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West Notes: Chargers, Raiders, Murray, 49ers

March 24th, 2015 at 1:58pm CST by Luke Adams

Speaking to reporters this morning in Phoenix at the AFC coaches’ breakfast, Chargers head coach Mike McCoy addressed the team’s backfield, including quarterback Philip Rivers. Asked about Rivers’ decision to play out his contract, McCoy responded that the team plans on Rivers “retiring as a Charger” (Twitter link via Ed Werder of ESPN.com).

McCoy also indicated he’s confident the Chargers can win with the three running backs they have on the roster at the moment (Twitter link via Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune). Donald Brown, Branden Oliver, and Danny Woodhead are currently slated to share the load for San Diego, with Ryan Mathews having departed in free agency. The club could also address the position in the draft.

Here’s more from around the NFL’s two West divisions:

  • Within a piece on Jeremy Maclin, Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports, citing a league source, that the Raiders offered running back DeMarco Murray “significant more guaranteed money” than the Eagles did.
  • Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio identified defensive end and pass rusher as two spots he expects his team to focus on early in the 2015 draft, tweets Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com. Del Rio added that receiving help could also come via free agency, as Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle tweets.
  • 49ers general manager Trent Baalke confirmed that his club has interest in several free agent inside linebackers, including Brandon Spikes. However, according to Baalke, there’s no official visit lined up for Erin Henderson at this point (Twitter link via Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com).
  • Casey Pearce of the Rams clarified today (via Twitter) that the Rams will have their own seventh-round pick this year — it was the Patriots‘ pick that St. Louis sent to the Falcons in a subsequent trade. With 2015’s compensatory picks now announced, the league should officially confirm the complete draft order soon.
  • UCLA’s Brett Hundley, considered perhaps the best 2015 quarterback prospect not named Jameis or Marcus, has a private workout scheduled with the Cardinals, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com (via Twitter).

Jets Sign Stephen Bowen

March 24th, 2015 at 12:28pm CST by Luke Adams

The Jets and free agent defensive lineman Stephen Bowen have agreed to a contract, according to Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com (Twitter link), who cites Bowen’s Instagram account. Washington’s official website passes along a screenshot of Bowen’s Instagram post, which shows him signing his new contract with the Jets.

Bowen, who turns 31 this Saturday, was raised in Dix Hills, New York, and played his college ball at Hofstra, so signing with the Jets means returning to his home team. The veteran lineman reached the free agent market last month, when Washington released him for cap purposes.

Bowen missed a chunk of the 2014 season while he recovered from knee surgery, and didn’t come off the physically unable to perform list until October. It was the second straight injury-plagued season for the former Cowboy, who played just 18 games over the last two years, and has recorded only a single sack in his last three seasons. In his 243 defensive snaps in ’14, Bowen recorded a -6.1 grade, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

The Jets have been on the lookout for defensive line depth recently, offering contracts to multiple lower-tier free agents, including Lawrence Guy, who decided to return to the Ravens.

AFC North Notes: Bengals, Ravens, Browns

March 24th, 2015 at 12:05pm CST by Luke Adams

Earlier today, we rounded up some key quotes from AFC East coaches at this morning’s coaches’ breakfast in Phoenix. Now, we’ll shift our focus to the AFC North, where every head coach except perhaps Mike Tomlin of the Steelers offered up a handful of interesting nuggets to reporters. Here are some highlights:

Marvin Lewis, Bengals (Twitter links via Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com):

  • The Bengals’ top priority this offseason was securing a pass rusher, or at least an impact player on the defensive line. Defensive end Michael Johnson isn’t exactly an elite pass rusher, but he’s a good fit for Cincinnati, in Lewis’ view.
  • Lewis views 2015 as a crucial year for the franchise since a number of key young players are heading into contract years. The head coach hopes to see some of those players, including wideout A.J. Green, locked up to extensions this offseason.
  • With the No. 21 overall pick in the draft, the Bengals will prioritize players who can have a long-term impact over players who could step in and contribute immediately. Of course, I’m sure the ideal draftee would fit both criteria.
  • Jermaine Gresham, who underwent back surgery last week, remains an option for the Bengals — Lewis just talked to the free agent tight end yesterday.

John Harbaugh, Ravens (Twitter links via ESPN’s Jamison Hensley and Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun):

  • It doesn’t sound like the Ravens are done adding free agents. Harbaugh indicated it would be very helpful to make a few more moves before the draft, since it takes some pressure off when the team doesn’t necessarily have to draft for need.
  • The Ravens are particularly eyeing the free agent market on the offensive side of the ball. Harbaugh believes Keith Wenning has a bright future, but would like to upgrade at the backup quarterback spot. He also wants to add another running back and wide receiver, if the fit is right, and didn’t rule out free agency at either spot.
  • Wide receiver is also an option in the draft, and Harbaugh believes the Ravens will have good options at the position in rounds one through seven.
  • There are no new updates on Dennis Pitta‘s status. Harbaugh expects news to come in the summer, and reiterated today that it will be Pitta’s decision. The veteran tight end is recovering from a season-ending – and career-threatening – hip injury.
  • Referring to recently-signed safety Kendrick Lewis, Harbaugh said “his best football is ahead of him.”

Mike Pettine, Browns (Twitter links via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal and ESPN.com’s Pat McManamon):

  • Pettine has received good feedback about Johnny Manziel‘s progress in rehab, and while no date has been finalized for his discharge, the Browns expect him to be at next month’s workouts.
  • Pettine downplayed the idea that the Browns’ quarterback situation is “uncertain,” pointing to Josh McCown as a solid veteran and suggesting that the club could also address the spot on the draft. Asked about the possibility of trading up for Marcus Mariota, Pettine acknowledged that quarterback is one position worth trading up for, and pointed out that having two first-round picks creates flexibility. However, he added that talk of trading up for Mariota makes him rolls his eyes.
  • The Browns still need an edge rusher, and while Pettine likes Barkevious Mingo and Scott Solomon, he also noted that there’s good depth at that spot in the draft.
  • Finding a developmental center is on the team’s radar, since Alex Mack‘s contract includes a potential out after the 2015 season.
  • The Browns may draft a kicker this year, according to Pettine. The club currently has Garrett Hartley, Travis Coons, and Carey Spear on its roster after cutting Billy Cundiff toward the end of the 2014 season.

Michael Crabtree In No Rush To Sign

March 24th, 2015 at 11:37am CST by Luke Adams

Two weeks into 2015’s free agent period, wide receiver Michael Crabtree is perhaps the most notable player still without a contract, but the former 10th overall pick is in no rush to put pen to paper, reports Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. According to Maiocco, Crabtree is willing to wait however long it takes to find the right situation for the 2015 season.

Crabtree, 27, has only made one free agent visit so far, having met with the Dolphins. The 49ers also maintain some interest in re-signing the six-year veteran, but a league source tells Maiocco that Crabtree would rather sign with a team that places a greater emphasis on the passing game.

Coming off a 2014 season in which he stayed healthy but was relatively unproductive, Crabtree may be prioritizing teams with solid quarterback situations where he could improve upon last year’s 698-yard showing. As PFR’s Rory Parks noted when he examined Crabtree’s stock over the weekend, the Texas Tech product may have to take a one-year, prove-it deal in the hopes of rebuilding his value and scoring a bigger payday in free agency in 2016.

If that’s Crabtree’s plan, it makes sense that he’d carefully weigh all his options before deciding on an ideal fit. Maiocco points out that the veteran receiver is no stranger to waiting on a contract, having held out for the first four weeks of the regular season during his rookie year.

AFC East Notes: McCoy, Bills, Milliner, Jets

March 24th, 2015 at 10:48am CST by Luke Adams

All 16 AFC coaches spoke to reporters today in Arizona, including the four head coaches for AFC East clubs. Asked repeatedly about the departure of Darrelle Revis, Patriots coach Bill Belichick didn’t offer much insight, repeatedly answering, “It’s NFL free agency” (Twitter link via Albert Breer of the NFL Network). Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin also didn’t share too many interesting tidbits.

However, new head coaches Rex Ryan (Bills) and Todd Bowles (Jets) were at least a little more forthcoming. Here are a few highlights from their conversations with the media, with all links going to the Twitter accounts of reporters in attendance:

Rex Ryan:

  • It was the Eagles who initiated the LeSean McCoy trade talks, calling the Bills about a potential deal — 30 minutes later, it was essentially done, according to Ryan, who says he and other Buffalo decision-makers were “stunned” that the star running back was available.
  • Since joining the Bills, McCoy has been a “chief recruiter” for bringing in free agents, playing a notable role in the signing of fullback Jerome Felton.
  • Ryan praised his team’s backfield depth, mentioning Fred Jackson and Anthony Dixon multiple times without referring to Bryce Brown. Asked about Brown, Ryan joked, “I’m not going to learn his name until he holds onto the football.”
  • Recognizing that this could be his last shot at a head coaching job, Ryan said he wanted to land in the right spot, and he feels like Buffalo is that spot because of the team’s ownership. Ryan isn’t sure whether he would’ve taken another head coaching position if Doug Marrone hadn’t opted out of his deal with the Bills. According to Ryan, he was expecting to hear from the Bears after the Jets fired him, but he never did.

Todd Bowles:

  • The Jets had eight cornerbacks on their list of free agent targets and were hoping to sign two of them. In the end, the team landed three: Revis, Antonio Cromartie, and Buster Skrine.
  • While the secondary has been fortified, Bowles says the Jets’ defense still isn’t complete, mentioning the draft as a spot to address it. Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com interprets that to mean the team will be targeting a pass rusher early.
  • The Jets will do their “due diligence” on both Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, working out both players. The club figures to take the best player available with the sixth overall pick though — Bowles also jokingly suggested that he’d be open to trading the pick for multiple first-rounders.
  • With newly-acquired quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick not expected to be healthy, Geno Smith will head into the spring as the Jets’ No. 1 guy and will get the starter reps.
  • Bowles “definitely” expects Dee Milliner to be a Jet in 2015, suggesting the team doesn’t intend to trade the young cornerback.

Jets Sign Corey Hilliard

March 24th, 2015 at 10:33am CST by Luke Adams

The Jets have added some depth to their offensive line, announcing today in a press release that they’ve signed free agent offensive tackle Corey Hilliard. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reported last week that Hilliard was paying a visit to the Jets.

Hilliard, who turns 30 in a few weeks, saw his 2014 season come to an early end when he sustained a Lisfranc foot injury and tore ligaments in that foot during the Lions’ Week 1 game. It was the second time in three years that he missed essentially an entire season, but he has been effective as a swing tackle when he’s healthy. In 2013, Hilliard played 459 offensive snaps for Detroit, starting seven games at right tackle for the team.

For the Jets, it’s their fourth free agent signing on the offensive line this offseason. The club also brought in James Carpenter and James Brewer, and re-signed veteran guard Willie Colon.

Terms of the agreement aren’t yet known.

Bears To Sign Jarvis Jenkins

March 24th, 2015 at 10:06am CST by Luke Adams

The Bears have agreed to terms with defensive lineman Jarvis Jenkins on a one-year contract, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Jenkins is scheduled to take a physical later today, at which point the signing will become official. Per Biggs, the one-year deal is a minimum salary benefit contract with a partial guarantee.

Jenkins, who turns 27 next month, spent his first four NFL seasons with Washington, but was no longer in the team’s plans after Scot McCloughan and company brought in Terrance Knighton, Stephen Paea, and Ricky Jean-Francois this month to fortify the defensive line.

In 2014, Jenkins had a career-high 28 tackles, but didn’t record a sack, and ranked as the third-worst 3-4 defensive end out of 47 qualified players, according to Pro Football Focus’ grades (subscription required). Having played in the 3-4 system in Washington, Jenkins should be a fit in Chicago, as new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio prepares to transition the defense into a 3-4 unit.

Biggs also notes that Jenkins has been texting frequently with free agent linebacker Mason Foster, who was said earlier this month to be in talks with the Bears. While there’s still no indication that anything is done between Foster and the team, his contact with Jenkins may be another sign that he’ll eventually land in Chicago.

2015 NFL Trades

March 24th, 2015 at 8:53am CST by Luke Adams

Among North America’s major sports, the NFL has traditionally had the reputation for having the fewest blockbuster trades consummated in a given year. That certainly hasn’t been the case so far in 2015 though. Starting quarterbacks, former first overall picks, and Pro Bowlers have changed teams, with players like Jimmy Graham, LeSean McCoy, Nick Foles, Sam Bradford, Haloti Ngata, and Brandon Marshall on the move.

With the draft just a few weeks away, several more trades figure to be completed this spring, and we’ll track all those moves in this space. You can find this page, our 2015 NFL trade tracker, on our right-hand sidebar under the “PFR Features” menu at any time.

Here’s a breakdown of 2015’s trades to date, in reverse chronological order:

November 2

  • Broncos acquire TE Vernon Davis and a 2016 seventh-round pick.
  • 49ers acquire a 2016 sixth-round pick and a 2017 sixth-round pick.

October 6

  • 49ers acquire LB Gerald Hodges.
  • Vikings acquire C Nick Easton and a 2016 sixth-round pick.

October 3

  • Ravens acquire WR Chris Givens.
  • Rams acquire a conditional 2018 seventh-round pick.

September 30

September 28

  • Patriots acquire LB Jon Bostic.
  • Bears acquire a 2016 sixth-round pick.

September 28

  • Panthers acquire DE Jared Allen.
  • Bears acquire a conditional 2016 sixth-round pick.

September 22

  • Cowboys acquire QB Matt Cassel and a 2017 seventh-round pick.
  • Bills acquire a 2017 fifth-round pick.

September 21

  • Ravens acquire CB Will Davis.
  • Dolphins acquire a 2016 seventh-round pick.

September 16

  • Patriots acquire WR/KR Keshawn Martin and a 2016 sixth-round pick.
  • Texans acquire a 2016 fifth-round pick.

September 15

  • Cowboys acquire WR Brice Butler and a conditional 2016 sixth-round pick.
  • Raiders acquire a conditional 2016 fifth-round pick.
  • Picks will change hands if Butler is on Cowboys’ 53-man roster for at least six games.

September 11

  • Colts acquire DL Billy Winn.
  • Browns acquire a conditional 2017 seventh-round pick.

September 6

  • Cowboys acquire RB Christine Michael.
  • Seahawks acquire a conditional 2016 seventh-round pick.

September 6

  • Titans acquire RB Terrance West.
  • Browns acquire a conditional 2016 seventh-round pick.

September 5

  • Seahawks acquire S Kelcie McCray.
  • Chiefs acquire a 2016 fifth-round pick.

September 5

  • Vikings acquire T Jeremiah Sirles.
  • Chargers acquire a 2016 sixth-round pick.

September 4

  • Colts acquire LB Sio Moore.
  • Raiders acquire a 2016 sixth-round pick.

September 4

  • Cardinals acquire QB Matt Barkley.
  • Eagles acquire a conditional 2016 seventh-round pick.
  • Eagles will acquire pick if Barkley spends six weeks on the Cardinals’ roster.

September 4

  • Falcons acquire G Andy Levitre.
  • Titans acquire a 2016 sixth-round pick and a future conditional pick.

September 4

  • Giants acquire P Brad Wing.
  • Steelers acquire a conditional 2016 seventh-round pick.

September 2

  • Bears acquire TE Khari Lee.
  • Texans acquire a 2017 sixth-round pick.

September 1

  • Patriots acquire WR Jalen Saunders.
  • Saints acquire a conditional 2018 seventh-round pick.

August 31

  • Panthers acquire WR Kevin Norwood.
  • Seahawks acquire a conditional 2017 seventh-round pick.

August 31

  • Steelers acquire K Josh Scobee.
  • Jaguars acquire a 2016 sixth-round pick.

August 31

August 31

  • Texans acquire T Chris Clark.
  • Broncos acquire a 2016 seventh-round pick.

August 26

  • Patriots acquire OT/TE Mike Williams.
  • Lions acquire a 2017 seventh-round pick.

August 21

  • Washington acquires TE Derek Carrier.
  • 49ers acquire a conditional 2017 fifth-round pick.

August 18

August 10

  • Patriots acquire G Ryan Groy.
  • Bears acquire LB Matthew Wells.

August 2

  • Seahawks acquire CB Mohammed Seisay.
  • Lions acquire a 2016 sixth-round pick.

August 1

  • Steelers acquire CB Brandon Boykin.
  • Eagles acquire a 2016 fifth-round pick.
  • Eagles will acquire a fourth-rounder if Boykin plays at least 60% of the Steelers’ snaps in 2015.

June 6

  • Browns acquire P Andy Lee.
  • 49ers acquire a 2017 seventh-round pick.

May 2

  • Cowboys acquire a 2015 seventh-round pick (No. 246; TE Geoff Swaim).
  • 49ers acquire a 2016 sixth-round pick.

May 2

May 2

  • Saints acquire a 2015 fifth-round pick (No. 167; CB Damian Swann).
  • Washington acquires a 2015 sixth-round pick (No. 187; WR Evan Spencer) and a 2016 sixth-round pick.

May 2

  • Colts acquire a 2015 fifth-round pick (No. 151; DT David Parry).
  • 49ers acquire a 2015 fifth-round pick (No. 165; P Bradley Pinion) and a 2015 seventh-round pick (No. 244; OL Trenton Brown).

May 2

  • Packers acquire a 2015 fifth-round pick (No. 147; QB Brett Hundley).
  • Patriots acquire a 2015 fifth-round pick (No. 166; LS Joe Cardona) and a 2015 seventh-round pick (No. 247; CB Darryl Roberts).

May 2

  • Falcons acquire a 2015 fifth-round pick (No. 137; DT Grady Jarrett).
  • Vikings acquire a 2015 fifth-round pick (No. 146; WR Stefon Diggs) and a 2015 sixth-round pick (No. 185; T Tyrus Thompson).

May 2

  • Buccaneers acquire a 2015 fourth-round pick (No. 124; LB Kwon Alexander).
  • Raiders acquire a 2015 fourth-round pick (No. 128; G Jon Feliciano) and a seventh-round pick (No. 218; T Anthony Morris).

May 2

  • Cardinals acquire a 2015 fourth-round pick (No. 116; DL Rodney Gunter).
  • Browns acquire a 2015 fourth-round pick (No. 123; WR Vince Mayle), a 2015 sixth-round pick (No. 198; TE Randall Telfer), and a 2015 seventh-round pick (No. 241; CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu).

May 2

  • Lions acquire a 2015 fourth-round pick (No. 113; DT Gabe Wright).
  • Eagles acquire a 2016 third-round pick.

May 2

  • Jets acquire a 2015 fourth-round pick (No. 103; QB Bryce Petty).
  • Jaguars acquire a 2015 fourth-round pick (No. 104; S James Sample) and a 2015 seventh-round pick (No. 229; TE Ben Koyack).

May 2

  • Panthers acquire a 2015 fourth-round pick (No. 102; T Daryl Williams).
  • Raiders acquire a 2015 fourth-round pick (No. 124), a 2015 fifth-round pick (No. 161; OLB Neiron Ball), and a 2015 seventh-round pick (No. 242; CB Dexter McDonald).

May 1

  • Browns acquire a 2015 third-round pick (No. 96; DT Xavier Cooper) and a 2015 seventh-round pick (No. 219; ILB Hayes Pullard).
  • Patriots acquire a 2015 fourth-round pick (No. 111; G Tre Jackson), a fifth-round pick (No. 147), and a sixth-round pick (No. 202; TE A.J. Derby).

May 1

May 1

  • Chiefs acquire a 2015 third-round pick (No. 76; WR Chris Conley).
  • Vikings acquire a 2015 third-round pick (No. 80) and a 2015 sixth-round pick (No. 193; DL B.J. Dubose).

May 1

  • Texans acquire a 2015 third-round pick (No. 70; WR Jaelen Strong).
  • Jets acquire a 2015 third-round pick (No. 82; OLB Lorenzo Mauldin), a 2015 fifth-round pick (No. 152; G Jarvis Harrison), a 2015 seventh-round pick (No. 229), and WR DeVier Posey.

May 1

  • Seahawks acquire a 2015 third-round pick (No. 69; WR Tyler Lockett)
  • Washington acquires a 2015 third-round pick (No. 95; RB Matt Jones), a 2015 fourth-round pick (No. 112; G Arie Kouandjio), a 2015 fifth-round pick (No. 167), and a 2015 sixth-round pick (No. 181; S Kyshoen Jarrett).

May 1

  • Buccaneers acquire a 2015 second-round pick (No. 61; G Ali Marpet) and a 2015 fourth-round pick (No. 128).
  • Colts acquire a 2015 third-round pick (No. 65; CB D’Joun Smith) and a 2015 fourth-round pick (No. 109; S Clayton Geathers).

May 1

  • Ravens acquire a 2015 second-round pick (No. 55; TE Maxx Williams).
  • Cardinals acquire a 2015 second-round pick (No. 58; DE/OLB Markus Golden) and a 2015 fifth-round pick (No. 158; DE Shaq Riddick).

May 1

  • Eagles acquire a 2015 second-round pick (No. 47; DB Eric Rowe) and a 2015 sixth-round pick (No. 191; CB JaCorey Shepherd).
  • Dolphins acquire a 2015 second-round pick (No. 52; DT Jordan Phillips), a 2015 fifth-round pick (No. 145; CB Bobby McCain), and a 2015 fifth-round pick (No. 156; CB Tony Lippett).

May 1

  • Texans acquire a 2015 second-round pick (No. 43; ILB Benardrick McKinney) and a 2015 seventh-round pick (No. 229).
  • Browns acquire a 2015 second-round pick (No. 51; DE/OLB Nate Orchard), a 2015 fourth-round pick (No. 116), and a 2015 sixth-round pick (No. 195; FB/TE Malcolm Johnson).

May 1

  • Panthers acquire a 2015 second-round pick (No. 41; WR Devin Funchess).
  • Rams acquire a 2015 second-round pick (No. 57; T Rob Havenstein), a 2015 third-round pick (No. 89; QB Sean Mannion), and a 2015 sixth-round pick (No. 201; WR Bud Sasser).

May 1

  • Giants acquire a 2015 second-round pick (No. 33; S Landon Collins)
  • Titans acquire a 2015 second-round pick (No. 40; WR Dorial Green-Beckham), a fourth-round pick (No. 108; FB Jalston Fowler), and a seventh-round pick (No. 245; WR Tre McBride).

April 30

  • Broncos acquire a 2015 first-round pick (No. 23; DE/OLB Shane Ray)
  • Lions acquire a 2015 first-round pick (No. 28; G Laken Tomlinson), a 2015 fifth-round pick (No. 143), a 2016 fifth-round pick, and OL Manny Ramirez.

April 30

  • Chargers acquire a 2015 first-round pick (No. 15; RB Melvin Gordon).
  • 49ers acquire a 2015 first-round pick (No. 17; DL Arik Armstead), a 2015 fourth-round pick (No. 117; TE Blake Bell), and a 2016 fifth-round pick.

April 15

  • Buccaneers acquire DE George Johnson (RFA) and a 2015 seventh-round pick.
  • Lions acquire a 2015 fifth-round pick.

April 3

  • Washington acquires S Dashon Goldson and a 2016 seventh-round pick.
  • Buccaneers acquire a 2016 sixth-round pick.

April 1

  • Broncos acquire C Gino Gradkowski and a 2016 fifth-round pick.
  • Ravens acquire a 2016 fourth-round pick.

March 13

  • Vikings acquire WR Mike Wallace and a 2015 seventh-round pick.
  • Dolphins acquire a 2015 fifth-round pick.

March 13

March 12

  • Chiefs acquire G Ben Grubbs.
  • Saints acquire a 2015 fifth-round pick.

March 11

  • Jets acquire QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.
  • Texans acquire a 2016 seventh-round pick.
  • Texans’ pick could turn into a sixth-rounder based on Fitzpatrick’s playing time in 2015.

March 11

  • Rams acquire QB Case Keenum.
  • Texans acquire a 2016 seventh-round pick.

March 10

  • Eagles acquire QB Sam Bradford and a 2015 fifth-round pick.
  • Rams acquire QB Nick Foles, a 2015 fourth-round pick, and a 2016 second-round pick.
  • Eagles will acquire a 2016 fourth-round pick if Bradford plays less than 50% of Philadelphia’s snaps in 2015, or a 2016 third-round pick if Bradford doesn’t play at all in 2015 due to injury.

March 10

  • Lions acquire DT Haloti Ngata and a 2015 seventh-round pick.
  • Ravens acquire a 2015 fourth-round pick and a 2015 fifth-round pick.

March 10

  • Seahawks acquire TE Jimmy Graham and a 2015 fourth-round pick.
  • Saints acquire C Max Unger and a 2015 first-round pick.

March 10

  • Bills acquire QB Matt Cassel and a 2015 sixth-round pick.
  • Vikings acquire a 2015 fifth-round pick and a 2016 seventh-round pick.

March 10

March 10

  • Jets acquire WR Brandon Marshall and a 2015 seventh-round pick.
  • Bears acquire a 2015 fifth-round pick.

Browns Sign Dwayne Bowe

March 24th, 2015 at 8:21am CST by Luke Adams

TUESDAY, 8:21am: Per Joel Corry of CBSSports.com (via Twitter), Bowe’s two-year deal is worth $12.5MM, with $9MM guaranteed, including a $3.5MM signing bonus. That’s a pretty nice guarantee for a player who has been very mediocre in recent years.

FRIDAY, 10:38am: The Browns have officially signed Bowe, the club confirmed today in a press release.

THURSDAY, 1:07pm: It’s a two-year deal for Bowe with the Browns, tweets Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.

12:47pm: After hosting him for a visit to Cleveland over the weekend, the Browns have agreed to sign free agent wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Rapoport tweets that Bowe was one of Cleveland’s top offseason priorities, adding that the two sides kept working on a deal this week until they eventually reached an accord.

Bowe, 30, was part of the underachieving and record-setting group of Chiefs wide receivers that managed to go the entire 2014 season without catching a single touchdown pass. It was the third straight mediocre season for Bowe, who has averaged approximately 59 receptions and 743 yards per year since 2012, on the heels of back-to-back 1,100-yard seasons in 2010 and 2011.

Having brought aboard Jeremy Maclin on a pricey new long-term contract, the Chiefs cut ties with Bowe a week ago, allowing him to hit the open market. The former first-round pick may have drawn interest from other clubs – Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports tweets that the Jags were “lurking” – but his only visit was to Cleveland, with the Browns putting on the full court press to add him.

For the Browns, Bowe will join Brian Hartline on the team’s new-look receiving corps, which almost certainly won’t include Josh Gordon, who is facing a year-long suspension, and Miles Austin, who is on the free agent market. Andrew Hawkins is currently penciled in as the slot receiver to complement Bowe and Hartline, and it’s possible that the team will address the position in the draft as well.

Browns GM Ray Farmer was a part of the Chiefs’ front office back in 2007 when Kansas City drafted Bowe in the first round.

Texans, J.J. Watt Restructure Contract

March 24th, 2015 at 8:16am CST by Luke Adams

J.J. Watt has agreed to restructure the contract extension he signed last year, converting his $10MM roster bonus for 2015 into a signing bonus, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (via Twitter). The move creates $8MM in cap space for the Texans this season.

Watt’s $10MM roster bonus had been due to be paid today — if it had gone unchanged, the entire amount would have counted toward Houston’s 2015 cap. Instead, only $2MM will go on the books this year, with $2MM added to the cap for each of the next four seasons as well. Watt, who still receives that full $10MM amount up front, will now have a $13.969MM cap number for 2015, down from $21.969MM.

While the Texans don’t necessarily have any more major free agent investments on the horizon for this year, the added flexibility gives the team a little breathing room to accommodate spring or summer additions, and to sign this year’s draft class.

According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter), Watt and the Texans completed the move four days ago.

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