Oakland Raiders to relocate out of California?? (Via Ian Rappaport - NFL Network)

The Oakland Raiders might relocate to...Texas? (via @RapSheet): http://t.co/L0WSxYCuL0 pic.twitter.com/czTijwtfn3

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) May 22, 2015

NFL Owners vote to have PAT moved back amongst a couple minor changes for the "Point(s) After Touchdown"

SAN FRANCISCO -- As expected, +NFL owners on Tuesday voted 30-2 to approve a change in the rule governing extra points after touchdowns.

The owners considered three proposals but ultimately approved a rule change endorsed by the competition committee. The new rule pushes the kick back to the 15-yard line and leaves the two-point conversion at the 2-yard line.

It also makes the play "live," meaning the defense could return a blocked kick or a turnover on a two-point play for two points.

The +New England Patriots proposed snapping the ball from the 15 for a one-point kick or placing the ball at the 2-yard line for a two-point try. According to the Patriots' proposal, a team's choice was not final and was subject to change following a timeout or penalty.

The +Philadelphia Eagles proposed snapping from the 15 for the kick but moving the ball to the 1 for a two-point conversion. The Eagles also wanted the defense to be able to score points if it returned a turnover on the two-point conversion to the other end zone.

+Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith pointed to the high rate of success of extra points as a reason for the change.

+Washington Redskins and Oakland were the only teams to vote no. The rule change will be reviewed after one year.

Click here for the remainder of the story: H/T +BRONCOS CR3W +ESPN Eric Williams of +ABC6NEWS in Philadelphia

While many are happy that the NFL extra point has been altered, some are still having issues. One of those people is former kicker Jay Feely, who played 14 seasons in the league. After the rule was announced, which is taking the extra-point snap from the 2-yard line to the 15-yard line, Feely went on Twitter and blasted the NFL. Click here for remainder of story on +FanSided

What did the NFL really accomplish? It's still nearly automatic (90%vs 99%) but greater risk of injury to Oline https://t.co/PgEpxEE3CT

— Jay Feely (@jayfeely) May 19, 2015

Another PK, Connor Barth, who is currently on the +Denver Broncos roster is not a fan of the rule change either. He was not emphasizing the injury or risk of injury aspect in an interview with +The Denver Post. Barth was focused on the fact that if they are aiming to make PAT's more difficult and a bit more uncertain, that the +NFL should make the FG posts thinner whereas pushing them back to a 32 yard kick won't affect the 99% success rate much. 

+SPORTS CR3W actually finds this enlightenment much more practical and sensible. We speculate the issue with this concept is that it means the NFL stadiums would have to provide alternative field goal posts as well as installing the new ones. Which probably made the +NCAA push back as they would eventually be forced to looking into changing hundreds of fields, not to mention the thousands of high school fields down the road. Still with all things considered, makes one wonder if any PK's practice on narrower FG posts? One that we will seek to find the answer from previous or current NFL place kickers.

Last season, Barth was perfect from the 20-yard PAT distance (15-of-15) and from 30-39 yards out (5-of-5). In his career, he has hit 100 percent of his PATs (149-of-149) and 88.6 percent (31-of-35) of his 30- to 39-yard field goals.

Barth, who says he's "kind of old school," sees no reason to change a game that is so popular.

"It'll probably change the percentages a little bit, but we're all pretty good kickers, and I still think we'll be in the high 90 percent range on extra points from the 15," he said. "I think they're just trying to find something to change."



Barth, who prides himself on his accuracy more than his power, sees a silver lining, however.

RELATED: NFL players have mixed reactions to new PAT rules

"It would weed out the strong-legged kickers who aren't accurate," he said. "It would make our value go up."

Seahawks trade for Pryor from Oakland Raiders: for 7th Rounder

Report: Raiders trade quarterback Terrelle Pryor to Seahawks

+NFL 

BY JOHN SODARO

Terrelle Pryor threw nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions in two seasons with Raiders. 

(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Pro Football Talk is reporting that the Raiders have traded quarterback Terrelle Pryor to the +Seattle Seahawks.

Reports earlier in the day said that the Raiders were sending out “feelers” in an attempt to trade Pryor and if they weren't able to finalize a trade by the end of the day, the team was going to waive him.

Now, Pryor, a third-round pick in the 2011 supplemental draft, will move on to the defending Super Bowl champs. Last season, he completed 57.4 of his passes and threw seven touchdowns and 11 interceptions in nine starts.

+Adam Schefter, citing a league source, reported that the +Seattle Seahawks gave up a 7th-round pick for Pryor.

Raiders traded QB Terrelle Pryor to Seahawks, as @ProFootballTalk reported.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 22, 2014

Pryor has one year and $705,000 left on his rookie contract. Pryors’ future with the Raiders became more clear when the +Oakland Raiders acquired QB Matt Schaub last month from the +Houston Texans.

Seahawks acquire Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor in trade

BY DOUG FARRAR

Terrelle Pryor had more rushing yards than passing yards in a 2013 preseason game against his new NFL team. (Otto Greule, Jr./Getty Images)

In the Oakland Raiders’ 2013 preseason finale, quarterback Terrelle Pryor threw for 31 yards on three completions and ran for 48 yards on three attempts in a 22-6 win for Seattle. Though Pryor’s effort wasn’t impressive enough to come close to helping the Raiders get the win, the quarterback seemed to make an impact on the defending Super Bowl champions. On Monday evening, the Seahawks announced that they had traded a 2014 seventh-round pick to Oakland for Pryor, who is in the last year of his rookie contract. The Raiders, who acquired quarterback Matt Schaub this offseason, were planning to release Pryor if no trade offers were forthcoming.

“Terrelle is an incredibly explosive athlete and we’re excited for him to come in and compete,” general manager John Schneider said in a statement.

Referring to Pryor as a “athlete” has some wondering if the Seahawks have it in mind to convert Pryor to an H-back or receiver role, which was a point of discussion among some NFL teams when he was selected by Oakland in the third round of the 2011 supplemental draft. Pryor had left the +Ohio State Buckeyes team after it was discovered that he was part of the memorabilia-for-cash scandal that cost then-head coach Jim Tressel his job. When Pryor entered the NFL, Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended him for his first five games — the same suspension he would have received had he stayed with the Buckeyes.

Pryor didn’t attempt a pass in his first NFL regular season, and completed just 14 of 30 passes for 155 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in 2012. Last season, he was given the opportunity to take the Raiders’ starting job, but lost it to Matt McGloin late in the season. He ended his third NFL campaign with 156 completions in 272 attempts for 1,798 yards, seven touchdowns and 11 picks.

GALLERY: Quarterbacks who started over - +Sports Illustrated

Of course, what makes Pryor intriguing to +NFL teams after all this time (the 49ers were also involved in trade talks) it his pure athleticism. Last season, he gained 576 yards on just 83 carries, including a 93-yard run that was the longest anyone in the league had in 2013.

I talked to Pryor after that preseason game in Seattle, and he seemed to have a pretty good head on his shoulders about how far he had to go as a quarterback, and how things played out for him in college.

“Accuracy, and timing with receivers,” he said of the things he was learning. “I think I’ve definitely gotten better with that. Making strides. Today, I threw one to Rod [Streater], and he wasn’t even out of his break yet. That’s just throwing with timing and understanding where he’s going to be. What I did badly today? Throwing that pick. I was late [on the throw], and that’s something that can’t happen. We were moving the ball, and got three points two times, and I believe we could have kept it moving on the first drive. We’ve just got to make that play.”

He sounded less certain about the NCAA’s motives, though he’s hardly the only person with that problem these days.

“At the end of the day, it’s their world,” he said. “They get to choose and set the rules. All I can do is speak for myself. I broke rules, and I paid for it. I made those mistakes when I was 18. I took it as a man, and I’m moving on.”

Fact of day: If Seahawks QB T. Pryor makes team, he will make $705,000; This season, Russell Wilson will make $662,434. Via @SportsTaxMan.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 22, 2014

Report: Raiders to waive Terrelle Pryor on Monday

BY ERIN WEAVER

Unless a last-minute trade comes together, Pryor is expected to get cut Monday.
(Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

If the Oakland Raiders cannot trade quarterback Terrelle Pryor this weekend, the team will waive him on Monday, Alex Marvez of FoxSports1 is reporting.

The team has already set April 21 — the day when the Raiders’ offseason program begins — as a deadline to trade Pryor. The Raiders reportedly received some “trade feelers” for the quarterback, but went nearly a month without being able to make a deal.

Pryor has one year and $705,000 left on his rookie contract. Most likely, he’ll just get cut Monday.

Last season, he completed 57.4 of his passes and threw seven touchdowns and 11 interceptions in his nine starts.

From the #asexpected #nosurprise file: Source tells @FOXSports1 that @RAIDERS will cut QB @TerrellePryor on Monday if unable to swing trade
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) April 19, 2014

What Matt Schaub Does for the Raiders

+FOX Sports - Fox Football Daily Discusses what the +Oakland Raiders offseason outlook is with the acquisition of QB, Matt Schaub.

Raiders agree to trade for QB Matt Schaub (updated)

 | By Vic Tafur

The Raiders have agreed to trade a late-round pick in the 2014 NFL draft to the Texans in exchange for quarterback Matt Schaub. He is currently on his way to Oakland for a physical.

In this Dec. 29, 2013 file photo, Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub warms up before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, in Nashville, Tenn. The Texans are nearing a deal to trade Schaub to the Oakland Raiders, a person familiar with the negotiations said Friday, March 21, 2014. (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)

The move is the latest in an attempt by Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie to win now and bridge the gap so that last year’s and this year’s upcoming draft picks are the centerpieces in the future. Nine of the 10 players the Raiders have signed this month are all at least 29 years old but their contracts are easy to get away from after the 2014 season if need be.

+ESPN's Adam Schefter was the first to report the trade.

Schaub, 32, threw 10 touchdowns and 14 interceptions last season, including an interception returned for a touchdown during a league-record four straight games. The previous six years, his completion percentage of 65.1 ranked seventh among qualified starters, and he threw almost twice as many touchdowns (114) as interceptions (64).

Schaub’s base salary next year is $10.93 million (with a $14.5 million salary-cap hit) because of roster bonuses. Indications are that the Raiders will absorb it. They desperately needed a quarterback and will take the hit as they have plenty of salary-cap room. There is no real reason for Schaub to restructure, as he was set to be released in June and could have signed wherever he wanted.

Schaub became expendable when the +Houston Texans signed former +Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to a two-year deal Thursday night.

Raiders coach Dennis Allen, offensive coordinator Greg Olson and quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo are in the midst of a nationwide tour of college pro days, seeing if there was a quarterback worthy of the No. 5 overall pick in the draft. This week alone, they have traveled to see Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles and Derek Carr. It is safe to say that they are not in love with any of them.

Houston has the first pick in the draft, and I think there is a good chance they take Bortles.

Will Blake Bortles be wearing a Texans Cap at Radio City Music Hall in NYC

What does this all mean for Matt McGloin?

The Raiders like McGloin, who started six games last season as an undrafted rookie, a lot as a second-string quarterback. They used the “McGloin bar” to evaluate quarterbacks in free agency and the draft, teanm sources said, as they wanted someone better to start next season. Terrelle Pryor and Trent Edwards are the other quarterbacks currently on the roster.

McKenzie does not have a good track record with quarterbacks in his two years in Oakland. He traded away Carson Palmer last spring after failed attempts to restructure his contract and traded for Matt Flynn, who was a disaster and lost his starting job to Pryor in the preseason. McKenzie also drafted former Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson in the fourth round last year, and the Raiders cut him, making Wilson the highest pick in the draft to be cut.

Flynn lost his confidence last year, and that is one of the biggest concerns with Schaub as well.

After leading the Texans to back-to-back AFC South Division titles in 2011 and 2012, Schaub struggled last season and was benched for rookie Case Keenum in October. The 10-year veteran regained the starting job in late December but could not help the Texans avoid finishing the season with a 14-game losing streak.

A two-time Pro Bowler, Schaub has eclipsed 4,000 passing yards three times in his career.

Schaub is a part of Raiders’ history already. He threw the game-ending interception to Michael Huff in Oakland’s emotional 25-20 win in Houston on Oct. 9, 2011, the day after long-time owner Al Davis’ death.

Matt Schaub's new look. #NFLFreeAgency pic.twitter.com/3a8GoNJQwZ
— NFL (@nfl) March 22, 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:

Just spoke with two sources close to DeSean. Receiver now believes he will not be back.
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) March 21, 2014

Another link that touches upon this subject and topic-

+New York Post link to article post below, here:

Does this Mean Bortles is Headed for a Texans Hat on Radio City Hall's Stage?

Blake Bortles impressed so many observers and draft experts that many said that he will be the first QB taken, whether it was the +Houston Texans, +Jacksonville Jaguars, or someone else. The Texans agreed to a trade with the +Oakland Raiders that will ship the long-time QB out of Houston to Oakland. The logical step would be that the Texans have decided on their 1st overall pick in the upcoming +NFL draft, being a quarterback. The one aspect that many (most personal Johnny Football fans, Texas residents) some are thinknig it may be Manziel. Time will tell but from what I've seen and the risk/reward factor. +SPORTS CR3W would lean to Bortles to be the guy chosen.

Texans trade Schaub to Raiders for late-round pick in 2014

+The Associated Press

Troy Taormina / USA TODAY Sports

Matt Schaub threw 10 touchdowns and 14 interceptions last season.

The Houston Texans traded quarterback Matt Schaub to the Oakland Raiders for a late-round 2014 draft pick, FOX Sports 1 Insider Mike Garafolo confirms.

The deal, which was first reported by ESPN, is pending a physical.

Schaub was Houston's starter from 2007 until last season, when he was benched in favor of Case Keenum after a terrible start to the year. The Texans were expected to contend for a Super Bowl last season, but instead became the NFL's worst team, sinking to 2-14, which tied the worst record in franchise history.

It was clear after last season that Schaub didn't have a future in Houston, but his departure looked to be imminent on Thursday night when the Texans signed veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Houston also has the first overall pick in this year's draft, which includes top quarterbacks Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles and Johnny Manziel.

The pending acquisition of Schaub is the latest attempt by general manager Reggie McKenzie to find a quarterback to lead the Raiders back into relevance after 11 straight years without a winning record or playoff berth.

Since dumping Carson Palmer last spring, McKenzie traded a 2014 fifth-round pick for Matt Flynn before cutting him early last season; spent a fourth-rounder last year on Tyler Wilson before losing him off the practice squad to Tennessee; and signed Matt McGloin as an undrafted free agent.

McGloin showed flashes in his six starts last season but is viewed more as a potential backup than a starter. The only other quarterbacks on Oakland's roster are Terrelle Pryor, whose running style does not fit what the coaching staff wants to do offensively, and veteran Trent Edwards, who was signed earlier this offseason.



The move puts less pressure on Oakland to use a high draft pick on a quarterback in May. The Raiders pick fifth overall in the draft but could use that selection to fill another hole.

With loads of salary cap room to start the league year, the Raiders have targeted veterans with only one of their acquisitions younger than 29.

That appears to be part of an effort to turn the team around quickly. McKenzie and coach Dennis Allen oversaw back-to-back four-win seasons since arriving in Oakland and owner Mark Davis is running out of patience with this regime.

They are hoping last year was an aberration for Schaub.

While the Texans had plenty of problems, Schaub's poor play was perhaps the biggest. The Texans won their first two games before Schaub began to struggle and he threw six interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns in the next three games. He started the sixth game of the season and left with an injury before being replaced in the starting lineup by Keenum, an undrafted free agent who spent 2012 on the practice squad.

Keenum was injured late in the season, forcing Houston to go back to Schaub for the last two games. He didn't fare any better than he had before he was benched and he threw four interceptions combined in the last two games as Houston wrapped up the season with a 14-game skid.

The 32-year-old is a two-time Pro Bowler, who last made the game in 2012. He had been solid for the Texans since taking over the job after being traded from Atlanta in 2007, but his best seasons came in 2009 and 2012 when he started each game. In 2009, he led the NFL in yards passing (4,770), completions (396) and attempts (583) and was fifth in touchdown passes (29). In 2012, he threw for 4,008 yards with 22 touchdowns and 12 interceptions to help Houston to its second straight AFC South title.

He spent three seasons with the +Atlanta Falcons as Michael Vick's backup before joining the Texans, and has thrown for more than 24,000 yards with 130 touchdowns in his 10-year career.