2015 March - Pro Football Rumors

Vikings Re-Sign Mike Harris

March 17th, 2015 at 11:18am CST by Luke Adams

11:18am: Harris has confirmed to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (Twitter link) that he simply signed his one-year RFA tender.

10:34am: The Vikings have re-signed offensive tackle Mike Harris to a new contract, the team announced today (Twitter link). Harris, who had been eligible for restricted free agency, received a one-year tender offer from the team worth $1.542MM, but it sounds as if the two sides may have worked out a new deal entirely, perhaps for more than just one season.

Harris, 26, played two seasons for the Chargers before spending the 2014 campaign with the Vikings, and has earned a handful of starts in each of his three years in the NFL. The UCLA product, who took over as Minnesota’s right tackle down the stretch last season, has started 17 of the 32 games he has played since entering the league.

The Vikings figure to continue to utilize Harris as a swing tackle going forward, though his versatility means he could get the opportunity to earn a starting job somewhere along the offensive line in camp.

Chargers To Sign Stevie Johnson

March 17th, 2015 at 11:02am CST by Luke Adams

11:02am: Johnson’s three-year contract has a base value of $10.5MM and includes additional performance-based incentives, tweets Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), the deal can be worth up to $12MM.

9:55am: After taking the night to weigh his options, Stevie Johnson has decided to sign with the Chargers rather than the Patriots, sources tell Dianna Marie Russini of NBC4 Washington (Twitter link). Johnson has reportedly narrowed his choice down to those two teams after visiting San Diego and New England, and Russini tweets that his family played a big part in his decision. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter), it’ll be a three-year deal for Johnson with the Chargers.

Johnson, 28, spent the first six seasons of his NFL career with the Bills before being sent to San Francisco a year ago in a trade. While the Kentucky product didn’t make a real impact for the 49ers, he enjoyed some success in Buffalo, putting up three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2010 to 2012, and grabbing 23 touchdowns during that three-year stretch.

Having been released by the Niners earlier this month, Johnson will return to the AFC for the 2015 season, joining forces with Philip Rivers and Keenan Allen in San Diego. The Chargers, who lost Eddie Royal to the Bears in free agency last week, had been on the lookout for veteran receiving help to complement Allen. The team also added Jacoby Jones, though it’s not clear how significant a role the return specialist will play on offense.

In addition to the Chargers and Patriots, the Jets and Browns were among the other teams mentioned as potential suitors for Johnson.

Cowboys Sign Andrew Gachkar

March 17th, 2015 at 9:14am CST by Dallas Robinson

TUESDAY, 9:14am: Gachkar’s deal with the Cowboys is now official, according to the team.

SUNDAY, 3:44pm: Gachkar will collect $2.2MM guaranteed in 2015, tweets Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

3:17pm: The Cowboys have agreed to terms with free agent linebacker Andrew Gachkar, according to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (Twitter link). It’s a two-year deal with a maximum value of $5.5MM, adds Garafolo (via Twitter).

Even though he saw less than 400 snaps on the Chargers’ defense last season, Gachkar has drawn a significant amount of interest around the league since free agency began last week. The Vikings, Panthers, and Raiders all expressed interest in 26-year-old linebacker, who had spent his entire career in San Diego. While he started only five games in 2014, Gachkar was a key contributor on special teams, where he played on 217 snaps and posted 12 tackles.

Gachkar could potentially see a starting role on the Dallas defense, where the club has yet to re-sign linebacker Rolando McClain. Sean Lee will be returning from injury in 2015, and given that he can play either in the middle or on the outside, Gachkar could slot into the other position. Gachkar played inside linebacker in San Diego’s 3-4 defense, so the middle in the Cowboys’ 4-3 look would probably be the best fit.

Not accounting for Gachkar’s addition, the Cowboys have a little over $8MM of cap space left, so incremental additions such as this one are probably all that’s available to the club for the remainder of the offseason. Dallas has seen its linebacking unit depleted, as both Bruce Carter and Justin Durant have signed elsewhere in free agency, so Gachkar might not be the only LB addition the team makes.

Cowboys Sign Jasper Brinkley

March 17th, 2015 at 9:13am CST by Rory Parks

TUESDAY, 9:13am: The Cowboys have officially signed Brinkley, per the team’s official website.

THURSDAY, 10:41pm: The Cowboys have struck a two-year deal with former Vikings linebacker Jasper Brinkley, writes Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com. Brinkley started 11 games for Minnesota last season, compiling 54 tackles and one sack. The 30-year-old played for Arizona in 2013 before returning to the team that drafted him in the fifth round of the 2009 draft.

As Archer writes, Brinkley is a two-down middle linebacker, so his presence will allow the Cowboys to shift Sean Lee from inside linebacker to weak-side linebacker as he recovers from a torn ACL that ended his 2014 campaign before it started. Brinkley is the second free agent to join Dallas’ linebacker corps this offseason. The team also signed Keith Rivers while losing Justin Durant and Bruce Carter to the Falcons and Buccaneers, respectively.

The Cowboys will also have to decide whether they want to bring back Rolando McClain, who was a surprising contributor in 2014 but who is facing a four-game fine for violating the league’s substance abuse policy for the third time.

Reaction To Chris Borland’s Retirement

March 16th, 2015 at 10:49pm CST by Dallas Robinson

In the 49ers’ statement concerning Chris Borland‘s retirement, GM Trent Baalke expressed his thanks to the young linebacker. “While unexpected, we certainly respect Chris’ decision,” said Baalke. “From speaking with Chris, it was evident that he had put a great deal of thought into this decision. He was a consummate professional from day one and a very well respected member of our team and community. Chris is a determined young man that overcame long odds in his journey to the NFL and we are confident he will use the same approach to become very successful in his future endeavors. We will always consider him a 49er and wish him all the best.”

Let’s take a look at some more reaction to tonight’s shocking announcement…

Borland is retiring due to concussion concerns, but he also suffered from shoulder injuries in college and at the end of last season. Multiple scouts told John Middlekauf of CSNBayArea.com (Twitter link) that Borland’s shoulder issues were “no joke,” so perhaps those ailments also played a role in his decision.
Indeed, many clubs thought Borland’s career would be cut short due to those shoulder injuries, adds Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (via Twitter).
Matt Miller of Bleacher Report (Twitter link) believes Borland could move into coaching, calling him a “very smart player who loves the game.”
Though Borland’s announcement might not lead other players to retire in their primes, Andrew Brandt of Sports Illustrated (via Twitter) thinks it could make players less inclined to hide concussions and other head injuries.
If the 49ers are looking for a replacement at linebacker, they should contact the Ravens about Arthur Brown or the Eagles about DeMeco Ryans, tweets Miller.
Middlekauf (via Twitter) wonders if San Francisco could attempt to recoup a portion of Borland’s signing bonus, which they’re probably entitled to do. The 49ers would be going after less than $500K, however, so I doubt they’d risk the public relations headache of doing so.

FA Notes: Clay, Canty, Spencer, Irving, Moore

March 16th, 2015 at 10:31pm CST by Dallas Robinson

There hasn’t been much movement on the Charles Clay front lately, but the Bills are still steadfast in their hopes of signing him to an unmatchable offer sheet, a source tells Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News. Buffalo appears confident in landing the Dolphins transition player, as the source tells Carucci that it’s a 90% certainty that the Bills will acquire the tight end.

Rex Ryan is reportedly pushing for Clay, as the Bills head coach knows how difficult Clay is to defend from the former’s time with the Jets. Per Carucci, Buffalo is currently going over both their cap numbers and those of the Dolphins, in an attempt to structure a contract that Miami can’t match.

Let’s take a look at the what’s happening on the rest of the free agent market:

Defensive lineman Chris Canty will visit the Seahawks tomorrow, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link). The 32-year-old was released by the Ravens last month, and while a reunion with Baltimore is possible, he’s also met with the Jets as he explores his options.
Canty isn’t the only defender who will take a meeting with Seattle, as LB/DE Anthony Spencer will also visit the Seahawks, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Seattle had success in bringing in veteran defensive lineman Kevin Williams last season, so perhaps they’re trying to find another diamond-in-the-rough between Canty and Spencer.
While his visit with the Colts today went well, linebacker Nate Irving is still weighing all his options, tweets Josina Anderson of ESPN. The former Bronco has also been linked to the Dolphins and the Cardinals.
After asking a source whether receiver Denarius Moore could return to the Raiders, Bill Williamson of ESPN.com (via Twitter) got a clear response: “Not a chance.” The 26-year-old hasn’t drawn any known interest during the free agent period.
Although we heard on Thursday that the Bears were discussing a multi-year deal with linebacker Mason Foster, no such pact is imminent, per Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com (Twitter link), who adds that nothing is close between the two sides.

Chris Borland Retires

March 16th, 2015 at 10:25pm CST by Dallas Robinson

10:25pm: The 49ers have confirmed Borland’s retirement.

9:11pm: 49ers linebacker Chris Borland will retire after just one NFL season due to concerns about repeated head injuries, according to Mark Fainaru-Wada and Steve Fainaru of ESPN’s Outside the Lines. Borland notified the 49ers about his decision on Friday.

“I just honestly want to do what’s best for my health,” Borland told Outside the Lines. “From what I’ve researched and what I’ve experienced, I don’t think it’s worth the risk.

“I feel largely the same, as sharp as I’ve ever been, for me it’s wanting to be proactive,” he continued. “I’m concerned that if you wait till you have symptoms, it’s too late. … There are a lot of unknowns. I can’t claim that X will happen. I just want to live a long healthy life, and I don’t want to have any neurological diseases or die younger than I would otherwise.”

As the ESPN scribes note, Borland will become the highest-profile NFL player to leave the game because of concussion concerns. Player safety, and specifically head injuries, has been on the NFL’s plate for awhile, but the issue has mostly been related to former players. The league has instituted new sideline concussion protocols, but the retirement of Borland — a player entering his prime, and having only played a single season — will surely shed new light on the issue.

Prior to San Francisco’s fourth preseason game, Borland wrote a letter to his parents indicating that he believed his career might be cut short because of head injuries. His concerns “gathered steam” throughout the season, and once the year concluded, Borland met with researchers and former players before he made his final decision. He’ll continue to undergo tests to “maintain his well-being” and contribute to further concussion research.

A third-round pick in last year’s draft, Borland was a revelation at linebacker after taking over following injuries to Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman. In only eight starts, the Wisconsin product racked up more than 80 tackles, showing himself to be an excellent run-stopper. In his limited snaps, Borland ranked as the fourth-best inside linebacker in the league, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

The 24-year-old Borland will become the second San Francisco linebacker to retire in the past week, as the veteran Willis also hung up his cleats. Moreover, defensive lineman Justin Smith is also contemplating retirement, corners Perrish Cox and Chris Culliver were lost to free agency, and embattled end Ray McDonald isn’t expected to return. As such, the unit, and new coordinator Eric Mangini, will certainly face an uphill battle in 2015 as the team as a whole looks to move past its subpar 2014 season.

Borland is the third young NFL player to retire in the past seven days, as linebacker Jason Worilds and quarterback Jake Locker also called it quits last week. Each of those players cited a lack of passion for the game when retiring, however, so Borland’s explanation will surely stir more headlines and discussion.

Draft Notes: Mariota, Ray, Parker, Agholor

March 16th, 2015 at 8:50pm CST by Dallas Robinson

We’ve already looked at a few upcoming draft visits in some earlier posts today, so let’s go ahead and round up the rest of today’s draft-related news…

The Buccaneers hosted Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota today, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Per Rapoport, Mariota’s visit to Tampa will be similar to Jameis Winston‘s meeting several weeks ago, and Mariota will meet with all of TB’s decision-makers.
Edge rusher Shane Ray will be a busy man, as the Missouri product has pre-draft visits lined up with the Ravens, Falcons, Titans, and Jaguars, tweets Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports.
Like Ray, Louisville receiver DeVante Parker will have a full schedule, as he has 12 visits on his calendar during the next month, per Gil Brandt of NFL.com (Twitter link), who adds that Parker will first meet with the Dolphins.
Another receiver — USC’s Nelson Agholor — visited with the Eagles today, according to Getlin (via Twitter). Eagles head coach Chip Kelly recruited Agholor while the former was at Oregon, Getlin adds.
The Eagles are hosting multiple prospects, as Mississippi State linebacker Benardrick McKinney will visit Philadelphia today and tomorrow, per Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (Twitter link).

Pats, Chargers Vying For Stevie Johnson

March 16th, 2015 at 8:22pm CST by Luke Adams

8:22pm: The Jets have jumped in to express their interest in Johnson, but the receiver has narrowed his choice to the Patriots or the Chargers, tweets Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. Johnson will make his decision tomorrow morning, writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

3:34pm: Johnson’s decision is expected to come down to New England and San Diego, with the 49ers unlikely to bring back the veteran receiver, according to Russini and Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee (Twitter links).

2:39pm: Johnson left his visit with the Patriots today without signing, tweets Russini. That doesn’t necessarily mean the wideout won’t eventually agree to join the Pats, but he appears to be weighing all his options before making a decision. Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports tweets that the Chargers are still in play as well.

1:16pm: Stevie Johnson is visiting the Patriots today, and it appears very possible that the veteran wideout won’t leave New England without a new deal in place. According to Dianna Marie Russini of NBC4 Washington (via Twitter), sources say Johnson is “very likely” to sign with the Pats, perhaps as soon as today.

The Patriots are familiar with Johnson, who spent the first six years of his career with the division-rival Bills. The 28-year-old was very productive in Buffalo from 2008 to 2013, recording three separate seasons of 70+ catches and 1,000+ yards. The Bills traded Johnson to San Francisco last offseason and he wasn’t nearly as successful as a 49er, totaling just 35 receptions in 13 games for the team.

If Johnson ends up making things official with the Pats, he’d join a receiving corps that includes Danny Amendola – who restructured his contract to remain in New England – as well as Brandon LaFell, Julian Edelman, and Brandon Gibson. Throw in Rob Gronkowski and another former Bill, Scott Chandler, who reportedly agreed to terms with the Pats, and Tom Brady should have plenty of pass-catching targets at his disposal in 2015.

Johnson also visited the Chargers and has drawn interest from the Browns, among other potential suitors.

NFC North Notes: T. Williams, Gurley, Waynes

March 16th, 2015 at 8:11pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Packers were willing to pay Tramon Williams $5MM annually, but dropped out of the bidding for their free agent once the price became too expensive, according to Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (Twitter link). Per McGinn, Williams entered the weekend with a target contract of $30MM over four years — the cornerback ultimately scored a three-year, $21MM deal from the Browns, so he came close to his goal in terms of AAV.

Let’s take a look at some more news from the NFC North…

The Lions were set to host Georgia running back Todd Gurley today, writes Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. Gurley, coming off a torn ACL, is projected to be one of the first two RBs taken in next month’s draft.
Elsewhere in the NFC North, the Vikings are also lining up pre-draft visits, and Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes will soon meet with Minnesota. Waynes is viewed as the top CB available by most draft analysts.
In an interesting piece for ESPN Wisconsin, Jason Wilde examines why the Packers are usually reticent to sign unrestricted free agents, but are generally able to retain their own. The article has many insightful quotes from Green Bay general manager Ted Thompson and is worth a full read.