Tag: release

Oct 20, 2024; London, United Kingdom; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) attempts to catch the ball against New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones (25) in the second half of an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Report: Jaguars to release WR Christian Kirk

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Jacksonville Jaguars plan to release wide receiver Christian Kirk, ESPN reported Wednesday.

The move will save the Jaguars $10.4 million against the salary cap.

Kirk was headed into the final season of a four-year, $72 million contract he signed with the Jaguars in 2022. The deal included a $20 million signing bonus and $37 million in guaranteed money.

Kirk, 28, sustained season-ending injuries each of the past two seasons — a broken collarbone in 2024 and a core muscle injury in 2023.

That followed his career-best 2022 season, in which he started 17 games, tallied 1,108 yards and scored eight touchdowns.

Last season, he appeared in eight games (seven starts), catching 27 passes for 379 yards and a touchdown.

In 93 career games (77 starts) with the Arizona Cardinals (2018-21) and Jaguars, he has 404 receptions for 5,176 yards with 29 touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Nov 19, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Randy Gregory (5) before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Bucs make it official, release no-show LB Randy Gregory

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As expected, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers officially released outside linebacker Randy Gregory on Thursday after he failed to show up for training camp.

The Bucs placed Gregory on the reserve/did not report list on July 23 when veteran players were required to arrive at training camp.

Gregory, 31, missed both preseason games this month, and he was absent from voluntary offseason workouts and the three-day mandatory minicamp — the latter an unexcused absence. He reportedly has been fined more than $1 million.

Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles said this weekend that he has not gotten a reason why Gregory did not report and said, “You can’t miss what you didn’t have.”

The Bucs signed Gregory as a free agent on April 3 to a one-year, $3 million contract with an additional $2 million possible with incentives.

Gregory filed a lawsuit in June against the NFL and the Denver Broncos, claiming discrimination in violation of Colorado law for his right to disability accommodations. According to the lawsuit filed in Colorado, Gregory has been fined more than $530,000 since March 2023 for use of synthetic cannabis, banned by the league. Gregory said in the complaint that taking prescriptions involving THC is necessary in his treatment for social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

He started three of four games last season for the Broncos and had nine tackles, one sack and two quarterback hits before his Oct. 6 trade to San Francisco.

Gregory appeared in 12 regular-season games and three playoff games as the 49ers advanced to the Super Bowl LVIII, which they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. He had 2.5 sacks and eight QB hits.

The Dallas Cowboys selected Gregory in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Nebraska.

For Dallas (2015-21), Denver (2022-23) and San Francisco, Gregory totaled 117 tackles, 22 sacks, 69 QB hits, 10 forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception in a career marred by injuries and league suspensions, including all of the 2017 and 2019 seasons.

–Field Level Media

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi (94) greets defensive end Dawuane Smoot (91) Dawuane Smoot during training camp Monday, Aug. 7, 2023 at Miller Electric Center at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. This was the 11th day of training camp.

Report: Jaguars releasing DT Folorunso Fatukasi

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Jacksonville Jaguars are releasing defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi, NFL Network reported Monday on the veteran’s 29th birthday.

The move would save the team $3.5 million on the 2024 salary cap.

Fatukasi started 16 games in 2023 and recorded 24 tackles and two quarterback hits.

He has 163 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 19 QB hits in 75 games (52 starts) with the New York Jets (2018-21) and Jaguars. The Jets drafted him in the sixth round in 2018.

–Field Level Media

New York, NY, US; New York Jets running back Dalvin Cook (33) runs the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers defense, at MetLife Stadium, Monday, November 6, 2023.

Report: Jets to release RB Dalvin Cook

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The New York Jets and running back Dalvin Cook mutually decided to part ways, NFL Network reported on Tuesday.

Cook, 28, is trying to catch on with a Super Bowl contender before the playoffs begin, according to the report.

The four-time Pro Bowler was linked to the Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys during his free agency last summer, but he signed with the Jets to serve as a complementary back to Breece Hall with Aaron Rodgers helming the offense.

After Rodgers’ Achilles injury on the Jets’ first drive of the season, the team has stumbled to a 6-10 record with one week left in the regular season.

The Jets barely used Cook after giving him a one-year, $5.8 million guaranteed contract. After playing 27 offensive snaps (50 percent) in Week 1, Cook never played more than 19 snaps in a game again. He did not see the field in the Jets’ Week 17 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

Cook had 67 rushing attempts for 214 yards this season and added 15 receptions for 78 yards over 15 games (one start). He did not score a touchdown.

In 88 career games (73 starts) for the Minnesota Vikings (2017-22) and Jets, Cook has rushed for 6,207 yards and 47 touchdowns and caught 236 passes for 1,872 yards and five TDs.

–Field Level Media

Aug 24, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo (37) tackles Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Breshad Perriman (9) after his catch during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Colts releasing WR Breshad Perriman

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The Indianapolis Colts are reportedly cutting wideout Breshad Perriman, a former first-round draft pick.

Multiple outlets reported Monday on the impending release of Perriman, who signed with the Colts in June.

Perriman, who turns 30 on Sept. 10, caught four passes for 34 yards during the preseason.

The Baltimore Ravens selected Perriman with the 26th pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.

He has 145 receptions for 2,343 yards and 16 touchdowns in 80 games (25 starts) with the Ravens (2016-17), Cleveland Browns (2018), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019, 2021-22) and New York Jets (2020).

NFL teams have until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday to reduce their rosters to 53 players.

–Field Level Media

NFL Houston Texans tight end O.J. Howard

Reports: Raiders release TE O.J. Howard

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The Las Vegas Raiders released veteran tight end O.J. Howard, multiple outlets reported Tuesday.

The Raiders signed Howard to a one-year deal as a free agent in March, presumably to compete for the No. 1 tight end role following the trade of Darren Waller to the New York Giants.

But second-round draft pick Michael Mayer and returnee Jesper Horsted reportedly have impressed in the early days of training camp, sending Las Vegas in a different direction.

Howard, 28, a former first-round draft pick, caught 10 passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games (10 starts) for the Houston Texans in 2022.

He has 129 catches and 1,882 yards receiving to go with 17 TDs in 72 career games (56 starts) with the Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2017-21), who selected him No. 19 overall in the 2017 draft.

Howard won Super Bowl LV with the Buccaneers following the 2020 season.

–Field Level Media

Jan 8, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

RB Dalvin Cook hits open market after Vikings release

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The Minnesota Vikings officially released running back Dalvin Cook on Friday after an unsuccessful last-ditch effort to trade the four-time Pro Bowl selection.

Coming off four straight 1,000-yard seasons, Cook is now free to sign with any other team after 4:01 p.m. ET on Friday.

Cook had $2 million guaranteed remaining on his contract with the Vikings, who will take a $5.1 million dead cap hit this season.

A second-round pick in 2017, Cook rushed for 5,993 yards and 47 touchdowns and added 221 receptions for 1,794 yards and five scores in 73 career games (72 starts) in Minnesota.

“I hold Dalvin in the highest regard and am grateful for his contributions on and off the field. Dalvin is a tough, dynamic player and a respected leader by his teammates, which was evident by his multiple seasons as a team captain,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said.

“… We appreciate Dalvin’s positivity, energy and leadership and will be pulling for him in the future.”

Rumored landing spots for Cook during the past couple of months have included the Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos.

Cook, who turns 28 in August, is recovering from offseason surgery to repair a shoulder injury that was originally sustained in 2019. His agency said in February that Cook is expected to be healthy for the start of the season.

The Vikings appear prepared to enter the 2023 season with Alexander Mattison as their lead back. The 2019 third-round pick rushed for 283 yards and five scores in 17 games last season. Ty Chandler and rookie DeWayne McBride are also on the depth chart.

Cook leaves Minnesota ranked third on the franchise rushing list behind Adrian Peterson and Robert Smith.

“Dalvin has been an incredible leader for this organization for years, and I quickly noticed how respected he is among everyone in our building,” general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said. “I’m fortunate to have been around such an enjoyable, talented and hardworking person like him over the last year.

“He’s etched his name in Vikings history with his production on the field but also by consistently giving back to the Vikings Foundation. We are thankful for everything Dalvin brought to the Vikings and sincerely wish him all the best in his future.”

Vikings owner and chairman Zygi Wilf also released a statement following Cook’s release.

“Over the past six years, Dalvin has meant so much to our organization. His love for playing football in front of the Vikings fan base was evident, and that connection branched into the community where he made an impact around the Twin Cities,” Wilf said. “Dalvin helped us launch the Vikings Table food truck and was a constant advocate for the Minnesota Vikings Foundation. His leadership in the locker room and all-out effort on the field was undeniable and a key reason he was a multi-year team captain. We are extremely grateful for all Dalvin has done for the Vikings and look forward to welcoming him back as a Legend.”

–Field Level Media=

May 23, 2022; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Ronald Darby (23) during OTA workouts at the UC Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Broncos release Graham Glasgow, Ronald Darby, Chase Edmonds

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The Denver Broncos made a series of cap-saving moves Friday by releasing offensive lineman Graham Glasgow, cornerback Ronald Darby and running back Chase Edmonds, several outlets reported.

The release of Glasgow saves Denver $11 million, Darby saves the franchise $9.6 million and Edmonds saves it $5.9 million, according to reports.

Glasgow, 30, was entering the final year of a four-year, $44 million contract. He has played guard and center during his seven-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions (2016-19) and Broncos (2020-22). He appeared in all 17 games for Denver last season, starting 13.

Darby, 29, was a starting cornerback for the Broncos before suffering a season-ending torn ACL in Week 5. In two seasons with the Broncos, Darby had 67 tackles, a forced fumble and no interceptions across 16 games (all starts). He previously played for the Buffalo Bills (2015-16), Philadelphia Eagles (2017-19) and Washington (2020).

The Broncos acquired Edmonds, 26, from the Miami Dolphins on Nov. 1 in the trade that sent outside linebacker Bradley Chubb to Miami. Edmonds then suffered a high ankle sprain during Week 11 and returned in late December.

Edmonds only made five appearances and one start for the Broncos, taking 26 carries for 125 yards and catching six passes for 61 yards without a touchdown. In 70 career games (18 starts) with the Arizona Cardinals (2018-21), Miami and Denver, Edmonds has 401 rushing attempts for 1,796 yards and 11 touchdowns along with 144 receptions for 1,078 yards and six scores.

–Field Level Media

Feb 3, 2021; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Donovan Smith during NFL football practice, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021 in Tampa, Fla. The Buccaneers will face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 55. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Zedaker/Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Buccaneers to release veteran T Donovan Smith

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will release veteran left tackle Donovan Smith, multiple outlets reported Tuesday.

The team selected Smith with a second-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, and he’s started all 124 games he’s played in. He missed four games to injury in 2022 — eight games in all in his eight seasons in Tampa.

By releasing Smith, the Buccaneers will save nearly $10 million in cap space, according to Spotrac.

The Buccaneers are $58.3 million over the salary cup, per OvertheCap.com.

Smith, 29, was entering the final season of a two-year, $31 million contract extension he signed in March 2021.

The Buccaneers also reportedly will release running back Leonard Fournette and tight end Cameron Brate when the new league year begins March 15.

–Field Level Media

Jul 29, 2022; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Cameron Batson (80) runs against defensive back Mike Ford (28) during training camp at IBM Performance Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons cut WR Cameron Batson after arrest

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The Atlanta Falcons released practice squad receiver Cameron Batson on Monday following his weekend arrest on five charges.

Batson, 27, was booked Saturday morning on charges of assault, battery, aggravated assault against an on-duty law enforcement officer, removal of weapon from a public official and driving/fleeing to elude capture, according to Fulton County jail records.

Atlanta police pulled Batson over on Interstate 75 at about 2 a.m. Saturday for allegedly speeding and failing to maintain his lane. Police attempted to take him into custody after determining he was inebriated and he “resisted and violently fought with the officer,” police said.

The officer fired his weapon during the altercation, hitting no one, before Batson returned to his truck and left the scene. Police say he crashed the vehicle a short time later and attempted to flee on foot before being arrested and taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Undrafted out of Texas Tech in 2018, Batson spent four years with the Tennessee Titans (2018-21) and caught 22 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns in 27 games.

He was on Atlanta’s practice squad all season but was never activated for a regular season game.

–Field Level Media