2015 April - Pro Football Rumors

Five Raiders RFAs Sign Tenders

April 7th, 2015 at 8:28pm CST by Luke Adams

8:28pm: Ross has signed his RFA tender, meaning all Raiders restricted free agents are now under contract, tweets Williamson.

3:15pm: Asante has also signed his RFA tender, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter).

11:34am: The Raiders had several players eligible for restricted free agency this offseason, and reportedly tendered contract offers to five of them. According to various reports, three of those players are set to sign their tenders for 2015. Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com says wide receiver Rod Streater and punter Marquette King are signing their tenders, while Bill Williamson of ESPN.com reports that receiver Andre Holmes will do the same.

Streater, 27, caught 60 balls for the Raiders in 2013 for 888 yards, and entered the 2014 campaign as one of the team’s starting wideouts. However, he went down during Oakland’s Week 3 game against the Patriots with a foot injury that ultimately required surgery and sidelined him for the rest of the year. He was the only restricted free agent to receive a second-round tender worth $2.356MM from the Raiders. Holmes and King both received $1.542MM tenders.

By signing the one-year offers, Streater, Holmes, and King will be locked up with Oakland for the 2015 season. Prior to signing the tenders, the restricted free agents could’ve signed offer sheets with rival suitors, which Oakland would’ve had the opportunity to match. Of course, Streater was unlikely to get any outside interest, since it would’ve cost a second-round pick to sign him away from the Raiders.

Defensive backs Larry Asante and Brandian Ross also reportedly received low-end RFA tenders from the Raiders, though it’s not clear if they’ve signed those offers yet.

Sean Richardson Signs Raiders’ Offer Sheet

April 7th, 2015 at 7:19pm CST by Luke Adams

7:19pm: The deal, which would be fully guaranteed, would include a $1MM base salary, a $1.35MM signing bonus, and a $200K reporting bonus, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.

5:01pm: A source tells Rapoport (Twitter link) that the Raiders’ offer sheet is for one year and $2.55MM.

3:56pm: The restricted free agent market has been fairly quiet over the last few weeks, but at least one team is looking to poach an RFA from another club. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), the Raiders have signed safety Sean Richardson to an offer sheet. The Packers, who tendered Richardson a contract offer, will have five days to match the offer, if they so choose.

Richardson, 25, has yet to play a major role on defense for the Packer since joining the team in 2012, logging a career-high 135 defensive snaps last season. However, he was a special teams ace for the club, recording 12 tackles in kick and punt coverage. The Raiders may view Richardson as a player capable of taking on a larger role on defense.

Green Bay assigned Richardson a low-end RFA tender worth $1.542MM, which gives the team the right of first refusal. However, the Packers won’t receive any draft pick compensation if they decide not to match the Raiders’ offer, allowing the young safety to head to Oakland.

Rob Housler To Visit Browns

April 7th, 2015 at 7:16pm CST by Dallas Robinson

After narrowly losing out on re-signing free agent Jordan Cameron, the Browns will take a look at another FA tight end in the hopes of adding another piece to their offense. According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, former Cardinals tight end Rob Housler will meet with Cleveland on Wednesday.

Housler, 27, had a disappointing 2014 season, as he notched just nine receptions for 129 yards — from 2012-13, however, he posted respectable numbers, averaging 42 catches for 436 yards. With most of the top tight end options picked over, Housler, along with Jermaine Gresham and Zach Miller, are probably the best available at the position. Housler has also met with the Bengals and Falcons this offseason, while, according to Wilson, the Ravens have offered him a contract.

With the Browns, Housler would vault to the top of the depth chart, where his competition at tight end would be Gary Barnidge and Jim Dray. Housler, a Florida Atlantic product, isn’t much of a blocker, but he could add a pass-catching element at TE that is sorely needed in Cleveland. The Browns have added Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline at receiver in the past month, but the 6’5”, 250-pound Housler could add a different dimension to the club’s offense.

We first heard about two weeks ago that the Browns were “considering” Housler, so it will be interesting to see if anything comes of tomorrow’s visit.

James Ihedigbo Aiming For New Contract

April 7th, 2015 at 6:23pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Entering the final season of a two-year deal he signed last March, Lion safety James Ihedigbo doesn’t plan to report to any offseason activities unless he receives a new contract, his agent told Brad Galli of WXYZ in Detroit. Ihedigbo is set to earn a base salary of $1.1MM for the upcoming season.

The 31-year-old Ihedigbo started 13 games for the Lions last season, teaming with Glover Quin to form a strong safety duo in the back end of a stout Detroit defense. In what was his seventh NFL season, he registered 66 tackles, four interceptions, and two sacks, also forced three fumbles. Using either raw statistics or Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics, 2014 was the best season of Ihedigbo’s career — he graded as the league’s 14th-best safety last year, per PFF (subscription required).

Obviously a key piece on Detroit’s defense, Ihedigbo has a history with Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin that dates back to the two’s time in Baltimore, so Detroit presumably wants Ihedigbo around for the 2015 season. But whether that means the team is willing to tack on years or add salary to the contract of a player entering his thirties is another question.

Ihedigbo was due a $500K roster bonus that was already paid on the third day of the league year, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link). Furthermore, tweets Wilson, the Lions knew of Ihedigbo’s displeasure with his current contract before they paid the bonus. The fact that Detroit paid the bonus while abreast of Ihedigbo’s desire for a new deal, then, should seem to bode well for the chances of the two sides working out a solution.

Part of the reason for Ihedigbo’s current mindset is the new contract given to teammate, and fellow safety, Isa Abdul-Quddus last month, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (via Twitter). Abdul-Quddus will earn $1.2MM in base salary next season ($100K more than Ihedigbo), and is a reserve who played approximately 550 snaps fewer in ’14 than did Ihedigbo. Of course, in terms of total compensation (bonuses included), Ihedigbo will earn more than Abdul-Quddus, but it’s fair for the former to view the situation as a slight.

Contract Details: Sullivan, Morgan, Wilson

April 7th, 2015 at 5:54pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Here are the details on some recently-signed contracts, all courtesy of the Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson on Twitter:

John Sullivan, C (Vikings): Extended through 2017. $1MM guaranteed. Annual $100K workout bonus, plus $500K escalator for 2017 with 90% playing time in 2015 and 2016 (Twitter links).
Will Montgomery, C (Bears): One year, $950K base value. $120K guaranteed (link).
Joe Morgan, WR (Saints): One year, $600K base value. $15K signing bonus (link).
Josh Wilson, CB (Lions): One year, $950K base value. $200K guaranteed (link).
Nick Bellore, LB (49ers): Two years, $1.69MM base value. $30K signing bonus. $505K available through incentives (link).

LeGarrette Blount Suspended For One Game

April 7th, 2015 at 4:57pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Super Bowl champions will be without their top running back for the first contest of the 2015 season, as the NFL has suspended Patriots RB LeGarrette Blount for one game, according to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (Twitter link). Blount’s ban is due to a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy, adds Garafolo (via Twitter), and is related to his August 2014 arrest.

Blount was arrested last fall, along with former Steelers teammate Le’Veon Bell, for marijuana possession, but the charges were later dropped after Blount completed community service. Pittsburgh ended up releasing the 28-year-old Blount in November, and after he cleared waivers, he signed on with New England, inking a two-year deal. During five games with the Patriots, Blount rushed for 281 yards and three touchdowns, and added another 189 yards and three scores during the postseason.

The Pats running back depth chart is currently a bit thin, as Blount’s backups are free agent acquisition Travaris Cadet, and second-year players James White and Tyler Gaffney. That trio is probably capable of getting New England through one game without Blount, but it would still be a surprise if the club doesn’t add another RB option, likely through the draft.

As a result of his suspension, Blount will lose about $49K in base salary, and will forfeit another $6,250 in per game roster bonuses.

Draft Notes: Eagles, Fowler, 49ers, Parker

April 7th, 2015 at 4:28pm CST by Luke Adams

The Eagles have signed three cornerbacks within the last month, adding E.J. Biggers today to go along with Byron Maxwell and Walter Thurmond, but the team continues to consider options at the position with the draft approaching. As Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com outlines, the team hosted LSU cornerback Jalen Collins, a potential scheme fit, on a pre-draft visit today.

Here are a few more draft-related updates from around the NFL:

Although he thinks he’ll probably end up in Jacksonville with the No. 3 overall pick, Dante Fowler Jr. is meeting with a couple NFC teams in the top 10, according to Albert Breer of the NFL Network, who tweets that the Florida pass rusher will visit the Buccaneers and Falcons this weekend.
The 49ers are meeting with Louisville receiver DeVante Parker, who is expected to be one of the first wideouts to come off the board, writes Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.
UTC pass rusher Davis Tull, a former wide receiver, has pre-draft visits lined up with the Saints and Falcons, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
Over at The National Football Post, Aaron Wilson passes along updates on a pair of prospects, writing that Northwestern quarterback Trevor Siemian has visited the Broncos and is working out for the Bears, while Bowling Green linebacker Gabe Martin is visiting the Cowboys today.
Per Matt Miller of Bleacher Report (Twitter link), the Cowboys “love” Damarious Randall, and consider the Arizona State alum the best safety in this year’s draft class.
Rutgers tight end Tyler Kroft has had individual workouts with the Eagles, Jaguars, and Buccaneers, and is scheduled to visit the Bears and Broncos this week, says Dan Duggan of NJ.com.
The Patriots had a private workout with Northwestern State defensive tackle Deon Simon last week, a league source tells Christopher Price of WEEI.com.

Chargers Pick Up Ingram’s 2016 Option

April 7th, 2015 at 3:49pm CST by Luke Adams

3:49pm: Ingram’s fifth-year option for 2016 will be worth $7.751MM, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.

3:45pm: The Chargers have exercised their fifth-year option for linebacker Melvin Ingram, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (via Twitter). The option will keep Ingram under contract with the team through the 2016 season.

As part of the league’s current Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams hold fifth-year options for first-round draftees, allowing the club to lock up their former first-rounders for an extra year. The exact amount of the option for Ingram, 2012’s 18th overall pick, isn’t yet known, but for 2015, the figure for linebackers is $7.038MM. As such, Ingram’s salary for 2016 figures to be a little higher than that.

Ingram, who turns 26 later this month, has had a hard time staying on the field for the Charger during his first three seasons with the team, playing just 29 regular season games. In 2014, a hip injury sidelined him for seven games, as he spent nearly half the season on injured reserve with the designation to return. In the nine games he did play, Ingram was effective as a pass rusher, recording 26 overall quarterback pressures, including four sacks. He also forced a pair of fumbles.

Eagles Sign E.J. Biggers, Seyi Ajirotutu

April 7th, 2015 at 3:13pm CST by Luke Adams

The Eagles have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with cornerback E.J. Biggers, according to Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter). Pro Football Talk reported earlier today that Biggers was paying a visit to Philadelphia. The team has since confirmed the signing (via Twitter).

Biggers, who will turn 28 in June, has spent his five-year NFL career in Tampa Bay and Washington, playing 76 overall regular season games, including 31 starts. Although he has experience at both cornerback and safety, Biggers primarily played corner in 2014, recording 32 tackles and four passes defended in 465 defensive snaps. He also occasionally contributed on special teams.

Having made a major splash at the start of free agency by landing Byron Maxwell, arguably the top cornerback on the market, the Eagles have continued to fortify the position since then. The club also signed Walter Thurmond in addition to Biggers.

The Eagles also signed wide receiver and special teamer Seyi Ajirotutu to a one-year contract today, according to the club. Ajirotutu, who has spent four of his five NFL seasons with the Chargers, only has 24 career receptions, but the 27-year-old has been a key contributor on special teams in San Diego — in 2014, he had 14 tackles in kick and punt coverage, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

AFC Notes: Draft, Jags, Titans, Browns

April 7th, 2015 at 2:41pm CST by Luke Adams

While there has been plenty of speculation about the top two picks in this year’s draft – and specifically whether the top two quarterbacks will be picked in those spots – the Jaguars‘ third overall selection hasn’t been discussed nearly as much. In the view of Florida pass rusher Dante Fowler Jr., there won’t be much intrigue or surprise when it comes to that No. 3 pick — Fowler said today that he thinks he fits the Jags’ scheme perfectly, and would be surprised if the team doesn’t draft him (Twitter link via John Oehser of Jaguars.com).

While we wait to see whether Fowler’s prediction turns out to be right, let’s check out a few more items from around the AFC….

Fowler is one candidate to be the top defensive player to come off the board later this month, but USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams figures to be in that mix as well. Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean reports (via Twitter) that Williams is making a pre-draft visit to the Titans this week.
Andre Holmes is signing his RFA tender with the Raiders, meaning he’ll officially come off the market. Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com (via Twitter), the Browns had some interest in Holmes, but nothing materialized there, particularly after the club added Dwayne Bowe.
Pointing out that Alex Mack‘s contract has an opt-out clause after the 2015 season, Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com wonders if that will affect the Browns‘ draft plans. Fellow lineman Joe Thomas tells Grossi that he thinks Mack will probably opt out next year, even if it’s just to sign a new deal with the Browns.
We previously heard that South Carolina running back Mike Davis would visit the Patriots, and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com adds (via Twitter) that Davis will also meet with the Colts this week.
According to Rapoport (via Twitter), the Patriots are working out linebackers Denzel Perryman (Miami) and Paul Dawson (TCU).
Florida running back Matt Jones, who is expected to be a second- or third-day pick, had dinner with Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and GM Kevin Colbert, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
Wilson provides another draft update, tweeting that the Ravens have a private workout on their schedule for Florida interior offensive lineman Max Garcia.