Footballguys #278 - 1/30

To unsubscribe {EMAIL} from these mailings, click [here]. --- [Footballguys.com] Volume 17, Issue #278 -- Monday Night, January 30th, 2017 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, Good Tuesday to you. We've got some News and Notes for you so let's get to it. J SITE NEWS INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [SF - Kyle Shanahan will be offered six years] 2. [MIA - QB Ryan Tannehill doesn't need surgery] 3. [SEA - TE Jimmy Graham not being used in red zone] 4. [KC - KC signs Darrin Reaves to future deal] 5. [GB - WR Jordy Nelson struggled with YAC] 6. [GB - WR Randall Cobb had only two drops] 7. [GB - WR Davante Adams dropped fewer passes in 2016] 8. [ATL - RB Devonta Freeman an extension candidate] 9. [HOU - Houston announces several staff changes] 10. [DEN - Eric Studesville receives additional title] 11. [HOU - Bobby King expected to join Texans staff] 12. [HOU - Houston expected to hire WR Wes Welker] 13. [OAK - RB Latavius Murray saw touches drop in 2016] 14. [DEN - OLB Shane Ray may start in 2017] 15. [LAC - George Stewart joins Chargers staff] 16. [NO - Mike Nolan hired by Saints] 17. [PIT - Pittsburgh could let OLB Jarvis Jones go] 18. [DEN - Denver could target WR Ted Ginn] 19. [DAL - CB Anthony Brown could be a starter] 20. [DAL - La'el Collins to play right tackle?] 21. [DAL - No issues for Jaylon Smith] 22. [HOU - ILB Brian Cushing had surgery] 23. [- QB Michael Vick set to retire] 24. [NYJ - QB Colin Kaepernick of interest to the Jets?] 25. [WAS - DT Bennie Logan could be FA target for WAS] 26. [GB - S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix plays every snap] 27. [NYJ - Jets' interest in George Godsey cools] 28. [NYJ - Robert Nunn hired to coach DL] --------------------------------------------------------------- 1. [SF - Kyle Shanahan will be offered six years] Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter The San Francisco 49ers are expected to offer Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan a six-year deal to become their head coach, according to sources. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Shanahan's first head coaching job should allow him the chance to institute his "program" over multiple years, unlike Chip Kelly, who got only one year to turn the ship (that has run aground) around. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 2. [MIA - QB Ryan Tannehill doesn't need surgery] Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Updating previous reports, Miami Dolphins QB [Ryan Tannehill] (knee) will not require surgery to repair his anterior cruciate ligament, according to sources. Tannehill had an MRI Monday, Jan. 30, to confirm the prognosis. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Tannehill should be good to go for training camp, if not part of OTAs. This is good news for the Dolphins, who were flirting with the idea of playing Tannehill in the playoffs, something the Chargers did with Philip Rivers in the 2007-2008 season. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 3. [SEA - TE Jimmy Graham not being used in red zone] Source: The Tacoma News Tribune - Gregg Bell Seattle Seahawks TE [Jimmy Graham] has been targeted 31 times for 13 catches and six touchdowns in the red zone in 29 games since joining the Seahawks. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Graham rose back to the elite fantasy tight end level in 2016, but he faded late in the season and is probably past the peak of his career. While the Seahawks made more use of him last year, it could be mostly due to Tyler Lockett's injury. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 4. [KC - KC signs Darrin Reaves to future deal] Source: The Kansas City Star - Terez A. Paylor The Kansas City Chiefs signed RB [Darrin Reaves] to a Reserve/Future deal Monday, Jan. 30. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Reaves had a cup of coffee with the Panthers previously and he could have opportunity as a #3 back with the Chiefs next year if Knile Davis and Jamaal Charles don't return. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 5. [GB - WR Jordy Nelson struggled with YAC] Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Bob McGinn Green Bay Packers WR [Jordy Nelson] averaged 3.58 yards after the catch, which was his lowest average since his rookie season. He had either zero or minus yards after the catch on 41 of his 105 catches in 2016. He did finish with 15 touchdowns during the season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Nelson was still very productive, but was not the deep threat he had been in the past for Aaron Rodgers. His best days are probably behind him, although Nelson could still be a fantasy WR1 this year because of the quality of his quarterback. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 6. [GB - WR Randall Cobb had only two drops] Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Bob McGinn Green Bay Packers WR [Randall Cobb] dropped only two of his 105 targets this season and led the team with a drop rate of 1.9 percent. Cobb also led the team with an average of 5.05 yards after the catch. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Cobb has never regained the on-field or fantasy form that made him a valuable commodity in 2014. He should be falling well into the mid-rounds in fantasy drafts this year. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 7. [GB - WR Davante Adams dropped fewer passes in 2016] Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Bob McGinn Green Bay Packers WR [Davante Adams] saw his drop rate go from 12.5 percent in 2015 to only 6.2 percent in 2016. He also led the team in gains of over 35 yards. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Adams was left for dead by fantasy drafters this summer, but he should be poised to be an even bigger part of the offense next season with Randall Cobb having trouble staying healthy and Jordy Nelson getting into the autumn of his career. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 8. [ATL - RB Devonta Freeman an extension candidate] Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - D. Orlando Ledbetter Atlanta Falcons RB [Devonta Freeman] is expected to have contract extension talks with the Falcons this offseason. His agent believes Freeman should be paid like one of the top three running backs in the NFL. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Freeman will be underpaid because he is sharing time with Tevin Coleman and the Falcons won't feel a need to pay him like a lead back, even though he could easily be one of the most productive backs in the league in a larger role. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 9. [HOU - Houston announces several staff changes] Source: Houston Chronicle - John McClain Updating a previous report, the Houston Texans have hired former NFL WR [Wes Welker] as an offensive/special teams assistant and former Los Angeles Chargers assistant coach Bobby King as their linebackers coach. Wide receivers coach [Sean Ryan] has been named the quarterbacks coach, Tight ends coach John Perry has been named the wide receivers coach and assistant Tim Kelly has been named the tight ends coach. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Texans coaching staff has been shaken up even though there are few new names. The team made the playoffs again this year, and even won a playoff game, but after firing offensive coordinator George Godsey earlier this month, it was clear that they wanted change on the offensive side of the ball. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 10. [DEN - Eric Studesville receives additional title] Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis Denver Broncos running backs coach Eric Studesville will also serve as the team's assistant head coach. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Studesville was in consideration to be the Jets offensive coordinator, so he is moving up the ranks in the NFL coaching pipeline. He was an interim head coach way back in 2010 and should be a big voice in new head coach Vance Joseph's staff. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 11. [HOU - Bobby King expected to join Texans staff] Source: Houston Chronicle - John McClain The Houston Texans are expected to hire former Los Angeles Chargers assistant coach Bobby King as their new linebackers coach. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] King was the Texans assistant linebackers coach from 2012-2013 and was part of their big defensive turnaround. It should be an easy transition for him to his new role. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 12. [HOU - Houston expected to hire WR Wes Welker] Source: Houston Chronicle - John McClain Former NFL WR [Wes Welker] is expected to join the Houston Texans coaching staff as an offensive assistant. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Welker has five years in New England with head coach Bill O'Brien under his belt, and he could help ultra-athletic slot receiver and QB convert Braxton Miller with his transition to wide receiver. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 13. [OAK - RB Latavius Murray saw touches drop in 2016] Source: ESPN.com - Paul Gutierrez Oakland Raiders RB [Latavius Murray] recorded less carries and receptions in 2016 than he did in 2015. Murray had 195 carries and 33 receptions this season while recording 266 carries and 41 receptions in 2015. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Raiders didn't seem totally sold on Murray coming into 2016, and two rookie backs took more playing time away from him as a result. They could bring Murray back in free agency, but he is unlikely to see his role increase. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 14. [DEN - OLB Shane Ray may start in 2017] Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Legwold Denver Broncos LB Shane Ray may be one of the starting outside linebackers next season since LB DeMarcus Ware is an unrestricted free agent and is coming off back surgery. Ray played 58.1 percent of the defensive snaps this season and finished with eight sacks. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ray was able to be a good complement to Von Miller as a pass rusher, and the team also has Shaq Barrett, who has already made his share of big plays. Ray will get the immediate bump in IDP leagues, but the Broncos will be in good hands without Ware even if Ray's production levels off. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 15. [LAC - George Stewart joins Chargers staff] Source: Sporting News - Alex Marvez The Los Angeles Chargers have hired former Minnesota Vikings wide receivers coach George Stewart as their new special teams coach, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Stewart played a large role in the development of Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen in Minnesota, although Cordarrelle Patterson's development was much slower. He was a special teams coordinator for 11 years previously, including 1996 in San Francisco, when new Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn was a special teams player for the 49ers. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 16. [NO - Mike Nolan hired by Saints] Source: Sirius XM NFL Radio Former Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan was hired by the New Orleans Saints as linebackers coach Monday, Jan. 30. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Saints purged their staff of five assistants earlier this month, including a few who had been with Sean Payton since the beginning of his stint in New Orleans. Nolan is a very experienced coach and should help a Saints defense that has been floundering for years. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 17. [PIT - Pittsburgh could let OLB Jarvis Jones go] Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler Pittsburgh Steelers impending free-agent LB Jarvis Jones is not expected to be re-signed by the Steelers with LB Bud Dupree emerging and LB James Harrison returning. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jones was a colossal bust as a first-round pick on production over measureables. Dupree was a measureables over production pick and when healthy, he has looked like he is going to pan out. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 18. [DEN - Denver could target WR Ted Ginn] Source: The Denver Post - Cameron Wolfe Carolina Panthers impending free-agent WR [Ted Ginn] Jr. could be eyed by the Denver Broncos this offseason in an effort to improve their return game, in the opinion of The Denver Post's Cameron Wolfe. CB Kalif Raymond is expected to be a key competitor for the return position, too, with impending free-agent WR [Jordan Norwood] hitting free agency. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ginn's fantasy value would take a hit in Denver with their quarterback situation, but he could be a huge help to a team that had trouble generating offense by giving them better field position through the return game. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 19. [DAL - CB Anthony Brown could be a starter] Source: ESPNDallas.com - Todd Archer Dallas Cowboys CB Anthony Brown may be forced into a starting role if either of impending free-agents CBs Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne don't return. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Brown played both in the slot and outside because of injuries to starters in his rookie year, so he has a lot of experience for a sixth-rounder going into his second season. The Cowboys probably won't be able to keep both of their current starters, so the team will find out how ready he is whether they want to or not. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 20. [DAL - La'el Collins to play right tackle?] Source: ESPNDallas.com - Todd Archer Dallas Cowboys OT La'el Collins could be given a shot at tackle if the Cowboys re-sign impending free-agent OG Ronald Leary. ESPNDallas.com's Todd Archer posits that the only chance Dallas may have of bringing back Leary is if he's guaranteed to start at guard, in which case Collins could move to tackle. However, Archer added that Collins needs more time to work on his technique and footwork after playing his first professional season at guard. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Cowboys "great wall" is not only the league's best offensive line, but it has depth to give the team options on handling Leary in free agency. Current right tackle Doug Free is in his 11th season and last year of his contract, so Collins will probably be moving to right tackle eventually anyway. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 21. [DAL - No issues for Jaylon Smith] Source: ESPNDallas.com - Todd Archer Dallas Cowboys LB Jaylon Smith (knee) is still sporting a brace to help lift his foot, but he is running and cutting without any problems, according to ESPNDallas.com's Todd Archer. Smith can play with the brace; it's just a matter of how effective he will be with it. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The news out of Dallas is mostly optimistic, and so far Smith is progressing on schedule to make an impact next season. If the Cowboys can get most of the player he was before the injury, their 2016 draft class will go down as one of their best ever. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 22. [HOU - ILB Brian Cushing had surgery] Source: Houston Chronicle - John McClain Houston Texans LB Brian Cushing (shoulder) underwent shoulder surgery two weeks ago. Cushing played through pain this season but only missed two games after playing last season with broken bones in his lower back. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Cushing should be ready to go for camp at the latest, as the surgery was described as a "clean up" by him. He has had trouble staying healthy throughout his career and missed three games in 2016. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 23. [- QB Michael Vick set to retire] Source: SI.com - Jonathan Jones Free-agent QB [Michael Vick] told Sports Illustrated.com's Jonathan Jones he believes he is ready to retire. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Vick had a much longer and more accomplished second act in his career than anyone could have predicted, but even in the quarterback-starved NFL his services are no longer needed. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 24. [NYJ - QB Colin Kaepernick of interest to the Jets?] Source: NJ.com - Darryl Slater San Francisco 49ers QB [Colin Kaepernick] is entering the final year of his contract in due to have a $19.3 million cap figure, and the team can save $16.9 million in cap space by cutting or trading him. One possible destination could be the New York Jets, who named New Orleans Saints receivers coach John Morton as their new offensive coordinator Sunday, Jan. 29. Morton served as the receivers coach in San Francisco from 2011 to 2014 - Kaepernick's first four years in the league. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Kaepernick is almost certainly not going to be with San Francisco next season, as next GM John Lynch won't make the same mistake that Trent Baalke did last year, seeking trade compensation after paying Kaepernick's hefty price tag. The Jets are among the most desperate quarterback teams in the NFL, although they might wait to see what happens with Tony Romo before pursuing an option like Kaepernick. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 25. [WAS - DT Bennie Logan could be FA target for WAS] Source: NJ Advance Media - Mark Eckel Impending free-agent DT Bennie Logan will be targeted by the Washington Redskins if the Philadelphia Eagles allow him to hit the open market, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Logan is a durable run stuffer who Washington knows well from facing him twice a year. The Eagles have decent depth behind Logan, including Beau Allen, so they might not prioritize him in free agency. Washington has a lot more cap room than Philadelphia, but they need to make a decision on quarterback Kirk Cousins, so that complicate big free agent decisions. Chances are, Logan will end up somewhere other than Philadelphia next season. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 26. [GB - S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix plays every snap] Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky Green Bay Packers SS Ha Ha Clinton-Dix played every snap on defense in 2016. He is one of five defenders to do so this season. He played 1,029 snaps in the regular season and 207 in the postseason. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Oakland safety Reggie Nelson, Detroit safety Glover Quin, San Francisco cornerback Rashard Robinson, and Rams linebacker Alec Ogletree were the others. Clinton-Dix was a rock in a secondary that suffered multiple key injuries this year and was forced to play a lot of inexperienced players. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 27. [NYJ - Jets' interest in George Godsey cools] Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta Former Houston Texans offensive coordinator George Godsey is not expected to serve as the New York Jets quarterback coach, according to team sources. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Godsey was in consideration for the team's offensive coordinator position that was just filled by Saints wide receiver coach John Morton. Some were surprised the team did not opt for him, and now it appears that he is not in their plans in any way. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 28. [NYJ - Robert Nunn hired to coach DL] Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta The New York Jets hired former Cleveland Browns defensive line coach Robert Nunn to fill the same capacity, according to team sources. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Nunn has experience in both a 3-4 and 4-3 defense, and he was the DL coach for the excellent Giants unit that won the Super Bowl in 2011. He has a strong group to work with on the Jets roster, including Leonard Williams and Muhammad Wilkerson [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of Footballguys. We'll see you tomorrow with the Update. Peace, J --- Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! Get your 3 Free Downloads [here]. You are currently subscribed as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here]. * Footballguys.com * PO Box 937 * Cabot, AR 72023-0937 *