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February 28th, 2014 at 10:57pm CST by Luke Adams

We’ve detailed how you can follow Pro Football Rumors on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or using an RSS reader to ensure that you receive all of our updates, 365 days a year. If you prefer to only receive news about your favorite NFL team, PFR has you covered. Below are links to our Facebook, Twitter, and RSS pages and feeds for all 32 teams.

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NFC North

NFC South

NFC West

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West Notes: Woodson, Dawson, Tate, Schwartz

February 28th, 2014 at 10:38pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Jaguars aren’t the only team that are getting the short end of the stick with the surprisingly high salary cap, as the Raiders now have a whopping $66.512MM in cap space according to OverTheCap.com. While the Raiders will get a little extra cap room, the new cap number mitigates the team’s advantage this offseason, writes Nick Gill of SportsMedia101.com. The extra cap room will allow the 31 other franchises more flexibility to re-sign their own free agents, so the Raiders will never be able to court them in the open market. It also will give other teams more money to compete with the Raiders for the free agents that do become available this offseason.

Here are some other notes from our two divisions out west:

  • One of the seemingly easy moves for the Raiders was thought to be re-signing Charles Woodson, but the contract talks have been rougher than expected, writes Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com. After receiving $3.3MM in salary and incentives in 2013, Woodson believes he has proven he is still a valuable NFL safety. While Woodson wants to play, he said he would consider retirement if the price was not right.
  • Staying in the bay area, the 49ers have seen a market unfold for signing kicker Phil Dawson, writes Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. With Nick Folk being franchised and Graham Gano getting a long-term deal, both kickers will be making north of $3MM per season. Dawson has been better than both kickers over the past two seasons.
  • While the 49ers work on retaining their kicker, their rival Seahawks have cleared cap space and have opened up some space that could be used on receiver Golden Tate, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. “Hopefully, I can call Seattle home for a few more years,” said Tate. “But we’ll see. I know that coach (Pete) Carroll has expressed that he would like to have me on the team, and I have expressed that I would like to stay on this team because I see this team winning for a long time. But we will see. Only time will tell.’’
  • The Chiefs met with the representation of guard Geoff Schwartz during the scouting combine, writes Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star. The Chiefs are interested in retaining Schwartz, but Paylor writes that the two are not close to an agreement. Schwartz played in 14 games in 2013, filling in at both guard and tackle.

AFC South Notes: Jaguars, Martin, Clowney

February 28th, 2014 at 9:31pm CST by Rob DiRe

While some teams received some extra cap relief as the new salary cap number was released, there are some teams that are not benefiting from the extra room just yet. The Jaguars are estimated to now have just over $56MM in cap space this offseason, according to OverTheCap.com. Every team could use a little extra cap space, but the Jaguars are still worried about hitting the minimum 89% cash spending requirement, writes Alfie Crow of BigCatCountry. Crow does explain that they do not have to hit that mark in 2014, but instead must reach the mark over a four-year period.

Here are some other notes from around the AFC South:

  • The Jaguars have plenty of options if they want to spend their money, either up to the brink of the cap or even just to approach the 89% mark. Nate Davis of USA Today advises that the team’s general manager Dave Caldwell start by courting a big name wideout such as Hakeem Nicks, and handing out a big payday to Browns center Alex Mack in order to replace the retiring Brad Meester.
  • Jonathan Martin will most likely be looking for a new team in the near future, and although he has many friends in the Colts’ locker room, Mike Wells of ESPN.com writes that the team is not in need of a tackle. Pro Football Rumors recognized this unfortunate reality as well, earlier this month.
  • The Titans hold the 11th pick in the NFL Draft, and while the team has many holes to fill, Nicholas Pitakos of TitanSized.com explored the possibility of the team moving up to draft Jadeveon Clowney out of South Carolina. While he sees Clowney as a once in a lifetime prospect, and he is scared of him ending up in the AFC South with either the Texans or Jaguars, Pitakos sees the price just being too costly for the Titans to move up.

Jeremy Maclin Passed On Long-Term Deal

February 28th, 2014 at 7:57pm CST by Rob DiRe

Earlier today, Jeremy Maclin and the Eagles came to terms on a one-year deal that will keep the wide receiver with the team in 2014. In the negotiations, Maclin reportedly turned down a five-year contract in favor of the short-term, prove-it deal, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Enquirer (via Twitter).

Maclin is thought to have preferred the shorter contract that would allow him to show that he has recovered from an ACL tear that sidelined him for all of 2013, writes Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com.

“There was a multiyear deal out there,” Maclin said. “It just wasn’t what I particularly wanted or my side particularly wanted. But we knew that we wanted to be here so I think this was the way to get it done, for me to come back here and play football.”

While the deal makes sense in that a long-term contract at a higher price could be available after a productive season, it stands to reason that Maclin could have entertained long-term deals on the free market this offseason, possibly at a higher price than the Eagles were willing to pay. Many teams were thought to be interested in the 25-year-old receiver, including the Broncos and Jets.

Maclin does not think the deal will truly turn into a one-year stint with the team. Likely he believes that a long-term contract could come during the 2014 season, a deal that would keep him with the Eagles for a long time.

“I’m excited to get a chance to play in Chip’s offense,” Maclin said. “I’m excited to be able to help this team get to the next level. I think this is a place where I can showcase my skills and I’m comfortable around all my teammates, guys who have been here. I think this was just the right spot for me.”

AFC North Notes: Free Agency, Oher, Rubin

February 28th, 2014 at 7:13pm CST by Rob DiRe

The unexpected salary cap has left many teams feeling better about their situations, and the Bengals are also reaping the benefits of the extra cap space, writes Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. The team only has two starters set to hit free agency, in Michael Johnson and Anthony Collins. They also have a number of lesser players such as Dane Sanzenbacher, Andrew Hawkins, Brandon Tate, and Mike Pollak. Hobson writes that the team has already contacted most if not all the players’ agents, but will keep in mind that extensions for Andy Dalton, A.J. Green, Vontaze Burfict, and Domata Peko will be coming in the near future.

Here are some other notes from around the AFC North:

  • The Steelers could have trouble re-signing some of their notable free agents once they hit the market, writes Scott Brown of ESPN.com. Brown writes that the team is unlikely to match or exceed offers that Jason Worilds, Emmanuel Sanders, and Ziggy Hood could command on the free market.
  • The Ravens have not made a decision regarding their two free agent tackles, Michael Oher and Eugene Monroe, writes Jamison Henley of ESPN.com. While most pundits and fans do not believe the team will be able to re-sign both players, head coach John Harbaugh has not ruled out bringing back both players. Henley writes that if the team fails to retain Monroe, than it would be more likely that they bring back Oher to play left tackle.
  • While Ahtyba Rubin is considered a likely cap casualty for the Browns, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Tom Reed of Cleveland.com writes that the team would be making a mistake in doing so. Reed believes that the cap space the team would save is minimal compared to the talent and leadership they would be losing along their defensive line.

Louis Delmas Visits With Dolphins

February 28th, 2014 at 6:24pm CST by Rob DiRe

Louis Delmas met with the Dolphins today, reports Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald (via Twitter). Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun writes that the team would still like to re-sign safety Chris Clemons, but if they are unable to do so, Delmas could be a strong second option.

Delmas has already been linked to quite a few teams this offseason, already visiting the Steelers and Saints. The Broncos, Falcons, and Ravens are also thought of as potentially interested in the former Lion.

Wilson does write that the Lions would be interested in re-signing Delmas on a smaller contract.

Official Franchise/Transition Tag Numbers

February 28th, 2014 at 5:47pm CST by Rob DiRe

In a series of Tweets, Albert Breer of the NFL Network released what he reports to be the official monetary values associated with the franchise and transition tags. The numbers he reported are as follows:

Franchise Tag

  • Quarterback- $16.912MM
  • Runningback- $9.54MM
  • Wide Receiver- $12.312MM
  • Tight End- $7.035MM
  • Offensive Line- $11.654MM
  • Defensive End- $13.116MM
  • Defensive Tackle- $9.654MM
  • Linebacker- $11.455MM
  • Cornerback- $11.834MM
  • Safety- $8.433MM
  • Kicker/Punter- $3.556MM

Transition Tag

  • Quarterback- $14.666MM
  • Runningback- $8.033MM
  • Wide Receiver- $10.176MM
  • Tight End- $6.106MM
  • Offensive Line- $10.039MM
  • Defensive End- $10.633MM
  • Defensive Tackle- $8.060MM
  • Linebacker- $9.754MM
  • Cornerback- $10.081MM
  • Safety- $7.253MM
  • Kicker/Punter- $3.205MM

Breer also added that while the transition tag is not usually exercised by NFL franchises, it is especially important because the numbers associated with that tag are the numbers that will be used for the fifth-year options for top ten picks in the 2011 draft (via Twitter).

Redskins Haven’t Made Offer To Orakpo

February 28th, 2014 at 5:05pm CST by Luke Adams

We’ve heard multiple times this week alone that the Redskins are engaged in contract discussions for linebacker Brian Orakpo. However, according to Mike Jones of the Washington Post, the team has yet to actually extend a formal contract offer to Orakpo and his reps.

It seems likely that the Redskins will offer Orakpo a contract within the next couple days, since Monday is the deadline for teams to designate franchise players. Orakpo would be a strong candidate to receive the franchise tag if no long-term agreement is in place by that point, as I noted yesterday. Still, two people with knowledge of the situation tell Jones that it’s still not clear whether the club plans to franchise its prospective free agent linebacker, or whether he’ll hit the open market.

It’s also possible that the Redskins had been waiting to see exactly how much cap room they’ll have in 2014. Now that the NFL has informed teams the cap will be set at $133MM, the club could move forward with an official offer for Orakpo. That’s just my speculation though.

According to Jones, Washington has also yet to make a formal contract offer to its other key free agent linebacker, Perry Riley.

2014 NFL Salary Cap Set At $133MM

February 28th, 2014 at 4:46pm CST by Luke Adams

The league has officially informed teams that the 2014 NFL salary cap will be set at exactly $133MM, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link). The projection is about $7MM higher than had initially been expected, and is an increase of more than 9% on last year’s $123MM figure.

The added flexibility for the coming season should have an effect on teams’ roster moves, as clubs may be less inclined to release players or renegotiate contracts with oversized 2014 cap hits. However, as Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reported earlier today, the cap is continued to take large steps forward over the next couple years, and could reach $150MM by 2016. In that case, teams may end up being more willing to push player salaries or dead money into future seasons.

The new NFL salary cap figure is good news for teams like the Panthers, Saints, and Cowboys, who were facing a cap crunch in both the short- and long-term. It also bodes well for teams hoping to retain their own star free agents, since they’ll have a little extra cap flexibility with which to work.

NFC Links: Tate, Cowboys, Wynn, Falcons

February 28th, 2014 at 4:08pm CST by Luke Adams

Free-agent-to-be Golden Tate suggested there’s mutual interest between him and the Seahawks in a new contract, but said “only time will tell” if he remains in Seattle, writes Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. Tate added that he doesn’t consider Riley Cooper’s contract as a sign of what sort of deal he may get, since the two receivers’ situations are “very, very different.”

Here’s more from around the NFC on a busy day in the NFL:

  • In a piece for CBSSports.com, Jason La Canfora explains why offensive tackle Tyron Smith may be better off waiting on a long-term deal, whereas the Cowboys will look to lock him up as soon as possible.
  • Speaking of the Cowboys, they have interest in bringing back free agent defensive tackle Jarius Wynn, tweets Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com.
  • Despite the fact that offensive lineman Joe Hawley has never had an extended run as a starter in his four years in Atlanta, ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure thinks the Falcons will prioritize re-signing the prospective free agent.
  • McClure also reports (on Twitter) that offensive tackle Jake Matthews met with the Falcons at the combine in Indianapolis. Matthews is expected to be one of the first tackles off the board in May’s draft, and Atlanta holds the sixth overall selection.
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