NFL Notes: Ryan Mallett, Bears, Bucs, Panthers, Raiders & Titans

Ryan Mallett

• Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk suggests that the Patriots could be a reasonable landing spot for free agent QB Ryan Mallett.
• Florio notes that Mallett is a logical fit as a No. 2 or No. 3 backup quarterback for New England, since he was a third-round pick by the team in 2011.

Bears

• First-round rookie WR Kevin White said he is a “long way off” from playing in 2015, due to a stress fracture in his shin. (Dan Weiderer)

Buccaneers

• Buccaneers signed WR Andre Davis to their practice squad. (Roy Cummings)
• Cummings believes WR Adam Humphries could be promoted to their active roster to replace WR Louis Murphy, who sustained a season-ending torn ACL in Week 7.

Panthers

David Newton of ESPN believes that it is high unlikely for the Panthers to trade for veteran WR Steve Smith.

Newton points to Smith’s dislike of GM Dave Gettleman as a key reason why Smith will never return to Carolina.

“Yes, it was personal with me and Dave Gettleman,’’ Smith said on Charlotte radio station WFNZ after being released. “Obviously, I did something that got under his skin.’’

Newton adds that Ravens HC John Harbaugh has said that there is “no chance” of them trading Smith away. Smith took it a step further and said that he would retire if the Ravens traded him. n

All things considered, it seems clear that the Ravens will not be trading Smith in the foreseeable future.

Raiders

• According to Vic Tafur, the early sense with the team is that WR Michael Crabtree would like to test free agency this offseason.
• Tafur mentions that there has been no word regarding any long-term plans for Crabtree.

Titans

• HC Ken Whisenhunt said that he’s not ready to make a decision regarding QB Marcus Mariota (MCL) and hopes he is able to resume practice on Wednesday. (Ed Werder)