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Daily Slop – 3 Jun 24: A fight could be brewing over payment of Brandon McManus’s signing bonus

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A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East and the NFL in general

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Articles

The Athletic (paywall)

Commanders release Brandon McManus after sexual assault allegations

McManus signed a one-year, $3.6 million deal with Washington in March that included a $1.5 million signing bonus. It’s unclear if Washington will seek to recoup any of the money or cancel any remaining payments.

“Brandon would like to thank the Washington Commanders for the opportunity to be a part of the organization,” McManus’ attorney Brett Gallaway said on behalf of the kicker. “However, we reiterate that the allegations against Brandon are and remain absolutely false and importantly, are contradicted by indisputable evidence and the accusers’ own prior inconsistent statements and omissions.

“While we are disappointed with the team’s decision to release Brandon before he had the opportunity to defend against these fabricated claims, we will aggressively defend and clear Brandon’s name and reputation through the legal process. We intend to defeat these claims, fully exonerate him and look forward to seeing him back on the field where he belongs.”

The Commanders, who will hold their third OTA period this week, have no other kicker on the roster. Last year’s kicker, Joey Slye, signing with the Patriots in the offseason.

A Commanders spokesperson told The Athletic last week the team became aware of the lawsuit Monday. Coach Dan Quinn will address the McManus decision with the media on Wednesday.

Washington Post (paywall)

Commanders release Brandon McManus after lawsuit accuses him of sexual assault

The kicker played for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023 before signing with the Commanders in March.

The women claim to have sustained “pain and suffering and psychological and emotional distress, mental anguish, embarrassment, and humiliation.” They are seeking damages in excess of $1 million and a jury trial. McManus and the Jaguars have until June 17 to respond to the complaint.

ESPN

Commanders cut Brandon McManus after sexual assault lawsuit

In his first 10 seasons — nine of which were spent with Denver — McManus made 81.4% of his field goal attempts and 97.2% of his extra points. In 2023 with Jacksonville, he was 30-of-37 on field goals and made all 35 of his extra point tries.

Pro Football Talk

Half of Brandon McManus’s signing bonus hasn’t been paid; will it be?

Per a source with knowledge of the contract, McManus was due to receive $750,000 on or before April 26 and the other $750,000 on or before June 7.

McManus is technically owed the balance. Whether the Commanders pay it remains to be seen.

The Commanders could refuse to pay it, arguing (for example) that McManus should have disclosed the potential civil claims arising from a 2023 flight to London before they signed him. Even if their case is weak, they could force McManus to go through the steps of trying to win the money through arbitration.

They’d be required to carry to cap charge while the case is pending. They’d eventually get cap relief if they would win.

First, they have to decide whether to refuse to pay the money, which is due on Friday. If they due, it’s a non-issue. If they don’t, it could get interesting.

Riggo’s Rag

3 free agents Commanders should sign before 2024 mandatory minicamp

The Commanders need more help heading into the 2024 season.

Commanders should consider Stephon Gilmore

Another area where the Washington Commanders could use some extra help is the cornerback spot. Kendall Fuller’s departure in free agency was anticipated. But it was surprising to see Adam Peters not address his outside coverage options with more urgency throughout the offseason.

Michael Davis should help providing he can return to the form of old. The Commanders believe there is more to come from Benjamin St-Juste and Emmanuel Forbes under more accomplished coaches. While that could prove accurate, there’s just no telling for sure.

The Commanders might want to see how each aforementioned cornerback performs when things get more intense before taking any further action. If those in power make another move, Stephon Gilmore boasts the credentials and proven production that could provide short-term assistance.

Gilmore remains on the market, but that might not be the case for much longer. The former first-round selection is biding his time and knows his worth. The one-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year is eager to resume playing. However, he isn’t planning on taking a veteran discount despite being advancing in age.

This makes a ton of sense. Gilmore is familiar with Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.’s demands from their time together last season with the Dallas Cowboys. He’s still performing at a high level, giving up just 55.8 percent of targets and an 82.7 passer rating when targeted. The South Carolina product’s presence in the locker room could also provide some helpful hints to St-Juste and Forbes for good measure.

Burgundy & Gold Report

Sinnott is Just Scratching the Surface | WASHINGTON COMMANDERS ROOKIE SERIES

2024 Outlook

New Washington OC Kliff Kingsbury will certainly feature Sinnott in the passing game, as teams don’t often select tight ends this high without plans to utilize them early on.

After bringing in former Arizona Cardinal’s tight end Zach Ertz, Kingsbury has his young tight end and his mentor and former starting tight end in place.

With the ability to line up at Fullback/H-Back, Washington’s new offense could finally feature a game changing pass catching tight end who can wear multiple hats.

Podcasts & videos

Washington Commanders Projections and Unit Grades | Star Position | Training Camp & Brandon McManus

NFC East links

Big Blue View

CBS Sports lists Giants’ Darius Slayton as a top cut/trade candidate for 2024

Slayton has registered 700 plus receiving yards in four of his first five seasons

CBS Sports Cody Benjamin recently published a list of top cut and trade candidates after June 1st. Among them is New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton, who is looking for a new contract.

Benjamin writes

Skipping voluntary workouts in an apparent bid for a new contract, Slayton has quietly topped 700 receiving yards in four of five NFL seasons. But with first-round pick Malik Nabers onboard, he’s also expendable. Cutting or trading him would save the Giants anywhere from $3.8 million to $6.4 million.

A 2019 fifth-round draft selection, Slayton has made the most of his time in the Big Apple.

The 6-foot-1, 194-pound receiver has amassed 220 receptions, 3,324 receiving yards, and 19 touchdowns over his career.

Slayton has led the Giants in receiving yards in four of his first five seasons, totaling 700 or more yards during each.

NFL league links

Articles

ESPN

Sources: Falcons, Eagles tampering rulings likely this week

The Falcons have been investigated for the contact they may or may not have had with then-free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins before he signed with Atlanta. The Eagles have been investigated for the contact they may or may not have had with then-free agent running back Saquon Barkley. The NFL has spoken to various members of both organizations.

One league source indicated that the Falcons’ alleged transgressions are considered more significant, and the discipline is expected to be more severe for Atlanta.

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