2015 March - Pro Football Rumors

AFC Notes: Colts, Raiders, Bills, Dolphins

March 27th, 2015 at 6:53pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Despite the success they’ve achieved since joining the Colts in 2012, general manager Ryan Grigson and head coach Chuck Pagano are both lacking long-term security as they enter contract years. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes how important it is for Grigson and Pagano to remain on the same page going forward. If they fail to stay united and the team disappoints next season, Florio opines that the pair could blame one another, thus setting the tone for the ouster of one or both. Should Pagano end up elsewhere after the 2015 season, he’ll join John Fox and Jim Harbaugh as the latest in a line of coaches whose teams parted ways with them after tenures that were good, but not quite good enough.

Some updates concerning other AFC teams:

The Raiders had a two-day visit with tight end Jermaine Gresham early in free agency. Gresham then underwent back surgery and Oakland’s interest in the 26-year-old seemingly cooled. Not the case, however, according to Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie. “He’s still on my board,” said McKenzie, per Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com. “We’ll see how he feels and how he rehabs and all that. Going forward, it will be more about how he wants to navigate through this.”
The Bills made plenty of noise earlier this offseason in acquiring outside talent, but general manager Doug Whaley says their approach will change in the next year. The Bills’ focus between now and the 2016 offseason will be locking up their own players long term, Whaley told ESPN’s Mike Rodak (Twitter link). That means trying to re-sign defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, offensive tackle Cordy Glenn and linebacker Nigel Bradham, all of whom are scheduled for free agency next year, and cornerback Stephon Gilmore – who is under Buffalo’s control for just two more seasons.
Dolphins general manager Dennis Hickey is hoping to add to his total of six draft picks this year, specifically in the form of mid-round selections, writes Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. That could mean moving down from 14th overall, where Miami is currently slated to pick in the first round. “We’d like to be able to massage the board to acquire more picks to get more chances at players,” said Hickey. “It always takes two. I would trade down, but it has to present itself.”

Draft Notes: Gregory, Mariota, Flowers, Collins

March 27th, 2015 at 5:41pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

News broke earlier this week that Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory failed a drug test at last month’s combine, but there’s still no shortage of interest in the highly touted 22-year-old as the NFL draft approaches. According to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.Net (Twitter link), almost a half-dozen new teams have scheduled visits with Gregory since finding out about his failed drug test. Pauline names the Chargers and Steelers as a couple of clubs that will meet with Gregory, whom draft experts regard as a first-round talent.

Here’s more on several draft prospects and the teams interested in their services:

Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News writes that Jets brass will head to Oregon on Saturday to work out quarterback Marcus Mariota. Representing the Jets will be general manager Mike Maccagnan, head coach Todd Bowles, offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, quarterbacks coach Kevin Patullo, director of college scouting Rex Hogan and director of player personnel Brian Heimerdinger. The Jets have the sixth overall selection in the draft and are in need of a franchise quarterback, but it’s not expected that Mariota will fall to their pick.
Miami’s Ereck Flowers, who might be the first offensive tackle taken in this year’s draft, will visit the Buccaneers and Panthers, per Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com. Campbell writes that “all four NFC South teams are showing significant interest” in Flowers, who will also powwow with the Browns, Colts and Chargers.
Michael DiRocco of ESPN tweets that LSU cornerback Jalen Collins will meet with the Jaguars.
The Dolphins will host Michigan linebacker Jake Ryan on April 2, according to ESPN’s James Walker.
Former Missouri wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham will visit the Titans sometime in April, Terry McCormick of TitansInsider.com reports.
Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun tweets that the Browns will meet with Indiana center Collin Rahrig prior to his Pro Day workout.

NFC Notes: Guion, Seahawks, Rams, Falcons

March 27th, 2015 at 4:52pm CST by Luke Adams

With Letroy Guion‘s legal case now resolved, the Packers continue to explore a potential reunion with the free agent defensive lineman, but it sounds like he’s drawing interest from the team that knocked Green Bay out of the postseason earlier this year. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), Guion visited the Seahawks today.

More than other most other teams in the NFL, Seattle has shown a willingness to bring in players for visits without necessarily pushing hard to sign him, so there’s certainly no guarantee Guion will become a Seahawk, but it appears the Packers aren’t his only suitor.

Let’s check in on a few more Friday items from across the NFC….

Despite acquiring Nick Foles from the Eagles, the Rams still intend to draft a quarterback, according to head coach Jeff Fisher (link via Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch). Foles is entering the final year of his rookie contract, so St. Louis figures to use the 2015 season to determine whether or not the ex-Eagle can be the Rams’ QB of the future.
For now, T.J. Yates appears to be the favorite to back up starting quarterback Matt Ryan in Atlanta, but Falcons head coach Dan Quinn hasn’t ruled out the possibility of signing a veteran like Matt Schaub, writes Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. “Schaub is certainly somebody that we could [add],” Quinn said. “As we get through it, we’ll let you know if we go down that road.”
The Giants‘ five-year, $17.5MM contract for Dwayne Harris, which includes $7.1MM in guaranteed money, has taken its share of criticism over the last couple weeks. However, agent Chad Speck tells Jordan Raanan of NJ.com that 14 teams reached out to him about Harris, and the Giants “weren’t the only team involved in the numbers that Dwayne ultimately signed for.”
A pair of prospects who were dismissed from their respective college teams will visit the Vikings, according to Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities, who reports (via Twitter) that the team is scheduled to host cornerback Marcus Peters and wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham.

Panthers Claim Jonathan Martin Off Waivers

March 27th, 2015 at 3:22pm CST by Luke Adams

A day after he was cut by the 49ers, offensive tackle Jonathan Martin will be heading to a new team rather than reaching the free agent market. According to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer (via Twitter), the Panthers have claimed Martin off waivers from San Francisco.

Martin, who was at the center of the Dolphins’ bullying scandal in 2013, reportedly receiving verbal abuse from Richie Incognito and others, was sent to the 49ers in a trade last March. Although he started nine games last season at right tackle for San Francisco, Martin wasn’t particularly effective, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). PFF graded Martin as a below-average run blocker and pass blocker, placing him 60th out of 84 qualified offensive tackles.

With Jim Harbaugh, who coached Martin at Stanford, no longer in the picture for the Niners, the team decided to move on from the young tackle as well. As he enters the final year of his rookie contract, Martin is set to earn $1.042MM for the 2015 season. The Panthers will take on that salary by claiming him, though it’s not guaranteed.

The offensive line was an area of concern for the Panthers heading into the offseason after the team shuffled a number of players in and out of the lineup last year, receiving underwhelming production from starting left tackle Byron Bell. Free agent signee Michael Oher is currently penciled in as Carolina’s left tackle for 2015, so Martin could compete for playing time on the right side, or serve as a swing tackle for the team. The Panthers will likely add a lineman or two in the draft as well.

Bills Notes: Free Agency, Spikes, Draft

March 27th, 2015 at 2:28pm CST by Luke Adams

The Bills have been active during the first couple weeks of free agency, landing LeSean McCoy and Matt Cassel in trades, re-signing Jerry Hughes, and adding Percy Harvin and Charles Clay in free agency. What’s next for the team? According to GM Doug Whaley (Twitter link via Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News), Buffalo is still considering adding a veteran receiver, and would also like to bring back linebacker Brandon Spikes.

Here’s more on the Bills:

Offensive line is another spot the Bills need to address, but that will happen in the draft rather than in free agency, tweets Carucci. As Carucci notes, Buffalo pursued offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga in free agency and tried to trade for Saints guard Jahri Evans, but didn’t land either player.
Whaley tells Mike Rodak of ESPN.com (Twitter link) that the Bills are open to the idea of drafting a quarterback. However, as Rodak points out, that could be tricky, since the salaries of both E.J. Manuel and Tyrod Taylor are guaranteed for 2015. Drafting a quarterback would mean either carrying four on the roster, or parting ways with one of Cassel (just acquired), Taylor (just signed), or Manuel (guaranteed salary; former first-rounder).
In his look at 20 contract situations around the league, Joel Corry of CBSSports.com examines a pair of Bills-related issues, discussing Buffalo’s offer to Clay and the increasing price of the team’s defensive line.

Panthers Sign Jarrett Boykin

March 27th, 2015 at 1:03pm CST by Luke Adams

The Panthers have made an addition to their wide receiving corps, signing Jarrett Boykin, the team announced today in a press release. According to the club, it’s a one-year contract for the former Packer.

Boykin, 25, had a productive run during the 2013 season when Green Bay’s receiving depth was hit hard by injuries. Subbing in for Randall Cobb and other sidelined players, Boykin accumulated 49 receptions for 681 yards and three touchdowns. However, he returned to a very part-time role in 2014, catching just three balls on the year. At season’s end, the Packers opted not to assign him an RFA tender, making him an unrestricted free agent.

For the Panthers, Boykin joins a group of receivers led by Kelvin Benjamin. While the Panthers figure to address the position in the draft, Boykin and former second-round pick Stephen Hill could provide some potential upside.

Free Agent Stock Watch: Rolando McClain

March 27th, 2015 at 12:46pm CST by Luke Adams

Less than a year ago, on April 22, 2014, linebacker Rolando McClain retired from the NFL. After being reinstated by the Ravens and working out for the team, McClain had such a poor showing at that workout that he decided to give up his comeback attempt and end his NFL career.

“I’m done,” McClain said at the time in a text message to Seth Wickersham of ESPN.com. “If football made me complete I would play. But whenever I think of it my heart pulls me away [for] whatever reason.”

About two and a half months later, the Cowboys unexpectedly swung a deal for McClain, sending a late-round draft pick to Baltimore to acquire the former eighth overall pick. Apparently, the veteran linebacker, who has been plagued by off-field troubles since entering the NFL, wasn’t quite as retired as he had suggested back in April. Still, it seemed unlikely that he’d contribute much for the Cowboys after having not appeared in a regular season game since 2012, and having announced his retirement twice in the interim.

As such, McClain’s performance in 2014 was one of the most surprising storylines of the year. In 13 games for Dallas, McClain racked up 87 tackles and a sack to go along with two interceptions. Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked McClain eighth out of 60 qualified inside linebackers, and he excelled in every aspect of the game — PFF’s grades placed him eighth as a pass rusher, seventh as a cover man, and 11th as a run defender, among inside linebackers.

Based on that impressive performance, and his pedigree as a former top-10 draft pick, I ranked McClain as the 35th-best free agent available this offseason. However, it’s becoming increasingly clear that teams around the league aren’t necessarily on board with that assessment. Of our top 50 free agents, only four remain unsigned, and only one (Michael Crabtree) ranked higher on our list than McClain.

That wariness is certainly justified. After all, less than 12 months ago, McClain was talking about his heart pulling away from football, which could very well make any team reluctant to offer him a multiyear contract. Additionally, the former Raider failed a third drug test earlier this year — the league’s new substance abuse policy simply calls for a fine for a third failed test, but a fourth violation of the policy would result in an automatic four-game suspension. Potential suitors for McClain may try to alleviate the risk of a possible suspension by include significant per-game roster bonuses in their contract offers, like the Cowboys did with Greg Hardy.

Those off-field concerns surrounding McClain may limit his market, or result in short-term offers, which could help to explain why he remains available. From McClain’s perspective, some long-term security would be preferable, but if he signs a one-year deal and stays healthy, productive, and out of trouble in 2015, it could increase teams’ willingness to commit to him on a longer-term contract a year from now.

As far as potential fits go, Dallas was clearly a good one for McClain, and it certainly wouldn’t hurt the team to bring him back for 2015. Linebackers Justin Durant and Bruce Carter, who were regular contributors in 2014, have signed elsewhere this month, replaced by incoming free agents Jasper Brinkley and Andrew Gachkar. With the linebacking corps undergoing an overhaul this offseason, re-signing McClain to anchor the unit in the middle would at least provide some stability and continuity.

If McClain doesn’t return to Dallas, teams like the Saints, Dolphins, Vikings are among the clubs who run a 4-3 scheme and could use some help at the middle linebacker position. Of course, New Orleans may not be an ideal match for McClain, given his history with former Raiders head coach Dennis Allen, who is now a defensive assistant for the Saints. Free agent players often end up reconnecting with former coaches on new teams, but in the case of McClain and Allen, the relationship in Oakland was somewhat strained.

As far as other former coaches go, McClain could explore the idea of rejoining Tom Cable in Seattle, or Hue Jackson in Cincinnati, though neither of those teams look like the fit that Dallas, Miami, or Minnesota would be.

Ultimately, McClain may be forced to settle for the sort of short-term, prove-it contract that notable free agents like Nick Fairley and Terrance Knighton signed. An impressive 2014 season in Dallas helped to partially rebuild McClain’s value, but it doesn’t appear that any team is ready to spend big on him, particularly since he plays a position where huge free agent deals are somewhat rare. A one-year agreement heavy on incentives and per-game roster bonuses wouldn’t be a surprise.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Bears Sign Alan Ball

March 27th, 2015 at 11:39am CST by Luke Adams

After previously appearing as if he was on track to sign with the Panthers, free agent cornerback Alan Ball has opted instead for another NFC team. The Bears announced today (via Twitter) that they’ve brought Ball into the fold, signing him to a one-year contract.

Ball, who turns 30 next month, spent the last two seasons in Jacksonville, and was quietly one of the best parts of the Jaguars’ secondary. In 2013, Ball recorded a +7.5 Pro Football Focus grade in over 1,000 snaps, ranking 22nd among 110 qualified cornerbacks (subscription required). His 2014 season was cut short by a biceps injury, which landed him on injured reserve after seven games, but he still held his own in the first half of the season, recording 22 tackles and an interception.

For the Bears, Ball will provide depth and some veteran experience for a secondary that also features cornerbacks Tim Jennings and Kyle Fuller. Chicago has been very active this offseason fortifying its defense with free agent additions, having also added Pernell McPhee, Antrel Rolle, Mason Foster, and Jarvis Jenkins.

Terms of Ball’s contract with the Bears aren’t yet known, but the Panthers had been offering him a one-year, $2MM deal, so I’d be surprised if Chicago’s offer was worth less than that.

Titans Re-Sign Brandon Harris

March 27th, 2015 at 10:55am CST by Luke Adams

The Titans have brought back cornerback Brandon Harris, re-signing him to a one-year contract, the team announced today (via Twitter).

Harris, who turned 25 in January, was selected by the Texans in the second round of the 2011 draft. After spending three years in Houston as a special teams player and an occasional contributor on defense, Harris was waived by the Texans during last August’s preseason roster cuts. The Titans claimed the former Miami Hurricane off waivers, and he spent the 2014 season in Tennessee. Harris earned 112 defensive snaps for the club, recording 11 tackles and three passes defended.

With Perrish Cox joining Jason McCourty, Coty Sensabaugh, and Blidi Wreh-Wilson on the Titans’ cornerback depth chart for the 2015 season, Harris is unlikely to earn much more playing time than he did in 2014. Assuming he makes the team, he’ll likely provide depth in the secondary, and play on special teams.

Pro Football Rumors Features

March 27th, 2015 at 10:24am CST by Luke Adams

Pro Football Rumors passes along the latest news and rumors on NFL player movement 365 days a year, but those aren’t the only updates you’ll see on the site. On our right sidebar, you’ll find a number of additional features and featured posts. Here’s a rundown of a few of them:

Using your iOs and Android devices, you can use our app to follow the latest stories on PFR, MLB Trade Rumors, and Hoops Rumors. The Trade Rumors app is highly customizable, allowing you to add feeds for any of the 92 MLB, NBA, and NFL teams, as well as for any of the thousands of players in our archives.
While many of the top players have already come off the board, you can keep tabs on the remaining 2015 veteran free agents by position using our list, which will be updated throughout the spring.
Our top 50 free agents list has been updated to reflect the contracts signed by the players featured on the list. Only four of our 50 remain unsigned.
Before free agency got underway, we examined the offseason plans for all 32 teams. Our team-by-team Offseason Outlook pieces can be found right here. I also surveyed the free agent market by position.
Since the 2014 season ended, seven teams have hired new head coaches, and 27 overall changes have been made to offensive and defensive coordinator roles. For a complete breakdown of this year’s notable coaching changes, check out our recap.
The draft order for 2015 is officially set, and we’ve got the full list of picks sorted both by round and by team.
The NFL isn’t known as a trade-happy league, but a number of big-name players have already been involved in deals this year. You can revisit all of this year’s moves by using our recap of 2015 NFL trades.
The Pro Football Rumors glossary highlights a number of aspects of the NFL’s salary cap, free agency, and Collective Bargaining Agreement. Feel free to let us know if there’s a specific concept that you’d like us to discuss in a future Glossary piece.
We value your input at PFR, which is why we regularly publish polls and have a regular feature called Pigskin Links, in which we highlight a few interesting recent articles from football blogs. You can find our poll archives here and our Pigskin Links pieces right here.
While a handful of our notable articles can be found under the “Featured Posts” section on the right sidebar, the PFR Originals archive rounds up all the original posts from our staff. Recently, we made note of some of the top remaining free agents and took a specific look at free agent wideout Michael Crabtree.