Broncos re-signed RB Ronnie Hillman to a one-year, $2 million contract.
Hillman, 24, led the Broncos in carries (207) and rushing yards (863) last season, but was severely outperformed by C.J. Anderson for the final three months of the year and averaged 1.69 YPC on 32 playoff carries. Hillman's bulk production was superior to Anderson's, but Anderson generated far more offseason interest than Hillman because Anderson is a far-superior back. The Broncos are presumably hopeful Hillman will be more productive on a lesser workload this season. He should still be a clear 1B to Anderson's 1A.
Hillman, 24, led the Broncos in carries (207) and rushing yards (863) last season, but was severely outperformed by C.J. Anderson for the final three months of the year and averaged 1.69 YPC on 32 playoff carries. Hillman's bulk production was superior to Anderson's, but Anderson generated far more offseason interest than Hillman because Anderson is a far-superior back. The Broncos are presumably hopeful Hillman will be more productive on a lesser workload this season. He should still be a clear 1B to Anderson's 1A.
Panthers rescinded CB Josh Norman's franchise tag, making him a free agent.
"After a number of conversations with Josh’s agent, we realized that a long-term deal was not attainable," GM Dave Gettleman said in a statement. "We thank Josh for all his contributions and truly wish him well." The stunning announcement makes it clear the Panthers aren't just rescinding Norman's tag, but moving on altogether. There would almost certainly seem to be more than meets the eye here, as Norman was one of the league's best players in 2015, and would have made an affordable $13.952 million under the franchise tag. If there's not, and this is a simple matter of the Panthers moving on from a player they determined would no longer be with the team past 2016, Norman will become the subject of a feeding frenzy on the open market.
"After a number of conversations with Josh’s agent, we realized that a long-term deal was not attainable," GM Dave Gettleman said in a statement. "We thank Josh for all his contributions and truly wish him well." The stunning announcement makes it clear the Panthers aren't just rescinding Norman's tag, but moving on altogether. There would almost certainly seem to be more than meets the eye here, as Norman was one of the league's best players in 2015, and would have made an affordable $13.952 million under the franchise tag. If there's not, and this is a simple matter of the Panthers moving on from a player they determined would no longer be with the team past 2016, Norman will become the subject of a feeding frenzy on the open market.
MMQB's Albert Breer reports UCLA LB Myles Jack is dealing with a "chondral defect" in his troublesome right knee.
It's a fancy term for articular cartilage damage, resulting from Jack's college PCL injuries. It's also a defect that can eventually lead to microfracture surgery. According to Breer, the problems Jack will face from the injury are "up for debate," and probably viewed differently amongst NFL teams. Breer reports some teams believe Jack "can play with it," but it may affect his "career length." Widely considered this year's premier college prospect, Jack's draft position will be one of Thursday's great mysteries.
It's a fancy term for articular cartilage damage, resulting from Jack's college PCL injuries. It's also a defect that can eventually lead to microfracture surgery. According to Breer, the problems Jack will face from the injury are "up for debate," and probably viewed differently amongst NFL teams. Breer reports some teams believe Jack "can play with it," but it may affect his "career length." Widely considered this year's premier college prospect, Jack's draft position will be one of Thursday's great mysteries.
NFL Network's Albert Breer reports Josh Norman's deal with the Redskins is really for two years, $36.5 million.
Those two years are fully guaranteed, but the Redskins have what amounts to options for the other three years. Another $13.5 million becomes fully guaranteed in March of 2018. Norman will already be 30 by then, and corners have not traditionally aged gracefully. It is still a nice chunk of change for Norman, but, as always, the originally reported numbers were heavily inflated.
Falcons exercised LCB Desmond Trufant's fifth-year option for 2017.
As expected. Trufant will earn $8.026 million in 2017. The 25-year-old enjoyed a breakout year in 2015, earning PFF's 13th-highest cornerback grade while attending his first Pro Bowl. Trufant has never missed a game in his three-year NFL career. Picking up his fifth-year option gives the two sides more time to work on an extension.
As expected. Trufant will earn $8.026 million in 2017. The 25-year-old enjoyed a breakout year in 2015, earning PFF's 13th-highest cornerback grade while attending his first Pro Bowl. Trufant has never missed a game in his three-year NFL career. Picking up his fifth-year option gives the two sides more time to work on an extension.
The U.S. Appeals court has reinstated Tom Brady's four-game suspension as a result of Deflategate in the 2014 playoffs.
The Patriots were reportedly bracing for this to happen after the NFL's appeal was heard last month. Brady will miss the Patriots' first four games against the Cardinals, Dolphins, Texans, and Bills before being able to return Week 5 against the Browns. He's still able to participate in training camp and preseason contests. Jimmy Garoppolo will slide in as the starter the first four weeks.
The Patriots were reportedly bracing for this to happen after the NFL's appeal was heard last month. Brady will miss the Patriots' first four games against the Cardinals, Dolphins, Texans, and Bills before being able to return Week 5 against the Browns. He's still able to participate in training camp and preseason contests. Jimmy Garoppolo will slide in as the starter the first four weeks.
ESPN Dallas' Todd Archer expects Lance Dunbar (ACL, MCL, patellar tendon) to open the 2016 season on reserve/PUP.
He should be removed from fantasy draft boards after shredding his knee last October, and Dunbar can't be counted on for a 2016 impact by the Cowboys. With Dunbar on the shelf, Dallas' running back room is currently comprised of Darren McFadden, Alfred Morris, Rod Smith, and Ben Malena. Although Ezekiel Elliott at No. 4 seems like a reach, we'd fully expect the Cowboys to draft a running back. Ideally, it would be on the draft's second day.
He should be removed from fantasy draft boards after shredding his knee last October, and Dunbar can't be counted on for a 2016 impact by the Cowboys. With Dunbar on the shelf, Dallas' running back room is currently comprised of Darren McFadden, Alfred Morris, Rod Smith, and Ben Malena. Although Ezekiel Elliott at No. 4 seems like a reach, we'd fully expect the Cowboys to draft a running back. Ideally, it would be on the draft's second day.
Speaking Monday, Eagles GM Howie Roseman "reiterated" that Sam Bradford remains the team's starting quarterback.
"I want to reiterate our support for Sam Bradford," Roseman said. "He is our starting quarterback." That's factual for now, but Bradford will likely have North Dakota State's Carson Wentz to compete with this time next week. If everything plays out as planned Thursday, Bradford will be a needless asset for a team with a young quarterback and capable bridge in Chase Daniel. The Eagles may actually want to grant Bradford's supposed trade demand.
"I want to reiterate our support for Sam Bradford," Roseman said. "He is our starting quarterback." That's factual for now, but Bradford will likely have North Dakota State's Carson Wentz to compete with this time next week. If everything plays out as planned Thursday, Bradford will be a needless asset for a team with a young quarterback and capable bridge in Chase Daniel. The Eagles may actually want to grant Bradford's supposed trade demand.
Bears released OG Matt Slauson.
Slauson was owed just under $3 million this season. The move is surprising after Slauson finished No. 18 in Pro Football Focus' 2015 guard ratings, with a top-ten rank in pass protection. He allowed one sack in 16 starts, and just turned 30 in February. While the Bears are moving on with second-round pick Cody Whitehair at left guard, a good guard just hit the free agent market.
Slauson was owed just under $3 million this season. The move is surprising after Slauson finished No. 18 in Pro Football Focus' 2015 guard ratings, with a top-ten rank in pass protection. He allowed one sack in 16 starts, and just turned 30 in February. While the Bears are moving on with second-round pick Cody Whitehair at left guard, a good guard just hit the free agent market.
ESPN Broncos reporter Jeff Legwold believes fourth-round RB Devontae Booker will "push for playing time."
Despite matching the Dolphins' four-year, $18 million offer sheet for C.J. Anderson, the Broncos have re-signed Ronnie Hillman and spent a fourth-round pick on Booker, a player GM John Elway confirmed was their second-highest graded running back. Denver has never committed to Anderson as the lead back, and they have now brought in quality competition in Booker. Despite his upside, Anderson will be difficult to trust as an RB1.
Despite matching the Dolphins' four-year, $18 million offer sheet for C.J. Anderson, the Broncos have re-signed Ronnie Hillman and spent a fourth-round pick on Booker, a player GM John Elway confirmed was their second-highest graded running back. Denver has never committed to Anderson as the lead back, and they have now brought in quality competition in Booker. Despite his upside, Anderson will be difficult to trust as an RB1.
Titans coach Mike Mularkey said DeMarco Murray "loved" the selection of Derrick Henry in the second round of the NFL draft.
Mularkey spoke with Murray immediately after the Titans made the pick. "I told DeMarco, ‘Nothing has changed since we made the trade for you. You’re still going to be the guy who is going to carry the load for us,'" Mularkey said. Considering how "well" Murray handled challenges to his workload in Philadelphia last season, there is no way this could go poorly.
Mularkey spoke with Murray immediately after the Titans made the pick. "I told DeMarco, ‘Nothing has changed since we made the trade for you. You’re still going to be the guy who is going to carry the load for us,'" Mularkey said. Considering how "well" Murray handled challenges to his workload in Philadelphia last season, there is no way this could go poorly.
Vikings exercised CB Xavier Rhodes' fifth-year option for 2017.
Minnesota also activated DT Sharrif Floyd's option, but it appears as if they declined the option for WR/KR Cordarrelle Patterson. After an excellent 2014, Rhodes struggled with penalties and inconsistent play last season before coming on down the stretch. The Vikings will hope he takes a step forward this year. The option will pay Rhodes $8.026 million in 2017.
Minnesota also activated DT Sharrif Floyd's option, but it appears as if they declined the option for WR/KR Cordarrelle Patterson. After an excellent 2014, Rhodes struggled with penalties and inconsistent play last season before coming on down the stretch. The Vikings will hope he takes a step forward this year. The option will pay Rhodes $8.026 million in 2017.
Lions exercised DE Ziggy Ansah's fifth-year option for 2017.
The option will be worth $12.7 million, a relative pittance for one of the most productive pass rushers in the game. Ansah has 30 sacks since entering the league as the No. 5 overall pick in 2013 including 14.5 last season. Despite the skyrocketing value of pass rushers, the Lions are reportedly not interested in signing Ansah to a long-term extension this offseason. If he puts up another double-digit sack campaign, that decision could end up looking foolish.
The option will be worth $12.7 million, a relative pittance for one of the most productive pass rushers in the game. Ansah has 30 sacks since entering the league as the No. 5 overall pick in 2013 including 14.5 last season. Despite the skyrocketing value of pass rushers, the Lions are reportedly not interested in signing Ansah to a long-term extension this offseason. If he puts up another double-digit sack campaign, that decision could end up looking foolish.
