Former Steeler practice squadder (and board favorite) Howard Jones is available again

[RuthlessBurgher]

Buccaneers tender Jacquies Smith, don’t tender Howard Jones

Posted by Josh Alper on March 8, 2017, 7:22 AM EST

The Buccaneers lost a pair of defensive linemen to knee injuries during the 2016 season and they’ve opted to tender a 2017 contract to only one of them.

Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports that the team has placed an original-round tender on restricted free agent defensive end Jacquies Smith. Smith tore his ACL last year.

The low tender carries a salary of just under $1.8 million and would allow a team to sign Smith away without draft pick compensation as he entered the league as an undrafted free agent. Smith had 13.5 sacks in his first two seasons and that price might not dissuade teams looking for a little help on their defensive line, but the knee injury might be enough to keep other suitors at bay.

The team opted not to tender defensive end Howard Jones as an exclusive rights free agent. Jones had five sacks as a rookie in 2015, but didn’t have any in 2016 before hurting his knee so he’ll be hoping things can only get better in terms of his health and production this year.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/03/08/buccaneers-tender-jacquies-smith-dont-tender-howard-jones/

[SidSmythe]

With our OLB situation he'd be worth looking at. Bring him in for a physical at least.

[BradshawsHairdresser]

With our OLB situation he'd be worth looking at. Bring him in for a physical at least.

Yep. JH bounced around a bit before he caught fire. Not saying Jones is another Harrison, but it sure wouldn't hurt to give him a look.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Another former Steeler is now available for possible d-line depth:

Titans cut defensive tackle Al Woods
Posted by Darin Gantt on March 8, 2017, 12:46 PM EST

With plenty of guys about to cash in, a lot of the guys who did previously are about to become unemployed.

That happened in Tennessee, as the Titans have released defensive tackle Al Woods, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

A year ago, Woods signed a three-year, $10.5 million contract to stay there.

But as is so often the case, the numbers spouted upon signing rarely reflect the reality of what players earn on those deals.

The 29-year-old run-stopper played in 14 games last year.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/03/08/titans-cut-defensive-tackle-al-woods/

[Ghost]

And do you feel scared, I do
But I won't stop and falter
And if we threw it all away
Things can only get better

[RuthlessBurgher]

And do you feel scared, I do
But I won't stop and falter
And if we threw it all away
Things can only get better

I'm more of a fan of "No One Is To Blame" myself...

[Oviedo]

With our OLB situation he'd be worth looking at. Bring him in for a physical at least.

Yep. If meds check out can't hurt

[Iron City Inc.]

I'd kick the tires. He is solid on special teams and though he is a one trick pony turning the corner at least he can do that one aspect. That puts him up 2 on Jarvis so I at least take a look.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Former Steelers keep becoming available:

Giants releasing fullback Will Johnson
Posted by Darin Gantt on March 10, 2017, 8:05 AM EST

One comes in, one goes out.

After signed a hybrid tight end/fullback, the Giants let a fullback go Friday, as they’re releasing Will Johnson, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com.

The Giants signed Johnson from the Steelers last offseason but he spent the year on injured reserve.

With Rhett Ellison coming on board with a four-year, $18 million contract, there wasn’t room for another one, apparently.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/03/10/giants-releasing-fullback-will-johnson/

[phillyesq]

It's pretty damning if the Bucs didn't even give him an ERFA tender - that's a $500k or so nonguaranteed tender, the same thing we just gave to Xavier Grimble. There must be an injury or some other issue.

[RuthlessBurgher]

It's pretty damning if the Bucs didn't even give him an ERFA tender - that's a $500k or so nonguaranteed tender, the same thing we just gave to Xavier Grimble. There must be an injury or some other issue.

Yeah, he looked solid on the field 2 years ago, but hurt his knee last year, and now he's a free agent on the street again. So it goes.

[Sword]

things can only get better

[Ernie]

Would love to see them bring Will Johnson back. They underutilized him big time when he was here last time. As a former TE in College.. and excellent speed... he could have been a nice weapon for us.