PHILADELPHIA - Eagles running back LeSean McCoy may be asked to take a pay cut next season as the team looks to increase their cap space, according to reports from Philly.com.
The seventh-year back, with a cap number of $11.9 million next season, is the second-highest paid runner in football behind Adrian Peterson ($15.4 m.), and has already said he was not interested in a cut in pay when asked about it earlier this offseason.
And there is talk in Philadelphia that if McCoy's number could not be brought down, he may be cut.
Alongside the $4.1 million due fellow back Darren Sproles, the Eagles backfield is set to deprive the team north of $16 million next year against the cap.
McCoy is willing to restructure his current deal that his cap number would be lessened in the coming season, but also stated clearly that any new deal must involve the same amount of money.
"I know how hard it is to keep a team together, and I want to be part of this team," he told Philly.com last month. "But I don't want to take less money. I want to figure out a way to make it happen [where] we're all together."
Head coach Chip Kelly told WIP radio in December he wants McCoy to remain with the team.
McCoy carried for 1,319 yards and five touchdowns last season, a drop in production from 2013, when he rushed for 1,607 yards and nine scores.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Friday, February 27, 2015
Browns sign QB Josh McCown
BEREA, Ohio - Quarterback Josh McCown and the Cleveland Browns have agreed to terms on Friday for a three-year deal, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer.
The team and McCown's agent, Mike McCartney, both confirmed the signing on Twitter.
McCown was released from Tampa after a poor season, throwing 14 interceptions against 11 touchdowns in a one-win campaign for the Buccaneers, though showed more promise two seasons ago as the stand-in for Jay Cutler in Chicago.
The signing will create a competition between the 36-year-old veteran and Johnny Manziel, and also makes it less likely that the Browns will sign Brian Hoyer, who in two seasons went 10-6 for them, as the Cleveland native is set to become a free agent on March 10.
McCown was selected by the Cardinals in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft from Sam Houston State, going 17-32 overall, tossing 61 touchdowns and 59 interceptions.
The team and McCown's agent, Mike McCartney, both confirmed the signing on Twitter.
McCown was released from Tampa after a poor season, throwing 14 interceptions against 11 touchdowns in a one-win campaign for the Buccaneers, though showed more promise two seasons ago as the stand-in for Jay Cutler in Chicago.
The signing will create a competition between the 36-year-old veteran and Johnny Manziel, and also makes it less likely that the Browns will sign Brian Hoyer, who in two seasons went 10-6 for them, as the Cleveland native is set to become a free agent on March 10.
McCown was selected by the Cardinals in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft from Sam Houston State, going 17-32 overall, tossing 61 touchdowns and 59 interceptions.
Vikings: Adrian Peterson releases statement
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has released a statement concerning his situation, following a ruling that overturned his suspension from football.
This is the entirety of his statement, via Pro Football Talk:
"I was pleased to learn about Judge Doty's decision," Peterson said in the statement. "It is a positive step in protecting players' rights and preserving due process for all players. It also beings me one step closer to getting back on the football field and playing the sport I love.
"As I prepare for my return to football, I am still focused on my family and continue to work to become a better father every day. I want to express my gratitude for all of the support I have received from the fans, NFLPA, Jeffrey Kessler, and my agents Ben Dogra, Tracy Lartigue, and Mark Heligman from Relativity Sports."
United States District Court Judge David Doty on Thursday overturned the arbitration decision that upheld his suspension, though Peterson is yet to be reinstated, instead being placed on the Commissioner-Exempt List, allowing him to return to the team.
Peterson is permitted to speak with the team while on the list, who can release him, trade him, or restructure his deal when the league year begins on March 10.
This is the entirety of his statement, via Pro Football Talk:
"I was pleased to learn about Judge Doty's decision," Peterson said in the statement. "It is a positive step in protecting players' rights and preserving due process for all players. It also beings me one step closer to getting back on the football field and playing the sport I love.
"As I prepare for my return to football, I am still focused on my family and continue to work to become a better father every day. I want to express my gratitude for all of the support I have received from the fans, NFLPA, Jeffrey Kessler, and my agents Ben Dogra, Tracy Lartigue, and Mark Heligman from Relativity Sports."
United States District Court Judge David Doty on Thursday overturned the arbitration decision that upheld his suspension, though Peterson is yet to be reinstated, instead being placed on the Commissioner-Exempt List, allowing him to return to the team.
Peterson is permitted to speak with the team while on the list, who can release him, trade him, or restructure his deal when the league year begins on March 10.
Cardinals release DT Darnell Dockett
TEMPE, Ariz. - In the latest development in a year of change for the Cardinals' defense, the team on Friday announced they have released tackle Darnell Dockett.
Dockett and the team could not come to a new agreement on his contract, as the ten-year veteran was due $9.8 million in the coming season, the final year in his current contract.
"We have been very clear about our feelings for Darnell and our desire to have him back," general manager Steve Keim said in a team statement. "After speaking with him and his representatives, we decided that this move today makes the most sense for both the team and the player and allows each to keep all of its options open."
One of those options allows Dockett to return to the roster, something that happened to tackle Levi Brown, who in 2012 was briefly a free agent before returning to the club.
Dockett suffered an ACL tear in his knee that kept him from the field all last season, until then missing only two games in ten years with the Cardinals.
"Do I want to leave Arizona? No," Dockett said in January. "But if I had to, despite being frustrated having to go somewhere else, I would. I can't say I would be happy with the situation if that decision, if it was made, but I understand this is a business. It's happened to the best of them. At the end of the day, my loyalty is to Arizona."
Dockett and the team could not come to a new agreement on his contract, as the ten-year veteran was due $9.8 million in the coming season, the final year in his current contract.
"We have been very clear about our feelings for Darnell and our desire to have him back," general manager Steve Keim said in a team statement. "After speaking with him and his representatives, we decided that this move today makes the most sense for both the team and the player and allows each to keep all of its options open."
One of those options allows Dockett to return to the roster, something that happened to tackle Levi Brown, who in 2012 was briefly a free agent before returning to the club.
Dockett suffered an ACL tear in his knee that kept him from the field all last season, until then missing only two games in ten years with the Cardinals.
"Do I want to leave Arizona? No," Dockett said in January. "But if I had to, despite being frustrated having to go somewhere else, I would. I can't say I would be happy with the situation if that decision, if it was made, but I understand this is a business. It's happened to the best of them. At the end of the day, my loyalty is to Arizona."
Redskins: Barry Cofield cut as Francois signed
ASHBURN, Va. - Defensive tackle Barry Cofield was released by the Washington Redskins on Friday after four seasons with the team, according to reports.
Cofield notched 100 tackles and nine sacks during his time in Washington, though missed eight games last seasons with an ankle injury, finishing with seven tackles and one sack.
The Redskins will save $4.12 million in cap space without Cofield, who was signed to a six-year, $36 million deal in 2011.
The team on Thursday signed tackle Ricky Jean Francois to a three-year deal worth up to $9 million, according to NFL.com.
Cofield notched 100 tackles and nine sacks during his time in Washington, though missed eight games last seasons with an ankle injury, finishing with seven tackles and one sack.
The Redskins will save $4.12 million in cap space without Cofield, who was signed to a six-year, $36 million deal in 2011.
The team on Thursday signed tackle Ricky Jean Francois to a three-year deal worth up to $9 million, according to NFL.com.
Dolphins: WR Brandon Gibson released
MIAMI, Fla. - A day after releasing veteran wide receiver Brian Hartline, the Dolphins on Friday cut fellow pass catcher Brandon Gibson, according to the team and multiple reports.
Gibson signed a three-year deal before the 2013 season and featured in seven games for the team, notching 30 passes, before being put on injured reserve following a knee injury.
The 27-year-old from Washington State had 295 yards on 29 receptions and a touchdown in 14 games last season in Miami and was due $3.26 million next season with a cap hit of $4.3 million.
Gibson signed a three-year deal before the 2013 season and featured in seven games for the team, notching 30 passes, before being put on injured reserve following a knee injury.
The 27-year-old from Washington State had 295 yards on 29 receptions and a touchdown in 14 games last season in Miami and was due $3.26 million next season with a cap hit of $4.3 million.
Bengals cut Geathers, Little
CINCINNATI - Veteran defensive end Robert Geathers and wide receiver Greg Little was released from the Bengals on Friday, according to the team.
Geathers featured on the Bengals' line for eleven years, drafted by the club in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He ranks third in franchise history in games played by a defensive lineman, behind Tim Krumrie (188) and Eddie Edwards (170), and featured in all five postseason appearances under head coach Marvin Lewis.
"Robert has been with us for all my seasons except the first one," Lewis said in a team statement, "and he has been a team leader as well as a very productive player. He's an incredible teammate and a true professional, a big part of the winning seasons we've achieved. If Robert elects to pursue an opportunity with another NFL team, the timing of this move will allow him the best possible chance at that."
Geathers finished his tenure in Cincinnati with 325 tackles and 34 sacks, adding six forced fumbles. His release was not surprising, as it had long been thought either he or tackle Domato Peko would be cut.
"I had a good run in Cincy," Geathers said on Friday. "Eleven years with one team. Not many can say that. If the right opportunity presents itself, I might entertain that. If not, I'm content on having the career I did in Cincinnati. It's on to the next chapter and being the best husband and father I can be."
Also expected to be leaving the club was Greg Little, signed in October of last year to aid an injury-plagued receiving corps, though the fourth year man from North Carolina only caught 6 passes for 69 yards during his time there. Little has eight career touchdowns on 1,890 yards.
The release of Geathers and Little will save the Bengals $3.2 million in available cap space.
Geathers featured on the Bengals' line for eleven years, drafted by the club in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He ranks third in franchise history in games played by a defensive lineman, behind Tim Krumrie (188) and Eddie Edwards (170), and featured in all five postseason appearances under head coach Marvin Lewis.
"Robert has been with us for all my seasons except the first one," Lewis said in a team statement, "and he has been a team leader as well as a very productive player. He's an incredible teammate and a true professional, a big part of the winning seasons we've achieved. If Robert elects to pursue an opportunity with another NFL team, the timing of this move will allow him the best possible chance at that."
Geathers finished his tenure in Cincinnati with 325 tackles and 34 sacks, adding six forced fumbles. His release was not surprising, as it had long been thought either he or tackle Domato Peko would be cut.
"I had a good run in Cincy," Geathers said on Friday. "Eleven years with one team. Not many can say that. If the right opportunity presents itself, I might entertain that. If not, I'm content on having the career I did in Cincinnati. It's on to the next chapter and being the best husband and father I can be."
Also expected to be leaving the club was Greg Little, signed in October of last year to aid an injury-plagued receiving corps, though the fourth year man from North Carolina only caught 6 passes for 69 yards during his time there. Little has eight career touchdowns on 1,890 yards.
The release of Geathers and Little will save the Bengals $3.2 million in available cap space.
Bears: TE Zach Miller inks year extension
LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Tight end Zach Miller on Friday signed a one year extension through the 2015 season with the Chicago Bears, according to the team website.
Miller, a product of Nebraska-Omaha, has not played a regular season game since 2011. He was placed on injured reserve with the Jaguars near the end of 2012, then signed and released by Tampa Bay in 2013, before signing with Chicago in December of that year.
He caught two touchdowns on 68 yards in a preseason match up with Philadelphia last preseason before being placed on injured reserve on August 15th with a foot injury.
"Freak things," Miller said, via the Chicago Tribune. "That's what happened."
Drafted in the sixth round by Jacksonville in 2009, he started five games and played an additional 33 for the Jaguars, notching 470 career yards and four touchdowns from 2009-11.
Miller, a product of Nebraska-Omaha, has not played a regular season game since 2011. He was placed on injured reserve with the Jaguars near the end of 2012, then signed and released by Tampa Bay in 2013, before signing with Chicago in December of that year.
He caught two touchdowns on 68 yards in a preseason match up with Philadelphia last preseason before being placed on injured reserve on August 15th with a foot injury.
"Freak things," Miller said, via the Chicago Tribune. "That's what happened."
Drafted in the sixth round by Jacksonville in 2009, he started five games and played an additional 33 for the Jaguars, notching 470 career yards and four touchdowns from 2009-11.
Dolphins: WR Brian Hartline to be released, says agent
MIAMI, Fla. - Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline will be cut from the team on Friday, according to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, per several media outlets.
Hartline had the lowest output of his career last season, snagging only 34 receptions on 474 yards in all 16 regular season appearances, after netting more than 1,000 yards in his previous two campaigns.
He was due a base payment of $5.9 million this coming season, the third in a five-year deal worth $30 million.
The six-year veteran has 12 career touchdowns on 4,243 yards for the Dolphins, who finished last season 8-8 and out of the postseason for their sixth-straight year.
Hartline had the lowest output of his career last season, snagging only 34 receptions on 474 yards in all 16 regular season appearances, after netting more than 1,000 yards in his previous two campaigns.
He was due a base payment of $5.9 million this coming season, the third in a five-year deal worth $30 million.
The six-year veteran has 12 career touchdowns on 4,243 yards for the Dolphins, who finished last season 8-8 and out of the postseason for their sixth-straight year.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Reports: Bills and QB Josh McCown in talks
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - Josh McCown and the Bills are reportedly working out a deal to bring the quarterback to Buffalo, according to reports.
A source close to the team told the Associated Press that both sides were negotiating on a contract, though the source remained anonymous as the Bills do not speak publicly concerning contract discussions.
McCown visited the Bills on Feb. 16, according to Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News, who reported a source telling him the negotiations could be completed, with the deal done, by Friday.
The 12 year veteran, among the best free agents at quarterback, spent the past two days with the Browns, and also recently visited the Bears and Jets.
McCown went 1-10 with the Buccaneers last season, tossing 11 touchdowns on 2,206 yards, though his campaign was marred by 18 turnovers (14 INT). He holds a 17-32 career record.
A source close to the team told the Associated Press that both sides were negotiating on a contract, though the source remained anonymous as the Bills do not speak publicly concerning contract discussions.
McCown visited the Bills on Feb. 16, according to Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News, who reported a source telling him the negotiations could be completed, with the deal done, by Friday.
The 12 year veteran, among the best free agents at quarterback, spent the past two days with the Browns, and also recently visited the Bears and Jets.
McCown went 1-10 with the Buccaneers last season, tossing 11 touchdowns on 2,206 yards, though his campaign was marred by 18 turnovers (14 INT). He holds a 17-32 career record.
Chiefs: TE Anthony Fasano released
KANSAS CITY - Tight end Anthony Fasano and the Chiefs have parted ways on Thursday after two seasons, according to NFL.com's Jeff Darlington.
The nine year veteran caught 25 passes last season and four touchdowns, and was due to make $2.8 million next year, as the veteran becomes the next victim of salary cap maneuvering. His release will save the Chiefs $1.96 million against the cap.
Fasano is seeking to continue his career, according to Darlington, and will test the free agent market two weeks ahead of other tight ends.
In 26 appearances for the club, he caught 48 passes for 426 yards and seven touchdowns.
The nine year veteran caught 25 passes last season and four touchdowns, and was due to make $2.8 million next year, as the veteran becomes the next victim of salary cap maneuvering. His release will save the Chiefs $1.96 million against the cap.
Fasano is seeking to continue his career, according to Darlington, and will test the free agent market two weeks ahead of other tight ends.
In 26 appearances for the club, he caught 48 passes for 426 yards and seven touchdowns.
Eagles: OT Todd Herremans released
PHILADELPHIA - Veteran guard Todd Herremans will be released on Thursday by the Eagles, according to Adam Caplan, via Twitter.
"Todd has been the ultimate professional during my two years in Philadelphia with him," head coach Chip Kelly said. "He is a tough player and I wish him all of the best as he moves forward in his NFL career."
Herremans was drafted in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft, and is one of the longest tenured players on the Eagles' roster, starting 124 games over ten seasons in Philadelphia at every position except center.
The Michigan native missed eight games this season before a bicep injury placed him on injured reserve. A number of teams in need of some veteran depth at the guard position should be in the mix to sign him as a free agent.
"Todd has been the ultimate professional during my two years in Philadelphia with him," head coach Chip Kelly said. "He is a tough player and I wish him all of the best as he moves forward in his NFL career."
Herremans was drafted in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft, and is one of the longest tenured players on the Eagles' roster, starting 124 games over ten seasons in Philadelphia at every position except center.
The Michigan native missed eight games this season before a bicep injury placed him on injured reserve. A number of teams in need of some veteran depth at the guard position should be in the mix to sign him as a free agent.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Bears: CB Demontre Hurst signed through '16
LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Cornerback Demontre Hurst was signed on Wednesday by the Chicago Bears to a contract extension through 2016, according to the team website.
Hurst appeared in 15 games at the nickel position last season, recording 39 tackles and an interception after spending 2013 on the Bears' practice squad.
"It's a blessing," Hurst told the Bears website on Wednesday. "It's a blessing to be where I started and get to be with a different set of coaches but still with the same teammates. I'm just happy to be back with the guys. They pretty much helped me throughout the season last year to keep growing with them."
Hurst, as an exclusive free agent, was permitted to only negotiate and sign with the Bears.
Hurst appeared in 15 games at the nickel position last season, recording 39 tackles and an interception after spending 2013 on the Bears' practice squad.
"It's a blessing," Hurst told the Bears website on Wednesday. "It's a blessing to be where I started and get to be with a different set of coaches but still with the same teammates. I'm just happy to be back with the guys. They pretty much helped me throughout the season last year to keep growing with them."
Hurst, as an exclusive free agent, was permitted to only negotiate and sign with the Bears.
Lions: RB Reggie Bush released
ALLEN PARK, Mich. - Running back Reggie Bush has been released by the Detroit Lions, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com.
Bush has two years remaining on a 4 year, $16 million deal signed before the 2013 season, was scheduled to make $3.25 million in 2015 and $3.75 million in 2016, and the Lions will save $1.7 million by releasing the 9 year veteran from USC.
"You've got to look at the contribution versus how much you're playing the player," general manager Martin Mayhew said in a team release. "It's what they give you versus what you pay them. That's a process we spend a lot of time on. He's just one of the players we look at."
Bush in 2013 became the first Lions tailback to gain over 1,000 years since 2004, though could muster only 550 yards last season after suffering a series of ankle injuries.
Mayhew noted the emergence of Theo Riddick, in his second season with the club, which likely made the decision to release Bush easier.
"When you have a guy like Theo Riddick, who can make a difference in the passing game, that brings value to your team," Mayhew said.
Bush has 1,266 rushes for 5,465 yards in his career for 35 touchdowns with the Lions, Dolphins, and Saints.
Bush has two years remaining on a 4 year, $16 million deal signed before the 2013 season, was scheduled to make $3.25 million in 2015 and $3.75 million in 2016, and the Lions will save $1.7 million by releasing the 9 year veteran from USC.
"You've got to look at the contribution versus how much you're playing the player," general manager Martin Mayhew said in a team release. "It's what they give you versus what you pay them. That's a process we spend a lot of time on. He's just one of the players we look at."
Bush in 2013 became the first Lions tailback to gain over 1,000 years since 2004, though could muster only 550 yards last season after suffering a series of ankle injuries.
Mayhew noted the emergence of Theo Riddick, in his second season with the club, which likely made the decision to release Bush easier.
"When you have a guy like Theo Riddick, who can make a difference in the passing game, that brings value to your team," Mayhew said.
Bush has 1,266 rushes for 5,465 yards in his career for 35 touchdowns with the Lions, Dolphins, and Saints.
Packers: LB A.J. Hawk released
GREEN BAY - The Packers have released veteran linebacker A. J. Hawk after nine seasons with the team.
Hawk is the Packers' all-time franchise leader in tackles (1,118), adding nine interceptions in his career.
"I spent nine great years in Green Bay," Hawk said in a statement. "I had awesome teammates and coaches and a great medical staff and equipment staff. Many of them have become my closest friends. We won a ton of games, as well as a Super Bowl, and I love everything about playing one of the greatest franchises in all of sports."
He was selected by the Packers No. 5 overall in the 2006 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, and appeared in 142 of a possible 144 contests, starting 136 in green and gold.
"A. J. is a consummate Packer and we are grateful for all that he has given and how he represented the organization over the past nine season," said general manager Ted Thompson. "He was a durable and consistent contributor to our success, but more importantly, he is a great person and teammate. The Packers are grateful for all that he has done on the field and in the community. We wish A. J., his wife Laura, and the rest of their family all the best."
Hawk led the team in tackles five times in his career, and helped them to seven seasons of playoff football, starting 11 of 13 games in the postseason. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2010, the year he and the Packers won Super Bowl XLV.
"The fans in Green Bay are incredible," Hawk added. "Between playing at Lambeau Field as well as seeing them on the road, they always supported us. I am looking forward to my next opportunity in the NFL, but I'll always cherish my years as a Green Bay Packer."
Hawk is recovering from an ankle surgery and will enter free agency.
Hawk is the Packers' all-time franchise leader in tackles (1,118), adding nine interceptions in his career.
"I spent nine great years in Green Bay," Hawk said in a statement. "I had awesome teammates and coaches and a great medical staff and equipment staff. Many of them have become my closest friends. We won a ton of games, as well as a Super Bowl, and I love everything about playing one of the greatest franchises in all of sports."
He was selected by the Packers No. 5 overall in the 2006 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, and appeared in 142 of a possible 144 contests, starting 136 in green and gold.
"A. J. is a consummate Packer and we are grateful for all that he has given and how he represented the organization over the past nine season," said general manager Ted Thompson. "He was a durable and consistent contributor to our success, but more importantly, he is a great person and teammate. The Packers are grateful for all that he has done on the field and in the community. We wish A. J., his wife Laura, and the rest of their family all the best."
Hawk led the team in tackles five times in his career, and helped them to seven seasons of playoff football, starting 11 of 13 games in the postseason. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2010, the year he and the Packers won Super Bowl XLV.
"The fans in Green Bay are incredible," Hawk added. "Between playing at Lambeau Field as well as seeing them on the road, they always supported us. I am looking forward to my next opportunity in the NFL, but I'll always cherish my years as a Green Bay Packer."
Hawk is recovering from an ankle surgery and will enter free agency.
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