Telvin Smith steps away from football for 2019

Telvin Smith
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Linebacker Telvin Smith won't play in the NFL in 2019.

On Thursday the 28-year-old took to his Instagram to announce that he would be stepping away from the game for the season:

Jaguars released a statement shortly after Smith's announcement: 

“We will not have a comment about Telvin Smith’s statement at this time. We need to have a conversation with Telvin to understand the situation and the circumstances.

“If there is a way we can support him we need to understand that.”

The team was caught off guard by the surprise announcement.

After two days of speculation, Smith took to his Instagram again on Saturday to tell fans things were fine with him and to stop going crazy and chill.

The 6’3/218 pound FSU alum has been a Pro Bowler and a Second Team All Pro. In his five year NFL career Smith has amassed 586 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 26 pass deflections, five forced fumbles, nine interceptions and four defensive touchdowns. 

While Smith is stepping away this season there is hope for his return in 2020.

Patriots sign Benjamin Watson to one-year deal

Benjamin Watson
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Benjamin Watson has decided to come out of retirement and return to the NFL.

On Thursday Ian Rapoport reported that the 38-year-old was signing a one-year deal with New England Patriots.

Watson was drafted by the Patriots in 2004 and played six seasons in New England before signing with the Browns. He played three seasons in Cleveland before leaving for the Saints and playing three seasons. He then spent two seasons in Baltimore before returning to New Orleans last season.

In his six year NFL career the Super Bowl 39 champion has amassed 530 receptions for 5,885 yards and 44 touchdowns. He will be stepping in to replace Rob Gronkowski who retired this offseason.

Seahawks sign Ziggy Ansah to one-year deal

Ziggy Ansah
photo courtesy: Associated Press

After trading defensive end Frank Clark to the Chiefs, the Seahawks were in need of a new pass rusher. On Wednesday they found the answer.

Seahawks signed defensive end Ziggy Ansah to a one-year $9 million contract with up to $13 million including incentives.

In his six year NFL career the Pro Bowler has amassed 219 tackles, 48 sacks, 10 forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.  

Eagles sign linebacker Zach Brown

Zach Brown
photo courtesy:Associated Press

Zach Brown has a new home in 2019 and he didn't have to go far to find them.

On Friday the Eagles signed the 29 year old linebacker to a one-year $3 million deal. 

The Pro Bowler spent the last two seasons with the Redskins after spending time with the Titans and Bills.

In his seven year NFL career the second team all pro has amassed 633 tackles, 17.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, seven interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.

His addition to the Eagles defense makes them one of the most formidable in the league in 2019.

Running back Isaiah Crowell out for season with torn Achilles, Raiders add Doug Martin

Isaiah Crowell
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Isaiah Crowell's first season with the Oakland Raiders is over before it even began.

On Wednesday ESPN reported that the 26 year old running back had torn his Achilles tendon and would be out for the season. He will undergo surgery to repair the tendon next week.

Crowell signed a one-year contract with the Raiders this offseason after a disappointing year with the Jets last season. Jets signed Le'Veon Bell this offseason so were no longer in need of Crowell in the backfield.

After the loss of Crowell, the Raiders announced on Thursday they were re-signing running back Doug Martin. The 30 year old spent last season with the Raiders after spending the previous six with the Buccaneers and amassed 172 rushes for 723 rushing yards and four touchdowns  in 2018.

Crowell's injury also opens the door for the possibility of Marshawn Lynch returning in 2019. The 33 year old running back said he would return to the Raiders if they need him this season.

Linebacker Derrick Johnson retires from the NFL

Derrick Johnson
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Derrick Johnson is hanging up the cleats and walking away from the game.

On Thursday ESPN reported that the 36 year old linebacker was signing a one day contract with the Kansas City Chiefs to retire as a member of the team. His retirement comes one day after Jamaal Charles retired from the Chiefs as well.

The First Team All Pro was a 4x Pro Bowler, Pro Bowler MVP and 2015 Second Team All Pro. In his 14 year NFL career the Texas native amassed 1,169 tackles, 27.5 sacks, 23 forced fumbles, 14 interceptions and four defensive touchdowns.

Running back Jamaal Charles retires from the NFL

Jamaal Charles
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Running back Jamaal Charles has finally called it a career.

On Wednesday the 32 year old signed a one day contract with the Kansas City Chiefs to retire as a member of the team.

In his 11 year NFL career the Texas native was a 4x Pro Bowler, 2x First team All Pro, a 1x Second Team All Pro and 2013 NFL rushing touchdowns leader and averaged a record 5.4 career yards per carry.

The 2008 3rd round pick amassed 1,407 rushes for 7,563 rushing yards and 44 rushing touchdowns along with 310 receptions for 2,593 receiving yards and 20 receiving touchdowns.