2016 February - Pro Football Rumors

Extra Points: J. Smith, Strong, Packers, Cowboys

February 29th, 2016 at 3:55pm CST by Luke Adams

Typically, teams can get some deals done with their pending free agents between the franchise-tag deadline and the start of free agency, while they still have the right to exclusively negotiate with those players. Last year, for instance, players like Patriots safety Devin McCourty and Packers wideout Randall Cobb re-upped with their respective teams just before reaching the open market.

According to Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union, however, Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell doesn’t expect many players to fall into that category this year. Referring to free agents around the league, rather than just his own players, Caldwell suggested that if they’re not locked up by Tuesday’s franchise-tag deadline, they’ll likely hit the open market. While O’Halloran doesn’t go into detail on Caldwell’s thoughts on the issue, I imagine players will be eager to see what sort of offers are out there for them, now that so many clubs have so much cap space.

Let’s round up a few more odds and ends from around the NFL….

Within his weekly MMQB column, Peter King provides a couple interesting draft-related notes, writing that at least one NFL GM remains bullish on injured Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith (“No chance he won’t play at some point, and play well”) and reporting that NFL Network draft expert Daniel Jeremiah received at least one offer from an NFL team within the last two months to head up that club’s personnel department.
Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong was arrested late on Sunday night for possession of marijuana, tweets Jason Snavely of ABC15. The off-field incident will put Strong on the NFL’s radar for a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy, so discipline could be coming down the road.
While Packers general manager Ted Thompson hasn’t publicly announced how long he plans to continue in his current role, team president/CEO Mark Murphy said at the combine in Indianapolis that he has an idea of how much longer Thompson will stick around, and Murphy has a succession plan in mind, writes Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com.
As Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News tweets, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is more confident about how to fortify the team’s running back spot than he is for some of Dallas’ holes on defense. “I can actually see ways and options at the running back [position] to get us in good shape,” Jones said. “I don’t actually see ways and have the name in place for the spot relative to the defense.”
In his latest piece for The Baltimore Sun, Jeff Zrebiec explores the Ravens‘ potential options for the No. 6 overall pick in the draft, and writes that offensive tackle Eugene Monroe, a release candidate, still appears unlikely to return to Baltimore in 2016.

Saints Release Marques Colston

February 29th, 2016 at 3:45pm CST by Luke Adams

3:45pm: The Saints have officially released Colston, per today’s transactions wire, tweets Evan Woodbery of NOLA.com. The veteran wideout received a failed physical designation, according to Tom Pelissero of USA Today (Twitter link).

FEBRUARY 29, 3:37pm: Colston remains on New Orleans’ roster for now, and while it still seems likely that he’ll be released, head coach Sean Payton said today that the Saints have spent a long time talking about where they’re at with the wideout (Twitter link via Katherine Terrell of NOLA.com).

FEBRUARY 23, 1:55pm: The move isn’t official yet, but the Saints will indeed release Colston, says Rand Getlin of the NFL Network (Twitter link).

1:13pm: Shortly after parting ways with veteran guard Jahri Evans, the Saints appear poised to cut another one of their longtime offensive contributors. According to Mike Triplett of ESPN.com, who cites a league source, New Orleans will likely release wide receiver Marques Colston sometime in the coming days.

Colston, 32, has been with the Saints since 2006, when he was selected in the seventh round of the draft, 252nd overall. The Hofstra product has been one of the most productive receivers in the NFL – and the Saints’ all-time leading receivers since then, racking up six 1,000-yard seasons and 9,759 overall receiving yards over the last decade.

However, Colston had trouble staying healthy in 2015 and his production fell off as a result. For the season, the veteran wideout recorded career-worst marks in receptions (45), yards (520), and touchdowns (four), as he dealt with shoulder and chest injuries. Even prior to last season, Colston had seen his numbers slipping a little — he set new career lows in yards per game in both 2013 and 2014.

2016 is the final year of Colston’s contract with the Saints, and he had been scheduled to earn $3.2MM in salary and bonuses. By releasing him, New Orleans could trim his cap hit from $5.9MM to just $2.7MM, creating some additional flexibility for the team to handle its offseason business.

Until the move is official, there may still be a chance that the Saints reach some sort of agreement with Colston to keep him on the roster at a reduced rate, but it seems increasingly clear that he won’t return on his current contract. If the club cuts him, he’ll be immediately eligible to sign with a new team without having to pass through waivers, and as long as he’s on track to be healthy for the 2016 campaign, he should draw interest.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

West Rumors: Poe, Raiders, Penn, 49ers

February 29th, 2016 at 3:05pm CST by Luke Adams

The Chiefs have several pressing issues on their docket on the defensive side of the ball, with Eric Berry, Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson, Sean Smith, and Jaye Howard among the defenders facing free agency. However, Kansas City is also exploring the possibility of locking up one of their top contributors whose contract doesn’t expire until 2017.

According to Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star, the Chiefs have spoken to Dontari Poe‘s agent, Jimmy Sexton, about a long-term deal that would keep the standout nose tackle in K.C. for the next several years.

“We’ve talked, we’ve talked more than once,” GM John Dorsey said. “I have great affection for Dontari Poe. I think he represents everything we want to do, culturally. I think he’s a good football player. We will continue this process. Right now, I’m concentrating on other things. But eventually, we’ll get to that.”

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

The Raiders are expected to be one of the league’s most active teams in free agency, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). That’s no real surprise, since Oakland is one of two clubs in the NFL with more than $70MM in projected cap room. Cole reports that the Raiders have “made it clear to everyone that they’re not going to let money get in the way of getting the players that they want.”
Cornerbacks and offensive linemen figure to be atop the Raiders‘ shopping list, according to Cole, who adds that Chargers safety Eric Weddle will be a target for Oakland as well.
Armed with all that cap space, the Raiders will prioritize getting a new deal done with offensive tackle Donald Penn, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com adds (via Twitter) that Penn “has a strong market,” and his stock will only improve if the Bills use their franchise tag on Cordy Glenn within the next 24 hours.
With the free agent period fast approaching, Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee (Twitter link) expects the 49ers to target mostly offense in March, before shifting to focus on defensive players in the draft.

Joe Flacco, Ravens Moving Toward New Deal

February 29th, 2016 at 2:33pm CST by Luke Adams

Quarterback Joe Flacco and the Ravens continue to make progress on a new deal that will lower Flacco’s 2016 cap hit, according to multiple reports. Per Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun, no deal is expected to be completed today, but both sides remain confident that it will happen this week.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk and Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link) also report that an agreement between the two sides is expected soon. Florio suggests something will likely get done within the next two to four days, while La Canfora says it will happen no earlier than Wednesday. Each report indicates that the Ravens and agent Joe Linta are meeting again today now that the scouting combine has wrapped up.

Flacco, who signed a six-year deal with the Ravens three years ago, is currently projected for a cap hit of $28.55MM in 2016, and that number will increase to $31MM+ in 2017. General manager Ozzie Newsome insisted at the start of the Ravens’ offseason – and recently reiterated – that the team has a plan to work around Flacco’s massive cap hit, but it would obviously make things easier in Baltimore if the club can reduce that figure by $10MM or so.

To create significant cap savings on a new deal for Flacco without creating massive problems in future seasons, the Ravens will likely have to add two or three new years to the quarterback’s contract, extending it rather than simply restructuring it.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Bears Use Franchise Tag On Alshon Jeffery

February 29th, 2016 at 2:14pm CST by Luke Adams

2:14pm: The Bears have officially placed the franchise tag on Jeffery, the team announced today (via Twitter).

MONDAY, 2:06pm: The Bears remain on track to use the franchise tag on Jeffery, after multiple discussions in Indianapolis with agent Tory Dandy failed to result in a long-term deal, tweets Rapoport. Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports confirms (via Twitter) that the Bears have let Jeffery’s camp know they’ll tag the wideout, while ESPN’s Josina Anderson tweets that it’ll be the non-exclusive franchise tag, worth $14.599MM.

FRIDAY, 1:48pm: While the franchise tag appears likely for Jeffery, his agent will meet with the Bears again in Indianapolis to discuss a longer-term deal, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

1:28pm: The Bears will use their franchise tag on wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter). The move, which isn’t yet official, doesn’t come as a surprise, since a report earlier this week suggested Chicago expected to retain the free agent wideout.

Speaking to reporters this week at the combine in Indianapolis, general manager Ryan Pace indicated that the team was “aggressively” negotiating with the receiver now in an effort to lock him up to a new deal. Pace, who said he gets the sense that Jeffery wants to remain in Chicago, said at the time that using the franchise tag was on the table as a potential outcome, and with Tuesday’s deadline looming, it seems the situation is headed in that direction.

After averaging 87 receptions and 1,277 yards in 2013 and 2014, Jeffery was plagued by injuries in 2015, but he was excellent when healthy, averaging a career-high 89.7 yards per game. If and when he is franchised by the Bears, he’ll be in line for a salary north of $14MM for 2016. He could still work out a longer-term agreement with the team by July 15th, or play the season on the one-year tag.

In other franchise tag news, the Ravens have already used theirs on kicker Justin Tucker, while Washington is said to be deciding between the franchise or transition tag for quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Giants Rumors: JPP, Ayers, Amukamara

February 29th, 2016 at 1:45pm CST by Luke Adams

The Giants would like to re-sign defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul and will continue to try to make it happen, writes Jordan Raanan of NJ.com. However, according to Raanan, the club is currently only willing to do a one-year, prove-it deal. Unless that stance changes within the next week or so, there’s a good chance JPP will explore the market, and if he finds a more appealing offer elsewhere, there’s a good chance he’ll depart.

As Raanan details, it’s possible that another team in desperate need of a pass-rusher will be willing to offer Pierre-Paul a multiyear contract in the neighborhood of $10MM per year, but there are too many variables in play for the Giants to make such an offer themselves before letting JPP gauge his value. It will be an interesting situation to watch as free agency nears.

Here’s more from Raanan on the Giants:

On the whole, the free agent market is expected to be player-friendly, and one player who will likely benefit is Giants defensive end Robert Ayers. According to Raanan, Ayers is expected to land a deal in the range of $6MM per year, and the Giants will be in the running.
The Giants will allow Prince Amukamara to reach the open market to get a sense of his value. The team doesn’t appear poised to spend big money on the cornerback position, since the front seven is the priority, says Raanan. If that’s the case, Amukamara could land with another team.
New York will likely explore signing a veteran free agent safety to pair with Landon Collins, says Raanan. Isa Abdul-Quddus is one player the team could target if it doesn’t spend on a top-tier safety.
The Giants are willing to let kicker Josh Brown walk if he finds a lucrative multiyear contract on the open market, since they don’t want to invest too heavily in the position.

Free Agent Rumors: Cromartie, Iloka, Norman

February 29th, 2016 at 1:10pm CST by Luke Adams

An NFL Network report over the weekend suggested that free agent cornerback Antonio Cromartie was expected to meet soon with the Bills and old head coach Rex Ryan. However, news of that alleged meeting caught Cromartie by surprise, as Newsday’s Kimberley A. Martin details.

“I want to know where he got this report from, ’cause this is news to me,” Cromartie said, referring to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

Still, Cromartie conceded that heading to Buffalo “would be a great opportunity,” adding that he loves Ryan, who coached him during his first stint with the Jets. “I think he’s doing something good up in Buffalo to try to get that organization turned around,” Cromartie said of Ryan.

As we wait to see whether Cromartie officially makes a free agent visit to Buffalo, let’s round up some more of Monday’s free agent rumors….

Bengals safety George Iloka, who is expected to be pursued by the Lions, also figures to draw interest from the Vikings, who are coached by former Cincinnati defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, tweets Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports.
No real progress has been made on contract talks between cornerback Josh Norman and the Panthers, so it continues to look as if Norman will get the franchise tag, says David Newton of ESPN.com.
Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald goes in-depth to break down all the possible scenarios for Olivier Vernon and the Dolphins, concluding that the team would be best off using its franchise tag on the defensive end.
Joe Panos, the agent for Texans guard Brandon Brooks, tells Tania Ganguli of ESPN.com that Houston has made it clear that his client is a priority in free agency. “In the next couple days we’ll trade proposals,” Panos said.
Former Eagles and Browns executive Joe Banner (Twitter link) believes there’s at least a 90% chance that quarterback Sam Bradford will re-sign with the Eagles.

Raiders Sign P Marquette King To Extension

February 29th, 2016 at 12:49pm CST by Luke Adams

The Raiders have signed punter Marquette King to a contract extension, the team announced today in a press release. While the Raiders only classify the new deal as “long-term,” Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that it’s a five-year pact, locking up King through the 2020 season.

Rapoport adds (via Twitter) that the extension is worth $16.5MM in total – good for a $3.3MM annual average – with $7.75MM in guaranteed money. It’s not clear whether all that money is fully guaranteed, but King can make $10.75MM in the first three years of the deal, Rapoport notes.

King, 27, has been the Raiders’ full-time punter for the last three seasons, averaging 46.1 yards per attempt over that span. While his 44.5 yards per punt average in 2015 was the lowest of his career, King placed nearly half of his attempts (40 of 83) inside the 20-yard line, and his 40.7 net average was a career best. Opposing returners also totaled just 201 yards on King’s punts, with no touchdowns.

King had been set to become an unrestricted free agent if the Raiders hadn’t re-signed him by next Wednesday, though he was never considered likely to depart. Oakland has more projected cap room than virtually every team in the NFL, and could have deployed the franchise tag (worth $4.572MM) to retain King, if necessary.

With King off the market, Bryan Anger, Jon Ryan, Brad Nortman, and Shane Lechler headline this year’s group of potential free agent punters.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Latest On Janoris Jenkins, Rams

February 29th, 2016 at 12:15pm CST by Luke Adams

As we heard on Sunday, after firing his previous agent, Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins is expected to hire Neil Schwartz for representation, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (Twitter links), who says the move will become official after the five-day waiting period ends on March 3rd.

Meanwhile, Jenkins took to Twitter last night with a message presumably inspired by contract talks with the Rams, which are now on hold: “Total disrespect when u held down one side all 4 years and force the ball the other way.. #ThanksButNoThanks”

Sunday’s report from Jason Cole of Bleacher Report indicated that Jenkins had balked at an offer from the Rams worth $45MM over five years, though it’s not clear how much of that money would have been guaranteed. Jordan Raanan of NJ.com tweets that he has heard Jenkins is seeking upwards of $12MM annually.

The Rams are considered very likely to use their franchise or transition tag on either Jenkins or fellow free agent cornerback Trumaine Johnson. Although Johnson is currently viewed as the stronger candidate of the two corners to be franchised, perhaps the lack of progress made in negotiations with Jenkins will prompt Los Angeles to tag him and focus on reaching a long-term agreement with Johnson.

The Rams will have until Tuesday at 3:00pm central time to make their decision. If the club opts to use the franchise tag, it will cost $13.952MM, while the transition tag will be worth $11.913MM.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Kelechi Osemele Expected To Hit Open Market

February 29th, 2016 at 11:27am CST by Luke Adams

Ravens offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele is expected to reach the open market and become an unrestricted free agent next week, sources tell Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). Wilson adds that Osemele probably won’t stay in Baltimore unless the team makes him the highest-paid guard in the NFL.

A report last week indicated that the Ravens had made an “aggressive” offer to Osemele in the hopes of re-signing him. And while Wilson suggests that Osemele wants to be paid like the league’s highest guard, it’s likely that he’d be shifting over to left tackle on a full-time basis if he remains in Baltimore. As such, it makes sense that he’d be seeking left-tackle money, particularly since he’d probably find at least one team willing to make him that kind of offer on March 9th.

Currently, the top contract in the NFL for a guard is Logan Mankins‘ deal. Mankins’ pact ranks first in the position in terms of total value ($51MM), annual average ($8.5MM), and fully guaranteed money ($21.5MM). Since the former Patriot was traded to Tampa Bay halfway through that contract, two teams were on the hook for parts of it, making it a little easier to swallow overall. Mankins’ $8.5MM per-year salary would rank 13th among tackles.

Due to injuries on the Ravens’ offensive line, Osemele spent some time at left tackle for the team in 2015 after starting the year at guard. Pro Football Focus, which grouped Osemele in with 77 qualified offensive tackles, ranked him 18th at the position and assigned him an especially strong grade as a run blocker.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.