2015 February - Pro Football Rumors

Lions Hire Special Teams Coach Joe Marciano

February 7th, 2015 at 4:59pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Lions have hired Joe Marciano to be their special teams coach, reports Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, per Thayer Evans of Sports Illustrated (via Twitter). Marciano served as the Vikings interim special teams coordinator last year, and spent 11 seasons previously with the Houston Texans (Twitter link).

He replaces John Bonamego, who accepted the head coaching position at Central Michigan University.

Brian Hoyer On Browns Offseason

February 7th, 2015 at 3:17pm CST by Rob DiRe

Free agent quarterback Brian Hoyer is set up to have a very interesting offseason. The Browns enjoyed most of their success in 2014 with Hoyer at the helm, but he struggled down the stretch and hurt his value with some bad performances.

Given Johnny Manziel‘s struggles both on and off the field, the team is interested in bringing back Hoyer for 2015. Hoyer may have other suitors however, and is not a lock to return to Cleveland.

Hoyer spoke out about some different parts of the offseason at the Great Big Home and Garden Show at the I-X Center in Cleveland, and a few local writers were able to share his thoughts. All links on Hoyer’s interview are via Twitter, or from previous PFR posts.

On offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan being unhappy with the team, Hoyer said, “To say I was unaware, I’d be lying,” according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He also noted how unusual the situation was. “Speaks for itself,” said Hoyer, according to Pat McManamon of ESPN.com. “You don’t just leave a job to leave.”
On Josh Gordon‘s most recent suspension, Hoyer said “It’s disappointing it’s gotten to this point. Hopefully he can figure it out,” writes Cabot.
Hoyer admitted that he wasn’t aware of the severity Manziel’s personal problems, according to Jeff Schudel of the News-Herald. Hoyer said “It takes a big person to take those steps. I’m hoping for the best for him,” according to McManamon.
On whether he would get the chance to start for a team in 2015, Hoyer said “Yeah, no doubt,” according to Cabot.
With free agency still a month away, Hoyer notes that it is early to think about where he will end up, writes Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com. On the chances of returning to the Browns in 2015, Hoyer said “All options are on the table,” per Cabot. Whether Hoyer signs with the Browns or not, McManamon writes that the team will hold a special place in the QB’s heart. “For me all options are on the table, and obviously Cleveland has a big place in my heart,” Hoyer said. “My heart is here. Regardless of whether I’m here or not, I want to see the Cleveland Browns to do well.”
Grossi also noted that Hoyer is interested in finding out what happened with the Browns and “Textgate,” and passes along Hoyer’s thoughts on his relationship with quarterbacks coach Kevin O’Connell.

NFC North Links: Packers, Briggs, Bell, Smith

February 7th, 2015 at 1:59pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Packers kept three quarterbacks on the active roster last season for the first time in five years, but it is unclear whether the team will elect to do so again in 2015, writes Weston Hodkiewicz of PackersNews.com. Matt Flynn served as Aaron Rodgers‘ backup but the team was worried that putting Scott Tolzien on the practice squad would leave him vulnerable to being signed away from the roster.

If the Packers need the extra roster spot next season, they will have to make a choice between the two players. However, Rodgers hopes that he will once again get a chance to have both of them in the room with quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt. “Both different personalities, but great teammates,” Rodgers said. “Those guys are a lot of fun. It would be great to have them back.”

Here are some other links from around the NFC North:

Longtime Bears stalwart Lance Briggs could be looking for a new team for the first time in his career. However, there is one team that he has already crossed off his list, in the division rival Packers, writes David Just of the Chicago Sun-Times. Briggs said so very succinctly when asked yesterday about the possibility (via Twitter).
Lions running back Joique Bell is coming back from offseason surgery, and looking forward to another chance at getting into the playoffs, writes Justin Rogers of MLive.com. The biggest thing for Bell is bringing back star defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, suggesting that Calvin Johnson will have to restructure his contract to make sure they can re-sign him. “We’ll have to talk to Calvin, see if he can do something,” Bell said. “We just need him back. Come back, Suh.”
Vikings safety Harrison Smith is also coming back from surgery and focused on his future. As he is coming closer to free agency, he has made sure the team knows he is interested in staying in Minnesota for a while, writes Matt Vensel of StarTribune.com. “That’s all I’ve thought of doing,” Smith said. “I have no intentions of going anywhere else. I’ll just let [my agency] handle it. I’m just here to play football and we’ll see what happens.”

AFC Links: Woodson, Titans, Pats, Skrine

February 7th, 2015 at 12:30pm CST by Ben Levine

Let’s check out some assorted notes from around the AFC…

Following his tenure with the Packers, veteran cornerback Charles Woodson inked a contract with the Raiders. Woodson admitted that his agent had reached out to the Lions during the 2012 offseason, but there was little interest from the franchise. “I was kind of throwing some lines out there to see where the interest was,” Woodson said (via ESPN.com’s Michael Rothstein). “Most teams, coming out of Green Bay, everybody thought I was pretty much done. Washed up. Couldn’t run anymore. I heard all of the adjectives to describe me…They were one of those teams that probably thought that.”
Michael Oher was just one of many offseason additions that didn’t work out for the Titans in 2014, writes ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky. Linebacker Wesley Woodyard lost his job to a rookie, running back Dexter McCluster made little impact offensively, defensive lineman Al Woods ultimately settled into a backup role and linebacker Shaun Phillips was cut in November.
In a series of tweets, Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap partially attributes the Patriots cap-conscious approach to the team’s inability to keep running back Curtis Martin. The franchise’s lack of cap flexibility during the 1998 offseason had a lasting impact on the organization, and the team vowed to never be in that kind of situation again.
Count Browns defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil among those who’d like to see defensive back Buster Skrine back with the team next season. “Buster is one of my favorite guys on the defense,” O’Neil previously said (via Kevin Jones of ClevelandBrowns.com). “He embodies ‘Play Like a Brown.’ I don’t ever want to let good players walk out the door.”

NFC Mailbags: Panthers, Washington, Lions

February 7th, 2015 at 12:01pm CST by Ben Levine

We took a look at ESPN.com’s AFC mailbags earlier this morning. Let’s now check out notes from the NFC…

While some in the organization may believe in second chances, David Newton can’t envision Panthers owner Jerry Richardson welcoming back defensive end Greg Hardy.
Newton doesn’t believe wideout Philly Brown is the answer opposite Kelvin Benjamin, and as a result, the writer suggests the Panthers pursue a speedy receiver this offseason.
John Keim writes that Washington may look to reduce wideout Pierre Garcon‘s $9.7MM cap number for next season. While fellow receiver Andre Roberts didn’t have the best season, Keim believes he’s safe for at least 2015.
If Ndamukong Suh signs elsewhere, it wouldn’t surprise Michael Rothstein if the Lions replace the All-Pro defensive lineman with someone like Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton.
Switching to the offensive line, Rothstein believes Larry Warford and Travis Swanson may be the only players locked into the Lions starting lineup. If the team were to pursue a free agent, the writer suggests 49ers guard Mike Iupati.

AFC Mailbags: Chiefs, Jags, Bengals, Ravens

February 7th, 2015 at 10:54am CST by Ben Levine

It’s Saturday morning, and that means ESPN.com’s NFL writers are opening their mailbags and answering questions from readers. Let’s check out some interesting notes from the AFC…

While the Chiefs could certainly use a speedy wideout, Adam Teicher doesn’t think Andy Reid will pursue Jeremy Maclin. Reid was Maclin’s head coach for four seasons in Philadelphia.
Meanwhile, Teicher doubts the Chiefs will cut wideouts Junior Hemingway and A.J. Jenkins, but he wouldn’t be shocked to see the team part ways with Donnie Avery.
If the Jaguars were to overspend on one free agent, Michael DiRocco believes it would be Broncos tight end Julius Thomas. The writer also mentions that Ndamukong Suh is likely out of the team’s price range.
Coley Harvey says the Bengals will not be using a draft pick on a quarterback this season. The team is committed to Andy Dalton as their starter, and Harvey suggests the team could bring back veteran Jason Campbell to compete with A.J. McCarron for the backup spot.
The Ravens have shown a willingness to trade for veteran wideouts, so Jamison Hensley writes that you “can’t rule out” the team trying to acquire Buccaneers receiver Vincent Jackson.

NFC Links: Eagles, Lynch, Suh, Panthers

February 7th, 2015 at 9:28am CST by Ben Levine

Former offensive tackle Tra Thomas was a member of the Eagles coaching staff this past season, but the 40-year-old wasn’t retained for 2015. Thomas spent time as a full-time assistant on both offense and defense, and he felt like he was actually making an impact on the players.

As a result, it was a surprise when he learned he wouldn’t be back with the organization next season.

“I was a little bit surprised just because when I switched over to the outside linebackers, they improved last year,” Thomas said on 97.5 The Fanatic in Philly (via Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com). “The last season, they put up 16 sacks, and then you switch me over to the other side, I start working with ’em, and then this past season we put up 26.5 sacks. Connor Barwin went from five sacks to 14.5 sacks. So I was a little bit surprised just because you can look at the numbers and see that there was improvement in that group. But it’s just the way it goes.

“I went in and asked Coach [Kelly] what my situation was gonna be, and what I was told was that position I had was just kind of something they made up for me to get me some experience on this side of the game, and that it’s not gonna exist next year.”

More from the Eagles amid notes from the NFC…

Looking ahead towards the Eagles‘ tight end depth in 2015, Kapadia believes the team will ultimately keep Brent Celek and Zach Ertz. Due to James Casey‘s contract, Kapadia believes the team will part ways with the veteran if they think Trey Burton can adequately replace him.
It isn’t a guarantee that running back Marshawn Lynch will play in the NFL next season, writes Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com. With only one year remaining on his contract, Florio believes the threat of Lynch not playing could be enough to force the Seahawks to pay the running back. According to the writer, there’s also a chance that the 28-year-old has simply decided he’s “had enough.”
Following news yesterday that the Lions informed a free agent defensive tackle that they expect Ndamukong Suh to be back in Detroit next season, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press says the two sides have not resumed negotiations.
As the Panthers seek help on the offensive line, Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer suggests the team checks out former Ravens and Titans lineman Michael Oher. The former first-rounder was released by Tennessee earlier this week.

2015 Salaries Become Guaranteed For Sherman, Thomas, Others

February 7th, 2015 at 8:47am CST by Ben Levine

Five members of the NFC champion Seahawks will have their 2015 base salaries become fully guaranteed today, as former agent Joel Corry explains on CBSSports.com. This list includes cornerback Richard Sherman, safety Earl Thomas, linebacker K.J. Wright and defensive ends Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril.

Sherman’s guaranteed salary in 2015 is $10MM, the highest of the group. Combined with his $2.2MM signing bonus, the cornerback’s cap hit will be worth an estimated $12.2MM next season. This total is more than three times the value of Sherman’s cap hit last season. Meanwhile, one of Sherman’s fellow defensive backs will also be earning a chunk of change today. Thomas’ $5.5MM salary becomes guaranteed, meaning the All-Pro safety will count for $7.4MM against the ‘Hawks cap (counting the player’s $1.9MM prorated signing bonus).

Wright’s salary and cap hit will take a significant jump in 2015. The linebacker’s $3.75MM is now full guaranteed, and coupled with the player’s $1MM signing bonus, Wright counts for $4.75 against the cap. Michael Bennett’s cap hit will be worth twice as much as its 2014 value, as the defensive end’s $6MM salary is now guaranteed. Combined with the player’s $2MM signing bonus, Bennett will count for $8MM against the cap. Finally, fellow defensive end Avril had his $7.5MM salary guaranteed. Add that total to the veteran’s $500K signing bonus, and the player’s cap hit is worth $8MM (a drop from last season’s value).

Two other members of the organization had their contracts partially guaranteed today. Safety Kam Chancellor had $4.45MM of his $4.55MM salary guaranteed, meaning his cap hit is worth $5.5MM. $2.3MM of wideout Doug Baldwin‘s $2.8MM salary becomes guaranteed today, meaning the player now counts for an estimated $3.9MM against the cap.

AFC Links: Manning, Ngata, Hughes, Incognito

February 6th, 2015 at 10:54pm CST by Rob DiRe

Even with a coaching change and big decisions to make on Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas, the Broncos’ offseason will more or less be about whether or not Peyton Manning returns in 2015.

If Tony Dungy is correct, Manning will be back next year, according to the Associated Press on IndyStar.com.

“I was with him last week and he didn’t give me any indication one way or another, but he certainly didn’t say anything to me that led me to believe he wouldn’t be playing,” said Dungy. “My gut feeling is that he’ll be back unless he really has a health-related problem. He enjoys the team. He enjoys his teammates. I think he really wants to come back and play well and not let that be the last game of his career.”

Here are some more links from around the AFC:

The Ravens have asked star defensive tackle Haloti Ngata to restructure his contract in the past, but for the first time they have leverage to make such a request this offseason, writes Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun. Ngata is owed $8.5MM in base salary and will count for $16MM against the cap. Considering the Ravens need to free up money for free agency, the declining Ngata could have to look for a new team if he refuses to restructure his deal, and coming off a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy, the team holds all the cards.
The top priority for the Bills this winter should be figuring out a way to bring back Jerry Hughes, who has developed into one of the league’s most productive pass rushers, writes Jason Fitzgerald in his preview of Buffalo’s offseason at OverTheCap.com.
The Bills will host Richie Incognito for an official visit and physical on Saturday, reports James Walker of ESPN (via Twitter). Incognito has not played since being suspended as part of the bulling investigation with the Dolphins. The team needs help at guard, with Erik Pears and Kraig Urbik unlikely to return to the team, writes Mike Rodak of ESPN (via Twitter). The meeting may be merely a formality, as the team is expected to sign Incognito should he pass his physical, according to Tim Graham of the Buffalo News (via Twitter).
Cornerback Curtis Brown, a former Steelers third-round pick, will have a workout with the Jets on Tuesday, according to Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter).
Malcolm Butler may be a Super Bowl hero, but the undrafted Patriots cornerback isn’t going to get hung up on one play. He is already concerned with continuing to improve and become a fixture in the NFL, writes Tom Curran of CSNNE.com. “I’m going to probably enjoy this moment, I’ll never forget it,” said Butler. “Probably for a couple more days or whatever, however it dies down. Have a little time to relax and then get back to work and just try to prove my point that this one play doesn’t [define] me. I don’t want to be known as a great player for one play, so I’ve got more to prove. So, I’ll have a little relax time and get back to work.”

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

La Canfora On Use Of The Franchise Tag

February 6th, 2015 at 9:31pm CST by Rob DiRe

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports notes how the use of the franchise tag is trending downward. In 2013, only six players received either franchise or transition tags. This offseason, despite the hard work of Luke Adams to profile the candidates for the tag on each team, that number could drop to four.

La Canfora notes that his guess of four does not include the possibility of a team franchising a kicker or punter in lieu of another viable candidate.

While the Lions, Giants, Packers, and Dolphins each have a viable candidate, each team is unlikely to tag that player. Those four are expected to try to avoid the tag in the effort to retain their stars.

Although the number could drop to four, anything less than that would be a huge surprise. As far as La Canfora sees it, there are four sure things in terms of the franchise tag (all four of which Luke did pin down in his rundown of franchise tag candidates, for the record).

Demaryius Thomas to the Broncos is an obvious choice, whether his quarterback in 2015 is Peyton Manning or Brock Osweiler. The case in Denver has another wrinkle, with La Canfora writing that if the team could come to an agreement on a long-term deal with Thomas, then tight end Julius Thomas will become a candidate to be franchised instead, albeit not the sure thing Demaryius is.
Fellow superstar wide receiver Dez Bryant is another lock to be hit with the tag. The Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones could be afraid to commit long-term money to him, but would be happy to keep him on a year-to-year situation even at a high price. There was also some steam gaining for DeMarco Murray’s chances of being tagged, but Bryant is seen as the superior offensive weapon.
On the defensive side of the ball, an already capped-out Chiefs team will place the franchise tag on Justin Houston. Houston’s tag number is not set in stone, with the team likely to tag him as an outside linebacker, Houston and his agent will push for the slightly higher defense end number which comes with an additional $1.6MM based on La Canfora’s projections. Houston could be considered a defensive end because he is primarily a pass rusher in the Kansas City defense. Either way, La Canfora believes they will have to tag him regardless of the number, despite the cap gymnastics they might have to do to afford him.
Staying on defense, the Patriots will likely tag safety Devin McCourty as they continue to focus on signing Darrelle Revis to a long-term deal. After Revis, the team should be able to negotiate a deal to keep McCourty as well, and keep the top two players in a very good secondary together as head coach Bill Belichick looks for a fifth Super Bowl victory.