Tag: free agent

Seahawks host 3 FA running backs for tryouts on Monday

Marshawn Lynch, Robert Turbin and C.J. Anderson all worked out for the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, along with five defensive tackles.

Marshawn Lynch was among a handful of players who worked out for the Seattle Seahawks at the team’s practice facility on Monday.

Joining Lynch was a pair of veteran running backs, Robert Turbin and C.J. Anderson, as well as a group of defensive tackles; Mike Hughes, Tomasi Laulile, Chris Nelson, Shakir Soto and Andrew Williams.

Seattle is looking to replace Chris Carson and C.J. Prosise, who each suffered season-ending injuries on Sunday against the Cardinals.

They are also looking for another defensive tackle to take Bryan Mone’s spot on the practice squad. Mone was promoted to the active roster to replace Al Woods, who was suspended four games for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing drugs.

Lynch’s visit was reported by Pete Carroll Monday morning on 710 ESPN’s morning radio show, and Turbin was in town last week for a visit as well. The two of them formed a running back tandem for the Seahawks from 2012-2014, winning a Super Bowl together in the 2013 season.

Anderson joined the Rams in the final two games of the regular season last year and tore up the 49ers in Week 17, rushing for 132 yards and a touchdown.

Seattle would love for him do that two years in a row, and his recent success may make him a more practical solution for Seattle in the short-term.

The Seahawks are almost certainly going to sign two running backs this week, and it seems likely it will be some combination of the three that were in town on Monday.

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A Marshawn Lynch reunion would give Seahawks shot in the arm

The Seattle Seahawks need a boost of energy and morale, along with help at running back. Marshawn Lynch would bring all that and more.

The Seattle Seahawks are limping into their crucial Week 17 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, a game that will determine who wins the NFC West.

Seattle is bruised, battered, dejected and worn down after an injury-ravaged, lackluster loss to the Cardinals in Week 16.

With health and spirits at an all-time low, the team needs some kind of shock to the system, a burst of energy, an injection of attitude, swagger and popularity to help pull them out of this funk and help them earn that final win of the regular season and an NFC West championship.

If they can get all that at once, and also get some help on the field at a key position of need, then what are they waiting for?

Well, in the case of trying to bring back veteran running back Marshawn Lynch, they aren’t waiting at all.

“He’ll be flying in here this morning and we’re going to give him a really good chance to come back and play for us,” coach Pete Carroll said of Lynch. “I’m fired up for it. He’s got some hoops he’s got to jump through here – physical and stuff like that – but he’s been working really hard. He’s really excited about the chance to do something and help out. I think it’s frickin great.”

It’s hard to know exactly what Lynch brings to the table from a football perspective. He last played on October 14, 2018 (against Seattle) and at age 33, there may not be much left in the tank.

But the Seahawks don’t need Lynch to come in and rush for 100 yards on 20 carries. Heck, they may bring him in as a backup to rookie Travis Homer.

Seattle needs an energy boost, and while there may be a Starbucks on every corner, adding Lynch is like chugging a Monster energy drink – which could be the key ingredient to beating San Francisco on Sunday night.

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Seattle Seahawks sign linebacker Dekoda Watson

The Seattle Seahawks brought back linebacker Dekoda Watson, who was signed for two days in October before the team claimed Josh Gordon.

The Seattle Seahawks signed veteran linebacker Dekoda Watson to the active roster, taking the place of suspended receiver Josh Gordon.

This is Watson’s second time being signed by the Seahawks this season. He originally signed on October 30, with the hope that he would help contribute on the special teams and on Seattle’s depleted pass rush unit.

“We’re gonna give him a chance to give us some rush on the edge,” coach Pete Carroll commented after the signing. “He’s been a really accomplished [special] teams guy too. We’re hoping he can give us some additional boost there. We’ll see.”

However, Watson’s first stint in Seattle only lasted a few days, as the team released him to make room for Gordon, who they won on waiver claims two days later.

Now he’s back, this time replacing Gordon, and he’ll once again have a chance to contribute off the edge and on special teams.

The nine-year veteran has primarily been a special teams contributor, but he does have six career sacks – including two in 2018 as a member of the 49ers.

The Seahawks also shuffled things around on the practice squad, cutting linebacker Jermaine Grace and replacing him with rookie linebacker Sutton Smith, who was a sixth round pick by Pittsburgh this year out of Northern Illinois.

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Will the Seattle Seahawks pursue a reunion with Robert Turbin?

The Seattle Seahawks, who have an open roster spot, reportedly hosted running backs Robert Turbin and Alfred Blue for workouts on Tuesday.

The Seattle Seahawks have an open spot on the 53-man roster following Josh Gordon’s indefinite suspension, and while they haven’t filled it just yet – they did bring in a pair of potential options on Tuesday.

Veteran running backs Robert Turbin and Alfred Blue were both reported to be at Seattle’s practice facility on Tuesday for a team workout, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.

The Seahawks are likely looking for a veteran back to help ease the loss of Rashaad Penny. The team is currently relying on C.J. Prosise and rookie Travis Homer to fill that role. Prosise did not record a carry after a bad fumble (that ended up getting overturned) late in the first half against Carolina, and Homer only has three career carries.

Turbin would certainly have the advantage of coming in and knowing the playbook, having been with the Seahawks from 2012-2014, serving primarily as the team’s change-of-pace back behind Marshawn Lynch.

He was part of Seattle’s excellent 2012 draft class, coming to Seattle along with Bobby Wagner from Utah State.

He’s rushed for 1,354 yards and nine touchdowns in 81 career games, with his last action coming in 2018 with the Colts, appearing in two games.

Blue spent five years with the Texans from 2014-2018, recording 2,407 yards and eight touchdowns along with 69 receptions for 470 yards and two touchdowns out of the backfield.

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Why trading Danilo Gallinari for Myles Turner makes sense for OKC

The Oklahoma City Thunder could benefit by trading Danilo Gallinari to the Indiana Pacers in return for Myles Turner.

It’s time to put up or shut up for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Sunday, December 15 marks the start of when any player that signed a free-agent deal over the summer can finally be traded.

Since the Thunder have several players that fall into that category, it’s time for Sam Presti and company to decide if Oklahoma City is going to stay at the cusp of a postseason spot and hope they can play their way into the playoffs, or if OKC is going to go full rebuild, knowing that there’s a stable full of draft picks that can likely help in the future.

Oklahoma City has already let it be known that they are looking to trade Chris Paul, Danilo Gallinari, and Steven Adams, as reports are out there that the Thunder “made them available”.

While the consensus around the league remains that Chris Paul’s contract may prevent him from being traded, Gallinari remains an intriguing option for many teams.

One team that Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey believes would benefit by trading for Gallinari is the Indiana Pacers.

Calling him “one of this season’s most intriguing trade candidates”, Bailey suggests that the Pacers should send Myles Turner to Oklahoma City for Gallinari as Indiana “might have a higher ceiling with (Domantas) Sabonis playing alongside a playmaking 4”.

Danilo Gallinari is averaging 18.3 points with a 62.4 true shooting percentage in only 30.4 minutes per game. There are only 11 players in NBA history who have at least 500 three-point attempts and match his career marks for points per 75 possessions (19.2) and true shooting percentage (59.0). He’s in the top 100 all-time in career offensive box plus/minus.

Although Turner has gotten off to a less than ideal start, Bailey argues that Turner’s age and contract are what makes him an intriguing prospect for the Thunder.

The Pacers center is off to a slow start this season, posting a career low in win shares per 48 minutes, but he’s only 23 years old. He’s also on a reasonable contract ($18 million per year) through 2023. There could be much worse starts to a reboot than a core of Turner and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

On its face, the deal makes sense for the Thunder. Gallinari is in the final year of his contract and will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Thunder could trade him now, and get a young player that fits their long-term timeline or wait and risk losing him after the season and getting nothing in return.

Jameis Winston is closing in on a Peyton Manning record, which isn’t a good thing

If you follow the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it’s not shocking news to report on a Jameis Winston turnover. Following his fifth pick-six this season, Winston is close to finding himself in good company. Future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning …

If you follow the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it’s not shocking news to report on a Jameis Winston turnover. Following his fifth pick-six this season, Winston is close to finding himself in good company. Future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning currently hold the NFL record for the number of pick-sixes in one season with six, set in 2001.

The only real difference in the stat between Winston and Manning is that Winston is in his fifth year, while Manning was in his fourth. When it comes to the Bucs quarterback, there is no middle ground for fans. You either love him or hate him. I’ve often said that Winston could get you 30 points per week in fantasy football, and still throw three interceptions in each game because he generates such large passing numbers in yardage and scoring. If you’re looking for a glimmer of hope for Winston, Manning improved significantly every season after setting that very same record. No, I am not saying that Winston will go down next to Manning’s name in the all-time greats. This comparison is for informational purposes and should be taken as such.

In the latest mock draft by USA Today’s Draft Wire, the Bucs are projected with the 13th pick, and looking to add to their defensive line. Obviously, those are projections, and the order will most likely change as the season comes to a close and teams move up and down.

Aside from Winston becoming a free agent, other quarterbacks slated to join the open market after the season are Dak Prescott, Philip Rivers and Marcus Mariota. What this means for Bucs fans is they should get ready for at least one more season of Jameis Winston taking snaps under center.

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Report: Kiko Alonso ‘day-to-day’ with injury, status in doubt vs. 49ers

New Orleans Saints linebacker Kiko Alonso is reportedly managing a thigh injury on a day-to-day basis, requiring the signing of Manti Te’o.

The New Orleans Saints re-signed linebacker Manti Te’o on Tuesday, following injuries to starters Kiko Alonso and A.J. Klein. Te’o started most of the 2017 season for the Saints before improved health in the linebacker corps (and the addition of Demario Davis) sidelined him in 2018, and he’s been a free agent since then.

According to a report from Katherine Terrell of The Athletic, Alonso’s status with a thigh injury isn’t considered a long-term concern. Terrell reported that Alonso is day-to-day at this point and the team isn’t sure whether he will be cleared to play on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. That could change in the next three days after team trainers get the opportunity to administer treatment and reevaluate Alonso’s condition, but in the meantime Te’o gives the Saints an experienced option to add to the depth chart.

Special teamers Craig Robertson and Stephone Anthony were each forced into last week’s game with the Atlanta Falcons after Alonso and Klein went out with injuries; it took a combined 11 snaps from them for the Saints to decide Te’o was needed. Whether Te’o plays on Sunday after being signed on the previous Tuesday is unlikely, but it can’t be ruled out if Alonso misses this 49ers game. Klein’s condition is less clear, and no information is coming out of New Orleans just yet on what’s ailing him. We should learn something when the week’s first injury report is published Wednesday afternoon.

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ESPN senior writer says Saints are a ‘wild card’ if Cam Newton tests free agency

ESPN senior NFL writer Jeremy Fowler suggested the New Orleans Saints could be a ‘wild card’ if Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton is available

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The future isn’t exactly clear for Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. Newton landed on injured reserve earlier this year; the team has since gone 5-5 without him. Questions are mounting as to whether new team owner David Tepper will retain longtime head coach Ron Rivera and general manager Marty Hurney, so big changes could be on the way for Carolina.

One of those big changes could be a parting with Newton, the Panthers’ franchise quarterback. Newton’s year ended after foot injury lingered into the regular season, and his 2018 season was cut short with a shoulder issue. He was mightily effective on designed runs (gaining 5.1 yards per carry and averaging 38.4 rushing yards per game in his career) but the hundreds of extra hits he absorbed in that role have clearly taken a toll.

So it wouldn’t be a big shock if the Panthers showed Newton the door in 2020. It’s the last year of the five-year, $103.8 million contract extension he signed back in 2015, and cutting Newton would free up $19.1 million against the salary cap. That’s money Tepper could put towards finding his new quarterback or hammering out new deals for free-agents-to-be like linebacker Shaq Thompson (2020 class), running back Christian McCaffrey (2021), or right tackle Taylor Moton (2021).

During an appearance on the ESPN Daily podcast with host Mina Kimes, ESPN senior NFL writer Jeremy Fowler noted that he could envision Newton wearing black and gold some day, maybe as an heir for New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees.

“The wild card here is New Orleans,” Fowler said after discussing more-realistic landing spots like the Los Angeles Chargers or Chicago Bears. “Now, it would be unlikely, but one guy I talked to said Sean Payton secretly loved Lamar Jackson in the draft, and he loves that style of quarterback. Where you can get creative — you can run and you can throw and you can do whatever you want. And so, they’ve kind of experimented with that with Taysom Hill as a result.”

Hill’s usage on designed quarterback runs and passes off of play-action rollouts could be interpreted as a trial for new elements of the always-evolving Saints playbook, and it makes sense that Payton could be considering other prospects who can do those things while staying on the field as a conventional passer.

Hill could certainly be a candidate to do that, but it’s worth mentioning that he doesn’t have an edge over Newton as far as age (Hill is 29, Newton is 30) or health (Hill went undrafted back in 2017 after four of his five years at BYU cut off with season-ending injuries) are concerned. If anything, Newton’s extended NFL experience as a passer helps his case. Any further developments Hill makes on dropbacks will be in pursuit of trying to get where Newton already is.

Still, maintaining Newton’s versatility was something Fowler stressed, and he admitted that Brees’ continued high level of play could keep the Saints out of Newton’s sweepstakes should he become available: “So if you do Newton you’d have to be all in, and it’d have to be a successor situation to Drew Brees. But (if) Brees continues completing 74% of his passes or whatever it is now, it’s going to be hard to move on from him.”

Of course, it all comes down to whether or not the Panthers even let Newton hit the free market. If they are seeking to make a long-term change at quarterback, they’d like to do so on their own terms in a trade, and Fowler made certain that a deal between the two NFC South rivals isn’t happening: “And they would never trade him there (to New Orleans). So that would have to be an outright release where he’s let go, and the Saints work him out and they sign him to a big contract.”

It’s tough to say what happens next for the Saints quarterbacks. They’re going year-to-year with Brees, who will turn 41 in January and could retire at any time without creating a huge shock. Hill should stick around another year at least on a restricted free agent tender. Teddy Bridgewater won all five of his starts in Brees’ place this year and would be the preferred successor, but he’s likely to get an offer he can’t refuse in free agency. You would think if the Saints can afford to sign Newton to a big contract, they could do the same with Bridgewater, who has already proven he can win in their system.

Nevertheless, changes are coming, and it wouldn’t be impossible for Newton to end up joining the Saints should a few factors break the right way. Crazier things have happened in the NFL, and in New Orleans. Remember when the Saints took a shot on Brees, a virtual unknown and then-San Diego Chargers washout, just months removed from reconstructive shoulder surgery?

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Pete Carroll reviewing video of QB Colin Kaepernick’s workout

Although the Seattle Seahawks were unable to attend QB Colin Kaepernick’s workout, coach Pete Carroll is going to review the video replay.

The Seattle Seahawks were not one of the seven teams around the league who attended free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s workout over the weekend, although the original plan was to have a staff member at the event.

NFL clubs were given very short notice about the workout to begin with last week, but when Kaepernick and his representatives changed the location and time Saturday morning, many who had arranged to be present weren’t able to adjust their schedules.

“I’m disappointed, we had planned to be at that workout,” coach Pete Carroll said Monday. “It got changed around and we couldn’t work with it. Unfortunately, we sent somebody but couldn’t stay with the changes that happened, we missed it. We were real curious. I was real curious to see how the workout went. Just competing as always.”

Carroll would not name the Seahawks representative sent to the workout, save for calling him “one of our guys.”

The workout was open to the media and was streamed live via YouTube. Carroll said he’s already watched a portion of the tape.

“We’re looking at everything, always,” Carroll added. “I’ve seen some of it so far.”

Here’s a look at the full replay of Kaepernick’s workout.

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Chiefs bring in free agent DE Eric Lee for workout

The Kansas City Chiefs are looking at options to help their thinning defensive end group and this one has familiarity with their DL coach.

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The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to free agency for options at the defensive end position.

There has been a ton of injuries throughout the season at the position group dating all the way back to the preseason. Second-year defensive end Breeland Speaks suffered a season-ending knee injury before the season started, Frank Clark has dealt with a pinched nerve in his neck since training camp, Alex Okafor has dealt with a hip injury and an ankle injury. It has been reported that standout and sack leader Emmanuel Ogbah will have season-ending surgery on a torn pec. The Chiefs technically only have one healthy player at the position right now in Tanoh Kpassagnon.

The team has already begun its quest to find a new defensive end. On Tuesday, the team reported a workout on the NFL’s transaction report of free-agent defensive end Eric Lee. Most recently, Lee spent time with the Detroit Lions, appearing in nine games during the 2018 season. He’s also spent time on their practice squad until early October of 2019.

Lee entered the league out of the University of South Florida, joining the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent. Lee spent time with the New England Patriots in 2017, where he served under now-Chiefs defensive line coach Brendan Daly. He started five games for the Patriots that season and posted 19 tackles, three tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and an interception.

The Daly connection suggests this player could pick up the Chiefs’ system quickly, which might be necessitated by injuries. The Chiefs have not yet signed Lee, but the possibility remains as they mull their options before placing Ogbah on injured reserve.