HEADLINES

Month: November 2024

Reshad Jones To Holdout Through Minicamp

June 13th, 2016 at 10:56am CST by Zachary Links

Dolphins safety Reshad Jones‘ holdout is expected to continue through minicamp, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Jones, who skipped all of the team’s OTAs, will face fines if he follows through with his minicamp boycott. The news doesn’t come as a huge surprise after word leaked out that Jones is mulling a hold out for the entire 2016 season. If Jones takes his holdout into the regular season, he’ll lose roughly $400K per game. Reshad Jones

[RELATED: Latest On Dolphins, Arian Foster]

Jones set new career-highs in tackles (135), passes defended (10), and interceptions (five) last season. PFF ranked Jones as the 13th-best safety in the NFL in 2015, and of the 89 qualified safeties, only two received higher grades as run defenders than Jones did. Still, one has to wonder if Jones is overplaying his hand with Miami.

Jones has two years remaining on his deal and stands as either the league’s highest paid or second highest-paid strong safety, depending on how you classify Chiefs star Eric Berry. Generally speaking, strong safeties are not paid as highly as their counterparts in the secondary. Jones, who earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2015, is on the books for base salaries of $7.225MM in 2016 and $7.06MM in 2017, with accompanying cap hits of $8.203MM and $8.038MM, respectively.

Last year, Kam Chancellor was in a contract standoff with the Seahawks before finally reporting to the team during Week Three. Chancellor‘s holdout cost him $1.1MM in fines, $500K in signing-bonus forfeiture, and about $534K in lost salary for a total of about $2.134MM in potential lost earnings.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Lions Sign Andre Roberts

June 13th, 2016 at 8:50am CST by Zachary Links

The Lions have agreed to sign wide receiver Andre Roberts, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Terms of the deal are not yet known. "<strong

[RELATED: Anquan Boldin Visiting Lions]

The 28-year-old visited the Lions and Saints in the past week, Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets. He also visited the Bills last month, though his other stops did not result in any deals. The Lions, Caplan tweets, see Roberts as a player with the ability to play both slot and outside in their offense. He’s also capable of returning punts and kicks. The Lions are looking to build depth at wide receiver after Corey Fuller suffered a broken foot.

Roberts has been on the open market ever since he was released by the Redskins back in May. The wide receiver arrived in Washington when he inked four-year, $16MM contract with Washington in 2014 with the expectation that he would serve as the team’s No. 2 receiver next to Pierre Garcon. Soon after, however, DeSean Jackson unexpectedly became available and Washington swooped in to make him a focal point of their offense. Upon being relegated to the No. 3 WR role, Roberts expressed frustration, but his slide did not stop there.

Last season, Roberts appeared in 9 games (zero starts) and caught a career-low 11 passes for 135 yards. Roberts first made a name for himself in 2012 when he stepped out of Larry Fitzgerald‘s shadow in Arizona to haul in 64 catches for 759 yards and five touchdowns. In every year since, he has seen his targets, receptions, and yards decline.

Interestingly, news of a deal between the Lions and Roberts comes on the heels of Anquan Boldin visiting the team. It’s not immediately clear whether Boldin still fits into the equation for Detroit. If so, there could be a notable name or two displaced.

Recently, PFR’s own Dallas Robinson identified the Lions as a possible fit for Roberts.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Anquan Boldin Visiting Lions

June 13th, 2016 at 8:41am CST by Zachary Links

The Lions are hosting Anquan Boldin on a visit today, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter). Boldin has history with Lions head coach Jim Caldwell thanks to their time together in Baltimore. "<strong

[RELATED: Lions Notes: Orlovsky, Washington, Carter]

Boldin, 35, has reportedly been working out in South Florida and staying in shape as he waits for the right opportunity. Even though he has enjoyed a long career and even has a Super Bowl ring, the veteran has said that he is not thinking about retirement right now. Last season, Boldin recorded only 69 catches for 789 yards and four touchdowns, so he’s probably looking to go out with a stronger campaign. Boldin’s struggles, in large part, can be attributed to the turmoil surrounding the 49ers and their difficulties at quarterback last year.

The Lions already have eleven wide receivers under contract, though Boldin could easily supplant some of the team’s current options there. Behind Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, T.J. Jones, and Jeremy Kerley, Andre Caldwell seems pretty likely to make the team’s final cut. Other than him, the likes of Corey Fuller and Jace Billingsley figure to be on the bubble.

After joining the 49ers in 2013, Boldin posted consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, with 12 total touchdowns in ’13 and ’14. Over the course of his career, Boldin has made three Pro Bowls while racking up 13,195 yards off of 1,009 catches with 74 touchdowns.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Ravens’ Tucker Confident About Extension

June 13th, 2016 at 8:22am CST by Zachary Links

Earlier this offseason, the Ravens used the franchise tag on kicker Justin Tucker and he quickly accepted. Months later, Tucker still doesn’t have a long-term deal in place with the team. However, he says it’s only a matter of time before a new pact is hammered out. Justin Tucker (vertical)

[RELATED: Breshad Perriman Partially Tears ACL]

“As of right now, there hasn’t been a whole lot happening, but there’s still time. Like I’ve said before, I’m optimistic that something will get done. It’s a matter of when, not if,” Tucker said (via Jake Lourim of The Baltimore Sun). “I know there’s a lot of things to juggle from their perspective, so all I can do is just be patient and let the process unfold how it’s going to unfold,” he said. “There’s no sense in complaining about it. I’m definitely in a very fortunate position, and I just hope that I can take this one year and turn it into four or five, or perhaps even more.”

Tucker, 26, is entering his fifth season with the Ravens. For his career, Tucker has connected on 130 of 148 field-goal attempts (87.8%), with 12 of those 18 overall misses coming from 50 yards or longer. He has also nailed an impressive 10 game-winning field goals, including three in 2015.

Although signing the franchise tender secures Tucker for the 2016 season, he and the Ravens could still reach a longer-term agreement anytime between now and July 15th. A year ago, we saw the Patriots use their franchise tag on Stephen Gostkowski, who signed the tender days later, then agreed to a multiyear contract on July 15th. The long-term extension reduced Gostkowski’s present-day cap hit while giving him a more significant guarantee up front. I’d expect the Ravens to explore a similar scenario for Tucker, who may be looking to exceed Gostkowski’s four-year, $17.2MM deal.

If no new deal is reached, Tucker will play out the 2016 season on a one-year, $4.572MM contract.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Chargers, Keenan Allen Agree To Extension

June 12th, 2016 at 7:57pm CST by Ben Levine

One year ago, the Chargers locked up quarterback Philip Rivers. Over the weekend, the Bolts extended one of his top targets.

Keenan Allen (Vertical)Michael Gehlken of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the Chargers have agreed to a four-year extension with wideout Keenan Allen. NFL Network’s Rand Getlin tweets that the deal is worth $45MM, with at least $24MM in guaranteed money, including a $9.5MM signing bonus. ESPN.com’s Adam Caplan writes that the deal is expected to be “finalized and signed” in the coming days. The team confirmed the agreement on their website.

This is quite the pay increase for Allen, as the former third-round pick signed a four-year, $2.8MM contract after being drafted in 2013. Since that time, the 24-year-old has established himself as one of Rivers’ favorite wide receivers. The former California Golden Bear compiled 1,046 yards and eight touchdowns during his rookie season, and he followed that up with a 77-catch campaign in 2014. Allen was on track to set several career-highs in 2015 before a kidney laceration ended his season.

Allen will receive $21.656MM fully guaranteed, which includes his 2016 base salary of $1.656MM, reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. The deal also includes another $2.5MM in injury guarantees, tweets Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

Allen can earn $2MM for 2019 if he catches 90 passes and the Chargers make the postseason or if he catches 100 passes and the club wins eight games in 2016, 2017, or 2018. For 2020, Allen can make $2MM if, after unlocking the extra $2MM for 2019, he reaches 90 catches and San Diego makes the playoffs, or he logs 80 catches and the team reaches eight wins, before the 2020 season.

Having been eligible for an extension since March, Gehlken notes that the two sides have been working on a new contract since the conclusion of the NFL draft. A five-year deal was reportedly discussed, but the current deal will allow Allen to hit free agency before he turns 30-years-old. A presumed $11MM annual salary would rank eighth in the league among receivers, tied with Larry Fitzgerald and Jeremy Maclin.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Latest On 49ers OL Anthony Davis

June 12th, 2016 at 6:05pm CST by Zachary Links

Once again, Anthony Davis is causing a stir on Twitter. Over the weekend, a fan urged the former 49ers offensive lineman to return to football so that he could purchase his jersey. In a since deleted tweet (screenshot via Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com), Davis said that he “will play ball,” though he says the Niners won’t be selling his jersey anytime soon. Anthony Davis (vertical)

[RELATED: Colin Kaepernick On 49ers’ Offense, Kelly, Baalke, Health]

Prior to the draft in April, Davis tweeted [sic], “The 49ers should Draft an Offensive Tackle in the top 10. #NFLDraft2016.” After that, he took an even more direct shot at the 49ers by writing, “I do not want to work with a front office or anyone else who seemingly doesn’t want to win as bad as I do.”

At different points over the last year, Davis has hinted that he wants to return to football. However, it’s clear that he doesn’t want to make his return with San Francisco. If he does decide to come back to the NFL, of course, the 49ers will still hold his rights.

Davis, 26, was the 49ers’ first-round pick in 2010, coming off the board No. 11 overall. Prior to his retirement, he started 71 games at right tackle for SF, playing all 16 regular season contests in his first four years before being limited to seven games in 2014. Davis dealt with hamstring and knee issues, and also battled concussion problems, which may have contributed to his decision to step away from the game temporarily in 2015.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

No Extension “Imminent” For Stephon Gilmore

June 12th, 2016 at 4:32pm CST by Dallas Robinson

A long-term extension between the Bills and cornerback Stephon Gilmore does not appear close, Tyler Dunne of the Buffalo News reports. Gilmore sat out OTAs while angling for a new contract, but he’ll be in attendance for mandatory minicamp next week, according to Dunne’s BN colleague Vic Carrucci.Stephon Gilmore

Back in February, Bills general manager Doug Whaley said that extending Gilmore, who is scheduled to play the 2016 season under his fifth-year option at a cost of $11.082MM, was a priority, and later indicated that inking long-term deals with core players like Gilmore would become the club’s focus following the draft. More than a month has passed since the draft concluded, and though no agreement has yet been reached, Carrucci reports that Buffalo will be “persistent” in trying to ink a new deal with Gilmore.

Given the rising salary cap, and the fact that he’ll be among the top corners available in free agency in 2017 (along with Trumaine Johnson and hybrid defender Tyrann Mathieu), Gilmore and his camp can make the argument that he deserves to be the highest-paid corner in the league, topping Josh Norman, who will make $15MM annually with the Redskins. The Bills, meanwhile, have incentive to extend Gilmore — by lowering his 2016 cap charge, the club will have extra money to possibly ink quarterback Tyrod Taylor to a new deal, as Carrucci observes.

Gilmore, the 10th overall pick in the 2012 draft, had another strong season in 2015, recording 36 tackles, three interceptions, and 18 passes defended. Despite only playing 12 games, the 25-year-old ranked as a top-10 cornerback, according to Pro Football Focus’ grades (subscription required).

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Tyrann Mathieu, Cardinals’ Extension Talks On Hold For Now

June 12th, 2016 at 2:47pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Though a report nearly a month ago indicated that the Cardinals were nearing an extension with defensive back Tyrann Mathieu, talks are now on hold as the club breaks for the summer, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (video link). The two sides had hoped to reach a deal by now, but a long-term pact could still be hammered out before training camp, per Rapoport.

Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

[RELATED: Cardinals defensive tackle Corey Peters returning from ACL tear]

Arizona is reportedly willing to make Mathieu the highest-paid safety in the league, and Rapoport confirms that information, adding that any extension is expected to come in north of $11MM per season. Currently, the Chiefs’ Eric Berry earns the most on an annual basis among safeties, although the Kansas City defender is under the franchise tag. Vikings safety Harrison Smith, who last week signed an extension that pays him $10.25MM per season, is number two. Of course, Mathieu also spends a great deal of time at cornerback, and an $11MM average annual value would rank eighth among CBs.

“I just want to get paid as a top defender,” Mathieu told Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com last month. “I don’t want to be slotted as a corner or a safety, because I’m not Patrick Peterson and I’m not Earl Thomas. I’m kind of different than both of those guys, but I still have the same type of impact on the game as those guys do. I just want to be paid as a top defender, and however that looks on paper, that’s what I want.”

In 2015, Mathieu earned a Pro Bowl selection and was named first-team All Pro. In his 14 games, Mathieu recorded five interceptions, 89 tackles, one sack, 17 passes defensed, and graded out as the No. 1 cornerback in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Week In Review: 6/5/16 – 6/12/16

June 12th, 2016 at 1:55pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Headlines:

Extensions:

Injuries:

Signed:

Retired:

Lions Notes: Orlovsky, Washington, Carter

June 12th, 2016 at 12:28pm CST by Rory Parks

Well-traveled backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky re-signed with the Lions this offseason after spending 2015 as the team’s No. 2 signal-caller behind Matthew Stafford. However, the Lions drafted Michigan’s Jake Rudock in the sixth round of this year’s draft–the first time Detroit has drafted a QB since selecting Stafford himself in 2009–and that selection immediately put Orlovsky’s job in jeopardy. After all, new GM Bob Quinn was raised in a Patriots system that typically keeps just two quarterbacks, and rarely has the backup been a veteran.

But Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press writes that both head coach Jim Caldwell and OC Jim Bob Cooter sang Orlovsky’s praises after the conclusion of OTAs on Thursday, and as Rudock is a fairly raw prospect, the Lions may wind up keeping three quarterbacks in 2016, or even trying to stash Rudock on the practice squad. In any event, it is far too early to count Orlovsky out of the picture.

Now for more from the Motor City:

  • Detroit selected running back Dwayne Washington in the seventh round of this year’s draft, but because NFL policy prohibits college players from practicing with their new teams until their academic year is over, Washington’s first OTA practice on Thursday was the team’s last OTA practice, which puts him at a major disadvantage. However, as Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com writes, Washington’s speed was on full display on Thursday, and Washington himself indicated that the practice went as well as could be expected.
  • Speaking of Washington, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com says the former University of Washington Husky could insert himself into the team’s running back equation, but if he had to handicap the RB race right now, Rothstein believes Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, Stevan Ridley, and Zach Zenner would make the club (although Ridley’s and Zenner’s spots are certainly up for grabs).
  • In the same piece, Rothstein says Alex Carter, last year’s third-round selection, is expected to be a significant part of the Lions’ cornerback rotation. Carter suffered an ankle injury during the early stages of training camp last season and did not play a single snap for Detroit, but Rothstein pegs him as the team’s No. 4 corner behind Darius Slay, Quandre Diggs, and Nevin Lawson.
  • We learned several days ago that Stephen Tulloch is still unsure as to whether he will be on the team in 2016, and we also learned that the Lions waived wideout Corey Washington with an injury designation.
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