2015 February - Pro Football Rumors

Pauline’s Latest: Falcons, Jets, Packers, Chiefs

February 23rd, 2015 at 12:32pm CST by Luke Adams

With the 2015 scouting combine winding down in Indianapolis, draft guru Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net has several tidbits to pass along, having spoken to a number of league insiders over the past week. While most of Pauline’s updates relate to the draft, he also has some info on the upcoming free agent period. Let’s dive in and round up the highlights from his latest report….

It’s no secret that the Falcons will be targeting a pass rusher in the first round of this year’s draft, and while there are a few players who could fit that bill in the top 10, Pauline writes that Shane Ray‘s name was “constantly associated” with the team as the leading choice.
The Jets spent a significant amount of time in Indianapolis with speedy Miami wide receiver Phillip Dorsett, who also drew interest from the Packers. According to Pauline, Green Bay is also “very high on” Clemson linebacker Stephone Anthony, who is a favorite of Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers.
The Jets are expected to be very active in free agency, as GM Mike Maccagnan has suggested, and Pauline hears that the team will target outside linebackers and defensive line depth in addition to cornerbacks. New York would also like to add a mid-value guard, though the belief is that they won’t spend big on a player like Mike Iupati.
Per Pauline, the Chiefs are eyeing Benardrick McKinney as a potential replacement for Justin Houston, if they lose Houston in free agency. While Kansas City may like McKinney, I’m skeptical that the club would let Houston get away, as he seems like a logical franchise tag candidate.
Echoing what we’ve already heard this offseason, Pauline writes that it doesn’t sound as if the Browns‘ front office is working in harmony these days. Sources familiar with the situation compared Cleveland’s situation to the one that has played out in San Francisco in recent years, and Pauline hears there’s a good deal of dissension within the organization.

FA Rumors: Clay, Miles, Johnson, Demps

February 23rd, 2015 at 10:08am CST by Luke Adams

We heard yesterday that the Bills may target tight end Charles Clay in free agency next month, but Clay remains very much in the Dolphins‘ plans, according to Andrew Abramson of the Palm Beach Post. A source with knowledge of the situation tells Abramson that it would be “very surprising” if Clay doesn’t return to Miami for the 2015 season. As Abramson notes, while Buffalo’s interest in the tight end may be legit, it’s also fair to wonder if the Bills leaked word of that interest in order to potentially drive up Clay’s price for their division rivals in Miami.

Here are a few more notes from around the league on this year’s free-agents-to-be:

The Ravens are expected to bring back safety and special-teamer Jeromy Miles, who is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next month, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. With just over two weeks until Miles would be able to sign with another club, it’s possible he dips his toe into the open market to gauge his value, but according to Wilson, a return to Baltimore appears likely.
As Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press details, there’s some confusion over whether Lions defensive end George Johnson is a restricted or unrestricted free agent this offseason. Johnson earned accrued seasons in 2011, 2012, and 2014, but his 2013 season is up for debate, since it seems he was paid for six weeks but was only on the Vikings’ roster for five Sundays. Players must be on a team’s 53-man roster for six weeks to earn an accrued season, and must accumulate four accrued seasons to be eligible for unrestricted free agency.
As he prepares to enter the free agent market, Giants safety Quintin Demps has hired agent Drew Rosenhaus to represent him, tweets Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports.
Mike Klis of the Denver Post takes a look at which Broncos free agents have the best chance of returning to Denver, speculating that Terrance Knighton, Orlando Franklin, Julius Thomas, Wes Welker, and Rahim Moore are all “probably gone.”

Saints Negotiating To Keep Jahri Evans

February 23rd, 2015 at 8:54am CST by Luke Adams

Even accounting for a $143MM salary cap for 2015, the Saints are currently projected to be about $21MM over the threshold, meaning the team will have to make a handful of moves to get under the cap prior to the new league year. One such move may involve releasing high-priced guard Jahri Evans, but according to Katherine Terrell of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the Saints have reached out to Evans’ camp to try to find a way to keep the veteran lineman.

Evans is currently on New Orleans’ books for $11MM for the 2015 season, the highest cap hit for any guard in the NFL. Releasing him, which Terrell reports the Saints were initially prepared to do, would create $6MM in cap savings, leaving $5MM in dead money on the club’s books. Reworking the deal to incorporate a pay cut likely wouldn’t create quite that much cap room, but it would allow the Saints to hang onto a player who has made six consecutive Pro Bowls, and would help the team make some progress toward getting under the cap.

Evans’ current contract runs through the 2016 season, and by the start of the 2017 campaign, he’d be 34 years old, so the Saints may not be inclined to tack any extra years onto the deal. Still, Terrell hears from a source that the veteran’s top choice is to remain with the Saints, and with the possibility of a release lingering as a viable option for New Orleans, he may be willing to reduce his salary in exchange for some additional guaranteed money.

Even if they work out something with Evans, the Saints will have to address the contracts for a number of other players, including their other guard, Ben Grubbs, who counts for $9.6MM against 2015’s cap. Head coach Sean Payton recently indicated that his team doesn’t currently have any plans to restructure Drew Brees‘ contract – which features a $26.4MM cap number – so if that’s the case, then players like Junior Galette, Jimmy Graham, Jairus Byrd, and Marques Colston look like top candidates to have their deals tweaked.

Giants Planning To Franchise JPP

February 23rd, 2015 at 7:57am CST by Luke Adams

FEBRUARY 23, 7:57am: Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link) confirms that the Giants do indeed plan to use their franchise tag on Pierre-Paul if no long-term deal is reached by the March 2 deadline.

FEBRUARY 17, 9:18am: If the Giants intend to use the franchise tag on Pierre-Paul, that hasn’t yet been conveyed to him or his camp, tweets Jordan Raanan of NJ.com.

8:53am: Jason Pierre-Paul would be one of the top free agents available on March 10 if he were allowed to reach the open market, but it appears as if the Giants will make every effort to ensure that if Pierre-Paul is still unsigned when free agency opens, he’ll come at an exorbitant cost for any rival suitors. According to Steve Serby of the New York Post, the Giants are planning to place the non-exclusive franchise tag on JPP before the March 2 deadline.

As we explain in our glossary entry on the franchise and transition tags, the non-exclusive tag still allows a player to negotiate with other teams, and gives his previous team a few days to match any offer sheet he signs with another club. In JPP’s case, if the Giants assigned the non-exclusive tag and then chose not to match an offer sheet, the club would receive two first-round picks as compensation for losing the standout edge defender.

Based on Serby’s report, it sounds like the Giants still prefer working out a longer-term deal with Pierre-Paul, so wielding the franchise tag in advance of the March 2 deadline could also serve as a negotiating tool — it’s possible the two sides come to an agreement before that date, though if they don’t, they could still work something out in the coming weeks or months.

According to Serby, New York would like to lock up JPP to a deal that pays him something like $11MM or $12MM annually, which would be a step down from a one-year franchise salary that figures to fall between $14-15MM. If and when the Giants extend that one-year franchise tender offer to the former first-round pick, he would be free to accept it immediately — barring a long-term agreement, that would lock him into that franchise salary for 2015 and would not allow the team to withdraw the offer.

Although Pierre-Paul got off to a slow start in 2014, he finished strong, and his 77 tackles and 12.5 sacks were his best totals since he was a First-Team All-Pro in 2011. The South Florida product – who turns 26 at the end of the month – ranked as the seventh-best 4-3 defensive end in the league last season, according to Pro Football Focus’ grades (subscription required).

NFC Links: Cardinals, Fairley, Cowboys, Vikings

February 22nd, 2015 at 10:44pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Oscar’s were the big story this Sunday, but in case you missed any of the NFL tidbits that spread while you were rooting for your favorite movie of the year, here are some links surrounding NFC teams:

Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com takes a look at the Cardinals salary cap situation going into the offseason. He writes that the team should be all in on 2015, and could afford to take some risks to put them over the top.
Cardinals running back Andre Ellington averaged only 3.3 yards per carry this past season under an increased workload, down from a fantastic 5.5 yards per carry as a rookie in 2013. The organization still believes he can be the focal point of the offense, but that he needs to get bigger and stronger in order to carry that load, writes Chris Wesseling of NFL.com
The Lions had a very positive interview with defensive tackle Nick Fairley at the combine today, and expressed interest in keeping him in Detroit, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
In Cowboys’ news, Kevin Sherrington of DallasNews.com suggests that the team is not dependent on a Dez Bryant deal in order to move on with other roster moves this offseason, and his colleague Rainer Sabin writes that he does not expect the franchise tag to alter Bryant’s on-field performance if the Cowboys decide to use it on him this offseason.
The Vikings’ front office has been looking closely at running backs in the combine, with plans to either supplement or replace Adrian Peterson depending on what happens this offseason, writes Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune.
Washington executive A.J. Smith will not be returning to the team, according to Zac Boyer of the Washington Times who cites a Providence Journal report (via Twitter). Boyer notes that this isn’t a surprise, as team president Bruce Allen hinted at it when Scott McCloughan was hired as the team’s general manager.

Ravens Notes: McPhee, Johnson, Flacco

February 22nd, 2015 at 8:33pm CST by Rob DiRe

Ravens pass rusher Pernell McPhee is set to be the surprise star of free agency, despite starting only six games since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Due to his age and versatility, Chris Wesseling of NFL.com writes that he has hit the “free agency jackpot.”

Wesseling cites reports that McPhee could be in line for a deal with between $8MM and $10MM in annual salary. That type of contract is reliant on more than one year of part-time pass rushing prowess. McPhee’s potential comes from being 26 years old, having great size at 6’3″ and 280 pounds, and the ability to line up all over the field, rushing the passer from outside linebacker, inside linebacker, defensive end, and nose tackle in 2014.

The Colts, Falcons, Browns, and Raiders are all considered potential landing spots for his services, according to Wesseling. The Ravens’ cap situation will make it nearly impossible for them to compete for his services in free agency.

Here are some other notes from around the Ravens organization as free agency approaches:

Since the Jets declined Chris Johnson‘s option for 2015, there has been a link made between the former 2,000 yard rusher and the Ravens. This link has been made due to the team’s interest in Johnson last offseason, writes Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com. Hensley notes that the team was looking for insurance after Ray Rice‘s down 2013 season, but Johnson decided to go to the Jets where there was a clearer path to a starting job. However, this offseason the Ravens will likely avoid Johnson, who is declining and is coming off legal issues of his own.
Hensley also examines the contract situation of quarterback Joe Flacco, who has a large cap number that will restrict the team’s ability to maneuver the roster. Hensley writes that his cap number is manageable at $14.55MM this year, but the team will look to address it next offseason before it jumps all the way to $28.55MM, which would be the highest in the NFL for 2016.
The Ravens have a few needs on offense, but the biggest position of need on defense is in the secondary, specifically at cornerback. Unfortunately for them, this looks to be a limited market of available corners, and there will be plenty of suitors driving up the price of the few top options, writes Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Wilson sees Byron Maxwell setting the market at between $8MM and $10MM per year, with other options such as Kareem Jackson, Buster Skrine, Davon House, and Brandon Flowers all falling in just behind those numbers as teams become more desperate to land a top tier corner.

James Harrison To Play In 2015

February 22nd, 2015 at 6:47pm CST by Rob DiRe

Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison has decided that he would like to play football in 2015, according to Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (via Twitter).

Harrison had been mulling retirement, but had planned to make an announcement on his future in advance of the start of free agency on March 10.

The longtime Steeler had previously retired after a rocky year with the division rival Bengals and some flirtation with the Cardinals last offseason. Of course, he was coaxed out of retirement early in the season after the Steelers dealt with a number of injuries to their young linebacking group.

Last year, Harrison gave special consideration to the Steelers because of his history there and familiarity with the scheme. It is unclear if he would have come out of retirement to play with another team on such short notice.

As for this season, Kaboly writes that Harrison would prefer to come back with the Steelers. That would depend on what the Steelers want, with Lawrence Timmons, Jarvis Jones, and Ryan Shazier expected to make up three out of the four spots in the starting rotation for linebackers. If Jason Worilds leaves in free agency, Harrison could be a cheap alternative to provide a pass rush.

L.A. Notes: Chargers, Raiders, San Antonio

February 22nd, 2015 at 6:00pm CST by Rob DiRe

The NFL is serious about bringing the league back to Los Angeles, even though it hasn’t happened in time to get games there in 2015. Still, the future of the NFL is moving toward a return to one of the nation’s largest markets, writes Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times.

Steelers owner Art Rooney II notes that this commitment is not in sentiment only, but in actual financial investment. Rooney is serving as chairman of the NFL committee looking into moving to L.A.

“People are actually investing dollars into getting something done,” said Rooney. “People can take that as maybe we’re more serious than we’ve been over the last decade or so.”

Here are some other notes surrounding the teams considering relocation to Los Angeles:

Chargers owner Dean Spanos and San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer met to discuss the team’s need to explore other options in case they cannot reach an agreement to stay at Qualcomm Stadium, according to Kevin Acee of the U-T San Diego (via Twitter). The team released a statement regarding the meeting between Spanos and Faulconer. The comes on the heels of a joint proposal with the Raiders to finance a stadium in Los Angeles.
While the Raiders and Chargers are currently working together on their journey towards relocation, the idea that the joint proposal will seal the deal is premature. The Raiders will need to see significant progress over the next 30 days in order to take this process to the next step, writes Matier and Ross of SFGate.com.
The Raiders may still be trying to head back to Los Angeles, but the city of San Antonio has not given up its efforts to bring the team to the state of Texas, writes Darin Gantt of Pro Football Talk. “The concerted efforts of San Antonio’s public and private sectors remain focused on a long-term vision to bring the Raiders to the Alamo City,” according to a statement released by the city.
The Raiders may be the wild card in this whole relocation process, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com (via Twitter). The Chargers and Rams are both looking to Los Angeles, but the Raiders could stay in Oakland, go to San Antonio, or even replace the Rams in St. Louis, in addition to the L.A. possibility.

Washington Tweaks DeAngelo Hall’s Contract

February 22nd, 2015 at 4:36pm CST by Dallas Robinson

After signing a four-year extension worth $17MM in February of last year, Washington cornerback DeAngelo Hall played in only three games before tearing his Achilles and being placed on injured reserve. He later re-tore the Achilles in October, leaving his future even further in doubt. With that in mind, Hall agreed to a contract restructure that will eliminate his 2015 salary guarantees, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com.

The 31-year-old Hall was set to earn a base salary of $4MM next season. Per Yates, $1MM of that salary was scheduled to become guaranteed on February 15. At some point before that date, Hall agreed to tweak his contact so that the entire $4MM salary is non-guaranteed. If he makes the roster, Hall will make the same amount he was originally due. But as Mike Jones of the Washington Post tweets, the move gives Washington some financial flexibility if Hall isn’t back to full form when training camp arrives. It’s just my speculation, but I would guess the club told Hall he would be released had he not agreed to this move.

Hall will compete will young Washington defensive backs David Amerson and Bashaud Breeland for playing time in 2015. As Yates writes, the team is expected to target secondary help in both free agency and the draft.

NFC Notes: Peterson, Packers, Falcons, Dez

February 22nd, 2015 at 4:04pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Refuting a portion of last night’s report from Jason Cole of Bleacher Report, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press writes that Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has in fact not asked for a trade. Cole had indicated that Peterson prefers to play for the Cowboys, but sources tell Tomasson that isn’t the case. Perhaps more interestingly, Tomasson reports that the Vikings have not approached Peterson about taking a pay cut from his 2015 $12.75MM base salary. The 2012 NFL MVP recently said he was “uneasy” about a return to Minnesota, but Tomasson writes that Peterson is willing to return to the club.

Here’s more from the NFC:

The Packers have not yet begun talks with free-agent-to-be Tramon Williams, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. The 32-year-old cornerback is coming off a season in which he started all 16 games and earned $6.9MM. In a thin CB market, he’s near the top of the list of available options. But sources tell Demovsky that general manager Ted Thompson is more focused on retaining two other pending Packers FAs, receiver Randall Cobb and tackle Bryan Bulaga.
The Falcons will enter free agency with more than $25MM in cap space to work with, and as GM Thomas Dimitroff explains to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the club is ready make upgrades. Specifically, Dimitroff noted that Atlanta could add several free agent pushers that would fit new coach Dan Quinn’s scheme.
Dez Bryant is a prime candidate for the franchise tag, and while Cowboys owner Jerry Jones doesn’t expect the star pass-catcher to sulk if he is tagged, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk outlines how Bryant could turn the situation in his favor.
The free agent receiver class will be exceptionally strong this offseason, leading Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times to examine how market factors could affect the Bears’ decision on Brandon Marshall.