Take a look at some Monday Morning NFL News:
Could Khalil Mack Be Traded?
While the Raiders would like to retain the services of edge rusher Khalil Mack, they have not ruled out trading the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year. With a handful of “mystery teams” having seriously engaged the Raiders, it will be interesting to see whether they pull the trigger on a deal. Currently, Mack has not reported to camp as he is waiting for a new contract.
Some have speculated that he may be waiting for Rams’ Aaron Donald to end his holdout to possibly use as a base for his own negotiations. Still, with the season right around the corner, the Raiders are likely at the point where they would like some closure on the entire situation, even if that means trying to maximize his trade value.
Bills Fans Hold Breath As Josh Allen Sustains Injury
Sunday, during their third preseason game, the Buffalo Bills were left holding their breaths as Josh Allen had to leave the game after hitting his head on the turf. With obvious fears of a concussion, the rookie quarterback was taken to the locker room to be evaluated. Already down A.J. McCarron, the Bills may be holding hope for Josh Allen at starter. Regardless, unless they can get their offensive line in check, it may be a long season for whoever is behind center this year.
Broncos Sign “Pacman” Jones
The Denver Broncos brought in a veteran presence in the form of cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones. He signed to a one year deal worth about $1.015 million. For the Broncos, he serves as a bit of a depth move as they were looking for help after trading Aqib Talib to the Rams. Jones can help out not only on the defensive side, but may also serve as a depth move in the special teams as well given his experience with returns. Regardless, it is probably a good fit for Jones given the current coach of the Broncos, Vance Joseph, was Jones’ defensive backs coach for a couple years with the Bengals.
Decker Retires
After eight seasons, Eric Decker is calling it a career. Decker had been in camp with the New England Patriots this preseason but it was pretty evident that his best days were behind him. Decker’s biggest season came in 2013 when he went for 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns with the Broncos. He also had 1,000+ receiving years in 2012 (1,064 yards, 13 touchdowns with Broncos) and in 2015 (1,027 yards, 12 touchdowns with Jets). Last season, though, he only went for 54 receptions, 563 yards and one touchdown with the Tennessee Titans.
With Decker now gone, the Patriots have some need at wide receiver. Many have been speculating whether this will lead to them signing former Cowboys standout, Dez Bryant. Bryant has hinted at wanting to play with the Patriots and recently declined an offer from the Cleveland Browns. While the Browns still may be in the picture (assuming they would offer a larger contract), it may be the Patriots that Dez wants to play with the most. It will be interesting to see how needy they get for a wide receiver and if they pull the trigger on Dez.
Carson Wentz Still Not Cleared For Contact
It is officially time for Eagles fans to start getting a little worried. Carson Wentz, who was well on his way to an MVP award had it not been for a week 13 ACL injury that ended his season. Now, with the deadline for players to be removed from the physically unable to perform list on Saturday, the Eagles have decisions to make about Wentz.
If he is not removed from the list prior to the deadline it will disqualify him from playing in the first six weeks of the season. On the positive side for Eagles fans, he has been cleared to take part in 11 on 11 drills, so that is certainly a step in the right direction.
What makes Eagles fans even more nervous, though, is that Nick Foles has not exactly impressed this preseason (at least he has not looked like the Super Bowl MVP from last season). Still, it is likely that Wentz will be good to go, but it is something worth monitoring as the week progresses.
A Couple Of Preseason Trades
A couple of preseason trades have occurred over the last several days. First, the Indianapolis Colts have traded Antonio Morrison to the Green Bay Packers. Morrison, a linebacker chosen in the 4thround of the 2016 draft, was on the bubble with the Colts due to his lack of speed, something that new Colts defensive coordinator, Matt Eberflus, wants.
For the Packers, Morrison gives them some needed depth after already losing Jake Ryan for the season and with rookie Oren Burks missing time also with an injury. Being expandable, the Colts decided to trade him to the Packers in exchange for cornerback Lenzy Pipkins.
Pipkins, an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State, is in the second year of a three year, $1.66 million contract. With some injuries at cornerback, Pipkins also gives them some depth.
In another trade, the New York Giants have traded center Brett Jones to the Vikings. In exchange for Jones, the Giants receive a 2019 seventh-round draft pick. The Vikings offensive line has been a little beat up thus far this preseason. Nick Easton had neck surgery and is out for the season.
He was projected to be a starting guard. Pat Elflein, the projected center, is still on the PUP list due to should and ankle injuries. Re-signed this season on a one-year, $2.941 million deal, Jones will give the Vikings a little more depth.
