NFL news: Around the league in 32 plays
By Ben Almquist
Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings have released their longest tenured player, long snapper Cullen Loeffler. Loeffler was beat out in Training Camp by newcomer Kevin McDermott.
New England Patriots: The Patriots made a big, though interesting, move at wide receiver by signing veteran Reggie Wayne. Wayne is coming off a down performance and injury plagued 2014, but insisted that he wanted to get in one more season. The Patriots also placed wide receiver Brandon Gibson on injured reserve with a knee injury.
Osi Umenyiora returned to the Giants for one day in order to retire as a member of the franchise. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
New York Giants: The Giants probably have the best story of the week, signing long time pass rusher Osi Umenyiora to a one day contract so that he could retire as a member of the team. In on-the-field news, the Giants signed veteran linebacker Ashlee Palmer to help strengthen their defensive depth.
New York Jets: The Jets are continuing to explore quarterback options, this time hosting veteran backup Josh Johnson for a workout.
- Chiefs’ take: Yeah…they should definitely be interested in Chase Daniel. Don’t be surprised if Dorsey has gotten a phone call.
Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles have given linebacker Mychal Kendricks a four year extension. The move is curious considering they extended DeMeco Ryans earlier this offseason and traded for Kiko Alonso, giving them now three top tier inside linebackers. The linebacker corps did suffer a loss, however, as Emmanuel Acho was waived/injured after having surgery on his thumb.
- Chiefs’ take: Kendricks was a popular trade target for Chiefs fans this offseason until the recent performance of Ramik Wilson.
Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers offensive line took a step back this past week as center Maurkice Pouncey went down with an ankle injury. It is unknown just how much time he will miss, and the Steelers have not yet placed him on Injured Reserve. The Steelers made an addition at backup quarterback by signing Mike Vick. The move comes after veteran backup Bruce Gradkowski went down for the year. And, to follow up a frustrating week, the Steelers are now looking at a four game suspension for wide receiver Martavis Bryant for violating the substance abuse program.
In the latest blow to the 49ers roster, linebacker Ahmad Brooks will be facing sexual battery charges. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers: It’s been a pretty rough offseason for the 49ers…and it’s only getting worse. The team had to send linebacker Ahmad Brooks home from Denver due to an indictment on sexual battery. The team is standing by him for now, but there has to be an air of “what else could go wrong” for this organization.
Seattle Seahawks: Marshawn Lynch has reached a settlement on his fine for not speaking with the media at the Super Bowl.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs have signed kicker Connor Barth who was recently released by the Broncos. Barth was cut by the Bucs in 2014, but will now compete again with the guy who beat him out last year.
Tennessee Titans: The Titans have demoted veteran guard Andy Levitre, and are expected to either release or trade him soon.
- Chiefs’ take: While I do think the Chiefs might be in the market for a guard, their lack of interest in Mathis would indicate they aren’t looking for an older veteran. Likely want to limit their interest to young guys they can invest in long-term.
Washington Redskins: The risk the Redskins took in signing linebacker Junior Galette has already turned out to be a wasted effort. While most people were concerned about his off the field issues, it was actually a torn achilles that has ended his season. This is definitely a blow for Galette who was hoping a one year deal would help redeem his career.
Well, that’s all I’ve got for this week Chiefs fans. Lot’s of injuries and suspensions, but that’s normal for this time of year. Countdown to the start of the season is on!