HEADLINES

2014 NFL Draft News & Rumors

Florida Notes: Jaguars, Dolphins, Kafka

February 11th, 2014 at 4:51pm CST by Luke Adams

After rounding up the latest updates on a handful of AFC and NFC North teams earlier this afternoon, we’ll head down south and check in on today’s items on the league’s three franchise in Florida:

  • Last offseason, the Jaguars didn’t sign any free agents to contracts exceeding two years, but GM Dave Caldwell has expressed a willingness to go to three or four years this time around, writes Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union. Still, Caldwell cautioned that the club won’t be looking to set the market with big deals.
  • Selecting an offensive tackle with the No. 19 pick in May’s draft isn’t the Dolphins‘ only option, but it’s the best option, according to Chris Perkins of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Perkins also identifies running back and free safety as positions the Dolphins may target in the first round, with linebacker as a “dark horse.”
  • Agent Mike McCartney tells Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune that Mike Kafka signed with the Buccaneers instead of the Cowboys because Tampa Bay is more likely to carry three quarterbacks in 2014.
  • Given Kafka’s and Mike Glennon‘s lack of NFL experience, Cummings expects the Buccaneers to add a third quarterback to the roster in free agency rather than in the draft (Twitter link).

NFC East Notes: Sam, Vick, Cowboys, Austin

February 10th, 2014 at 6:03pm CST by Zachary Links

Could openly gay NFL draft prospect Michael Sam be a fit for the Eagles? Probably not, and it has nothing to do with his orientation, writes Jimmy Kempski of Philly.com. The Mizzou linebacker opened the season strong but his production slowed as the season went on. He racked up ten sacks in his first eight games but just 1.5 in his final six. Beyond that, his best fit is probably as a situational pass rusher in a 4-3, but Philly already has a 6’2, 260-ish pound 4-3 DE who can rush the passer, but struggles with everything else in Brandon Graham. More out of the NFC East..

  • Zach Berman of Philly.com offers up an evaluation of the quarterback position for the Eagles. Michael Vick won’t return unless he can’t find a starting job elsewhere and no one should expect that to happen. With questions about Matt Barkley, the Eagles will be looking for a reliable No. 2 QB to slot behind Nick Foles. Berman suggests Josh Freeman, Chad Henne, and Tarvaris Jackson as some possible candidates.
  • Despite talk that the Cowboys could be ready to move on from Miles Austin, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (on Twitter) notes that it doesn’t make sense to cut the wide receiver just yet. Cutting him now would save just $400K but releasing him after June 1st would bring them more cap relief.
  • Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap (on Twitter) adds that releasing Austin after June 1st will give the Cowboys enough space to sign their rookie class.
  • Mike Jones of the Washington Post asks if the Redskins should move on from Brandon Meriweather.
  • Wide receiver Joe Anderson got a $20K bonus on his futures deal from the Eagles while Josh Kaddu got $25K to sign, tweets Bryan McIntyre.

Extra Points: Bengals, Sam, Jets, Bortles

February 10th, 2014 at 4:55pm CST by Luke Adams

In assessing the likelihood of the Bengals‘ free agents returning to the team, Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer suggests that defensive end Michael Johnson is likely to end up elsewhere this spring. After franchising Johnson last year, the Bengals could choose to place the franchise tag on their defensive end again this time around, but Dehner believes that’s the only scenario in which he returns to Cincinnati. According to Dehner, the club will likely be unwilling to shell out big bucks for another defensive lineman with Geno Atkins already on a lucrative, long-term deal.

Here’s more from around the NFL, with just over a month remaining until 2014’s free agent period:

  • The success of teams with low-salary quarterbacks like the Seahawks and 49ers has prompted a discussion on whether clubs with solid veteran QBs ought to let them walk in free agency if the price gets too high. However, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com dismisses such thinking, arguing that the NFL’s cap structure ensures that even the more highly-paid signal-callers remain undervalued.
  • Liz Mullen of Sports Business Journal reports (via Twitter) that defensive end prospect Michael Sam, who publicly came out as gay yesterday, left The Novo Agency and signed with new NFL agents Cameron Weiss and Joe Barkett of Empire Athletes.
  • Mullen also reports (via Twitter) that free-agent-to-be Emmanuel Sanders has left agent Jordan Woy.
  • Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com takes a look at one of the Jets’ top priorities this offseason: Wide receiver. In Cimini’s view, the club would be wise to avoid paying top dollar for Eric Decker, and instead should focus on a $5-7MM free agent, who can be slotted alongside a receiver picked in the draft. Cimini identifies potential Seahawks cap casualty Sidney Rice as a possible target for New York.
  • We learned earlier today that Henoc Muamba received a $107K guarantee from the Colts on his futures contract, the largest guarantee for that type of deal so far this offseason. According to Brian McIntyre (via Twitter), the second-largest guarantee for a player on a futures deal belongs to safety Sherrod Martin ($100K), who signed with the Jaguars.
  • Top QB prospect Blake Bortles is preparing to do everything, including throw, at this month’s scouting combine, writes Paul Tenorio of the Orlando Sentinel.

Lions Notes: Pettigrew, Draft, Tate

February 9th, 2014 at 10:05am CST by Rory Parks

Now that the Lions have taken one of the top free agent centers off the market after re-signing the ever-loyal Dominic Raiola to a one-year contract, they can now turn their attention to free agent TE Brandon Pettigrew, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. New Lions OC Joe Lombardi, who recently indicated that he expects to be the Lions offensive play-caller in 2014 despite never having called a play in the NFL, observed that Pettigrew is an increasingly rare breed of tight end in that he can excel as a blocker and receiver.

However, the Lions may have a lot of competition for Pettigrew. The 29-year-old has two 70-plus catch seasons on his resume, which, combined with his blocking abilities and the relatively murky tight end market, could land him a big-money deal. Indeed, even if Tony Gonzalex changes his mind about retirement for the second consecutive year, he is hardly a long-term solution for any potential suitor, and it is unlikely he would go to a team other than the Falcons–or conceivably Kansas City–anyway. The Ravens are likely to either put the franchise tag on Dennis Pitta or re-sign him to a long-term contract, and the health concerns of Jermichael Finley make his future uncertain at best. Jimmy Graham, who would be the ultimate free agent prize, will either get the franchise tag or a multi-year deal with the Saints. By attrition, then, Pettigrew becomes the most attractive tight end available.

Given Detroit’s internal options at the position, though, the team may have no other choice but to somehow bring Pettigrew back. The only tight ends currently under contract are Michael Williams and the talented-but-raw Joseph Fauria. They also have control of restricted free agent Dorin Dickerson and the exclusive rights to free agent Matt Veldman. The cost of the 2014 franchise tag for tight ends is projected to be slightly over $6MM, and that may be the route the Lions choose to pursue with Pettigrew.

Some other notes from the Motor City:

  • Jimmy Kempski of Philly.com predicts Detroit will receive a fourth-round compensatory pick after losing tackle Gosder Cherilus to free agency last year, but because the Lions were active themselves in the free agent market in 2013, that will probably be the only compensatory selection they receive.
  • ESPN.com’s Michael Rothstein thinks the Lions could draft Clemson WR Sammy Watkins with the tenth overall pick if he falls that far. Vanderbilt’s Jordan Matthews and Penn State’s Allen Robinson could be potential targets in the second round.
  • In any event, Rothstein thinks the Lions could target two wideouts in free agency, one as an outside receiver and one to play the slot. He notes that new head coach Jim Caldwell has traditionally preferred having receivers over 6 feet tall on his roster.
  • Seahawks WR Golden Tate is unlikely to be an option for Detroit, as he has previously expressed that he would be willing to take a “hometown discount” to remain in Seattle.

 

Extra Points: Carr, Smith, Iupati, Zook

February 7th, 2014 at 10:07pm CST by Zachary Links

One of the top quarterbacks in the 2014 draft, Derek Carr, told 95.7 The Game (audio link) that he is undecided about taking part in the Indianapolis combine. The signal caller out of Fresno State has consulted with his brother, former first overall pick David Carr, about the decision but has yet to reach a conclusion. Derek is unlikely to go first overall when the Texans pick in May, but he could be a first round pick if he impresses the right team. More from around the NFL..

  • Chiefs cornerback Sean Smith saw his 2014 salary of $3.45MM become guaranteed today, cap expert Joel Corry tells Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (via Twitter). With that kind of financial commitment, it’s a virtual guarantee that he’ll be back with KC in 2014.
  • There are several factors that could complicate a possible extension for 49ers guard Mike Iupati, explains Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. Guards aren’t as valued as other positions and there could be a sizable gap that makes it unlikely that a fresh deal for Iupati will be a top priority for SF. Meanwhile, without an enticing offer, Iupati would probably be happy to hit the open market after the 2014 season.
  • Earlier today the Packers announced their coaching staff for the upcoming season. Four newcomers have joined the staff while five others acquired new titles. Among the newcomers: former University of Illinois and University of Florida head coach Ron Zook, who will now be pitching in on special teams.

Extra Points: Incognito, Gross, Suggs, Pats

February 7th, 2014 at 4:32pm CST by Luke Adams

Executives and players who spoke to Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report expressed confidence that Richie Incognito would continue to find NFL work going forward, but weren’t as certain about Jonathan Martin’s future. Lingering questions about Martin’s trustworthiness and mental health make him a bigger question mark around the league than Incognito, whose off-field question marks are at least more familiar for NFL teams.

“He’s not a good guy, but we’re not a league of good guys,” one GM said of Incognito. “There are some bad guys in football, but it’s football, not the Salvation Army. He can play, if the commissioner allows it, he’ll get another job.”

Here’s more from around the league:

  • Several contracts around the league voided today, adding more players to the 2014 free agent list, as expected. In a series of tweets, Joel Corry and Brian McIntryre listed a few of the notable players whose deals voided, including Brian Orakpo, Brandon Meriweather, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, B.J. Raji, and Corey Webster.
  • Another player whose deal was set to void today was Panthers offensive lineman Jordan Gross, who remains undecided on whether or not he’ll continue his career, tweets Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. As Corry notes (via Twitter), voiding Gross’ contract would result in $5.6MM of dead money on Carolina’s cap, so the team probably would’ve liked to push that deadline into March, if possible. It’s not clear yet whether the club managed to do anything like that though.
  • The latest piece from Dan Pompei of Bleacher Report is chock full of interesting tidbits, including word that the Ravens still believe Terrell Suggs is a valuable asset, meaning the team is more likely to try to restructure his deal than to release him. Pompei also notes that many NFL team execs are happy this year’s draft was pushed back, since they’ll need that extra time to evaluate the record number of underclassmen among 2014’s class.
  • While Michael Bennett, Anthony Spencer, and Jason Worilds are among the intriguing pass-rushing options in this year’s free agent class, Orakpo and Greg Hardy make up the top tier, writes Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com.
  • A day after looking at the Seahawks’ future, Joel Corry of The National Football Post turns his attention to what’s next for the Broncos.
  • Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com provides a brief snapshot of every position on the Patriots’ offense, assessing whether or not the team will address each spot in free agency or the draft.

Jaguars GM Talks Free Agency, Draft, Monroe

February 7th, 2014 at 11:35am CST by Luke Adams

As we noted last night, Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell told fans at EverBank Field yesterday that suspended wide receiver Justin Blackmon will be back with the team at some point. However, that was far from the only noteworthy comment made by the general manager yesterday. John Oesher of Jaguars.com and Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union passed along several other items from Caldwell, which we’ll round up right here:

  • Caldwell identified the offensive and defensive lines as areas the team will focus on free agency, indicating that the 2014 class of FAs looks “pretty solid” at both positions. “I think it depends on guys who get signed before free agency and we just have to wait and see who’s available,” Caldwell said.
  • After being very selective and patient in free agency a year ago, the Jaguars figure to be more active out of the gate this time around. Said Caldwell: “We need to target guys and be aggressive with that and then just let the market settle where opportunities present itself a week or two later.”
  • Asked if there’s a league-wide consensus on the top few players in the draft, Caldwell indicated that the Jaguars have a pretty good idea of the top five players on their own board, but added that those names wouldn’t necessarily be the same for every NFL team.
  • The Jaguars will be very open to moving down in the draft from No. 3 if the right opportunity presents itself.
  • While he conceded that trading tackle Eugene Monroe early last season “stung a little bit,” Caldwell doesn’t regret the move, since it landed the team a pair of mid-round draft picks.
  • According to Caldwell, a quarterback’s height isn’t a major factor in Jacksonville’s evaluations, with the team prioritizing characteristics like timing, accuracy and decision-making instead.

Extra Points: Decker, Peppers, Graham

February 6th, 2014 at 5:34pm CST by Zachary Links

The very best wide receivers usually don’t reach the open market, but there are still plenty of gems to be found. Yesterday, Andrew Cohen of OverTheCap.com previewed the 2014 free agent class at the wide receiver position. The class is highlighted by Broncos wideout Eric Decker, athletic Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, and more. Cohen sees Maclin, who missed all of 2013 with an ACL tear, staying with the Eagles on a one-year, $5MM pact. Meanwhile, he predicts that Decker will wind up with the Browns on a five-year, $62MM deal with about $25-30MM guaranteed. Here’s more from around the NFL..

  • Chris Burke of SI.com breaks down the possible cap casualties of the offseason. The once dominant Julius Peppers probably won’t be with the Bears if he doesn’t take a pay cut and Chris Clemons and Sidney Rice are probably on the block with the Seahawks.
  • Who will be slapped with the franchise tag this offseason? Cohen writes that five to eight players will likely be hit with one of the most unique clauses in professional sports. Saints tight end Jimmy Graham, Browns safety T.J. Ward, and Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta are among the candidates for the tag.
  • NFL.com has released the list of players invited to participate in the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine. Of course, an invitation doesn’t ensure that the player will participate and every year there are notable players who opt out of the mass audition. The combine runs from February 22-25.

AFC Links: Texans, Browns, Pats, Raiders

February 6th, 2014 at 4:28pm CST by Luke Adams

Asked today on the Dan Patrick Show (video link) if he believes he should be picked first overall in May’s draft, Jadeveon Clowney said yes, but former Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips would go a different direction if he were making the call for Houston. Appearing on 610 SportsRadio in Houston (hat tip to Pro Football Talk), Phillips said he told Texans ownership that he believes quarterback Johnny Manziel is the best choice for the franchise.

“Those kinds of guys who can make first downs when you’re not supposed to, I think they give you something.” Phillips said. “I just think he makes plays that nobody else can make.”

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, who has maintained that the Texans intend to take a QB with the No. 1 pick, tweets that, with so much of the process still remaining, the team doesn’t yet favor one of the top three (Manziel, Teddy Bridgewater, or Blake Bortles). The club still has three months to decide what it’ll do with that top pick so in the meantime, let’s round up a few more updates from across the AFC….

  • After the trade of Trent Richardson, running back devolved into the weakest position on the Browns‘ roster, and will need to be addressed this offseason, says Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com.
  • Noting that the Patriots typically spend as little as possible on a backup quarterback, Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston writes that it would make sense if the club selects a QB in the draft’s middle rounds, with Ryan Mallett a good bet to depart via free agency in a year.
  • The Raiders announced four additions to their coaching staff today, including defensive backs coach Joe Woods, according to a team release.
  • Mike Wells of ESPN.com discussed the Colts with former Browns scout Matt Williamson, who suggested that Indianapolis could use some help on the interior of the offensive line, as well as just about everywhere on defense.

Kiper On Manziel, Clowney, Watkins, Jets

February 6th, 2014 at 10:13am CST by Luke Adams

Draft day is still more than three months away, but with the offseason underway and the scouting combine around the corner, it’s not too early to start looking ahead. Before he revealed his newest mock (Insider link), ESPN.com draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. appeared on a teleconference today to discuss the 2014 NFL draft, and plenty of reporters passed along the highlights. Here’s a recap of several of Kiper’s notable comments (all links go to Twitter):

  • After talking to people around the league, Kiper believes that Johnny Manziel is the consensus top QB in the draft, at least for now. Of course, that doesn’t mean he’s atop every team’s board.
  • Wide receivers and offensive tackles are likely to dominate the first round, according to Kiper. However, in addition to being top-heavy, the WR class is also expected to be deep, so a team like the Steelers could land a good player there later in the draft.
  • There should also be plenty of cornerback depth in the draft, so clubs like the Steelers and Bears can afford to wait on that position, though Chicago will likely have to address its defensive line in the early rounds, says Kiper.
  • Kiper believes Jadeveon Clowney will be picked either first overall by the Texans or third overall by the Jaguars, with both teams in need of a pass rusher to get after Andrew Luck twice a season.
  • Whichever of those clubs doesn’t take Clowney will probably draft Manziel, according to Kiper, who foresees the Texas A&M signal-caller going first or third, with Teddy Bridgewater coming off the board at No. 4, to the Browns.
  • Wide receiver Sammy Watkins is unlikely to be picked outside of the top five, in Kiper’s view.
  • Kiper doesn’t expect any running backs to be selected in the first round this year.
  • The Chiefs figure to target receivers, safeties, or defensive linemen in the first round, says Kiper.
  • Kiper has the Jets using the No. 18 pick on receiver Marqise Lee, and suggests the club should draft a QB in the middle rounds as an insurance policy for Geno Smith.
Load More Posts