Month: March 2021

Nov 3, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Al-Quadin Muhammad (97) reacts after defensive stop against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Colts agree to re-sign DE Al-Quadin Muhammad

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Indianapolis Colts have agreed to re-sign defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad, as the team continues to retain many of their own free agents this offseason.

Muhammad’s agent Drew Rosenhaus told several outlets Wednesday that Muhammad agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $3.4 million for next season, which would be his fourth with the team.

The five-year veteran, who turned 26 on Sunday, has never been a regular starter but has been part of the Colts’ defensive line rotation since being picked up on waivers in 2018.

Last season, Muhammad produced 23 tackles, two sacks and six quarterback hits in 16 games as a reserve. He has one sack in three playoff games with Indianapolis.

Originally a sixth-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in the 2017 draft out of Miami (Fla.), Muhammad owns 80 career tackles, five sacks and 15 tackles for loss in 51 games (eight starts).

In addition to re-upping with Muhammad, the Colts have also kept several other free agents from departing the team this month, including wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, running back Marlon Mack, cornerback Xavier Rhodes and offensive lineman Joey Hunt.

–Field Level Media

Dec 21, 2019; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard (80) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

Bucs TE O.J. Howard to be ready for offseason program

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Jan 3, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up before a game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard will be ready to participate in the team’s offseason program, coach Bruce Arians announced Wednesday.

Howard saw his season come to an abrupt end after sustaining a ruptured Achilles tendon in the Buccaneers’ 38-31 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Oct. 4.

The 26-year-old Howard had 11 receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns in four games prior to the injury. He finished his season on injured reserve, marking the third time that he has done so since being selected by Tampa Bay with the 19th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

“He’s really close,” Arians said of Howard. “He’s not running on the grass yet but he’s really close. The last time I checked it was 85 percent body weight running in ‘AlterG’ (treadmill) and (he) looks fantastic. I don’t see any setbacks. If and when we can get together in this offseason program, he’ll be ready to go.”

Howard has reeled in 105 receptions for 1,602 yards and 14 touchdowns in 42 career games.

“What a huge addition to have him back because he was having a great year,” Arians said. “I think, again, the sky’s the limit for what he can do in this offense.”

Tight end Rob Gronkowski’s 45 receptions last season were tied for third on the team. His 623 yards receiving were also third on the Bucs, while his seven touchdowns were even with Chris Godwin for second behind Mike Evans.

–Field Level Media

Jan 3, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up before a game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Two more lawsuits filed against QB Deshaun Watson

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Two more civil lawsuits accusing Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct were filed on Tuesday evening in a Texas court, bringing the overall total to 21.

The lawsuits appeared on the website of the Harris County District Clerk on Wednesday morning.

The two most recent lawsuits come from a massage professional in Arizona and from a Houston woman working to get her massage license.

The Houston woman said she provided massage services on four occasions to Watson in mid-2020. And while the first three appointments left her upset and shaken, she continued to work with Watson because she feared he could ruin her reputation as she tried to get her business started. The fourth appointment, she said, culminated in forced oral sex, and she refused to work with him after that.

Also, one of the new lawsuits states Watson has “unsent” messages on Instagram and has contacted the women who previously massaged him “through intermediaries.” That statement clarifies the contents of a lawsuit filed by Houston attorney Tony Buzbee on Sunday that said Watson was deleting Instagram messages and contacting the women “who formally provided him massages, in an attempt to settle.”

Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, issued a statement Monday contradicting the claims in that lawsuit.

“Like a lot of people, Deshaun regularly deletes past Instagram messages,” Hardin said. “That said, he has not deleted any messages since March 15th, the day before the first lawsuit was filed. We categorically deny that he has reached out directly to his accusers in an attempt to settle these cases.”

Buzbee also posted on Instagram on Tuesday that he doesn’t feel comfortable going to the Houston Police Department with any information.

“I’ve since learned that my legal opponent, Mr. Hardin, has a son who is on of the exclusive Command Staff of HPD,” Buzbee wrote on Instagram. “I am not saying in any way that Deshaun Watson’s lawyer, Mr. Hardin, has a son who has a position that would compromise HPD and its investigation. I support his service, along with all Houston police officers–I think the rank and file know that. But, I am saying that me and my clients will go elsewhere to provide our evidence to investigative authorities.”

Watson, 25, denied the allegations after the first lawsuit was filed on March 16..

“I have never treated any woman with anything other than the utmost respect,” Watson wrote, in part, adding he looked forward to defending his name.

No criminal charges have been filed.

The NFL said on March 18 that cases of alleged wrongdoing by Watson are under investigation. The Texans said team officials will stay in contact with the league.

Last September, the Texans signed Watson to a four-year, $156 million contract extension. His relationship with the team has soured since, however, and he has requested a trade.

–Field Level Media

Feb 7, 2021; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette (28) runs the ball against Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

RB Leonard Fournette officially re-signs with Buccaneers

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Running back Leonard Fournette re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team announced Wednesday.

The Buccaneers did not divulge the terms of the contract for Fournette, however NFL Network previously reported that it was a one-year deal worth $3.25 million. Incentives could push that total to $4 million, per the report.

Fournette, 26, totaled four touchdowns in four postseason games, including one in Tampa Bay’s 31-9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV. He had a franchise-best 448 scrimmage yards in the playoffs and led the team in rushing yards (300), rushing touchdowns (three), scrimmage touchdowns (four) and receptions (18).

“Leonard’s playoff performance was nothing short of spectacular and was the fruition of him really buying into what we were trying to accomplish as a team last year,” general manager Jason Licht said. “Lenny’s versatility and toughness make him a very dynamic player in our offense and bringing him back adds another valuable asset at the running back position to help in our pursuit of another championship.”

Fournette signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Buccaneers on Sept. 2, 2020, just days after he was waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

He had a career-worst regular season in 2020, finishing with just 600 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns in 13 games.

The Jaguars selected Fournette with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. In 49 career games (39 starts), he has run for 2,998 yards with 23 touchdowns. He also has caught 170 passes for 1,242 yards and two touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Nov 4, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Mike Daniels (76) walks the field prior to a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Bengals sign DL Mike Daniels to one-year deal

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Nov 29, 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) throws during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to re-sign veteran defensive lineman Mike Daniels to a one-year deal worth up to $2.5 million, according to a report from NFL Network on Tuesday night.

Daniels, 31, is a nine-year NFL veteran who earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2017 with the Green Bay Packers. He spent last year with the Bengals, notching 17 tackles in 11 starts.

The Packers selected Daniels in the fourth round (No. 132 overall) out of Iowa in 2012. He played seven years with Green Bay before joining the Detroit Lions in 2019 and the Bengals in 2020.

In 122 career games (85 starts), Daniels has 30 sacks, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He has 252 tackles.

–Field Level Media

Nov 29, 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) throws during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals sign QB Colt McCoy to 1-year deal

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The Arizona Cardinals announced Tuesday night they have signed veteran quarterback Colt McCoy to a one-year deal.

McCoy, 34, spent last season with the New York Giants. He appeared in four games, including two starts, and completed 60.6 percent of his passes for 375 yards, one touchdown and one interception while posting a passer rating of 75.0.

In 44 career games (30 starts), McCoy has passed for 6,455 yards, 30 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. He has played for the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, the Washington Football Team and New York.

Cleveland drafted McCoy in the third round (No. 85 overall) out of Texas in 2010.

–Field Level Media

Feb 3, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; New England Patriots defensive lineman Lawrence Guy (93) against the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

DT Lawrence Guy re-signs with Patriots

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Nov 17, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders offensive guard Gabe Jackson (66) signals against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at the Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots re-signed defensive tackle Lawrence Guy to a contract Tuesday.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed by the Patriots, however multiple media outlets previously reported it was a four-year contract.

Guy, 31, recorded 57 tackles, two sacks and one fumble recovery in 14 games (all starts) last season. He served as one of the team captains in 2020.

He has 363 tackles, 13.5 sacks and five fumble recoveries in 129 career games (79 starts) with the Indianapolis Colts (2012-13), then-San Diego Chargers (2013-14), Baltimore Ravens (2014-16) and Patriots.

–Field Level Media

Nov 17, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders offensive guard Gabe Jackson (66) signals against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at the Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Seahawks give OL Gabe Jackson $23M extension

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The Seattle Seahawks gave offensive lineman Gabe Jackson a three-year, $22.575 extension one week after acquiring the 29-year-old in a trade, NFL Network reported Tuesday.

The new deal includes a $9 million signing bonus and an additional $7.075 million in guaranteed money, per the report.

The Seahawks sent a 2021 fifth-round draft pick to the Las Vegas for Jackson, who started 99 of 100 games at either guard position for the Raiders in seven seasons.

The Seahawks lowered their cap hit for this season while adding a year to his deal; Jackson had two years remaining on the five-year, $55 million extension he signed with the Raiders in June 2017.

“I actually got a little bit longer deal than I had in Vegas. It’s not too much difference from it. Just a little extension,” Jackson told Sports Radio KJR in Seattle on Tuesday.

The Raiders drafted Jackson in the third round of the 2014 draft.

–Field Level Media

Jan 3, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive guard Dakota Dozier (78) before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings re-sign G Dakota Dozier

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Sep 27, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Los Angeles Rams center Austin Blythe (66) points out a blocking scheme against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings re-signed offensive guard Dakota Dozier to a contract, the team announced Tuesday.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed by the Vikings, however the NFL Network reported it was a one-year deal.

The Vikings also placed tight end Hale Hentges on the reserve/retired list. Minnesota will hold his rights should Hentges elect to return to the NFL.

Dozier started all 16 games at left guard for the Vikings last season after signing a one-year, $1 million contract on March 30, 2020. He played in all 16 games (starting four) with Minnesota in 2019 after spending his first five NFL campaigns with the New York Jets.

Dozier, who will turn 30 on April 30, has appeared in 70 career games (27 starts) with the Vikings and Jets since being selected by New York in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

Hentges, 24, logged seven snaps on special teams in his lone game with the Vikings last season.

He had eight receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown in 11 games (four starts) with the Washington Football Team in 2019.

–Field Level Media

Sep 27, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Los Angeles Rams center Austin Blythe (66) points out a blocking scheme against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs get free agent C Austin Blythe on 1-year deal

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Jan 3, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams plays their final home game of the season against the Arizona Cardinals in an empty SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to terms with free agent center Austin Blythe on a one-year deal, NFL Network and The Athletic reported Tuesday.

Blythe, 28, spent the past four seasons in Los Angeles, starting 48 games for the Rams and missing just one game the past three seasons. Blythe graded out as the eighth-best center in run-blocking this past season, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Chiefs ostensibly are moving on from Austin Reiter, their starting center the past two seasons.

Blythe was a seventh-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2016 draft. He was claimed off waivers by the Rams in May 2017.

–Field Level Media