HEADLINES

Month: November 2024

No Deal Yet Between Lynch, Seahawks

February 21st, 2015 at 8:02pm CST by Dallas Robinson

8:02pm: Hendrickson is clear to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk: “There is no deal,” Hendrickson said. “We are talking.” Lynch has not signed a deal, and given his mercurial nature, Florio writes there’s no guarantee that he will.

7:42pm: The Seahawks have a new deal in place with running back Marshawn Lynch, league sources tell Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link), who expects the contract to be formally announced in the coming days. While Lynch’s agent, Doug Hendrickson, tweets that no in agreement is in place as of yet, La Canfora reports (via Twitter) that Seattle’s offer (reported earlier by Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports) will result in a deal being reached. Meanwhile, Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports says (Twitter link) that nothing between the two parties is imminent, so it sounds like this is a fluid situation.

If La Canfora is correct, Lynch will earn $12MM in 2015 and $9MM in 2016, though the Seahawks understand that the 28-year-old could retire after the upcoming season (link). Lynch had been scheduled to earn a $5MM base salary in ’15 — combined with his $1MM bonus proration and a $2MM roster bonus, he would have counted $8.5MM against the cap. “Beast Mode” has recently contemplated retirement, and reports have indicated that his back troubles could ultimately lead him to hang up his cleats. But if the hangup on his decision is money, this new pact should be enough for Lynch to hold off on retirement for at least more season.

The Seahawks went through a protracted contract dispute with Lynch prior to last season, but the two sides ultimately inked a new deal that guaranteed the running back $6.5MM. Lynch went on to rush for than 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns, catching another 37 passes out of the backfield as Seattle made its second consecutive Super Bowl. If the Seahawks are able to work out a new pact with Lynch, they’ll presumably turn their attention to extending other notable players such as Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner.

Cowboys Notes: Dez, Murray, Romo, Jerry

February 21st, 2015 at 5:40pm CST by Dallas Robinson

There’s been plenty of Cowboys-related news already this afternoon, as we learned that Dallas management is waiting to hear from free agent receiver Dez Bryant‘s agent, and that fellow free agent Rolando McClain is facing a four-game fine after a third failed drug test. Let’s take a look at some more notes from Big D…

  • Bryant has made it clear that he won’t be pleased if the Cowboys use the franchise tag on him, and owner Jerry Jones also indicated that the franchise tag isn’t the optimal outcome. “I can tell you I’m not that excited about the franchise tag with Dez simply because I’d like to have our agreement and our business in place for a long time to come with Dez,” Jones told Todd Archer of ESPN.com. Dallas has until March 2 to use the franchise tag on Bryant, and then would have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term extension.
  • Running back DeMarco Murray is also a pending free agent, and the Cowboys have an idea of what they’d be willing to pay the 2014 Offensive Player of the Year. But given how critical Murray was to the offense last season, Jones tells Archer that he will have some “serious flexibility” regarding Murray’s salary range.
  • If Murray is re-signed, he’ll probably have a lighter workload in 2015, as Archer writes. Murray led the league with 392 carries last year, and Jones doesn’t believe it’s feasible for Murray’s snap count to be as high in 2015. Backup running back Joseph Randle has already faced legal trouble this offseason, however, while fellow RB Lance Dunbar is a free agent.
  • The Cowboys will make decisions on their future with the idea that Tony Romo will be their quarterback for the next five years, Jones tells Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News. Romo will turn 35 years old in April, so the five-year window might seem optimistic, but the veteran QB is signed through 2019.

Browns Notes: Hundley, Shorts, Hoyer

February 21st, 2015 at 4:39pm CST by Rob DiRe

Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston may be getting all of the attention this draft season, but the Browns may have some lingering feelings for UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley.

The team selected Johnny Manziel in the first round last season, but after proving ineffective on the field and immature off of it, the team will approach the offseason as if they still need to acquire a starting quarterback.

The Browns will probably not have a chance at selecting either of the top two quarterbacks, but Hundley could be available for them in the middle of the first round or even possibly the beginning of round two. The Browns would have considered Hundley in the top 10 picks last year had he declared for the NFL draft, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN (via Twitter).

Matt Miller of Bleacher Report added to Schefter’s report by writing that the Browns’ staff had been actively petitioning Hundley to declare early last year (via Twitter). He does clarify that the staff has undergone significant changes since then, including offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan moving to a Falcons’ team not in the market for a quarterback, although QB coach Dowell Loggains is now with the Bears, who could consider a quarterback in this drat (via Twitter). Miller also notes that former general manager Joe Banner favored Teddy Bridgewater more than any quarterback in the draft (via Twitter).

Here are a few other notes from around Browns’ camp:

  • The Browns will have a number of wide receiver options in free agency, but Cecil Shorts could be one of their top targets, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN (via Twitter).
  • Fowler also adds that the team could use Shorts as a complementary piece, while they could look for a true number one wideout in the first round of the draft.
  • The Browns have not had a chance to negotiate a deal to bring Brian Hoyer back in 2015, writes Fowler. The Browns have expressed interest in making a deal, but Hoyer has been distant while waiting for the fallout of texting scandal between Ray Farmer and an assistant coach becomes more clear.

Cowboys Waiting On Dez Bryant’s Agents

February 21st, 2015 at 3:45pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Cowboys have not had any recent contact with superstar receiver Dez Bryant‘s agents, according to Clarence Hill of the Star-Telegram (via Twitter). However, Hill writes that the team has already made a serious offer to keep the embattled touchdown machine.

The team is now waiting on Bryant’s agents to contact them regarding the offer in order to continue negotiations.

Hill writes that the team has given a number of offers already as this process has moved on, before Bryant changed agents in November. The team believed they were close to getting a deal done at that time (via Twitter).

Bryant and Roc Nation will take time to consider the offer before contacting the Cowboys and move forward towards getting a long-term deal finished. The Cowboys still hold some leverage in that they can use the franchise tag on Bryant to guarantee his presence on the team in 2015. Of course if they can get a deal done soon, they will have the option of using the franchise tag on DeMarco Murray.

Seahawks Offer Marshawn Lynch Extension

February 21st, 2015 at 2:21pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Seahawks have made an offer to star running back Marshawn Lynch that could keep him with the team as one of the highest-paid runners in football for the next two years, reports Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports.

The deal will reportedly be worth between $11MM and $12MM in the first year, followed by a $9MM base salary in year two, and could be a three-year contract.

Lynch is currently scheduled to earn $5MM in base salary in the last year of his contract, but the proposed extension would make him the second-highest paid running back in the NFL in 2015, after Adrian Peterson.

Lynch had been considering retirement, but the Seahawks are hoping this new extension will entice him to remain with the team and try to match his 1,300 yards and 13 touchdown production from 2014.

Rolando McClain Facing Third Failed Drug Test

February 21st, 2015 at 1:36pm CST by Rob DiRe

Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain has violated the league’s substance abuse policy for the third time, according to Adam Schefter and Todd Archer of ESPN (via Twitter).

McClain obviously has a checkered history that includes having the final year of his guaranteed contract with the Raiders voided before moving to Baltimore, retiring, unretiring, and being traded to the Cowboys. However, he was a revelation in Rod Marinelli’s defense, filling in at middle linebacker and playing himself back into an NFL commodity.

Under the NFL’s policy, the third failed test will result in a fine only, and no suspension at this time. However, a fourth failed test will come with an automatic four-game suspension, according to Schefter (via Twitter).

McClain is set to become a free agent this offseason, and after spending 2014 answering some questions about his ability to take his job seriously both on and off the field, this will be a huge blow to his rehabilitated image. Any team that considers pursuing him will have the threat of a four-game suspension and the black cloud that comes with it hanging over the signing, and will most definitely be a deterrent in team’s taking a chance on him with a guaranteed deal.

NFC Mailbags: Cowboys, Panthers, Lions, Rams

February 21st, 2015 at 12:27pm CST by Ben Levine

We took a look at ESPN.com’s AFC mailbags earlier this morning. Let’s now shift our focus to the NFC…

AFC Mailbags: Bowe, Jags, Revis, Ravens

February 21st, 2015 at 11:34am CST by Ben Levine

It’s Saturday morning, and that means ESPN.com’s NFL writers are opening their mailbags to answer questions from readers. Let’s start with some whispers from the AFC…

  • Adam Teicher doesn’t believe the Chiefs want to cut wideout Dwayne Bowe. Despite the wideout’s $14MM salary in 2015, the Chiefs would be thin at the position if they were to cut the veteran. Without Bowe, the team would only have De’Anthony Thomas and Albert Wilson as established receiving threats.
  • Michael DiRocco isn’t a fan of trading the Jaguars first-round pick. The writer is seeking an elite pass-rusher with the selection, and he isn’t optimistic the team will be able to draft that kind of player if they move down the draft board.
  • Looking at some skill positions on offense, DiRocco doesn’t think the Jaguars will prioritize the running game in either the draft or free agency. Reversely, DiRocco could envision the team signing and drafting a tight end.
  • Rich Cimini is under the impression that Darrelle Revis will stay with the Patriots. If the cornerback were to become available, the writer favors the Jets as a destination over the Bills. While Revis has a great relationship with Rex Ryan, Cimini ultimately believes the All-Pro defensive back wants to play in a big market.
  • The Ravens offseason focus on receivers will depend heavily on whether Torrey Smith returns to Baltimore. If the wideout (or organization) decides to move on, Jamison Hensley could see the team pursuing a wideout in either the draft, free agency, or trade. One name the writer suggests is Saints receiver Marques Colston.

NFC Links: Johnson, Eagles, Packers, Gore

February 21st, 2015 at 10:51am CST by Ben Levine

Some notes from around the NFC…

  • Despite Calvin Johnson‘s 2016 cap-hit of more than $24MM, Lions general manager Martin Mayhew made it clear that the team would do whatever it takes to keep the talented wideout in Detroit. “Calvin’s a stud,” Mayhew said (via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press). “Calvin’s a great player. He’s a phenomenal player. He has a very bright future and a very bright past. I plan on him being around for a long time. He’s a heck of a player.”
  • Draft prospect Eric Kendricks would be thrilled to play with his brother, linebacker Mychal Kendricks, on the Eagles. “Man, that’d be crazy,” the UCLA linebacker told Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com. “I played with him in high school and I think I took it for granted at the time, as far as how cool it was. But that would be unreal to say the least.” The younger Kendricks brother is expected to be a late-first, early-second round pick.
  • Jason Pierre-Paul is the type of pass-rusher Falcons head coach Dan Quinn loves, and D. Orlando Ledbetter says the organization is keeping an eye on the Giants defensive end.
  • Former Packers special teams coordinator Shawn Slocum still had one season left on his contract, ESPN’s Rob Demovsky points out (via Twitter). As a result, the team will pay the ousted coach for 2015.
  • Following news that 49ers running back Frank Gore could be seeking $4MM annually, Eric Branch of the San Franciscion Chronicle questions whether the veteran is worth the asking price. Ultimately, the writer believes the team will let Gore walk if he can “fetch” that $4MM in free agency.

Browns Eyeing Sam Bradford

February 21st, 2015 at 9:37am CST by Ben Levine

The Browns quarterback situation was a bit tumultuous in 2014, but it was expected to clear up in 2015. That may no longer be the case, as Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole says the organization will “take a real run” at Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (via Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com):

“Bradford, whether they trade for him or whether he gets cut, that’s a guy at the top of their list,” Cole said (via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com). “Bradford is the guy that most people are saying if the Browns have a chance to get him, especially with a relatively cheap trade, say a second-round pick, maybe a third-round, that they’ll take a real run at him.”

The interest in Bradford is curious, especially considering the team’s investment in first-round pick Johnny Manziel only last year. Of course, Johnny Football’s rookie campaign didn’t go as well as many had hoped, but despite the 22-year-old entering a rehab program, it sounded like the organization was still committed to their young quarterback. Manziel finished his rookie season with 175 and two interceptions. He also ran for 29 yards and a touchdown on nine attempts.

Of course, the team’s pursuit of Bradford would be fruitless if the Rams refuse to give up the 27-year-old. Head coach Jeff Fisher stressed yesterday that the organization plans to keep Bradford, and general manager Les Snead indicated that they’d rather add quarterbacks than subtract them.

“I don’t think that’s the answer,” he told Cabot. “I think the answer is providing insurance in case we do go through more bad luck. Let’s rehab (Bradford). And then when he’s healthy, let’s let him go compete. And I think the guy’s got a chance to be a heck of a starting quarterback. Let’s insure the position. And that just gives us options in case we do have bad luck.”

Following an injury-ravaged 2013 season, Bradford tore his ACL in the Rams third preseason game this past season. In his last full season in 2012, he passed for 3,702 yards, 21 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

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