Portion of a statement from the Bengals website.
ROSTER MOVE: The Bengals waived undrafted rookie quarterback Matt Johnson and replaced him with another when the University of Buffalo’s Joe Licata had a successful tryout Monday.
The 6-2, 210-pound Licata, out of Williamsville, N.Y., set nine school records while playing at his hometown college.
ANOTHER DEAL: Second-round pick Tyler Boyd signed his rookie deal Monday, joining third-round choice Nick Vigil, sixth-rounder Cody Core, and seventh-rounder Clayton Fejedelem in the fold. Only three are left to ink, including first-rounder William Jackson. Boyd, the University of Pittsburgh’s career leader in yards and catches, is a leading contender to be the Bengals’ starting slot receiver.
“We’re excited to have Tyler officially in the fold,” said head coach Marvin Lewis in a news release. “He had such a productive career at Pittsburgh. A great receiver, and he’s also rushed the ball and thrown it. He’s done it all there, kick returns, too.
“He’s competitive and strong. He’s great with the ball in his hands, he does a great job of using his body to create separation, and he seems to understand the game very well. He’s a good fit for us and where we want to go moving forward.”
Showing posts with label Signing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Signing. Show all posts
Monday, May 16, 2016
Browns sign DB Eric Patterson
Statement from the Browns website.
 |
| Eric Patterson |
The Cleveland Browns have signed DB Eric Patterson. He participated in this weekend's rookie minicamp on a tryout basis.
The Browns roster is currently at the maximum of 90 players.
Patterson is 5-9, 200-pounds and entering his second NFL season out of Ball State. Originally signed by New England as an undrafted free agent in 2015, Patterson appeared in two games with the Colts and one with the Rams. He also spent nine weeks on the Rams' practice squad and one week on the Colts' practice squad. A native of Tampa, Fla, Patterson graduated from H.B. Plant High School.
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Noah Spence Signs Deal
Statement from the Buccaneers website.
With training camp still nearly three months away, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are down to one unsigned rookie.
Defensive end Noah Spence, the first of two second-round picks made by the Buccaneers in the 2016 NFL Draft, signed his first NFL contract on Thursday afternoon. Of the seven players drafted this year by Tampa Bay, only the other second-round selection, kicker Roberto Aguayo, still needs to complete a deal.
Five other draftees got their contract work done last weekend during the Buccaneers' rookie mini-camp, beginning with fourth-round safety Ryan Smith and fifth-round offensive lineman Caleb Benenoch last Thursday. First-round cornerback Vernon Hargreaves inked his deal the next day, with sixth-round linebacker Devante Bond following later that same afternoon. Finally, sixth-round tight end Danny Vitale put pen to paper on Saturday.
Draft-pick deals have been easier to complete since the new CBA in 2011 put a rookie salary structure in place. Still, considering that several of this year's picks - particularly Hargreaves and Spence - figure to see significant playing time in the regular season, it's helpful to get such distractions out of the way early. Spence, for instance, signed his deal after participating in a rookie field session as part of Phase 2 of the Buccaneers' offseason program. Soon, the Bucs will begin full-fledged OTA practices as Phase 3 begins.
Spence finished his college career at Eastern Kentucky, where he racked up 11.5 sacks, 22.5 tackles for loss and 15 quarterback hurries, 63 tackles and three forced fumbles last fall. Prior to transferring to EKU, Spence was the Ohio State Buckeyes' leading sacker in 2013 with 8.0, along with 14.5 tackles for loss and 52 tackles overall. Considered one of the best pure pass-rushers available in this year's draft, Spence was the 39th player selected overall.
Spence is one of two key additions made to the Bucs' defensive line this offseason as they seek to improve their pass rush significantly. The team also signed coveted unrestricted free agent defensive end Robert Ayers, who had nine sacks for the New York Giants last year. The Buccaneers are hoping to find their first double-digit sack artist since Simeon Rice in 2005.
Bears sign Bellard, waive Jefferson
Statement from the Bears website.
The Bears on Thursday added an 11th undrafted rookie free agent, signing Texas State offensive lineman Adrian Bellard.
The 6-5, 314-pound tackle started all 12 of his school's games each of the past three seasons and was a three-time winner of the Texas State John O'Hara Memorial Offensive Lineman of the Year Award.
Last season Bellard was voted honorable mention All-Sun Belt Conference after registering 56.5 knockdown blocks and not allowing a sack. He played in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl all-star game in Los Angeles after the season.
To make room on the roster for Bellard, the Bears waived safety Anthony Jefferson. Jefferson joined the Bears last year as an undrafted free agent from UCLA but spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve with an arm injury.
The Bears announced the signings of 10 undrafted rookie free agents Monday: Harvard tight end Ben Braunecker, Duquesne offensive lineman Dan Buchholz, Mississippi cornerback Taveze Calhoun, Villanova linebacker Don Cherry, Georgia Southern receiver Derek Keaton, Buffalo tackle John Kling, Liberty receiverDarrin Peterson, Oklahoma State cornerback Kevin Peterson, UTEP outside linebacker Roy Robertson-Harris and Wisconsin-Oshkosh tight end Joe Sommers.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Bills sign sixth-round pick CB Kevon Seymour
Statement from the Bulls website.
Bills sixth-round pick Kevon Seymour is the first member of the team's 2016 draft class to be under contract. The USC product officially became a Bill after putting pen to paper midday Wednesday.
"It feels good," Seymour told Buffalobills.com. "It's definitely a dream come true, so now that I've got this out of the way and can focus now on doing what I really love. I'm just blessed to be here and thankful."
Seymour was Buffalo's second sixth-round pick and the 218th overall selection in the draft. He had 126 career tackles for the Trojans with 19 pass breakups, three interceptions and one fumble recovery.
Getting the opportunity to meet the vets this week during sessions of the offseason conditioning program has him encouraged about blending in on the defensive side of the ball.
"I got in the locker room and the vets came back and they were all welcoming," said Seymour. "I didn't expect it, but they all welcomed me, especially the DBs. It's a great feeling. It's like family."
Most attractive about Seymour is his physical skill set after he ran a 4.39 at the NFL combine with a 35-inch vertical and 10-foot, four-inch broad jump.
"With Seymour, you've got a guy that's six-foot, runs a 4.39," said Bills GM Doug Whaley. "He's got some raw ability. Now, does he need to be more consistent? Absolutely. But in the sixth round, if you're going to take a chance on anybody, you're going to take a chance on a guy that's 6-foot, 4.39 speed, that's played at a high level and high level competition. So we're excited about him as a guy that has a high upside."
Buffalo has six other draft choices to get under contract including top pick Shaq Lawson.
Bengals add young tackle and release another
Statement from the Bengals website.
The Bengals made an in-and-out signing Wednesday when they replaced one young free agent tackle (Ohio State's Darryl Baldwin) with another (Louisville's Aaron Epps) to stay at the roster limit of 90.
The 6-6, 305-pound Epps was a try-out player during last weekend's rookie minicamp, but he already knew his way around Cincinnati since he spent the offseason working out at Ignition Sports in the suburb of Mason, Ohio.
Epps broke into the Cardinals' lineup as junior in 2014 when he made six starts and drew praise last season from his coaches for mentoring the rest of the line despite a lineup shuffle that took him out of the lineup. He ended up starting the last five games because of injuries and finished with 14 career starts. A product of Tucker, Ga., Epps left the school in highly-regarded fashion as a captain who also earned his master's degree in five years.
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Packers sign S Marwin Evans
Statement from the Packers website.
The Green Bay Packers signed S Marwin Evans. The signing was announced Tuesday by Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations.
UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT SIGNING:
No, Name, Pos, Ht, Wt, College, HS Hometown
25, Marwin Evans, S, 5-11, 211, Utah State, Oak Creek, Wis.
Evans, 23, played two seasons at Utah State after playing one season at Highland (Kan.) Community College and one season at Rochester (Minn.) Community College. The Milwaukee, Wis., native started 13 of 27 games played for the Aggies, recording 83 tackles (36 solo), 10 tackles for a loss, two sacks, an interception he returned 90 yards for a touchdown, three forced fumbles and five pass breakups.
Lions sign second-round pick DT A'Shawn Robinson
Statement from the Lions website.
Allen Park, Mich. - The Detroit Lions announced today that they have signed 2016 second-round (46th overall) draft pick DT A'Shawn Robinson. Contract terms were not disclosed.
Saturday, May 7, 2016
PRESS RELEASE: Dolphins Sign Wake To Contract Extension
Statement from the Dolphons website.
The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed defensive end Cameron Wake to a contract extension through the 2017 season.
“We are pleased that we were able to reach an extension with Cam,” said Executive Vice President of Football Operations Mike Tannenbaum. “He sets the right example both on and off the field, working his way up from an undrafted college free agent to a four-time Pro Bowl selection. We are excited how he will fit in this new defense and continue to be a key contributor."
Wake, who was named to the Pro Bowl following the 2010 and the 2012-14 seasons, joined the Dolphins as a free agent in 2009 after playing two seasons in the Canadian Football League. In his seven seasons with Miami, Wake has played in 100 career games and recorded 247 tackles (201 solo), 70 sacks, 145 quarterback hits, 74 tackles for loss, 16 forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. His 70 sacks rank second all-time in Dolphins history and are seventh in NFL history among undrafted players. Wake also ranks 11th among active NFL players in career sacks and is one of just two NFL players (Julius Peppers) to total at least seven sacks in each of the past six seasons.
In 2015, Wake played in and started seven games before suffering a season-ending injury. During those seven contests, Wake totaled seven sacks and four forced fumbles. He recorded four sacks and two forced fumbles in the first half of the win at Tennessee on Oct. 18, which was tied for the most first-half sacks by a player in an NFL game since 1991. His seven sacks in three games during the 2015 season were the most ever by a Dolphins player in three consecutive games.
A Hyattsville, Maryland native, Wake was a four-year letterwinner at Penn State, primarily as a linebacker. He finished his collegiate career with 191 total tackles, two forced fumbles, 8.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss as well as seven blocked kicks.
The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed defensive end Cameron Wake to a contract extension through the 2017 season.
“We are pleased that we were able to reach an extension with Cam,” said Executive Vice President of Football Operations Mike Tannenbaum. “He sets the right example both on and off the field, working his way up from an undrafted college free agent to a four-time Pro Bowl selection. We are excited how he will fit in this new defense and continue to be a key contributor."
Wake, who was named to the Pro Bowl following the 2010 and the 2012-14 seasons, joined the Dolphins as a free agent in 2009 after playing two seasons in the Canadian Football League. In his seven seasons with Miami, Wake has played in 100 career games and recorded 247 tackles (201 solo), 70 sacks, 145 quarterback hits, 74 tackles for loss, 16 forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. His 70 sacks rank second all-time in Dolphins history and are seventh in NFL history among undrafted players. Wake also ranks 11th among active NFL players in career sacks and is one of just two NFL players (Julius Peppers) to total at least seven sacks in each of the past six seasons.
In 2015, Wake played in and started seven games before suffering a season-ending injury. During those seven contests, Wake totaled seven sacks and four forced fumbles. He recorded four sacks and two forced fumbles in the first half of the win at Tennessee on Oct. 18, which was tied for the most first-half sacks by a player in an NFL game since 1991. His seven sacks in three games during the 2015 season were the most ever by a Dolphins player in three consecutive games.
A Hyattsville, Maryland native, Wake was a four-year letterwinner at Penn State, primarily as a linebacker. He finished his collegiate career with 191 total tackles, two forced fumbles, 8.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss as well as seven blocked kicks.
PRESS RELEASE: Dolphins Sign 2 More Draft Choices
Statement from the Dolphins website.
The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed wide receiver Jakeem Grant and cornerback Jordan Lucas. Both players were selected by the Dolphins last week in the 2016 NFL draft.
Grant was one of Miami’s two sixth-round selections (186th overall). He finished his four-year (2012-15) Texas Tech career as the school’s all-time leading receiver with 3,289 receiving yards. He played in 50 career games with 32 starts and totaled 255 receptions for 3,289 yards (12.9 avg.) and 27 touchdowns. Grant was also the team’s primary kickoff returner during his career, and returned 87 kickoffs for 2,169 yards (24.9 avg.) and four touchdowns. As a senior, he averaged 181.0 all-purpose yards per game, leading the Big 12 and setting a single-season school record. His efforts earned him All-American and first-team All-Big 12 honors.
Lucas was also a sixth-round selection (204th overall) and a four-year lettermen (2012-15) and three-year starter for Penn State, where he played in 46 career games with 33 starts. He started 27 consecutive games before suffering a season-ending injury towards the end of his senior season. Lucas transitioned from cornerback to safety for his senior season and recorded 56 tackles (34 solo), one sack, one forced fumble and three passes defensed in just nine games. He earned third-team All-Big Ten honors at cornerback during his junior season in 2014.
The Miami Dolphins today announced they have signed wide receiver Jakeem Grant and cornerback Jordan Lucas. Both players were selected by the Dolphins last week in the 2016 NFL draft.
Grant was one of Miami’s two sixth-round selections (186th overall). He finished his four-year (2012-15) Texas Tech career as the school’s all-time leading receiver with 3,289 receiving yards. He played in 50 career games with 32 starts and totaled 255 receptions for 3,289 yards (12.9 avg.) and 27 touchdowns. Grant was also the team’s primary kickoff returner during his career, and returned 87 kickoffs for 2,169 yards (24.9 avg.) and four touchdowns. As a senior, he averaged 181.0 all-purpose yards per game, leading the Big 12 and setting a single-season school record. His efforts earned him All-American and first-team All-Big 12 honors.
Lucas was also a sixth-round selection (204th overall) and a four-year lettermen (2012-15) and three-year starter for Penn State, where he played in 46 career games with 33 starts. He started 27 consecutive games before suffering a season-ending injury towards the end of his senior season. Lucas transitioned from cornerback to safety for his senior season and recorded 56 tackles (34 solo), one sack, one forced fumble and three passes defensed in just nine games. He earned third-team All-Big Ten honors at cornerback during his junior season in 2014.
Bengals sign WR Cody Core to rookie deal
"The 100 Yards" Staff Report
The Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday signed wide receiver Cody Core to a rookie deal.
Sources say the total value of Core's deal is $2,467,932, an average of $616,983 per year.
Core was selected with the 199th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Bengals. The 6'3", 205-pounder caught 78 passes for 1,202 yards and 10 scores over the past two seasons in Oxford. In 2015, Core ranked fifth among SEC players and 33rd nationally with 17.4 yards per catch. He finished second on the team behind Treadwell with 644 receiving yards.
Friday, May 6, 2016
Redskins Sign 14 College Free Agents
Statement from the Redskins website.
The Washington Redskins today announced the signing of 14 college free agents, including seven on offense and seven on defense.
Here’s a list of the new signings, along with a little bit of background information on each player.
Kevin Bowen - T - 6-9, 330 pounds, East Central (Okla.)
Bowen spent his first two collegiate seasons at Southwestern College before transferring to East Central before the 2014 season.
During the 2015 season, Bowen was named a first-team All-Great American honoree while also being selected to Don Hansen’s All-Super Regional second-team.
Bowen was a mainstay on an offensive line that helped East Central set single-season records for total offensive yards (4,942) and passing yards (3,541).
In 2014, he played in seven games with three starts.
Tevin Carter - S - 6-1, 218 pounds - Utah
In two seasons at Utah, Carter appeared in 16 games, collecting 97 tackles (nine for loss) along with four interceptions, four passes defensed and a fumble recovery.
Carter completed his college career by intercepting a pair of passes in the Utes’ Las Vegas Bowl appearance. He was named MVP.
At Utah’s pro day, Carter ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds while also posting a vertical jump of 34 inches and a broad jump of 10-feet, four inches.
Michael Cooper - TE - 6-5, 257 pounds - Indiana
Cooper spent his final two college seasons at Indiana after starting out at Arizona during his freshman and sophomore seasons.
In his time with the Hoosiers, Cooper caught 19 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
As a senior, Cooper was twice named Indiana’s Offensive Player of the Week. He now joins Nate Sudfeld in Washington as a member of the Redskins.
Shiro Davis - LB - 6-3, 256 pounds - Texas
Davis was a four-year contributor for the Longhorns, registering 69 tackles with 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
During his senior season, Davis set career highs in tackles (29), tackles for loss (5.5) and forced fumbles (two).
Davis is one of three college free agent linebackers signed by the Redskins.
Reggie Diggs - WR - 6-4, 200 pounds - Richmond
Diggs, a Dendron, Va., native, played collegiately at Richmond, where he was the Spiders’ top receiving target the last two seasons, totaling at least 900 yards and five touchdowns both years.
During his junior season, Diggs caught 85 passes for 1,157 yards and seven touchdowns, earning All-CAA second-team honors.
He followed it up with a 66-catch, 901-yard campaign as a senior.
Ejiro Ederaine - LB - 6-3, 234 pounds - Fresno State
Ederaine started his last 36 appearances for the Bulldogs and was twice named a second-team All-Mountain West Conference selection.
During his sophomore season, Ederaine tallied 10 sacks along with two passes defensed.
In total, his 21 career sacks tie him for sixth-most in school history.
Joe Gore - T - 6-6, 300 pounds - Clemson
Gore moved to the offensive line after starting out as a defensive end during his freshman season.
His first-career game came against Ball State on Sept. 8, 2012, as he played 34 snaps against the Cardinals.
Gore would register his first-career start on Aug. 30, 2014, against then-No. 12 ranked Georgia Tech.
He would appear in 15 games last season as Clemson made it to the National Championship Game against Alabama.
Maurice Harris - WR - 6-3, 195 pounds - California
In four seasons with California, the Greensboro, N.C., native, appeared in 42 games, recording 81 receptions with 1,009 yards and 10 touchdowns.
During his senior season, Harris catch 40 passes for 558 yards and six touchdowns.
He was one of six California receivers to post at least 40 receptions during the season.
Dominick Jackson - G - 6-6, 315 pounds - Alabama
After transferring from the College of San Mateo, Jackson appeared in 21 games over his two active seasons at Alabama.
During his senior season in 2015, Jackson was named second-team All-SEC after earning the starting right tackle job.
Jackson reunites with fellow Alabama offensive lineman Arie Kouandjio.
Robert Kelley - RB - 6-0, 220 pounds - Tulane
Kelley was Tulane’s leading rusher rusher during the 2012 season, as he totaled 286 rushing yards along with collecting 340 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Kelley rush for a career-high 420 yards during the 2013 season before missing all of the 2014.
He returned in 2015 to appear in 12 games, recording 65 carries for 232 yards and a touchdown.
Joe Kerridge - FB - 6-0, 249 pounds - Michigan
Kerridge is currently the only fullback on the Redskins’ roster after spending four seasons at Michigan.
He appeared in 48 games during that span, collecting 18 rushing attempts for 121 yards and a touchdown, while also hauling in 17 receptions for 123 yards.
Anthony Lanier - DE - 6-6, 265 pounds - Alabama A&M
Lanier finished his college career with 164 tackles (43.5 for loss) along with 12 sacks.
Lanier was the Bulldogs' Most Valuable Player in 2015 along with being a second team All-SWAC selection in 2014.
Lanier played both basketball and football at Alabama A&M to start, but played just football his final two seasons.
Geno Matias-Smith - S - 6-0, 196 pounds - Alabama
Matias-Smith spent time at both cornerback and safety during his time at Alabama, as he appeared in 54 games for the Crimson Tide, collecting 143 tackles along with eight passes defensed, six tackles for loss and an interception.
After moving to safety following his sophomore season, Matias-Smith had the best year of his college career in 2015, registering a career-high 72 tackles and his first and only interception.
Valdez Showers - WR - 6-0, 193 pounds - Florida
Showers is the fifth Florida Gator on the Redskins’ roster, joining running backs Matt Jones and Mack Brownalong with tight end Jordan Reed and cornerback Quinton Dunbar.
In four seasons with Florida, Showers collected 197 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 26 receptions while also rushing for 105 yards during his sophomore season.
 |
| Valdez Showers was one of four free-agent draft picks signed by the Washington Redskins on Friday. |
Here’s a list of the new signings, along with a little bit of background information on each player.
Kevin Bowen - T - 6-9, 330 pounds, East Central (Okla.)
Bowen spent his first two collegiate seasons at Southwestern College before transferring to East Central before the 2014 season.
During the 2015 season, Bowen was named a first-team All-Great American honoree while also being selected to Don Hansen’s All-Super Regional second-team.
Bowen was a mainstay on an offensive line that helped East Central set single-season records for total offensive yards (4,942) and passing yards (3,541).
In 2014, he played in seven games with three starts.
Tevin Carter - S - 6-1, 218 pounds - Utah
In two seasons at Utah, Carter appeared in 16 games, collecting 97 tackles (nine for loss) along with four interceptions, four passes defensed and a fumble recovery.
Carter completed his college career by intercepting a pair of passes in the Utes’ Las Vegas Bowl appearance. He was named MVP.
At Utah’s pro day, Carter ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds while also posting a vertical jump of 34 inches and a broad jump of 10-feet, four inches.
Michael Cooper - TE - 6-5, 257 pounds - Indiana
Cooper spent his final two college seasons at Indiana after starting out at Arizona during his freshman and sophomore seasons.
In his time with the Hoosiers, Cooper caught 19 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
As a senior, Cooper was twice named Indiana’s Offensive Player of the Week. He now joins Nate Sudfeld in Washington as a member of the Redskins.
Shiro Davis - LB - 6-3, 256 pounds - Texas
Davis was a four-year contributor for the Longhorns, registering 69 tackles with 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
During his senior season, Davis set career highs in tackles (29), tackles for loss (5.5) and forced fumbles (two).
Davis is one of three college free agent linebackers signed by the Redskins.
Reggie Diggs - WR - 6-4, 200 pounds - Richmond
Diggs, a Dendron, Va., native, played collegiately at Richmond, where he was the Spiders’ top receiving target the last two seasons, totaling at least 900 yards and five touchdowns both years.
During his junior season, Diggs caught 85 passes for 1,157 yards and seven touchdowns, earning All-CAA second-team honors.
He followed it up with a 66-catch, 901-yard campaign as a senior.
Ejiro Ederaine - LB - 6-3, 234 pounds - Fresno State
Ederaine started his last 36 appearances for the Bulldogs and was twice named a second-team All-Mountain West Conference selection.
During his sophomore season, Ederaine tallied 10 sacks along with two passes defensed.
In total, his 21 career sacks tie him for sixth-most in school history.
Joe Gore - T - 6-6, 300 pounds - Clemson
Gore moved to the offensive line after starting out as a defensive end during his freshman season.
His first-career game came against Ball State on Sept. 8, 2012, as he played 34 snaps against the Cardinals.
Gore would register his first-career start on Aug. 30, 2014, against then-No. 12 ranked Georgia Tech.
He would appear in 15 games last season as Clemson made it to the National Championship Game against Alabama.
Maurice Harris - WR - 6-3, 195 pounds - California
In four seasons with California, the Greensboro, N.C., native, appeared in 42 games, recording 81 receptions with 1,009 yards and 10 touchdowns.
During his senior season, Harris catch 40 passes for 558 yards and six touchdowns.
He was one of six California receivers to post at least 40 receptions during the season.
Dominick Jackson - G - 6-6, 315 pounds - Alabama
After transferring from the College of San Mateo, Jackson appeared in 21 games over his two active seasons at Alabama.
During his senior season in 2015, Jackson was named second-team All-SEC after earning the starting right tackle job.
Jackson reunites with fellow Alabama offensive lineman Arie Kouandjio.
Robert Kelley - RB - 6-0, 220 pounds - Tulane
Kelley was Tulane’s leading rusher rusher during the 2012 season, as he totaled 286 rushing yards along with collecting 340 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Kelley rush for a career-high 420 yards during the 2013 season before missing all of the 2014.
He returned in 2015 to appear in 12 games, recording 65 carries for 232 yards and a touchdown.
Joe Kerridge - FB - 6-0, 249 pounds - Michigan
Kerridge is currently the only fullback on the Redskins’ roster after spending four seasons at Michigan.
He appeared in 48 games during that span, collecting 18 rushing attempts for 121 yards and a touchdown, while also hauling in 17 receptions for 123 yards.
Anthony Lanier - DE - 6-6, 265 pounds - Alabama A&M
Lanier finished his college career with 164 tackles (43.5 for loss) along with 12 sacks.
Lanier was the Bulldogs' Most Valuable Player in 2015 along with being a second team All-SWAC selection in 2014.
Lanier played both basketball and football at Alabama A&M to start, but played just football his final two seasons.
Geno Matias-Smith - S - 6-0, 196 pounds - Alabama
Matias-Smith spent time at both cornerback and safety during his time at Alabama, as he appeared in 54 games for the Crimson Tide, collecting 143 tackles along with eight passes defensed, six tackles for loss and an interception.
After moving to safety following his sophomore season, Matias-Smith had the best year of his college career in 2015, registering a career-high 72 tackles and his first and only interception.
Valdez Showers - WR - 6-0, 193 pounds - Florida
Showers is the fifth Florida Gator on the Redskins’ roster, joining running backs Matt Jones and Mack Brownalong with tight end Jordan Reed and cornerback Quinton Dunbar.
In four seasons with Florida, Showers collected 197 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 26 receptions while also rushing for 105 yards during his sophomore season.
Titans, Delanie Walker Agree to Multi-Year Deal
Statement from the Titans website.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Titans tight end Delanie Walker made history with his record-breaking performance in 2015.
It earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl, and now he’s been rewarded with a new multi-year deal with the team.
The Titans and Walker on Friday reached an agreement on a contract extension. Walker led the Titans and all NFL tight ends in receptions in 2015 with 94 catches, and he turned them into 1,088 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
Walker’s contract was initially scheduled to expire after the 2016 season.
“Delanie is an integral piece of the offense,’’ Titans general manager Jon Robinson said. “In my short time around him, he came in and bought into our philosophy of what Titan football is going to be about. Obviously he’s a Pro Bowl player with great individual statistics, but his commitment and his desire and willingness to compete to the team concept of wanting to win is as important. We are looking forward to his on-field performance, but his positive impact in the community as well.”
Walker, who’s preparing for his 11th NFL season, told Titans Online in a recent interview he has no plans to let up. He knows folks are counting on him, both inside and outside the building at Saint Thomas Sports Park.
“Someone asked me before: How do I keep my momentum? How do I keep the love for the game playing for so many years in the NFL?,’’ Walker said recently. “I always say it’s my family. I take care of my family, at least 75 percent of my family, and I think football is what helps me do it.
“And I love playing the game. I love being in this atmosphere with my teammates. I don’t think there is anything like it. This is a job people wish they could have, being able to play a game you love and being able to interact with some of your best friends, and get paid to do it.”
Walker set a franchise records for tight ends in catches and receiving yards in 2015, and became just the ninth tight end in NFL history to record 90 catches in a season, joining Tony Gonzalez (five times), Jason Witten (four), Todd Christensen (two) and Dallas Clark, Jimmy Graham, Ben Coates, Martellus Bennett and Rob Gronkowski.
Walker said he’s motivated to keep it going.
“I always felt like I was an elite tight end in the league, and I finally got the opportunity to play in the Pro Bowl,’’ Walker said. “But it hasn’t changed me. I am still hungry, and I want to do more. This time, I don’t want to be an alternate. I want to be that guy that gets voted in and I know that takes us winning games. This year I really think we are going to win the games and I’ll probably get the recognition I deserve.”
Titans coach Mike Mularkey said keep Walker with the team for multiple years is important.
“This is a great day for our organization,” Mularkey said. “He is one of the best players in the NFL and he is a guy that has continued to represent himself, the organization and the city of Nashville in a positive manner since the day he arrived. Delanie has been a pleasure to coach and it is very gratifying as a coach to watch him perform at such a high level week after week.”
Walker, who has caught at least 60 passes in every season since joining the Titans in 2013, has been one of the team’s leaders in the early stages of the team’s offseason program, Robinson said.
In 10 NFL seasons, Walker has caught 340 passes for 4,014 yards and 24 touchdowns. He’s played the past three seasons with the Titans after spending his first seven seasons with the 49ers.
Robinson said Walker is a perfect example of a player being rewarded for his hard work, and doing things the right way.
“If you come in and represent our brand of football the way we want it represented, do what we ask of you, and embody all the characteristics that are a premium for players that are going to be on our football team, and perform at the level Delanie has performed at,’’ Robinson said, “then we’ll do our best to keep those guys here.
“Granted, you can’t always keep everybody. But Delanie was a player that we definitely wanted to commit to working toward keeping here for a while.”
 |
| Dalanie Walker |
It earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl, and now he’s been rewarded with a new multi-year deal with the team.
The Titans and Walker on Friday reached an agreement on a contract extension. Walker led the Titans and all NFL tight ends in receptions in 2015 with 94 catches, and he turned them into 1,088 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
Walker’s contract was initially scheduled to expire after the 2016 season.
“Delanie is an integral piece of the offense,’’ Titans general manager Jon Robinson said. “In my short time around him, he came in and bought into our philosophy of what Titan football is going to be about. Obviously he’s a Pro Bowl player with great individual statistics, but his commitment and his desire and willingness to compete to the team concept of wanting to win is as important. We are looking forward to his on-field performance, but his positive impact in the community as well.”
Walker, who’s preparing for his 11th NFL season, told Titans Online in a recent interview he has no plans to let up. He knows folks are counting on him, both inside and outside the building at Saint Thomas Sports Park.
“Someone asked me before: How do I keep my momentum? How do I keep the love for the game playing for so many years in the NFL?,’’ Walker said recently. “I always say it’s my family. I take care of my family, at least 75 percent of my family, and I think football is what helps me do it.
“And I love playing the game. I love being in this atmosphere with my teammates. I don’t think there is anything like it. This is a job people wish they could have, being able to play a game you love and being able to interact with some of your best friends, and get paid to do it.”
Walker set a franchise records for tight ends in catches and receiving yards in 2015, and became just the ninth tight end in NFL history to record 90 catches in a season, joining Tony Gonzalez (five times), Jason Witten (four), Todd Christensen (two) and Dallas Clark, Jimmy Graham, Ben Coates, Martellus Bennett and Rob Gronkowski.
Walker said he’s motivated to keep it going.
“I always felt like I was an elite tight end in the league, and I finally got the opportunity to play in the Pro Bowl,’’ Walker said. “But it hasn’t changed me. I am still hungry, and I want to do more. This time, I don’t want to be an alternate. I want to be that guy that gets voted in and I know that takes us winning games. This year I really think we are going to win the games and I’ll probably get the recognition I deserve.”
Titans coach Mike Mularkey said keep Walker with the team for multiple years is important.
“This is a great day for our organization,” Mularkey said. “He is one of the best players in the NFL and he is a guy that has continued to represent himself, the organization and the city of Nashville in a positive manner since the day he arrived. Delanie has been a pleasure to coach and it is very gratifying as a coach to watch him perform at such a high level week after week.”
Walker, who has caught at least 60 passes in every season since joining the Titans in 2013, has been one of the team’s leaders in the early stages of the team’s offseason program, Robinson said.
In 10 NFL seasons, Walker has caught 340 passes for 4,014 yards and 24 touchdowns. He’s played the past three seasons with the Titans after spending his first seven seasons with the 49ers.
Robinson said Walker is a perfect example of a player being rewarded for his hard work, and doing things the right way.
“If you come in and represent our brand of football the way we want it represented, do what we ask of you, and embody all the characteristics that are a premium for players that are going to be on our football team, and perform at the level Delanie has performed at,’’ Robinson said, “then we’ll do our best to keep those guys here.
“Granted, you can’t always keep everybody. But Delanie was a player that we definitely wanted to commit to working toward keeping here for a while.”
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Seahawks sign 2nd Round pick Jarran Reed
"The 100 Yards" Staff Report
The Seattle Seahawks have signed 2016 second-round pick DT Jarran Reed to a four-year contract on Thursday, according to Reed's agency.
Reed, 22, was selected with the No. 49 overall pick by the Seahawks in last week's NFL Draft. During his two years at Alabama, Reed recorded 111 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, two sacks, a fumble recovery and seven pass defenses.
The Seattle Seahawks have signed 2016 second-round pick DT Jarran Reed to a four-year contract on Thursday, according to Reed's agency.
Reed, 22, was selected with the No. 49 overall pick by the Seahawks in last week's NFL Draft. During his two years at Alabama, Reed recorded 111 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, two sacks, a fumble recovery and seven pass defenses.
Redskins Sign TE Jordan Reed To Multi-Year Extension
Statement from the Redskins website.
LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. - The Washington Redskins announced today that they have signed tight end Jordan Reed to a multi-year contract extension. Full terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Reed (6-2, 237) was originally selected by the Redskins in the third round (85thoverall) of the 2013 NFL Draft. He has appeared in 34 career regular season games with 14 starts, accruing 182 career receptions for 1,916 yards with 14 receiving touchdowns.
Reed finished the 2015 regular season with 87 receptions for 952 yards (both team records for a tight end) with a team-high 11 receiving touchdowns. Reed led all Redskins players in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, becoming the first tight end to lead the Redskins in all three categories since Jean Fugett accomplished the feat in 1977.
Reed played collegiately at Florida, starting 26 of the 36 career games in which he played. He caught 79 passes for 945 yards with six receiving touchdowns in his collegiate career and was named first-team All-SEC in 2012.
Reed, 25, attended New London (Conn.) H.S., where he was a three-year starter at quarterback and led the Whalers to an undefeated regular season in 2007. He was born July 3, 1990.
Monday, May 2, 2016
Bills agree to terms with 14 undrafted rookies
Statement from the Bills website.
The Bills agreed to terms with 14 undrafted rookies Monday. Below is a brief description of the newest additions to Buffalo’s roster with some expert assessments from the Bills scouting staff.
LB Bryson Albright (6-5, 239) – Miami – OH
Played defensive line for the Red Hawks, and was 2nd-Team All-MAC in 2015. He was Miami’s Defensive Lineman of the year in 2014, but projects to linebacker for the Bills.
Scout Brian Fisher - “Very long, high motor player who is tough. He’ll need to get bigger and stronger. A 34 outside linebacker for us. Great effort and you like his instincts. Had a brother in the league for a while.”
WR Davonte Allen (6-1, 208) – Marshall
The Thundering Herd wideout had 100 catches in his career for just over 1,600 yards to average better than 16 yards per reception. He also had 13 career touchdowns.
Scout Marcus Cooper – “Smooth, possession type receiver. He played outside and inside at Marshall, but here he’d primarily be an inside guy. Good hands, probably more quick than fast. Not a dynamic run after catch player, but he has some sneaky quickness.”
WR Gary Chambers (6-3, 211) – Arizona State
Appeared in 34 games making seven starts for the Sun Devils. Had 36 career receptions for 690 yards and four touchdowns.
Scout Matt Hand – “A height, weight, speed prospect. He had limited snaps in his time with the Sun Devils, but he competed when he had opportunities.”
LS Reid Ferguson (6-1, 240) – LSU
Four-year starter at long snapper for the Tigers. Appeared in 51 games for LSU and had just one errant snap out of 497 in his career.
Scout Pete Harris – “The thing with Reid Ferguson is he snapped for his entire career at LSU and now his younger brother is taking over for him. He’s solid. His ball location is consistent on both short and long snaps. The snap times are good enough. His consistency is what will give him a chance.”
FB Glenn Gronkowski (6-2, 239) - Kansas State
A three-year starter for the Wildcats, Gronkowski’s five career touchdowns were all of the receiving variety. Earned All-Big 12 honors over his three seasons on the field for Kansas State.
Scout Chuck Cook – “Tough, physical college player who just overachieved. Not the greatest athlete in terms of flexibility just a hard-nosed football player. A goal line receiving threat with that fire pass. Special teams is his ticket.”
RELATED: Williamsville native Glenn Gronkowski agrees to terms with Bills
C Robert Kugler (6-3, 300) – Purdue
The son of Bills former offensive line coach Sean Kugler, converted from tight end to center and earned honorable mention All-Big 10 honors as a senior. He made 43 straight starts in his college career.
Scout Brian Fisher - “He is exactly what you would think of a coach’s kid. Elite intangibles, smart, great work ethic. His instincts and feel for the game is what you want to see from the center position. He’s not the biggest guy, but he’s able to compensate because of his instincts and technique. He finds a way to be productive.”
G/C Jamison Lalk (6-6, 304) – Iowa State
Lalk earned 2nd team All-Big 12 honors in 2015 after making a full-time switch from guard to center as a senior. After the position switch the Cyclones averaged 182 rushing yards a game, their highest figure since the 2000 season.
Scout Brian Fisher - “At some point he played tackle, guard and center at Iowa State so he has versatility. Another guy who is extremely smart. He’s got good short area quickness. You like his length and he plays with good technique. You like the way he battles and competes.”
DE Claudell Louis (6-5, 294) – Fresno State
A JUCO transfer, Louis logged 57 tackles and 5.5 sacks in his two seasons with the Bulldogs and earned All-Mountain West Honorable Mention accolades as a senior in 2015.
Scout Matt Hand – “Originally from Haiti, Louis has a limited football background. A former soccer player turned football player while at the junior college level. A super raw guy who has some size and upside ability as an athlete.”
OT Marquis Lucas (6-3, 319) – West Virginia
The emotional leader on the Mountaineers offensive line, Lucas played tackle as a senior, but also has experience at guard.
Scout Marcus Cooper – “He’s a 6-3 guy who played at left tackle. He excelled in pass protection. He’s not overly powerful in the run game, but very good feet, good functional positioning. He’s been in that zone scheme at West Virginia so he hasn’t really had to come off the ball and road grade and snap his hips and grind off the ball. He looks like he has the demeanor to do so.”
OT Keith Lumpkin (6-8, 320) – Rutgers
A three-year starter at left tackle for the Scarlet Knights, Lumpkin made 38 straight starts. He earned Big 10 Honorable Mention honors as a senior in 2015.
Scout Marcus Cooper – “He’s a big man. He’s 6-8 300-plus pound man so he has excellent length so he’s a left tackle candidate. His feet are average and he has to clean up some of his technique, but because he’s so big he gets by. If he puts the effort in and improves his footwork we might have something. He’s just a bit raw right now. He’s got 35-inch arms.”
K Marshall Morgan (6-2, 198) – Georgia
Morgan had a career success rate of just over 76 percent at Georgia, with his best season coming in 2013 when he was 22-24 on field goal attempts. This past season he was 4-8 on attempts of 40-yards plus.
Scout Tom Roth – “The reason he wasn’t drafted was probably because his last two years there were more inconsistencies his last two years than his 2013 season. His 2013 season was unbelievable. Good overall leg strength, field goals as well as kickoffs. He really wants to get in the mix on coverage. He’ll stick his head there.”
ILB Erik Striker (6-0, 221) – Oklahoma
A 1st team All-American (Sporting News, Sports Illustrated), Striker has a specialized pass rushing role for the Sooners and excelled racking up 23 career sacks and 46.5 tackles for loss in his time in Norman.
Scout Shawn Heinlen – “Hybrid player. Excellent pass rush ability. He’s got short area quickness, good burst. Powerful guy, solid speed. He’s going to have to transition to play true linebacker. Big thing will be finding a home for him. He played on the edge for Oklahoma. It’ll take time for him to adjust to playing behind D-linemen. He’ll be a special teams monster.”
CB Julian Whigham (6-1, 187) - Syracuse
Whigham has experience at cornerback and safety. He had 65 tackles, eight pass breakups and four interceptions in his college career.
Scout Marcus Cooper – “He’s a classic, height, weight, speed type guy. He had some inconsistencies, but when he’s playing with the proper technique and ball skills he’s flashed. They played some press and some off so you saw him in different situations. I’m really intrigued with the height and the weight and the length that he has. I think he’ll come in here and really compete. He’d give us size outside.
DT Justin Zimmer (6-3, 302) – Ferris State
A three-year starter, Zimmer had a career-high 81 tackles and 13 sacks as a senior in 2015. He also set a school record with 26 tackles for loss last season and earned All-American honors and 1st Team All-GLIAC honors for the third straight season.
Scout Brian Fisher - “He is as tough and hard working as you’re going to see. Elite workout numbers. He was 302 pounds and ran a 4.92 and did 44 reps on the bench press. He’s a thickly built, powerful guy and has played defensive end and defensive tackle. He will battle and fight and give maximum effort on every snap.”
The Bills agreed to terms with 14 undrafted rookies Monday. Below is a brief description of the newest additions to Buffalo’s roster with some expert assessments from the Bills scouting staff.
LB Bryson Albright (6-5, 239) – Miami – OH
Played defensive line for the Red Hawks, and was 2nd-Team All-MAC in 2015. He was Miami’s Defensive Lineman of the year in 2014, but projects to linebacker for the Bills.
Scout Brian Fisher - “Very long, high motor player who is tough. He’ll need to get bigger and stronger. A 34 outside linebacker for us. Great effort and you like his instincts. Had a brother in the league for a while.”
WR Davonte Allen (6-1, 208) – Marshall
The Thundering Herd wideout had 100 catches in his career for just over 1,600 yards to average better than 16 yards per reception. He also had 13 career touchdowns.
Scout Marcus Cooper – “Smooth, possession type receiver. He played outside and inside at Marshall, but here he’d primarily be an inside guy. Good hands, probably more quick than fast. Not a dynamic run after catch player, but he has some sneaky quickness.”
WR Gary Chambers (6-3, 211) – Arizona State
Appeared in 34 games making seven starts for the Sun Devils. Had 36 career receptions for 690 yards and four touchdowns.
Scout Matt Hand – “A height, weight, speed prospect. He had limited snaps in his time with the Sun Devils, but he competed when he had opportunities.”
LS Reid Ferguson (6-1, 240) – LSU
Four-year starter at long snapper for the Tigers. Appeared in 51 games for LSU and had just one errant snap out of 497 in his career.
Scout Pete Harris – “The thing with Reid Ferguson is he snapped for his entire career at LSU and now his younger brother is taking over for him. He’s solid. His ball location is consistent on both short and long snaps. The snap times are good enough. His consistency is what will give him a chance.”
FB Glenn Gronkowski (6-2, 239) - Kansas State
A three-year starter for the Wildcats, Gronkowski’s five career touchdowns were all of the receiving variety. Earned All-Big 12 honors over his three seasons on the field for Kansas State.
Scout Chuck Cook – “Tough, physical college player who just overachieved. Not the greatest athlete in terms of flexibility just a hard-nosed football player. A goal line receiving threat with that fire pass. Special teams is his ticket.”
RELATED: Williamsville native Glenn Gronkowski agrees to terms with Bills
C Robert Kugler (6-3, 300) – Purdue
The son of Bills former offensive line coach Sean Kugler, converted from tight end to center and earned honorable mention All-Big 10 honors as a senior. He made 43 straight starts in his college career.
Scout Brian Fisher - “He is exactly what you would think of a coach’s kid. Elite intangibles, smart, great work ethic. His instincts and feel for the game is what you want to see from the center position. He’s not the biggest guy, but he’s able to compensate because of his instincts and technique. He finds a way to be productive.”
G/C Jamison Lalk (6-6, 304) – Iowa State
Lalk earned 2nd team All-Big 12 honors in 2015 after making a full-time switch from guard to center as a senior. After the position switch the Cyclones averaged 182 rushing yards a game, their highest figure since the 2000 season.
Scout Brian Fisher - “At some point he played tackle, guard and center at Iowa State so he has versatility. Another guy who is extremely smart. He’s got good short area quickness. You like his length and he plays with good technique. You like the way he battles and competes.”
DE Claudell Louis (6-5, 294) – Fresno State
A JUCO transfer, Louis logged 57 tackles and 5.5 sacks in his two seasons with the Bulldogs and earned All-Mountain West Honorable Mention accolades as a senior in 2015.
Scout Matt Hand – “Originally from Haiti, Louis has a limited football background. A former soccer player turned football player while at the junior college level. A super raw guy who has some size and upside ability as an athlete.”
OT Marquis Lucas (6-3, 319) – West Virginia
The emotional leader on the Mountaineers offensive line, Lucas played tackle as a senior, but also has experience at guard.
Scout Marcus Cooper – “He’s a 6-3 guy who played at left tackle. He excelled in pass protection. He’s not overly powerful in the run game, but very good feet, good functional positioning. He’s been in that zone scheme at West Virginia so he hasn’t really had to come off the ball and road grade and snap his hips and grind off the ball. He looks like he has the demeanor to do so.”
OT Keith Lumpkin (6-8, 320) – Rutgers
A three-year starter at left tackle for the Scarlet Knights, Lumpkin made 38 straight starts. He earned Big 10 Honorable Mention honors as a senior in 2015.
Scout Marcus Cooper – “He’s a big man. He’s 6-8 300-plus pound man so he has excellent length so he’s a left tackle candidate. His feet are average and he has to clean up some of his technique, but because he’s so big he gets by. If he puts the effort in and improves his footwork we might have something. He’s just a bit raw right now. He’s got 35-inch arms.”
K Marshall Morgan (6-2, 198) – Georgia
Morgan had a career success rate of just over 76 percent at Georgia, with his best season coming in 2013 when he was 22-24 on field goal attempts. This past season he was 4-8 on attempts of 40-yards plus.
Scout Tom Roth – “The reason he wasn’t drafted was probably because his last two years there were more inconsistencies his last two years than his 2013 season. His 2013 season was unbelievable. Good overall leg strength, field goals as well as kickoffs. He really wants to get in the mix on coverage. He’ll stick his head there.”
ILB Erik Striker (6-0, 221) – Oklahoma
A 1st team All-American (Sporting News, Sports Illustrated), Striker has a specialized pass rushing role for the Sooners and excelled racking up 23 career sacks and 46.5 tackles for loss in his time in Norman.
Scout Shawn Heinlen – “Hybrid player. Excellent pass rush ability. He’s got short area quickness, good burst. Powerful guy, solid speed. He’s going to have to transition to play true linebacker. Big thing will be finding a home for him. He played on the edge for Oklahoma. It’ll take time for him to adjust to playing behind D-linemen. He’ll be a special teams monster.”
CB Julian Whigham (6-1, 187) - Syracuse
Whigham has experience at cornerback and safety. He had 65 tackles, eight pass breakups and four interceptions in his college career.
Scout Marcus Cooper – “He’s a classic, height, weight, speed type guy. He had some inconsistencies, but when he’s playing with the proper technique and ball skills he’s flashed. They played some press and some off so you saw him in different situations. I’m really intrigued with the height and the weight and the length that he has. I think he’ll come in here and really compete. He’d give us size outside.
DT Justin Zimmer (6-3, 302) – Ferris State
A three-year starter, Zimmer had a career-high 81 tackles and 13 sacks as a senior in 2015. He also set a school record with 26 tackles for loss last season and earned All-American honors and 1st Team All-GLIAC honors for the third straight season.
Scout Brian Fisher - “He is as tough and hard working as you’re going to see. Elite workout numbers. He was 302 pounds and ran a 4.92 and did 44 reps on the bench press. He’s a thickly built, powerful guy and has played defensive end and defensive tackle. He will battle and fight and give maximum effort on every snap.”
Panthers agree to terms with seven college free agents
Statement from the Panthers website.
CHARLOTTE - Linebacker Jeremy Cash and wide receiver Keyarris Garrett head the list of seven undrafted rookie free agents who have agreed to terms with the Panthers. The agreements won't become official until the players sign their contracts when they report for rookie minicamp, scheduled for May 13-14.
Cash, who played safety at Duke, was at or near the top of several lists of best undrafted rookies. He was an aggressive playmaker for the Blue Devils for three seasons after transferring from Ohio State, winning ACC Defensive Player of the Year last season over top-five overall draft pick Jalen Ramsey. Cash registered 333 total tackles, 38.0 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, six interceptions and nine forced fumbles during his college career.
Cash was first and Garrett was second on Pro Football Focus' list of top 50 undrafted free agents. The 6-3, 220-pound Garrett led the nation with 1,588 receiving yards for Tulsa and caught 14 passes against both Oklahoma and Memphis, racking up 268 yards against the Tigers. Garrett compiled 3,209 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns during his college career.
Florida tight end Jake McGee was 12th on the Pro Football Focus list, and Florida Atlantic wide receiver Jenson Stoshak was 47th.
The Panthers now have 85 players on their roster. The limit is 90.
EDITOR'S NOTE: All seven signed players were TE Andrew Bonnett, LB Jeremy Cash, WR Keyarris Garrett, FB Devon Johnson, TE Jake McGee, LB Jared Norris and WR Jenson Stoshak.
Gradkowski excited to be back
Statement from the Steelers website.
Bruce Gradkowski walked into the UPMC Rooney Sports Performance Complex on Monday morning with a smile on his face, a skip in his step and his Steelers gear in his hand.
And it was for good reason.
Gradkowski, who was a free agent, was re-signed a one-year contract to return to the team.
"It's great to be back," said Gradkowski. "I have been here the last three years, I see what we have going on. We are so close. We have the talent. It's exciting. You feel it in the air. This is where I wanted to be. I didn't want to be anywhere else. I just want to win a Super Bowl. I am excited to be back. There are a lot of good guys in the locker room, a great team. You want to stay around that. Anything I can do to help, I will do."
Gradkowski is entering his 11th season in the NFL, his fourth with his hometown Steelers team. He missed the 2015 season, spending the year on injured reserve, but is back to full strength and ready to go.
"I feel good, better than I have in a long time," said Gradkowski. "I did different stuff with my diet and workouts. I feel great. I am just excited to be back and get back to the grind with these guys."
Last season wasn't an easy one for Gradkowski, sitting back and being a spectator, but he credits the coaches for keeping him involved.
"It was definitely tough," said Gradkowski. "Any time you have an injury you feel helpless. I thank Coach (Mike) Tomlin, Randy (Fichtner) and Todd (Haley) for letting me stay around and be a part of it. I felt like I was able to help during the year. I was like a mini-coach. You want to help the guys, especially the young guys."
Gradkowski has played in 37 games, including 20 starts, in his career and thrown for 4,057 passes with 21 touchdowns. He said his role hasn't been defined yet, but he is ready to do whatever is asked and work with quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger, Landry Jones and Dustin Vaughn.
"We just come in and compete," said Gradkowski. "I think Landry did some great things last year. He is a young guy. Anything I can do to help to continue his development. He is a good football player. However it shapes out, it shapes out. I want to add value any way I can. Ben is a special talent. I have never been around a quarterback like him. It just raises our level of play."
Sunday, May 1, 2016
Bears ink QB Hoyer to one-year deal
Statement from the Bears website.
After completing the draft Saturday night, the Bears signed veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer to a one-year contract.
Hoyer, 30, has played eight NFL seasons with the Patriots (2009-11), Steelers (2012), Cardinals (2012), Browns (2013-14) and Texans (2015). He has appeared in 43 games with 26 starts, completing 58.1 percent of his passes for 7,163 yards with 38 touchdowns, 26 interceptions and an 82.2 passer rating.
"I like the idea of having an experienced backup [quarterback]," said general manager Ryan Pace. "It's important for that position and it just gives us security going forward. I think it's key."
The Bears' other two reserve quarterbacks behind starter Jay Cutler—David Fales and Matt Blanchard—have never appeared in an NFL regular-season game.
Hoyer entered the NFL in 2009 with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State. After appearing in 13 games—all as a reserve—over three seasons with New England, he started one contest with the Cardinals in 2012 and three with the Browns in 2013.
Hoyer's most expanded playing time came in Cleveland in 2014 when Bears offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains was the Browns' quarterbacks coach. The 6-3, 215-pounder appeared in 14 games with 13 starts, completing 55.3 percent of his passes for 3,326 yards with 12 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a 76.5 passer rating.
Hoyer then had his best season as a pro last year with the Texans, connecting on 60.7 percent of his passes for 2,606 yards with 19 TDs, seven interceptions and a 91.4 passer rating while playing in 11 games with nine starts.
Pace told reporters that Hoyer appealed to the Bears because of his experience, familiarity with Loggains and his performance last season, especially Hoyer's 19-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
"When he's played, he's been productive," Pace said. "I like that Dowell has been with him, has a lot of comfort with him. I've watched him play over the years. He's a very intelligent player. I know he's got a strong work ethic because we've got coaches that have been with him. I think he's a really good piece to add to the mix.
"Like we've talked about in free agency—I love it when we have familiarity with these guys from coaches. I feel like it reduces some of the risk and some of the questions we may have. Dowell was passionate about this player, and then watching the tape, I was too. I'm glad we got him in the mix."
Pace is confident that Hoyer will be an excellent addition to the Bears' quarterback room.
"We always ask ourselves, ‘What kind of teammate are they? Are they unselfish? Are they for the better of the team?'" Pace said. "Hoyer definitely fits all those qualities, talking to Dowell.
"That quarterback room is a tight-knit room. You're always conscious of who you're putting in there. Hoyer is a really intelligent player. Those guys spend a lot of hours together. So you think about all the film they watch when they're studying the opponent. It's nice to have a guy with that kind of experience and that kind of background to kind of pair with Jay as we're preparing for opponents."
 |
| Brian Hoyer |
Hoyer, 30, has played eight NFL seasons with the Patriots (2009-11), Steelers (2012), Cardinals (2012), Browns (2013-14) and Texans (2015). He has appeared in 43 games with 26 starts, completing 58.1 percent of his passes for 7,163 yards with 38 touchdowns, 26 interceptions and an 82.2 passer rating.
"I like the idea of having an experienced backup [quarterback]," said general manager Ryan Pace. "It's important for that position and it just gives us security going forward. I think it's key."
The Bears' other two reserve quarterbacks behind starter Jay Cutler—David Fales and Matt Blanchard—have never appeared in an NFL regular-season game.
Hoyer entered the NFL in 2009 with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State. After appearing in 13 games—all as a reserve—over three seasons with New England, he started one contest with the Cardinals in 2012 and three with the Browns in 2013.
Hoyer's most expanded playing time came in Cleveland in 2014 when Bears offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains was the Browns' quarterbacks coach. The 6-3, 215-pounder appeared in 14 games with 13 starts, completing 55.3 percent of his passes for 3,326 yards with 12 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a 76.5 passer rating.
Hoyer then had his best season as a pro last year with the Texans, connecting on 60.7 percent of his passes for 2,606 yards with 19 TDs, seven interceptions and a 91.4 passer rating while playing in 11 games with nine starts.
Pace told reporters that Hoyer appealed to the Bears because of his experience, familiarity with Loggains and his performance last season, especially Hoyer's 19-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
"When he's played, he's been productive," Pace said. "I like that Dowell has been with him, has a lot of comfort with him. I've watched him play over the years. He's a very intelligent player. I know he's got a strong work ethic because we've got coaches that have been with him. I think he's a really good piece to add to the mix.
"Like we've talked about in free agency—I love it when we have familiarity with these guys from coaches. I feel like it reduces some of the risk and some of the questions we may have. Dowell was passionate about this player, and then watching the tape, I was too. I'm glad we got him in the mix."
Pace is confident that Hoyer will be an excellent addition to the Bears' quarterback room.
"We always ask ourselves, ‘What kind of teammate are they? Are they unselfish? Are they for the better of the team?'" Pace said. "Hoyer definitely fits all those qualities, talking to Dowell.
"That quarterback room is a tight-knit room. You're always conscious of who you're putting in there. Hoyer is a really intelligent player. Those guys spend a lot of hours together. So you think about all the film they watch when they're studying the opponent. It's nice to have a guy with that kind of experience and that kind of background to kind of pair with Jay as we're preparing for opponents."
Monday, April 25, 2016
Browns sign WR Hakim, waive TE Chase Ford
"The 100 Yards" Staff Report
The Cleveland Browns signed wide receiver Saalim Hakim on Monday.
Hakim (5-11, 190-lbs) is in his second NFL season out of Tarleton State and Palomar College. Hakim has appeared in 21 career games with the New York Jets and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Hakim participated in the team's voluntary minicamp last week on a tryout basis.
In addition to the signing, the Browns waived TE Chase Ford.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)