Needy Dolphins reach out to Cutler
Miami Dolphins coach Adam Gase says he reached out to Jay Cutler, and the retired quarterback who is now working for Fox Sports as a television analyst showed interest.
But Gase said Saturday he didn’t think the Dolphins were close yet to signing a quarterback following the knee injury to Ryan Tannehill that could sideline him the entire season. Gase wants to determine Tannehill’s status before bringing in someone else.
“I know I need somebody either way; it’s just what role,” Gase said. “I’d like to know exactly with Ryan first, to be honest with you, so that helps me make a decision what direction I want to go.”
Cutler would likely compete with backup Matt Moore for the No. 1 job while Tannehill is out. But the question is how long the Dolphins will need a replacement as the starter.
Tannehill, who missed the final four games of last season with two sprained ligaments in his left knee, reinjured it a week into training camp Thursday. An MRI was inconclusive, and the Dolphins are consulting specialists to determine whether surgery is necessary, which would likely shelve him for the season. He’s expected to be out a minimum of six weeks.
“We’re waiting for a few more opinions to come in,” Gase said. “We’re in no rush.”
Gase was the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears when Cutler had his career-best passer rating with them in 2015. Gase joined Miami the following year, and Cutler parted with Chicago in March after eight seasons.
Vikings extend Joseph: The Minnesota Vikings have locked up another core piece of their defense, agreeing to a contract extension with nose tackle Linval Joseph.
Joseph’s agency, SportsTrust Advisors, announced the deal Saturday. NFL Media reported it’s a four-year extension worth as much as $50 million, with $31.5 million in guaranteed money. This is the third extension the Vikings have done since training camp began, having previously signed defensive end Everson Griffen and cornerback Xavier Rhodes to new long-term deals.
Jets waive Ellington: The New York Jets waived wide receiver Bruce Ellington after he failed his physical, a day after they claimed him off waivers from the 49ers.
Ellington, a fourthround draft pick by San Francisco in 2014, spent last season on injured reserve with a hamstring injury after being hurt in the preseason. He has 19 catches for 215 yards and two touchdowns in 13 NFL games.
The team also said it has signed fullback Algernon Brown, who was signed by Seattle in May as an undrafted free agent out of BYU. He was waived by the Seahawks on July 29.