hauling in 91 receptions for 980 yards and five touchdowns.
Chicago, under first-year head coach John Fox, is in need of depth at the receiver position after sending Brandon Marshall, and a seventh-round draft pick, to the Jets in exchange for a fifth-round draft choice.
The source says Royal has interest from other clubs, though the Bears are currently the front-runners to sign the seven-year veteran from Virginia Tech.
A second round pick in 2008, Royal snagged 7 touchdowns on 62 catches for 778 yards in San Diego last season.
Royal played with Bears quarterback Jay Cutler when both were together for one season in Denver, hauling in 91 receptions for 980 yards and five touchdowns.
Chicago, under first-year head coach John Fox, is in need of depth at the receiver position after sending Brandon Marshall, and a seventh-round draft pick, to the Jets in exchange for a fifth-round draft choice.
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Saints sign RB Ingram
METAIRIE, La. - Running back Mark Ingram and the New Orleans Saints have come to terms on a four-year deal, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
The deal is worth a reported $16 million, according to a league source.
Ingram, a first-round pick and Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama in 2011, had 964 yards rushing last season on 226 attempts for nine total touchdowns last season.
2014 was a breakout year that saw him become the feature back after the departure of Darren Sproles to the Eagles and injuries to Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson.
In his five-year career, Ingram has racked up 2,426 yards on 582 rushes for 20 touchdowns, becoming the feature back after his professional career was hampered by injuries early on.
The deal is worth a reported $16 million, according to a league source.
Ingram, a first-round pick and Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama in 2011, had 964 yards rushing last season on 226 attempts for nine total touchdowns last season.
2014 was a breakout year that saw him become the feature back after the departure of Darren Sproles to the Eagles and injuries to Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson.
In his five-year career, Ingram has racked up 2,426 yards on 582 rushes for 20 touchdowns, becoming the feature back after his professional career was hampered by injuries early on.
Friday, March 6, 2015
Redskins re-sign TE Paul
ASHBURN, Va. - Tight end Niles Paul was re-signed on Friday by the Washington Redskins before he became an unrestricted free agent, according to the Associated Press.
Paul will receive $10 million over three years, per Mike Jones of the Washington Post, coming off a four-year, $2.2 million contract signed in 2011 out of Nebraska.
He recorded 39 receptions and 507 yards last season, both career-highs, adding a touchdown. Drafted as a wide receiver, moving to the end position in 2012, Paul often filled in during the 2014 season for injured Jordan Reed.
Paul will receive $10 million over three years, per Mike Jones of the Washington Post, coming off a four-year, $2.2 million contract signed in 2011 out of Nebraska.
He recorded 39 receptions and 507 yards last season, both career-highs, adding a touchdown. Drafted as a wide receiver, moving to the end position in 2012, Paul often filled in during the 2014 season for injured Jordan Reed.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Reports: Suh will visit Raiders next week
ALAMEDA, Ca. - The Oakland Raiders are planning to host former Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh sometime in the coming week, according to the NFL Network.
Detroit declined last week to give Suh the franchise tag and pay him a reported $26.7 million salary next season, allowing the four-time Pro Bowl selection to court offers from around the league.
Oakland has around $57 million in cap space and new head coach Jack del Rio will insert him into a 3-4 formation that would team him up with run-stopping linebacker Khalil Mack.
Teams can begin to host free agents starting on Tuesday, when the league year begins, though cannot negotiate or have contact with agents of potential players until 4 p.m Eastern time on Friday.
Suh recorded 53 total tackles and 8.5 sacks last season, spearheading the Lions' second-best overall defense, first in football against the run (69.3 ypg).
Detroit declined last week to give Suh the franchise tag and pay him a reported $26.7 million salary next season, allowing the four-time Pro Bowl selection to court offers from around the league.
Oakland has around $57 million in cap space and new head coach Jack del Rio will insert him into a 3-4 formation that would team him up with run-stopping linebacker Khalil Mack.
Teams can begin to host free agents starting on Tuesday, when the league year begins, though cannot negotiate or have contact with agents of potential players until 4 p.m Eastern time on Friday.
Suh recorded 53 total tackles and 8.5 sacks last season, spearheading the Lions' second-best overall defense, first in football against the run (69.3 ypg).
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Reports: McCoy unhappy about trade to Bills
PHILADELPHIA - A day after hearing that he would be traded to the Buffalo Bills, Eagles running back LeSean McCoy is reportedly upset about the move, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN.
"He's a Pennsylvania kid," a source told her. "He's never played football outside of Pennsylvania - high school, college, pro. So of course he's not happy. Sounds like it's pretty final to me unless LeSean is refusing to go to Buffalo."
McCoy was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's capitol, and played college football at Pittsburgh before being drafted by Philadelphia in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
"It'll be interesting to see how this process plays itself out because he's an interesting individual. In your mind, when you think of Buffalo you think of cold and losing games. It's not like it's the Philadelpihia market where you're always on T.V. and you're playing for, like, the division title or that type of thing. . . It was unexpected. I'll tell you that much."
The source also told Anderson that McCoy is "not going to make it easy, that's for sure."
"He's a Pennsylvania kid," a source told her. "He's never played football outside of Pennsylvania - high school, college, pro. So of course he's not happy. Sounds like it's pretty final to me unless LeSean is refusing to go to Buffalo."
McCoy was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's capitol, and played college football at Pittsburgh before being drafted by Philadelphia in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
"It'll be interesting to see how this process plays itself out because he's an interesting individual. In your mind, when you think of Buffalo you think of cold and losing games. It's not like it's the Philadelpihia market where you're always on T.V. and you're playing for, like, the division title or that type of thing. . . It was unexpected. I'll tell you that much."
The source also told Anderson that McCoy is "not going to make it easy, that's for sure."
Bills trade for QB Cassel
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - With the departure of veteran quarterback Kyle Orton to retirement after last season, the Buffalo Bills were on the market for a new passer, and on Wednesday, in a trade with the Vikings, they found Matt Cassel.
The Bills will receive a sixth-round pick, in exchange for a fifth-round choice, in the 2015 Draft from the Vikings as part of the deal, and a seventh-round selection in 2017, according to Fox Sports.
Cassel has one year remaining on a two-year deal worth $10 million signed in February with Minnesota, and is due $4.15 million next season in addition to a $500,000 roster bonus.
He started for the Vikings last season before an injury in Week 3 sidelined him for the rest of the year, thrusting rookie Teddy Bridgewater into the position.
Cassel, a tenth-year man from USC, will compete for the starting job in Buffalo with E.J. Manuel. He has more than 15,000 career passing yards for 96 touchdowns.
Buffalo on Tuesday received former Eagles running back LeSean McCoy in a trade that saw them send linebacker Kiki Alonso to Philadelphia as the Bills look to be major players in free agency this offseason.
The Bills will receive a sixth-round pick, in exchange for a fifth-round choice, in the 2015 Draft from the Vikings as part of the deal, and a seventh-round selection in 2017, according to Fox Sports.
Cassel has one year remaining on a two-year deal worth $10 million signed in February with Minnesota, and is due $4.15 million next season in addition to a $500,000 roster bonus.
He started for the Vikings last season before an injury in Week 3 sidelined him for the rest of the year, thrusting rookie Teddy Bridgewater into the position.
Cassel, a tenth-year man from USC, will compete for the starting job in Buffalo with E.J. Manuel. He has more than 15,000 career passing yards for 96 touchdowns.
Buffalo on Tuesday received former Eagles running back LeSean McCoy in a trade that saw them send linebacker Kiki Alonso to Philadelphia as the Bills look to be major players in free agency this offseason.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Bills: RB Spiller leaving town
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - On the same evening that found the Bills trade for running back LeSean McCoy from the Eagles, Bills running back C.J. Spiller has announced he will not return to the team next season.
He was told of the trade by Willie McGinest, host of NFL Total Access on the NFL Network, on which he was appearing, and minutes later received a telephone call from the Bills to inform him of the swap.
He had said previously that he was open to rejoining the team.
"I hoped that I could return [to Buffalo]," Spiller told the network. "Very few guys get to play their whole career at one team, but unfortunately that doesn't happen in this business and I found out today it doesn't happen in this business."
With the new hole in the Eagles backfield courtesy of the McCoy trade, Spiller wondered aloud if he could fill that spot.
"I'm pretty sure that Chip [Kelly] has my agent's phone number, so I'm pretty sure we might have to make a call over there," he said.
"I've never been in that type of system before," he said of Kelly's up-tempo scheme, "but I don't think I'd have any problem adjusting to it."
Spiller was slowed by injuries this season, carrying 78 times for 300 yards in nine appearances for Buffalo, though in a five-year career, all with the Bills, he has 12 touchdowns on 3,321 yards.
Eagles trade McCoy to Bills for LB
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - The Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles have agreed in principle to a trade that will send running back LeSean McCoy to Buffalo and linebacker Kiko Alonso to Philadelphia, according to multiple sources.
The trade will become official next week when the league year begins on March 10, Adam Schefter of ESPN has reported.
"I just spoke with the Eagles organization and there is no trade for LeSean at this time. There have been discussions but nothing finalized," McCoy's agent Drew Rosenhaus said in a tweet near 6 p.m. on Tuesday evening.
McCoy finished third in football last season, rushing for 1,319 yards on 312 attempts for 5 touchdowns, and will seek to aid a Bills backfield that averaged only 25th in rushing in 2014.
He is signed with the Eagles through 2017 and was due an estimated $9.75 million next season, giving the team a $11.95 million cap hit.
Alonzo will seek to insert himself into an Eagles defensive backfield that this week saw the departure of cornerback Cary Williams and ten-year veteran outside linebacker Trent Cole.
Those cuts gave the Eagles $31.75 million against their salary cap, and Alonzo is still subject to his rookie contract, giving him $4.3 million over four seasons through 2016.
Alonzo missed all of last season with a torn ACL for Buffalo, though the season prior placed second in Rookie Defensive Player of the Year voting. He played college football at Oregon for current Eagles head coach Chip Kelly.
In 2013, Alonzo started all 16 games for the Bills, recording a team-best 159 tackles, adding 2 sacks, a forced fumble, two recovered fumbles, and four interceptions.
Buffalo added former Jets head coach Rex Ryan to the same position in the offseason and are looking to improve on a 9-7 record. Philadelphia finished 10-6 for the second straight season.
The trade will become official next week when the league year begins on March 10, Adam Schefter of ESPN has reported.
"I just spoke with the Eagles organization and there is no trade for LeSean at this time. There have been discussions but nothing finalized," McCoy's agent Drew Rosenhaus said in a tweet near 6 p.m. on Tuesday evening.
McCoy finished third in football last season, rushing for 1,319 yards on 312 attempts for 5 touchdowns, and will seek to aid a Bills backfield that averaged only 25th in rushing in 2014.
He is signed with the Eagles through 2017 and was due an estimated $9.75 million next season, giving the team a $11.95 million cap hit.
Alonzo will seek to insert himself into an Eagles defensive backfield that this week saw the departure of cornerback Cary Williams and ten-year veteran outside linebacker Trent Cole.
Those cuts gave the Eagles $31.75 million against their salary cap, and Alonzo is still subject to his rookie contract, giving him $4.3 million over four seasons through 2016.
Alonzo missed all of last season with a torn ACL for Buffalo, though the season prior placed second in Rookie Defensive Player of the Year voting. He played college football at Oregon for current Eagles head coach Chip Kelly.
In 2013, Alonzo started all 16 games for the Bills, recording a team-best 159 tackles, adding 2 sacks, a forced fumble, two recovered fumbles, and four interceptions.
Buffalo added former Jets head coach Rex Ryan to the same position in the offseason and are looking to improve on a 9-7 record. Philadelphia finished 10-6 for the second straight season.
Eagles to release LB Cole
PHILADELPHIA - Outside linebacker Trent Cole will likely be released by the Eagles after neither side could agree on a new extension for the ten-year veteran, a league source told Adam Caplan of ESPN.
His cap number was expected to be $11.6 million next season, an amount the Eagles deemed to high as head coach Chip Kelly, now in charge of personnel decisions, is carving his way through cap space as the team expects to be a major player in the coming free agency period.
Caplan reports Cole will be let go on Wednesday, before the free agency period begins at 4 p.m. Eastern time next Tuesday.
Cole was selected by Philadelphia in the fifth-round of the 2005 NFL Draft from Cincinnati, and has racked up 569 career tackles, 19 forced fumbles, and an interception.
His cap number was expected to be $11.6 million next season, an amount the Eagles deemed to high as head coach Chip Kelly, now in charge of personnel decisions, is carving his way through cap space as the team expects to be a major player in the coming free agency period.
Caplan reports Cole will be let go on Wednesday, before the free agency period begins at 4 p.m. Eastern time next Tuesday.
Cole was selected by Philadelphia in the fifth-round of the 2005 NFL Draft from Cincinnati, and has racked up 569 career tackles, 19 forced fumbles, and an interception.
Cowboys: WR Beasley signed for 4 yrs
IRVING, Tex. - Wide receiver Cole Beasley and the Dallas Cowboys agreed to a four-year contract on Tuesday, a day after Dez Bryant was given the franchise tag by the team, according to multiple reports.
The deal is reportedly worth nearly $14 million for the former SMU standout, with $7 million guaranteed, though possible incentives could add $1.5 million.
Beasley, who was set to become a restricted free agent, will also receive a $4 million signing bonus.
He caught 37 passes for 421 yards last season, adding four touchdowns during the Cowboys' 5-1 stretch to close out the regular season, a 12-4 campaign that found the team advance to the NFC Divisional Round. Another 101 yards came on seven receptions in two postseason games against Detroit and Green Bay.
"He's quick, he's fast, he's explosive, and he's strong," head coach Jason Garrett said of Beasley. "He's a sneaky guy cause when he walks in, he looks like the paperboy. He does. He's like, 'hey, give me my $3.85 for the last seven days.' He's something else. He just has a knack about him and I think people do under-appreciate how physically talented he is."
In three seasons with the club, he has 91 receptions for 916 yards.
The deal is reportedly worth nearly $14 million for the former SMU standout, with $7 million guaranteed, though possible incentives could add $1.5 million.
Beasley, who was set to become a restricted free agent, will also receive a $4 million signing bonus.
He caught 37 passes for 421 yards last season, adding four touchdowns during the Cowboys' 5-1 stretch to close out the regular season, a 12-4 campaign that found the team advance to the NFC Divisional Round. Another 101 yards came on seven receptions in two postseason games against Detroit and Green Bay.
"He's quick, he's fast, he's explosive, and he's strong," head coach Jason Garrett said of Beasley. "He's a sneaky guy cause when he walks in, he looks like the paperboy. He does. He's like, 'hey, give me my $3.85 for the last seven days.' He's something else. He just has a knack about him and I think people do under-appreciate how physically talented he is."
In three seasons with the club, he has 91 receptions for 916 yards.
Eagles release CB Williams
PHILADELPHIA - The Eagles have released cornerback Cary Williams, according to multiple sources.
Williams would have cost the Eagles $6.5 million against the salary cap, according to salary records of the NFLPA. A free agent in 2013, he signed a three-year, $17 million deal.
His departure will ensure at least one open space in the Eagles' defensive backfield, though corner Bradley Fletcher and safety Nate Allen are both set to try the free agency market, leaving safety Malcolm Jenkins the only man under contract for Philadelphia in the deep part of the field.
Williams started every game of the past two seasons (32), notching 126 tackles and 5 interceptions on over 1,100 snaps, in a six-year career recording 306 tackles and 9 picks.
Williams would have cost the Eagles $6.5 million against the salary cap, according to salary records of the NFLPA. A free agent in 2013, he signed a three-year, $17 million deal.
His departure will ensure at least one open space in the Eagles' defensive backfield, though corner Bradley Fletcher and safety Nate Allen are both set to try the free agency market, leaving safety Malcolm Jenkins the only man under contract for Philadelphia in the deep part of the field.
Williams started every game of the past two seasons (32), notching 126 tackles and 5 interceptions on over 1,100 snaps, in a six-year career recording 306 tackles and 9 picks.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Eagles sign LB Brad Jones
PHILADELPHIA - Former Packers linebacker Brad Jones signed with the Eagles on Monday, the team's first free agent signing, according to sources.
Jones started 36 games for the Packers, playing in 76 total contests, after being drafted in the seventh-round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He featured at the outside position for three seasons before being moved inside for 22 games.
Inside is where the Eagles are hoping he will provide some help after long-time starter DeMeco Ryans missed the latter half of last season with a torn Achilles tendon.
And his replacement, Casey Matthews, will become an unrestricted free agent after starting 11 games for the Eagles last year.
"I came out here and I think that I kind of immediately knew that the atmosphere out here is different than anywhere else," he told Eagles.com. "The things that are going here, with the staff and with the players, it's completely different than any other organization I've been with. I'm excited."
Jones has 258 tackles, 10 sacks, and and two forced fumbles (1 recovery) in a six-year career.
"I think the group of guys and the coaching staff, just everybody [in Philadelphia], it's a different feeling out here," he said. "It's good, it's unique, and I wanted to be a part of it."
Jones started 36 games for the Packers, playing in 76 total contests, after being drafted in the seventh-round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He featured at the outside position for three seasons before being moved inside for 22 games.
Inside is where the Eagles are hoping he will provide some help after long-time starter DeMeco Ryans missed the latter half of last season with a torn Achilles tendon.
And his replacement, Casey Matthews, will become an unrestricted free agent after starting 11 games for the Eagles last year.
"I came out here and I think that I kind of immediately knew that the atmosphere out here is different than anywhere else," he told Eagles.com. "The things that are going here, with the staff and with the players, it's completely different than any other organization I've been with. I'm excited."
Jones has 258 tackles, 10 sacks, and and two forced fumbles (1 recovery) in a six-year career.
"I think the group of guys and the coaching staff, just everybody [in Philadelphia], it's a different feeling out here," he said. "It's good, it's unique, and I wanted to be a part of it."
Eagles will not tag WR Maclin
PHILADELPHIA - The Eagles decided they will not apply the franchise tag to wide receiver Jeremy Maclin at the deadline on Monday, according to multiple sources.
Maclin need not enter the free agency market right away, however, as the Eagles are the only team that is allowed to deal with him in the coming week before other teams are allowed to on March 10.
Were Maclin tagged, he would be guaranteed a one-year tender worth at least $12.71 million, all guaranteed money.
Maclin said on Saturday at a local team appearance that he wanted to remain with the Eagles following a vastly improved 2014 campaign after missing the preceding season with a torn ACL. He played this past season on a year-long, $5.25 million deal signed when he was injured.
He ranked first on the team last season with 85 receptions for 1,318 yards and 10 touchdowns in Philadelphia's 10-6 outing.
He is interested in a four-year, $39 million arrangement, per Pro Football Talk, similar to the one the Packers signed receiver Jordy Nelson to last season.
Maclin need not enter the free agency market right away, however, as the Eagles are the only team that is allowed to deal with him in the coming week before other teams are allowed to on March 10.
Were Maclin tagged, he would be guaranteed a one-year tender worth at least $12.71 million, all guaranteed money.
Maclin said on Saturday at a local team appearance that he wanted to remain with the Eagles following a vastly improved 2014 campaign after missing the preceding season with a torn ACL. He played this past season on a year-long, $5.25 million deal signed when he was injured.
He ranked first on the team last season with 85 receptions for 1,318 yards and 10 touchdowns in Philadelphia's 10-6 outing.
He is interested in a four-year, $39 million arrangement, per Pro Football Talk, similar to the one the Packers signed receiver Jordy Nelson to last season.
Steelers cut Lance Moore
PITTSBURGH - Wide receiver Lance Moore was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday, according to the Post-Gazette and other sources.
Moore caught only 14 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns last season, his only with the Steelers after eight seasons with the Saints, including a Super Bowl XLIV championship.
The team was relieved of his $1.5 million paycheck with the release, though a $435,000 player minimum will net the franchise a saving of just over $1 million.
Moore, a Toledo product, has suited up for 115 games in his career (32 starts), and has 360 receptions to his name for 4,479 yards and 40 touchdowns.
Moore caught only 14 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns last season, his only with the Steelers after eight seasons with the Saints, including a Super Bowl XLIV championship.
The team was relieved of his $1.5 million paycheck with the release, though a $435,000 player minimum will net the franchise a saving of just over $1 million.
Moore, a Toledo product, has suited up for 115 games in his career (32 starts), and has 360 receptions to his name for 4,479 yards and 40 touchdowns.
Giants release center J.D. Walton
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The New York Giants on Monday released center J.D. Walton, a 16 game starter last season, according to the team website.
Walton was drafted 80th overall out of Baylor in the 2010 Draft by the Broncos, but was sidelined with a dislocated ankle two years later. He was claimed off waivers by the Redskins in 2013 before joining New York on March 12 of last year.
Cutting him frees up $3 million of cap room for the Giants, who are seeking an upgrade at the position, and on Monday assigned a $14.8 million franchise tag to defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.
Walton has started all 52 regular season contests of his career, as well as two postseason appearances.
Walton was drafted 80th overall out of Baylor in the 2010 Draft by the Broncos, but was sidelined with a dislocated ankle two years later. He was claimed off waivers by the Redskins in 2013 before joining New York on March 12 of last year.
Cutting him frees up $3 million of cap room for the Giants, who are seeking an upgrade at the position, and on Monday assigned a $14.8 million franchise tag to defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.
Walton has started all 52 regular season contests of his career, as well as two postseason appearances.
Patriots: Gostkowski more likely for tag than McCourty
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Should the New England Patriots apply the franchise tag to anyone before the 4 p.m deadline on Monday, it is more likely to be given to kicker Stephen Gostkowski than star safety Jason McCourty, according to ESPN and other sources.
Gostkowski's tag is estimated to be around $4.5 million, compared to McCourty's projected $9.5 million, according to Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com.
Both players were named All-Pros last season, Gostkowski missing only two field goals and finishing perfect on extra points.
"I've thought about all different scenarios, "McCourty said on Feb. 25, "whether I'm here or whether I'm somewhere else. At this point, I don't have a contract, so it could happen that I could be playing somewhere else. It would be crazy not to think that."
McCourty, considered the best safety on the market, began his career at cornerback before moving full-time to safety in 2013, securing two interceptions last season for the Super Bowl champions.
Not tagging McCourty could give the Patriots room to sign cornerback Darrelle Revis an expected $20 million ($25m cap number) next season, or to sign him to an extension for more money.
New England has twice before used the franchise tag, both times on kicker Adam Vinatieri in 2002 and '05.
Giants tag DE Pierre-Paul
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - After not being able to come to a long-term agreement, the New York Giants on Monday placed the franchise tag on defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.
The move came after several weeks of rumors to that effect. Pierre-Paul can sign a franchise tender and play next year on a one-year deal for a guaranteed $14.8 million, then either enter free agency or be franchised again for a reported $17.8 million.
The tag is non-exclusive, meaning another club can arrange a deal to sign the five-year man from South Florida, giving the Giants seven days to match such an offer. Should they not, the team signing him must surrender two first-round draft picks as compensation.
The first-round pick from 2010 will account for roughly $15 million against the salary cap next season, after racking up 12.5 sacks and 77 total tackles last season.
The move came after several weeks of rumors to that effect. Pierre-Paul can sign a franchise tender and play next year on a one-year deal for a guaranteed $14.8 million, then either enter free agency or be franchised again for a reported $17.8 million.
The tag is non-exclusive, meaning another club can arrange a deal to sign the five-year man from South Florida, giving the Giants seven days to match such an offer. Should they not, the team signing him must surrender two first-round draft picks as compensation.
The first-round pick from 2010 will account for roughly $15 million against the salary cap next season, after racking up 12.5 sacks and 77 total tackles last season.
Cowboys will tag WR Dez Bryant
IRVING, Tex. - The Dallas Cowboys will assign the franchise tag to Dez Bryant, keeping the All-Pro wide receiver from testing the open market, team vice president Stephen Jones confirmed on Monday.
The team will inform the league of their decision by the 4 p.m deadline, ensuring Bryant will earn nearly $13 million next season.
Bryant said in the offseason he would be "highly disappointed" if he received the tag, which is the fifth all-time in Cowboys history.
Jones mentioned at the Combine last month that a potential tag would be a "placeholder" between the two sides before they would ideally reach a long-term deal to keep Bryant with the club.
The team met with Bryant's agents, Tom Condon of CAA and Kim Miale of Roc Nation, last tuesday, per Todd Archer of ESPN, though no party believes a deal will be forthcoming by March 10, the first day of free agency.
In five seasons with Dallas, Bryant recorded 381 receptions for 5,424 yards and 56 touchdowns, the most catches, yards, and scores by any Cowboy in franchise history.
The team will inform the league of their decision by the 4 p.m deadline, ensuring Bryant will earn nearly $13 million next season.
Bryant said in the offseason he would be "highly disappointed" if he received the tag, which is the fifth all-time in Cowboys history.
Jones mentioned at the Combine last month that a potential tag would be a "placeholder" between the two sides before they would ideally reach a long-term deal to keep Bryant with the club.
The team met with Bryant's agents, Tom Condon of CAA and Kim Miale of Roc Nation, last tuesday, per Todd Archer of ESPN, though no party believes a deal will be forthcoming by March 10, the first day of free agency.
In five seasons with Dallas, Bryant recorded 381 receptions for 5,424 yards and 56 touchdowns, the most catches, yards, and scores by any Cowboy in franchise history.
Lions will not tag Suh
ALLEN PARK, Mich. - Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was deemed worthy the $26.9 million he would cost the Detroit Lions next season, so on Monday the team decided they would not place the franchise tag on him, according to Tim Twentyman of the Lions website.
Suh will instead become an unrestricted free agent come March 10, and will gauge his value by testing the market for potential suitors elsewhere.
He featured on a Lions front that ranked tops in the league against the run, second overall, and third in scoring.
He and his agent, Jimmy Sexton, have been involved in negotiations over the past few months on a potential long-term deal, but are yet to secure any agreements. The likely number for such a deal would be around $100 million.
Texans defensive end J.J. Watt signed a six-year, $100 million ($51.8m guaranteed) deal last season, an all-time record for a defensive player.
Leading the league last season with 8.5 sacks, Suh has started all 78 games with Detroit since being drafted from Nebraska as the second overall pick in 2010.
Suh will instead become an unrestricted free agent come March 10, and will gauge his value by testing the market for potential suitors elsewhere.
He featured on a Lions front that ranked tops in the league against the run, second overall, and third in scoring.
He and his agent, Jimmy Sexton, have been involved in negotiations over the past few months on a potential long-term deal, but are yet to secure any agreements. The likely number for such a deal would be around $100 million.
Texans defensive end J.J. Watt signed a six-year, $100 million ($51.8m guaranteed) deal last season, an all-time record for a defensive player.
Leading the league last season with 8.5 sacks, Suh has started all 78 games with Detroit since being drafted from Nebraska as the second overall pick in 2010.
Browns QB Josh McCown feels Cleveland's pain
BEREA, Ohio - Running true to their awkward tradition since returning to the league in 1999, the Cleveland Browns on Friday signed another quarterback to their fledgling eleven.
Josh McCown, the latest name to be added to a long and beleaguered lineage, on Sunday told the Northeast Ohio Media Group that he knows how people may be confused by his signing.
"I get it," he said. "I understand people's perceptions of me. I don't back off it or shy away from [his 1-10 record last season with Tampa]. I understand people's frustration. But my mindset is to come in here, grow, and improve as a football player, and help this team win football games."
Winning football games looked to be a surprisingly pleasant fate last season for the Browns, who, behind hometown signal caller Brian Hoyer, jumped out to a 6-3 record and the first-place spot in the AFC North before a 1-6 collapse down the stretch, being outscored 167-88.
The addition of McCown, and a three-year, $14 million contract ($6.25m guaranteed), likely spells the departure of Hoyer, who on March 10 will become a free agent.
"I met Brian a few years ago at a workout for the Giants and I was impressed with him and I've rooted for him from afar especially with what he went through a couple of years ago with the knee and to come back this year," McCown said. "I love stories like that. It's awesome. I'm a fan of Brian and I like his work ethic. It's been a great story of him playing right there in his hometown."
McCown also spoke to the example he hopes to bring to backup Johnny Manziel, still currently in rehab.
"Johnny is a person," he said, "and every person that I come across has value to me and they matter, and so I want to help him as much as I can with all parts of it, but to grow as a person and as a player and to help him go on and have a fruitful career.
"Just life in general is too short to go through it alone or just looking out for yourself all the time," he said. "So if you can give up yourself to others to help someone else in their journey, I just think you'll find so much more peace in life. So that's my approach when I head into a quarterback room. It's just what can I give back to the guys around me to help us be better? Because ultimately it's going to help our team."
The 35-year-old Texas native had visited with the Jets, Bears, and Bills, and was negotiating with Buffalo and Cleveland before signing with the latter.
"I just want to serve our team and help everybody in that locker room, do my best to help everybody in the locker room be better at their job, and they're going to help me, too," he said. "I'm just excited about coming in and being a part of a team."
McCown was responsible for 18 turnovers last season with the Buccaneers, tossing 14 interceptions, though in 2013 with the Bears, added 13 touchdowns and only one pick.
In a 12-year career, he has 61 touchdowns and 59 interceptions and a 17-32 record.
Josh McCown, the latest name to be added to a long and beleaguered lineage, on Sunday told the Northeast Ohio Media Group that he knows how people may be confused by his signing.
"I get it," he said. "I understand people's perceptions of me. I don't back off it or shy away from [his 1-10 record last season with Tampa]. I understand people's frustration. But my mindset is to come in here, grow, and improve as a football player, and help this team win football games."
Winning football games looked to be a surprisingly pleasant fate last season for the Browns, who, behind hometown signal caller Brian Hoyer, jumped out to a 6-3 record and the first-place spot in the AFC North before a 1-6 collapse down the stretch, being outscored 167-88.
The addition of McCown, and a three-year, $14 million contract ($6.25m guaranteed), likely spells the departure of Hoyer, who on March 10 will become a free agent.
"I met Brian a few years ago at a workout for the Giants and I was impressed with him and I've rooted for him from afar especially with what he went through a couple of years ago with the knee and to come back this year," McCown said. "I love stories like that. It's awesome. I'm a fan of Brian and I like his work ethic. It's been a great story of him playing right there in his hometown."
McCown also spoke to the example he hopes to bring to backup Johnny Manziel, still currently in rehab.
"Johnny is a person," he said, "and every person that I come across has value to me and they matter, and so I want to help him as much as I can with all parts of it, but to grow as a person and as a player and to help him go on and have a fruitful career.
"Just life in general is too short to go through it alone or just looking out for yourself all the time," he said. "So if you can give up yourself to others to help someone else in their journey, I just think you'll find so much more peace in life. So that's my approach when I head into a quarterback room. It's just what can I give back to the guys around me to help us be better? Because ultimately it's going to help our team."
The 35-year-old Texas native had visited with the Jets, Bears, and Bills, and was negotiating with Buffalo and Cleveland before signing with the latter.
"I just want to serve our team and help everybody in that locker room, do my best to help everybody in the locker room be better at their job, and they're going to help me, too," he said. "I'm just excited about coming in and being a part of a team."
McCown was responsible for 18 turnovers last season with the Buccaneers, tossing 14 interceptions, though in 2013 with the Bears, added 13 touchdowns and only one pick.
In a 12-year career, he has 61 touchdowns and 59 interceptions and a 17-32 record.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Eagles' WR Maclin: "I want to be here"
PHILADELPHIA - Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin is still confident he and the team can agree to a deal before free agency begins on March 10, according to Philly.com and other sources.
"I've always said I want to be here in Philadelphia, but I've also always said I understand it's a business," Maclin told the Daily News on Saturday at a team appearance. "Both sides have made it known that we both want each other back, so the rest of it is in God's hands. If it's supposed to happen, it'll happen. I want to be here."
The Eagles can give Maclin the franchise tag before the deadline on Monday until the two work out a multi-year deal, though as of yet there is little negligible talk of that happening. The six-year veteran is coming off a one-year, $5.5 million deal this season signed when he was nursing a torn ACL.
"It's part of the business," Maclin said when asked about being tagged. "I'm very attuned to what's going on, I'm very attuned to how everything works. My side and the Eagles, if we're going to come to a head, we will."
Maclin rebounded from his time off last season, snagging 10 touchdowns on 1,318 yards, all team-best marks, in the Eagles' 10-6 campaign.
There has been speculation, too, that Maclin could reunite with former Eagles coach Andy Reid in Kansas City, to join a Chiefs side in need of skill at the wide receiver position.
"You don't really know what's out there until free agency starts," Maclin said of the Chiefs talk. "I know on paper what teams look like they need receivers. I also understand, this is the place I want to be. We'll see what happens."
"I've always said I want to be here in Philadelphia, but I've also always said I understand it's a business," Maclin told the Daily News on Saturday at a team appearance. "Both sides have made it known that we both want each other back, so the rest of it is in God's hands. If it's supposed to happen, it'll happen. I want to be here."
The Eagles can give Maclin the franchise tag before the deadline on Monday until the two work out a multi-year deal, though as of yet there is little negligible talk of that happening. The six-year veteran is coming off a one-year, $5.5 million deal this season signed when he was nursing a torn ACL.
"It's part of the business," Maclin said when asked about being tagged. "I'm very attuned to what's going on, I'm very attuned to how everything works. My side and the Eagles, if we're going to come to a head, we will."
Maclin rebounded from his time off last season, snagging 10 touchdowns on 1,318 yards, all team-best marks, in the Eagles' 10-6 campaign.
There has been speculation, too, that Maclin could reunite with former Eagles coach Andy Reid in Kansas City, to join a Chiefs side in need of skill at the wide receiver position.
"You don't really know what's out there until free agency starts," Maclin said of the Chiefs talk. "I know on paper what teams look like they need receivers. I also understand, this is the place I want to be. We'll see what happens."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)