Tag: Byron Murphy

Steelers face decision on Donte Jackson’s future as Byron Murphy emerges FA candidate

The Pittsburgh Steelers will have a decision to make on CB Donte Jackson and Byron Murphy could be a younger potential free agent candidate.

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a valuable addition to their defense by trading for cornerback Donte Jackson this offseason. At 29, Jackson is having a standout year, arguably the best of his career. But this impressive performance also presents a dilemma: Jackson’s current one-year contract means he could be looking for a bigger payday next season, and the Steelers might hesitate to invest heavily in a player nearing 30.

A potential free-agency alternative could be Minnesota Vikings corner Byron Murphy, as suggested by Bleacher Report. The 27-year-old is flourishing under the guidance of defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who previously worked with the Steelers. Flores’ aggressive scheme has allowed Murphy to excel, showing he can press and play with physicality—qualities that would fit seamlessly into Pittsburgh’s defensive style. Bringing in Murphy could give the Steelers two corners adept at thriving in press coverage while adding youth to the position.

The Steelers face a strategic decision: Retain Jackson, who has proven invaluable through 10 games, or consider a long-term investment in a younger, proven cornerback like Murphy, who already aligns with the Steelers’ defensive philosophy.

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Seattle Seahawks’ 5 highest-graded players in Week 8 according to PFF

Seattle Seahawks’ 5 highest-graded players in Week 8 according to PFF

The Seattle Seahawks were embarrassed by the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, losing their Week 8 contest 31-10. Though the collective team effort was lacking, certain players outperformed others. The following players were Seattle’s five highest-graded talents versus the Bills, according to Pro Football Focus’ data.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 73.8

Jaxon Smith-Njigba was by far Seattle’s most productive receiver in DK Metccalf’s absence. Smith-Njigba posted team-highs in targets (7), receptions (6), and receiving yards (69). He was the only veteran threat that produced, with Tyler Lockett disappointingly being held to one catch for nine yards.

Geno Smith | 72.7

Geno Smith was efficient, completing 21-of-29 passing attempts for 212 yards. He also only took one sack behind a struggling offensive line. The issue? Smith threw zero touchdowns and one interception, and he was also fortunate the team recovered his fumble.

Coby Bryant | 70.5

Versatile defensive back Coby Bryant took advantage of more playing time due to injuries in the secondary. Bryant totaled six tackles and a pass breakup for a second consecutive week. The former fourth-round pick out of Cincinnati has earned more reps in Mike Macdonald’s secondary even when everybody gets healthy.

Laken Tomlinson | 69.4

The performance of the offensive line in pass protection was a rare bright spot for Seattle on Sunday. As mentioned, Smith was only sacked on one occasion. Left guard Laken Tomlinson played a quality game. The veteran blocker tied his season-best output by allowing just one quarterback pressure and zero sacks.

Byron Murphy II | 65.7

Rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II has improved since returning from injury in Week 7. The former Texas Longhorn recorded one pressure and a season-best four tackles. Murphy should continue improving as he continues getting crucial reps under his belt.

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Seahawks had core pass rush together for first time vs. Falcons since Week 1

Seahawks had core pass rush together for first time vs. Falcons

The Seattle Seahawks have dealt with injuries all season long, particularly across their defensive line. Rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II returned in Sunday’s Week 7 win over the Atlanta Falcons after missing the previous three contests (all losses) with a hamstring injury. Veteran defensive lineman Leonard Williams missed Week 4 with a rib injury. EDGE rusher Boye Mafe missed Weeks 4 and 5 with a knee injury.

Miraculously, Sunday’s win over the Falcons marked the first time since Week 1 this season the defensive line had Murphy, Williams, Mafe, and Derick Hall available together. Unsurprisingly, Mike Macdonald’s defense was dominant as a result. They sacked Kirk Cousins three times and forced him into three turnovers. The Seahawks also posted a pressure rate of 55%.

Hall recorded four pressures, tied for his second-most in any single-game showing this season. Hall also scored the first touchdown of his career on a fumble return as the result of a Mafe strip-sack. Mafe now has four sacks and 24 total pressures this campaign.

Murphy was anxious to return and play against a Falcons team that passed on him in the 2024 NFL Draft. Pro Football Focus assigned Murphy a season-best overall defensive grade of 74.6. Williams accumulated two pressures and recorded his third sack of the season.

The Seahawks obviously don’t have Uchenna Nwosu available, but he’s expected to be sidelined for a significant chunk of the season. In his absence, the quartet of Murphy II, Williams, Mafe, and Hall have become Macdonald’s most effective pass-rushing group. They finally played together again on Sunday, and they were outstanding.

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Five-star DL Justus Terry visits Austin for Texas-Georgia game

The Manchester High School product is ranked as the second-best defensive lineman in Georgia and the second-best player in the state

When the Texas Longhorns take on the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday, one of the top recruits in the 2025 class will be in attendance. Five-star defensive lineman Justus Terry will reportedly be in Austin for his official visit with the Longhorns. The Manchester High School product is ranked as the second-best defensive lineman in Georgia and the second-best player in the state by 247sports.

While Terry is expected to land with Bulldogs, the Longhorns will have their chance to make their pitch this weekend. Due to his potential, Terry has also received offers from some of the top programs in the country, such as Alabama, Florida State, and Georgia.

If the Longhorns were to add Terry to the mix, they would have one of the best 2025 classes in the country. He also fits the mold of who the Longhorns have targeted under Steve Sarkisian. In recent years, Texas has excelled at developing defensive linemen. That list includes Bryon Murphy and T’Vondre Sweat,

https://twitter.com/On3Recruits/status/1844502978881016281

Although the Longhorns face an uphill battle, getting Terry on campus is a big win. A victory over No.5 Georgia could also help their case as the Longhorns look to continue this undefeated 2024 campaign. Top-rated recruits Riley Pettijohn and Kevin Wynn will also be in attendance.

The Longhorns 2025 recruiting class currently consists of 21 commits, including four five-star prospects.

Seahawks Week 7 injury report: Tyler Locket did not practice

Seahawks Week 7 injury report: Tyler Locket did not practice

The overall health of the Seattle Seahawks continues to be a major concern for this team. On Thursday’s practice, wide receiver Tyler Lockett was added to the “did not participate” list. Alongside him is cornerback Riq Woolen, and regrettably, right tackle Stone Forsythe.

This is now two days in a row where Forsythe did not participate. Considering he is already Seattle’s third-string right tackle, not having him in the mix for Sunday will be an even worse blow to a position decimated by injury this season.

The full practice report can be seen below.

Did Not Participate:

  • T Stone Forsythe – Hand
  • CB Tre Brown – Ankle
  • CB Riq Woolen – Ankle
  • WR Tyler Lockett – Knee
  • RB Kenny McIntosh – Foot

Limited Participation:

  • DT Byron Murphy II – Hamstring
  • S Jerrick Reed II – Knee

Full Participation:

  • G Anthony Bradford – Toe
  • WR Laviska Shenault Jr – Back
  • C Connor Williams – Chest
  • LB Boye Mafe – Knee
  • DE Leonard Williams – Knee
  • S Julian Love – Hamstring/Quad

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Seahawks DT Byron Murphy II says he will play vs. Falcons

Seahawks DT Byron Murphy II says he will play vs. Falcons

The Seattle Seahawks are getting some much-needed reinforcements on the defensive line. For the first time in nearly a month, stud rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II looks like he is going to take the field. Murphy was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice, and on Thursday, spoke with the media. During his press conference, he announced he is planning to play in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons.

https://twitter.com/MazvitaMaraire/status/1846994763511484840

The Seahawks are going to need him. Since he has been gone during this three-game losing streak, Seattle’s defense is surrendering an average of 173 yards on the ground… including 228 to the 49ers last week. The worst part about this is the fact San Francisco and New York were gashing the Seahawks with third string running backs.

Murphy will certainly be looking forward to getting back out on the field, and especially against Atlanta. Murphy also spoke about how he was hearing rumors the Falcons were going to draft him at No. 8 overall. Instead, they chose quarterback Michael Penix Jr., and Murphy fell to the Seahawks at No. 16 overall. While things definitely worked out for Murphy, as he was awarded the rare honor of being drafted by his favorite team, he has not forgotten Atlanta passing him up.

https://twitter.com/gbellseattle/status/1846996203575431185

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Seahawks Week 7 injury report: Byron Murphy II returns to practice

Seahawks Week 7 injury report: Byron Murphy II returns to practice

Injuries have been the name of the game for the NFL this season, especially when it comes to the Seattle Seahawks. After playing three games in an eleven day stretch, the team was in desperate need of some time off. Unfortunately, it appears the extra rest didn’t exactly heal the team up.

Safety Rayshawn Jenkins was placed on injured reserve, no improvement to Abe Lucas, and now the injury report includes the right half of Seattle’s already decimated offensive line.

The only bit of good news is Byron Murphy II has returned to practice in a limited capacity. But that’s just about where it ends for Wednesday’s injury report.

The full report can be seen below.

Did Not Participate:

  • T Stone Forsythe – Hand
  • G Anthony Bradford – Toe
  • CB Tre Brown – Ankle
  • CB Riq Woolen – Ankle
  • WR Laviska Shenault – Back

Limited Participation: 

  • C Connor Williams – Chest
  • LB Boye Mafe – Knee
  • DT Byron Murphy II – Hamstring
  • DE Leonard Williams – Knee
  • S Jerrick Reed II – Knee

Full Participation: 

  • S Julian Love – Hamstring/Quad

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald gives updates for Murphy, Woolen and Lucas

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald gives updates for Murphy, Woolen and Lucas

The Seattle Seahawks need to find a way to end this losing streak they are on, and their first opportunity to do so will come on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Seattle’s defense has been brutalized on and off the field for the last three weeks, mainly due to injuries sustained at key positions.

On Wednesday, head coach Mike Macdonald did offer some updates for a few of their top defensive players. The good news is it appears rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II is going to return to practice, and Seattle needs him in a bad way. As for his cornerbacks, Tre Brown and Riq Woolen, it is a bit of a mixed bag. Sadly, there is no good news to be given for the ailing offensive line.

The Seahawks’ rush defense has once again collapsed into one of the worst in the league. New York and San Francisco bullied Seattle’s defensive front to embarrassing proportions. Having Murphy back into the lineup should give this unit a considerable boost.

Fingers are crossed Woolen can return to help slow down Atlanta’s efficient passing attack, led by quarterback Kirk Cousins and receiver Drake London.

As for the offensive line, no help is on the horizon for the worst in football.

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Seahawks rookie DT Byron Murphy II officially returns to practice

Seahawks rookie DT Byron Murphy II officially returns to practice

Seattle Seahawks rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II officially returned to Monday’s practice. Murphy had missed three consecutive contests, all defeats, since injuring his hamstring in a Week 3 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Following his return to practice, the expectation is that the rookie interior defender will return for Sunday’s Week 7 contest versus the Atlanta Falcons.

The No. 16 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Murphy has recorded six tackles (one tackle for loss), a half-sack, one quarterback hit, and seven pressures in his three appearances this season, per Pro Football Focus.

 

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald had shown immediate faith in Murphy prior to his injury. Murphy played 40 defensive snaps, accounting for 58% of all Seahawks defensive plays in the Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos, according to The Football Guys. In Week 2, the former Texas standout followed that up with a similar 56% workload.

The Seahawks have been relying on the likes of Jarran Reed, Johnathan Hankins, and Myles Adams more in Murphy’s absence. They also recently acquired defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris in a trade, and activated Cameron Young from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Quinton Bohanna has also occasionally received call-ups from the practice squad.

Murphy was playing quality football before suffering the hamstring injury. Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde will be excited to get their first-year contributor back. Murphy could be a difference-maker for a struggling Seahawks defense.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers injury updates on Abe Lucas, Byron Murphy II, more

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers injury updates on Abe Lucas, Byron Murphy II, more

Injuries have begun mounting for the Seattle Seahawks in recent weeks. Several key players missed Thursday’s defeat to the San Francisco 49ers, including cornerback Riq Woolen, and rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II. Head coach Mike Macdonald recently offered updates on several injured players.

The expectation is that Murphy will return for Sunday’s Week 7 contest versus the Atlanta Falcons. The No. 16 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Murphy has missed three consecutive games, all losses, since injuring his hamstring in a victory over the Miami Dolphins in Week 3.

Murphy has recorded six tackles (one tackle for loss), a half-sack, one quarterback hit, and three pressures in his three appearances this season. Murphy’s return would provide the Seahawks with another interior defensive lineman reinforcement after general manager John Schneider acquired veteran player Roy Robertson-Harris in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday.

 

Elsewhere, Macdonald said that he hopes injured right tackle Abe Lucas could start practicing “soon.” Injury updates on Lucas have been seldom received since the third-year blocker was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list in late July. Replacement starter George Fant is on IR with injury, too. The team recently signed veteran tackle Jason Peters, but have been starting the struggling Stone Forsythe at right tackle.

Macdonald did not initially have updates on injured cornerbacks Tre Brown (ankle) and Artie Burns (toe). Those updates should arrive at practice later this week. The Seahawks are getting healthier as they attempt to stop the bleeding versus the Falcons on Sunday.

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