2014 May - Pro Football Rumors

Bucs Owner Malcolm Glazer Passes Away

May 28th, 2014 at 3:01pm CST by Luke Adams

Buccaneers owner Malcolm Glazer has passed away, the team announced today in a press release. Glazer, who was 85 years old, had owned the Tampa Bay franchise since 1995, overseeing the Bucs’ first and only Super Bowl championship in 2002.

During Glazer’s tenure as owner, the Buccaneers transformed from an NFL laughingstock to one of the league’s more respectable organizations. The team had endured 12 straight losing seasons prior to Glazer’s purchase in January of 1995, but totaled nine winning seasons and earned seven playoff berths during his ownership.

Glazer, who also owned the Premier League’s Manchester United, becomes the third longtime NFL owner to pass away this season, following Henry Ford of the Lions and Ralph Wilson of the Bills. According to the Bucs, wife Linda Glazer and her six children will continue to own and operate the franchise.

Our condolences go out to Glazer’s friends and family.

The Importance Of June 1st

May 28th, 2014 at 1:44pm CST by Luke Adams

Many of the most important dates of the NFL offseason have already come and gone, but this Sunday represents another day that team executives around the league have circled on their calendars. Here’s a brief summary of why June 1 is important, and what we can expect starting next Monday, after that deadline has passed:

As we explained in a PFR Glossary entry, players released or traded after June 1 count against the cap differently than players who were cut or moved earlier in the offseason, with teams able to spread the player’s dead money across multiple years. So we could see a handful of veterans released or dealt once June 1 is behind us.
Several players were released earlier in the offseason and designated as post-June 1 cuts, meaning their cap hits will finally be reduced starting in June. Those players are LaMarr Woodley (Steelers; $8MM cap savings), Carlos Rogers (49ers; $6.6MM), Miles Austin (Cowboys; $5.5MM), Steve Smith (Panthers; $5MM), David Bass (Giants; $5MM), Daryn Colledge (Cardinals; $5MM), and Thomas DeCoud (Falcons; $3.4MM). Each of those teams was starting to approach the cap limit, so the new savings will give them the flexibility to lock up draft picks and possibly revisit the free agent market.
Speaking of free agents, June 1 represents the deadline for teams to extend contract tenders to their unrestricted FAs. If a club’s former veteran player remains unsigned, that team can make him a one-year offer worth 110% of his previous cap number (minus workout and incentive payments). For former players who were on rookie contracts, the one-year tender is worth 100% of the player’s previous base salary. Players who receive these June 1 tenders have until July 22 to sign with another team — after that date, the player’s previous team retains exclusive negotiating rights throughout the season.
Most free agents won’t receive tender offers, meaning they become free after June 1 to sign with any club without being tied to future draft compensation. As such, we’ll likely see an increase in veterans inking contracts, since teams will no longer have to worry that signing those players will reduce their chances at compensatory 2015 draft picks.

Details from Over The Cap were used in the creation of this post.

Alex Smith, Chiefs Far Apart On Extension

May 28th, 2014 at 12:39pm CST by Luke Adams

A little over a month ago, we heard that extension talks between the Chiefs and Alex Smith were moving “very slowly,” with some movement expected after the conclusion of the draft. However, with the draft well behind us, Smith and the Chiefs still don’t appear to be moving toward an agreement.

According to Ed Werder of ESPN.com (via Twitter), there has been “very little dialogue” between the two sides, and there’s some skepticism that a deal will be agreed upon in time for the season. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com agrees, tweeting that the sides are still far apart with no progress being made, which is why Kansas City contemplated drafting a quarterback early.

As we noted yesterday, head coach Andy Reid expressed confidence during an appearance on the NFL Network that the Chiefs would get something done soon with Smith, but Terez A. Paylor of the K.C. Star reported a little later that contract talks for the signal-caller have been “almost nonexistent” within the last few months. And today’s reports certainly seem to back up Paylor’s account.

According to Rapoport (via Twitter), if Smith and the Chiefs find a common ground, it will likely happen later in the offseason, rather than now. And if talks remain stagnant, the club appears willing to use the franchise tag next March. As Rapoport adds in a second tweet, there isn’t really a clear-cut market for second-tier quarterbacks, so Smith is likely pushing to be paid like a top-tier option, while the Chiefs may be reluctant to make such a large commitment.

Jay Cutler‘s seven-year, $126MM extension provided the most recent point of comparison for quarterbacks like Smith, who have had some regular-season and playoff success, despite not reaching a Super Bowl. According to Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter), back in January Smith was seeking a deal that exceeded Cutler’s, and that probably hasn’t changed within the last few months.

Smith’s contract talks will be an interesting offseason subplot to follow, as we wait to see who blinks first. The former Niner may risk reducing his value if he heads into the 2014 season without a new deal, but finding a reliable starting quarterback isn’t easy, and it’s not clear if Kansas City has a viable successor on a roster that includes Chase Daniel and Aaron Murray.

Cowboys Rumors: Bryant, Lee, Hitchens

May 28th, 2014 at 11:49am CST by Luke Adams

Many of the league’s top wide receivers – including Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall, Larry Fitzgerald, and Vincent Jackson – have signed deals in recent years that average at least $10MM and exceed $20MM in total guarantees. While Dez Bryant didn’t cite specific figures, he suggested to Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com that he thinks his next contract should reflect his place among the NFL’s best wideouts.

“Yeah, I deserve it,” Bryant said of a long-term extension. “I deserve it. I feel like I do. I put the work in, but I let that kind of stuff take care of itself. It is what it is. I let my agent talk about it and give me some feedback.”

According to Bryant, agent Eugene Parker has already engaged in preliminary talks with the Cowboys about a multiyear extension. The standout receiver is slated to earn a base salary of $1.78MM along with $250K in workout bonuses in 2014, the final year of his rookie contract.

Let’s check out a few more Cowboys items….

Would Bryant accept a hometown discount to remain in Dallas? He was somewhat noncommittal in his conversation with MacMahon: “I’m loyal to the squad. I’ve always been. Me and my agent are going to talk about [a hometown discount]. We’ll talk about it. You know, this is big. This is life-changing. Like I said, I’ve done everything asked of me, and we’ll see what happens.”
In a chat with readers at the Dallas Morning News, columnist Rick Gosselin pointed out that the next contracts for Bryant and offensive tackle Tyron Smith will likely be the biggest deals of their respective careers, so it’s not fair to expect them to accept discounts. Still, Gosselin expects Dallas to keep both players around, since they’re the “shining stars in [Jerry Jones‘] draft legacy.”
The silver lining in the news of Sean Lee‘s torn ACL is that the linebacker didn’t tear any other ligaments in his knee, says Albert Breer of the NFL Network (Twitter links). That means Lee can likely have surgery sooner, which advances the timetable for his recovery.
As the Cowboys consider options to replace Lee, rookie linebacker Anthony Hitchens admits that he may not be ready to immediately step up into the starting lineup (link via DallasCowboys.com). “It’s going to take time,” Hitchens said. “I’ve still got to get everything down. If we had a game tomorrow, no, but it’s a good thing we don’t. I have time to get better.”

Extra Points: Incognito, FAs, Finley, Patriots

May 28th, 2014 at 11:11am CST by Luke Adams

In the wake of last year’s bullying scandal, Richie Incognito has predictably had trouble finding NFL work. As Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report writes, the offensive lineman’s reps have been contacting teams over the last few weeks and months, but there has been virtually no interest. Said one general manager: “He’s trying to get back in the game, but the door remains shut. No one trusts him.”

Here’s more from around the NFL:

A pair of veteran free agents, offensive tackle Eric Winston and cornerback Drayton Florence, are expected to make visits next week to unidentified clubs with interest, reports Alex Marvez of Fox Sports. As Marvez notes, interest in unsigned veterans should pick up around the league next week, when June 1 passes and free agents are no longer linked to compensatory draft picks.
A source tells Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com that Jermichael Finley‘s meeting with the Packers is a “formality.” The free agent tight end had previous plans to travel to Green Bay with his family, so he’ll check in with team doctors, but no medical clearance, contract signing, or even testing is anticipated, according to Demovsky’s source.
The Patriots and the representatives for Aaron Hernandez have a June hearing scheduled to go before an arbitrator as the team attempts to recoup the former tight end’s signing bonus money, tweets Albert Breer of the NFL Network.
General manager Jim Popp of the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes confirmed today to Eric Edholm of Yahoo! Sports that former Bengals star Chad Johnson has received his work permit to play in Canada and is “at camp as we speak.”
Following up on Chris Johnson‘s Twitter plea for the Jets to acquire Andre Johnson, Brian Costello of the New York Post takes a look at a few reasons why trading for the Texans wideout could make sense for the Jets, as well as several reasons why it may not work.

No Progress On Deal For Worilds, Steelers

May 28th, 2014 at 10:26am CST by Luke Adams

Alex Mack, one of two players who received transition tenders from their respective teams this offseason, drew some interest on the free agent market and ultimately signed a long-term offer sheet with the Jaguars, which was matched by the Browns. However, while it was an eventful offseason for Mack, we haven’t heard a whole lot about the league’s other transition player, Steelers linebacker Jason Worilds. Rival suitors didn’t seem to have much interest in making a play for Worilds, and according to Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, there have been “no productive talks” on a long-term deal for the 26-year-old.

When Worilds first accepted his one-year transition tender from the Steelers, which essentially guarantees that he’ll receive a $9.754MM salary for 2014, the two sides were believed to making progress on a multiyear agreement, but talks appear to have reached an impasse. As Robinson writes in a separate piece, Worilds seems likely to play the 2014 season on a one-year deal, which would make him eligible for unrestricted free agency again next winter.

While both Worilds and the Steelers may have interest in working out a longer-term arrangement, neither side is under tremendous pressure to get something done right away. For Worilds, who is already guaranteed nearly $10MM this season, he’d have to receive a significant offer to sign away his prime years, particularly when he’ll have a good chance to improve upon a 2013 season in which he started just 11 games and improve his value. For the Steelers, the need to reduce Worilds’ ’14 cap hit is less urgent after they released LaMarr Woodley, and the club may want to see more than one productive season as a starter out of the linebacker before committing significant years and money to him.

In 792 defensive snaps last season, Worilds recorded eight sacks and 50 overall quarterback pressures. He graded well as both a pass rusher and a run stopper, according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics, which placed him 12th overall among 3-4 outside linebackers (subscription required).

Browns Likely To Trade For Receiver?

May 28th, 2014 at 9:28am CST by Luke Adams

The odds are “better than 50-50” that the Browns will make a trade for a receiver at some point before the season, writes Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com. With Josh Gordon facing a lengthy suspension, Nate Burleson currently sidelined with a broken arm, and Greg Little having recently been cut, the team could use a little more depth at the position, even after signing veterans Miles Austin and Earl Bennett.

As Grossi notes, since 2008, no position has seen more trade action than wide receiver, where 27 players have switched teams. Grossi identifies Andre Johnson and Denarius Moore as two wideouts currently believed to be available on the trade market, though I’d be surprised if Houston decides to move Johnson this offseason. Moore is perhaps a more realistic target, after the Raiders signed James Jones in free agency and claimed Little off waivers from the Browns.

While there’s no guarantee that the Browns add a receiver of note in time for the season, general manager Ray Farmer certainly seems to be leaving the door open for that possibility. Earlier in May, Farmer downplayed the team’s need to pick a receiver in the draft, pointing to trades as one alternative route. And as Grossi points out, just last week the GM reiterated his willingness to explore all possible avenues for receiving upgrades: “We’re going to unearth every guy that’s available.”

Additionally, having picked up an extra first-rounder for 2015 in a trade with the Bills, the Browns could be more inclined to part with a later-round draft pick if it means acquiring a reliable veteran.

Domenik Hixon Tears ACL, Career In Jeopardy

May 28th, 2014 at 8:33am CST by Luke Adams

Part of the Panthers’ wide receiver exodus of 2014, Domenik Hixon inked a one-year contract with the Bears shortly after free agency opened in March, and was expected to play a role this season among a group of wideouts led by Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. However, Hixon’s season seems to have come to a premature end. The veteran receiver announced last night on Facebook that he tore his ACL during the team’s first day of OTAs.

“I tore my ACL today for the 3rd time today!” Hixon wrote. “I’m disappointed that I won’t be playing for a Bears team that has the players and coaches to WIN the Super Bowl. I thank God for letting me live my dream of playing in the NFL for 8 years plus. It has truly been FUN! ‪#‎blessed‬ ‪#‎lovethisgame‬.”

As ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter notes (via Twitter), Hixon figures to miss the 2014 season, and based on the receiver’s wording and his injury history, the latest ACL tear could mean the end of his playing career. The former fourth-round pick will turn just 30 in October, but after catching 39 balls for the Giants in 2012, he saw a reduced role in Carolina last season, hauling in just seven passes in 15 games.

Hixon hasn’t made an official decision on retirement yet, so it’s entirely possible he’ll work to rehab his knee and try to get healthy in time for the 2015 free agency period. However, it’ll be an uphill battle for the Akron product, who has accumulated 109 receptions in parts of six seasons for his career.

Extra Points: Bucs, Lions, Boone, Chargers

May 27th, 2014 at 9:22pm CST by Zachary Links

What’s harder, learning an NFL offense or studying at Harvard? Buccaneers rookie tight end Cameron Brate gave Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times the answer. “This is definitely harder,” said Brate, comparing the playbook to his classes at Cambridge. “Once you get the base down, everything builds off of that in economics. One thing that Harvard helped me out with was teaching me how to learn efficiently.” More from around the NFL..

Free agent tight end Jermichael Finley will undergo testing with the Packers tomorrow, writes Tyler Dunne of the Journal Sentinel. This could be a sign that his spinal contusion has healed and that he’s closer to getting back on the field.
The Lions worked out defensive tackle Derek Landri today, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (Twitter link) Landri, 31 in September, signed a two year, $3.25MM contract with the Buccaneers in March 2013 and was released in February of this year.
The Bucs are discussing a long-term deal with All-Pro defensive tackle Gerald McCoy but that’s not exactly at the forefront of his mind. “That’s cool,” McCoy said, according to Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times. “That sounds good, but I’m not worried about that right now.” One of McCoy’s priorities for this offseason will be to get more familiar with the Tampa 2 defense that Lovie Smith has brought back to the franchise.
The 49ers‘ method of signing promising inexperienced backups to modest contract extensions can backfire and Alex Boone is just the latest example, writes Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. The 26-year-old was a no-show for OTAs over dissatisfaction with his deal. He’s set to earn base salaries of $2MM this season and $1.2MM in 2015.
While he wouldn’t name names, Chargers GM Tom Telesco told SiriusXM that the 2014 crop of undrafted free agents is better than those that were signed in 2013, tweets Alex Marvez of FOX Sports 1.
Prized offseason pickup Chris Johnson took to Twitter to let everyone know that he wants to see the Jets go out and get disgruntled Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson. The star receiver, frustrated with several difficult seasons, was a no-show for OTAs in Houston.
The Bears‘ draft picks and free agent pickups look strong in OTAs and seem comfortable with their new surroundings and schemes, writes Matt Bowen of the Chicago Tribune. The Bears’ additions on the defensive front, including defensive end Jared Allen, give Chicago a level of flexibility that they didn’t have last season.
In this week’s mailbag, Mike Jones of the Washington Post discusses the Redskins‘ front office following the departure of Morocco Brown and Bruce Allen being bumped up to President and GM.

Latest On Cowboys, Sean Lee’s Injury

May 27th, 2014 at 9:08pm CST by Zachary Links

OTAs are supposed to be non-contact, but it appears that no one told Cowboys first-round pick Zack Martin. The offensive guard out of Notre Dame collided with middle linebacker Sean Lee earlier today and the veteran suffered a potentially season-ending left knee injury. Footage from NFL Network shows the unfortunate play, but Ed Werder of ESPN.com (on Twitter) hears that Lee’s knee gave out before there was contact. In any event, the Cowboys will have a serious void to fill if Lee is out for an extended period of time. Here’s the latest out of Dallas..

There’s no official word from the Cowboys yet, but league sources say Lee’s MRI confirms a torn ACL in his left knee which would cost him the 2014 season, tweets Ed Werder of ESPN.com.
Contractually, there’s a lot on the line for the Cowboys and Sean Lee, writes Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com. The Cowboys gave Lee a $10MM signing bunus and guaranteed him $16MM, but they gave themselves some injury protection. The six-year deal has a maximum value of $51MM, but he’ll earn closer to $42MM if he can’t play in 80% of the team’s snaps in the coming years.
After Lee went down, ESPN.com’s Calvin Watkins ran down Dallas’ potential options for replacing him. Looking in-house, the Cowboys have fourth-round pick Anthony Hitchens and sophomore DeVonte Holloman to plug the hole. There are also options in free agency, including Ernie Sims, Rocky McIntosh, and Jonathan Vilma.
If Lee is done for the year, Mike Chappell of the Indy Star (on Twitter) wonders aloud if the Cowboys could consider ex-Colts linebacker Pat Angerer. The last bit of news we heard on Angerer came in early April when he said that he had interest from several teams but wanted to make sure he’s 100% before taking free agent workouts.