|
 Clowney is expected to become a key chess piece in the Texans'
3-4 defense under coordinator Romeo Crennel. Clowney will play
outside linebacker in the base defense, then drop down and rush with
his hand in the dirt on obvious passing situations. He has the
benefit of facing offensive lines that have focused on containing
perennial defensive player of the year candidate J.J. Watt, who will
rotate around the front seven, Crennel said.
Clowney is eager to get started because he believes he has something
to prove after being so heavily criticized after recording only
three sacks as a junior at South Carolina last season.
"I want to learn," Clowney said. "I want to be great. Now that I'm
in the NFL, hopefully, I'll be a Hall of Famer someday."
- - -
Former New York Giants safety Will Hill signed with the Arena
League's Arizona Rattlers.
Hill, who was slated to start in the Giants' secondary this season,
was waived by the team on Monday after reportedly getting suspended
six games for a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy.
- - -
New York may be out of the running to host next year's draft. It was
reported Thursday that Chicago, Los Angeles and New York were the
frontrunners as potential hosts for the 2015 NFL Draft.
However, scheduling the draft at Madison Square Garden or the
Barclays Center as alternative sites in New York for three days
presents challenges because of conflicts involving the New York
Rangers and Knicks and Brooklyn Nets.
ESPN reported that the NFL met Friday to discuss possible sites for
the draft. Aside from Chicago and Los Angeles, the league is also
considering Boston, Dallas, Houston, Nashville, Philadelphia and
Pittsburgh.
- - -
The San Francisco 49ers have quarterback Colin Kaepernick under
contract, but negotiations with coach Jim Harbaugh have stalled.
According to NBC Sports' Pro Football Talk, the 49ers made an offer
to Harbaugh, but he has not responded.
Harbaugh is signed through the 2015 season. A previous effort last
year to extend his contract failed. He could opt out early but has
publicly insisted he will remain with the 49ers for the final two
years of his deal.
- - -
[to top of second column] |
The Cincinnati Bengals claimed wide receiver Jasper Collins off
waivers from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Collins, who is in his second year in the league, was signed as an
undrafted free agent last year by the Miami Dolphins. He was placed
on injured reserve after suffering a hamstring injury in training
camp.
- - -
The Cleveland Browns released linebackers Quentin Groves and Larry
Grant.
Groves, 29, had one year remaining on his two-year, $2.8 million
contract that he signed in March of last year. He later was placed
on season-ending injured reserve following an ankle injury.
Grant, 29, signed with the Browns two weeks ago. He is a six-year
veteran who appeared in two games with the Chicago Bears last
season. (Editing by Gene Cherry)
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