Showing posts with label New York Jets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New York Jets. Show all posts

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Justin Gilbert, 2014 Defensive Backs Draft Prospects, Appears to have the Physical & "Social" Tools

Justin Gilbert plans visit to Broncos ahead of 2014 
NFL Draft
Oklahoma State defensive back Justin Gilbert runs a drill at the 
NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis on Feb. 25, 2014. 
(Michael Conroy, +The Associated Press )

Despite 15 wins, a Super Bowl appearance and a free-agent haul, the Broncos have needs.

 They are looking to add depth, if not immediate contributors at cornerback, linebacker and the offensive line. Even with the addition of Aqib Talib, the Broncos could use help on the perimeter to protect themselves as Chris Harris recovers from knee surgery.

 Justin Gilbert fits the bill. The 6-foot, 202-pound Oklahoma State star tweeted that he will visit the Broncos this week in advance of the upcoming May 8-10 draft.
Gilbert is long, rangy and fast. He clocked a 4.37 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine and ran back six kickoffs for scores for the +Oklahoma State Cowboys. 

 From his account @JGil_4: New York Tmrw to visit the +New York Jets, followed by +Denver Broncos, +Detroit Lions, & +Atlanta Falcons ✈️✈️ wish me luck #Business #BusyWeek #Blessed #Grateful



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Sunday, March 30, 2014

Chris Johnson, threat with ball in hands, to be Released Next Week by career franchise, Tennessee Titans per Sources

Titans likely to release RB Chris Johnson next week

By Ryan Wilson | CBSSports.com
March 28, 2014 5:25 pm MT
Chris Johnson's tenure in Tennessee may be coming to an end. (USATSI)

One way or another, Chris Johnson almost certainly won't be with the Titans next month when the team reports for offseason workouts. Johnson was reportedly on the trade block in early March. And even with multiple teams interested in his services, his $8 million base salary in 2014 is prohibitive, which is why he'll likely be released, perhaps as soon as next week, according to CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora.

As for possible landing spots, the Tennessean's Jim Wyatt thinks Johnson ends up with the Falcons, who signed 30-year-old Steven Jackson last offseason.

At the annual NFL meetings earlier this week, new Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt said the team will continue to weigh their options with the 29-year-old Johnson, the team's 2008 first-round pick.

"This whole thing is a process," Whisenhunt said, via the Tennessean. "There's not a timetable on doing it. We're trying to do what's best for the team. We're certainly sensitive to try and resolve this whole deal sooner than later. It's just a process that you go through. I hope the fan base understands we're trying to do what's best for our team. All that matters is what we do on Sundays and winning those games."


Meanwhile, Johnson, who averaged a career-low 3.9 yards per carry last season, plans to show up for the Titans' offseason workouts that begin April 7.

"Yeah, I plan on being there," Johnson told the the Tennessean Tuesday. "If I haven't been traded or released by that time, I will show up in Nashville and be ready to go from day one with the team. There's been a lot of speculation about the future, and where I'll be. But I am under contract with the Tennessee Titans. That's my team. And whatever team I am with when the offseason program starts, that is where I am showing up.

"I want to run and lift with the team and do what I can to make the team better. If April 7 gets here and I am on the Tennessee roster, then I am going to show up ready to go."
-------------------









Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
+NFL Rumors: Jets Interested in +Tennessee Titans’ Chris Johnson

Published by Sam Spiegelman

After a relatively quiet offseason on the Chris Johnson front, the past two days have been jam-packed with rumors.

The newest team making a push for the former 2,000-yard rusher is the New York Jets. According to Rich Cimini of ESPN New York, Gang Green is expected to acquire a veteran running back, and the team has kept its eye on Johnson.

While the Jets may not be the perfect fit for Johnson, who is still confident in his ability to be a workhorse for a team, he could serve as a nice 1-2 punch with bruiser Chris Ivory, who the team acquired last offseason.
“The Jets are interested in acquiring a veteran, and the name to watch is Chris Johnson,” Cimini wrote. “Yeah, that Chris Johnson, who likely will be released by the Tennessee Titans. The Jets need speed, and Johnson has speed. I’m not sure he’d want to play for the Jets and be part of a committee, but I could see the Jets showing interest, depending on his price. He’d be a nice complement to Ivory, a thunder-and-lightning tandem.”

On Friday, Jim Wyatt of the Nashville Tennessean reported Johnson was most likely going to land with the Atlanta Falcons. Because of the $8 million Johnson is owed this coming season, the most likely scenario would include the Tennessee Titans releasing the veteran back. Then then +Atlanta Falcons could sign him as an unrestricted free agent.

Soon after that news surfaced, +CBS Sports Network' Jason La Canfora reported the Titans could cut Johnson as soon as next week. Because the aforementioned $8 million salary, finding a trading partner is extremely difficult. Johnson would have to be willing to take a pay cut in order to sign with the Falcons, who have about $8.7 million remaining in cap space. The +New York Jets are in a better financial position, with about $35.7 million available following the release of Mark Sanchez.
Johnson’s divorce with Tennessee has been speculated about since January, when the Tennessean reported the team was considering cutting him. Earlier in March, Pro Football Talk suggested the team put Johnson on the trading block.

Regardless, it seems as if the Johnson situation is close to coming to an end. If and when he is released, it seems as if Atlanta and New York are the two teams to keep an eye on.
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Saturday, March 29, 2014

DeSean Jackson Tracker Indicates many teams Vying for his Services


At least a half-dozen teams reportedly have contacted the agent for DeSean Jackson 
following his release Friday from the +Philadelphia Eagles.

Gregg Rosenthal has filed Around The League's list of potential landing spots. Which of those eight teams are showing interest in the playmaking wideout?

Here is our Jackson tracker:

1. +Washington Redskins: Sources informed of Jackson's situation have told +NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport that the Redskins are one of the "wild-card" teams interested in the playmaker. Washington has roughly $7 million in cap space and an owner with an affinity for splash moves. The 'Skins made the first tangible move toward signing Jackson. The Redskins have scheduled a Monday visit with the free agent, per Rapoport.

2. +Oakland Raiders: Rapoport reports Jackson reached out to let the Raiders know of his interest in joining the organization before he was even released by the Eagles. The Raiders have been doing their due diligence on Jackson for over a week now, per Rapoport. Oakland is close to Jackson's alma mater and can offer him a more lucrative contract than other competitors.

3. +New York Jets: People in the Jets' organization are still interested in Jackson following his release, according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. The New York Post confirmed theJets are still interested, but cautioned that conversations still have to happen at the highest levels of the organization before a plan is solidified. John Idzik was not among the general managers to contact Jackson's camp on Friday, per Mehta.

4. +Buffalo Bills: The Bills are the other wild-card team in the mix, according to Rapoport. They have plenty of salary-cap space. The Doug Whaley-Doug Marrone regime has placed an emphasis on wideouts with track speed, which Jackson has in abundance. The team's brass also has shown a penchant for giving players with questionable reputations a second chance. The Bills have set a predetermined price on Jackson and will not enter a bidding war, reports the Buffalo News.

5. +Carolina Panthers: Although coach Ron Rivera told USA Today the Panthers would be interested, multiple reports have emphatically declared that general manager Dave Gettleman will not be in the mix for the talented but controversial wide receiver.

6. +Tampa Bay Buccaneers: General manager Jason Licht gave Jackson a lukewarm endorsement Friday. "He'd have to be the right fit on and off the field," Licht said, via the Tampa Bay Times. "I don't want to dismiss him right away but we're looking at a bunch of other players, too."


Among the teams reported having varying levels of interest prior to Jackson's release are the +San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks and +New England Patriots .
Teams not in the hunt:

» Rapoport reported Saturday that the +Kansas City Chiefs are out of the running despite recently doing research on the wide receiver. Although coach Andy Reid spoke glowingly of his former No. 1 receiver earlier in the week, there will be no reunion in Kansas City.

» A league source told the Chicago Tribune the +Chicago Bears have no interest in Jackson.

» The Arizona Republic confirmed the +Arizona Cardinals are not interested in adding Jackson.

The latest "Around The League Podcast" reviews potential landing spots for DeSean Jackson and declares this week's winners and losers.
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Friday, March 28, 2014

DeSean Jackson denies having gang ties after being cut by Eagles

Nate Davis,
USA TODAY Sports
(Photo: David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports)
In a stunning move, the +Philadelphia Eagles released +NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson on Friday.

The team issued the following statement: "After careful consideration this offseason, Eagles decide to part ways with DeSean Jackson. The team informed him of his release today."

Jackson's departure came shortly after The (Newark) Star-Ledger published a story Friday suggesting he was affiliated with a gang in Los Angeles.

+Carolina Panthers' RIVERA: 'We'd be interested' in Jackson

Reaction to Jackson's release

Jackson subsequently issued a statement that reads in part: "I would like to address the misleading and unfounded reports that my release has anything to do with any affiliation that has been speculated surrounding the company I keep off of the field. I would like to make it very clear that I am not and never have been part of any gang. I am not a gang member and to speculate and assume that I am involved in such activity off the field is reckless and irresponsible.

Eagles GM: We Only Care About Winning

"I work very hard on and off the field and I am a good person with good values. I am proud of the accomplishments that I have made both on and off the field. I have worked tirelessly to give back to my community and have a positive impact on those in need. It is unfortunate that I now have to defend myself and my intentions.

"These reports are irresponsible and just not true . I look forward to working hard for my new team. God Bless."


Following his release, Jackson also tweeted: "Steady GRind Mode God Got the Plan !! Not Me." He included a picture of himself running on a track.
+New York Jets are interested in DeSean Jackson if he is released.

One of Jackson's former teammates didn't exactly pan the news on social media.
Philadelphia center Jason Kelce tweeted: "We just made an extremely unpopular decision, but I couldn't be more excited and happy with where this organization is going!! #FlyEaglesFly

"Good luck with whatever team you end up with DeseanJackson10!"

Jackson, 27, had been rumored to be on the trading blocks for weeks. But he inferred Monday on Twitter that he gleaned from a recent conversation with coach Chip Kelly that he would remain with the Eagles.

"Good to talk to Big Chip today!!! Say or hear what ya want!! Picture speaks for itself!! Winner," Jackson tweeted.

Kelly addressed Jackson's standing Wednesday at the +NFL meetings in Orlando.

MORE EAGLES NEWS: Sanchez signs contract Friday

"I talked to DeSean and when you deal with situations like that it's coach to player, player to coach,'' Kelly said. "We had a good conversation. We're always going to do what's best for the football team. ... I like DeSean. He did a really nice job for us.

"He knows where he stands with us. And I know where I stand with him.''

Original story posted and courtesy of +USA TODAY Sports: http://www.9news.com/story/sports/nfl/eagles/2014/03/28/desean-jackson-released-philadelphia/7011703/


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Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Philadelphia Eagles GM, "We Only Care About Winning"


Roseman: We Only Care About Winning

Original Post By +Philadelphia Eagles
Video Clip By: +FOX Sports Fox Football Daily


The Eagles have spent the offseason looking to build upon the foundation that was set last year when Chip Kelly became the first rookie head coach in franchise history to lead the team to a division title. Prior to free agency, the Eagles solidified the nucleus of the team by signing five players, including offensive linemen Jason Peters and Jason Kelce, to new deals. Once free agency kicked off two weeks ago, the Eagles jumped into the fray signing four new players, trading for running back Darren Sproles and re-signing Nate Allen and Donnie Jones.

This week, the +NFL is hosting the Owners' Meetings in Orlando where among other things the teams will vote on the rule proposals for the 2014 season. General manager Howie Roseman met with reporters and addressed a wide array of topics. Here is an overview of what Roseman discussed...

 On the status of wide receiver DeSean Jackson: "He's still under contract. For us, until there's anything to report on our players, that's where we are.

 "I've always been open and willing to talk to (the media) and our fans, and I think if it's appropriate other than speculation, I'll be happy to do that. Obviously, the only thing we care about is winning. We want to win. We are very fortunate we have an owner (Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie) who gives us the resources to do it. I think if you look, even now, where we are in team spending this offseason, it's high. We're going to be aggressive. We're going to do whatever it takes."

 On whether the team will sign a backup quarterback: "That's a position we've always talked about having a lot of depth, a lot of competition. ... If there was an opportunity to add a player who we thought added competition, was a good player, we'd have to look at that."

 On the culture of the locker room that is being cultivated: "It's going to be a constant mission for us to have the right culture and the right chemistry, but when we looked at last year it was really the first year in that process. It was a great learning experience for us about what we had, what we needed. ... Certainly, that takes time. It's the most important thing that we're trying to do is develop that and develop a core group of players that we can go with for a period of time. I think that's something that is constantly evolving."

 On the philosophy of the decisions made in free agency: "For us, it's all about making sure that the guys that we're paying the money to are a fit in our scheme. That we're not just paying because they can do something well, but we're not going to maximize their talents. It's because we have a limited amount of resources. We have a limited amount of (draft) picks. We have a limited amount of money to be able to build our team. ... We're trying to build a culture. We're trying to build cohesion.

"If you’re going to pay a guy that sort of money, what is he going to do in your scheme and how do you project him moving (forward)? You can’t sign a player in free agency based on what they’ve done. You have to plan for what they’re going to do, and how are you going to use them and how are you going to change what you’re doing with a particular player, and does that make sense? … I think there are a lot of factors involved in it, but in college there are a lot of good players and then there is also the time that you take for a negotiation and it doesn’t always work out. You’re bidding against 31 other teams that have walk-away numbers, so in free agency, that’s kind of how we look at it."



On the addition of Malcolm Jenkins: "What we were looking for specifically at the safety spot was we were looking for a quarterback for our defense. We were looking for a safety who could do a variety of things. The way we play defense is different than the way other people play defense. First off, our most important function is making sure we get the players that fit our scheme.

"He's 6-feet. He's over 200 pounds. He's got over 34-inch arms. He's got a lot of length. He has ability to come down and play the slot with a corner background at both +Ohio State Buckeyes and +New Orleans Saints. He has ability to play in the deep end and then cover a tight end. He can do a lot of things that we look for in a safety, so our scheme is different than others with what the responsibilities are. In a lot of schemes, the safety's primarily responsibility is the run game and making sure the fit for the run game is right.

 "You add to it that he was a team captain and, obviously, when we talk about building culture and chemistry and the words that go with Malcolm, the leadership that comes with him is obviously a huge plus and something we were looking for."

 On the contracts doled out to players across the league in free agency: "A lot of teams had cap room, and I think there was more cap room in the league than there has been in the last couple of years. In the market, I think there were a lot more teams that were signing their own players early. There’s a lot of competition for the top players in free agency and you try to figure out where you are on those and then it’s just what we talk about a lot, trying to make sure we keep our own draft picks and save money and sometimes you look at it and it’s kind of hard because you try to be aggressive, but we spent a lot of money on our own players this offseason, and that was really our primary focus in free agency, signing those guys. When you look at those contracts, we were aggressive in trying to keep them off of the market, even if was a year early, but when you get to the free agent market, you sometimes forget what you did two weeks ago."

 On the addition of Darren Sproles: "For us, it was all the things that he brought to the table. You talk about his ability to be a dynamic space player with the ball in his hands, whether it’s catching the ball or running the football. We’ve had a churning of the return position, and when we went back and looked at his returns this year and looked back in the past and saw what we thought he can do, we still think that he’s a dynamic returner and every time he’s got the ball in his hands, defensive coordinators and special teams coaches have to game plan for it. We saw it firsthand on more than one occasion.
"Add that to the leadership that he brings. We have a young offensive skill position set and he has off-the-charts leadership, off-the-charts work ethic, off-the-charts character, certainly a fit for us in our scheme offensively and special teams. We feel like because of the way he gets touches more in space than around the line of scrimmage, so getting hit more by linebackers and defensive backs rather than big 300-pound linemen, that certainly helps him."

 On Michael Vick signing with the +New York Jets: "It was very important to Mike that he was legitimately going to have an opportunity to start. I think we all appreciated his honesty and him being upfront with us with what he’s looking for, and we said from day one that we can’t compete with that. I don’t think this is just a money issue for Mike. For him, it was about the opportunity and what he wanted to do."

Original link: http://bit.ly/1gVl0Nc
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Sunday, March 23, 2014

N.Y. Jets Interested in DeSean Jackson - Eagles Appear Ready to Trade (or cut him)

+NFL reports that DeSean Jackson trade from the +Philadelphia Eagles would draw interest from the +New York Jets

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson confirmed his team is interested in Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson.
Drew Hallowell +Getty Images 
Johnson said the team is "looking at a number of players, including DeSean."

+SPORTS CR3W post about the Eagles being interested in a possible trade for Jackson

"We're always interested in talent," Johnson said of Jackson on Sunday at the NFL Annual Meeting in Orlando, Fla.

Free agency has reshuffled rosters across the league. How does this impact the NFL hierarchy? Elliot Harrison weighs in.READ.

Jackson posted this on his +Instagram account a couple night ago. Maybe just coincidence he was feeling nostalgic about his time in Philly or with Vick going, but perhaps he might just be pointing out to anyone interested and those within the Eagles department what they're appearing to be ready to part with.


According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, Johnson said a trade is not the team's "primary operating motif" right now, as it tries to build through the draft. It has been reported the Eagles might consider cutting Jackson if they can't find any trade partners.

The Jets signed Michael Vick to a contract.

The owner's declaration of interest in Jackson came with some qualifiers, saying they would look to bring in the receiver "at a price we can afford or we feel is appropriate" and "if he fits into the culture of our locker room," per Rapoport.

Johnson's confirmation sits juxtaposed to San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke, who earlier Sunday denied having contacted the Eagles about acquiring Jackson.

The two teams join the +Carolina Panthers and Oakland Raiders as teams who have been linked to Jackson rumors.

The concerns that Johnson noted -- price and locker room distraction -- are two reported reasons the Eagles are looking to part ways with the dynamic receiver.

The latest "Around The League Podcast" discussed DeSean Jackson trade talks, played running back roulette, and welcomed Lance Briggs into the studio.

Original story from +NFL: click here
+Philadelphia magazine, reported the confirmation of Jackson's belief:
Another link that touches upon this subject and topic-

+New York Post link to article post below, here:
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Friday, March 21, 2014

Jets, Michael Vick come to terms on 1 year deal




Eagles, Falcons Signalcaller Joins the Competition at Quarterback



Michael Vick is a Jet. H/T to +ESPN

Vick, 33, an unrestricted free agent, signed with +New York Jets this afternoon and joins the competition at quarterback for the 2014 season.

"It means a lot to have the chance to come in and play for a great organization that had a lot of success last year and being on the brink of doing some good things," Vick said early this evening. "Maybe I can come here and be an asset whenever my number's called. I'm excited, I'm elated, and I feel like this is a great opportunity for me and my family."


"We are excited to acquire Michael Vick," said offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who was Vick's OC for four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. "He's a great talent who's won many games, including playoff games, in this league. He has the respect of both his teammates and opponents. He's here in a role where he’s going to compete and push Geno Smith to become the very best that he can be. Michael will be able to go in and play at a high level and a winning level if called upon."

Vick's NFL career is well-documented. From 2001-06 he started 67 games for the Atlanta Falcons, completing 53.8% of his passes for 11,505 yards, 71 touchdowns and 52 interceptions. He also was among the most dangerous running QBs in the league, averaging 7.3 yards a carry and scoring 21 TDs.

Then with the Eagles from 2009-12, he started 36 games, cut back some on his rushing and improved his passing to 60.0% accuracy, threw for 8,769 yards, 52 TDs and 30 INTs, and hiked his passer rating 12 points to 87.8.

For his regular-season career, Michael Vick has thrown 128 TDs and 85 interceptions, has an 80.9 passer rating and a 58-48-1 record as a starter. He also quarterbacked the Falcons and Eagles to two playoff berths each and compiled a 2-4 postseason record as a starter. He was a Pro Bowler with Atlanta after the 2002, '04 and '05 seasons and with Philadelphia after his first full season as a starter in 2010.

Last season Vick started +Philadelphia Eagles first five games and six in all before finishing the year backing up Nick Foles.

Vick's off-the-field issues have also been well-documented. In August 2007 he pleaded guilty to federal felony charges in connection with dog-fighting. He served 21 months in prison and thus sat out the 2007 and '08 NFL seasons before returning to the game with the Eagles in '09.
Now he is reunited with Mornhinweg, who took over the Jets offense under head coach Rex Ryan last season and will compete with Geno Smith, last year's 16-game rookie starter, for spots on the Jets' roster and roles in the offense.

"Physically I'm 100 percent. When I took my physical, the trainers told me I was one of the healthiest players to come through here in some time," Vick joked with senior reporter Eric Allen. "My role is going to be to get in and win football games whenever my number's called, and be the best I can be and help all the quarterbacks become the best they can be."

Here are some numbers from the different parts of Vick's regular-season +NFL career (*Four seasons under Mornhinweg with the Eagles):

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