The Colts announced Monday that they have cut LBs Jonathan Newsome and Andy Studebaker, tweets Ian Rapoport (Studebaker's release was announced in a team release).
Newsome, 25, was arrested last week for marijuana possession. Jonathan was drafted in the 5th round in 2014 by the Colts and put up impressive numbers in his rookie campaign, recording 33 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. He wasn't able to repeat that production in 2015, only recording 18 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble.
Studebaker, 30, appeared in 27 games (primarily on special teams) in his three years in Indy.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Colts Sign TE Cameron Clear
The Colts announced Wednesday on Twitter that they have signed TE Cameron Clear. As PFR notes, Clear will give Indy some insurance as TEs Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen enter free agency.
Cameron was in camp with Pittsburgh prior to 2015, but injuries landed him in IR and he was eventually released. At 6'5", he shows potential in making the roster and providing a big target for Andrew Luck. He has yet to see action in the NFL, but is a low-risk reserve option if one of Fleener or Allen leave in free agency. Indianapolis also has Jack Doyle and Erik Swoope on the roster.
I personally see Fleener returning but Allen leaving. Fleener, 27, appeared in all 16 games in 2015, catching 54 passes for 491 yards and 3 touchdowns. He does not have a lengthy injury history and provides stability at the position. Allen, meanwhile, does have a lengthy injury history, missing 15 games in 2013. He appeared in 13 games in 2015 but only caught 16 passes. He hasn't matched his rookie numbers from 2012 when he caught 45 passes for over 500 yards, but did score a career-high 8 touchdowns (which tied Fleener) in 2014.
Cameron was in camp with Pittsburgh prior to 2015, but injuries landed him in IR and he was eventually released. At 6'5", he shows potential in making the roster and providing a big target for Andrew Luck. He has yet to see action in the NFL, but is a low-risk reserve option if one of Fleener or Allen leave in free agency. Indianapolis also has Jack Doyle and Erik Swoope on the roster.
I personally see Fleener returning but Allen leaving. Fleener, 27, appeared in all 16 games in 2015, catching 54 passes for 491 yards and 3 touchdowns. He does not have a lengthy injury history and provides stability at the position. Allen, meanwhile, does have a lengthy injury history, missing 15 games in 2013. He appeared in 13 games in 2015 but only caught 16 passes. He hasn't matched his rookie numbers from 2012 when he caught 45 passes for over 500 yards, but did score a career-high 8 touchdowns (which tied Fleener) in 2014.
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Broncos Notes: Jackson, Daniels
MALIK JACKSON
The Broncos are trying to re-sign DT Malik Jackson before free agency begins, writes Mike Klis of 9News. As I previously noted, Jackson seemed to be on the outside looking in with Denver's sights set on working out a long-term deal with Super Bowl MVP Von Miller and potentially re-signing QB Brock Osweiler, depending on Peyton Manning's future.
Jackson, 26, had a solid 2015 season, starting all 16 games and all 3 games in the playoffs for the champs. Jackson recorded 5.5 sacks and 34 tackles in what was a breakout year for the former Tennessee Volunteer. In his four seasons with the Broncos after being drafted in 2012, Malik has started 24 games while recording 14.5 sacks and 108 tackles. If the two sides are able to work out a deal, Jackson figures to be a force on Denver's D-Line for years to come.
OWEN DANIELS
Broncos TE Owen Daniels has said that he will return for the 2016 season, writes Lindsay H. Jones of USA Today. Daniels, 33, has a rough injury history, missing two of his 10 seasons to a broken leg and torn ACL. He has no meniscus in his left knee and endured pain in his right knee throughout the 2015 season.
With all that said, Daniels has had a solid career, being selected to 2 Pro Bowls, amassing over 5,000 receiving yards and 36 touchdowns, and getting his first ring with Denver this season. He signed a three-year, $12.25MM deal last March and plans to play out the length of that contract.
Denver could save $2.5MM by releasing Owen, but they don't have a suitable replacement for him on the roster. Vernon Davis was a disappointment after being acquired at the trading deadline and is a free agent this offseason, and Virgil Green hasn't shown enough for the Broncos to make him their No.1 tight end.
The Broncos are trying to re-sign DT Malik Jackson before free agency begins, writes Mike Klis of 9News. As I previously noted, Jackson seemed to be on the outside looking in with Denver's sights set on working out a long-term deal with Super Bowl MVP Von Miller and potentially re-signing QB Brock Osweiler, depending on Peyton Manning's future.
Jackson, 26, had a solid 2015 season, starting all 16 games and all 3 games in the playoffs for the champs. Jackson recorded 5.5 sacks and 34 tackles in what was a breakout year for the former Tennessee Volunteer. In his four seasons with the Broncos after being drafted in 2012, Malik has started 24 games while recording 14.5 sacks and 108 tackles. If the two sides are able to work out a deal, Jackson figures to be a force on Denver's D-Line for years to come.
OWEN DANIELS
Broncos TE Owen Daniels has said that he will return for the 2016 season, writes Lindsay H. Jones of USA Today. Daniels, 33, has a rough injury history, missing two of his 10 seasons to a broken leg and torn ACL. He has no meniscus in his left knee and endured pain in his right knee throughout the 2015 season.
With all that said, Daniels has had a solid career, being selected to 2 Pro Bowls, amassing over 5,000 receiving yards and 36 touchdowns, and getting his first ring with Denver this season. He signed a three-year, $12.25MM deal last March and plans to play out the length of that contract.
Denver could save $2.5MM by releasing Owen, but they don't have a suitable replacement for him on the roster. Vernon Davis was a disappointment after being acquired at the trading deadline and is a free agent this offseason, and Virgil Green hasn't shown enough for the Broncos to make him their No.1 tight end.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Broncos S Shiloh Keo Arrested for DUI
Broncos safety Shiloh Keo was arrested early Saturday morning for DUI, writes Troy Renck of the Denver Post. As PFR notes, Keo tweeted that he was heading home to his native Idaho. He was booked into the Ada County jail just after 2 a.m. Saturday.
Shiloh joined Denver in December after injuries to safeties David Bruton, TJ Ward, and Darian Stewart and played in six games. Keo, 28, was drafted by Houston in the fifth round of the 2011 draft and started 11 games in 2013.
"We are aware of the matter involving Shiloh Keo and are in the process of reviewing it," said Broncos VP of public relations Patrick Smyth.
Shiloh joined Denver in December after injuries to safeties David Bruton, TJ Ward, and Darian Stewart and played in six games. Keo, 28, was drafted by Houston in the fifth round of the 2011 draft and started 11 games in 2013.
"We are aware of the matter involving Shiloh Keo and are in the process of reviewing it," said Broncos VP of public relations Patrick Smyth.
Colts Waive Ryan Lindley
The Colts announced Tuesday in a press release that they have waived QB Ryan Lindley. As PFR notes, Lindley will become an unrestricted free agent if he clears waivers.
Lindley and Josh Freeman were signed prior to Indianapolis' final game vs Tennessee after Matt Hasselbeck and Charlie Whitehurst were ruled out due to injuries. Hasselbeck was banged up after playing eight games at age 40 and Whitehurst was placed on IR due to a hamstring injury.
Lindley played the second half of the Week 17 win vs Tennessee after Josh Freeman played the first half. Ryan went 6-10 for 58 yards and one touchdown. His only other NFL experience came in Arizona, starting seven games (including one postseason start) over three seasons.
Freeman remains on the Colts roster and looks to have an opportunity to compete for the backup role in 2016. Hasselbeck is a free agent and while he has expressed interest in playing another season, Indy has not said if they want to re-sign the former Seattle QB.
Lindley and Josh Freeman were signed prior to Indianapolis' final game vs Tennessee after Matt Hasselbeck and Charlie Whitehurst were ruled out due to injuries. Hasselbeck was banged up after playing eight games at age 40 and Whitehurst was placed on IR due to a hamstring injury.
Lindley played the second half of the Week 17 win vs Tennessee after Josh Freeman played the first half. Ryan went 6-10 for 58 yards and one touchdown. His only other NFL experience came in Arizona, starting seven games (including one postseason start) over three seasons.
Freeman remains on the Colts roster and looks to have an opportunity to compete for the backup role in 2016. Hasselbeck is a free agent and while he has expressed interest in playing another season, Indy has not said if they want to re-sign the former Seattle QB.
Monday, February 8, 2016
Broncos Win Super Bowl 50
The Denver Broncos captured their third title in franchise history Sunday, defeating the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50. The star of the game was Von Miller, who was named MVP and led a Denver defense that stole the show and completely manhandled Cam Newton. Denver sacked Newton seven times, with Miller and DeMarcus Ware combining for 4.5 sacks. Denver also forced four turnovers, including a crucial strip sack by Von in the final minutes that sealed the victory for the Broncos.
Peyton Manning, in what might have been his final game in the NFL, completed only 13 passes for 141 yards and threw one interception. It wasn't Peyton's best game by far, but he didn't have to play like the 5-time MVP that he is. With the way Denver's defense played, the only thing asked of Manning is that he not make too many mistakes that hinder his team. It was Peyton's 200th overall career win (regular and postseason), so that's a good number to end on if he decides to hang it up.
On the other side, Carolina's defense also stifled Denver, allowing just 194 yards (Denver allowed 315). They also sacked Manning five times and forced the one interception. Also like Peyton, Cam was not at his best, only completing 55% of his passes for 259 yards and one interception. Carolina's MVP would have to be Kony Ealy, who recorded three sacks and one interception.
Both teams have a very busy off-season ahead. For Denver, they await Manning's decision. If he decides to return for a 18th season, he will likely be Denver's starting QB in 2016. I think it's unlikely that Peyton plays for any other team other than Denver next year. If he does retire, Brock Osweiler is a candidate for the starting job, but he is a free agent. Von Miller highlights the 2016 free agent class, and Denver is likely to use their franchise tag on the Super Bowl MVP. Malik Jackson is also a free agent, but he may be the odd man out.
As for the Panthers, retaining star CB Josh Norman is their top priority.
Works Cited
http://www.profootballrumors.com/broncos-win-super-bowl-50/
Peyton Manning, in what might have been his final game in the NFL, completed only 13 passes for 141 yards and threw one interception. It wasn't Peyton's best game by far, but he didn't have to play like the 5-time MVP that he is. With the way Denver's defense played, the only thing asked of Manning is that he not make too many mistakes that hinder his team. It was Peyton's 200th overall career win (regular and postseason), so that's a good number to end on if he decides to hang it up.
On the other side, Carolina's defense also stifled Denver, allowing just 194 yards (Denver allowed 315). They also sacked Manning five times and forced the one interception. Also like Peyton, Cam was not at his best, only completing 55% of his passes for 259 yards and one interception. Carolina's MVP would have to be Kony Ealy, who recorded three sacks and one interception.
Both teams have a very busy off-season ahead. For Denver, they await Manning's decision. If he decides to return for a 18th season, he will likely be Denver's starting QB in 2016. I think it's unlikely that Peyton plays for any other team other than Denver next year. If he does retire, Brock Osweiler is a candidate for the starting job, but he is a free agent. Von Miller highlights the 2016 free agent class, and Denver is likely to use their franchise tag on the Super Bowl MVP. Malik Jackson is also a free agent, but he may be the odd man out.
As for the Panthers, retaining star CB Josh Norman is their top priority.
Works Cited
http://www.profootballrumors.com/broncos-win-super-bowl-50/
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Broncos Send S Ryan Murphy Home for Involvement in Prostitution Sting
The Broncos announced Tuesday evening that they have sent practice squad safety Ryan Murphy home for his involvement in a prostitution sting, according to Lindsay Jones of USA Today. CBS Bay Area reports that police detained a suspected prostitute in Santa Clara County and she told police she had to go to a car to retrieve some property. Murphy and his brother were inside the car. The brother was cited for his involvement, but Murphy himself was released.
Murphy, who has yet to appear in an NFL game, was drafted in the 7th round of the 2015 draft by Seattle.
Murphy, who has yet to appear in an NFL game, was drafted in the 7th round of the 2015 draft by Seattle.
Colts Confident in Signing Andrew Luck to Extension
According to Ian Rapoport, the Colts are confident that they will sign QB Andrew Luck to an extension this offseason. As Rapoport notes, Indy believes more in Luck than ever before and locking him up is their top priority. As PFR notes, Luck is signed through 2016 at just over $16MM. Indianapolis picked up the fifth year option on Andrew's rookie contract prior to the 2015 season.
Given Luck's standing as one of the best QB's in the NFL and his importance to the Colts organization, it's reasonable that his extension could exceed Aaron Rodgers' $22MM AAV and could even set a record for guaranteed money. If the two sides are unable to reach an agreement, franchise tagging Luck would be the only way to keep him in Indy beyond 2016.
While Luck obviously wants to get paid, he is also tired of all the "rebuilding" talk in Indy. Ultimately, he is open to an extension.
Luck was injured for the first time in his NFL career in 2015, missing nine games with shoulder and abdominal injuries. In four years with the Colts, he has led them to three 11-5 seasons, three playoff appearances, and the AFC Championship game in 2014. That year, he threw for a career-high 4761 yards and led the NFL with 40 touchdown passes.
Given Luck's standing as one of the best QB's in the NFL and his importance to the Colts organization, it's reasonable that his extension could exceed Aaron Rodgers' $22MM AAV and could even set a record for guaranteed money. If the two sides are unable to reach an agreement, franchise tagging Luck would be the only way to keep him in Indy beyond 2016.
While Luck obviously wants to get paid, he is also tired of all the "rebuilding" talk in Indy. Ultimately, he is open to an extension.
Luck was injured for the first time in his NFL career in 2015, missing nine games with shoulder and abdominal injuries. In four years with the Colts, he has led them to three 11-5 seasons, three playoff appearances, and the AFC Championship game in 2014. That year, he threw for a career-high 4761 yards and led the NFL with 40 touchdown passes.
Peyton Manning Tells Friends He Plans to Retire After Super Bowl
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, Broncos QB Peyton Manning told some of his closest friends that he plans to retire after Super Bowl 50. As I previously noted, Peyton told Patriots HC Bill Belichick, "this may be my last rodeo," after Denver defeated New England in the AFC Championship game. This report just adds to the Peyton Manning saga and whether or not this is "The Sheriff's" final season. I personally thought that Peyton would play one more season, but after he battled injuries throughout the year and he made it to the Super Bowl, I thought maybe he might just hang it up. After the recent reports, I think it's a foregone conclusion that the big game on Sunday will be Peyton's final game in the NFL.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)