2016 March - Pro Football Rumors

Free Agent Rumors: Browns, Harrison, Titans

March 9th, 2016 at 9:42am CST by Zachary Links

The Browns have had a knack for stealing headlines in recent years, but that trend could come to a halt this offseason. New Browns executive vice president Sashi Brown is not looking to make a splash in free agency, various agents tell Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL.com (on Twitter). The Browns already lost out on one significant free agent target today when Marvin Jones signed a lucrative deal with the Lions.

Here are the latest free agent rumors:

There’s nothing brewing right now between the Titans and free agent defensive tackle Damon Harrison, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com tweets.
Safety Tashaun Gipson is a longshot for the Eagles but it’s not out of the question, Geoff Mosher of 97.5 The Fanatic (on Twitter) hears.
The Seahawks are working to bring back Brandon Mebane, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.
The Rams are in good position to bring back linebacker/safety Mark Barron, a league source tells Vincent Bonsignore of the Daily News (on Twitter).
The Jets are sniffing around the free agent tackle market and that could spell the end of Breno Giacomini in New York, Alex Marvez of FOX Sports tweets.

Washington To Re-Sign Mason Foster

March 9th, 2016 at 9:27am CST by Zachary Links

9:27am: It’s a two-year deal for Foster and Washington, per ESPN’s John Keim.

8:36am: Linebacker Mason Foster has agreed to return to Washington, a source tells Mike Jones of The Washington Post (on Twitter). Washington had a pair of free agent inside linebackers this offseason between Foster and Keenan Robinson, so the team wanted to retain at least one of those two players. Foster performed better than Robinson in 2015, but he’s not likely to get a starting job in 2016.

Foster, 27, played mainly in a reserve role last season, appearing in 13 games. In total, he racked up 34 tackles, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Even though he was not a starter, Washington felt that it was important to retain him this week.

The linebacker appeared in 10 games for the Buccaneers in 2014 and started all of them. In that time, he recorded 62 total tackles and three pass deflections. The former third-round pick also impressed with 105 tackles in 2012, and 92 tackles – to go along with three interceptions and two sacks – in 2013. However, after signing with the Bears in March 2015, he failed to earn a spot on Chicago’s regular season roster, leading him to a September deal with Washington.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Bengals Close To Signing George Iloka

March 9th, 2016 at 9:23am CST by Zachary Links

9:23am: The Bengals and Iloka are closing in on a five-year deal that would be worth about $30MM, a source tells Albert Breer of the NFL Network (Twitter link).

8:45am: The Bengals are closing in on a deal with star safety George Iloka, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). That’s a nice victory for the Bengals who have already lost Marvin Jones to free agency today.

Iloka, 26 at the end of the month, is poised to receive a nice deal this offseason thanks to his ability and young age. This past season, the strong safety appeared in 12 games (all starts) and recorded 47 total tackles with four pass deflections and one interception. Pro Football Focus (sub. required) rated Iloka as the 15th best safety in the NFL last year, placing him behind fellow unrestricted free agents Reggie Nelson and Rodney McLeod.

As far as we’re concerned, Iloka stands as the best free agent safety on the open market this offseason. Our top five has Iloka at No. 1, followed by Eric Weddle, McLeod, Tashaun Gipson, and Reggie Nelson. Nelson led the league in interceptions and made the Pro Bowl last season, but Iloka is seven years younger and therefore has more earning power. Iloka, of course, also has the age advantage over longtime Charger Weddle.

Iloka and Jones were said to be the Bengals‘ priority free agents this offseason with roughly $15MM in total budgeted towards the team’s UFAs. Losing Jones probably stings for Cincinnati, but the club can now reappropriate that money towards other areas.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Chris Long To Visit Cowboys

March 9th, 2016 at 9:21am CST by Zachary Links

9:21am: A Cowboys source says that there is no visit set up with Long, Clarence Hill of the Star-Telegram tweets. That doesn’t mean that a visit won’t happen at some point, but there is nothing set up at this time.

8:43am: Chris Long, who visited earlier this week Washington this week, is scheduled to visit the Cowboys, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter).

Although he was cut by the Rams after another injury-plagued season, Long is said to be “100% healthy” and he says that he only wants to sign with a Super Bowl contender.

From 2010 to 2013 – his last four healthy seasons – Long totaled 41.5 sacks, an average of more than 10 per year. Considering he’ll turn 31 next month though, and is coming off two seasons during which he totaled just four sacks, his earning potential will likely be limited.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Matt Hasselbeck To Retire

March 9th, 2016 at 9:09am CST by Zachary Links

NFL quarterback Matthew Hasselbeck announced his retirement from the NFL today, as Allie Stoneberg of ESPN writes. The three-time Pro Bowler will now join up with ESPN as an analyst.

“As a kid, playing in the NFL was always my dream and it turned out to be way more fun than I could’ve ever imagined,” said Hasselbeck. “Throughout 18 incredible seasons, I had the chance to forge many relationships with teammates, coaches and staff that I will cherish forever. Those relationships made my playing career all the more memorable. With the support of my family, we’ve made the decision to embark on the next chapter. I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity to have represented the NFL and so many great teams.”

Even during his age-40 season, Hasselbeck played pretty well in relief of the injured Andrew Luck — he started eight games and posted a 5-3 record, completed 61% of his passes for 1,690 yards, and threw nine touchdowns against five interceptions.

Hasselbeck said recently that he planned to return for an 18th NFL season, and Colts head coach Chuck Pagano stated that the club “would love” to have him back. Evidently that thinking changed, however, as the Colts informed the QB late last month that they would not re-sign him.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Cowboys To Re-Sign Rolando McClain

March 9th, 2016 at 9:04am CST by Zachary Links

9:04am: McClain’s deal is a one-year contract and will pay him $5MM, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter).

8:56am: Linebacker Rolando McClain has agreed to a deal that will keep him in Dallas, Rand Getlin of NFL.com tweets. Terms of the deal are not yet known.

McClain, 26, has spent the last two seasons in Dallas after spending his first three NFL seasons in Oakland. Last season, McClain was suspended for the first four games of the year for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. The linebacker failed drug test No. 3 in early 2015 and the four-game suspension implies that he failed a fourth drug test.

In 2014, McClain recorded 87 tackles and a sack to go along with two interceptions in 13 games for the Cowboys in 2014. Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked the former first-round pick eighth out of 60 qualified inside linebackers, and he excelled in every aspect of the game — PFF’s grades placed him eighth as a pass rusher, seventh as a cover man, and 11th as a run defender, among inside linebackers. This past season, McClain graded out as PFF’s No. 28 linebacker (subscription required). In his suspension-shortened season, McClain recorded 80 total tackles, 2 sacks, and 3 pass deflections.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Broncos, OT Donald Stephenson Agree To Terms

March 9th, 2016 at 8:55am CST by Dallas Robinson

WEDNESDAY, 8:55am: Stephenson is signing a three-year, $14MM contract, with $6MM fully guaranteed, tweets Alex Marvez of FOX Sports.

TUESDAY, 9:52pm: Stephenson will earn around $5MM annually, according to Mike Klis of 9 News, who rightly notes that that salary is starter-level money.

8:51pm: Free agent offensive tackle Donald Stephenson has agreed to sign with the Broncos, according to Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (Twitter link). Troy Renck of the Denver Post (Twitter link) hears that it’s a three-year pact. Stephenson will be able to officially join Denver when the new league year begins on Wednesday.

Offensive line was a problem area for the Broncos all season, especially after starting left tackle Ryan Clady went down with a torn ACL during training camp. Ryan Harris held his own at left tackle, and veteran guard Evan Mathis brought a stabilizing presence, but it’s not a surprise that Denver is interested in bringing in more reinforcements — in addition to agreeing to a deal with Stephenson, the Broncos have reportedly also shown interest in Cardinals free agent Bobby Massie.

Stephenson, 27, opened the season as the Chiefs’ starting left tackle, but eventually lost that job to former first overall pick Eric Fisher. He also saw action at right tackle, and ended up starting seven total games on the season. Stephenson ranked as PFR’s No. 14 available offensive tackle.

Where exactly Stephenson will play is an open question, as Clady’s status (both injury- and contract-wise) is unclear. If Clady agrees to rework his contract (as he says he is willing to do), he’ll probably be back on the blind side. The Broncos have a combination of Michael Schofield and Ty Sambrailo at right tackle, but Stephenson could be an improvement at that spot. Harris, meanwhile, is also a pending free agent.

Agreeing to sign Stephenson isn’t the only offensive line transaction Denver has made today — the club also released veteran guard Louis Vasquez.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Dolphins Rescind Olivier Vernon’s Transition Tag

March 9th, 2016 at 8:37am CST by Luke Adams

The Dolphins have pulled the transition tag from defensive end Olivier Vernon, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). The team will no longer have the right of first refusal on Vernon, allowing him to become a true unrestricted free agent.

The move comes in the wake of the Dolphins’ signing of defensive end Mario Williams. Assuming the team intends to keep Cameron Wake as well, as has been reported, it didn’t make sense to carry all three defensive ends on significant contracts, making Vernon – and his $12.734MM transition tag – the odd man out.

In addition to clearing more than $12MM from their cap, the Dolphins now assure that they’ll receive a compensatory pick in 2017 for Vernon. Depending on the sort of contract he signs, Miami could be in line for a pick as high as a third-rounder as compensation for losing the young defensive end.

Vernon, 25, is coming off a season in which he recorded 7.5 sacks to go along with 61 tackles. While his counting stats weren’t eye-popping, Vernon ranked as the league’s third-best edge defender according to Pro Football Focus’ grades, behind only Khalil Mack and Von Miller.

In his first four seasons in the NFL, Vernon has notched a total of 29 sacks, including a career-best 11.5 in 2013. Since he won’t turn 26 until October, the former third-round pick should have plenty of prime seasons left, which will make him a very appealing target for some of the many NFL teams in need of pass-rush help. Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com suggests (via Twitter) that the Giants, Falcons, Jaguars, and Cardinals are among the teams “very interested” in pass rushers, making them potential suitors for Vernon.

Teams aren’t allowed to negotiate with the representatives for transition players during the legal tampering period, so now that Vernon’s tag has been lifted, his reps can begin seeking out a new deal for their client.

Vernon ranked as the top free agent in our top 50 list.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Ravens’ Kyle Arrington Accepts Pay Cut

March 9th, 2016 at 8:35am CST by Luke Adams

After restructuring Marshal Yanda‘s contract to create some additional cap flexibility, the Ravens have created a little more breathing room by reworking Kyle Arrington‘s contract. According to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link), the veteran defensive back has agreed to take a pay cut to remain in Baltimore.

Arrington, who signed a three-year, $7MM contract with the Ravens last year after spending most of his NFL career in New England, didn’t have a great 2015 campaign. Although he started 56 games for the Patriots, Arrington started just four of 15 contests for Baltimore, recording 28 tackles and no interceptions. Pro Football Focus graded him 80th out of 111 qualified corners.

Still, the Ravens apparently saw enough in Arrington that they wanted to keep him for the 2016 season. He had been scheduled to earn a $2.1MM bsae salary, with a cap number of $2.767MM, so his new agreement with Baltimore will reduce both of those numbers.

As Zrebiec notes (via Twitter), Arrington could be the frontrunner for the Ravens’ slot cornerback opening, with Lardarius Webb moving to safety.

FA Rumors: McLeod, Vernon, Steelers, Sweezy

March 9th, 2016 at 8:22am CST by Luke Adams

Safety Rodney McLeod is one of the top young safeties set to hit the market today, and Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (Twitter link) hears that the Ravens are a “strong contender” for the Rams’ free-agent-to-be.

While the Ravens could use some help at free safety, since Kendrick Lewis didn’t prove in 2015 that he’s the long-term answer and Lardarius Webb doesn’t have much experience at safety. But the idea that Baltimore would make a play for someone like McLeod is surprising, since the team typically doesn’t foray too aggressively into free agency, and doesn’t have a ton of cap flexibility.

As we wait to see if anything comes of the Ravens’ apparent interest in McLeod, let’s check in on a few other free agent rumors….

In an interesting piece for TheMMQB.com, defensive end Olivier Vernon, one of the top free agents available, acknowledges that he “probably” won’t be back with the Dolphins in 2016.
With Heath Miller having retired, the Steelers are exploring the tight end free agent market, says Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). According to Rapoport, Coby Fleener, Ladarius Green, and Jared Cook are names worth monitoring for Pittsburgh.
Over a half-dozen teams remain in the mix for offensive lineman J.R. Sweezy, according to Rand Getlin of the NFL Network, who tweets that the Broncos are worth keeping an eye on.
Offensive tackle Bobby Massie has received interest from the Bears and Giants, but his market isn’t up to $8MM per year yet, tweets Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com. A Monday report indicated that Massie could end up landing a deal in that range.
The Rams are intent on trying to re-sign defensive end William Hayes, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. Per La Canfora, Hayes has a “nice market,” but wouldn’t rule out a return to the Rams.
The Bears resumed negotiations on Tuesday with tight end Zach Miller, per Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Miller’s reported asking price of $5MM per year, which seemed outrageous a few weeks ago, doesn’t look quite as far-fetched after Dwayne Allen got $7MM+ annually from the Colts.