NFL news: Around the league in 32 plays
By Ben Almquist
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants free safety Quintin Demps (35) warms up before a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Texans: The Texans have signed veteran safety Quintin Demps. The Texans secondary has looked pretty spotty at times, and the once highly-touted defense is really just down to JJ Watt and Jadeveon Clowney. Demps is an adequate depth safety, but shouldn’t be a starter.
- Chiefs’ Take: The funny thing is that it was once the Texans fans warning Chiefs fans about Demps. Now that role is reversed. Demps is decent in certain situations, but more often than not can be caught out of position. Not a good sign for the Texans secondary if he’s really in the mix.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Star tight end Julius Thomas has been ruled out for the rest of the preseason. Thomas broke his hand in the preseason opener against the Giants. However, the team does expect him to be back in time for the start of the regular season. Thomas was the prize of the Jaguars offseason.
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins have lost Louis Delmas for the year to a torn ACL. The deep secondary was already questionable for Miami, but losing Delmas makes it a definite hole in the defense.
- Chiefs’ Take: If Eric Berry is ready by the start of the season, the Chiefs should absolutely see what they can get for Tyvon Branch. Branch would be an instant starter in Miami, which should net Kansas City a solid return.
Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings have lost offensive tackle Phil Loadholt to a torn ACL. Loadholt will be out for the year. Loadholt is a reliable veteran who was slated to be the starter at right tackle for the Vikes.
New Orleans Saints: The Saints have re-signed tight end Alex Smith after losing Kevin Brock for the year. Smith has been a steady backup tight end in the NFL throughout his career.
New York Giants: Eli Manning is seeking to become the highest paid quarterback in the NFL. The two time Super Bowl champ is 34 years old and is coming off of three consecutive seasons where the Giants missed the playoffs altogether, including going 6-10 last year.
- Chiefs’ take: The Chiefs are playing Alex Smith less than the Giants are already paying Eli. Yet the Chiefs have won more games in each of the last two seasons than the Giants have.
Next: Jets makin' moves...