NEW YORK - Giants linebacker Victor Butler has been suspended the first four games of this coming season for a performance-enhancing drugs violation, according to Dan Graziano of ESPN.
To what degree his performance was enhanced remains unknown, as Butler finished last season released twice by the Colts and by the Cardinals the year before after fourteen days.
A largely rotational player out of Oregon State since 2009, Butler has compiled 91 tackles and 11 sacks with the Cowboys in addition to Indy and Arizona. A two-year deal with the Saints failed to produce after he tore his ACL in the 2013 training camp.
He was signed to a futures/reserves contract by the Giants on January 5.
Friday, April 10, 2015
Report: Bears hosted QB Mariota
LAKE FOREST, Ill. - The quarterback tandem of Jay Cutler and Jimmy Clausen that did so little to set the NFL alight last season may not be living up to the hopes of the Chicago Bears, as the team reportedly hosted perennial draft favorite Marcus Mariota last week.
Adam Schefter said as much when he appeared on ESPN 1000 (Chicago) on Friday.
The Bears have the overall No. 7 pick in the coming NFL Draft, which likely is too low a spot on the pecking order for Mariota, who will probably go first or second overall. He has been linked to the Titans (No. 2 selection), the Redskins (No. 5), and the Jets (No. 6).
Any trade to deal up to a higher position, and the chance to snag Mariota, would involve some heavy-duty dealing, the heaviest of which could be Jay Cutler, though his performance last season (28 TD, 18 INT) may not garner much interest around the league.
Former Bears coach Lovie Smith, now in the same position with the Buccaneers, put Mariota through a public workout recently, though Schefter and others report Tampa is likely to pick Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston with the first overall pick.
Mariota, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, tossed 105 touchdowns against only 14 interceptions in 41 career starts at Oregon.
Adam Schefter said as much when he appeared on ESPN 1000 (Chicago) on Friday.
The Bears have the overall No. 7 pick in the coming NFL Draft, which likely is too low a spot on the pecking order for Mariota, who will probably go first or second overall. He has been linked to the Titans (No. 2 selection), the Redskins (No. 5), and the Jets (No. 6).
Any trade to deal up to a higher position, and the chance to snag Mariota, would involve some heavy-duty dealing, the heaviest of which could be Jay Cutler, though his performance last season (28 TD, 18 INT) may not garner much interest around the league.
Former Bears coach Lovie Smith, now in the same position with the Buccaneers, put Mariota through a public workout recently, though Schefter and others report Tampa is likely to pick Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston with the first overall pick.
Mariota, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, tossed 105 touchdowns against only 14 interceptions in 41 career starts at Oregon.
Bills WR: We're shooting for the Super Bowl
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - The NFL offseason is the perfect time of year for speculators, "analysts," and athletes to fill themselves with stupid and unfounded optimism.
Bills wide receiver Robert Woods took his turn being stupid on Friday, reiterating the stupidity of his bravado-ridden head coach Rex Ryan, telling WGR 550 (Buffalo) of his team's hopes this coming season.
"Get to the Super Bowl," he said. "Nothing less than the Super Bowl with this team and the possibilities of our offense and our defense. That's what we're shooting for."
It didn't take long to figure out where those views came from: Ryan himself, whose confidence did him so well with the Jets, who fired him at last season's end, and who took the time recently to deliver a "general message to the team."
"We haven't been to the playoffs," Woods noted in an attack of reality which he soon lost, "but we're knocking at the door, and I think this team right here is just too good and has too many weapons on offense and defense to fall short of that."
Weapons on offense include new running back LeSean McCoy, traded apparently against his will from the Eagles last month, Woods himself, and pass-catcher Sammy Watkins, who last year tallied six touchdowns on 982 yards for Buffalo's 26th-ranked offensive eleven.
Though with an open competition coming at quarterback, one may wonder from whom these championship-winning passes will be thrown from. Last season found Kyle Orton's last-ditch effort at glory, leading Buffalo to an 18th-ranked passing attack (225.9 ypg). With Orton's retirement, E.J. Manuel and Matt Cassel, who was traded from the Vikings in March, remain under center.
Bills wide receiver Robert Woods took his turn being stupid on Friday, reiterating the stupidity of his bravado-ridden head coach Rex Ryan, telling WGR 550 (Buffalo) of his team's hopes this coming season.
"Get to the Super Bowl," he said. "Nothing less than the Super Bowl with this team and the possibilities of our offense and our defense. That's what we're shooting for."
It didn't take long to figure out where those views came from: Ryan himself, whose confidence did him so well with the Jets, who fired him at last season's end, and who took the time recently to deliver a "general message to the team."
"We haven't been to the playoffs," Woods noted in an attack of reality which he soon lost, "but we're knocking at the door, and I think this team right here is just too good and has too many weapons on offense and defense to fall short of that."
Weapons on offense include new running back LeSean McCoy, traded apparently against his will from the Eagles last month, Woods himself, and pass-catcher Sammy Watkins, who last year tallied six touchdowns on 982 yards for Buffalo's 26th-ranked offensive eleven.
Though with an open competition coming at quarterback, one may wonder from whom these championship-winning passes will be thrown from. Last season found Kyle Orton's last-ditch effort at glory, leading Buffalo to an 18th-ranked passing attack (225.9 ypg). With Orton's retirement, E.J. Manuel and Matt Cassel, who was traded from the Vikings in March, remain under center.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Steelers great Troy Polamalu retires
PITTSBURGH - Steelers safety Troy Polamalu is retiring from the NFL after a twelve year career, he told Scout.com after telling team owner Dan Rooney on Thursday night.
A stalwart figure in the Steelers' recent two Super Bowl campaigns and one of the league's hardest hitters in the last decade, Polamalu was named to the Pro Bowl eight times since being drafted from USC in 2003.
"It's all about family," the 33-year-old told Jim Wexell of Scout. "I live here in Pittsburgh now, and since the end of the season I've had a chance to enjoy my family on a level I never had before. It was awesome."
Polamalu, a Greek Orthodox, says he came to the decision while in church during Holy Week.
"Thirty-three is obviously significant because of Christ being 33; and 12 years, 12 apostles," he told Scout.com. "I'm not superstitious by any means but I always thought that if I played 12 years and retire from football at 33 and give my life and give my body and give my blood to his game, I think that would be a pretty significant landmark in my life."
An anywhere-on-the-field defensive talent, Polamalu leaves the game with 770 career tackles and 32 interceptions, all with the Steelers, telling Wexell he "did not seriously consider playing anywhere else."
The team had reportedly asked Polamalu to retire after last season's end, and according to the Post-Gazette were prepared to release him had he not.
A champion of Super Bowls XL and XLIII, injuries and durability would become a concern in recent years, and the five-time All Pro would only see the field in 16 games twice in his final nine seasons.
"It's time to start living," he said.
A stalwart figure in the Steelers' recent two Super Bowl campaigns and one of the league's hardest hitters in the last decade, Polamalu was named to the Pro Bowl eight times since being drafted from USC in 2003.
"It's all about family," the 33-year-old told Jim Wexell of Scout. "I live here in Pittsburgh now, and since the end of the season I've had a chance to enjoy my family on a level I never had before. It was awesome."
Polamalu, a Greek Orthodox, says he came to the decision while in church during Holy Week.
"Thirty-three is obviously significant because of Christ being 33; and 12 years, 12 apostles," he told Scout.com. "I'm not superstitious by any means but I always thought that if I played 12 years and retire from football at 33 and give my life and give my body and give my blood to his game, I think that would be a pretty significant landmark in my life."
An anywhere-on-the-field defensive talent, Polamalu leaves the game with 770 career tackles and 32 interceptions, all with the Steelers, telling Wexell he "did not seriously consider playing anywhere else."
The team had reportedly asked Polamalu to retire after last season's end, and according to the Post-Gazette were prepared to release him had he not.
A champion of Super Bowls XL and XLIII, injuries and durability would become a concern in recent years, and the five-time All Pro would only see the field in 16 games twice in his final nine seasons.
"It's time to start living," he said.
Browns sign TE Housler
BEREA, Ohio - In a last ditch effort to add pieces to their patchwork offensive eleven, the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday announced the signing of tight end Rob Housler to a one-year contract.
Housler spent the last four seasons with the Cardinals, who selected him in the third-round of the 2011 NFL Draft from Florida Atlantic.
In that time, he collected 105 receptions for 1,133 yards and a touchdown. He will join Browns tight ends Gary Barnidge and Jim Dray, known for being blockers.
Cleveland lost pass-catching end Jordan Cameron to the Dolphins this offseason.
Housler spent the last four seasons with the Cardinals, who selected him in the third-round of the 2011 NFL Draft from Florida Atlantic.
In that time, he collected 105 receptions for 1,133 yards and a touchdown. He will join Browns tight ends Gary Barnidge and Jim Dray, known for being blockers.
Cleveland lost pass-catching end Jordan Cameron to the Dolphins this offseason.
Steelers RB suspended 3 games
PITTSBURGH - Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell has been suspended for three games this season for a violation of the NFL substance-abuse policy, the league announced on Thursday.
Adam Schefter of ESPN first reported the story.
Bell has elected to appeal the suspension, related to a traffic stop last August in suburban Pittsburgh resulting in a DUI arrest. His former teammate, rusher LaGarrette Blount, now with New England, was in the car with him, and was suspended on Wednesday for the regular season opener by the league.
Bell, who was also fined a game's paycheck, emerged last season as one of the top runners in football, placing second league-wide with 1,361 yards and eight touchdowns, adding three scores through the air on 854 receiving yards.
Adam Schefter of ESPN first reported the story.
Bell has elected to appeal the suspension, related to a traffic stop last August in suburban Pittsburgh resulting in a DUI arrest. His former teammate, rusher LaGarrette Blount, now with New England, was in the car with him, and was suspended on Wednesday for the regular season opener by the league.
Bell, who was also fined a game's paycheck, emerged last season as one of the top runners in football, placing second league-wide with 1,361 yards and eight touchdowns, adding three scores through the air on 854 receiving yards.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Jets sign RB Ridley
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Running back Stevan Ridley and the New York Jets have agreed to and signed a one-year contract on Wednesday, according to NFL Media.
No salary figures have been announced for the 26-year-old, who the team will hope bolster a Jets rush attack that finished last season 3rd in football (142.5 ypg) despite a four-win campaign that found head coach Rex Ryan lose his job.
A third-round pick from LSU in 2011, Ridley featured in the Patriots' backfield, tallying 2,817 yards and 22 touchdowns in that time before tearing his ACL and MCL in Week 6 against the Bills.
He will compete against runners Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson. Johnson was shot in an incident in Florida last month but is in stable condition.
No salary figures have been announced for the 26-year-old, who the team will hope bolster a Jets rush attack that finished last season 3rd in football (142.5 ypg) despite a four-win campaign that found head coach Rex Ryan lose his job.
A third-round pick from LSU in 2011, Ridley featured in the Patriots' backfield, tallying 2,817 yards and 22 touchdowns in that time before tearing his ACL and MCL in Week 6 against the Bills.
He will compete against runners Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson. Johnson was shot in an incident in Florida last month but is in stable condition.
RGIII wants to start over with Gruden
ASHBURN, Va. - Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is ready for a new relationship between he and head coach Jay Gruden.
"Quarterback Carousel" are the words that come to mind when judging the Redskins' quagmire under center last season. The team would start three: the quickly-injured Griffin, interception-machine Kirk Cousins, and second-chancer Colt McCoy.
All of which added up to a four-win campaign for first-year boss Gruden, though a late regular season victory over the Eagles would keep rival Philly out of the playoffs.
Gruden publicly criticized Griffin on a few occasions for his performance and seeming inability to fit into the team's offensive scheme, though after last season ended did confirm the overall No. 2 pick three years ago would be the team's starter going into 2015.
Both seem interested in starting over, and to that effect Griffin addressed the future for him and the team, talking to Redskins Nation.
"My job is to not characterize or judge him as a coach," Griffin said of Gruden, via CSN Washington.
"We both want to win. Jay came in here with the plan to help develop me as a quarterback, and help this team win. He wants me to go out there and be the quarterback he knows I can be, and I will be."
Griffin noted that next season the expectations for he and Gruden will be much higher, and is looking to move past the somewhat tense relationship they have experienced.
"We're going to make sure we work together in a positive way to make sure this team is successful," he said. "We're going to win. That's all we can do."
And should they not, they may be looking for work elsewhere come January.
"Quarterback Carousel" are the words that come to mind when judging the Redskins' quagmire under center last season. The team would start three: the quickly-injured Griffin, interception-machine Kirk Cousins, and second-chancer Colt McCoy.
All of which added up to a four-win campaign for first-year boss Gruden, though a late regular season victory over the Eagles would keep rival Philly out of the playoffs.
Gruden publicly criticized Griffin on a few occasions for his performance and seeming inability to fit into the team's offensive scheme, though after last season ended did confirm the overall No. 2 pick three years ago would be the team's starter going into 2015.
Both seem interested in starting over, and to that effect Griffin addressed the future for him and the team, talking to Redskins Nation.
"My job is to not characterize or judge him as a coach," Griffin said of Gruden, via CSN Washington.
"We both want to win. Jay came in here with the plan to help develop me as a quarterback, and help this team win. He wants me to go out there and be the quarterback he knows I can be, and I will be."
Griffin noted that next season the expectations for he and Gruden will be much higher, and is looking to move past the somewhat tense relationship they have experienced.
"We're going to make sure we work together in a positive way to make sure this team is successful," he said. "We're going to win. That's all we can do."
And should they not, they may be looking for work elsewhere come January.
Dolphins hosting WR Welker
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - Free agent wide receiver Wes Welker will pay a visit to where his career started as the Miami Dolphins host the eleven-year veteran on Tuesday, a source close to the team confirmed.
Welker began his career Dolphins in 2004 out of Texas Tech before a trade moved him to New England three years later, tallying five seasons with at least 100 receptions and five years with his name added as a Pro Bowl selection.
He snagged a career-best 10 touchdowns with the Broncos in 2013, though his age (33) and three concussions have marked a slowdown in his production.
Last season in nine appearances for Denver, Welker caught only 34 balls for 282 yards and two scores, one of those the other end of Peyton Manning's 508th touchdown pass, tying Brett Favre for the most then all-time.
The Dolphins also hosted pass-catchers Greg Jennings and Michael Crabtree two weeks ago as they look to bolster a receiving corps that last season finished 13th in football (254.1 ypg).
Welker began his career Dolphins in 2004 out of Texas Tech before a trade moved him to New England three years later, tallying five seasons with at least 100 receptions and five years with his name added as a Pro Bowl selection.
He snagged a career-best 10 touchdowns with the Broncos in 2013, though his age (33) and three concussions have marked a slowdown in his production.
Last season in nine appearances for Denver, Welker caught only 34 balls for 282 yards and two scores, one of those the other end of Peyton Manning's 508th touchdown pass, tying Brett Favre for the most then all-time.
The Dolphins also hosted pass-catchers Greg Jennings and Michael Crabtree two weeks ago as they look to bolster a receiving corps that last season finished 13th in football (254.1 ypg).
Report: Eagles host RB Peerman
PHILADELPHIA - An intriguing first year Eagles head coach Chip Kelly has had as the team's personnel man may not be over yet.
Adam Caplan of ESPN and Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com both reported that the Eagles hosted Bengals running back Cedric Peerman on Tuesday.
Collecting 315 rushing yards in a six-year career out of Virginia, his production has been limited since being claimed off waivers by Cincinnati in 2010, rushing only five times as a backup over the last two seasons.
In 2012, he had two long returns off fake punts, though would fall down the team's depth chart after rookie back Jeremy Hill emerged and overtook then-starter Giovani Bernard last season.
That year was Peerman's best overall, rushing 36 times for 258 yards and his only career touchdown.
Philadelphia needs little help in their backfield with the addition of former Cowboys runner DeMarco Murray and former Chargers back Ryan Mathews. Darren Sproles and Chris Polk are still with the Birds, too, so Peerman, if signed, would likely start out on special teams.
Adam Caplan of ESPN and Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com both reported that the Eagles hosted Bengals running back Cedric Peerman on Tuesday.
Collecting 315 rushing yards in a six-year career out of Virginia, his production has been limited since being claimed off waivers by Cincinnati in 2010, rushing only five times as a backup over the last two seasons.
In 2012, he had two long returns off fake punts, though would fall down the team's depth chart after rookie back Jeremy Hill emerged and overtook then-starter Giovani Bernard last season.
That year was Peerman's best overall, rushing 36 times for 258 yards and his only career touchdown.
Philadelphia needs little help in their backfield with the addition of former Cowboys runner DeMarco Murray and former Chargers back Ryan Mathews. Darren Sproles and Chris Polk are still with the Birds, too, so Peerman, if signed, would likely start out on special teams.
Jets interested in LB Mays
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - After signing two veteran linebackers this week, the New York Jets don't look to be through bolstering their defense, and to that end, the team is interested in signing a third, Joe Mays, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.
Mays, a seven year veteran coming off one season with the Chiefs, visited the Chargers this week as he tests his free agency market.
He began the regular season in 2014 on injured reserve after a wrist injury in the preseason, though was activated on Nov. 8, appearing in eight contests for the Chiefs (9-7), collecting 20 combined tackles.
The Jets added Jamari Lattimore on April 1 and Erin Henderson six days later, and veteran corner Darrelle Revis to a five-ear, $70 million deal in March in an effort to fortify a defensive eleven that last season placed 6th overall in football, but dead last in interceptions (6).
Mays, a seven year veteran coming off one season with the Chiefs, visited the Chargers this week as he tests his free agency market.
He began the regular season in 2014 on injured reserve after a wrist injury in the preseason, though was activated on Nov. 8, appearing in eight contests for the Chiefs (9-7), collecting 20 combined tackles.
The Jets added Jamari Lattimore on April 1 and Erin Henderson six days later, and veteran corner Darrelle Revis to a five-ear, $70 million deal in March in an effort to fortify a defensive eleven that last season placed 6th overall in football, but dead last in interceptions (6).
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Patriots RB Blount suspended for season opener
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Patriots running back LaGarrette Blount has been suspended for the regular season opener this season, the National Football League announced on Tuesday.
The suspension comes for abuse of the league's substance abuse policy and comes without pay, though he will be eligible for all offseason and preseason practices and games.
Blount was arrested for marijuana possession last August with running back Le'Veon Bell when both were with the Steelers after a police stop in suburban Pittsburgh. Blount's misdemeanor charge was dropped by a judge in Pennsylvania after he completed community service.
He was released by the Steelers in November after a number of incidents, including leaving the field early in a Monday night game at Tennessee after not seeing the field.
He was picked up by the Patriots for the final five regular games of last season, running for 281 yards and three touchdowns, notching 189 yards in the postseason. His three touchdown rushes powered New England past the Colts in a 45-7 rout in the AFC Championship Game.
The suspension comes for abuse of the league's substance abuse policy and comes without pay, though he will be eligible for all offseason and preseason practices and games.
Blount was arrested for marijuana possession last August with running back Le'Veon Bell when both were with the Steelers after a police stop in suburban Pittsburgh. Blount's misdemeanor charge was dropped by a judge in Pennsylvania after he completed community service.
He was released by the Steelers in November after a number of incidents, including leaving the field early in a Monday night game at Tennessee after not seeing the field.
He was picked up by the Patriots for the final five regular games of last season, running for 281 yards and three touchdowns, notching 189 yards in the postseason. His three touchdown rushes powered New England past the Colts in a 45-7 rout in the AFC Championship Game.
Eagles sign DB Biggars, WR Ajirotutu
PHILADELPHIA - The Eagles signed cornerback E.J. Biggers and wide receiver Seyi Ajirotutu on Tuesday, according to multiple reports.
The terms were not announced, though they both signed one-year contracts as the Eagles look to bolster some positions and add depth in the latter stages of free agency before the draft begins on April 30.
Undrafted from Fresno State in 2010, Ajirotutu did two stints with the Chargers, catching three touchdowns, and will likely feature on special teams after the departure of Brad Smith.
Riley Cooper, Jordan Matthews, and Josh Huff feature at wide-out for Philadelphia, and veteran Miles Austin was signed this offseason.
Biggers can stand in at corner or safety, securing his first career interception with the Redskins last season. He has 235 tackles and four interceptions in 32 starts, with five at safety, and will likely start opposite Malcolm Jenkins.
The terms were not announced, though they both signed one-year contracts as the Eagles look to bolster some positions and add depth in the latter stages of free agency before the draft begins on April 30.
Undrafted from Fresno State in 2010, Ajirotutu did two stints with the Chargers, catching three touchdowns, and will likely feature on special teams after the departure of Brad Smith.
Riley Cooper, Jordan Matthews, and Josh Huff feature at wide-out for Philadelphia, and veteran Miles Austin was signed this offseason.
Biggers can stand in at corner or safety, securing his first career interception with the Redskins last season. He has 235 tackles and four interceptions in 32 starts, with five at safety, and will likely start opposite Malcolm Jenkins.
Jets pick up Erin Henderson
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - After sitting out last season, linebacker Erin Henderson will re-start his career with a new team: the New York Jets.
Undrafted out of Maryland in 2008, Henderson will pick up a base salary of $745,000, according to Dom Consentino of NJ.com.
He sat out last season after being released from Minnesota following two arrests for DUI in November 2013 and again on New Year's Day, 2014. Henderson would plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge and was suspended four games by the league.
The 28-year-old linebacker admitted himself into treatment last season to deal with his substance problems. He visited the Chiefs and 49ers before the Jets agreed to take a chance on him.
Undrafted out of Maryland in 2008, Henderson will pick up a base salary of $745,000, according to Dom Consentino of NJ.com.
He sat out last season after being released from Minnesota following two arrests for DUI in November 2013 and again on New Year's Day, 2014. Henderson would plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge and was suspended four games by the league.
The 28-year-old linebacker admitted himself into treatment last season to deal with his substance problems. He visited the Chiefs and 49ers before the Jets agreed to take a chance on him.
Safety Dawan Landry visits Bills
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - With the Buffalo Bills looking to add to their secondary, on Tuesday head coach Rex Ryan hosted safety Dawan Landry, the team announced.
Landry, who played the last two seasons with Ryan when both were with the Jets, is a ten-year veteran and consistent starter. A fifth-round pick by the Ravens in 2006, Landry has 768 career tackles and 8 sacks, adding 13 interceptions.
He signed a free agent deal with the Jaguars in 2011, leaving with 97 tackles and two interceptions, including a career-best five pick season in '11, before being released in March 2013, where he would meet up with then-Jets boss Ryan.
Landry would feature across from corner-turned-safety Aaron Williams. The Bills lost safety Da'Norris Searcy to the Titans in the free agency period. Duke Williams, Baccari Rambo, and Jonathan Meeks will also compete for a strong safety position.
Landry, who played the last two seasons with Ryan when both were with the Jets, is a ten-year veteran and consistent starter. A fifth-round pick by the Ravens in 2006, Landry has 768 career tackles and 8 sacks, adding 13 interceptions.
He signed a free agent deal with the Jaguars in 2011, leaving with 97 tackles and two interceptions, including a career-best five pick season in '11, before being released in March 2013, where he would meet up with then-Jets boss Ryan.
Landry would feature across from corner-turned-safety Aaron Williams. The Bills lost safety Da'Norris Searcy to the Titans in the free agency period. Duke Williams, Baccari Rambo, and Jonathan Meeks will also compete for a strong safety position.
Stevan Ridley visiting Redskins
ASHBURN, Va. - Stevan Ridley is heading to the nation's capitol in search of a job.
The former Patriots running back, who also spent time with the Dolphins and Jets this offseason, will visit Redskins head coach Jay Gruden on Tuesday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
Ridley, a free agent, tore his ACL and MCL in a Week 6 clash with the Bills last season, and was replaced by LaGarrette Blount after a series of costly fumbles in 2013.
A third-round pick in 2011 from LSU, he had two seasons with seven or more touchdowns, notching 2,817 yards and 22 scores. His career-long rush of 43 yards came last season against the Bengals.
The Redskins finished 19th last season in rushing (105.7 ypg) behind Alfred Morris, whose 1,074 yards were eleventh-best in the NFL, adding a third-best eight touchdown rushes.
The former Patriots running back, who also spent time with the Dolphins and Jets this offseason, will visit Redskins head coach Jay Gruden on Tuesday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
Ridley, a free agent, tore his ACL and MCL in a Week 6 clash with the Bills last season, and was replaced by LaGarrette Blount after a series of costly fumbles in 2013.
A third-round pick in 2011 from LSU, he had two seasons with seven or more touchdowns, notching 2,817 yards and 22 scores. His career-long rush of 43 yards came last season against the Bengals.
The Redskins finished 19th last season in rushing (105.7 ypg) behind Alfred Morris, whose 1,074 yards were eleventh-best in the NFL, adding a third-best eight touchdown rushes.
Bucs will work out Mariota today
EUGENE, Ore. - Quarterback Marcus Mariota will work out with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team announced on Tuesday.
The Bucs hold the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and have been widely expected to select Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, who they will visit on Wednesday.
The team sent a five-man party to Oregon led by head coach Lovie Smith. General manager Jason Licht and offensive coordinator Dick Koetter joined him on the team's private plane.
Mariota won the Heisman Trophy last season following a campaign that saw him throw 42 touchdowns against only four interceptions on 4,454 yards, adding 770 yards and 15 scores on the ground. He led the Ducks to the National Championship Game, where they would fall to Ohio State.
The Bucs hold the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and have been widely expected to select Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, who they will visit on Wednesday.
The team sent a five-man party to Oregon led by head coach Lovie Smith. General manager Jason Licht and offensive coordinator Dick Koetter joined him on the team's private plane.
Mariota won the Heisman Trophy last season following a campaign that saw him throw 42 touchdowns against only four interceptions on 4,454 yards, adding 770 yards and 15 scores on the ground. He led the Ducks to the National Championship Game, where they would fall to Ohio State.
Peterson, Goodell meet today
NEW YORK - Vikings running back Adrian Peterson will meet with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Tuesday to discuss his possible reinstatement to the league, according to Ian Rapoport on Twitter.
Peterson, who agreed to a plea deal in November on one count of misdemeanor reckless assault, is eligible to return to his team on April 15.
His name is still on the Commissioner's Exempt list, requiring him to refrain from all team activities while undergoing legal proceedings.
The meeting could provide a long-awaited conclusion to Peterson's predicament and consequently the future of the Vikings franchise. Head coach Mike Zimmer said at the NFL Owners Meetings in March that he was awaiting "clarity" regarding Peterson before he could move ahead with his plans for the club.
Ben Dogra, Peterson's agent, noted to NFL Media last month that the back was interested in leaving Minnesota, later bluntly confirming to USA Today, "We want out of Minnesota."
Vikings owner Mark Wilf was quick to respond to rumors of his star back wanting to leave town.
"He's an important part of the Minnesota Vikings," Wilf said, "and we look forward to him being part of our team in 2015."
Peterson has three years and $45 million remaining on his current contract. Neither he nor his agent have demanded a trade outright.
Though in the last month, there has been more than enough coming from his side that he is considering a future elsewhere, with the Cowboys and Cardinals two likely landing spots.
Peterson, who agreed to a plea deal in November on one count of misdemeanor reckless assault, is eligible to return to his team on April 15.
His name is still on the Commissioner's Exempt list, requiring him to refrain from all team activities while undergoing legal proceedings.
The meeting could provide a long-awaited conclusion to Peterson's predicament and consequently the future of the Vikings franchise. Head coach Mike Zimmer said at the NFL Owners Meetings in March that he was awaiting "clarity" regarding Peterson before he could move ahead with his plans for the club.
Ben Dogra, Peterson's agent, noted to NFL Media last month that the back was interested in leaving Minnesota, later bluntly confirming to USA Today, "We want out of Minnesota."
Vikings owner Mark Wilf was quick to respond to rumors of his star back wanting to leave town.
"He's an important part of the Minnesota Vikings," Wilf said, "and we look forward to him being part of our team in 2015."
Peterson has three years and $45 million remaining on his current contract. Neither he nor his agent have demanded a trade outright.
Though in the last month, there has been more than enough coming from his side that he is considering a future elsewhere, with the Cowboys and Cardinals two likely landing spots.
Dolphins host WR Jennings
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - In need of experience at the wide receiver position, the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday will host veteran wide-out Greg Jennings, according to multiple reports.
Jennings, a Super Bowl XLV champion with the Packers, will head to south Florida following the team's meeting with Michael Crabtree fell through after both sides failed to agree on the numbers for a deal.
The 31-year-old Jennings was released by the Vikings after one season in March, shortly after the Dolphins would send pass-catcher Mike Wallace to Minnesota, and the Fins were near the top of the radar in 2013 when Jennings was looking for work after heading out of Green Bay.
Despite falling production overall, Jennings would likely find himself near the top of the depth chart in Miami, joining Kenny Stills and Jarvis Landry.
Last season found Jennings tally 742 yards on 59 receptions for six touchdowns for the 7-9 Vikings.
Jennings, a Super Bowl XLV champion with the Packers, will head to south Florida following the team's meeting with Michael Crabtree fell through after both sides failed to agree on the numbers for a deal.
The 31-year-old Jennings was released by the Vikings after one season in March, shortly after the Dolphins would send pass-catcher Mike Wallace to Minnesota, and the Fins were near the top of the radar in 2013 when Jennings was looking for work after heading out of Green Bay.
Despite falling production overall, Jennings would likely find himself near the top of the depth chart in Miami, joining Kenny Stills and Jarvis Landry.
Last season found Jennings tally 742 yards on 59 receptions for six touchdowns for the 7-9 Vikings.
LeSean McCoy: Chip Kelly doesn't respect stars
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - When running back LeSean McCoy was traded suddenly from the Eagles to the Bills, there were reports from sources close to him that he was more than disgruntled with his change of address.
A product of Harrisburg and the University of Pittsburgh, McCoy had spent his entire football career, and life, in Pennsylvania before being shipped to western New York.
The shock of the move, in the first offseason that finds head coach Chip Kelly in charge of the Eagles' roster moves, allowed McCoy to spin some theories surrounding his departure in his first meeting with Philadelphia reporters.
"I don't think he respects the stars," he said, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I'm being honest. I think he likes the fact that it's Chip Kelly and the Eagles."
Kelly would say the move came because of money and team owner Jeffrey Lurie because he thought McCoy's shifty running style didn't fit into Kelly's scheme.
Lurie noted that Kelly preferred the north-to-south running game that new back DeMarco Murray, signed this year from Dallas, would provide, compared with McCoy's tendency to hop back and forth looking for the big hole that last season, more often than not, never came open.
Kelly's financial argument seemingly fails to hold water, though, as McCoy would have only taken $12 million off the books, and the team would later sign Murray to a five-year, $40 million deal.
McCoy, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, put his name to an identical deal with Buffalo after being told he was traded by his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, on March 10, something he didn't exactly expect.
"He called up and said, 'Hey, it's not a joke. Eagles are trading you to the Bills,'" McCoy said. "I'm like What?"
"Money wasn't the first reason that made me want to come here," he added. "Even when I knew [about the deal] I was like, 'I'm not going there. I don't give a freak what they give me, I'm not going.' And then I realized it was the best for me. This is a team that wants me. Coach [Rex] Ryan is a winner and he wants to run the ball."
McCoy tallied an Eagles season-best 1,607 yards and eleven touchdowns in 2013, and left Philadelphia as the club's all-time leading rusher with 6,792 yards.
"For so many years I gave you all what you wanted. You know?" he said. "And then for how it went down, it was like a surprise. I'm thinking, 'Does everybody look at it how I look at it?'"
A product of Harrisburg and the University of Pittsburgh, McCoy had spent his entire football career, and life, in Pennsylvania before being shipped to western New York.
The shock of the move, in the first offseason that finds head coach Chip Kelly in charge of the Eagles' roster moves, allowed McCoy to spin some theories surrounding his departure in his first meeting with Philadelphia reporters.
"I don't think he respects the stars," he said, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I'm being honest. I think he likes the fact that it's Chip Kelly and the Eagles."
Kelly would say the move came because of money and team owner Jeffrey Lurie because he thought McCoy's shifty running style didn't fit into Kelly's scheme.
Lurie noted that Kelly preferred the north-to-south running game that new back DeMarco Murray, signed this year from Dallas, would provide, compared with McCoy's tendency to hop back and forth looking for the big hole that last season, more often than not, never came open.
Kelly's financial argument seemingly fails to hold water, though, as McCoy would have only taken $12 million off the books, and the team would later sign Murray to a five-year, $40 million deal.
McCoy, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, put his name to an identical deal with Buffalo after being told he was traded by his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, on March 10, something he didn't exactly expect.
"He called up and said, 'Hey, it's not a joke. Eagles are trading you to the Bills,'" McCoy said. "I'm like What?"
"Money wasn't the first reason that made me want to come here," he added. "Even when I knew [about the deal] I was like, 'I'm not going there. I don't give a freak what they give me, I'm not going.' And then I realized it was the best for me. This is a team that wants me. Coach [Rex] Ryan is a winner and he wants to run the ball."
McCoy tallied an Eagles season-best 1,607 yards and eleven touchdowns in 2013, and left Philadelphia as the club's all-time leading rusher with 6,792 yards.
"For so many years I gave you all what you wanted. You know?" he said. "And then for how it went down, it was like a surprise. I'm thinking, 'Does everybody look at it how I look at it?'"
Monday, April 6, 2015
Bengals sign WR Moore
CINCINNATI - Former Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore has been signed by the Bengals to a one year contract, the team announced on Monday.
Moore, a fifth-round pick by the Raiders in 2011, will join former Oakland head coach Hue Jackson, who was signed on as the Bengals' offensive coordinator in January.
The 26-year-old wide-out fell out of favor last season with the Raiders, snagging only 12 catches for 115 yards and no scores, though this season will join a talented pass-catching group that includes A.J. Green, Mohamed Sanu, and Marvin Jones.
2012 was Moore's best season in the professional ranks, hauling in 51 receptions for 741 yards, adding seven touchdowns. He has 17 touchdowns in his career on 2,169 yards.
Moore, a fifth-round pick by the Raiders in 2011, will join former Oakland head coach Hue Jackson, who was signed on as the Bengals' offensive coordinator in January.
The 26-year-old wide-out fell out of favor last season with the Raiders, snagging only 12 catches for 115 yards and no scores, though this season will join a talented pass-catching group that includes A.J. Green, Mohamed Sanu, and Marvin Jones.
2012 was Moore's best season in the professional ranks, hauling in 51 receptions for 741 yards, adding seven touchdowns. He has 17 touchdowns in his career on 2,169 yards.
Jets: DL Wilkerson no-show at workout
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - First-year Jets coach Todd Bowles started his team's inaugural workout without who many consider the best talent on his roster.
A source close to the team confirmed to ESPN that Muhammad Wilkerson, entering the final year of his rookie contract, will wait for a new deal by sitting out the voluntary workouts.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports said on Twitter that Wilkerson "might not be around for a while."
Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan met with the defensive lineman's agent in late February, and the two sides have been talking for almost a year, though no numbers have been agreed on for the New Jersey native.
"Obviously, the agent and Muhammad have their perspective," Maccagnan said. "We're going to have our point, and at the end of the day, hopefully find a middle ground we're both comfortable with. Muhammed is a very good player. I'd like to keep him a Jet."
There has been no indication that Wilkerson will be absent for the team's whole offseason program, however. June 9 marks the team's first mandatory event, their second minicamp.
Though he would never consider a holdout, as he said last season, a 4-12 campaign for which he was paid only $1.2 million on what became one of the league's most active offseason clubs, spending $90 million in guaranteed money.
Wilkerson has emerged as one of the best 3-4 linemen in football. A 30th-overall selection by the Jets in 2011 out of Temple, he has racked up 237 tackles and 24.5 sacks, adding a safety, an interception, and seven forced fumbles.
All good work he is more than willing to improve upon, provided he's paid.
A source close to the team confirmed to ESPN that Muhammad Wilkerson, entering the final year of his rookie contract, will wait for a new deal by sitting out the voluntary workouts.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports said on Twitter that Wilkerson "might not be around for a while."
Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan met with the defensive lineman's agent in late February, and the two sides have been talking for almost a year, though no numbers have been agreed on for the New Jersey native.
"Obviously, the agent and Muhammad have their perspective," Maccagnan said. "We're going to have our point, and at the end of the day, hopefully find a middle ground we're both comfortable with. Muhammed is a very good player. I'd like to keep him a Jet."
There has been no indication that Wilkerson will be absent for the team's whole offseason program, however. June 9 marks the team's first mandatory event, their second minicamp.
Though he would never consider a holdout, as he said last season, a 4-12 campaign for which he was paid only $1.2 million on what became one of the league's most active offseason clubs, spending $90 million in guaranteed money.
Wilkerson has emerged as one of the best 3-4 linemen in football. A 30th-overall selection by the Jets in 2011 out of Temple, he has racked up 237 tackles and 24.5 sacks, adding a safety, an interception, and seven forced fumbles.
All good work he is more than willing to improve upon, provided he's paid.
Johnny Manziel needs to earn Browns' trust
BEREA, Ohio - Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas has spent his entire nine year professional career in Cleveland, mostly on the receiving end of some miserable campaigns with the AFC North's perennial basement-dwellers.
He's seen a lot of quarterbacks behind him, too, and the one he played for most recently has caught his jaundiced eye.
Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel, still in voluntary rehabilitation from his off field lifestyle, has been in Thomas' sights lately, and he doesn't like what he sees.
"I think he's going to have to prove to the team that football is important and being 'the man,' being the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, is important, it is his goal, his single goal in his life," Thomas told ESPNCleveland.com.
Manziel admitted himself into rehab on Jan. 28th, and has been cut off from all social media, and by extension the whole world, an isolation so prodigious that ESPN's Chris Mortensen said that the Browns had "90 percent moved on" from him in the meantime.
A conclusion that seemed all the more likely when the Browns signed quarterback Josh McCown to a three-year deal on Feb. 27th after trading away hometown product Brian Hoyer to Houston.
Thomas said any trust in Manziel from his teammates was a scarce commodity early on.
"You know, I think he lost probably a lot of trust among the guys on the team last year by the way he handled himself once he became the starter," Thomas said. "And I think he had a lot of time to reflect, I'm guessing, after the season was over by the comments he made in the media and by his actions, checking himself into rehab. I think those were positive steps."
Though the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported Manziel was still enrolled in treatment, he was seen recently on a golf course in Shreveport, La., with his father. ESPN reports he is allowed to take occasional trips with his family under the program.
Thomas said he has little faith in guys saying they'll reform themselves and wants to see action.
“Yeah. Everyone wants to talk the good talk in the media, and that includes [embattled wide receiver] Josh Gordon, but it’s your actions that really are telling to your teammates about if you really mean what you say,” Thomas said.
"Obviously, there's some uncertainty with Johnny right now and that's why we brought in Josh [McCown]," Thomas said. "He's a guy that if he's asked to carry the flag this year, he's going to do a great job. There's a chance we draft somebody or there's a chance Johnny comes back and he's a new person and he's rededicated to football, and he turns into the great quarterback that we expected when we drafted him in the first round."
He's seen a lot of quarterbacks behind him, too, and the one he played for most recently has caught his jaundiced eye.
Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel, still in voluntary rehabilitation from his off field lifestyle, has been in Thomas' sights lately, and he doesn't like what he sees.
"I think he's going to have to prove to the team that football is important and being 'the man,' being the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, is important, it is his goal, his single goal in his life," Thomas told ESPNCleveland.com.
Manziel admitted himself into rehab on Jan. 28th, and has been cut off from all social media, and by extension the whole world, an isolation so prodigious that ESPN's Chris Mortensen said that the Browns had "90 percent moved on" from him in the meantime.
A conclusion that seemed all the more likely when the Browns signed quarterback Josh McCown to a three-year deal on Feb. 27th after trading away hometown product Brian Hoyer to Houston.
Thomas said any trust in Manziel from his teammates was a scarce commodity early on.
"You know, I think he lost probably a lot of trust among the guys on the team last year by the way he handled himself once he became the starter," Thomas said. "And I think he had a lot of time to reflect, I'm guessing, after the season was over by the comments he made in the media and by his actions, checking himself into rehab. I think those were positive steps."
Though the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported Manziel was still enrolled in treatment, he was seen recently on a golf course in Shreveport, La., with his father. ESPN reports he is allowed to take occasional trips with his family under the program.
Thomas said he has little faith in guys saying they'll reform themselves and wants to see action.
“Yeah. Everyone wants to talk the good talk in the media, and that includes [embattled wide receiver] Josh Gordon, but it’s your actions that really are telling to your teammates about if you really mean what you say,” Thomas said.
"Obviously, there's some uncertainty with Johnny right now and that's why we brought in Josh [McCown]," Thomas said. "He's a guy that if he's asked to carry the flag this year, he's going to do a great job. There's a chance we draft somebody or there's a chance Johnny comes back and he's a new person and he's rededicated to football, and he turns into the great quarterback that we expected when we drafted him in the first round."
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Colts ink Boom Herron to tender
INDIANAPOLIS - Free agent running back Daniel "Boom" Herron will stay with the Colts after signing a tender offer that will keep him in Indy for at least another year.
Herron emerged as the Colts' backfield option last season after Trent Richardson started to fade, notching 56 rushing yards and a touchdown in a postseason victory over the Bengals, with whom Herron originally signed out of Ohio State before being released.
He has 389 career rushing yards over three seasons, adding three touchdowns, including a career-best 49 yard scamper against the Redskins on Nov. 30. He adds 230 receiving yards on 22 catches.
Herron emerged as the Colts' backfield option last season after Trent Richardson started to fade, notching 56 rushing yards and a touchdown in a postseason victory over the Bengals, with whom Herron originally signed out of Ohio State before being released.
He has 389 career rushing yards over three seasons, adding three touchdowns, including a career-best 49 yard scamper against the Redskins on Nov. 30. He adds 230 receiving yards on 22 catches.
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