Tag: Angelo Blackson

Former Tiger Angelo Blackson signs deal with Arizona Cardinals

Blackson returns to the Cardinals practice squad after spending the 2020 campaign in Arizona.

Former Auburn defensive lineman Angelo Blackson signed a deal to join the Arizona Cardinals practice squad on Wednesday. The 31-year-old lineman returns to the NFL just a few weeks after the failing to make the Denver Broncos 53-man roster in the final week leading up to the regular season.

Since being drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the 2015 NFL Draft, Blackson has paved out a fairly successful journeyman career in the league. The former Tiger has played for five different franchises over the course of nine seasons, including the Cardinals in 2020.

Over those nine seasons, Blackson has accumulated 179 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and an interception. 2.5 of those 8.5 career sacks came when he was last in Arizona during the fan-less 2020 campaign. The former fourth-round pick could provide some depth for a Cardinals defense that is projected to finish near the basement of the NFL in terms of yardage and points allowed.

Arizona’s staff may have seen a glimpse of how bad their defensive group could be in the team’s 34-28 loss to the Buffalo Bills in week one. While the loss and defensive outlook might be tough to swallow for Cardinals fans, it could be good news for Blackson as he looks to make his first major impact in the NFL since he had 2.5 sacks and a career-high 43 tackles with the Chicago Bears in 2021.

The NFL allows franchises to elevate a maximum of two practice squad players ahead of each week’s contest. Blackson will likely take time to learn his new team’s defensive scheme, but could have a chance to suit up for Arizona as soon as week three.

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Cardinals sign ex-Broncos defensive lineman to practice squad

The Cardinals signed defensive lineman Angelo Blackson to their practice squad. He spent this summer with the Broncos.

The Arizona Cardinals have signed former Denver Broncos defensive lineman Angelo Blackson to their practice squad, according to Howard Balzer of Cards Wire.

Blackson (6-4, 318 pounds) signed with the Broncos in April to add more depth to the team’s defensive line. He was listed as a No. 2 defensive end behind Zach Allen for the duration of training camp and preseason this summer but did not make the team’s 53-man roster in August.

This will mark Blackson’s second stint in Arizona after he previously played for the Cardinals in 2020. The 31-year-old defensive lineman has spent time with eight NFL teams, totaling 179 tackles, 27 quarterback hits, 8.5 sacks, eight pass breakups, four fumble recoveries and one interception in 128 career games (42 starts).

Denver opted to carry six defensive linemen on the active roster this year: Allen, D.J. Jones, John Franklin-Myers, Malcolm Roach, Eyioma Uwazurike and Jordan Jackson. The team also has Matt Henningsen and Jordan Miller on the practice squad.

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Veteran DL Angelo Blackson visited Cardinals Monday

The Cardinals could be bringing back a familiar face.

The Arizona Cardinals played six defensive linemen in Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills and Darius Robinson is on injured reserve, but a veteran lineman is on their radar.

Angelo Blackson, who played one of nine seasons with the Cardinals in 2020, had a visit with the team Monday and might be a candidate for the practice squad. Currently, there are two defensive linemen on the 17-player group: Tyler Manoa and P.J. Mustipher.

A fourth-round pick of the Titans in 2015, Blackson (6-4, 318) has played for Tennessee, Houston, Chicago and Jacksonville in addition to the Cardinals.

In 2020, he played 16 games with nine starts and had 2.5 sacks, 24 tackles (15 solo), four tackles for loss and eight quarterback hits.

Last season, he played 11 games for the Jaguars and had 13 tackles (eight solo) with two for loss and three forced fumbles.

He signed with the Broncos as an unrestricted free agent last April, but was released Aug. 26.

In his career, Blackson has played 128 games with 42 starts and has 179 tackles (106 solo) with 17 for loss and 27 quarterback hits. He will be 32 on Nov. 14.

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Broncos officially announce first 8 roster cuts

The Broncos officially announced their first eight roster cuts as the team approaches a 53-man roster.

The Denver Broncos took their first eight steps toward finalizing a 53-man roster on Monday.

First, the Broncos released three veterans: defensive lineman Angelo Blackson, wide receiver Phillip Dorsett and inside linebacker Andre Smith. Those players will not be subject to the NFL’s waiver wire.

Second, the team waived five young players: safety Omar Brown, cornerback Art Green, defensive back Kaleb Hayes, offensive lineman Oliver Jervis and inside linebacker Alec Mock.

Those are the first eight official cuts among 38 moves on deck in Denver. The Broncos confirmed those cuts on Monday.

It was not announced by the club, but the team also informed punter Trenton Gill that he will be waived. The fact that the Gill cut is not yet official suggests Denver might be looking to trade the punter ahead of the roster cuts deadline.

The Broncos also made decisions on wide receiver Tim Patrick and running back Samaje Perine on Monday. Denver will look to trade both Patrick and Perine. If they are unable to find trade partners, the Broncos will release those veterans before submitting a 53-man roster on Tuesday.

We are tracking all of the team’s roster moves on Broncos Wire.

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5 notes and takeaways from the Broncos’ first preseason game

The Broncos defeated the Colts in their preseason opener on Sunday. Here are five takeaways from the victory.

The Denver Broncos defeated the Indianapolis Colts 34-30 in their preseason opener at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday. Here are five quick takeaways from the victory.

1. Personnel notes: Eleven players sat out, including seven injured players. Broncos safety Brandon Jones (hamstring) sat out injured and cornerback Pat Surtain and defensive linemen John Franklin-Myers and Zach Allen were rested. Devon Key started at safety across from P.J. Locke and Angelo Blackson and D.J. Jones started on the defensive line.

With Surtain not suiting up and Levi Wallace (hamstring) injured, the Broncos started Riley Moss and Damarri Mathis at cornerback. At inside linebacker, Cody Barton started next to Alex Singleton. Tremon Smith lined up as a punt returner and he also got reps as a kickoff returner alongside Jaleel McLaughlin.

2. Jarrett Stidham was let down by his teammates: Stidham’s first drive stalled after false start penalties by receiver Courtland Sutton and tackle Mike McGlinchey, and a taunting penalty from receiver Tim Patrick. Stidham’s second drive ended with an interception that wasn’t his fault (more on that shortly). Stidham finished the game 4-of-7 passing for 37 yards. He didn’t lead any scoring drives, but the blame for that falls mostly on his teammates.

3. Denver’s backfield remains crowded: Javonte Williams got four carries and Jaleel McLaughlin got nine touches. They are seemingly both locks. Audric Estime, a fifth-round pick in April, is probably safe, too. Estime rushed 10 times for 31 yards and a touchdown while adding three receptions for 13 yards. Blake Watson turned nine carries into 26 yards and a touchdown and even Tyler Badie got in on the action with two carries for 13 yards and a score. The team’s only running back to not get a carry might be in jeopardy…

4. Samaje Perine’s stock is falling: Perine is Denver’s best receiving back, but he mishandled his lone target on Sunday, leading to an interception that was credited to Stidham. The pass was accurate, but Perine bobbled it and bounced it into the air. Perine will turn 29 years old next month and the Broncos would save $3 million if he’s released this summer. If he does not stand out as the best receiving and blocking back in preseason, Perine might be in danger of not making the 53-man roster.

5. Bo Nix finished well after a shaky start: Nix, of course, is the big storyline. His overall performance was encouraging, but Nix did have some rookie moments early in the game. He started with two incompletions (including one that could have been intercepted) and he also mishandled a snap. Fortunately, Nix’s struggles ended there. The rookie quarterback finished the game 15-of-21 passing for 125 yards with one touchdown and no turnovers. Nix also showed off his mobility, rushing three times for 17 yards. The offensive line also kept Nix — and all three QBs — upright as the Broncos did not give up any sacks. Overall, it was a strong showing for Nix, albeit mostly against backup defenders. Nix is now set to start against the Green Bay Packers next week. Green Bay is expected to rest most of their defensive starters, but Nix will face starters when the Broncos host the Packers for a joint practice on Friday.

After hosting Green Bay, Denver will close out preseason against the Arizona Cardinals. Then it’s on to the regular season. The Broncos are scheduled to go on the road to face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1.

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Broncos roster series: No. 90, DL Angelo Blackson

Entering his 10th season in the NFL, Angelo Blackson will compete for a rotational role on Denver’s defensive line this summer.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at tenth-year defensive lineman Angelo Blackson, No. 90.

Before the Broncos: Blackson (6-4, 318 pounds) entered the league as a fourth-round pick out of Auburn with the Tennessee Titans in 2015. After two years in Tennessee, Blackson went on to spend time with six other teams, including a two-year run with the Chicago Bears from 2021-2022.

In two seasons with the Bears, Blackson totaled 65 tackles, 10 quarterback hits, three pass breakups, 2.5 sacks and one interception in 32 games (12 starts). Last year, Blackson was a rotational lineman with the Jacksonville Jaguars, recording 13 tackles in 11 games.

Broncos tenure: Denver signed Blackson in April to shore up their defensive line depth ahead of the NFL draft. He is now part of a defensive line depth chart that includes Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, John Franklin-Myers and Malcolm Roach. Blackson, 31, is tied with fullback Michael Burton as the most experienced player on the team’s roster (nine years).

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Decent. Allen, Jones, Franklin-Myers and Roach all seem to be locks to make the team. If the Broncos carry six defensive linemen, there should be room for both Blackson and Matt Henningsen on the active roster this fall.

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Broncos sign defensive lineman Angelo Blackson to 1-year deal

The Broncos have shored up their defensive line depth by signing veteran Angelo Blackson.

The Denver Broncos are signing veteran defensive lineman Angelo Blackson to a one-year contract, according to a report from KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. The team confirmed the signing on Monday afternoon.

Blackson (6-4, 318 pounds) entered the league as a fourth-round pick out of Auburn with the Tennessee Titans in 2015. He’s been a journeyman defensive lineman since then, spending time with seven teams over the last nine seasons.

Blackson, 31, spent one season playing for current Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph when they overlapped with the Arizona Cardinals in 2020. Blackson dressed for all 16 games that year, earning nine starts. He totaled 24 tackles and 2.5 sacks that season.

Blackson has appeared in 128 games in his career with 42 starts. He has 179 tackles, 27 quarterback hits, 8.5 sacks, eight pass breakups, four fumble recoveries, two blocked kicks and one interception on his resume.

After signing Blackson, Denver has shored up the defensive line depth chart ahead of the 2024 NFL draft. The Broncos now have a rotation that will include Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, Malcolm Roach, Blackson, Matt Henningsen and Elijah Garcia.

We are tracking all of Denver’s free agency moves on Broncos Wire.

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Updated list of Jaguars set to become 2024 free agents

The Jaguars have re-signed a handful of their impending free agents, but there are still several players set to hit the open market.

In addition to the six new Jacksonville Jaguars set to be added to the roster, the team has been working to bring back a few of their own free agents.

Ezra Cleveland, Jeremiah Ledbetter, and Daniel Thomas all signed new contracts with the Jaguars and both Blake Hance and D’Ernest Johnson will reportedly soon follow. Jacksonville also used the franchise tag to keep Josh Allen from hitting the market.

While the Jaguars hope they can add Calvin Ridley to that list, for now he and several of his 2023 teammates are set to hit the market when free agency officially begins Wednesday. Here’s every Jaguars player with an expiring contract who is still set to become a free agent:

With the Ravens’ Devin Duvernay set to join the Jaguars’ roster, Agnew’s time with the franchise is clearly over. He even said his goodbyes on social media Tuesday. In three seasons with the team, he earned a trip to the Pro Bowl, scored two return touchdowns, caught five touchdown passes, and recorded a rushing touchdown.

It was a quick hi and bye for Barkley, who signed with the Jaguars a day after Christmas in 2023 amid a string of injuries for Trevor Lawrence. He was active for Jacksonville’s Week 17 game against the Carolina Panthers and took six snaps in garbage time.

Blackson signed with the Jaguars just before the start of the 2023 season and had a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Despite being on the field for just 30 percent of the Jaguars’ defensive snaps, he managed to fall on three fumbles.

The Jaguars seemed to remain optimistic about the 2020 first-round pick all the way to the bitter end. But after four seasons, Chaisson has just five career sacks.

Claybrooks missed the entire 2023 season due to a domestic battery court case that’s still ongoing. While there was some confusion about whether his contract would toll over due to the lost year, Demetrius Harvey of the Florida Times-Union reports that Claybrooks will be an unrestricted free agent as of Wednesday.

After signing a three-year contract with the Jaguars as an undrafted rookie in 2018, Herndon re-signed with the team on one-year deals in 2021, 2022, and 2023. For the fourth straight offseason, he entered this March as an impending free agent. In six seasons with Jacksonville, Herndon has appeared in 83 career games and has three interceptions, nine tackles for loss, and 32 passes defended.

The Jaguars reportedly decided not to tender Johnson, who was set to be a restricted free agent this offseason. That’ll allow the special teams ace to hit the market after spending two seasons in Jacksonville.

McManus spent one season with the Jaguars and is reportedly headed elsewhere. The veteran kicker agreed to a one-year deal with the Commanders on Monday night.

Moore joined the Jaguars in 2022 and spent the entire year on the practice squad, then he spent all of 2023 on the team’s injured reserve. As an exclusive rights free agent, it’d cost next to nothing for Jacksonville to keep him, but there’s been no indication yet that they’ve extended a qualifying offer.

Quarterman, a fourth-round pick in 2020, played out the final year of his rookie contract in 2023. In four seasons with the Jaguars, he 54 career tackles, one tackle for loss, and one very consequential forced fumble.

Ridley is easily the biggest name on this list and the top receiver on the free agent market. In his first season with the Jaguars following a 2022 trade from the Falcons, Ridley recorded 76 receptions for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns. Jacksonville is reportedly working to bring back the receiver and he “currently prefers to return” to the Jaguars, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

No player in Jaguars history has played more consecutive games with the team than Shatley. After signing with the team as a free agent in 2014, he signed new contracts with the Jaguars in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Shatley started six games for the Jaguars in 2023.

The Jaguars picked up Van Lanen in exchange for a seventh-round pick in 2022, but he’s appeared in just 71 snaps over two years with the team. As a restricted free agent, the Jaguars could tender the lineman, but there hasn’t been an indication that they’ve decided to do so.

Jaguars add veteran DT Angelo Blackson to active roster

The Jaguars signed ninth-year veteran defensive lineman Angelo Blackson to the active roster.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ 53-man roster already has a brand new face. Two days after setting the initial group Tuesday, the Jaguars are adding veteran defensive lineman Angelo Blackson to the mix.

Blackson, 30, was a fourth-round pick of the Tennessee Titans back in 2015 and has made stops with the New England Patriots, Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, and Baltimore Ravens during his NFL career.

Entering his ninth season, Blackson signed with the Ravens in May, but was cut by the team earlier this week.

Over the course of his career, Blackson has played in 117 games and made 42 starts. He has 15 career tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.

Jacksonville found itself in need of defensive line help after DaVon Hamilton suffered what the team called a “non-football related medical issue” with his back. The team placed Hamilton on the injured reserve Thursday.

In Hamilton’s absence, Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said they plan to lean on the combination of Adam Gotsis and Jeremiah Ledbetter to fill the void.

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Ravens sign DL Angelo Blackson

The Baltimore Ravens signed defensive lineman Angelo Blackson

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The Baltimore Ravens are currently in the beginning stages of their voluntary organized team activities for the 2023 offseason, but they keep making roster moves to make their team even better.  Quarterback Lamar Jackson is back in at the facility and is expected to remain throughout the rest of OTAs but there was a new face as well.

On Wednesday, Baltimore announced that they have signed defensive lineman Angelo Backson, who has played for the Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, and Chicago Bears in his nine-year career.  The Ravens still need help at the defensive line position, and Blackson can fill that void.

Blackson has a total of 166 career tackles, 8.5 sacks, one interception, and one fumble recovery in his career.  The Ravens will likely have one of the best defensive units in the NFL in 2023, and it will be interesting to see how Blackson can make an impact.