HEADLINES

2014 NFL Draft News & Rumors

AFC Notes: Browns, Veldheer, Manziel

March 25th, 2014 at 10:14pm CST by Zachary Links

Browns coach Mike Pettine stops short of saying that the club has to draft a starting-caliber cornerback in this year’s draft, but he admits it’s something he badly wants, writes Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal. Buster Skrine started opposite Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden last season and did a decent job, but still struggled at times.

  • Raiders General Manager Reggie McKenzie told Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle that he’s quite upset about losing left tackle Jared Veldheer to the Cardinals. “Losing Veldheer was a blow to me. He didn’t want to come back. It wasn’t about finances. The kid didn’t want to play for the Raiders anymore, and I struggled with that,” the GM said.
  • The Raiders‘ traveling trio of Dennis Allen, Greg Olson, and John DeFilippo will visit Johnny Manziel‘s pro day on Thursday, tweets Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle.
  • Both GM Dennis Hickey and Joe Philbin stressed that the Dolphins continue to view Mike Pouncey as a good player, teammate, and leader despite his involvement in the harassment that motivated Jonathan Martin to leave the team in October, writes Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel. Meanwhile, no one has offered assurances that Pouncey will be with Miami beyond 2014.
  • The Dolphins are eager to turn the page on a traumatic 2013 season, writes Chris Perkins of the Sun Sentinel.

AFC Notes: Titans, Browner, Clowney, Chiefs

March 25th, 2014 at 4:10pm CST by Luke Adams

The Eagles are considered the favorites to land Mark Sanchez, and it’s hard to determine which other teams may be a threat to Philadelphia for the signal-caller. The Seahawks have been ruled out as a destination, and reported interest from the Rams and Giants has been significantly downplayed. Now, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com suggests that another rumored suitor isn’t seriously in the mix, tweeting that the Titans don’t have interest in bringing Sanchez aboard. As we wait to see where the former Jet lands, let’s check out a few more notes from around the AFC….

  • Chris Johnson‘s future with the Titans remains in limbo, as Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean writes.
  • In a series of four tweets, Tom Pelissero of USA Today explains how Brandon Browner‘s contract with the Patriots works, complete with financial specifics.
  • Field Yates of ESPN Boston (Twitter link) has the details on the playing-time incentives in Michael Vick‘s new deal with the Jets. As Yates outlines, Vick can earn bonuses up to $1MM depending on whether he appears in 50% ($100K), 60% ($300K), 70% ($550K), 80% ($900K), or 90% ($1MM) of the Jets’ snaps.
  • Texans head coach Bill O’Brien plans to attend Jadeveon Clowney‘s Pro Day next week, and is looking forward to continuing the “good talk” he had with Clowney at the combine, tweets James Palmer of CSNHouston.com.
  • Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed that he spoke to free agent receiver Jason Avant, but suggested there’s nothing there when it comes to the team’s interest in the former Eagle. Reid instead hinted that he and Avant may work together down the road, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer (Twitter links).
  • Chris Owens‘ one-year contract with the Chiefs is worth $800K, which includes a $730K base salary and a $70K workout bonus, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. $80K of Owens’ base salary is guaranteed.
  • Fullback Jamize Olawale has signed his exclusive rights tender to remain with the Raiders, the team announced today (Twitter link).

Falcons Open To Trading Up In Draft

March 25th, 2014 at 11:29am CST by Luke Adams

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff has suggested a couple times since the season ended that his team may be open to the idea of trading up from their No. 6 spot in the draft, and it appears the Falcons are sending the same signals privately as they are publicly. ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that Atlanta is the first team known to have some interest in trading up.

Given the talent and depth of this year’s draft class, teams have appeared far more inclined to trade down and acquire extra picks, so if the Falcons are serious about trading up, they could likely find a number of potential partners. Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com tweets that the Rams, whose No. 2 selection is one of two first-round picks held by the club, could make sense as a trade partner for the Falcons. If the Jaguars, Browns, and Raiders don’t have their eye on a specific quarterback with picks three through five, they could also represent possible fits for the Falcons.

While Schefter doesn’t specify who the Falcons would be targeting if they decided to move up, the team is set at quarterback with Matt Ryan. The general belief is that defensive end Jadeveon Clowney will be at or near the top of Atlanta’s draft board, and Clowney is unlikely to still be available at No. 6. Offensive tackle Greg Robinson could also be a target for the club.

AFC Notes: Jets, Steelers, Dalton, Dolphins

March 25th, 2014 at 10:35am CST by Luke Adams

New York head coach Rex Ryan indicated today that the Jets aren’t done adding players at wide receiver. However, as Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post tweets, that doesn’t necessarily mean the club will add another impact player.

“[It] might be a sixth-round pick and not the move you want, but we’re not done,” Ryan said.

Here’s more from around the AFC:

  • The Steelers, who have been linked to Maurice Jones-Drew and LeGarrette Blount, will likely have a deal with an experienced running back by the end of the week, tweets Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Head coach Mike Tomlin said this morning in Orlando that the team expected to add running back depth in the not-so-distant future.
  • Asked multiple times this morning about Andy Dalton, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis was unequivocal in his support of the quarterback, suggesting he’d like to see Dalton locked up sooner rather than later, writes Paul Dehner Jr. of Cincinnati.com. In Lewis’ view, leaving the situation hanging over Dalton when camp opens could create an unnecessary distraction.
  • Speaking to reporters, including James Walker of ESPN.com (Twitter link), Dolphins GM Dennis Hickey said today that Miami has spoken to the agent for free agent tight end Dustin Keller.
  • The Broncos haven’t closed the door on the possibility of bringing back running back Knowshon Moreno or defensive end Shaun Phillips, according to GM John Elway (link via Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com).
  • Jaguars owner Shad Khan supported his club’s decision to spread out its free agent spending among multiple positions and players this offseason rather than focusing on a couple significant expenditures. Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union has the details and quotes from Khan.
  • Linebacker remains an area of focus for the Titans, according to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean, who says (via Twitter) the team is conducting a private workout with Louisville’s Preston Brown today. Kentucky linebacker Avery Williamson is also scheduled to have a pre-draft visit with the Titans, tweets Wyatt.

Browns Notes: QBs, Carrington, Revis, LBs

March 25th, 2014 at 9:15am CST by Luke Adams

Like fellow AFC North coach John Harbaugh, the Browns’ Mike Pettine was one of a handful of AFC head coaches who made a handful of interesting comments during this morning’s breakfast interview session with reporters in Orlando. Let’s check out a few of the Browns updates from Pettine….

  • Drafting two quarterbacks, like the Redskins did in 2012, isn’t out of the question for the Browns, according to Pettine: “I don’t think [GM] Ray [Farmer] would be adverse to that at all.” (Twitter link via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal). The Browns are scouting a “big list” of QB prospects, as Lindsay Jones of USA Today details.
  • Pettine “really likes” free agent quarterback Mark Sanchez, and will look into any addition that could help the team, tweets Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
  • Defensive end Alex Carrington remains in play for the Browns, and signing him wouldn’t necessarily result in a roster move involving Ahtyba Rubin, tweets Ulrich.
  • Cleveland “kicked around” the idea of acquiring Darrelle Revis when the Buccaneers were shopping him, but with no guarantee the cornerback would rework his contract, it was hard to take on that $16MM salary, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
  • The Browns landed two of their top free agent targets, according to Pettine, who says Karlos Dansby was the team’s No. 1 free agent inside linebacker, while Donte Whitner was the team’s No. 1 safety (Twitter link via Ulrich).
  • Having landed Dansby, Pettine doesn’t view the inside linebacker position as a glaring need, tweets Ulrich. Craig Robertson is currently penciled in alongside Dansby, and Pettine likes him, though he pointed out that it’s a deep draft for linebackers.

2014 NFL Compensatory Draft Picks

March 24th, 2014 at 5:15pm CST by Luke Adams

The NFL has officially announced the 32 compensatory draft picks for 24 that have been handed out to teams who had the most significant losses in free agency a year ago. These picks are determined by a formula that accounts for salary, playing time, and postseason honors. Teams can’t receive more than four picks each, and this year’s selections were divided up among 13 clubs. Here’s the list of 2014 compensatory picks by team, with the round and overall selection number included:

  • 49ers: 3rd (100)
  • Bears: None
  • Bengals: 6th (212), 7th (252)
  • Bills: None
  • Broncos: None
  • Browns: None
  • Buccaneers: None
  • Cardinals: None
  • Chargers: None
  • Chiefs: None
  • Colts: None
  • Cowboys: 7th (248), 7th (251), 7th (254)
  • Dolphins: None
  • Eagles: None
  • Falcons: 4th (139), 7th (253), 7th (255)
  • Giants: 5th (174)
  • Jaguars: None
  • Jets: 4th (137), 6th (209), 6th (210), 6th (213)
  • Lions: 4th (133), 4th (136)
  • Packers: 3rd (98), 5th (176)
  • Panthers: None
  • Patriots: 4th (140)
  • Raiders: None
  • Rams: 6th (214), 7th (249), 7th (250)
  • Ravens: 3rd (99), 4th (134), 4th (138), 5th (175)
  • Redskins: None
  • Saints: None
  • Seahawks: None
  • Steelers: 3rd (97), 5th (173), 6th (215)
  • Texans: 4th (135), 6th (211), 7th (256)
  • Titans: None
  • Vikings: None

Lions Rumors: Ihedigbo, Fairley, Leshoure

March 24th, 2014 at 12:42pm CST by Luke Adams

As Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press wrote last night, James Ihedigbo looks like the Lions’ top choice at safety in free agency, but the team is still waiting for an answer from him. GM Martin Mayhew said today that the club remains in contact with Ihedigbo, and that there’s no timetable on a decision (Twitter link via Birkett). While there’s nothing new to report on the Ihedigbo front, we have plenty of new Lions tidbits to pass along, so let’s dive in….

  • Mayhew announced today that the Lions won’t pick up their fifth-year option on Nick Fairley‘s contract for 2015, tweets Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. The option, which is a wrinkle of the new CBA for first-round draft picks, will be worth in the neighborhood of $5.5MM, but Mayhew doesn’t see Fairley as a $5MM-per-year player right now due to inconsistency, tweets Birkett.
  • The Fairley decision is somewhat surprising, since those fifth-year options are guaranteed for injury only initially, and a strong 2014 would make it challenging for the Lions to retain Fairley in 2015 when he’s an unrestricted free agent. However, Mayhew is hoping to give the defensive lineman incentive to have a great season (Twitter link via Birkett).
  • The Lions aren’t interested in trading running back Mikel Leshoure, despite the fact that he’s behind Reggie Bush and Joique Bell on the depth chart, Mayhew tells Twentyman (Twitter link).
  • Detroit will “definitely consider” drafting a quarterback this May to back up Matthew Stafford, according to Mayhew (Twitter link via Birkett).
  • Mayhew confirmed that he and coach Jim Caldwell met with Sammy Watkins and his family around the time of Clemson’s Pro Day, and that the GM will also be attending Mike Evans‘ Pro Day this week (Twitter link via Birkett).
  • In the wake of his father’s death, vice chairman Bill Ford Jr. said today that his involvement with the Lions may increase going forward, according to Birkett.

Browns GM Talks Haden, QBs, FAs, Mack

March 24th, 2014 at 9:48am CST by Luke Adams

Appearing at the NFL’s owner meetings in Orlando, Browns GM Ray Farmer answered several questions from reporters today, including Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal and Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Here’s a round-up of some of the highlights, with Twitter links via Ulrich and Cabot:

  • After cornerback Joe Haden fueled speculation by tweeting “It’s a crazy business” last night, Farmer insisted that the team has no interest in trading Haden, and would like to keep him in Cleveland for a long time.
  • Farmer defended the team’s decision not to attend the Pro Days of top quarterback prospects like Blake Bortles, Teddy Bridgewater, and Johnny Manziel by arguing that those days are “scripted” and saying that the Browns’ absence keeps teams guessing about Cleveland’s intentions. The general manager added that he’s “not leaning in any direction” with the No. 4 pick in the draft.
  • Farmer believes Cleveland will have opportunities to trade up or down in the draft, and confirmed that discussions about those possibilities are already underway.
  • Asked if the Browns have interest in Mark Sanchez, Farmer said the team would be interested in “anyone who can help us win,” though he didn’t say whether Sanchez was one such player. For now, the GM says he’s comfortable with Brian Hoyer, and that Hoyer’s competition could come from anywhere, including a player in the draft.
  • Farmer confirmed that the Browns had interest in Matt Schaub before Houston sent him to the Raiders.
  • According to Ulrich, Farmer paused for a few seconds when asked where the Browns stood with offensive lineman Paul McQuistan and defensive end Alex Carrington, before replying, “We’ll see.” Both free agents visited the team last week.
  • Cleveland investigated many options for a No. 2 wide receiver and No. 2 cornerback in free agency, but nothing worked out, according to Farmer.
  • The Browns are still focused on working out a long-term deal with Alex Mack, who received the transition tag from the club this offseason.

Extra Points: Raiders, Bears, Draft

March 23rd, 2014 at 4:41pm CST by Dallas Robinson

A few links from around the league:

  • The Raiders acquired several veteran players this offseason, including quarterback Matt Schaub, offensive tackle Donald Penn, and defensive linemen Justin Tuck and LaMarr Woodley, but head coach Dennis Allen is adamant that the team was primarily interested in the players’ ability, writes Scott Blair of CSNBayArea.com. “We’re not bringing in mascots or hood ornaments or whatever,” said Allen. “…A lot of people ask me about veteran leadership. Let’s not confuse things here. I want guys that can play. We’re not bringing in guys just for leadership. We went out and got guys to can still be productive and also fill a leadership role.”
  • The Bears hope that Marquess Wilson will take hold of the No. 3 receiver role vacated by Earl Bennett after his release, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Head coach Marc Trestman hopes that Wilson, a 2013 seventh-round-pick, can round into form as Alshon Jeffery did last season: “I think he showed that we can work with him and develop him. He’s got the football intelligence that we’re looking for and the ability to be flexible within the offense. He was consistent.”
  • At the National Football Post, former Bears general manager Jerry Angelo writes about what type of NFL systems and schemes would be fits for Johnny Manziel and Jadeveon Clowney,
  • The Ravens scouted several offensive lineman at the Tennessee State pro day, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.

Steelers Notes: Moats, RBs, Harrison

March 23rd, 2014 at 2:03pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Steelers will meet with free agent inside linebacker Arthur Moats, likely on Monday, tweets Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Moats, 26, has drawn a surprising lack of interest during free agency. He started 12 games last season for the Bills, accruing 54 tackles and grading as the 12th-best inside linebacker in the league, especially excelling in run defense, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). He would slot in next to Lawrence Timmons in the Steelers 3-4 defense.

Some other Steelers items:

  • Robinson also tweets the Steelers will add a veteran running back, and corroborates an earlier report that the team will meet with LeGarrette Blount on Friday.
  • Continuing on the running back theme, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette chimes in, adding that Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin “felt good” about last week’s visit with RB Maurice Jones-Drew, and that Pittsburgh remains amenable to signing the veteran (Twitter link).
  • Dulac also adds that the team maintains interest in bringing back linebacker James Harrison, quoting general manager Kevin Colbert as saying the team is “never going to close the door on any possibility, especially with a guy who was a huge part of our success” (via Twitter).
  • Dulac tweets that recently-signed Cam Thomas will work as a defensive end, but could also get time at defensive tackle.
  • Robinson reports that the Steelers scouting staff will attend the pro days of North Carolina, Duke, and Texas A&M, with Colbert and Tomlin likely attending the Aggies event (Twitter link).
  • Signing a steady, low-cost free agent like receiver Lance Moore is symbolic of the Steelers free agency strategy, writes Scott Brown of ESPN.com.
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