2016 March - Pro Football Rumors

Draft Rumors: Jack, Lawson, Kearse, Alexander

March 10th, 2016 at 5:52pm CST by Sam Robinson

This week being veteran-centric, let’s look at the latest occurring at some of the draft prospects who will soon take over the NFL news cycle.

Myles Jack received full clearance during a visit with a UCLA surgeon, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Rapoport adds that Jack, a projected top-10 pick, is ready to ramp up training following this positive diagnosis.
Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson met with the Jets, Titans and Saints on Wednesday and told Dan Hope of OrangeandWhite.com (on Twitter) he’s visiting the Browns next.
Lawson also has a private workout with the Falcons upcoming, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution tweets. Lawson told Ledbetter he speaks with Falcons defensive line coach Bryan Cox, illuminating a connection between the defensive end-needy Falcons and the Clemson pass-rusher.
During Clemson’s pro day today, safety Jayron Kearse told media (including Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times, via Twitter) he’s scheduled visits with the Buccaneers, Jaguars, Lions, Saints and Steelers.
NFL personnel are “gushing” over Clemson corner Mackensie Alexander‘s workout at the Tigers’ pro day, while scouts weren’t as taken with Kearse’s positional-drills work, per Tony Pauline of WalterFootball.com. One source told Pauline that Kearse would be better off “gaining 20 pounds and moving to linebacker.”

Vikings Sign LB Travis Lewis

March 10th, 2016 at 5:46pm CST by Dallas Robinson

THURSDAY, 6:46pm: Lewis’ pact with the Vikings is official, according to the team’s website.

WEDNESDAY, 12:16pm: The Vikings have agreed to terms with former Lions linebacker Travis Lewis, reports Peter Schrager of FOX Sports (Twitter link).

Lewis, 28, has been with Detroit since 2012, when he entered the league as a seventh-round pick out of Oklahoma. He actually started four games last season, but for the most part he’s been a backup, appearing in 42 contests during his four-year career. Lewis was a key member of the Lions’ special teams unit, playing on more than 70% of Detroit’s ST snaps — that’s likely the role he’ll play in Minnesota.

Like all free agents, Lewis can’t officially sign his new deal until 3pm CT today.

Raiders Sign Kelechi Osemele

March 10th, 2016 at 5:46pm CST by Luke Adams

THURSDAY, 5:46pm: The Raiders announced (on Twitter) that it’s a done deal.

TUESDAY, 11:26am: Osemele will get a five-year deal that can be worth up to $60MM, according to Getlin (Twitter links). Getlin adds that the base value is $11.7MM per season, which works out to $58.5MM over five years.

9:58am: Osemele’s new contract will be worth more than $11MM annually and will make him one of the top five highest-paid offensive linemen in the NFL, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter)

9:12am: The Raiders are on track to sign one of the top offensive free agents on the market when the new league year begins on Wednesday, according to Rand Getlin of the NFL Network, who reports (via Twitter) that Oakland had reached an agreement in principle with offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele.

Osemele, 26, has been a starter on the Ravens’ offensive line since being selected by the team in the second round of the 2012 draft, earning playing time at right tackle, guard, and – most recently – left tackle. Although he has been slowed a little by injuries in recent years, missing multiple games in each of the last three seasons, Osemele has been a reliable performer on Baltimore’s line. Pro Football Focus ranked him 18th out of 77 qualified tackles in 2015, giving him the second-highest run-blocking grade at the position.

While the Ravens reportedly made a strong effort to bring Osemele back, their cap situation didn’t afford them nearly as much flexibility as the Raiders have. After a strong contract year, the Iowa State product looked poised to become at least the highest-paid guard in the NFL, and perhaps to be paid like a top-10 left tackle.

In fact, Getlin tweets that Osemele’s market was “incredibly hot” and that his deal will “blow the top off” the guard market. That price tag was likely too high for the Ravens and for the Vikings, who were also said to be pursuing Osemele. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that the Jets also dropped out of the running based on the lineman’s asking price.

Although the Raiders and Osemele have reached an agreement in principle, it’s worth reiterating that no teams can complete deals with outside free agents until Wednesday afternoon at 3:00pm central time. While most verbal agreements are completed at that time, we have seen deals fall apart during the legal tampering period in the past. A year ago, Frank Gore appeared headed to the Eagles before he signed with the Colts instead. Two years ago, the Raiders seemed on the verge of signing Rodger Saffold to a huge contract before concerns over his physical scuttled the deal.

Assuming the two sides do finalize the deal on Wednesday, it will be interesting to see how the Raiders plan to use Osemele. The team could slot him in at guard, but with left tackle Donald Penn eligible to hit the open market on Wednesday himself, Oakland has some flexibility when it comes to Osemele’s role. Their agreement with the ex-Raven may also give the Raiders some leverage in negotiations with Penn, whom they reportedly want to retain. Having entered the day armed with approximately $60MM in cap room, per OverTheCap.com, the club certainly has the flexibility to sign both players.

Osemele ranked fourth overall in our list of this year’s top 50 free agents.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Contract Details: Sanu, Lane, Harris, Jones

March 10th, 2016 at 5:24pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here are some of the latest details on recently agreed-upon or signed contracts from around the NFL.

Mohamed Sanu, WR (Falcons): Five years, $32.5MM. $14MM guaranteed. $7MM signing bonus. Base salaries of $1MM, $6MM, $6MM, $6MM, $6.5MM. (via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, on Twitter). Can earn additional $1.25MM based on receptions, per ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure (on Twitter).
Jeremy Lane, CB (Seahawks): Four years, $23MM. $11MM guaranteed. $5MM signing bonus. Base salaries of $2MM, $4MM, $6MM, $6MM (Twitter link via Wilson). $7MM fully guaranteed. Lane’s $4MM salary in 2017 guaranteed in February 2017, per Tom Pelissero of USA Today (via Twitter).
Mike Harris, OL (Vikings): One year, $2MM. $500K of $1.9MM base salary fully guaranteed. $100K workout bonus. (via Wilson, on Twitter). Can earn $1.05MM in incentives, per Pelissero (on Twitter).
Mason Foster, ILB (Washington): Two years, $2.5MM. $350K signing bonus. Can earn $1.6MM in playing-time incentives, per Pelissero (on Twitter).
Adam Jones, CB (Bengals): Three years, $24MM. $16MM in 2016-17, according to Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports (on Twitter).
Kellen Clemens, QB (Chargers): One year, $1.065MM. $80K roster bonus, per Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune (on Twitter).

Chiefs Re-Sign Derrick Johnson

March 10th, 2016 at 5:15pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

THURSDAY, 5:15pm: Johnson’s third contract with the Chiefs is official, according to the team’s website.

WEDNESDAY, 6:37pm: A day after locking up longtime defensive stalwart Tamba Hali, the Chiefs will bring back another franchise icon. The club will re-sign middle linebacker Derrick Johnson to a three-year, $21MM deal, he told ESPN’s Josina Anderson (Twitter link).

“Just agreed to it,” Johnson said (Twitter link via Anderson).

Terez A. Paylor of The Kansas City Star reported earlier that a deal was imminent (on Twitter).

A Chief since they drafted him 15th overall in 2005, Johnson had a magnificent bounce-back year last season after missing nearly all of 2014 with a torn Achilles. The ex-Texas Longhorn started 16 games for the sixth time in his career and totaled 116 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles, and ranked eighth out of 97 qualifying linebackers at Pro Football Focus (subscription required). The 33-year-old also made his fourth Pro Bowl.

Entering free agency, PFR’s Luke Adams ranked Johnson as the 46th-best player available and No. 4 inside linebacker, behind Danny Trevathan, Jerrell Freeman, and Rolando McClain. Trevathan and McClain have since signed with the Bears and Cowboys, respectively.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Cowboys, Tyrone Crawford Restructure Contract

March 10th, 2016 at 4:58pm CST by Luke Adams

The Cowboys have restructured the contract of defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford, opening up about $4.4MM in cap room, according to Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com (Twitter link). The move will help create some additional flexibility for Dallas as the team goes about its offseason business.

Crawford, who inked a new contract extension in September, was set to earn a fully guaranteed $6.75MM base salary in 2016. Instead, he’ll reduce that salary to $1.25MM, converting $5.5MM into a signing bonus. That bonus will be paid to him immediately, but will be spread out on the Cowboys’ cap for the next five seasons at a rate of $1.1MM annually.

While the move reduces Crawford’s 2016 cap number from $8.75MM to $4.35MM, it increases his cap charges in future seasons. From 2017 to 2020, Crawford will count for at least $9MM annually against the Cowboys’ cap, including $10.35MM in 2017.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Jaguars Release Toby Gerhart

March 10th, 2016 at 4:54pm CST by Zachary Links

4:54pm: The release is now official, as Tom Pelissero of USA Today Sports tweets.

12:30pm: The Jaguars are expected to release running back Toby Gerhart today, according to Mike DiRocco of ESPN.com. GM David Caldwell has since confirmed the move (Twitter link via Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union).

Gerhart has battled injuries during his last two years with the team and has not been able to live up to his sizable free agent contract. As the Jaguars welcome in one high-priced free agent running back in Chris Ivory, they say goodbye to their last major expenditure at the position. The tailback signed a three-year deal worth $10.5MM with the Jaguars two years ago. Had he stayed on the roster, Gerhart would have collected on a $500K roster bonus (due Sunday) and a $3MM salary in 2016. As expected, the Jags decided to cut their losses and let Gerhart walk.

In 21 total games with Jacksonville, Gerhart ran for 370 yards and two scores. Last season, he carried the ball 20 times for 44 yards. DiRocco notes that Gerhart has been injured all over with ailments to his injured foot, tender ribs, and core. Prior to his tenure in Jacksonville, Gerhart was a competent backup for the Vikings behind Adrian Peterson. His best season came in 2011, when he finished with 531 rushing yards and another 190 yards through the air.

Recently, general manager David Caldwell indicated that there could still be a place for Gerhart on the team going forward. Still, his release does not come as a surprise.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Free Agent Rumors: Saints, Patriots, Jaguars

March 10th, 2016 at 4:53pm CST by Zachary Links

The latest free agent rumors:

The Saints have expressed an interest in bringing safety Rafael Bush back to the team, Sean Fazende of FOX 8 tweets.
Bears free agent cornerback Sherrick McManis is visiting the Patriots, per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (on Twitter). Earlier today, it was reported that McManis was visiting an AFC East team and we now know that club’s identity. The Jaguars are also interested in him, according to Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union (on Twitter).
Quarterback Luke McCown visited the Colts today, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweeted.
Danny Trevathan, who just signed with the Bears, offered up an interesting answer when asked if the Packers reached out to him. “No, they didn’t. I wish they would have, but they didn’t,” the linebacker said (Twitter link via NFL Network).
Defensive end Frank Kearse is visiting the Patriots, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
The Ravens hosted guard Vlad Ducasse on a visit today, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Ducasse started 11 of 16 games for Chicago in 2015. Ducasse began his career with the Jets, a team that was high on his raw talent but never got to see him put it altogether on the field.

Prince Amukamara Visiting Jaguars

March 10th, 2016 at 4:30pm CST by Zachary Links

Even after adding Malik Jackson, Jacksonville isn’t done making moves. Giants free agent cornerback Prince Amukamara is on his way to visit the Jaguars, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter).

Amukamara, 26, has had an up-and-down run with the Giants since his entry into the league in 2011, but some of his problems can be chalked up to injury. Of course, that’s a double-edged sword when evaluating a free agent. Amukamara’s only 16-game season came in 2013 and in the last two years, he has only taken the field for 19 contests. Still, in his 11 games in 2015, Amukamara was a difference maker, notching 63 total tackles, 10 pass deflections, one fumble recovery, and one interception.

When healthy, Amukamara has demonstrated the ability that made him the No. 19 overall pick in the 2011 draft. We expected the Giants to make a decent effort to re-sign Amukamara before free agency officially gets underway, but we haven’t heard much on that front this week. After signing Janoris Jenkins, the Giants appear poised to head into the season with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and the ex-Ram as their top two corners.

The Jets have reportedly also shown interest in Amukamara. After losing Damon Harrison to Big Blue, it’d only be fair for Gang Green to grab one of the Giants’ free agents.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Chiefs Sign Mitchell Schwartz

March 10th, 2016 at 4:05pm CST by Dallas Robinson

THURSDAY, 4:05pm: The Chiefs announced that they have officially signed Schwartz.

WEDNESDAY, 8:18pm: Schwartz’s five-year pact is worth up to $33MM, including $15MM guaranteed, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). It also features a $7MM signing bonus and salaries of $750K, $4.9MM, $5.7MM, and then $6MM for the final two years. His base salaries for 2016 and 2017 are fully guaranteed, while his 2018 salary will be guaranteed if he’s injured. If Schwartz is healthy in 2018 and still on the roster by the third day of the league year, his salary will be guaranteed (Twitter link via Wilson).

4:18pm: The Chiefs have agreed in principle to a deal with offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz, tweets Rand Getlin of NFL.com. It will be a five-year deal, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link).

It had been quite a day regarding rumors surrounding Schwartz, as dueling reports indicated that Schwartz was at various stages of negotiation to remain with the Browns. When Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported that Cleveland had pulled its offer to Schwartz, it was fair to wonder if the club was merely posturing, trying to force Schwartz into accepting their latest offer.

Whatever the case, Schwartz will not be returning to the Browns, and he’ll instead head to Kansas City, which has already lost two of its own offensive lineman to free agency in the past 24 hours. Donald Stephenson, who played both left and right tackle for the Chiefs, has agreed to join the division-rival Broncos, while Jeff Allen — primarily a guard, but he can play tackle as well — will latch on with the Texans.

Schwartz, though, is clearly a superior talent to both of those players — PFR ranked Schwartz as the No. 19 overall free agent, and the No. 2 offensive tackle, behind only Russell Okung. An extremely durable player, Schwartz hasn’t missed a single start since entering the league in 2012. He’d been productive in past seasons, but 2015 was truly his coming out party, as he ranked as the sixth-best tackle in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus.

As noted, the Chiefs have lost a few players to free agency, but they’ve also kept one, agreeing to a new deal with defender Tamba Hali. They’re also in the mix to retain corner Sean Smith, and are negotiating to re-sign Derrick Johnson. The Browns, meanwhile, have now lost both Schwartz and Alex Mack from their offensive line, as well as receiver Travis Benjamin.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.