2016 March - Pro Football Rumors

Chiefs Sign Jaye Howard To Two-Year Deal

March 10th, 2016 at 9:53am CST by Connor J. Byrne

THURSDAY, 9:53am: The Chiefs have officially confirmed their deal with Howard, via a press release. The breakdown of the two-year contract can be found right here.

WEDNESDAY, 7:23pm: The Chiefs will re-sign nose tackle Jaye Howard to a two-year deal worth up to $12MM, according to Rand Getlin of NFL.com (Twitter link). The contract will include $8.3MM in guarantees, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter).

Howard was reportedly seeking $8MM to $9MM per year on his next accord, but it appears he’ll fall well short of either mark. Howard is the third integral defensive piece the Chiefs have agreed to retain over the last two days, joining linebackers Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson.

The 27-year-old Howard set career highs in starts (14), tackles (57), quarterback hurries (18) and sacks (5.5) during the 2015-16 season. He also played the second-most snaps among Chiefs defensive linemen (752). For his work during those 752 snaps, Pro Football Focus (subscription required) graded Howard a solid 24th out of 123 qualifying interior D-linemen.

Howard, whom the Seahawks selected in the fourth round of the 2012 draft, joined the Chiefs in 2013 and began garnering significant playing time the next season. The 301-pounder has since accumulated 32 straight regular-season appearances and logged 24 starts.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Jaguars Sign Chris Ivory

March 10th, 2016 at 9:41am CST by Dallas Robinson

THURSDAY, 9:41am: The Jaguars’ deal with Ivory is now official, tweets John Oehser of Jaguars.com.

WEDNESDAY, 7:26am: According to USA Today’s Connor Hughes (Twitter link), Ivory’s five-year deal will be worth $32.5MM ($6.5MM per year), with $10MM guaranteed.

7:04am: Per Rapoport (via Twitter), Ivory’s new deal with the Jaguars will be a five-year contract. Rapoport reiterates that it’s worth “well north” of $6MM annually.

TUESDAY, 8:59pm: The Jaguars have agreed to sign running back Chris Ivory, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Ivory will be able to officially sign with Jacksonville on Wednesday. The deal is worth “well above” $6MM per year, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

Ivory, 28 later this month, has been a popular name since the legal tampering period began on Monday. The former Jets running back has been linked to a number of clubs, as the Texans, Buccaneers, and Raiders have all expressed interest.

Instead, Ivory will head to the Jaguars, not a club that many pegged to land Ivory, or for that matter, any free agent running back. Jacksonville selected T.J. Yeldon in the second round last season, and the rookie was pretty impressive, averaging 4.1 yards per carry and scoring twice in 12 starts. The Jaguars also have Denard Robinson on their depth chart, and he’s shown to be a more than capable backup.

But the Jags will turn to a more proven commodity in Ivory, who last season topped 1,000 yards rushing for the first time in his six-year career. A runner who exhibits terrifying force, Ivory averaged 4.3 yards per carry and reached the endzone seven times last season. He even helped out in the passing game, posting 30 receptions, 12 more than his previous career high.

Ivory was PFR’s No. 4 free agent running back, and he was expected to compete on the open market with the likes of Doug Martin, Lamar Miller, and Matt Forte. None of that trio has yet agreed to sign with another club, though all three have been heavily linked to potential suitors.

The Jaguars, who entered the legal tampering period with more $80MM in cap space, are certainly showing their financial strength. In addition to agreeing to terms with Ivory, Jacksonville has also agreed to sign defensive lineman Malik Jackson to a six-year deal worth more than $15MM annually.

Ivory’s presence on the roster has already affected another Jaguars running back — per Rapoport (Twitter link), Jacksonville will release Toby Gerhart tomorrow.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

AFC Free Agent Rumors: Hogan, Pats, Steelers

March 10th, 2016 at 9:30am CST by Zachary Links

The latest free agent rumors out of the AFC:

Bills restricted free agent Chris Hogan is visiting the Patriots today, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The Pats could sign the wide receiver/special-teamer to an offer sheet that the Bills would have five days to match. Pats head coach Bill Belichick has done serious research on Hogan and he likes the fact that he could serve as a backup punter, Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News tweets.
Steelers H-back Will Johnson has talked with the Jets, Bears, Chargers, and Titans since the opening of free agency, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com writes. Johnson is a versatile blocker and special teamer, but Fowler adds that he could be looking for more carries, too.
The Chiefs weren’t close to matching the Raiders‘ offer for cornerback Sean Smith, per Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (on Twitter).
The Bengals are trying to close on re-signing linebacker Vincent Rey today, as Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com tweets.

Dolphins To Host Jason Jones, Robert Ayers

March 10th, 2016 at 9:28am CST by Luke Adams

The Dolphins’ defensive end rotation is undergoing a shake-up this week, with Mario Williams in and both Derrick Shelby and Olivier Vernon out. In an effort to replace some of the depth they lost when Shelby and Vernon departed, the Fins continue to explore the defensive end market. According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link), the team is bringing in Jason Jones for a visit, in addition to the previously-reported Robert Ayers.

Jones, 29, has been a full-time starter in Detroit for the last two seasons, picking up a total of 9.5 sacks in his last two seasons. In 2015, Pro Football Focus ranked him 43rd out of 110 qualified edge defenders, assigning him solid grades as both as a pass rusher and a run defender.

Ayers, meanwhile, graded as one of the top pass rushers in the NFL in 2015, according to PFF’s metrics. The 30-year-old enjoyed a career year with the Giants, picking up nine sacks to go along with 41 tackles and a pair of forced fumbles. He’ll visit Tampa Bay before heading to Miami.

While either player would be a solid pickup for the Dolphins, it’s worth noting that the team’s defensive end rotation doesn’t feature much youth. Williams is 31, Cameron Wake is 34, and both Jones and Ayers will be in their 30s by the time the 2016 season gets underway. That stands in contrast to Miami’s departing ends — Vernon is just 25, while Shelby turned 27 this month.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

NFC Free Agent Rumors: Giants, Vernon, Nelson

March 10th, 2016 at 9:25am CST by Zachary Links

Peter King of The MMQB offered up a behind-the-scenes look at Olivier Vernon‘s record-breaking contract with the Giants. Agent David Canter tells King that, in addition to dollars, the defensive end was insistent on signing for five years rather than six. Both the Giants and Jets wanted to give Vernon a five-year deal, but the Jaguars were looking to sign Vernon for six. Canter and Vernon only wanted a five-year deal, however, so that he could cash in one more time at the age of 30.

Here are the latest free agent rumors:

Washington has some interest in free safety Reggie Nelson, Mike Jones of The Washington Post tweets. The tenth-year veteran had 77 tackles and a league-leading 8 interceptions last year for Cincinnati. Nelson placed No. 41 on our Top 50 NFL Free Agents List. While he had a strong 2015, his earning power is somewhat limited as he enters his age-33 season.
The Eagles and cornerback Nolan Carroll haven’t been able to get on the same page and as of right now, it seems like he could be headed elsewhere, Tim McManus of The Fanatic (on Twitter). The rival Cowboys, he adds, are a team to watch.
At least six teams had interest in new Eagles quarterback Chase Daniel before he signed, Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets. Now with Philly, Daniel is reunited with Doug Pederson, who was his offensive coordinator in Kansas City
The Giants have had discussions with former Washington linebacker Keenan Robinson and numbers have been exchanged, Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports tweets. However, there’s no deal there yet.
Jermon Bushrod isn’t scheduled to visit the Vikings right now, but the team is monitoring his recovery from surgery, Ben Goessling of ESPN.com tweets.

Jaguars Sign Brad Nortman

March 10th, 2016 at 8:57am CST by Luke Adams

THURSDAY, 8:57am: The Jaguars have officially signed Nortman, per John Oehser of Jaguars.com (Twitter link). As reported on Wednesday, the four-year deal is worth $8.8MM, with $1.65MM guaranteed.

WEDNESDAY, 1:05pm: While this week has been dominated by big-name free agents making headlines, the Jaguars are once again making sure that punters don’t go overlooked. Four years after selecting Bryan Anger in the third round of the 2012 draft, Jacksonville is apparently replacing him — Rich Eisen of the NFL Network (Twitter link) reports that Brad Nortman will join the Jags on a four-year contract.

It’s a bit of a surprising move, since news of a punter changing teams via a long-term deal isn’t what we’d typically expect from the legally tampering period. But Nortman was solid in Carolina last season, averaging 45.4 yards per punt, with a 39.8 net average. By comparison, Anger’s net average (39.5) was a little lower, and his punts resulted in 462 return yards, as opposed to 288 return yards on Nortman’s attempts.

With Nortman headed to Jacksonville, the Panthers figure to be in the market for a new punter, and Anger will be seeking a job elsewhere. While it would make sense to link Anger to the Carolina opening, the Panthers may opt for a cheaper alternative, leaving the former third-round pick to look elsewhere for his next contract.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Colts, Arthur Jones Rework Contract

March 10th, 2016 at 8:52am CST by Zachary Links

The Colts and Arthur Jones have worked out a deal that will keep the defensive tackle with the team in 2016. Jones will now earn a payout of $2.5MM rather than the $4.5MM he was originally slated to make, a source tells Field Yates of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Jones can still earn that $2MM back, however, through roster bonuses and performance incentives.

Jones’ short career with the Colts hasn’t gone according to plan. He was a disappointment in 2014 – his first season with the team – after signing a five-year, $33MM deal to leave Baltimore for Indianapolis, totaling 23 tackles and 1.5 sacks in just nine games (three starts). Then, as he was gearing up for what he hoped would be a bounce-back campaign, Jones tore ligaments in his ankle. In September, Jones went under the knife, ending his 2015 season before it could even begin.

In 529 snaps for the Ravens in 2013, Jones recorded a +15.7 PFF grade, performing very well against the run while also compiling 25 quarterback pressures.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Falcons Sign Derrick Shelby

March 10th, 2016 at 8:44am CST by Sam Robinson

THURSDAY, 8:44am: The Falcons have officially signed Shelby, the team confirmed today (via Twitter).

WEDNESDAY, 7:27pm: The Dolphins featured two defensive ends that received top-25 grades from Pro Football Focus last season. Both will suit up for other teams next season, the second such defection coming in the form of Derrick Shelby‘s decision to sign with the Falcons, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter).

Atlanta’s adding Shelby on a four-year, $18MM deal that could be worth as much as $21MM and contains $7.5MM in guaranteed money. The contract contains a $5MM signing bonus, according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com (on Twitter).

Shelby joins Olivier Vernon as four-year Dolphins who received significant raises by signing with other teams today, with Vernon’s mammoth pact with the Giants overshadowing Shelby’s.

But Shelby, who took over for Cameron Wake in Miami’s lineup once the veteran defensive end was lost for the season, started eight games and performed well. PFF rated the former UDFA as its No. 23 overall edge-rusher despite Shelby starting just one game in his previous three seasons.

Shelby recorded 3.5 sacks after registering 5.5 in 2013-14 as a backup. The Falcons finished last in the league, accruing just 19 sacks as a team last season.

Falcons Sign Adrian Clayborn To Two-Year Deal

March 10th, 2016 at 8:43am CST by Connor J. Byrne

THURSDAY, 8:43am: The Falcons have officially announced their deal with Clayborn.

WEDNESDAY, 8:54am: The Falcons and defensive end Adrian Clayborn have agreed to a two-year deal, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Rapoport adds (on Twitter) that Clayborn will get a $9MM base with a chance to max out at $14MM. Clayborn is the second defensive end signing the Falcons have made today, joining Derrick Shelby.

Clayborn, whom the Falcons inked to a $4.5MM deal last winter, started in five of 16 appearances for the club during the 2015-16 campaign and logged 15 tackles and three sacks. The 27-year-old was also third among the Falcons’ defensive linemen in snaps (523) and earned a decent ranking (53rd out of 110 qualifying edge defenders) at Pro Football Focus (sub. required). Clayborn’s most productive years came in 2011 (42 tackles, 7.5 sacks) and 2013 (64 tackles, 5.5 sacks), both of which were spent in Tampa. He was the Bucs’ first-round pick in 2011.

Free Agent Visits: Ayers, C. Long, Whitehead

March 10th, 2016 at 8:18am CST by Luke Adams

With most top available pass rushers having flown off the board early on in the free agent period, defensive end Robert Ayers is in position to cash in with a team that missed out on that first wave of edge rushers. Ayers has a visit lined up with the Buccaneers, but that’s not the only meeting on his schedule.

Accordingn to Peter Schrager of FOX Sports (Twitter link), Ayers plans to remain in Florida following his visit with the Bucs, heading to Miami for a visit with the Dolphins. Miami has already signed one veteran defensive end in Mario Williams this week, but the team has also lost Olivier Vernon and Derrick Shelby, who each saw significant playing time in 2015. So the club could use another end to add to a group that already features Williams and Cameron Wake.

As we wait to see if Ayers ends up landing with a team in the Sunshine State, let’s round up the latest news on a few more free agent visits…

Defensive end Chris Long, who has already paid a visit to Washington, will visit with the Falcons today, according to ESPN’s Trey Wingo (Twitter link). Wingo’s colleague, Adam Schefter, reported on Wednesday that Long would be meeting with the Cowboys this week, but it appears that visit is either on hold or is not happening.
The Buccaneers are hosting linebacker Tahir Whitehead on a visit today, tweets Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. If Tampa Bay were to get something done with Whitehead, he would be a nice addition to a linebacking corps that features Lavonte David.
Free agent offensive tackle Andre Smith is expected to visit the Vikings next week, a source tells Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News (Twitter link). Wolfson cautions that the situation is fluid, but says Smith is definitely on Minnesota’s radar. The Vikes have already fortified their offensive line by striking a deal with Alex Boone, but they continue to look for upgrades.
The Seahawks are hosting defensive tackle Cam Thomas for a visit today, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link), who notes that Seattle may view the former Steeler as an affordable replacement for Brandon Mebane, who agreed to sign with San Diego.