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Month: September 2024

Ravens’ Jimmy Smith Restructures Contract

March 10th, 2016 at 7:44am CST by Luke Adams

Veteran cornerback Jimmy Smith has become the latest Raven to restructure his contract, freeing up a little extra cap room for the team for the 2016 season.Jimmy Smith According to Brian McFarland of RussellStreetReport.com (via Twitter), Smith converted $6MM of his base salary for 2016 to a signing bonus.

Smith had initially been set to earn a fully guaranteed $7MM base salary for 2016, with a cap hit of $9.6MM. By reducing his salary to $1MM and spreading that new $6MM bonus evenly over the remaining four years on his contract, the Ravens free up $4.5MM in cap room, reducing Smith’s cap number to $5.1MM.

Smith’s is the latest in line of contracat restructures for the Ravens, who also reworked Marshal Yanda‘s contract, extended Joe Flacco, and had Kyle Arrington take a pay cut. As Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun observes (via Twitter), those moves ultimately created more than $15MM in cap savings.

While Smith’s new-look contract helps the Ravens out in the short term, the team may need to address the deal again as soon as next year. By adding $1.5MM to the cornerback’s cap hit in each year from 2017 to 2019, Baltimore increases his future cap charges to $12.6MM (2017), $13.1MM (2018), and $13.6MM (2019).

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Patriots Extend Tom Brady Through 2019

March 10th, 2016 at 7:30am CST by Luke Adams

MARCH 10, 7:30am: Brady’s extension is now official, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com, who reports (via Twitter) that it includes a $28MM signing bonus and $41MM in new money.

Brady’s cap hits for the next four years are now $14MM (2016), $14MM (2017), $22MM (2018), and $22MM (2019), tweets Yates. On the terms of his previous deal, the former Super Bowl MVP had been set to count for $15MM in 2016 and $16MM in 2017, so those charges have been slightly reduced.

MARCH 2, 2:50pm: Brady’s extension has yet to be officially finalized, according to Tom E. Curran of CSNNE.com, who says the two sides still need to iron out some financial details.

FEBRUARY 29, 9:05am: The Patriots and Tom Brady have reached an agreement on a two-year contract extension that will keep the star quarterback under team control through the 2019 season, sources tell Adam Schefter and Dianna Marie Russini of ESPN.com (Twitter link).Tom Brady

With Brady set to turn 39 this August, his previous contract had been set to take him through his age-40 season. Adding two more years to that deal means that the longtime Patriots quarterback has the chance to remain in New England until he’s 42, if he plays out the full contract.

Brady, an 11-time Pro Bowler, was as excellent as ever in 2015, throwing for 4,770 yards, 36 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. Even as he approaches age 40, he shows no signs of slowing down — since he missed most of the 2008 season with a knee injury, Brady has averaged over 4,500 yards and 33 touchdowns per year from 2009 to 2015, making the Pro Bowl in each one of those seasons and not missing a single game.

Brady’s previous contract had been arguably the most team-friendly pact in the NFL, featuring cap hits between $13-15MM for the last three years. In 2016, Brady had been set to earn a $9MM base salary, with a cap number of $15MM. I’d expect the new agreement to reduce that cap charge a little, while giving the signal-caller some additional money up front, in the form of a new signing and/or roster bonus.

The extension for Brady will likely be the first in a series of moves for the Patriots, who have several other candidates for pay cuts, extensions, or outright releases. Chandler Jones, Dont’a Hightower, and Jamie Collins are among the team’s top candidates for extensions, while the contracts for Danny Amendola, Brandon LaFell, and Marcus Cannon could also be addressed. The Pats will, of course, have a handful of free agent decisions to make as well.

It will also be interesting to see whether Brady’s new deal affects backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo at all. Garoppolo’s rookie contract expires after the 2017 season, so although I don’t expect him to go anywhere this year, perhaps the Patriots will consider trading him next winter if Brady continues to perform at his current level. New England previously dealt Brady’s former backup, Ryan Mallett, heading into the final year of his rookie contract when it became clear he was no longer in the club’s long-term plans.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jets Not Close To Deal

March 10th, 2016 at 7:27am CST by Luke Adams

While one quarterback landed a big-money deal on Wednesday, with Brock Osweiler headed to the Texans, the other starting QB on the market has yet to reach an agreement with a team. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter), the Jets and Ryan Fitzpatrick are “nowhere close” to an agreement, and no deal is expected anytime soon.Ryan Fitzpatrick (Vertical)

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link) echoes Rapoport’s report with one of his own, suggesting that there’s “no end in sight” for the Jets’ talks with Fitzpatrick. According to Rapoport, the two sides remain far apart, and Fitzpatrick is seeing what the market has to offer.

In the wake of the deals signed by players like Osweiler and Sam Bradford, it seems reasonable that Fitzpatrick would be seeking a significant raise for the 2016 season, but by all indications, the Jets have no interest in going anywhere near that $18MM-per-year price for their starting quarterback. While it probably wouldn’t take that significant an offer to secure Fitzpatrick, he’s seeking more than the team has been willing to offer so far, and it’s hard to blame him for not settling — at age 33, coming off a career year, this could very well be his best and last chance to land a big-money contract.

In 2015, Fitzpatrick started all 16 games for the Jets, setting new career highs by tossing 31 touchdowns and racking up 3,905 yards through the air. He led the team to a 10-6 record for the season, narrowly missing a playoff berth.

It remains to be seen whether another team will be willing to offer a more appealing contract to Fitzpatrick than what the Jets have put on the table. Two logical suitors would be the Rams, who were cited earlier this week as a team that might have interest, and the Broncos, who just lost Osweiler. There has been no indication yet though that John Elway‘s team has reached out to Fitzpatrick.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Chiefs Cut Ben Grubbs

March 10th, 2016 at 7:15am CST by Luke Adams

The Chiefs’ offensive line is undergoing a bit of an overhaul this offseason, and that continued with the team’s release of veteran guard Ben Grubbs, per Howard Balzer of the SportsXchange (Twitter link). Grubbs was cut with a failed physical designation.Ben Grubbs

Acquired almost exactly a year ago from the Saints, Grubbs – who turns 32 today – entered the 2015 season as one of Kansas City’s starting guards, and played seven games for the club. However, a neck injury derailed his season — after sitting out five games, he was ultimately placed on the injured reserve list by the Chiefs, ending his year. Based on the failed physical designation, it appears he hasn’t yet been cleared from that injury.

Grubbs’ contract, which he reworked upon his arrival in Kansas City ran through the 2018 season, and included $6.6MM in guaranteed money, so the Chiefs are left with a sizable portion of dead money on their 2016 cap. Assuming the veteran lineman didn’t receive the post-June 1 designation, the Chiefs will be on the hook for $5.2MM in dead money on their cap this year, creating only $1.1MM in cap savings with the move.

It’s been an eventful week so far for the Chiefs, who have reached contract agreements with several players, including Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson, Mitchell Schwartz, and Jaye Howard. However, the team has also lost cornerback Sean Smith to the division-rival Raiders, and was docked two draft picks, including a 2016 third-rounder, for a tampering violation during 2015’s free agent period.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Saints Release Brandon Browner

March 10th, 2016 at 6:59am CST by Luke Adams

MARCH 10, 6:59am: More than a month after his impending release was first reported, Browner has been cut by the Saints with a post-June 1 designation, tweets Howard Balzer. With $5.35MM in total dead money left on his contract, the Saints will carry $4.05MM of that total on their 2016 cap, with the remaining $1.3MM applied to 2017.

FEBRUARY 5, 11:40am: As expected, the Saints plan to release Browner, ESPN’s John Clayton confirms.

8:11am: The Saints appear set to part ways with Brandon Browner, according to the cornerback himself. Browner posted messages on Twitter and Instagram saying that he enjoyed and was appreciative of his time in New Orleans, suggesting that his stint with the club has come to an end.Brandon Browner

“[You] got to take the good with the bad, sometimes treat the wins like losses,” Browner wrote on Twitter. “Next Chapter every good book has up and downs #farewellneworleans”

Coming off a Super Bowl win with the Patriots a year ago, Browner signed a three-year, $15MM contract with the Saints and became one of the team’s starting corners. However, he disappointed in his first – and potentially only – season in New Orleans, racking up penalties and struggling in coverage. Pro Football Focus rated him dead last in the league among 113 qualified cornerbacks.

If the Saints cut Browner in the coming weeks, they’ll have to eat a chunk of dead money still on his contract. Browner’s $2.75MM base salary for 2016 is fully guaranteed, and he has $2.6MM in prorated bonus money left on his deal after 2015. However, New Orleans will at least avoid paying him $2.25MM in 2016 roster bonuses, including a $750K bonus due on March 11. Overall, the club would reduce his ’16 cap hit by nearly $1MM.

Since Browner has five years of NFL experience, he won’t have to pass through waivers if and when the Saints release him, and he’d immediately be free to sign with any team. As for the Saints, they appear to have struck gold with former CFL cornerback Delvin Breaux, who had an excellent first year for the team in 2015, but they’ll be in the market for additional cornerback help this winter.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Free Agency Rumors: Dolphins, Penn, Bushrod

March 9th, 2016 at 10:44pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Before he agreed to terms with Philadelphia, new Eagles linebacker Nigel Bradham also received interest from the Browns, Buccaneers and Jaguars, as he tells Alex Marvez of FOX Sports (Twitter link). Bradham further stated that his former team, the Bills, backed out of contract talks.

Meanwhile, in addition to having lost out on Bradham, the Browns swung and missed on receiver Rishard Matthews, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Caplan reports that Cleveland was one of several teams in play for Matthews, who agreed to sign with Tennessee on a three-year deal.

After a busy day around the NFL, we still have a few more rumors related to free agents who signed today, and free agents who are still on the market. Let’s dive in…

  • The Dolphins aren’t looking to invest much money in a backup quarterback, Marvez tweets. Matt Moore is paying a visit to the Cowboys this week, and it seems Moore may not be back in Miami for the 2016 season.
  • The Giants have shown interest in free agent left tackle Donald Penn, according to Jordan Raanan of NJ.com (Twitter link). The reliable Penn has started 16 games in eight straight seasons, including the last two in Oakland.
  • Offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod, whom the Bears cut last month, is garnering “ample interest” in spite of recent shoulder surgery, reports Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (on Twitter). He’s planning to visit the Dolphins and Vikings, La Canfora adds.
  • Prior to re-signing with the Bengals, cornerback Adam Jones drew the Vikings’ attention, he told Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. On Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, Jones said, “I love Zim. He really treated me well through this, but this is the place where I know.”
  • At least four teams – including the Bears – have expressed interest in return man Marc Mariani, per Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports that the 49ers and Raiders are also among those clubs in the mix for Mariani, who played the last two seasons in Chicago.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

NFC Contract Details: Vernon, Jenkins, Mack

March 9th, 2016 at 9:56pm CST by Luke Adams

Here are some of the latest details on many recent agreed-upon and signed contracts from out of the NFC (all links via Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post unless otherwise indicated)…

NFC East:

  • Olivier Vernon, DE (Giants): Five years, $85MM. $52.5MM guaranteed. $20MM signing bonus. $7MM roster bonus due on fifth day of 2016 league year (Twitter links).
  • Janoris Jenkins, CB (Giants): Five years, $62.5MM. $28.8MM guaranteed. $10MM signing bonus. $1.4MM base salary in 2016 (Twitter link).
  • Brandon Brooks, G (Eagles): Five years, $40MM. $21MM guaranteed. $11MM signing bonus. $1MM base salary in 2016 and $5MM base salary in 2017 fully guaranteed (Twitter link).
  • Chase Daniel, QB (Eagles): Three years, $21MM base value. $36MM max value. $3MM signing bonus. $3MM roster bonus due on March 14. $3MM base escalators in 2017 and 2018 (Twitter link).
  • Colt McCoy, QB (Washington): Three years, $9MM base value. Third year can be voided based on playing time. $1.8MM signing bonus. $1MM annually in playing-time incentives (Twitter link).
  • Ron Brooks, CB (Eagles): Three years, $5.5MM. $1.55MM guaranteed. $750K signing bonus (Twitter link).

NFC South:

NFC North:

  • Marvin Jones, WR (Lions): Five years, $40MM. $20MM guaranteed. $8MM signing bonus (Twitter link).
  • Alex Boone, G (Vikings): Four years, $26.8MM. $10MM guaranteed. Annual $100K workout bonus (Twitter link).
  • Danny Trevathan, LB (Bears): Four years, $24.5MM. $12MM guaranteed. $5MM signing bonus. $3.5MM roster bonus due on March 14 (Twitter link).
  • Michael Griffin, S (Vikings): One year, $2.5MM. $250K signing bonus. $500K of $1.65MM base salary guaranteed. Up to $500K in playing-time incentives (Twitter links).
  • Tavon Wilson, S (Lions): Two years, $2.2MM. $500K signing bonus. Up to $500K in annual playing-time incentives (Twitter link).

NFC West:

  • Mark Barron, OLB (Rams): Five years, $45MM. $20MM guaranteed. $5MM signing bonus (Twitter link).
  • William Hayes, DE (Rams): Three years, $17.5MM. $10MM guaranteed. $4MM roster bonus due on March 13 (Twitter link).
  • Tyvon Branch, S (Cardinals): Two years, $8MM. $1MM signing bonus. $1.75MM roster bonus in 2016, $1MM roster bonus in 2017 (Twitter link).
  • Tim Barnes, C (Rams): Two years, $5.6MM. $2.5MM guaranteed. $1.25MM roster bonus due in four days. $750K roster bonus due on third day of 2017 league year guaranteed for injury, skill; becomes fully guaranteed if on roster June 17. Up to $1MM in annual playing-time incentives. $250K annual Pro Bowl incentive (all Twitter links).
  • Brian Quick, WR (Rams): One year, $1.75MM. $1.5MM guaranteed ($1.25MM bas salary, $250K roster bonus due on March 15). $2MM stats incentive (Twitter link).

AFC Contract Details: Osweiler, Ivory, Iloka

March 9th, 2016 at 9:45pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Here are the latest updates on many recently agreed-upon or signed contracts from around the AFC:

AFC West:

  • Brandon Mebane, DT (Chargers): Three years, $13.5MM. $5.5MM guaranteed. $3MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle).
  • Jaye Howard, DT (Chiefs): Two years, $10MM. $8.26MM guaranteed. $5MM bonus. $3.27MM guaranteed at signing for injury. Pro Bowl escalator worth up to $2MM $12,500 per-game active roster bonuses worth up to $200K in 2016. $15,625 per-game active roster bonuses worth up to $250K in 2017 (Twitter links via Wilson).
  • Dwight Lowery, S (Chargers): Three years, $7.2MM. $1.5MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).
  • Frank Zombo, LB (Chiefs): Three years, $3.6MM. $500K signing bonus. Roster bonus of $100K in 2016 and $150K the next two seasons (Twitter link via Wilson).

AFC South:

  • Brock Osweiler, QB (Texans): Four years, $72MM. $37MM fully guaranteed in first two years – $21MM in 2016 ($12MM signing bonus, $5MM roster bonus, $4MM salary), $16MM in 2017. The remaining $35MM is non-guaranteed, including $18MM salary in 2018 and $13MM in 2019. Deal includes a $4MM roster bonus due March 2019 (all Twitter links courtesy of USA Today’s Tom Pelissero).
  • Chris Ivory, RB (Jaguars): Five years, $32MM. $10MM guaranteed. $5MM bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).
  • Jeff Allen, G (Texans): Four years, $28MM. $12MM guaranteed. $5MM signing bonus. $3MM roster bonus due this month. Annual per-game roster bonus worth $31,250 (Twitter links via Wilson).
  • Brad Nortman, P (Jaguars): Four years, $8.8MM. $1.65MM guaranteed. $650K roster bonus in 2016 (Twitter link via Wilson).

AFC North:

AFC East:

  • Richie Incognito, G (Bills): Three years, $15.75MM. $3.45MM signing bonus. $2MM base salary in 2016 is fully guaranteed. $100K workout bonuses in each season (link via Mike Rodak of ESPN.com).
  • Isa Abdul-Quddus, S (Dolphins): Three years, $12.75MM. $2.5MM signing bonus. $6MM in guarantees (Twitter link via Wilson).
  • James Develin, FB (Patriots): One year, $750K. $150K playing time incentives. $50K signing bonus. $25K workout bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).

RFA Tender Decisions: 3/9/16

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

Unrestricted free agent news will obviously dominate the day, but several clubs also had to make decisions on whether to offer tenders to restricted free agents. We’ll round up those decisions here:

Tendered

Non-Tendered

Bears Sign Danny Trevathan

March 9th, 2016 at 8:59pm CST by Ben Levine

8:59pm: The base value of Trevathan’s deal is $24.5MM, with $12MM guaranteed, per Schefter (via Twitter). Based on Rapoport’s report from earlier in the evening, it sounds as if the deal could be worth a little more via incentives and/or escalators.

6:56pm: Trevathan’s four-year deal is worth roughly $28MM, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).

3:52pm: The Bears officially announced that they’ve signed Trevathan to a four-year contract.

3:16pm: The Bears have added one of the top inside linebackers on the market, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweets that the team has signed Danny Trevathan.

Danny Trevathan (vertical)The former sixth-round pick had spent his entire four-year career with the Broncos. He started 15 games this past season, compiling 109 tackles and a pair of interceptions. The 25-year-old also had a standout performance in this past year’s Super Bowl, grabbing a pair of fumble recoveries in Denver’s victory over the Panthers. Trevathan proved to be mostly recovered from a knee injury that limited him to only three games in 2014.

Pro Football Focus was rather fond of Trevathan’s performance this past season, ranking him 10th among the league’s linebackers. We had him listed as the best available inside linebackers, and he placed 16th on our list of overall free agents.

There were whispers yesterday that the Bears were looking to add the linebacker. Trevathan has experience playing for head coach John Fox, making Chicago a natural fit.

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