2016 April - Pro Football Rumors

2017 Fifth-Year Option Decision Tracker

April 20th, 2016 at 10:23am CST by Luke Adams

Teams across the NFL have until May 3 to officially pick up their 2017 options on players who are entering the final year of their rookie contracts. These fifth-year options can only be exercised on first-round picks, and the salaries are determined by where players were drafted and what position they play. Joel Corry of CBSSports.com has passed along the official salary figures for all 2017 fifth-year options, adding his thoughts on where each 2013 first-rounder stands.

If a player has his option exercised, his rookie contract will be extended by one year and he’ll be eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2018, after the conclusion of the 2017 season. If a player’s option is declined, he’ll be eligible to hit the open market a year earlier. Of course, if a 2013 first-rounder is no longer on his rookie contract, there will be no option to exercise or decline. We explained the intricacies of the fifth-year option in a PFR Glossary post, so you can read up on the specific details there.

These 2017 option salaries are guaranteed for injury only up until the first day of the ’17 league year, at which point they become fully guaranteed. As such, some teams may exercise the options now, even if they’re not 100% sure they’ll keep the player, as Washington did last year with Robert Griffin III — there isn’t a ton of risk in picking up the option and maintaining as much roster flexibility as possible. Teams and players can also continue to negotiate long-term contracts from this point on.

With next month’s deadline looming, we’ll use the space below to track all the option decisions from around the league based on various reports and official announcements. This post can be found anytime on the right-hand sidebar in the “PFR Features” section. Here are this season’s fifth-year option decisions so far:

Eric Fisher, T (Chiefs), $11.902MM: Exercised
Luke Joeckel, T (Jaguars), $11.902MM: Declined
Dion Jordan, DE (Dolphins): Not applicable this year due to suspension (contract tolled)
Lane Johnson, T (Eagles): Not applicable due to long-term extension
Ezekiel Ansah, DE (Lions), $12.734MM: Exercised
Barkevious Mingo, OLB (Browns), $11.925MM: Declined
Jonathan Cooper, G (Patriots), $11.902MM: Declined
Tavon Austin, WR (Rams), $12.268MM: Exercised
Dee Milliner, CB (Jets), $11.913MM: Declined
Chance Warmack, G (Titans), $11.902MM: Declined
D.J. Fluker, G (Chargers), $8.821MM: Exercised
D.J. Hayden, CB (Raiders), $8.026MM: Declined
Sheldon Richardson, DE (Jets), $8.069MM: Exercised
Star Lotulelei, DT (Panthers), $6.757MM: Exercised
Kenny Vaccaro, S (Saints), $5.676MM: Exercised
EJ Manuel, QB (Bills), $11.357MM: Declined
Jarvis Jones, OLB (Steelers), $8.369MM: Declined
Eric Reid, S (49ers), $5.676MM: Exercised
Justin Pugh, G (Giants), $8.821MM: Exercised
Kyle Long, G (Bears), $8.821MM: Exercised
Tyler Eifert, TE (Bengals), $4.782MM: Exercised
Desmond Trufant, CB (Falcons), $8.026MM: Exercised
Sharrif Floyd, DT (Vikings), $6.757MM: Exercised
Bjoern Werner, OLB: Not applicable due to release
Xavier Rhodes, CB (Vikings), $8.026MM: Exercised
Datone Jones, OLB (Packers), $8.369MM: Declined
DeAndre Hopkins, WR (Texans), $7.915MM: Exercised
Sylvester Williams, DT (Broncos), $6.757MM: Declined
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR (Vikings), $7.915MM: Declined
Alec Ogletree, LB (Rams), $8.369MM: Exercised
Travis Frederick, C (Cowboys), $8.821MM: Exercised
Matt Elam, S (Ravens), $5.676MM: Declined

East Notes: Eagles, Bills, Glenn, Gilmore, Fins

April 20th, 2016 at 8:58am CST by Luke Adams

In the wake of Alex Marvez’s report about what the parameters of an Eagles trade for the No. 2 overall pick would look like, Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports explains why Philadelphia may be willing to part with several picks to move up and land a quarterback.

While the Eagles haven’t made any decisions yet, the team doesn’t want to miss out on an opportunity to secure a franchise QB. Even with Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel under contract, Philadelphia is in position to make a move for Carson Wentz or Jared Goff, since Bradford could be cut after one year with limited financial repercussions, and Daniel is essentially earning elite-backup money.

As we wait to see just how serious Howie Roseman and his front office are about trading up, let’s round up a few more notes from out of the NFL’s East divisions…

The Bills have been mentioned once or twice as possible candidates to trade up to No. 2 in the draft, and general manager Doug Whaley didn’t rule out the possibility today, telling WGR 550AM that Buffalo is “open to do anything” (Twitter link via Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News). However, the Bills have the 19th overall pick, which makes a move into the top five a long shot. And after sacrificing a 2015 first-rounder to trade up in 2014, it seems improbable that Whaley would make the same sort of deal again this year.
In his conversation with WGR 550AM, Whaley also said it’s possible that the Bills can get long-term deals done with left tckle Cordy Glenn, cornerback Stephon Gilmore, and quarterback Tyrod Taylor. In fact, the Bills GM suggested he’s “more optimistic than pessimistic” about locking up Glenn and Gilmore (Twitter links via Carucci).
The Dolphins will take a running back in this year’s draft, prompting Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald to explore the team’s options, beginning with Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott. Jackson also breaks down a bevy of second- and third-day possibilities for the club.

NFC Notes: Bears, Hoyer, Seahawks, Saints

April 19th, 2016 at 10:18pm CST by Luke Adams

The Jets are currently pursuing free agent quarterback Brian Hoyer, but the Bears could enter the mix for his services if he doesn’t end up in New York, reports Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com. Hoyer would be the backup to Jay Cutler in Chicago, which lacks an ideal reserve option. Neither David Fales nor Matt Blanchard has taken a regular-season snap, and Hoyer has an obvious connection to the Bears’ coaching staff in first-year offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains. Hoyer and Loggains worked together when the two were in Cleveland in 2014 (Loggains coached the Browns’ quarterbacks).

Pauline’s Latest: Browns, Top 5, Alexander, Bears

April 19th, 2016 at 9:49pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

The Browns are shopping the No. 2 pick, but if they aren’t able to move it, they could end up selecting Ole Miss left tackle Laremy Tunsil and then trading nine-time Pro Bowler Joe Thomas, several general managers have told Tony Pauline of WalterFootball.com. If Tunsil to Cleveland happens, those GMs expect Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey to land with the Chargers at No. 3, North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz to become the newest member of the Cowboys at No. 4, and UCLA linebacker Myles Jack to go fifth to the Jaguars.

Here are more early round draft rumors from Pauline:

Despite possessing first-round-caliber talent, Clemson cornerback Mackensie Alexander could drop to the second round because of his attitude. Some of Alexander’s Clemson coaches have given him unfavorable reviews to inquiring NFL teams, and clubs are weighing whether he’d be worth a first-rounder as a result.
The Bears, who hold the 11th pick, are giving serious consideration to Alabama defensive tackle Jarran Reed.
Boise State linebacker Kamalei Correa is a possibility for both the Colts and Saints in the first round. Indy could turn to Correa at No. 18 if Georgia’s Leonard Floyd is off the board and it deems Eastern Kentucky’s Noah Spence as too risky. The Saints, meanwhile, might move down from 12th to grab Correa.
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell could head to the Jets in the second round if they don’t grab an LB with their first selection.

AFC Notes: Broncos, Browns, Texans

April 19th, 2016 at 8:42pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Contract talks between the Broncos and franchise-tagged pass rusher Von Miller are going so poorly that the Super Bowl 50 MVP could consider holding out until November both this year and, if needed, in 2017, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). Cole says that the Broncos’ current offer to Miller is worth only a little more per year than what the Giants gave the far less accomplished Olivier Vernon ($17MM) in free agency and doesn’t contain nearly enough guaranteed money for Miller’s liking.

Here’s more on Denver and a couple other AFC clubs:

Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez is working hard to take the reins in Denver, showing leadership, and impressing his teammates in the process, reports Lindsay H. Jones of USA Today (video link). “I can tell he wants to be a leader on this team. He wants to be our quarterback. He wants to be The Guy. And that’s the type of guy we need,” receiver Emmanuel Sanders said. Of course, early reviews aside, Sanchez is a long shot to win the Broncos’ starting job. The team could foil his plans to start by trading for the 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick, adding a high-round draft pick, or signing free agents like Brian Hoyer or Ryan Fitzpatrick.
After the Browns released veteran defenders Karlos Dansby and Donte Whitner earlier this offseason, linebacker Paul Kruger worried about his own status with the team, he told Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com. “Yeah I was definitely anticipating something,” the 30-year-old said. “Made me a little nervous, I’m not going to lie.” The Browns could still part with Kruger and save $5.3MM before June 1 or $6.5MM if he’s a post-June 1 cut, but they already have the third-most cap space in the league. Kruger, for his part, now expects to remain in the fold. “Those are discussions that I let my agent and those people take care of but hey, I’m here right now and this is where I’m planning on being come August,” he said. Kruger’s sack total plummeted from 11 in 2014 to 2.5 last season, though he still menaced opposing quarterbacks, finishing with the league’s fourth-most hurries (33).
The Texans will bring in Wisconsin fullback Derek Watt and Arkansas running back Jonathan Williams for Wednesday visits, reports Tania Ganguli of ESPN (Twitter links). Derek Watt is the brother of superstar Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt.
Wide receivers Cam Worthy and Saalim Hakim, offensive lineman James Brewer and defensive back Dax Swanson will partake in Browns minicamp this week as tryout players, tweets the team’s communications manager, Dan Murphy.

Draft Rumors: Jack, No. 3 Overall, Spence, Conklin

April 19th, 2016 at 7:34pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

The notion that Myles Jack‘s surgically repaired knee is a “time bomb” is greatly exaggerated, sources tell CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, who writes that the torn meniscus the UCLA linebacker suffered last year should not meaningfully alter his draft stock. “This kid is a great player. His change of direction is awesome. This is getting totally blown out of proportion,” said an executive. All the teams La Canfora spoke with indicated that Jack won’t last beyond the top 15. The Jaguars, who hold the fifth selection, “seem locked into” Jack, says ESPN’s Mel Kiper (Twitter link via Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union).

More of the latest draft rumors:

The Chargers are generating plenty of interest in regards to the third overall selection, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). On the possibility of trading the pick, Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said last month, “It’s certainly an option. We’ll just follow it through and see where it goes.”
Eastern Kentucky defensive end Noah Spence is arguably the best pass rusher in this year’s draft class, but he’s likely to last until the second round because of off-field issues in college, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report offers (video link). Teams view Spence as a good kid, but there’s concern that the drug problems which got him dismissed from Ohio State will resurface in the NFL, per Cole.
Michigan State offensive tackle and prospective first-rounder Jack Conklin has met with or worked out for the Titans, Bills, Chargers, Steelers, Falcons, Jets, Colts, Buccaneers and Lions, he told SiriusXM NFL Radio (Twitter link).
Ohio State tight end Nick Vannett worked out for and/or visited the Panthers, Titans, Falcons, Patriots, Chargers, Packers and previously reported Jets, according to Rand Getlin of NFL.com (on Twitter).
Arizona State receiver Devin Lucien visited the Bengals on Tuesday, per Getlin, who notes that he has also visited with/and or worked out for the Cardinals, Patriots and Rams (via Twitter).
Bowling Green receiver Roger Lewis has visited with or worked out for the Bengals, Cowboys, Patriots, Seahawks, Vikings and Chargers, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN. Lewis is a potential third- or fourth-round pick, notes Caplan.
Auburn cornerback Blake Countess has drawn interest from 13 teams, including Washington, the Ravens and Giants, writes Aaron Wilson of NFPost.com.

Browns Actively Shopping No. 2 Overall Pick

April 19th, 2016 at 6:30pm CST by Dallas Robinson

6:30pm: A deal between the Browns and Eagles would see the two teams swap the second and eighth overall picks this year, with the Eagles adding a pair of third-round selections in 2016 and first- and third-rounders in 2017, reports FOX Sports’ Alex Marvez (on Twitter).

10:08am: The Browns have engaged in trade talks involving the No. 2 selection, and a team source telling Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter links) that there’s interest in that pick. However, Schefter notes that it remains “uncertain” – in the words of one team official – whether Cleveland will eventually make a trade.

TUESDAY, 9:33am: The Browns are actively shopping the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, initiating calls to other teams further down in the top 10, says Jeff Darlington of the NFL Network (Twitter link). Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com has been hearing the same thing, with a source confirming to her that the Eagles, at No. 8, are a potential trade partner for the Browns.

MONDAY, 5:41pm: An NFC general manager tells Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link) that, following the Rams trade to acquire the first overall pick, the Browns now hold the most valuable pick in the draft at No. 2. We’ve heard before that Cleveland is likely willing to trade down, and Cole points to the 49ers, Eagles, and Jets as clubs that could be interested in moving up to No. 2 with the intent of selecting a quarterback.

Peter King of the MMQB.com also sheds some light on the situation, relaying that he’s also heard the Browns are trying to trade back in the draft. “Cleveland’s active, doing their due diligence,” one executive told King, which makes it seem as though the Browns are open to a bevy of scenarios. Like Cole, King also points to the Eagles and Jets as possible suitors for the second pick, and adds the Cowboys as a team that might consider moving ahead in order to land its quarterback of the future.

But the Browns could pass on a quarterback even if they stay at No. 2, and King believes the team’s decision-makers have internally discussed that option. Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, appearing today on the Ross Tucker Football Podcast, said he thinks Sashi Brown & Co. were going to bypass a QB even before the Rams moved up to No. 1, arguing that the Browns want to build up the rest of their roster before investing in a signal-caller. Additionally, per King, Browns head coach Hue Jackson is confident that he can not only revitalize the career of Robert Griffin III, but find a suitable quarterback prospect in the second round.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Johnny Manziel Hopes To Play In 2016

April 19th, 2016 at 6:12pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Free agent quarterback Johnny Manziel is aiming to put his myriad off-field troubles behind him and play in 2016, he told A.J. Perez of USA Today.

“I’m hoping to take care of the issues in front of me right now so I can focus on what I have to do if I want to play in 2016,” Manziel said. “I also continue to be thankful to those who really know me and support me.”

Manziel’s latest off-field blow came Tuesday when agent Drew Rosenhaus, who only began representing the 23-year-old in March, dropped him as a client. Rosenhaus’ decision came after offering Manziel an ultimatum last week to either seek treatment for substance abuse issues within a five-day window or lose his representation. Manziel didn’t follow through, so Rosenhaus joined Erik Burkhardt as the second agent to sever ties with the two-year NFL veteran this offseason.

“This is a life or death situation right now,” Rosenhaus told Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio last Friday. “This is not about football. I’m not going to stand by and watch him injure himself.”

Combined with his uninspiring on-field performance since entering the NFL as a first-round pick in 2014, Manziel’s checkered off-field history helped lead the Browns to release him over the winter. That turmoil away from the gridiron has also stopped teams from pursing the ex-Texas A&M star and 2012 Heisman Trophy winner as a free agent.

Manziel is currently facing up to a year in jail and a $4K fine if a Dallas grand jury indicts him on a misdemeanor assault charge stemming from a January altercation between him and ex-girlfriend Colleen Crowley. Further, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reported last week that Manziel had been served with a legal demand for nearly $32K in damages to a Los Angeles house he rented and partied in from April 4-6. Manziel and Browns receiver Josh Gordon were at the house with what appeared to be drugs – including cocaine, mushrooms and marijuana – visible, according to rental agency owner Nicholas Goodwin. It’s important to note that Goodwin didn’t actually see Manziel or Gordon engage in the use of drugs or alcohol. Manziel, of course, spent a significant portion of last offseason in a rehab facility for substance abuse issues.

“So many people only have one image of Jonathan but, believe it or not, he takes all this very seriously,” Denise Michaels, Manziel’s spokesperson, told Perez. “He’s hoping that he can clear up his personal issues, start interviewing agents and see what he needs to do if he wants to play this year.”

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Brian Hoyer Visiting Jets

April 19th, 2016 at 5:31pm CST by Luke Adams

5:31pm: The Jets have legitimate interest in signing Hoyer and could offer him a contract by Wednesday, according to CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, who adds that it wouldn’t necessarily preclude them from bringing back Fitzpatrick. Rich Cimini of ESPN.com is less convinced, classifying the Jets’ decision to visit with Hoyer as due diligence – not unlike their meeting with Robert Griffin III in March.

8:42am: With Brian Hoyer officially back on the open market, the Jets aren’t wasting any time in expressing their interest in the veteran signal-caller. According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter), Hoyer is paying a visit to the Jets, and that meeting will get underway today.

[RELATED: Texans release Brian Hoyer]

Hoyer, 30, made nine starts and appeared in 11 total games for the Texans in 2015, and enjoyed his best season as a pro. The Michigan State product completed more than 60% of his passes, throwing for 2,606 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. Houston went 5-4 in his starts.

Despite Hoyer’s solid performance, he became expendable when the Texans went out and signed Brock Osweiler to a four-year, $72MM deal in free agency last month. With veteran backup Brandon Weeden also on the roster, and 2014 fourth-rounder Tom Savage in the mix as well, Houston opted against paying Hoyer a $4MM salary, plus per-game roster bonuses.

While the Jets are the first team Hoyer will visit, New York is not his only potential suitor. Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets that four or five other clubs are interested in Hoyer, and we heard on Sunday that the Steelers may be one of those teams. The Broncos will likely kick the tires on Hoyer as well, and the Cowboys reportedly have interest “at the right price.”

Of course, as Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News tweets, the Jets’ preference continues to be re-signing their 2015 starter, Ryan Fitzpatrick. However, a report earlier this week suggested that Fitzpatrick and the Jets are unlikely to reach an agreement before this year’s draft gets underway.

For the Jets, Hoyer represents both a viable Plan B and a way to gain leverage in negotiations with Fitzpatrick. Even if Hoyer ultimately signs with another team, it could benefit Gang Green, since it would potentially eliminate another suitor for Fitzpatrick, reducing his options.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Minor NFL Transactions: 4/19/16

April 19th, 2016 at 5:21pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Here are Tuesday’s minor moves from around the NFL:

The Buccaneers have signed quarterback Dan LeFevour, writes Scott Smith of their official website. LeFevour was a sixth-round pick of the Bears in 2010 and ended up spending time with three other NFL organizations, never logging a regular-season appearance, before heading to the CFL in 2012. LeFevour played in Canada through last season and will now try to earn a roster spot in Tampa, which already had a stocked QB depth chart consisting of Jameis Winston, Mike Glennon and Ryan Griffin before its latest addition. As Jenna Laine notes (on Twitter), Bucs quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian was Central Michigan’s offensive coordinator for three seasons when LeFevour was its signal-caller.
Giants tight end Larry Donnell, whose 2015 season ended in November because of what looked like a career-threatening neck injury, has re-signed with the team after receiving clearance from Big Blue’s medical staff, according to Michael Eisen of the team’s website. In eight appearances prior to the injury, Donnell racked up 29 catches, 223 yards and two touchdowns. The 27-year-old amassed an impressive 63 receptions for 623 yards and six scores in 2014.
The Seahawks have re-signed cornerback Marcus Burley, who was their last remaining exclusive rights free agent without a contract, reports Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times (Twitter link). Burley joined the Seahawks in 2014 and has since appeared in 26 games, totaling 53 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions along the way.
The Bills have released linebacker Tony Steward, tweets Mike Rodak of ESPN.com. Steward, whom the Bills took in the sixth round of last year’s draft, appeared in seven games and made two tackles as a rookie.
The Ravens announced that defensive backs Jumal Rolle and Jermaine Whitehead have signed their exclusive rights tenders with the club. Rolle has bounced around the league since going undrafted from Catawba in 2013, playing in 19 career games with the Texans and Ravens. Whitehead, undrafted out of Auburn last year, spent most of 2015 on the 49ers’ practice squad before the Ravens signed him in December.