2015 March - Pro Football Rumors

Rams Re-Sign Lance Kendricks

March 11th, 2015 at 5:11pm CST by Ben Levine

WEDNESDAY, 5:11pm: The deal is official, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com (on Twitter).

TUESDAY, 4:37pm: We’ve seen some big name tight ends switch teams today, but it appears that one receiving threat will be staying put. ESPN’s Nick Wagoner reports (via Twitter) that the Rams will re-sign Lance Kendricks to a four-year deal worth about $18.5MM.

A second-round pick in 2011, the 27-year-old still hasn’t had his “breakout” season in the NFL. Despite missing only two games in his four seasons, Kendricks only holds career-highs of 42 receptions, 519 yards and five touchdowns. He finished 2014 with 27 catches for 259 yards, earning him an underwhelming ranking from Pro Football Focus (38th among 67 tight end candidates). Those same numbers suggest that Kendrick is average catching the ball and blocking for the pass, but below-average when it comes to run blocking.

The Falcons were previously rumored to be eyeing the tight end.

Saints In Mix For C.J. Spiller; Cowboys Lurking

March 11th, 2015 at 5:01pm CST by Luke Adams

While the DeMarco Murray chase heats up, the market for C.J. Spiller, likely the second-best running back on the board, is beginning to take shape. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), the Saints are taking advantage of some newfound cap space by entering the mix for Spiller, while the Cowboys “lurk” around the edges.

Presumably, the Cowboys’ involvement in the Spiller sweepstakes hinges on how things with Murray play out. As for the Saints, they’ve already re-signed Mark Ingram, but could view Spiller as a versatile weapon capable of giving them the type of production players like Reggie Bush and Darren Sproles have in the past.

The Patriots, Jets, Dolphins, Cardinals, 49ers, Lions, and Washington were mentioned over the weekend as potential suitors for Spiller, though reports since then have downplayed the interest of the AFC East teams. Of course, a reunion with the Bills also seems out of the question for the running back, after Buffalo acquired LeSean McCoy.

Colts To Sign Andre Johnson

March 11th, 2015 at 4:57pm CST by Zachary Links

4:57pm: Johnson didn’t take much of a pay cut. He was due to make $10.5MM this year with the Texans and his new deal with the Colts will give him $10MM fully guaranteed, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk tweets.

3:11pm: Andre Johnson announced on Instagram that he has signed with the Colts. It’s a three-year deal worth $21MM, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (on Twitter).

Johnson, who is entering his age-34 season, caught a team-high 85 balls in 2014, but that was his lowest total for a full season in about a decade. The former third overall pick also averaged just 62.4 yards per game, the third-lowest mark of his 12-year career. Houston reportedly asked Johnson to accept a reduced role in the offense going forward, which prompted discussion of a trade. Ultimately, the Texans could not find a taker for him and his contract, leading to his formal release on Monday.

Johnson was talking with fellow veteran Frank Gore about joining up with the Eagles, but when Gore backed out of his agreement with Philly to presumably sign with the Colts, their attention shifted to Indianapolis. Now, star quarterback Andrew Luck’s offense will be souped up in 2015 with the additions of two high-profile veterans.

The Chargers were among the teams working hard to lure Johnson and set up his next meeting, but the Colts managed to sign him before he could meet with anyone else, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com tweets.

Any team acquiring Johnson via trade from the Texans would have been responsible for his $10.5MM base salary and $1MM roster bonus on top of giving up assets, so it wasn’t a surprise to see him released instead. Houston created $8.825MM in cap savings by releasing Johnson, even without designating him as a post-June 1 cut.

Even though he appeared to lose a step in 2014, Johnson still graded out as an above-average wide receiver according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). All in all, he finished No. 40 out of 110 qualified wide receivers.

Contract Details: Maclin, Thomas, Hughes, Odrick

March 11th, 2015 at 4:51pm CST by Luke Adams

Here are a few details on some of this week’s noteworthy new contracts:

AFC deals:

Jeremy Maclin, WR (Chiefs): Five years, $55MM. $22.5MM fully guaranteed. $12MM signing bonus (Twitter links via Joel Corry of CBSSports.com).
Julius Thomas, TE (Jaguars): Five years, $46MM. $21MM fully guaranteed. $28.3MM in first three years (Twitter link via Albert Breer of the NFL Network).
Jerry Hughes, DE (Bills): Five years, $45MM base value. $7MM signing bonus. $11.775MM fully guaranteed. $1MM annually in sack-based incentives (Twitter links via Corry and Tom Pelissero of USA Today).
Jared Odrick, DL (Jaguars): Five years, $42.5MM. $22.5MM guaranteed. $5MM roster bonus in 2015 (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun).
Brandon Flowers, CB (Chargers): Four years, $36.4MM base value. $20.5MM guaranteed. $8MM signing bonus. $2.25MM first-year cap hit (Twitter link via Wilson).
Curtis Lofton, LB (Raiders): Three years, $18MM base value. $10MM guaranteed. $6.5MM in first year, including $3.5MM roster bonus (Twitter links via Pelissero and Wilson).
Kendall Langford, DT (Colts): Four years, $17.2MM base value. $2.5MM guaranteed (Twitter link via Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports).
Brian Hoyer, QB (Texans): Two years, $10.5MM base value. $3.75MM roster bonus to be paid this month. $5.25MM annual cap hits (Twitter link via John McClain of the Houston Chronicle).
A.J. Hawk, LB (Bengals): Two years, $3.25MM base value. $500K guaranteed (Twitter link via Pelissero).

NFC deals:

Torrey Smith, WR (49ers): Five years, $40MM base value. $8MM signing bonus. $8.75MM fully guaranteed. $3.6MM first-year cap hit (Twitter links via Corry).
Bryan Bulaga, T (Packers): Five years, $33.75MM base value. $8MM signing bonus. $3.6MM first-year cap hit (Twitter links via Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com).
Stephen Paea, DT (Washington): Four years, $21MM. $7.85MM guaranteed. $5MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).
Corey Peters, DT (Cardinals): Three years, $9MM base value. $5.75MM guaranteed. $2MM signing bonus (Twitter links via Wilson).
Justin Durant, LB (Falcons): Three years, $10.8MM base value. $4.5MM in 2015. $3MM available in incentives (Twitter link via Pelissero).
Dwan Edwards, DT (Panthers): Two years, $4MM base value. $1MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).
Sean Weatherspoon, LB (Cardinals): One year, $3.58MM base value. $1.25MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).
Major Wright, S (Buccaneers): Two years, $3MM base value (Twitter link via Pelissero).

Raiders Sign Lee Smith

March 11th, 2015 at 4:36pm CST by Dallas Robinson

WEDNESDAY, 4:36pm: The Raiders officially announced (via Twitter) the signing of Smith. Smith will get $3.1MM guaranteed in the deal, Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun tweets.

TUESDAY, 3:47pm: The Raiders have agreed to terms with free agent tight end Lee Smith, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN (Twitter link). It’s a three-year, $9MM pact, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN. The 27-year-old blocking specialist has the spent the entirety of his four-year career with Buffalo.

Per Schefter, Oakland will also visit with tight end Jermaine Gresham today. Vic Tafur of the Oakland Tribune adds more (via Twitter), saying that while nothing is yet official, most expect the Raiders to sign Gresham and defensive tackle Terrance Knighton today. Knighton was said to be close to a deal with Oakland earlier today, though the Colts are also in the running.

The Raiders will host several other free agents, including defensive tackle Dan Williams and linebacker Curtis Lofton, today, tweets John Middlekauf of 95.7 The Game. Oakland could be choosing between Williams and Knighton, per Tafur (Twitter link).

Marcedes Lewis Drawing Trade Interest

March 11th, 2015 at 4:28pm CST by Zachary Links

Despite signing Julius Thomas, but Jaguars don’t plan on cutting veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Teams have inquired about inquiring Lewis via trade, however.

Earlier today, Jaguars GM David Caldwell told reporters that Lewis would “have to compete to be” with the Jaguars in 2015. Lewis, 31 in May, played in only eight games last season after suffering a high ankle sprain in September. His IR-DTR status allowed him to return later in the year.

In his limited time on the field, Lewis hauled in 18 catches for 206 yards with two touchdowns. Lewis’ best season came in 2010 when he recorded 58 catches for 700 yards and ten touchdowns, though he had a similar reception total in 2012. That 2010 campaign marked Lewis’ first and only Pro Bowl selection to date.

Jets Sign Buster Skrine

March 11th, 2015 at 4:15pm CST by Dallas Robinson

WEDNESDAY, 4:15pm: The Jets’ signing of Skrine is now official, the team confirmed in a press release.

TUESDAY, 3:14pm: In dire need of secondary help, the Jets have agreed to sign free agent cornerback Buster Skrine, according to Adam Schefter and Adam Caplan of ESPN (Twitter link). It’s a four-year, $25MM deal, with $13MM guaranteed, per Bob Glauber of Newday (Twitter link). The 25-year-old Skrine spent the first four years of his career with the Browns.

We heard earlier today that there was mutual interest between Gang Green and Skrine. Skrine, who turns 26 next month held onto his starting job in Cleveland during the 2014 season, and only one other cornerback in the NFL played more snaps than Skrine’s 1,152 (Williams, with 1,198). With quarterbacks avoiding Joe Haden, Skrine also saw the second-most targets in the NFL (123), and held QBs to a 56.9% completion percentage.

The Jets are expected to add more help to their defensive backfield, with Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie atop their wishlist.

Raiders Sign Rodney Hudson

March 11th, 2015 at 4:09pm CST by Luke Adams

WEDNESDAY, 4:09pm: The Raiders have officially signed Hudson, the team announced today (via Twitter). The five-year, $44.5MM pact includes a $6.9MM roster bonus for 2015 and a little less than $13MM in fully guaranteed money, per Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link) and Tom Pelissero of USA Today (Twitter links).

MONDAY, 7:50am: After missing out on a handful of top targets this weekend, including Ndamukong Suh, Randall Cobb, and Jerry Hughes, the Raiders are on the board. According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter), the team has agreed to terms with Rodney Hudson. The Chiefs center is expected to sign a five-year, $44.5MM contract with Oakland once the free agent period begins on Tuesday.

We’ll have to wait for the specifics on Hudson’s contract to know for sure, but if the base value is indeed $44.5MM, that would put the average annual value at $8.9MM, making the 25-year-old the highest-paid center in the league.

Hudson, a former second-round pick, has been the Chiefs’ full-time starter at center for the last two seasons. In 2014, Hudson ranked as the third-best center in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), grading as an above-average run blocker and pass blocker — he even led all centers in PFF’s screen-blocking grade.

As recently as Saturday, we heard that the Chiefs were making a push to re-sign Hudson, but after the four-year veteran turned down a $6MM-per-year offer from Kansas City during the season, his asking price was believed to be up to $8MM+ at that point. That likely made it tricky for the Chiefs to work something out, since the team is already right up against the cap even before it finalizes its agreement with wide receiver Jeremy Maclin.

In Oakland, Hudson is expected to take over the starting center job vacated by Stefen Wisniewski, who will officially become a free agent and sign elsewhere tomorrow. As for the Chiefs, Eric Kush looks like the logical in-house option to replace Hudson in the middle of the offensive line, though it’s possible that the team will address the position in free agency or the draft.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Bills Release Scott Chandler

March 11th, 2015 at 4:04pm CST by Luke Adams

As the Bills prepare to make a big offer to free agent tight end Charles Clay, the team has parted ways with its incumbent starter at the position. The Bills announced today in a press release that they’ve released tight end Scott Chandler.

Chandler, 30 in July, hauled in 47 catches for 497 yards and three touchdowns in 2014. Chandler was something of a late bloomer in the league, as he did not see any time on an NFL field between his debut in 2007 with the Chargers and his return in 2010 with the Bills. in Buffalo, he asserted himself as a real NFL talent and not just a taxi squad filler.

Mike Rodak of ESPN.com (on Twitter) wouldn’t be surprised to see the Patriots get in on Chandler. Chandler has a history of doing well against New England and the Pats could use a tight end.

Extra Points: Suh, Wilson, Revis

March 11th, 2015 at 3:51pm CST by Zachary Links

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross says he’s confident that the Dolphins did not break any rules in the lead up to the Ndamukong Suh signing, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald writes. The Dolphins appear to have struck an agreement with the defensive tackle during the “legal tampering” period, but the league specifically asked that handshake deals not go down during that time. Of course, other teams certainly exchanged figures prior to Tuesday, but Suh was one of the most prominent free agents available. More from around the NFL..

Seahawks GM John Schneider said the team has met with the agents for Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner, though the reps for each player know Seahawks have other things to do, as well, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times (Twitter links).
A year ago, the Raiders were willing to assume all of Darrelle Revis‘ existing contract with the Buccaneers but the cornerback’s camp convinced the team that he wouldn’t report, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com tweets.
The Patriots dropped out of negotiations with Revis upon hearing he was seeking $16MM per year and $40MM guaranteed, Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports tweets.
The Chargers offered Andre Johnson more money than he got from the Colts, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network tweets. It’s not known how much San Diego offered, but the Colts got Johnson for $21MM over three years.
Tom Benson, principal owner of the Saints and the NBA’s Pelicans, filed a lawsuit on Wednesday to remove all stock in the sports franchises from the trust funds that he set up for his daughter and grandchildren, Andy Grimm of The Times-Picayune writes.